About Aspartate Transaminase (AST)
Aspartate Transaminase (AST) is an enzyme found in various tissues, including the liver, heart, muscles, and kidneys. It plays a critical role in the amino acid metabolism by catalyzing the transfer of an amino group from aspartate to α-ketoglutarate, producing oxaloacetate and glutamate.
Reference Values
Optimal Range
Not specified
Elite Value
Not specified
Health Implications
High
Elevated levels may indicate liver damage or disease, muscle inflammation, or heart conditions.
Low
Low levels may be associated with vitamin B6 deficiency or may occur in individuals with chronic kidney disease.
Symptoms
High
May include fatigue, nausea, abdominal pain, jaundice, and loss of appetite.
Low
Can include dizziness, weakness, confusion, and difficulty in breathing.
Lifestyle Factors
Specimen Type
Testing Methods
Also Known As
Scientific Sources
- Kwo, P. Y., Cohen, S. M., & Lim, J. K. (2017). ACG Clinical Guideline: Evaluation of Abnormal Liver Chemistries. The American Journal of Gastroenterology, 112(1), 18-35.
- Lala, V., Goyal, A., & Bansal, P. (2020). Liver Function Tests. In StatPearls. StatPearls Publishing.
- Kim, W. R., Flamm, S. L., Di Bisceglie, A. M., & Bodenheimer, H. C. (2008). Serum Activity of Alanine Aminotransferase (ALT) as an Indicator of Health and Disease. Hepatology, 47(4), 1363-1370.
- American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases. (2018). AASLD Guidelines for the Treatment of Chronic Hepatitis B. Hepatology, 67(4), 1560-1599.
- European Association for the Study of the Liver. (2017). EASL Clinical Practice Guidelines: Management of Hepatitis B Virus Infection. Journal of Hepatology, 67(2), 370-398.