The liver has<unk>  to synthesize and break down amino acids and to convert energy storage molecules. The concentrations of these<unk>  in the serum (the non-cellular portion of blood) are normally low. However, if the liver is damaged, the liver cell (hepatocyte) membrane becomes more permeable and some of the enzymes leak out into the blood circulation. The two<unk>  commonly measured are alanine<unk> (ALT) and aspartate<unk> (AST). These levels previously were called serum glutamate-pyruvate<unk> (SGPT) and serum glutamate-oxaloacetate<unk> (SGOT).<unk>  levels are sensitive for liver injury, meaning that they are likely to be present if there is injury. However, they may also be<unk>  in other conditions such as thyroid disorders, celiac disease, and muscle disorders. ALT is usually found only in the liver. AST is most commonly found in the liver, but also in significant amounts in heart (cardiac) and skeletal muscle. Measurement of ALT and AST were used in diagnosing heart attacks, although they have been replaced by newer enzyme and protein tests that are more specific for cardiac damage. Possible causes for high ALT levels are liver inflammation (hepatitis A, B, C, infectious mononucleosis, acute viral fever, alcohol, pancreatic disorder), injury to muscles (trauma, myocardial infarction, congestive heart failure, acute kidney failure), and many toxins and drugs.
Elevated transaminases
Leukocytosis
Reticulocytosis
Lymphocytosis
Bilirubinuria
Plasmacytosis
Lycopenemia
Pleocytosis