Causes of elevated AST levels

Elevated AST (Aspartate Aminotransferase) levels can be indicative of various conditions, primarily related to liver damage or disease. Here are the potential causes:

Liver Diseases

  1. Hepatitis: Viral infections such as hepatitis A, B, and C can cause liver inflammation and elevated AST levels.
  2. Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD): This condition involves the accumulation of fat in the liver and is often associated with obesity and metabolic syndrome.
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  3. Alcoholic Liver Disease: Excessive alcohol consumption can lead to liver damage, including alcoholic hepatitis and cirrhosis.
  4. Cirrhosis: Scarring of the liver tissue due to chronic liver damage from various causes.
  5. Liver Cancer: Tumors in the liver can cause elevated AST levels.

Infections

  1. Mononucleosis: Caused by the Epstein-Barr virus, it can lead to liver inflammation and elevated AST levels.
  2. Other Viral Infections: Such as cytomegalovirus (CMV) and other viral infections that affect the liver.

Lifestyle Factors

  1. Obesity: Excess body weight is a significant risk factor for elevated AST levels due to its association with fatty liver disease.
  2. Physical Inactivity: Lack of physical activity can contribute to metabolic syndrome and fatty liver disease, leading to elevated AST levels.
  3. Diet: Poor dietary habits, such as high sugar and fat intake, can contribute to fatty liver disease and elevated AST levels.

Medications and Supplements

  1. Acetaminophen (Tylenol): Overuse or overdose of this medication can cause liver damage and elevated AST levels.
  2. Statins: Cholesterol-lowering drugs can sometimes cause liver enzyme elevation.
  3. Other Medications: Including certain antibiotics, anti-seizure drugs, and herbal supplements, which can be hepatotoxic.

Other Medical Conditions

  1. Hemochromatosis: A condition where the body absorbs too much iron, leading to liver damage.
  2. Wilson's Disease: A genetic disorder causing copper accumulation in the liver, leading to liver damage.
  3. Autoimmune Hepatitis: The immune system attacks liver cells, causing inflammation and elevated AST levels.
  4. Thyroid Disorders: Both hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism can affect liver enzyme levels.
  5. Metabolic Syndrome: A cluster of conditions including high blood pressure, high blood sugar, excess body fat around the waist, and abnormal cholesterol levels, which can contribute to fatty liver disease and elevated AST levels.
  6. Primary Biliary Cholangitis: Scarring of the bile ducts, leading to liver damage.
  7. Biliary Atresia: Problems with bile flow, affecting liver function.
  8. Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis: Inflammation and scarring of bile ducts.
  9. Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency: A genetic condition that causes lung and liver damage.
  10. Celiac Disease: An immune reaction to dietary gluten causing liver issues.
  11. Polymyositis: An inflammatory disease of the muscles that can affect liver enzymes.
  12. Cancer: Various cancers can impact liver function and enzyme levels.

Symptoms Associated with Elevated AST Levels

  • Abdominal pain and swelling
  • Jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes)
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Fatigue and weakness
  • Itching
  • Dark-colored urine and light-colored stools
  • Loss of appetite.