Podcast
Questions and Answers
Which enzyme is included in the aminotransferases used for liver function tests?
Which enzyme is included in the aminotransferases used for liver function tests?
Where are aminotransferase enzymes predominantly contained under normal circumstances?
Where are aminotransferase enzymes predominantly contained under normal circumstances?
What is a primary indicator of liver injury in a blood test?
What is a primary indicator of liver injury in a blood test?
Which of the following is NOT a function of the human liver?
Which of the following is NOT a function of the human liver?
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Which of these cells release enzymes into the bloodstream when the liver is injured?
Which of these cells release enzymes into the bloodstream when the liver is injured?
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What are the two aminotransferase enzymes mentioned in the context?
What are the two aminotransferase enzymes mentioned in the context?
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Study Notes
Liver Function Tests
- Liver blood tests are used to assess liver functions or liver injury.
- An initial step in detecting liver damage is a simple blood test to determine the level of certain liver enzymes in the blood.
Enzymes and Their Functions
- Enzymes help to speed up (catalyze) routine and vital chemical reactions in the body.
- Under normal circumstances, liver enzymes mostly reside within the cells of the liver.
- When the liver is injured, these enzymes are spilled into the bloodstream.
Aminotransferase Enzymes
- Aminotransferases are sensitive and widely used liver enzymes.
- They include aspartate aminotransferase (AST or SGOT) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT or SGPT).
- These enzymes are normally contained within liver cells and to a lesser degree in muscle cells.
- If the liver is injured or damaged, liver cells spill these enzymes into the blood, raising the AST and ALT enzyme blood levels and signaling liver disease.
Functions of the Liver
- The liver has many vital functions, including:
- Detoxification of blood
- Production of important clotting factors, albumin, and other proteins
- Metabolizing (processing) medications and nutrients
- Processing of waste products of hemoglobin and other cells
- Storing of vitamins, fat, cholesterol, and bile
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Description
Learn about liver function tests, including the role of enzymes and how they indicate liver damage or injury. Explore the importance of liver enzymes and their functions in the body.
