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Liver Enzymes
should be checked every 1-2 months if the patient is currently on Methotrexate.
SGOT (Serum
Glutamic-Oxalocetic Transaminase - AST)
Serum Glutamic
Oxalocetic Transaminase or AST is an enzyme found primarily in the liver, heart,
kidney, pancreas, and muscles. Seen in tissue damage, especially heart and
liver, this enzyme is normally elevated.
Normal Adult Range: 0 -
42 U/L
Optimal Adult Reading: 21
SGPT
(Serum Glutamic-Pyruvic Transaminase - ALT)
Serum Glutamic Pyruvic
Transaminase or ALT is an enzyme found primarily in the liver but also to a
lesser degree, the heart and other tissues. It is useful in diagnosing liver
function more so than SGOT levels. Decreased SGPT in combination with increased
cholesterol levels is seen in cases of a congested liver. We also see increased
levels in mononucleosis, alcoholism, liver damage, kidney infection, chemical
pollutants or myocardial infarction.
Normal Adult Range: 0 -
48 U/L
Optimal Adult Reading: 24
GGT
(Gamma-Glutamyl Transpeptidase)
Believed to be involved
in the transport of amino acids and peptides into cells as well as glutithione
metabolism, Gamma-Glutamyl Transpeptidase is mainly found in liver cells and as
such is extremely sensitive to alcohol use. Elevated levels may be found in
liver disease, alcoholism, bile-duct obstruction, cholangitis, drug abuse, and
in some cases excessive magnesium ingestion. Decreased levels can be found in
hypothyroidism, hypothalamic malfunction and low levels of magnesium.
Normal Adult Female
Range: 0 - 45 U/L
Optimal Female Reading: 22.5
Normal Adult Male Range: 0 - 65 U/L
Optimal Male Reading: 32.5
ALKALINE
PHOSPHATASE
Produced in the cells of
the bone and liver with some activity in the kidney, intestine, and placenta, it
is mostly found in an alkaline state with a pH of 9. Used extensively as a tumor
marker it is also present in bone injury, pregnancy, or skeletal growth
(elevated readings). Growing children have normally higher levels of this enzyme
also. Low levels are sometimes found in hypoadrenia, protein deficiency,
malnutrition and a number of vitamin deficiencies.
Normal Adult Range: 20 -
125 U/L
Optimal Adult Reading: 72.5
Normal Childrens Range: 40 - 400 U/L
Optimal Childrens Reading: 220
BILIRUBIN, TOTAL
A byproduct of the
breakdown of red blood cells in the liver, bilirubin is a good indication of the
liver’s function. Excreted into the bile, bilirubin gives the bile its
pigmentation. Elevated in liver disease, mononucleosis, hemolytic anemia, low
levels of exposure to the sun, and toxic effects to some drugs, decreased levels
are seen in people with an inefficient liver, excessive fat digestion, and
possibly a diet low in nitrogen bearing foods.
Normal Adult Range 0 -
1.3 mg/dl
Optimal Adult Reading: .65
LDH (Lactic Acid Dehydrogenase)
Lactic acid
dehydrogenase is an intracellular enzyme from particularly in the kidney, heart,
skelatal muscle, brain, liver and lungs. Increases are usually found in cellular
death and/or leakage from the cell or in some cases it can be useful in
confirming myocardial or pulmonary infarction (only in relation to other tests).
Decreased levels of the enzyme may be seen in cases of malnutrition,
hypoglycemia, adrenal exhaustion or low tissue or organ activity.
Normal Adult Range: 0 -
250 U/L
Optimal Adult Reading: 125
ALKALINE PHOSPHATASE
Produced in the cells of
the bone and liver with some activity in the kidney, intestine, and placenta, it
is mostly found in an alkaline state with a pH of 9. Used extensively as a tumor
marker it is also present in bone injury, pregnancy, or skeletal growth
(elevated readings). Growing children have normally higher levels of this enzyme
also. Low levels are sometimes found in hypoadrenia, protein deficiency,
malnutrition and a number of vitamin deficiencies.
Normal Adult Range: 20 -
125 U/L
Optimal Adult Reading: 72.5
Normal Childrens Range: 40 - 400 U/L
Optimal Childrens Reading: 220
   
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