an enzyme (e.g., SGOT [AST], SGPT [ALT]) produced by the liver that catalyzes the transfer of amino acids. Abnormally high levels in the blood indicate liver disease or damage (e.g., hepatitis, drug-related liver toxicity).
Enzyme produced by the liver and used to measure the degree of inflammation in the liver.
A liver enzyme. A laboratory test that measures transaminase levels is used to assess the functioning of the liver.
A normal tissue enzyme that can transfer an amino group from one compound to another. Increased levels of serum transminase indicate tissue injury.
In biochemistry, a transaminase or an aminotransferase is an enzyme that catalyzes a type of reaction between an amino acid and an α-keto acid. Specifically, this reaction (transamination) involves removing the amino group from the amino acid, leaving behind an α-keto acid, and transferring it to the reactant α-keto acid and converting it into an amino acid. The enzymes are important in the production of various amino acids, and measuring the concentrations of various transaminases in the blood is important in the diagnosing and tracking many diseases.