Jaundice and Liver Health: Importance of SGPT and SGOT levels
Liver plays an important role in keeping our body healthy, but due to various reasons the liver has to face many problems which not only affect the liver health but also invite more problems. Jaundice is one such problem related to liver which gives rise to other problems along with liver. In this article, we will discuss the importance of SGPT and SGOT levels in evaluating liver health and understanding jaundice.

What is Jaundice?

Jaundice is a condition in which the skin, whites of the eyes (sclera) and mucous membranes turn yellow. This yellow color is caused by high levels of bilirubin, a yellow-orange bile pigment. Bile is a fluid secreted by the liver. Bilirubin is produced by the breakdown of red blood cells.

What causes jaundice?

Jaundice can be caused by a problem in any of the three steps of bilirubin production.

Before the production of bilirubin, you may have unconjugated jaundice due to increased levels of bilirubin due to:-

1. Reabsorption of large hematoma A collection of clotted or partially clotted blood under the skin.

2. Hemolytic anemia Blood cells are destroyed and removed from the bloodstream before their normal lifespan ends.

During the production of bilirubin, jaundice can occur due to the following reasons:-

1. Viruses, including hepatitis A, chronic hepatitis B and C, and Epstein-Barr virus infection.

2. Alcohol.

3. Autoimmune disorders.

4. Rare genetic metabolic defects.

5. Medications including acetaminophen poisoning, penicillin, oral contraceptives, chlorpromazine, and estrogenic or anabolic steroids.

After the production of bilirubin, jaundice can occur due to blockage of bile ducts:-

1. Gallstones.

2. Inflammation of the gallbladder.

3. Gall bladder cancer.

4. Pancreas tumor.

What are the symptoms of jaundice?

Sometimes, a person does not have symptoms of jaundice, and the condition may be discovered incidentally. The severity of symptoms depends on the underlying cause and how quickly or slowly the disease develops.

If you have a short-term case of jaundice (usually caused by infection), you may have the following symptoms and signs:

1. Fever.

2. Feeling cold.

3. Stomach pain.

4. Flu-like symptoms.

5. Change in skin color.

6. Dark urine and/or clay-colored stools.

If jaundice is not caused by an infection, you may have symptoms such as weight loss or skin itching (itching). If jaundice is caused by pancreatic or biliary tract cancer, the most common symptom is abdominal pain. Sometimes, you may get jaundice along with liver disease if you have:

1. Chronic hepatitis or inflammation of the liver.

2. Pyoderma gangrenosum: This is a type of skin disease.

3. Acute hepatitis A, B or C.

4. Polyarthralgia means swelling of joints.

What are SGPT and SGOT levels?

When it comes to understanding liver health, the terms SGPT and SGOT come up often. But what do these acronyms actually mean? Let’s break it down.

SGPT stands for serum glutamate pyruvate transaminase, while SGOT stands for serum glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase. These are enzymes that are mainly found in liver cells. When there is damage or inflammation in the liver, these enzymes leak into the bloodstream, causing their levels to increase.

Elevated levels of SGPT and SGOT can indicate various liver conditions such as hepatitis, fatty liver disease or even jaundice. However, it is important to note that high readings do not necessarily indicate a specific diagnosis – further tests may be required for a definitive conclusion.

It is important to monitor these enzyme levels to assess the overall health of your liver. Regular blood tests can help detect any abnormalities early and allow timely intervention if necessary.

Remember that although increased SGPT and SGOT levels may point to potential problems with your liver, they do not provide the complete picture in themselves. It is essential to consult a health care professional for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment options tailored to your specific needs.

How are SGPT and SGOT levels related to liver health?

SGPT (serum glutamic pyruvic transaminase) and SGOT (serum glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase) levels in the body can provide important information about liver health. These enzymes are found primarily in liver cells, and their presence in the bloodstream indicates possible damage or inflammation within this vital organ.

When the liver is healthy, these enzyme levels are usually within normal ranges. However, if any type of injury or disease is present in the liver, such as hepatitis or fatty liver disease, it can cause an increase in SGPT and SGOT levels.

Elevated SGPT levels may indicate ongoing inflammation or damage to liver cells. On the other hand, increased SGOT levels may indicate a more generalized problem with overall liver function. Therefore, monitoring these enzyme levels can help health professionals assess the severity of any underlying liver condition.

It is important to note that although elevated SGPT and SGOT levels may be a sign of a problem with your liver health, they do not specifically identify any particular condition. Further diagnostic tests may be needed to determine the exact reason behind these abnormal results.

Regular checkups and consultations with a health care professional play an important role in understanding how your specific condition relates to your overall well-being.

What causes high SGPT and SGOT levels?

The levels of SGPT and SGOT in the bloodstream may serve as important indicators of liver health. When these levels are elevated, it often indicates an underlying problem with the liver. SGPT and SGOT increase due to the following reasons:-

1. Liver disease:- Conditions like hepatitis (both viral and alcoholic), cirrhosis and fatty liver disease can cause high SGPT and SGOT levels. These diseases cause inflammation or damage to liver cells, causing enzymes like SGPT and SGOT to leak into the bloodstream.

