Aspartate aminotransferase, what is it in the blood of cats? - briefly
Aspartate aminotransferase (AST) is an enzyme found in various tissues throughout the body, including the liver, heart, skeletal muscles, kidneys, and brain. In cats, elevated levels of AST in the blood are often indicative of liver disease or muscle damage, making it a crucial marker for veterinarians to monitor feline health.
Aspartate aminotransferase, what is it in the blood of cats? - in detail
Aspartate aminotransferase (AST) is an enzyme that plays a crucial role in the metabolism of amino acids, specifically aspartic acid and alanine. In the context of feline health, measuring AST levels in the blood can provide valuable insights into the overall condition of a cat's liver and heart.
AST is primarily found in the liver, but it is also present in smaller quantities in other tissues such as the heart, muscles, kidneys, and brain. In cats, elevated AST levels are often indicative of underlying health issues, most commonly related to liver or heart problems. However, it is essential to interpret these results in conjunction with other diagnostic tests and clinical signs, as isolated high AST levels may not always indicate a significant health concern.
Liver diseases such as hepatitis, cirrhosis, or liver tumors can cause damage to the liver cells, leading to an increase in AST levels. Similarly, heart conditions like cardiomyopathy or myocardial infarction (heart attack) can result in elevated AST due to damage to the heart muscles. Other potential causes of high AST levels include muscle trauma, inflammation, or infection, although these are less common in cats compared to liver and heart issues.
It is important to note that while AST is a sensitive marker for liver disease, it lacks specificity. This means that other conditions besides liver problems can also cause elevated AST levels. Therefore, veterinarians typically evaluate AST results alongside other laboratory tests, such as alanine aminotransferase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), and bilirubin, to gain a more comprehensive understanding of the cat's health status.
In addition to liver and heart diseases, certain medications and toxins can also affect AST levels in cats. For example, some drugs used to treat seizures or heart conditions may increase AST as a side effect. Similarly, exposure to certain poisons, such as those found in some plants or rodenticides, can cause elevated AST levels.
In summary, AST is an essential enzyme involved in amino acid metabolism, and its levels in the blood can provide valuable information about a cat's liver and heart health. While elevated AST levels may indicate underlying issues, it is crucial to interpret these results in conjunction with other diagnostic tests and clinical findings for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment plan.