Is alanine aminotransferase a transaminase?
Aug 07, 2025
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Liu Feng
Introduction
Under normal circumstances, alanine aminotransferase is one type of transaminase. When undergoing an alanine aminotransferase test, it is important to avoid strenuous exercise, alcohol consumption, and staying up late before the test, as these factors may affect the accuracy of the test results. In daily life, maintaining a regular sleep schedule and a balanced diet can help support normal liver function and keep alanine aminotransferase levels within the normal range.
Under normal circumstances, alanine aminotransferase (ALT) is one type of transaminase. A detailed explanation is as follows:
Transaminases are a group of enzymes that catalyze the transfer of amino groups between amino acids and keto acids. Alanine aminotransferase mainly exists within liver cells and catalyzes the transfer of amino groups between alanine and alpha-ketoglutarate. It is one of the commonly used indicators for assessing liver function. Variations in ALT activity have important clinical significance; when liver cells are damaged, ALT is released into the bloodstream in increased amounts, causing elevated ALT activity in the blood. Therefore, measuring the activity of alanine aminotransferase can help determine whether liver damage exists.
When undergoing alanine aminotransferase testing, it is important to avoid strenuous exercise, alcohol consumption, and staying up late before the test, as these factors may affect the accuracy of the test results. In daily life, maintaining a regular sleep schedule and a balanced diet helps preserve normal liver function and keeps alanine aminotransferase levels within the normal range.
