What Causes Increased Liver Enzymes in Humans?

March 6, 2024 | by Yashaswi Pathakamuri | Posted in FAQ's

Liver Enzymes

Increased liver enzyme levels, specifically alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST), in the blood can indicate liver damage or inflammation. Elevated liver enzymes may be caused by various factors, and it’s essential to identify and address the underlying cause. Some common reasons for increased liver enzymes include:

  • Hepatitis:
    • Viral hepatitis, including hepatitis A, B, and C, can cause inflammation of the liver and elevated liver enzyme levels.
  • Alcohol Consumption:
    • Excessive alcohol intake can lead to alcoholic liver disease, causing inflammation and liver enzyme elevation.
  • Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD):
    • NAFLD is a condition characterized by the accumulation of fat in the liver, leading to inflammation and increased liver enzymes. It is often associated with obesity and metabolic syndrome.
  • Medications:
    • Certain medications, including some antibiotics, antifungals, cholesterol-lowering drugs, and pain relievers, may cause liver enzyme elevation as a side effect.
  • Autoimmune Hepatitis:
    • Autoimmune hepatitis is an immune system disorder where the body mistakenly attacks the liver, leading to inflammation and increased liver enzymes.
  • Hemochromatosis:
    • Hemochromatosis is a genetic disorder characterized by excessive iron absorption and accumulation in the liver, potentially causing liver damage and elevated liver enzymes.
  • Wilson’s Disease:
    • Wilson’s disease is a rare genetic disorder that leads to copper accumulation in the liver and other organs, resulting in liver damage and elevated liver enzymes.
  • Cirrhosis:
    • Cirrhosis is advanced scarring of the liver tissue, often resulting from long-term liver damage. It can lead to increased liver enzymes.
  • Gallbladder Issues:
    • Conditions affecting the gallbladder, such as gallstones or inflammation (cholecystitis), can impact liver enzyme levels.
  • Pancreatitis:
    • Inflammation of the pancreas can sometimes affect liver enzyme levels.
  • Infectious Mononucleosis:
    • The Epstein-Barr virus, which causes infectious mononucleosis, can lead to liver inflammation and increased liver enzymes.
  • Heart Failure:
    • Severe heart failure can cause congestion in the liver and result in elevated liver enzymes.
  • Toxic Hepatitis:
    • Exposure to certain toxins, chemicals, or industrial substances can lead to toxic hepatitis and increased liver enzyme levels.

It’s important to note that mild or temporary elevations in liver enzymes can occur for various reasons and may not always indicate serious liver disease. However, persistent or significant increases in liver enzymes should be evaluated by a healthcare professional to determine the underlying cause and appropriate course of action. Diagnostic tests, such as imaging studies and further blood tests, may be necessary for a comprehensive assessment.

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