What is aspartate aminotransferase?

ASAT, or aspartate aminotransferase, is an enzyme found in the liver, pancreas and heart. Its concentration is increased in case of tissue damage to important organs, such as cirrhosis of the liver or myocardial infarction. ASAT enters the bloodstream as a result of the damage.

The aspartate aminotransferase level can also be high, for example, in the case of hepatitis and pancreatitis.

Aspartate aminotransferase is an enzyme that is responsible for the conversion of alpha-ketoglutarate into oxaloacetate and glutamate in the body. Glutamate is a neurotransmitter that stimulates brain activity and is involved in nerve cell growth, differentiation, learning and movement regulation.

Oxaloacetate has several functions in the body. For example, it acts as a precursor in gluconeogenesis, a process that takes place in the liver and in the cortex of the kidney, where glucose is made from substances other than carbohydrates.

The highest concentrations of this enzyme are found in the liver, heart muscle and muscles, i.e. the organs where metabolism is rapid. The concentration increases in the case of acute diseases and heart muscle damage.

ASAT test P-ASAT

The result of the ASAT study says a lot about the tissues’ state of health as a high value indicates the breakdown of the tissues.

The ASAT value can be used to determine the following diseases:

• Differential diagnosis of hepatitis is based on ASAT/ALAT ratio
• Diagnosis of liver diseases
• As an additional study in the diagnostics of muscle diseases

Reference values for P-ASAT

The marking U/l means unit per litre.

Men have, on average, slightly higher ASAT levels than women. ASAT level increases with age. The level is usually higher in the case of obesity.

What is causing elevated ASAT levels?

• Acute hepatitis, in which ASAT can increase up to 20 times the reference value.
• Gallstones can cause ASAT to become ten times the reference value, but the level also returns to normal very quickly after the condition has been corrected.
• Liver cirrhosis. ASAT level varies according to the extent of damage.
• Acute myocarditis
• Progressive muscular dystrophy and dermatomyositis
• Hemolysis, i.e. the breakdown of red blood cells, may cause falsely high ASAT values.

ASAT/ALAT ratio

The ratio of aspartate aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase can be interpreted to determine the quality of hepatitis as follows:

• Viral, drug and autoimmune hepatitis: ratio usually less than 1, i.e. ASAT is lower than ALAT
• Significant liver damage, such as toxic, ischaemic or other severe hepatitis: ratio usually higher than 1
• Alcoholic hepatitis: high ASAT/ALAT ratio, up to more than 2

A high ASAT/ALAT ratio may also be due to extrahepatic tissues. The ratio is often high in the case of muscular dystrophy, muscle exertion, pulmonary embolism and kidney infection.

Treatment of high ASAT

The aim is to restore the abnormal ASAT value close to the reference value by treating the condition that causes the increase. If the high value is due to alcohol consumption, drinking must be stopped. If the high value is due to another disease, treating the disease decreases the value.

How can I order an ASAT test?

You can order an ASAT test from Puhti’s online store here.

All tests can be ordered without a doctor’s referral. You can also order multiple tests at once, making the sampling process more convenient! Check out Puhti laboratory packages as well, which provides comprehensive information about the body’s condition and health.

Through Puhti, you can get tests without a doctor’s referral, and if needed, you can also order a separate service for a doctor’s remote consultation from Puhti’s result report if you suspect illness.

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