What is the Origin of Liver Enzyme Levels?

This term originates from clinical chemistry and diagnostics, where enzymes are quantified to assess organ integrity, reflecting the general concept of measuring catalytic proteins originating from the liver tissue.

What is the Mechanism of Liver Enzyme Levels?

When hepatocytes are damaged due to inflammation, steatosis, or exposure to xenobiotics, these enzymes leak from the compromised cells into the bloodstream, leading to elevated serum concentrations. In hormonal health, impaired liver function directly compromises the ability to detoxify and eliminate excess estrogens and androgens, thereby altering the effective hormone half-life.

Liver Enzyme Levels

Meaning

Liver enzyme levels refer to the measured concentrations of specific intracellular hepatic enzymes, such as Alanine Aminotransferase (ALT) and Aspartate Aminotransferase (AST), in the peripheral blood serum. Elevated levels serve as sensitive biomarkers indicating hepatocellular injury or stress, which is clinically relevant as the liver is the primary site for hormone conjugation and clearance. Abnormal findings necessitate investigation into underlying metabolic or toxicological causes.