Are Elevated ALT and AST Levels Indicative of Hepatitis B?
Aug 05, 2021
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Lv Qijun
Introduction
ALT stands for alanine aminotransferase, commonly referred to as “transaminase.” AST stands for aspartate aminotransferase. Both ALT and AST are present in the cytoplasm of cells throughout the body; concurrent elevation of both enzymes often indicates liver injury. Causes of liver damage include hepatitis B, as well as other types of hepatitis—such as hepatitis A, C, and E—as well as alcoholic liver disease, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), drug-induced liver injury, and autoimmune hepatitis.
ALT stands for alanine aminotransferase, commonly referred to as “transaminase.” AST stands for aspartate aminotransferase, abbreviated as AST. Both ALT and AST are present in the cytoplasm of cells throughout the body; concurrent elevation of both enzymes often indicates liver injury.Causes of liver injury include hepatitis B, as well as other types of hepatitis—such as hepatitis A, C, and E—along with alcoholic liver disease, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), drug-induced liver injury, and autoimmune hepatitis, all of which can lead to simultaneous elevations in ALT and AST.Note that in isolated hepatocellular injury, ALT levels typically exceed AST levels because ALT is relatively more abundant within hepatocytes; however, in cases involving certain hepatoprotective medications or non-hepatocellular diseases, AST may be higher than ALT.
