If your GOT (AST) and GPT (ALT) are high, watch your liver! Relationship with oxidative stress
March 16, 2021
If your GOT (AST) and GPT (ALT) are high, watch your liver! Relationship with oxidative stress
If you have high GOT (AST) and GPT (ALT) values in your blood test results from a physical examination or physical checkup, you should be concerned about your liver. If you are a frequent drinker, you may be even more concerned.
First of all, GOT (AST) stands for Glutamic Oxaloacetic Transaminase, and GPT (ALT) stands for Glutamic Pyruvate Transaminase. Both are enzymes produced by liver cells, and since their blood values increase when the liver is in bad condition, they are parameters (indicators) for detecting liver diseases.
GOT (AST) is found mostly in the liver, while GPT (ALT) is found in other parts of the body such as the heart and kidneys, so its value may increase even when the liver is not in good condition. In addition to GOT (AST) and GPT (ALT), another parameter of liver health is γ-GTP.
The liver is also known as the “silent organ,” and it is difficult to notice any symptoms even if the liver is not in good condition. It is also called the “silent organ” because when symptoms start to appear, it is already too late to treat.
It is recommended to check the GOT (AST), GPT (ALT), and γ-GTP values as parameters for early detection of liver diseases that do not show subjective symptoms.
It is also important to have a proper examination when you have a chance, such as a physical checkup or a physical examination, because it is unlikely that you will go to a hospital to have an examination if you do not have any physical problems such as pain.
GOT(AST), GPT(ALT) and Oxidative Stress
As explained earlier, GOT(AST) and GPT(ALT) are both enzymes that are released into the bloodstream when the liver is not in good condition or when liver cells are damaged.
The cells in our body replace old cells with new cells every day. This means that a certain amount of liver cells are dying every day.
However, if the number of broken and dying cells increases more than the number of newly created cells, the GOT (AST) and GPT (ALT) values jump up.
So when do normal liver cells break down?
It is a condition of inflammation in the liver, for example, viral hepatitis or alcoholic hepatitis, which causes the liver cells to break down.
Inflammation of the liver means that oxidative stress substances are produced in the area where inflammation is occurring. This oxidative stress damages the liver cells, causing them to break down and die, which in turn raises the GOT (AST) and GPT (ALT) levels.
On the other hand, when oxidative stress is lowered, GOT(AST) and GPT(ALT) decrease and become normal.
If your GOT (AST) and GPT (ALT) values are a little higher than the standard values, you may be able to improve them by reviewing your lifestyle. In particular, if you are a frequent drinker, reducing the amount of alcohol you drink can help you get back within the standard values. Also, by living a lifestyle that lowers oxidative stress, you can aim to improve the values.
Reference Articles
What lifestyle habits cause oxidative stress
What happens when oxidative stress increases in the body
The liver is an important organ that plays a role in metabolism and detoxification. Hepatitis and cirrhosis are diseases that are very much related to oxidative stress. If you are recommended to improve your lifestyle at a medical checkup or physical examination, you can aim for a long and healthy life by reviewing your dietary habits and keeping in mind a lifestyle that does not increase oxidative stress.
Past articles: Liver-related
How are hepatitis and pancreatitis related to alcohol?
What is the toxic substance acetaldehyde?