AST

AST what is it?

AST, or aspartate aminotransferase, is one of the so-called "liver tests liver tests, or enzymes found mainly in the liver and muscle. Normally they should be found inside the cells, Therefore, an increase in their concentration in the blood indicates damage to cells, (such as liver cells). AST determination is performed for the diagnosis and monitoring of liver disease.

AST test

The liver has very important functions in the body. It is responsible for neutralizing toxins and is involved in the metabolism of nutrients nutrients (such as fats). The liver is characterized by high regenerative abilities, which largely depend on the diet. W the diagnostic process of liver diseases, the determination of the AST concentration.

AST is an intracellular enzyme that is produced in the liver, cardiac muscle and skeletal muscle. In a healthy human the amount of this enzyme is small. If its level increases, it indicates the occurrence of liver damage.

The AST test is used:

• in the diagnosis of liver damage and disease,
• in monitoring the treatment of liver disease,

An increase in AST levels is observed in myocardial necrosis heart, intoxication with drugs toxic to liver cells, with muscle damage, and in cases of viral and alcoholic hepatitis.