Aspartate Transaminase (AST/SGOT)

The Aspartate Transaminase (AST) test, commonly referred to as Serum Glutamic-Oxaloacetic Transaminase (SGOT), measures the level of AST in the blood. AST is an enzyme found in various tissues, including the liver, heart, muscles, and kidneys. It plays a key role in amino acid metabolism. Elevated levels of AST in the blood indicate potential tissue damage, particularly in the liver or muscles.

Purpose of the Test:

•Evaluate liver health: Detects liver conditions such as hepatitis, cirrhosis, or fatty liver disease.

•Assess heart health: May help identify heart conditions, including heart attacks or myocarditis.

•Monitor muscle damage: Detects conditions like muscular dystrophy or severe muscle injury.

•Track treatment progress: Helps monitor ongoing liver or muscle disease management.

Conditions Indicated by Abnormal Levels:

•Elevated AST Levels:

•Liver conditions: Hepatitis, cirrhosis, alcoholic liver disease.

•Heart conditions: Heart attack, myocarditis.

•Muscle conditions: Muscle injury, rhabdomyolysis, muscular dystrophy.

•Other conditions: Pancreatitis, kidney damage.

Key Notes:

•SGOT is less specific to the liver than SGPT (ALT) because it is also present in other tissues.

•The AST/ALT ratio is often used to differentiate between liver and non-liver-related causes of elevated enzyme levels.

•Regular monitoring may be required for individuals with liver or heart conditions.