Marker of cytolysis in liver diseases

Alanine aminotransferase (ALT) is an enzyme that is part of the transferases and catalyzes the transfer of an amino group from alanine to alpha-ketoglutaric acid. ALT is mainly found in the liver, in particular in liver cells, and in lower concentrations in the kidneys, myocardium, skeletal muscle, and pancreas. Damage or destruction of cells under the influence of infectious or toxic factors disrupts their energy metabolism, which leads to the release of ALT into the bloodstream.