Liver Function Tests Flashcards
Why are total protein and albumin levels measured in liver function tests?
Measure synthetic function of liver
How does cell damage differ depending on if it’s mild or severe?
Mild = bleb formation Severe = rupture
Which enzymes are located on the membrane of hepatocytes?
ALP
GGT
What does it mean if liver membrane enzymes are elevated in the blood?
Liver membrane in blood
Which enzymes are located in the cytoplasm of hepatocytes?
ALT
AST
LD
What does it mean if liver cytoplasmic enzymes are elevated in the blood?
Liver cytoplasm released
Which enzymes are located in the nucleus of hepatocytes?
DNA synthase
What does it mean if liver nuclear enzymes are elevated in the blood?
Damage must be worse
Which enzymes are located in organelles of hepatocytes?
Mitochondrial AST
Lysosomal SOD
What does it mean if liver organelle enzymes are elevated in the blood?
Organelles in blood
What enzymes are elevated in liver necrosis?
ALT
AST
- Especially with toxins, like alcohol
LD
What enzymes are elevated in biliary disease?
ALP
GGT
How do inducing drugs increase the presence of enzymes in the blood?
Increase concentration in cell, so normal wear and tear produces increase in blood
Where is ALT found in the body?
Liver specific
Small amounts in muscle and kidney
Where is AST found in the body?
Liver
Muscle
Blood cells
What are the half-lives of ALT, AST, and GGT?
ALT = 36 hours AST = 18 hours GGT = 5-7 days
What does it mean if AST is higher than ALT?
Acute hepatocellular damage, affecting mitochondria
Especially
- Alcohol
- Toxins
What does it mean if ALT is higher than AST?
Chronic/resolving
Especially hepatitis
What are some drugs and toxins that cause hepatocellular damage?
Antibiotics - Flucloxacillin - Amoxil Statins Ethanol Paracetamol Kombucha = type of herbal tea
Where in the body is ALP found?
Bone
Liver
Placenta
Where in the body is GGT found?
Liver
Biliary epithelium
Kidneys
What sort of biliary obstruction elevates ALP and GGT only mildly?
Intrahepatic
What sort of biliary obstruction elevates ALP and GGT severely?
Extrahepatic
What is the commonest cause of elevated liver enzymes?
Fatty liver disease
