Aspartate transaminase

)|Gene=ID#: GI:41011|Structure=^* Aspartate aminotransferase of Escherichia coli: nucleotide sequence of the aspC gene.,
The complete amino acid sequence of aspartate aminotransferase from Escherichia coli: sequence comparison with pig isoenzymes.,
[http://www.ncbi.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_uids=1868057&dopt=AbstractSite-directed mutagenesis of Escherichia coli aspartate aminotransferase: role of Tyr70 in the catalytic processes.}}

Aspartate Transaminase (AST) also called Serum Glutamic Oxaloacetic Transaminase (SGOT) or aspartate aminotransferase (ASAT) () is similar to alanine transaminase (ALT) in that it is another enzyme associated with liver parenchymal cells. It is raised in acute liver damage. It is also present in red blood cells and cardiac muscle.

AST is found in red blood cells, liver and heart cells, and muscle tissue. It also is found in other organs, such as the pancreas and kidneys. AST formerly was called serum glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase (SGOT).

When body tissue or an organ such as the heart or liver is diseased or damaged, additional AST is released into the bloodstream. The amount of AST in the blood is directly related to the extent of the tissue damage. After severe damage, AST levels rise in 6 to 10 hours and remain high for about 4 days. The AST test may be done at the same time as a test for alanine aminotransferase, or ALT. The ratio of AST to ALT (AST:ALT) sometimes can help determine whether the liver or another organ has been damaged. AST also can help determine the cause of the liver damage. Both ALT and AST levels are reliable indicators of liver damage.

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