Alanine transferase
Alanine Transferase[edit | edit source]
Alanine transferase (ALT), also known as serum glutamate-pyruvate transaminase (SGPT), is an enzyme primarily found in the liver. It plays a crucial role in the alanine cycle, which is important for the metabolism of amino acids and the production of energy. ALT is a key marker used in the diagnosis and monitoring of liver health.
Structure and Function[edit | edit source]
Alanine transferase is a transaminase enzyme that catalyzes the transfer of an amino group from alanine to α-ketoglutarate, resulting in the formation of pyruvate and glutamate. This reaction is reversible and is a part of the Cahill cycle, which helps in the conversion of amino acids into energy.
The enzyme is predominantly found in the liver, but it is also present in smaller amounts in the heart, kidneys, and muscles. The presence of ALT in the bloodstream is usually low, but when liver cells are damaged, ALT is released into the blood, making it a useful biomarker for liver function.
Clinical Significance[edit | edit source]
Elevated levels of ALT in the blood can indicate liver damage or disease. Common conditions associated with high ALT levels include:
- Hepatitis: Inflammation of the liver, often caused by viral infections such as Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, or Hepatitis C.
- Cirrhosis: Scarring of the liver tissue due to chronic liver damage.
- Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD): Accumulation of fat in liver cells not due to alcohol consumption.
- Alcoholic liver disease: Liver damage caused by excessive alcohol consumption.
- Liver cancer: Malignant tumors in the liver.
ALT levels can also be elevated in conditions affecting other organs, such as myocardial infarction (heart attack) or muscle injury.
Diagnostic Use[edit | edit source]
ALT is measured as part of a liver function test (LFT) panel, which also includes other enzymes such as aspartate transaminase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), and bilirubin. The ALT test is a simple blood test that helps assess liver health and diagnose liver-related conditions.
The normal range for ALT levels in the blood is typically between 7 and 56 units per liter (U/L), but this can vary slightly depending on the laboratory and the population being tested.
Also see[edit | edit source]
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