Aspartate transferase

Aspartate aminotransferase (AST) is an enzyme that is found in the mitochondria and cytoplasm of the liver. It is also highly concentrated in the kidney, pancreas, heart, and skeletal muscle. Because it is found in greater quantities in the liver than in other tissues, the cytoplasmic enzyme alanine aminotransferase (ALT) is thought to be more selective for liver Aminotransferases can be highly elevated in acute cholestatic disease, particularly choledocholithiasis, although they are most helpful in the diagnosis (e.g., early stages of viral hepatitis) and monitoring of hepatocellular disease. Acute severe hypotension and acute heart failure can also cause notable increases.injury.