Can fatty liver cause elevated transaminase levels?
Disease description:
I've had fatty liver disease for the past three months. During today's physical examination, I found that my liver enzymes (transaminases) suddenly increased. Can fatty liver cause elevated transaminase levels?
Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Zhou Chao
Fatty liver generally causes elevated transaminase levels, primarily due to abnormal lipid metabolism, which leads to the accumulation of fat in the liver that cannot be properly metabolized. When fat remains in the liver for a prolonged period, fatty liver becomes severe, potentially resulting in hepatocyte necrosis. After liver cells die, transaminases within the cytoplasm of these cells are released into the bloodstream, leading to the observed increase in transaminase levels.
