What does it mean when the liver function test shows elevated aspartate aminotransferase (AST)?

Generally, an elevated level of aspartate aminotransferase (AST) in liver function tests may be related to factors such as strenuous exercise, medication effects, fatty liver disease, alcoholic liver disease, or viral hepatitis. It is recommended to seek timely medical advice to determine the underlying cause and receive appropriate treatment under the guidance of a qualified physician. Detailed explanations are as follows:

1. Strenuous Exercise

After intense physical activity, increased muscle metabolism may cause AST to be released from muscle cells into the bloodstream, resulting in a temporary elevation. It is advisable to plan exercise intensity and duration appropriately and avoid excessive exertion.

2. Medication Effects

Certain medications, such as antibiotics and analgesic antipyretics, may cause mild damage to liver cells, leading to elevated AST levels. It is recommended to take medications only as prescribed by a physician and avoid self-medicating with unprescribed or unverified sources of drugs.

3. Fatty Liver Disease

Fatty liver disease is commonly caused by factors such as obesity, hyperlipidemia, and diabetes. Fat accumulation may increase the permeability of liver cell membranes, allowing AST to be released into the bloodstream. Symptoms may include obesity, discomfort in the upper right quadrant of the abdomen, and fatigue. Treatment may involve medications such as simvastatin tablets, atorvastatin calcium tablets, and polyene phosphatidylcholine capsules, as directed by a physician.

4. Alcoholic Liver Disease

Alcoholic liver disease is typically caused by long-term excessive alcohol consumption. During alcohol metabolism in the liver, toxic substances such as acetaldehyde are produced, which can damage liver cells and lead to the release of AST. Symptoms may include liver area pain, jaundice, and ascites. Treatment may involve medications such as reduced glutathione for injection, compound glycyrrhizinic acid injection, and potassium chloride injection, as directed by a physician.

5. Viral Hepatitis

Viral hepatitis is a liver inflammation caused by viral infection. Viral replication and immune responses may cause liver cell damage and release AST into the bloodstream. Symptoms may also include jaundice, liver area pain, and decreased appetite. Treatment options may include entecavir dispersible tablets, tenofovir disoproxil fumarate tablets, and diammonium glycyrrhizinate injection, as recommended by a physician.

It is recommended to maintain healthy lifestyle habits, consume vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and other foods rich in vitamins and dietary fiber, and avoid alcohol consumption to help promote liver function recovery.