What does elevated liver enzymes mean?

　　In medical terminology, “liver enzymes” commonly refer to transaminases. Elevated transaminase levels are typically caused by factors such as medication use, alcohol consumption, or viral hepatitis. Specific causes are detailed below:

　　Transaminases constitute a class of enzymes that catalyze the transfer of amino groups between amino acids and keto acids. In most cases, elevated transaminase levels may result from inappropriate medication use, which overburdens the liver and leads to increased liver enzyme levels—or even acute liver failure. Alternatively, frequent alcohol consumption may damage liver health, as the liver struggles to metabolize the irritating chemical compounds in alcohol; this can lead to conditions such as fatty liver disease or alcoholic hepatitis. Additionally, infection with hepatitis viruses may cause viral hepatitis, resulting in a rapid rise in transaminase levels within a short period, often accompanied by symptoms including abdominal pain, dark-colored urine, and jaundice.

　　Patients are advised to promptly undergo re-evaluation at a hospital to determine the precise cause of elevated transaminases and receive targeted treatment.