Contribution of liver enzymes in diagnosing hepatic diseases: A review

Abstract

Liver enzymes are crucial clinical biomarkers for diagnosing and managing various liver diseases. The key enzymes include Alanine Aminotransferase (ALT), Aspartate Aminotransferase (AST), Alkaline Phosphatase (ALP), and Gamma-Glutamyltransferase (GGT). These enzymes are released into the bloodstream when liver tissue is damaged, as they are normally contained within liver cells. Elevated levels of these enzymes can indicate liver abnormalities such as hepatitis, cirrhosis, Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD), and liver cancer. For instance, increased ALT levels can suggest liver damage, while elevated ALP levels might indicate bile duct obstruction or bone disease. Additionally, these enzymes can also reflect systemic conditions like heart failure, pancreatitis, or muscle disorders. Monitoring enzyme levels over time offers valuable insights into disease progression and treatment effectiveness, aiding healthcare providers in developing management strategies. Clinicians can make well-informed decisions by combining enzyme data with clinical history and other diagnostic tests.