Glutathione S-transferase levels in autoimmune chronic active hepatitis: a more sensitive index of hepatocellular damage than aspartate transaminase.
Glutathione S-transferase (GST; EC 2.5.1.18), a sensitive marker of hepatocellular damage, was measured in patients on therapy for histologically proven, autoimmune chronic active hepatitis at various stages of the disease. GST levels were elevated in 65% of serum samples despite immuno-suppressive treatment compared with aspartate transaminase (AST) which was increased in only 23% of samples. In 55% of samples with normal AST concentrations, GST was elevated. No samples demonstrated abnormal transaminase with normal GST levels. It is concluded that continuing hepatocellular damage occurs in patients with autoimmune chronic active hepatitis on immuno-suppressive treatment.
Hayes
P C
PC
Department of Medicine, Ninewells Hospital and Medical School, Dundee, UK.
Hussey
A J
AJ
Keating
J
J
Bouchier
I A
IA
Williams
R
R
Beckett
G J
GJ
Hayes
J D
JD
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001219:Aspartate Aminotransferases / Q000097:blood*; D001327:Autoimmune Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000201:enzymology / Q000276:immunology; D004796:Clinical Enzyme Tests; D005260:Female; D005982:Glutathione Transferase / Q000097:blood*; D006521:Hepatitis, Chronic / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000201:enzymology / Q000276:immunology; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011379:Prognosis
D005982:Glutathione Transferase; D001219:Aspartate Aminotransferases