Is hydroxybutyrate dehydrogenase part of liver function?
Under normal circumstances, hydroxybutyrate dehydrogenase usually refers to α-hydroxybutyrate dehydrogenase, which is one of the indicators in liver function tests. The specific analysis is as follows:
α-hydroxybutyrate dehydrogenase exists in various human tissues, with the highest concentration found in myocardial tissue—approximately twice that of the liver—and its activity accounts for more than half of the total enzyme activity. Therefore, α-hydroxybutyrate dehydrogenase serves not only as an indicator of liver function but also as one of the markers in cardiac enzyme tests.
In physiological conditions, α-hydroxybutyrate dehydrogenase is expressed in various tissues throughout the body, with the highest levels in myocardial tissue. When the myocardium is damaged, this enzyme can be released into the bloodstream. Consequently, serum α-hydroxybutyrate dehydrogenase levels significantly increase during myocardial diseases, such as myocardial infarction, active rheumatic heart disease, and acute viral myocarditis. Decreased levels of α-hydroxybutyrate dehydrogenase may occur after the use of immunosuppressants or chemotherapeutic agents for tumors.
If abnormal α-hydroxybutyrate dehydrogenase levels are detected, patients are advised to seek timely medical evaluation at a hospital to avoid delays in diagnosis and treatment.