What are the dangers of high transaminase levels?
Dec 30, 2024
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Gao Jun
Introduction
In general, elevated levels of transaminases may lead to adverse effects such as indigestion, fatigue, weakness, pain in the liver area, jaundice, edema, and ascites. In daily life, it is important to maintain a balanced diet by consuming protein- and vitamin-rich foods such as lean meat, eggs, and fresh fruits and vegetables to support nitrogen balance and improve liver function.
Generally, elevated levels of transaminases may cause adverse effects such as indigestion, fatigue, discomfort or pain in the liver area, jaundice, edema, and ascites. Detailed explanations are as follows:
1. Mild Indigestion
The liver plays a key role in the digestive system by secreting bile and participating in food digestion and absorption. Elevated transaminase levels may impair the liver's ability to secrete bile, thereby affecting digestion and absorption, leading to symptoms such as loss of appetite and abdominal bloating.
2. Fatigue and Tiredness
The liver is one of the body's key organs involved in energy metabolism, responsible for converting food into energy for bodily functions. Elevated transaminase levels may interfere with the liver's metabolic function, leading to insufficient energy supply and causing fatigue and tiredness.
3. Discomfort or Pain in the Liver Area
Elevated transaminase levels are associated with liver damage and liver disease. When the liver is injured, the elevated transaminase levels may stimulate nearby nerve endings, causing pain or discomfort.
4. Jaundice
Elevated transaminase levels are usually linked to impaired liver function. When liver function is compromised, the liver cannot effectively metabolize bilirubin, leading to its accumulation in the blood and deposition in tissues such as the skin and sclera, causing jaundice, which manifests as yellowing of the skin and eyes, and darkened urine.
5. Edema and Ascites
The liver plays an important role in maintaining fluid balance. In cases of persistently elevated transaminase levels, the liver's ability to synthesize proteins may decline, leading to reduced plasma colloid osmotic pressure and subsequent development of edema.
In daily life, it is important to maintain a balanced diet by consuming protein- and vitamin-rich foods such as lean meat, eggs, and fresh fruits and vegetables, to support nitrogen balance and improve liver function.
