You will hear relatively often about gamma-GTP, ALT (GPT), and AST (GST). These are all enzymes, and other enzymes such as LDH (lactate dehydrogenase), Ch-E (cholinesterase), and ALP (alkaline phosphatase) are also important to check the condition of the liver. Let me briefly introduce what each of these items can tell us.

Gamma-GTP

It synthesizes and breaks down proteins. If you drink too much alcohol, this level may be high. When this level is high, there is a possibility of alcoholic liver disease, bile stasis, primary biliary cirrhosis, gallstones, and obstruction of the biliary tract.

ALT (GPT) and AST (GOT)

They play a major role in amino acid metabolism and energy metabolism in the body. When these values exceed the standard values, there is concern about alcoholic liver disease, viral hepatitis, cirrhosis, and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.

LDH (lactate dehydrogenase)

It is responsible for converting carbohydrates into energy. If this value is high, hepatitis, liver cirrhosis, biliary tract disease, cancer, leukemia, lymphoma, myocardial infarction, pulmonary infarction, heart failure, hypothyroidism, etc. are considered.

Cholinesterase (Ch-E)

It works to break down neurotransmitters. This value is not good if it is lower or higher than the standard value. If it is low, the liver's ability to produce cholinesterase may be impaired, and diseases such as fulminant hepatitis and liver cirrhosis may be a concern. If it is high, there is a possibility of fatty liver.

ALP (Alkaline phosphatase)

It works to break down phosphate compounds contained in dairy products, etc. If this value is high, drug-induced liver damage, primary biliary cirrhosis, bile stasis, gallstones, biliary obstruction, bone disease, etc. are considered.

These are the enzymes related to the liver that are listed in the blood test and the possible diseases that may occur if the blood test is out of the standard value. These are the names of diseases that may scare you. However, if your blood test results are abnormal, you should go to the hospital for a thorough examination.

Now that we have introduced the enzymes in the blood test and the possible diseases that can be detected from them, why do we need to check the values of these enzymes in the blood to detect diseases? What exactly are enzymes?

What are enzymes?

Enzymes are found in all living things, including plants and single-celled organisms. They are then used as catalysts to break down or synthesize substances in the organism.

The term "catalyst" is often used in chemistry and other fields to refer to a substance that accelerates a chemical reaction but does not change the reaction itself.

For example, water is made from hydrogen and oxygen, but water cannot be made by simply heating hydrogen and oxygen in a glass container. However, if a small amount of copper is added, the hydrogen and oxygen will react to form water. The copper acted as a catalyst, but even after the reaction, the copper remains copper and nothing changes.

In other words, enzymes are substances that work to change substances in the body into something else, but the enzyme itself does not change.

Each type of enzyme has a specific place where it is made and where it works. In the case of the enzymes mentioned earlier in the blood test section, they are enzymes that are normally only present in the blood within the standard range.

The presence of these enzymes in excess of the standard value is thought to be due to some kind of problem such as disease or inflammation in the internal organs, bones, or muscles where these enzymes are supposed to be, causing them to be unable to stay there and leaking into the blood.

On the other hand, for enzymes that should not be below the standard level, a drop in the enzyme level indicates that there is a problem in the organ that produces the enzyme. Blood tests use the properties of these enzymes to diagnose health conditions.

There are many enzymes involved in the liver. The liver performs a wide range of functions, including protein synthesis, nutrient storage, detoxification and decomposition of toxic substances, and synthesis and secretion of bile, which is necessary for food digestion. Because of these various functions, many different enzymes are involved.

Liver and Oxidative Stress

The liver, which detoxifies harmful substances, is an organ that is often exposed to oxidative stress that is harmful to the body. To keep your liver healthy, you should try to lower oxidative stress.

Finally, there are many items in blood tests that are related to liver conditions, but the blood test itself is a parameter of the body as a whole and does not necessarily indicate the presence of liver disease.

In a specialized institution, a comprehensive diagnosis is made not only by blood tests, but also by detailed examination, medical history and consultation. If you have any concerns, we recommend that you visit a medical institution for a proper checkup.