High Transaminases: What They Indicate, Causes And Treatment

High transaminases usually do not cause any symptoms. The usual thing is that this is discovered only after a routine examination. Transaminases are enzymes that are produced in different parts of the body, especially in the liver. When there are high transaminases, it means that an inflammatory process is underway in the liver. Inflammation in the liver implies the destruction of the liver cells responsible for releasing these enzymes into the blood. The usual thing is that elevated transaminases are detected through a routine biochemical examination. The inflammatory process in the liver originates from various causes: viruses, infectious, autoimmune, or ischemic diseases, side effects of certain medications, or excess fat in the liver.

Transamins and health

The main function of transaminases is to assist in producing various amino acids. From a medical point of view, it is considered relevant that a laboratory test shows that transaminases are high. As said before, the usual thing is inflammation in the liver. However, as some studies show, sometimes high transaminases are also due to heart failure or rheumatic diseases. Be that as it may, this is a fact that should be paid attention to. Transaminases are known by the acronyms AST (GOT or TGO) and ALT (GPT or TGP). In most cases, the patient does not present any symptoms. The problem is not detected until a laboratory examination reveals elevated transaminases. In the same way, there are liver diseases that occur without raising transaminases.

Normal values ​​of transaminases

The normal values ​​of ALT (Alanine Transaminase) and AST (Aspartate Transaminase) vary depending on gender, age, and the laboratory in charge of the analysis. In adults, the following values ​​are considered normal:

• ALT: 10 – 40 IU/L in men and 7 – 35 IU//L in women.
• AST: 8 – 40 IU/L in men and 6 – 33 IU//L in women.

The result of the transaminases should be compared with other routine tests to reach a definitive diagnosis. Such is the case with the levels of bilirubin, alkaline phosphatase, gamma-glutamyl transferase, and albumin.

When are transaminases considered to be high?

As you can see, the human body has normal concentrations of transaminases circulating in the blood. This is part of the natural cycle of many cells, which upon death, release various substances into the blood, among which are transaminases. These two enzymes are the main indicator of liver damage. Although they are not the only ones, there is talk of high transaminases when ALT and AST values ​​are elevated above 40 IU/L. Research states that the elevation of transaminases does not usually exceed 5 or 6 times normal values.

Meaning of high transaminases

As we know, the liver is the laboratory of the body. If there is damage to the liver, the membrane of its cells (hepatocytes) becomes more permeable. Their amino acids are synthesized and broken down. This allows energy to be stored. Under these conditions, hepatocytes allow transaminases to leak into the serum, which is the non-cellular part of the blood. Therefore, an elevated value of these liver enzymes is a direct sign of a liver problem.

Causes of elevated transaminases

Many factors can lead to elevated transaminases. Even sometimes, a simple flu process causes the values ​​of these enzymes to increase, although temporarily. All this must be assessed in detail by the doctor. The main causes for which the value of transaminases rises are the following:

• Hepatitis B or C: Caused by a virus, these forms of hepatitis often become chronic.
• Hepatic steatosis: it is what is commonly known as ‘ fatty liver. ‘ It means a large accumulation of triglycerides in the liver.
• Infectious mononucleosis: is a disease caused by the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) of the herpes-viridian family.
• Hemochromatosis: is the excessive accumulation of iron in the body.
• Chronic drug-induced hepatitis (due to certain drugs).
• Alcoholism.
• Other factors: mainly cytomegalovirus, Wilson’s disease, gallstones, myocardial infarction, hemolytic anemia, pancreatic diseases, and systemic diseases.

Treatment of high transaminases

Elevated transaminases are due to a triggering disease or an external factor associated with lifestyle. In the first case, the appropriate treatment of the disease should progressively lower the level of transaminases. On the other hand, measures should be taken if the elevation in transaminase levels is due to lifestyle. Your doctor will probably recommend that you follow these guidelines:

• Balanced diet – Mainly, processed or fatty foods should be avoided. Obesity should be avoided at all costs.
• Avoid excess sugar and salt in food.
• Stay well hydrated to help the liver eliminate fat. Drink water regularly.
• Avoid the consumption of alcoholic drinks.
• Increase the consumption of vegetables and fruits.
• Cook food steamed, grilled, boiled, or baked.
• Perform moderate exercise regularly.

If a medication causes liver inflammation, we have to consult the doctor to see if replacing it with another that does not generate this side effect is possible. In any case, we should always follow the doctor’s recommendations.