Master Liver Enzyme Tests: AST and ALT with Picmonic for Medicine

Aspartate aminotransferase (AST) is an enzyme released from cardiac tissue and hepatocellular cells whenever there is cell lysis. The amount of elevation is directly proportional to the severity of the number of cells affected. The normal range for AST is 8 to 20 units per liter (U/L). Increased AST levels are usually a sign of acute liver damage or disease and may be due to alcohol, along with conditions such as cirrhosis, hepatitis, or pancreatitis. Levels may also increase after heart procedures, surgery, seizure, or deep burns.

Alanine aminotransferase (ALT) is an enzyme found predominantly in the liver, with lesser quantities found in the kidneys, heart, and skeletal muscle tissue. The normal range of ALT is 8 to 20 units per liter (U/L). Increased levels often indicate liver disease and may be due to conditions such as cirrhosis, hepatitis, or pancreatitis.