aszpartátaminotranszferáz

Aspartate aminotransferase, often abbreviated as AST, is an enzyme found in various tissues throughout the body, with high concentrations in the liver, heart, skeletal muscle, kidneys, and brain. It plays a crucial role in amino acid metabolism, specifically in the transfer of an amino group from aspartate to alpha-ketoglutarate. This reaction is a key step in both amino acid catabolism and gluconeogenesis.

Clinically, AST is a significant biomarker used in blood tests to assess liver function and detect damage to other tissues. Elevated levels of AST in the serum can indicate a variety of conditions, including hepatitis, cirrhosis, myocardial infarction (heart attack), muscle injury, and certain inflammatory processes. The enzyme is released into the bloodstream when cells containing it are damaged or destroyed.

The measurement of AST activity in serum is a common component of liver function tests. While elevated AST levels are not specific to liver disease and can be caused by other factors, a pattern of abnormalities in conjunction with other liver enzymes can help pinpoint the source of the problem. The degree of elevation can sometimes correlate with the extent of tissue damage.