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Aspartate Aminotransferase (AST)

Meaning

Aspartate Aminotransferase (AST), previously known as SGOT, is a critical enzyme predominantly found within the liver, heart, skeletal muscles, kidneys, and red blood cells. Clinically, elevated serum levels of AST often serve as a biomarker indicating acute or chronic cellular damage, particularly hepatocyte injury, providing a key measure of liver integrity. Assessing AST is a fundamental component of liver function tests, offering vital insight into the health of the hepatic system and overall tissue integrity.