What is Alan's aminotransferase?
Alan's aminotransferase (alt) is an enzyme that occurs mainly in the liver. It is also in smaller quantities in other organs such as kidneys, heart, muscles and pancreas. Alt is previously called a serey glutamate pyruvo transaminase, now it is sometimes alternately known as alanine transaminase. ALT is commonly monitored by doctors in blood chemistry panels and is particularly useful in liver function tests. As an enzyme, it is a protein produced by the body to accelerate a chemical reaction. The specific function of ALT is to catalyze a reversible reaction that transmits an amino group from Alanin to alpha-ketoglutarate, thereby pyruvating and glutamate. ALT activity is the highest in hepatocytes or liver cells and striped skeletal and heart muscle cells. Through its role in the glucose-alanine cycle, ALT allows for effective muscle contraction by muscle protein to produce glucose and the disposal of the liver waste. Increased levels of Alt in the blood are a sign of damage to hepatocellular or damageliver cells. When the liver cells are damaged, alt effectively "escapes" from these cells, causing to appear at higher concentrations in the blood panels. Alt is therefore known as the leakage of the enzyme. It is often measured in conjunction with aspartate transaminase (AST), alkaline phosphatase and bilirubin to evaluate liver disease.
Some common causes of increased alanine aminotransferases include liver disease such as cirrhosis, viral hepatitis, liver and ischemia or lack of blood flow to the liver. Other causes of elevated ALT include drugs that affect the liver such as statins, some antibiotics, chemotherapy, aspirin, narcotics and barbitate.
ALT can also be increased in other diseases such as pancreatitis, mononucleosis or celiac disease. Sometimes ALT levels are increased due to recent cardiac catheterization or surgery. Individuals taking long -term medicines notBoi who have risk factors for liver diseases are often regularly monitored for high alt levels.
Normal ALT range resulting from the Alanine aminotransferase test in an adult is 0-40 units/liter. However, the ranges may vary depending on sex and even animal species. The test results may also differ from one test laboratory to another.
The results of the alanine aminotransferase test can also be champed by smoking cigarettes, drugs or pregnancy. Sometimes performing strenuous exercise immediately before the test can distort results. Some herbs, such as echinacea or valerian, are also able to increase the level of Alt in the blood.