Liver Enzymes Kidney Problems. Alt is an enzyme found in the liver that helps convert proteins into energy for the liver cells. Ast is an enzyme that helps metabolize amino acids.
If the liver is injured or damaged the liver cells spill these enzymes into the blood raising the ast and alt enzyme blood levels and signaling liver disease. The concentrations of these transaminases in the serum the non cellular portion of blood are normally low. Certain diseases cause liver or kidney cells to rupture and their contents spill out into the blood where physicians can measure their activity.
An increase in ast levels may indicate liver damage disease or muscle damage.
It s also one of the most treatable causes of liver damage. Other blood tests pertaining to the liver are measurements of some of the other enzymes found the liver. When used comparatively ast and alt can help identify liver toxicity liver disease or liver damage. Ast is an enzyme that helps metabolize amino acids.