SGPT (serum glutamic pyruvic transaminase), also known as ALT (alanine aminotransferase), is an enzyme found predominantly in liver cells. When liver cells are damaged or inflamed, they release this enzyme into the bloodstream, leading to elevated levels that can be detected in routine blood tests.
Understanding Elevated SGPT/ALT Levels
When the liver experiences injury, inflammation, or stress, its cells can become permeable, allowing SGPT/ALT enzymes to leak out. Elevated SGPT/ALT levels indicate that the liver is under duress or has sustained some form of damage. The degree of elevation can sometimes offer clues about the potential cause or severity of the liver condition, with very high levels potentially signaling more acute injury. However, a high SGPT/ALT level itself is not a specific diagnosis but rather an indicator that further investigation is needed to identify the underlying issue.
Common Causes of High SGPT/ALT
One of the most frequent reasons for elevated SGPT/ALT levels is non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), a condition where excess fat accumulates in liver cells. NAFLD is often associated with factors such as obesity, type 2 diabetes, and high cholesterol. The fat buildup can cause inflammation and damage to liver cells.
Excessive alcohol consumption can also lead to liver damage and elevated enzyme levels, known as alcoholic liver disease or alcoholic hepatitis. Alcohol directly injures liver cells, causing inflammation.
Certain medications and supplements are another common cause of liver injury. This includes common pain relievers like acetaminophen, cholesterol-lowering drugs (statins), and various antibiotics. Herbal supplements, such as chaparral and kava, can also induce liver stress.
Viral hepatitis, caused by viruses like Hepatitis A, B, or C, leads to inflammation of the liver, which can significantly raise SGPT/ALT levels. These viruses infect liver cells, causing direct cellular damage.
Less common causes of elevated SGPT/ALT include:
Autoimmune hepatitis, where the body’s immune system attacks liver cells.
Hemochromatosis, a genetic disorder, causes the body to absorb too much iron, leading to iron overload and damage to the liver.
Wilson’s disease, another genetic condition, results in excessive copper accumulation in the liver and other organs, causing liver cell injury.
Alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency is an inherited disorder where a misfolded protein accumulates in liver cells, leading to their damage.
Liver enzymes can also be elevated due to heart failure, certain thyroid disorders, or some muscle conditions.
What to Do When SGPT/ALT is High
Discovering elevated SGPT/ALT levels necessitates prompt consultation with a healthcare professional. Self-diagnosis or self-treatment is not advisable, as these levels signal a potential underlying health issue that requires medical evaluation.
A medical professional will likely recommend further diagnostic tests to pinpoint the cause of the elevated enzymes. These may include additional blood tests, such as other liver function tests like AST, ALP, and bilirubin, to assess overall liver health. Viral hepatitis panels may be ordered to check for viral infections, and autoimmune markers can help identify autoimmune conditions. Imaging studies, such as an ultrasound, CT scan, or MRI, might be performed to visualize the liver and detect any structural abnormalities or signs of disease. In some cases, a liver biopsy may be considered to examine liver tissue directly for damage or disease.
Lifestyle modifications can support liver health, but these should be discussed with a doctor and are not a substitute for medical treatment. Maintaining a healthy weight through balanced nutrition and regular physical activity can be beneficial, particularly for conditions like NAFLD. Limiting or avoiding alcohol intake is often advised, as alcohol can directly harm liver cells. Reviewing all current medications, including over-the-counter drugs and herbal supplements, with a healthcare provider is also important, as some can contribute to liver stress. The primary approach to managing high SGPT/ALT levels involves identifying and treating the specific underlying cause identified by the doctor.