Are hepatitis B carriers more vulnerable to exercise-related liver injury? Recent evidence from a 7-day ultramarathon

摘要

Alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) are the most well-known liver enzyme tests used to diagnose hepatocyte injury. Besides, these two enzymes are localized in the liver at high concentrations. AST is also present in the heart, skeletal muscle, kidneys, pancreas, brain, and red blood cells in considerable amounts. However, ALT is present in low concentrations in skeletal muscle and other extrahepatic organs. Therefore, ALT is an indicator of liver damage in most situations, and AST is a less specific marker of liver injury. The presence of these enzymes in the blood is due to changes in membrane permeability as well as cellular disruption, damage, and death. These enzymes are also observed in blood in response to exercise.