liver biochem Flashcards
functions of the liver
metabolism of most drugs and alcohol synthesis and metabolism of protein Maintenance of blood sugar Lipid metabolism Metabolism and excretion of bilirubin and bile acids
where does cholesterol come from
liver
food
how is cholesterol used
used to make bile salts and certain hormones, including oestrogen, testosterone and the
adrenal hormones
Bile acids are formed from
cholesterol
what is bilirubin formed from
breakdown of mature red cells
LFTs
serum levels of bilirubin, aminotransferases,
alkaline phosphatase, γ-glutamyl transpeptidase and total proteins.
liver function is determined by
prothrombin time and serum albumin
other causes of prolonged prothrombin time
vitamin K deficiency
how might someone become vitamin K deficient
biliary obstruction, low concentration of intestinal bile
salts results in poor absorption of vitamin K
form of serum bilirubin
unconjugated
how do Aminotransferases indicate liver damage
contained in hepatocytes and leak into the blood following liver cell damage
two types of aminotransferase
AST
ALT
what is AST
mitochondrial enzyme
when do you get high levels of AST
hepatic necrosis, myocardial infarction, muscle injury and congestive cardiac failure
what is ALT
cytosolic enzyme specific to the liver
