What are the causes of elevated aspartate transaminase (AST) levels in liver function tests?

Generally speaking, liver function refers to liver function tests. Elevated levels of aspartate aminotransferase (AST) in liver function tests may be caused by strenuous exercise, staying up late or insufficient sleep, fatty liver disease, alcoholic liver disease, viral hepatitis, and other factors. If concerned, it is recommended to seek medical advice promptly. Detailed explanations are as follows:

1. Strenuous Exercise

During strenuous exercise, the body's metabolism significantly accelerates, and sustained intense contraction of skeletal muscles causes a temporary increase in cell membrane permeability, leading to the release of intracellular AST into the bloodstream, thereby elevating serum AST levels. It is advisable to choose moderate forms of exercise, avoid excessive high-intensity and prolonged physical activity, warm up properly before exercising, and stretch and relax afterward to maintain normal muscle physiology and reduce enzyme release caused by cellular damage.

2. Staying Up Late or Insufficient Sleep

Long-term late nights or poor sleep quality can disrupt the liver's normal circadian rhythm, affecting its metabolic and self-repair functions, leading to metabolic disturbances in liver cells. This can result in leakage of AST from liver cells into the bloodstream, causing elevated levels. It is important to maintain regular sleep patterns, ensure 7-8 hours of sufficient sleep each night, create a quiet, comfortable, dark, and temperature-appropriate sleeping environment, avoid using electronic devices before bedtime, establish consistent bedtime and wake-up times, and maintain the liver's normal physiological rhythm.

3. Fatty Liver Disease

Fatty liver disease primarily results from excessive fat accumulation within liver cells. This condition can damage liver cells, causing the release of AST into the bloodstream. It may also be accompanied by symptoms such as discomfort in the liver area and abdominal distension. Treatment may include medications such as polyene phosphatidylcholine capsules, diammonium glycyrrhizinate capsules, and silymarin capsules, as directed by a physician.

4. Alcoholic Liver Disease

Long-term heavy alcohol consumption can cause liver damage, leading to alcoholic liver disease. Alcohol and its metabolites can injure mitochondrial structures in liver cells, causing the release of mitochondrial AST into the blood, thereby increasing blood AST levels. Symptoms may include upper right abdominal pain and nausea. Complete abstinence from alcohol is essential, and treatment may involve medications such as compound glycyrrhizin tablets, glutathione tablets, and bicyclol tablets under a doctor's guidance.

5. Viral Hepatitis

Viral hepatitis is mainly caused by infection with hepatitis viruses. During the active phase of viral hepatitis, extensive viral replication damages liver cells, resulting in elevated AST levels. Symptoms may include fatigue, reduced appetite, and jaundice. Treatment options may include medications such as entecavir dispersible tablets, tenofovir disoproxil fumarate tablets, and lamivudine tablets, as advised by a physician.

In daily life, it is recommended to maintain a balanced diet, avoid high-fat, high-sugar, and high-lipid foods, and reduce alcohol consumption.