What should I do if my transaminase is high?

Transaminase is divided into two types: alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase. Alanine aminotransferase exists in the cytoplasm of liver cells, and aspartate aminotransferase exists in the mitochondria of liver cells. The normal index of transaminase is between 0-40 units, but if it exceeds ten times or higher than this normal value, it is said that the transaminase is high. So what should you do when your transaminase level is high?

Transaminases mainly include alanine aminotransferase (ALT, also known as alanine aminotransferase, GPT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST, also known as aspartate aminotransferase, GOT). ALT is mainly present in the liver, while AST is present in large quantities in the heart, skeletal muscle and other organs. When the cells of these tissues and organs are damaged, transaminases are released into the blood, and serum transaminases increase.

The normal value of transaminase is usually 0-40U/L. Due to differences in testing methods, instruments, etc., the test values ​​of each laboratory may be different. About 2.5% of healthy people have slightly elevated blood transaminase levels, and the results may be different when tested at different times on the same day. For example, strenuous exercise, excessive fatigue, eating greasy food before the examination, taking certain medications, etc. may cause the transaminase to be temporarily slightly elevated. In these cases, if you rest well and get checked again after a period of time, the transaminase level may return to normal. However, if the transaminase continues to rise, it should be taken seriously.

There are many common causes of high transaminases:

1. Viral hepatitis: It is a common disease that causes high transaminase levels, mainly including hepatitis A, B, C, D, and E. Some other diseases such as Epstein-Barr virus and cytomegalovirus can also cause elevated transaminase levels. Some patients with cirrhosis and liver cancer may also have high transaminase levels.

2. Drug-induced liver damage: Certain drugs or chemical preparations such as anti-tuberculosis drugs, chemotherapy drugs, erythromycin, sleeping pills, antipyretic analgesics, contraceptives, and some traditional Chinese medicines for the treatment of psoriasis can cause liver cell damage. After these drugs are discontinued, transaminase levels return to normal.

3. Alcoholic liver disease: long-term heavy drinking, generally refers to more than 5 years, the equivalent ethanol amount is ≥40g/d for men and ≥20g/d for women; or a history of heavy drinking within 2 weeks, the equivalent ethanol amount is >80g/d. The conversion formula for ethanol amount (g) is = alcohol consumption (ml) × ethanol content (%) × 0.8.

4. Fatty liver: People who are alcoholics, obese, have three-highs, and sit for long periods of time and do little exercise are all likely to have fatty liver.

5. Autoimmune hepatitis: common in women, often accompanied by other symptoms such as dry mouth, dry eyes, hair loss, photosensitivity, joint pain, etc.