Case 2 Flashcards
1
Q
What are the functions of the liver?
A
- xenobiotic detoxification and metabolism
- decomposition of erythrocytes
- excretion of bilirubin
- bile production
- cholesterol synthesis and lipogensis
- carbohydrate metabolism
- protein synthesis (albumin/ coagulation)
- hormone production (thrombopoietin/ angiotensin)
- storage (glycogen/ iron/ copper/ V. A, D, E, K and B12)
2
Q
What do LFTs/ LBT include?
A
- transaminase enzymes
- cholestatic enzymes
3
Q
What are the two transaminase enzymes investigated during LFT?
A
- ALT - alanine aminotransferase
- AST - aspartate aminotransferase
4
Q
What do ALTs show?
A
Increase when cells of the liver are inflamed or undergo cell death. Rises dramatically in acute liver damage e.g. viral hepatitis.
5
Q
What do AST show?
A
Raised in acute liver damage, less specific for liver disease
6
Q
What do ALPs show?
A
Raise in biliary tract damage and inflammation
7
Q
What do GGT show?
A
Produced by the bike duct (sensitive marker for cholestatic damage)
Raised in alcohol toxicity
8
Q
What are the two types of cholestatic enzymes?
A
- ALP - alkaline phosphatase
- GGT - gamma-glutamyl transferase
