enzimszint

Enzimszint (Hungarian for “enzyme level”) denotes the amount or catalytic activity of particular enzymes present in a biological sample. In medical practice, enzimszint is most often measured in blood plasma or serum, but can also be assessed in urine or tissue extracts. Enzyme activity is typically expressed in units per liter (U/L) or international units per liter (IU/L), reflecting the rate at which the enzyme catalyzes a defined reaction under standardized conditions. Reference ranges vary by age, sex, and laboratory method.

Elevated enzimszint may indicate tissue injury or disease in the organ where the enzyme is concentrated; patterns across several enzymes provide clues. For example, liver-specific enzymes such as ALT, AST, alkaline phosphatase (ALP), and gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT) are used in liver function tests. Elevated amylase or lipase can suggest pancreatitis. Increased creatine kinase (CK) or its MB isoform reflects muscle injury or myocardial damage. However, not all elevated levels imply disease; factors like recent exercise, medications, or assay interference can alter results. Low enzyme levels are less commonly diagnostic but can occur in enzyme deficiency states or severe malnutrition.

Applications and limitations: Enzimszint testing supports diagnosis, monitoring treatment response, and screening in certain contexts, but results must be interpreted alongside clinical findings, imaging, and other lab tests. Pre-analytical variables, such as sample handling and fasting status, can affect results. The term encompasses a range of enzyme panels rather than a single universal measure.