glutámatoxalacetát

Glutamate oxaloacetate transaminase, also known as aspartate aminotransferase (AST), is an enzyme found 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, forming oxaloacetate and glutamate. This reversible reaction is part of the malate-aspartate shuttle, which is important for transporting reducing equivalents across the mitochondrial membrane.

In clinical settings, AST levels are commonly measured in blood serum as part of liver function tests. Elevated AST levels can indicate damage to liver cells, such as in cases of hepatitis, cirrhosis, or drug-induced liver injury. However, AST is not specific to the liver, and elevated levels can also be seen in conditions affecting other organs, particularly the heart and skeletal muscles. For instance, myocardial infarction (heart attack) can lead to a significant rise in AST due to muscle tissue damage. Similarly, strenuous exercise or muscle diseases can also result in increased AST.

The liver is a primary source of AST, so when liver cells are damaged, they release AST into the bloodstream, leading to higher serum concentrations. Other conditions that can cause elevated AST include rhabdomyolysis, pancreatitis, and certain types of cancer. Therefore, while AST is a valuable biomarker, it is usually interpreted in conjunction with other laboratory tests and clinical findings to accurately diagnose the underlying cause of elevated levels.