Alanine transaminase
Alanine transaminase (ALT) is an enzyme found primarily in the liver and kidney. It was originally referred to as serum glutamic pyruvic transaminase (SGPT). ALT is released into the blood when the liver is damaged. The level of ALT in the blood is increased with liver damage and is used to screen for and/or monitor liver disease.
Function[edit | edit source]
ALT is an enzyme that catalyzes the transfer of an amino group from alanine to alpha-ketoglutarate to form glutamate and pyruvate, an important reaction in amino acid metabolism. ALT plays a key role in the gluconeogenesis pathway that synthesizes glucose from proteins and fats.
Clinical significance[edit | edit source]
ALT is commonly tested for in a basic metabolic panel. Normal levels of ALT varies among different laboratories, but generally, the normal range is 7 to 56 units per liter of serum.
High levels of ALT can indicate liver damage from viral hepatitis, toxic hepatitis, cirrhosis, liver cancer, or other liver diseases. ALT levels can also be elevated in conditions such as heart failure, hypothyroidism, or pancreatitis, or from the use of certain medications.
See also[edit | edit source]
References[edit | edit source]
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