Hepatic aminotransferases (ALT/AST)

Hepatic aminotransferases, specifically Alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and Aspartate aminotransferase (AST), are essential enzymes involved in the intermediary metabolism of amino acids and gluconeogenesis (StatPearls, 2023, NBK459280). ALT is predominantly localized in the liver, making it a more specific indicator of hepatocellular injury, whereas AST is distributed across the liver, heart, skeletal muscle, and kidneys (UniProt, P24298). Under normal physiological conditions, these enzymes are contained within the cytoplasm of hepatocytes; however, they are released into the systemic circulation following cell membrane damage or necrosis (NIH, 2021). In clinical pharmacology, hepatic aminotransferases are utilized as primary biomarkers for monitoring drug-induced liver injury (DILI) rather than serving as therapeutic targets (LiverTox, 2021). Monitoring these levels is a standard safety requirement in clinical trials to identify potential hepatotoxicity caused by experimental compounds (FDA, 2009). Significant elevations in these markers often trigger safety protocols, including dose reduction or treatment cessation, to mitigate the risk of severe liver dysfunction or failure.

Other names

Alanine aminotransferaseAspartate aminotransferaseSerum glutamic pyruvic transaminaseSGPTSerum glutamic oxaloacetic transaminaseSGOTTransaminases

Not applicable; these enzymes are clinical markers of hepatotoxicity rather than intended therapeutic targets.