Marker of liver and heart muscle dysfunction

Aspartate aminotransferase (AST) is an enzyme that belongs to the group of transaminases. AST is involved in the metabolism of amino acids, which occurs in all metabolically active cells. The enzyme is present in the tissues of the myocardium, liver, skeletal muscle, kidneys, pancreas, brain, and spleen. The most pronounced changes in AST activity are observed in heart muscle damage and liver disease.