Can fatty liver cause elevated alanine aminotransferase (ALT)?
Disease description:
My classmate's father has fatty liver disease. He went to the hospital for a checkup three days ago, and the doctor said his alanine aminotransferase (ALT) level was slightly elevated. Could you please tell me if fatty liver disease can cause elevated ALT levels?
Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Zhou Chao
Fatty liver does not necessarily cause an increase in alanine aminotransferase (ALT). However, because fatty liver involves liver cell damage, it may lead to the release of ALT from liver cells into the bloodstream, resulting in elevated levels. In patients with mild fatty liver, there are usually no obvious symptoms, and ALT levels generally remain normal. In cases of moderate to severe fatty liver, where liver cell damage is more significant, ALT levels may rise.
