Aspartate transaminase (AST) or aspartate aminotransferase, also known as AspAT/ASAT/AAT or (serum) glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase (GOT, SGOT), is a pyridoxal phosphate (PLP)-dependent transaminase enzyme (EC 2.6.1.1) that was first described by Arthur Karmen and colleagues in 1954.[1][2][3] AST catalyzes the reversible transfer of an α-amino group between aspartate and glutamate and, as such, is an important enzyme in amino acid metabolism. AST is found in the liver, heart, skeletal muscle, kidneys, brain, red blood cells and gall bladder. Serum AST level, serum ALT (alanine transaminase) level, and their ratio (AST/ALT ratio) are commonly measured clinically as biomarkers for liver health. The tests are part of blood panels.
The half-life of total AST in the circulation approximates 17 hours and, on average, 87 hours for mitochondrial AST.[4] Aminotransferase is cleared by sinusoidal cells in the liver.[4]
- ^ Karmen A, Wroblewski F, Ladue JS (January 1955). "Transaminase activity in human blood". The Journal of Clinical Investigation. 34 (1): 126–131. doi:10.1172/jci103055. PMC 438594. PMID 13221663.
- ^ Karmen A (January 1955). "A note on the spectrometric assay of glutamic-oxalacetic transaminase in human blood serum". The Journal of Clinical Investigation. 34 (1): 131–133. doi:10.1172/JCI103055. PMC 438594. PMID 13221664.
- ^ Ladue JS, Wroblewski F, Karmen A (September 1954). "Serum glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase activity in human acute transmural myocardial infarction". Science. 120 (3117): 497–499. Bibcode:1954Sci...120..497L. doi:10.1126/science.120.3117.497. PMID 13195683.
- ^ a b Giannini EG, Testa R, Savarino V (February 2005). "Liver enzyme alteration: a guide for clinicians". CMAJ. 172 (3): 367–379. doi:10.1503/cmaj.1040752. PMC 545762. PMID 15684121.
Aminotransferase clearance is carried out within the liver by sinusoidal cells. The half-life in the circulation is about 47 hours for ALT, about 17 hours for total AST and, on average, 87 hours for mitochondrial AST.