Liver Function Markers & Misc. Flashcards

Question

Answer 1

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Bilirubin is a yellowish pigment produced during the
breakdown of red blood cells. Total bilirubin includes both direct (conjugated) and indirect (unconjugated) bilirubin. It serves as a marker of liver function and the body’s ability to process and excrete bilirubin

Answer 2

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Low total bilirubin levels are generally less concerning but may indicate a reduced breakdown of red blood cells or liver dysfunction, which can occur in conditions
such as anemia or a liver disease that impairs bilirubin processing

Answer 3

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High total bilirubin levels can indicate liver dysfunction, hemolytic anemia, or bile duct obstruction, as elevated bilirubin results from an excess of red blood cell
breakdown products or impaired liver processing, leading to jaundice and potential damage to liver or bile ducts

Answer 4

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Direct Bilirubin, also known as conjugated bilirubin, is the
form that has been processed by the liver and is ready for excretion. It plays a crucial role in the elimination of waste products from the body.

Answer 5

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Low direct (conjugated) bilirubin levels are typically not concerning and often indicate that the liver is effectively processing and conjugating bilirubin, but could
also suggest an underlying condition such as Gilbert’s syndrome or a decreased rate of red blood cell breakdown

Answer 6

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High direct (conjugated) bilirubin levels often indicate increased breakdown of red blood cells or impaired liver function, which can be associated with conditions such as hemolytic anemia, Gilbert’s syndrome, or liver disease, leading to symptoms like jaundice and dark urine

Answer 7

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Indirect Bilirubin, also known as unconjugated bilirubin, is the form that has not undergone liver processing. It is produced from the breakdown of
hemoglobin in red blood cells and is transported to the liver, where it is conjugated to become direct bilirubin

Answer 8

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Low levels of indirect (unconjugated) bilirubin generally indicate a reduced rate of red blood cell breakdown or efficient bilirubin metabolism, which is often not a concern but may reflect conditions such as liver disease or certain genetic disorders affecting bilirubin processing

Answer 9

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High indirect (unconjugated) bilirubin levels typically indicate increased red blood cell breakdown or impaired liver function, which can be caused by conditions such
as hemolytic anemia, Gilbert’s syndrome, or liver disease, potentially leading to jaundice and other symptoms of liver dysfunction

Answer 10

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LDH is an enzyme involved in cellular energy production,
particularly in anaerobic metabolism. It is found in various tissues, including the liver, heart, kidneys, and muscles

Answer 11

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Low lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) levels are generally less concerning, but they can occasionally indicate conditions such as vitamin B12 deficiency, hypothyroidism, or a potential issue with liver or kidney function, as LDH is involved in various metabolic processes and its levels reflect tissue health

Answer 12

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High Lactate Dehydrogenase (LDH) levels can indicate tissue damage or disease, as elevated LDH is often associated with conditions such as liver disease,
myocardial infarction, hemolytic anemia, or malignancies, reflecting widespread cellular injury or stress

Answer 13

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GGT is an enzyme found predominantly in the liver, bile ducts, and kidneys. It plays a role in glutathione metabolism and detoxification processes

Answer 14

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Low GGT (Gamma-Glutamyl Transferase) levels are generally less concerning and may indicate a lower risk of liver disease or alcohol-related liver damage,
as GGT is an enzyme often elevated in such conditions; however, very low levels can also be seen in rare genetic disorders or with certain medications

Answer 15

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High GGT (Gamma-Glutamyl Transferase) levels may indicate liver dysfunction or disease, such as fatty liver disease, hepatitis, or alcohol abuse, as well as bile duct obstruction, with elevated GGT often reflecting issues with liver enzyme metabolism and detoxification processes

Answer 16

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Alkaline Phosphatase is an enzyme found in various tissues, including the liver, bones, kidneys, and digestive system

Answer 17

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Low alkaline phosphatase (Alk Phos) levels may indicate conditions such as malnutrition, vitamin deficiencies (especially vitamin D), or certain liver disorders, potentially affecting bone health and liver function

Answer 18

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A high alkaline phosphatase (Alk Phos) level may indicate liver or bone disorders, such as liver disease, biliary obstruction, or bone diseases like Paget’s disease, where elevated enzyme levels reflect increased cellular activity or damage in these tissues

Answer 19

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AST is an enzyme found in various tissues, including the liver, heart, muscles, and kidneys

Answer 20

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Low SGOT/AST (Aspartate Aminotransferase) levels are generally less concerning but may indicate a potential deficiency in vitamin B6 or other conditions affecting liver enzyme production, though they are usually of less clinical significance compared to elevated levels

Answer 21

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High SGOT/AST (Aspartate Aminotransferase) levels may indicate liver damage or disease, such as hepatitis, cirrhosis, or liver inflammation, as well as muscle
damage or other conditions affecting the heart or kidneys

Answer 22

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ALT is an enzyme found predominantly in the liver. It plays a crucial role in amino acid metabolism and is released into the bloodstream when liver cells are damaged or destroyed

Answer 23

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Low SGPT/ALT (Alanine Aminotransferase) levels are generally less concerning but may indicate a lack of liver cell damage or a deficiency in vitamin B6, which is required for the enzyme’s production

Answer 24

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A high SGPT/ALT (Alanine Aminotransferase) level typically indicates liver damage or inflammation, which may be caused by conditions such as hepatitis, fatty
liver disease, or medication/supplement/herb toxicity,as ALT is an enzyme released into the bloodstream when liver cells are damaged