Liver Enzymes
What are liver enzymes?
The liver performs dozens of functions that are
important to metabolism. Liver enzymes make may of these
processes possible.
There are literally thousands of enzymes in the
human liver. But when some of these these enzymes accumulate at
elevated levels, problems can result. Elervated liver enzymes
usually mean the liver isn't functioning properly and some
liver cells are being damaged.
Elevated enzymes are a clue that some form of
liver disorder has developed, even if no symptoms have
presented themselves. If you have elevated liver enzymes,
you'll usually need specific tests to determine exactly what's
wrong. These tests could could be an MRI, biopsy, ultrasound,
CT scan, and liver blood tests.
Elevated liver enzymes may be caused by any of
the following, or a combination
-
Autoimmune disorders of the liver and bile ducts,
such as autoimmune hepatitis
-
Diabetes
-
Elevated triglycerides
-
Excessive consumption of alcohol
-
Excessive use of certain herbal supplements, such
as kava, comfrey, pennyroyal and skullcap
-
Infections such as viral hepatitis and
mononucleosis
-
Medications, including certain nonsteroidal
anti-inflammatory drugs, cholesterol-lowering
medications, antibiotics and anti-seizure
medications
-
Metabolic liver disease, such as hemochromatosis
and Wilson's disease
-
Obesity
-
Tumors of the liver or bile ducts
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