What is Alanine Aminotransferase?

Aug 07, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health

Dr. Gao Jun

Introduction

Under normal circumstances, alanine aminotransferase is an enzyme involved in protein metabolism in the human body. It primarily exists within liver cells, and changes in its activity can reflect the functional status of the liver. In daily life, maintaining a regular sleep schedule, balanced diet, and avoiding excessive fatigue can help maintain normal liver function and keep alanine aminotransferase levels within the normal range.

Under normal circumstances, alanine aminotransferase (ALT) is an enzyme involved in protein metabolism in the human body. It primarily exists within liver cells, and changes in its activity can reflect the functional state of the liver. A detailed analysis is as follows:

Alanine aminotransferase plays a catalytic role in the conversion of amino acids during human metabolic processes and is important for maintaining normal protein metabolism. Normally, ALT levels in the blood are relatively low. When liver cells are damaged, the permeability of the cell membrane increases, causing ALT to be released into the bloodstream, thereby increasing the enzyme's activity in the blood. Therefore, measuring ALT activity in the blood is one of the commonly used indicators for assessing whether the liver is damaged. However, elevated ALT levels do not necessarily indicate the presence of liver disease; factors such as strenuous exercise, staying up late, and alcohol consumption can also lead to temporary increases.

In daily life, maintaining a regular sleep schedule, balanced diet, and avoiding excessive fatigue can help maintain normal liver function and keep alanine aminotransferase levels within the normal range.

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How serious is an ALT level of 700 U/L?

In general, transaminases are key indicators of liver function and mainly include alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST). The normal range is typically 0–40 U/L; a transaminase level above 700 U/L represents a significant elevation. Whether this is serious depends on the specific circumstances. If related symptoms are present, immediate medical attention is recommended.

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What medication should be taken for high alanine aminotransferase?

Generally speaking, there is no specific medication for "elevated alanine aminotransferase (ALT)." High ALT levels may result from factors such as chronic sleep deprivation, excessive alcohol consumption, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, drug-induced liver injury, or chronic hepatitis B. It is recommended to seek medical attention promptly, identify the underlying cause, and then improve the condition through general management, medications, or other treatments under the guidance of a physician.