Aspartate aminotransferase isoenzymes

Area of Science:

• Biochemistry
• Clinical Chemistry
• Enzymology

Background:

• Aspartate aminotransferase (AST) exists as cytoplasmic (c-AST) and mitochondrial (m-AST) isoenzymes.
• Major AST sources include striated muscle, myocardium, and liver tissues.
• AST isoenzyme analysis in serum is increasingly recognized for organ damage evaluation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To highlight the diagnostic utility of AST isoenzymes in clinical settings.
• To differentiate the diagnostic information provided by AST isoenzymes compared to other cardiac and liver enzymes.

Main Methods:

• Serum analysis of AST isoenzymes (c-AST and m-AST).
• Comparative analysis with total creatine kinase and lactate dehydrogenase isoenzymes.

Main Results:

• AST isoenzyme determination provides valuable diagnostic information for hepatic diseases, including liver necrosis and prognosis.
• It aids in identifying active alcoholic liver disease.
• AST isoenzyme measurements offer distinct diagnostic data in acute myocardial infarction cases compared to other enzyme tests.

Conclusions:

• AST isoenzyme analysis is a valuable tool in clinical diagnostics for liver and cardiac conditions.
• It complements existing diagnostic markers, offering unique insights into organ damage.
• Further investigation into AST isoenzymes can refine diagnostic strategies for various diseases.