Liver transferase activity in healthy Japanese employees aged 18-39 years

The aims of the present study were to identify correlates of alanine aminotransferase (ALT or GPT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST or GOT) activities among a healthy working population aged 18-39, and to discuss liver transferase abnormalities. Subjects included 1,009 employees of a company in Fukushima, Japan. Pregnant women, employees exposed to organic solvents, and employees with a history of liver diseases were excluded. Serum ALT and AST levels were measured by an enzymatic method. Other information including BMI, job type and lifestyles was recorded. Mean ALT and AST levels were significantly higher for males than females (P < 0.001). Multiple linear regression analysis revealed that sex and BMI explained 45% and 31% of the variability in ALT and AST, respectively. The prevalence of abnormal ALT levels (> 40 IU) was 16.3% for males and 0.4% for females. Sex, BMI, and shift work were independently associated with abnormal ALT levels by logistic regression analysis. It is concluded that ALT and AST levels are well-correlated with sex and BMI, and that abnormal liver transferase activity is prevalent in male employees but rare in females, suggesting that liver function tests should be introduced for male employees under 40 years of age.