Two liver function tests commonly used to assess hepatocellular injury and death are:
1. **Alanine Aminotransferase (ALT):** ALT is an enzyme primarily found in hepatocytes (liver cells). When liver cells are damaged or die due to injury or disease, ALT is released into the bloodstream. Elevated ALT levels in a blood test are a marker of hepatocellular injury and can indicate conditions like hepatitis, cirrhosis, or drug-induced liver damage.
2. **Aspartate Aminotransferase (AST):** AST is another enzyme found in various body tissues, including the liver. Elevated AST levels can also indicate hepatocellular injury, although it is less specific to the liver than ALT. AST is often used in conjunction with ALT to assess liver health, as a higher AST/ALT ratio can suggest different underlying causes of liver damage.
These tests help healthcare professionals evaluate the extent of liver cell damage and monitor liver function in individuals with liver diseases or other conditions affecting the liver.