Elevated levels of which liver enzyme indicate potential liver damage?

Elevated levels of AST (aspartate aminotransferase) are indicative of potential liver damage because this enzyme is primarily found in the liver, heart, skeletal muscle, kidneys, and brain. When liver cells are damaged due to various reasons such as hepatitis, alcohol abuse, or fatty liver disease, AST is released into the bloodstream, resulting in increased serum levels. This enzyme is often measured alongside ALT (alanine aminotransferase) to assess liver health, as elevations in both can indicate hepatocellular injury.

In contrast, although ALP (alkaline phosphatase) and GGT (gamma-glutamyl transferase) can also suggest liver dysfunction, they are more specifically associated with biliary obstruction and cholestasis rather than direct hepatocyte injury. LDH (lactate dehydrogenase) is a less specific marker and can be elevated in various conditions beyond liver damage, such as hemolysis or tissue injury elsewhere in the body. Therefore, the elevation of AST is a more direct indicator of potential liver damage compared to the other enzymes listed.