AST/ALT ratio
AST/ALT Ratio
The AST/ALT ratio (pronounced as A-S-T/A-L-T ratio) is a calculation commonly used in the field of medicine to assist in identifying liver disease. The ratio is derived from the levels of two types of enzymes in the body: Aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and Alanine aminotransferase (ALT).
Etymology
The term "AST/ALT ratio" is derived from the names of the two enzymes it involves. "AST" stands for Aspartate aminotransferase, an enzyme that is primarily found in the liver, heart, skeletal muscle, kidneys, and brain. "ALT" stands for Alanine aminotransferase, an enzyme that is primarily found in the liver and kidneys.
Usage
The AST/ALT ratio is used as a diagnostic tool in hepatology, the branch of medicine that studies and treats diseases of the liver. An elevated AST/ALT ratio can indicate alcoholic liver disease or cirrhosis, while a lower ratio may suggest non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.
Related Terms
- Liver function tests: A group of tests that help to check the health of a person's liver.
- Hepatology: The branch of medicine that studies and treats diseases of the liver.
- Cirrhosis: A late stage of scarring (fibrosis) of the liver caused by many forms of liver diseases and conditions.
- Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease: A condition in which fat builds up in the liver in people who drink little or no alcohol.
See Also
- Aspartate aminotransferase
- Alanine aminotransferase
- Liver function tests
- Hepatology
- Cirrhosis
- Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on AST/ALT ratio
- Wikipedia's article - AST/ALT ratio
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