ALT and AST are the enzymes contained in the body cells that take part in the amino acid metabolism. An elevated level of these substances indicates a malfunction in the operation of an organ, for example, the pancreas, which can lead to the development of pancreatitis.
ALT blood test
ALT( alanine aminotransferase) is an enzyme that is mainly concentrated in the kidneys, heart, liver and pancreas. In the case of their disease, it begins to separate from the destroyed cells, as a result of which, the level of its content in the blood rises.
In order for the results to be as reliable as possible, biochemical ALT analysis is given early in the morning on an empty stomach. If its interpretation indicates the activity of the enzyme is higher than normal, this may be a sign of the following diseases:
- of liver cirrhosis;
- of hepatitis;
- heart failure;
- infarction;
- muscle injury;
- pancreatitis and other pancreatic diseases.
The norm of ALT in the blood of women and men is different. In the first case, it should not be higher than 31 units / l, and in the second case - 45 units / liter. If we talk about children, then the norm for this indicator, in many respects, depends on the age, but it should not exceed 50 units / liter.
If ALT is elevated, this indicates damage to the organs in which its greatest number is found. An increase in the activity of this substance occurs much earlier than the first symptoms of the disease begin to manifest themselves. In addition, its high blood level can be triggered by factors such as trauma;excessive physical activity or taking certain medications.
AST blood test
Aspartate aminotransferase is a substance contained in the kidneys, liver, lungs, heart, pancreas, and also in nervous tissues. With the destruction of cells in these organs, its level in the blood increases significantly.
Before taking a biochemical AST test, it is recommended not to take any food for eight hours. Its norm for women is from 5 to 31 units / liter, and from 5 to 41 units / liter for men. Exceeding the norm of this indicator may indicate the presence of the following diseases:
- hepatitis;
- acute pancreatitis;
- heart failure;
- liver cancer;
- infarction;
- excessive physical activity.
In addition, AST can be increased as a result of skeletal muscle damage, heat strokes and burns.
ALT and AST in pancreatitis
How is the analysis of ALT and AST in pancreatitis performed? When detecting the presence of aspartate aminotransferase in the blood, it should be determined whether this enzyme exceeds the norm, which is up to 31 units / l in women and up to 37 units / l in men. When the disease worsens, it can be 2 to 5 times higher. Other symptoms of the disease include diarrhea, weight loss and pain in the navel.
The amount of alanine aminotransferase in the blood also increases with inflammation of the pancreatic tissues. If the indicator differs from the norm in 6-10 times, we can talk about the average level of increase in ALT, and if 10 times, then a high degree of its content.
It should be borne in mind that before taking the tests, it is not recommended to take medications that can increase the level of these enzymes, and also expose the body to heavy loads, as this may affect the accuracy of the measurements.
Pancreatitis is a disease that accompanies a person all his life. In order for it to proceed without exacerbations, patients need to regularly take tests for ALT and AST.In addition, for the treatment of the pancreas, patients need to take special enzymes and detoxification medicines, which are prescribed by their treating doctors.