Aspartate aminotransferase (AST) is elevated when there is liver cell injury.

Aspartate aminotransferase (AST) is elevated when there is liver cell injury.

• A. ALT
• B. AST
• C. ALP
• D. GGT

Answer: (B)

When liver cells are injured, their internal enzymes spill into the bloodstream. Aspartate aminotransferase (AST) is one of these enzymes released from damaged hepatocytes, so its serum level rises with hepatocellular injury. AST is present in liver cells as well as other tissues, so its elevation reflects cell damage rather than a specific liver problem on its own, but it remains a useful marker of hepatocellular injury alongside other enzymes. In contrast, enzymes like ALP and GGT are more associated with biliary obstruction or cholestasis, not direct hepatocyte damage, and ALT, while also elevated in liver injury, is more liver-specific. Thus, AST elevation aligns with liver cell injury in this context.

When liver cells are injured, their internal enzymes spill into the bloodstream. Aspartate aminotransferase (AST) is one of these enzymes released from damaged hepatocytes, so its serum level rises with hepatocellular injury. AST is present in liver cells as well as other tissues, so its elevation reflects cell damage rather than a specific liver problem on its own, but it remains a useful marker of hepatocellular injury alongside other enzymes. In contrast, enzymes like ALP and GGT are more associated with biliary obstruction or cholestasis, not direct hepatocyte damage, and ALT, while also elevated in liver injury, is more liver-specific. Thus, AST elevation aligns with liver cell injury in this context.