Aspartate Aminotransferase (AST, SGOT)

Aspartate aminotransferase (AST), also known as serum glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase (SGOT), is an enzyme found in various tissues, including the liver, heart, skeletal muscle, and kidneys. AST levels in the blood can be used to diagnose and monitor liver diseases, particularly those involving liver cell damage.

Elevated levels of AST, typically at least ten times higher than the upper limit of the normal range (0-50 U/L), can be seen in conditions such as myocardial infarction (heart attack) and acute liver cell damage (e.g., viral hepatitis, ischemic hepatitis, toxic hepatitis).

Mild-to-moderate increases in AST levels can be observed in muscular dystrophy, acute pancreatitis, and muscle injuries.

The ratio of alanine aminotransferase (ALT) to AST can provide additional information. In most diseases, the ALT/AST ratio is less than 1, indicating that AST increases more than ALT. However, in viral hepatitis, the ALT/AST ratio is often greater than 1, indicating that ALT increases more than AST.