The liver clears many toxins in the body as a normal daily function. The hepatocytes, or liver cells, do a great job of processing drugs, detoxifying the blood and providing necessary amino acids, glucose and other necessary building blocks for the body. Elevated liver enzymes can be an indication of a sick liver. Inflamed or damaged hepatocytes can elevate the liver enzymes. AST (aspartate transaminase), ALT (alanine transaminase) and GGT (Gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase) are liver enzymes that a doctor examines to evaluate the health of the liver. There are multiple reasons for elevated liver enzymes.
Hepatitis
Hepatitis A, B, and C can cause elevated liver enzymes. Hepatitis is a viral disease that causes inflammation of hepatocytes. Hepatitis A is contracted from contaminated food or water. Hepatitis B and C are transmitted via sexual contact, or exposure to contaminated body fluids. A pregnant women can transmit hepatitis to her unborn child. According to the Mayo Clinic, hepatitis C is the most serious hepatitis. Hepatitis C can remain undiagnosed for years until it manifests serious liver failure symptoms. Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease is a term used to describe the accumulation of fat in the liver. Usually not severe, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease can elevate the liver enzymes, and may eventually progress to severe disease.
Alcohol
Abusing alcohol will elevate liver enzymes and can eventually lead to cirrhosis. Alcohol is processed mainly through the liver. According to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, cirrhosis is the fourth leading cause of death in people ages 45 to 54. Alcoholic hepatitis is a precursor to cirrhosis. Along with elevated liver enzymes, a patient may experience nausea, loss of appetite, vomiting, fever and abdominal pain or tenderness. Severe disease symptoms include jaundice and mental confusion. Women are at higher risk than men for developing cirrhosis.
Drugs
Certain drugs used to lower cholesterol will elevate liver enzymes. The group of drugs called statins, as well as gemfibrozil and niacin, can cause liver damage as noted by the Mayo Clinic. Mild elevation does not preclude a patient from taking these medications, but significant elevation is a contraindication to continuing these drugs. A physician will want to check liver enzymes monthly for awhile when these medications are started. Excessive acetaminophen, or Tylenol, use can also damage the liver. Using alcohol with acetaminophen is especially dangerous and should be avoided.
