Elevations in liver enzymes (ALT, AST, and LDH) are indicative of which condition?

Elevations in liver enzymes, particularly alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), are indicative of hepatocellular injury. These enzymes are released into the bloodstream when liver cells are damaged.

In the context of liver injury, ALT is more specific to the liver compared to AST, which can also be elevated in other conditions, such as heart or muscle injuries. Elevated LDH can indicate tissue damage but is not specific to the liver alone. When there is hepatocellular injury—caused by various conditions like viral hepatitis, drug-induced liver injury, or ischemia—the damaged liver cells leak these enzymes into the circulation, resulting in elevated blood levels.

This understanding helps in the diagnosis and management of various liver conditions, where recognizing the underlying hepatocellular injury is crucial for appropriate intervention.