AST

Last reviewed 01/2018

Aspartate aminotransferase is an enzyme found in heart, liver, skeletal muscle, pancreas, kidney and red blood cells. It is an aminotransferase, transferring an amino group to ketoacids. It requires pyridoxal-5-phosphate as a coenzyme. Increased plasma activity is the result of leakage of enzyme from tissues as a result of cellular damage: it is found predominantly in the cytoplasm and mitochondria.

Related pages:

AST in myocardial disease

reference range (AST)

AST in liver disease

AST in skeletal muscle disease

AST in other disease

aminotransferases

asymptomatic raised aminotransferase levels

AST : ALT ratio