Question

Which enzyme level increases in both muscle and liver damage but is of less value than ALT? The half-life is 5 hr in dogs and 77 min in cats. It is also reported to increase in hypothyroidism.

A) Aspartate aminotransferase (AST)
B) Alkaline phosphatase (ALP)
C) Lactate dehydrogenase (LDH)
D) Creatine kinase (CK)

Answer 1

Aspartate aminotransferase (AST) or SGOT is the enzyme that increases in both muscle and liver damage but is of less diagnostic value than ALT for liver issues. It has a short half-life and is also elevated in hypothyroidism. AST levels can, however, help differentiate between liver damage causes when compared to ALT levels.

Step-by-step explanation:

The enzyme level that increases in both muscle and liver damage but is of less value than Alanine transaminase (ALT) is Aspartate aminotransferase (AST), also known as SGOT. AST is less specific to the liver as it is also present in red cells and cardiac and skeletal muscles. The ratio of AST to ALT can be useful in differentiating between causes of liver damage. In the context of hypothyroidism, increased levels of AST may be observed as well. The half-life of this enzyme is about 5 hours in dogs and 77 minutes in cats.

While Alkaline phosphatase (ALP) is another enzyme that can elevate due to liver damage, it is more specific to biliary duct obstruction, intrahepatic cholestasis, or infiltrative diseases, and is also influenced by bone growth and remodeling, making it a less specific indicator compared to AST.