Understanding Elevated Liver Enzymes Levels in Blood
Elevated Liver Enzymes Levels in Blood can indicate a health issue in the liver, which is a vital organ performing numerous important functions. These functions include filtering toxins, producing bile, regulating cholesterol and glucose levels, and more. Liver enzymes are produced by liver cells to help in various biochemical reactions. But, when these enzymes leak into the bloodstream, due to liver damage or inflammation, they result in an elevation of their levels in the blood. Last week one of our regular patients visited our office for liver function tests. The results were within the normal range except for the liver enzymes that were slightly elevated, He asked for an explanation. Therefore. I write this article for him, and others, to understand what elevated levels of liver enzymes mean, why they are elevated, symptoms, and possible treatments.
What are Liver Enzymes?
Liver enzymes are proteins produced by the liver cells that are involved in various metabolic processes in the body. They play essential roles in metabolism, digestion, and detoxification. There are several liver enzymes, but the most commonly measured in blood tests are alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), and gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT). Normally, these enzymes are found in the liver cells, but when liver cells are damaged, they are released into the bloodstream, leading to elevated levels of liver enzymes in the blood. Livercells damage can occur due to reasons such as alcohol consumption, viral infections, or certain medications.
Normal Values of Liver Enzymes
The normal ranges of liver enzymes in the blood can vary depending on the laboratory that performs the test. Therefore, normal ranges can vary slightly between different laboratories. The following are generally accepted normal values:
- ALT: Up to 56 units per liter (U/L) for men and up to 40 U/L for women
- AST: Up to 48 U/L for men and up to 35 U/L for women
- ALP: 45 to 115 U/L for adults
- GGT: Up to 48 U/L for men and up to 35 U/L for women
| Liver Enzyme | Men Normal value | Women normal value |
| Alanine transaminase (ALT) | Up to 7 to 56 U/L | Up to 40 U/L |
| Aspartate transaminase (AST) | Up to 48 U/L | Up to 35 U/L |
| Alkaline phosphatase (ALP) | 45 to 115 U/L for adults | |
| Gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT) | Up to 48 U/L | Up to 35 U/L |
Causes of Elevated Liver Enzymes
Elevated liver enzymes can be caused by several factors, including:
- Hepatitis:
Viral hepatitis, such as A, B, and C can cause liver inflammation and damage to its cells, leading to elevated levels of the enzymes. - Alcoholism:
Excessive alcohol consumption can cause also liver inflammation and elevated liver enzymes. - Non-Alcoholic
– Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD) is characterized by the buildup of fat in liver cells, leading to liver inflammation and damage, and the release of enzymes in the blood causing their elevated levels.
– Hemochromatosis, Wilson’s disease, and gallbladder disease. - Medications:
Certain medications can cause liver cell damage and elevated liver enzymes. - Autoimmune Disorders:
Autoimmune disorders, such as autoimmune hepatitis, can cause inflammation and damage to liver cells, causing elevated enzymes.
Symptoms of Elevated Liver Enzyme
Elevated liver enzymes often do not cause any symptoms on their own. And, most people with elevated liver enzymes do not have any symptoms at all. The symptoms, if ever, are due liver inflammation and its failure to carry on its functions normally. The following are some of the symptoms that may accompany elevated enzymes levels:
- Fatigue and weakness
- Loss of appetite and weight loss
- Nausea and vomiting
- Abdominal pain and swelling
- Jaundice, which is the yellow color of the skin and eyes
- Dark urine and pale stools due to the presence of bile pigments
- Itching: The exact mechanism of why itching occurs in liver disease is not fully understood, but it is thought to be related to the buildup of bile acids in the bloodstream.
- Swelling in the legs and ankles due to edema
- Mental confusion or difficulty concentrating
Treatment of Elevated Liver Enzymes
The treatment depends on the underlying cause. For example, if the cause is hepatitis, antiviral medications can be used. If the cause is alcoholism, the person needs to stop drinking alcohol and seek help for addiction. In general, lifestyle changes such as weight loss, exercise, and a healthy diet may help improve liver functions.
Summary
The liver is a vital organ that performs many important functions including Liver enzyme synthesis. These enzymes are proteins that help in various body processes. When the liver is damaged, these enzymes can leak into the blood, causing elevated levels of liver enzymes. This could be caused by hepatitis, alcoholism, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, medication, or autoimmune disorders. Symptoms may include fatigue, nausea, abdominal pain or swelling, and yellowing of the skin or eyes. Treatment depends on the underlying cause.
You have to find out, with the help of your doctor, the underlying cause of the elevated enzymes and take appropriate measures to treat it. If you experience any symptoms or suspect you have elevated liver enzymes, speak with your doctor immediately. Taking care of your liver is essential for overall health and well-being. If you experience symptoms like jaundice, fatigue, or abdominal pain, it’s time to get tested.