2. Medicines:- Some medicines, including statins used for cholesterol management, antibiotics, anti-seizure medicines and some painkillers like acetaminophen, can affect liver function. Can affect and increase enzyme levels.

3. Alcohol abuse:- Excessive alcohol consumption for a long time can seriously damage the liver, which can increase enzyme production.

4. Infection: Infection caused by viruses such as Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) or cytomegalovirus (CMV) can result in elevated SGPT and SGOT levels. There may be a temporary increase.

5. Physical injury or trauma:- Serious injuries that directly impact the liver can cause the enzyme to be temporarily released into the bloodstream.

6. Autoimmune disorders:- In diseases like autoimmune hepatitis or primary cholangitis, healthy liver cells are attacked by the immune system, resulting in increased enzyme levels.

If you notice abnormal results in blood tests that measure your SGPT and SGOT levels, it is important to understand these causes to identify potential problems with your liver health.

How can high SGPT and SGOT levels be treated?

High SGPT and SGOT levels may indicate liver damage or disease, so it is important to seek immediate attention to these elevated levels. Treatment of high SGPT and SGOT depends on the underlying cause. In cases of viral hepatitis, antiviral drugs may be prescribed to help clear up the infection and reduce inflammation in the liver.

For individuals with fatty liver disease, lifestyle modification is important. This includes adopting a healthy diet low in saturated fat and refined sugars, increasing physical activity, and losing weight if necessary. Medicines may also be prescribed to manage any associated conditions like diabetes or high cholesterol.

In cases where alcohol consumption is contributing to elevated liver enzymes, it is important to abstain from alcohol. Support groups or counseling may also be beneficial in helping individuals recover from addiction.

If certain medications or toxins are causing liver damage they may need to be discontinued or avoided. Your healthcare provider will work with you to identify any potential culprits and find appropriate alternatives if needed.

It’s worth noting that treating high SGPT and SGOT levels requires addressing the underlying cause rather than just focusing on reducing the enzyme levels. Regular monitoring of these levels along with continued management of any associated conditions is essential to maintain optimal liver health.

How is jaundice diagnosed?

Doctors diagnose jaundice by examining the symptoms of liver disease such as:

1. Injuries to the skin.

2. Spider angiomas Abnormal collections of blood vessels near the surface of the skin.

3. Palmar Erythema: Red color of palms and fingers.

Urinalysis (urine test) that is positive for bilirubin indicates that the patient has conjugated jaundice. The findings of urinalysis should be confirmed by serum testing. Serum testing includes complete blood count (CBC) ( This will include a complete blood count (CBC) and bilirubin levels.

Your doctor will also perform an exam to determine the size and tenderness of your liver. He may use imaging (ultrasonography and computer tomographic (CT) scanning) and liver biopsy to confirm the diagnosis.

How is jaundice treated?

Jaundice in adults usually does not require treatment (it is a more serious problem in infants). The causes and complications of jaundice can be treated. For example, if itching is bothersome, it can be relieved with cholestyramine.

What are some complications/side effects of jaundice treatment? 

1. Constipation.

2. Swelling. ,

3. Stomach ache.

4. Gas.

5. Stomach upset.

6. Vomiting.

7. Diarrhea.

Can jaundice be prevented?

Since there are many causes of jaundice, it is difficult to provide specific prevention measures. Some general suggestions include:-

1. Avoid hepatitis infection.

2. Stay within recommended alcohol limits.

3. Maintain a healthy weight.

4. Manage your cholesterol.

conclusion

It is important to understand the significance of SGPT and SGOT levels when it comes to monitoring liver health and diagnosing conditions such as jaundice. These enzymes serve as important indicators of liver damage or dysfunction, with elevated levels indicating potential problems.

Jaundice, which is characterized by yellowing of the skin and eyes, occurs when excess bilirubin builds up in the body. This can be caused by various factors such as viral infection, alcohol abuse, medication side effects, or underlying liver disease such as hepatitis or fatty liver.

SGPT (alanine aminotransferase) and SGOT (aspartate aminotransferase) are enzymes found primarily in liver cells. When these cells are damaged due to inflammation or injury, they are released into the bloodstream, causing levels to increase in blood tests. Monitoring these levels helps healthcare providers assess the extent of liver damage and track progress during treatment.

High SGPT and SGOT levels indicate that the liver may not be functioning properly. It is important to promptly identify and address any underlying cause to prevent further complications. Lifestyle modifications such as adopting a healthy diet low in fat and high in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins; regular exercise; limiting alcohol consumption; abstinence from smoking; Maintaining a healthy weight can help improve overall liver health.

Treatment of high SGPT and SGOT levels depends on the underlying cause. This may include medications for viral infections or autoimmune disorders, if applicable.