Final answer:
AST and ALT testing to monitor potential liver damage in patients receiving statin drugs is true. Both enzymes are markers of liver cell damage and are significant components of liver function tests, which are particularly relevant for patients on treatments that may affect the liver.
Step-by-step explanation:
AST (aspartate aminotransferase) and ALT (alanine aminotransferase) testing is indeed done to monitor potential liver damage in patients receiving statin drugs. This is true since both AST and ALT are enzymes that can be elevated in the bloodstream due to liver damage. Statins are known to potentially cause liver damage in some individuals, and by monitoring the levels of these enzymes, healthcare providers can assess the liver's health and function. Transaminases, such as AST and ALT, play a critical role in liver function tests (LFTs) and their elevations can indicate damage to liver cells.
More specifically, ALT is more specific to the liver and a sensitive marker for hepatocellular damage. It can rise dramatically in acute liver scenarios, such as viral hepatitis or overdose with a drug like paracetamol (acetaminophen). AST, on the other hand, is present not only in the liver but also in red cells, and cardiac and skeletal muscles, thus it is less specific to the liver compared to ALT. Nevertheless, the AST to ALT ratio can be helpful in differentiating the cause of liver damage. Hence, these tests, along with others such as ALP (alkaline phosphatase) and GGT (gamma glutamyl transpeptidase), are crucial in evaluating liver health, particularly when a patient is on a treatment that could potentially harm the liver.