Serum glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase (SGOT) and serum glutamic pyruvic transaminase (SGPT) are enzymes commonly measured in blood tests. They indicate liver health. When liver cells are damaged or inflamed, these enzymes leak into the bloodstream, leading to elevated levels. Monitoring these levels provides insights into potential liver stress or injury.
The Role of SGOT and SGPT
SGOT (aspartate aminotransferase or AST) and SGPT (alanine aminotransferase or ALT) are enzymes involved in amino acid metabolism. SGOT is found in various tissues, including the liver, heart, skeletal muscles, kidneys, and brain, while SGPT is predominantly located in the liver.
SGPT’s more restricted distribution makes it a more specific indicator of liver health than SGOT. When liver cells are injured, SGPT is released into the bloodstream, signaling potential liver damage. SGOT levels can also rise due to damage in other organs where it is present, such as during a heart attack or muscle injury.
When Are These Tests Ordered?
Healthcare providers order SGOT and SGPT tests when liver damage or disease is suspected. These tests screen for liver function, monitor known liver conditions, or assess the impact of certain medications on the liver.
Symptoms prompting these tests include jaundice, unexplained fatigue, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain or swelling, dark urine, and light-colored stool. These tests are also included in routine check-ups or for individuals with risk factors for liver disease, such as a family history, obesity, or diabetes.
Interpreting Your Test Results
Elevated SGOT and SGPT levels suggest liver cell injury or inflammation, as these enzymes leak into the bloodstream when liver cells are compromised. Normal ranges vary slightly between laboratories, but SGOT typically falls between 5 and 40 units per liter (U/L), and SGPT between 7 and 56 U/L. Deviations from these ranges often indicate an underlying issue.
The degree of elevation offers clues about the cause. Mild elevations (less than five times the normal limit) are observed in conditions such as non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, chronic hepatitis, or due to certain medications. Moderate elevations (five to ten times the normal limit) may point to active hepatitis, alcohol-related liver damage, or drug toxicity. Significantly high elevations (more than ten times the normal limit) typically indicate acute liver injury, such as from acute viral hepatitis or severe drug-induced liver injury.
Common causes of elevated SGOT and SGPT include fatty liver disease (related to alcohol or non-alcoholic factors like obesity and metabolic syndrome), viral hepatitis (types A, B, or C), certain medications, chronic alcohol use, cirrhosis, or autoimmune hepatitis. These tests are indicators, not a definitive diagnosis, and warrant further medical evaluation.
What to Do About High Levels
If your blood tests show elevated SGOT or SGPT levels, consult a healthcare professional. These results indicate a need for further investigation to identify the cause. A doctor may recommend additional diagnostic tests, such as other blood tests, imaging studies like ultrasound, or a liver biopsy, to determine the underlying condition.
Management often involves addressing the root cause. Lifestyle modifications may be advised, including abstaining from alcohol, adopting a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, and engaging in regular physical activity. Maintaining a healthy weight and managing conditions like diabetes or high cholesterol can also contribute to improving liver health. Any changes to diet or lifestyle should be made under medical guidance, and self-treating based solely on enzyme levels is not advised.