Plasma Enzymes

Question 1

Alkaline Phosphate:

What is the abbreviation?

Several distinguishable isoforms exist (e.g. liver and bone)

What liver disease does it suggest if it is raised?

What bone cells does ALP reflect the activity of, osteoblasts/osteoclasts?

Why does pregnancy cause raise levels?

Answer 1

ALP

Cholestasis 
Cirrhosis 
Abscess 
Hepatitis 
Malignancy 

Osteoblasts - so anyone with growing bones, healing fractures, hyperparathyroidism

The placenta makes its own isoenzyme

Question 2

Alanine and aspartate aminotransferase:

What are the 2 abbreviations?

If it is raised, what does it suggest?

Answer 2

ALT and AST

Liver disease - suggests hepatocyte disease

Question 3

Alpha-amylase:

What acute pathology will cause a rise in this?

Answer 3

Acute pancreatitis

There is a smaller rise in chronic pancreatitis as less tissue remaining

Question 4

Creatine Kinase:

Muscle damage causes it to be raised.

What disease causes the breakdown of muscle?

What sporting event could cause this?

What neurological event could cause this?

Answer 4

Rhabdomyolysis

Prolonged running - marathon

Seizure

Question 5

Gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT):

What does raised levels indicate?

Answer 5

Liver disease