Elevated Liver Function Tests

Liver function tests are series of lab tests executed to determine the condition of the liver in the body. If liver problems are diagnosed in their preliminary stages, the treatment becomes much easier, as the damage induced to the liver is very less. With time, the condition tends to get worse, and at times it even leads to severe complications, such as liver cancer or liver failure, which are difficult to treat.

Some tests are recommended in order to diagnose the ailment in its preliminary stages. These tests, generally referred to as the elevated liver function tests, help in determining the amount of damage induced to the liver, and the underlying conditions which caused this damage. The liver is designated to perform certain functions in our body, one such vital function being the production of enzymes necessary for various body functions.

Elevated levels of enzymes in the blood is a sign of some malfunctioning in the body. This elevation may be caused due to a range of abnormalities, the prominent ones being hemochromatosis, liver cancer and alcohol consumption in excess. Generally, the levels of these enzymes are measured in the bloodstream by subjecting the individual to elevated or raised liver function tests.

Although these tests are referred to as liver function tests, most of them have nothing to do with the functioning of liver. It's the pattern of elevation which determines the underlying cause of malfunctioning of the liver or other parts of the body. These tests help in early diagnosis and treatment of the ailment, thus increasing the chances of survival for the person.

Alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and Aspartarte aminotransferase (AST)

ALT or AST are vital enzymes or transaminases produced in the liver. These enzymes are required to metabolize amino acids to produce proteins. When liver cells start dying or when any sort of damage is caused to them, these enzymes leak into the bloodstream. ALT (alanine aminotransferase) is only found in the liver of the person, and therefore high amount of this enzyme in the bloodstream is assumed as a sign of some damage induced to the liver. Although, AST (aspartarte aminotransferase) is found in other organs besides the liver, elevated AST levels in the bloodstream can also mean something is wrong with the liver or some other part of the body. Normal range for AST levels in the blood are 5 IU/L to 43 IU/L, anything above this is considered to be problematic. Transaminases levels in the body can be elevated due to a range of abnormalities, including viral hepatitis, alcoholic liver disease, side effects of certain medications, fatty liver or at times even heart failure.

Alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and Gamma-glutamyl transferase (Gamma GT)

ALP and Gamma GT are cholestatic liver enzymes measured during various elevated liver function tests. ALP, (alkaline phosphatase), metabolizes phosphorous to bring energy to the body while Gamma GT, (gamma-glutamyl transferase), provides oxygen to the tissues. Bile, a green fluid produced in the cells of the liver, plays an important role in breaking down the fat, processing cholesterol and getting rid of toxins from the body. Bile ducts facilitate the transportation of bile from the liver to the gallbladder and intestines. If any damage is caused to this bile duct, it results in elevation and spilling of ALP and Gamma GT enzymes into the bloodstream. The normal range of ALP is in between 30 IU/L to 115 IU/L, while in case of Gamma GT it is between 5 IU/L to 80 IU/L. ALP levels elevation can be caused owing to a series of health conditions, such as fatty liver, gallstones, primary biliary cirrhosis etc.

Liver is undoubtedly one of the most vital organ of the human body and hence one has to take some precautionary measures, like following a proper diet and a healthy lifestyle, to ensure that it functions properly throughout your life.