Are Elevated ALT and AST Levels Indicative of Hepatitis B?
Aug 27, 2020
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Lv Qijun
Introduction
ALT stands for alanine aminotransferase, commonly referred to as “transaminase.” AST stands for aspartate aminotransferase, abbreviated as AST. Both ALT and AST are present in the cytoplasm of cells throughout the body; concurrent elevation of both enzymes often indicates liver injury. Causes of liver injury include hepatitis B, as well as other forms of hepatitis—such as hepatitis A, C, and E—alcoholic liver disease, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), drug-induced liver injury, and autoimmune hepatitis.
ALT stands for alanine aminotransferase, commonly referred to as “transaminase.” AST stands for aspartate aminotransferase, abbreviated as AST. Both ALT and AST are present in the cytoplasm of all tissue cells; concurrent elevation of both enzymes often indicates liver injury.
Causes of liver injury include hepatitis B, as well as other types of hepatitis—such as hepatitis A, C, and E—alcoholic liver disease, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), drug-induced liver injury, and autoimmune hepatitis, all of which may lead to simultaneous elevation of ALT and AST.
Note that in isolated hepatocellular injury, ALT levels typically exceed AST levels because ALT is more abundant within hepatocytes. However, in cases involving certain hepatoprotective medications or non-hepatocellular diseases, AST levels may surpass ALT.
