Transaminitis

Transaminitis (pronounced trăn′sə-mĭ-nī′tĭs) is a medical term used to describe elevated levels of certain liver enzymes, specifically alanine transaminase (ALT) and aspartate transaminase (AST). These enzymes are primarily found in the liver, but can also be found in other tissues. When the liver is damaged or inflamed, these enzymes can leak into the bloodstream, causing elevated levels that can be detected through blood tests.

Etymology

The term "transaminitis" is derived from the words "transaminase," referring to the enzymes ALT and AST, and "-itis," a suffix used in medical terminology to denote inflammation. Therefore, "transaminitis" essentially means inflammation that results in elevated transaminase levels.

Related Terms

Alanine transaminase (ALT): An enzyme found primarily in the liver and kidney. It is released into the bloodstream when these organs are damaged.
Aspartate transaminase (AST): An enzyme found in various tissues, including the liver and heart. Like ALT, it is released into the bloodstream when the tissues where it is found are damaged.
Liver function tests (LFTs): A group of tests used to assess the health and function of the liver, including measuring the levels of ALT and AST in the blood.
Hepatitis: Inflammation of the liver, often caused by viral infections, that can result in elevated ALT and AST levels.
Cirrhosis: Long-term liver damage often caused by chronic hepatitis or long-term alcohol abuse. It can also cause elevated ALT and AST levels.