Transaminases
Transaminases
Transaminases (pronounced trăn-săm′ĭ-nās′, -nāz′) are a group of enzymes that catalyze the transfer of an amino group from one molecule to another. They play a crucial role in the metabolism of amino acids in the body.
Etymology
The term "transaminase" is derived from the Latin words "trans", meaning "across", and "aminase", which refers to an enzyme that catalyzes reactions involving amino acids.
Function
Transaminases are primarily involved in the amino acid metabolism. They facilitate the transfer of an amino group from an amino acid to a keto acid. This process is essential for the synthesis and breakdown of amino acids, which are the building blocks of proteins.
There are two main types of transaminases in the human body: Alanine transaminase (ALT) and Aspartate transaminase (AST). Both of these enzymes are commonly measured in blood tests as a way to assess liver health.
Clinical Significance
Elevated levels of transaminases in the blood can indicate damage to the liver or other tissues. This is often seen in conditions such as hepatitis, cirrhosis, and alcoholic liver disease.
In addition, certain medications can also cause an increase in transaminase levels. Therefore, monitoring these levels can be important in the management of patients taking certain types of drugs.
Related Terms
- Amino acids: The molecules that transaminases help to metabolize.
- Enzymes: Proteins that catalyze chemical reactions in the body.
- Liver function tests: Blood tests that measure levels of transaminases and other substances to assess liver health.
- Hepatotoxicity: Damage to the liver caused by chemicals, including certain medications.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Transaminases
- Wikipedia's article - Transaminases
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