Final answer:
If AST and ALT are markedly elevated, it indicates hepatocellular injury caused by factors such as viral hepatitis, paracetamol overdose, chronic liver failure, jaundice, and liver diseases like cirrhosis or hepatocellular carcinoma.
Step-by-step explanation:
If AST and ALT are markedly elevated, it indicates hepatocellular injury. This type of injury is typically caused by various factors such as viral hepatitis, paracetamol (acetaminophen) overdose, chronic liver failure, infective or hepatic jaundice, and liver diseases like cirrhosis or hepatocellular carcinoma.
AST (aspartate aminotransferase) and ALT (alanine aminotransferase) are enzymes found in liver cells. When the liver is damaged, these enzymes are released into the bloodstream, leading to elevated levels. ALT rises dramatically in acute liver damage, while AST is also present in other tissues like red cells and muscles. The ratio of AST to ALT can sometimes help differentiate the causes of liver damage.