SGPT vs. SGOT: A Beginner’s Guide to Liver Enzymes

Did you ever look at a liver function test report and come across clinical terms like the SGPT test and SGOT test? These two are major markers used to indicate the functioning of your liver. Doctors rely on these parameters to figure out nuances of your liver health.

Understanding the significance of liver enzymes

Liver enzymes are proteins that help speed up chemical reactions in the vital organ. Your liver performs vital digestive functions like metabolizing nutrients, storing energy, eliminating toxins, and generating proteins.

If your liver is stressed or damaged for some reason, it produces enzymes like SGOT and SGPT into the bloodstream. Through the SGPT and SGOT test,(usually offered under the LFT package), doctors can figure out early signs of liver dysfunction. 

The basics of the SGPT test

SGPT stands for Serum Glutamate Pyruvate Transaminase. This enzyme is found in your liver cells. Its role is to break down proteins into energy. As SGPT is meant to be within the liver, its elevated levels hint at liver damage. 

Usually, SGPT levels should be in the range of 7–56 units per liter. If the SGPT test reveals higher than expected enzyme levels in your blood, chances are there it is the beginning of fatty liver or hepatitis. 

The basics of the SGOT test

SGOT denotes Serum Glutamic-Oxaloacetic Transaminase, an enzyme found in various organs like the liver, heart, kidneys, and even red blood cells. SGOT plays a key role in amino acid metabolism and resultant energy production. As SGOT is found in many body parts and organs, a hike in its levels is indicative of liver, kidney, and heart damage. 

The regular range of SGOT is within 10–40 U/L.  You should seek medical consultation if the SGOT test is outside the usual range.

Why do doctors focus on the AST/ALT ratio?

When analyzing liver function test results, doctors often pay attention to the ratio of SGOT (AST) to SGPT (ALT).

• A ratio exceeding 2 may point to alcoholic liver disease.

• A lower ratio indicates viral hepatitis or non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.

The main causes of a hike in SGPT and SGOT levels

Liver enzyme levels can shoot past the normal limits for various conditions and these are:

• Fatty Liver Disease.

• Viral Hepatitis.

• Alcoholic Liver Disease.

• Autoimmune Liver Diseases.

• Muscle Injuries (mostly affect SGOT levels).

When the SGPT test reveals a higher than normal level, doctors will ask you to be careful of certain lifestyle and dietary habits. They may ask you to check your possibility of contracting diabetes and limit alcohol intake. Reducing excess weight and getting rid of a sedentary lifestyle are also advised. 

Symptoms to watch out for

Sometimes, a hike in liver enzymes may not cause immediate symptoms. However, persistent SGOT and SGPT boost may lead to the following symptoms. 

• A recurring sense of fatigue throughout the day.

• Jaundice.

• Nausea, vomiting.

• Abdominal pain.

Early medical evaluation can help in preventing serious ailments like liver cirrhosis.

What does the Increased SGPT and SGOT levels indicate?

If your result shows higher level of SGPT and SGOT, it can result in different health issues-

• Mild Increase: A modest increase could be caused by hard exercise, some medications, or a fatty liver in the absence of alcohol.

• Moderate Increase: A bump in the center of the road could indicate hepatitis, alcohol-induced liver damage, or pharmaceutical side effects.

• Severe Increase: Large jumps may indicate major liver issues, such as cirrhosis or abrupt damage.

How to manage and reduce SGPT/SGOT levels?

When you find the SGPT test and SGOT test revealing higher levels of these enzymes in your body, do not panic. With proper medical intervention and specific lifestyle changes, it is possible to lower their levels. Those are:

• Switching to a healthier diet- Include a lot of fresh and seasonal veggies and fruits in your diet. Also, choose sources of lean protein and healthy fats. Discarding junk, deeply fried foods, and excess sugar is also recommended.

• Working out - Indulging in moderate workouts and activities like cycling and swimming are beneficial for such people.

• Reducing alcohol consumption- If the SGPT test reveals higher enzyme levels, cutting down on alcoholic drink consumption is recommended. 

• Caution with medications- If the SGOT test shows higher than usual enzyme levels, be careful about using medications like OTC painkillers.

When the SGPT test and SGOT test show elevated enzyme levels, doctors may ask you to undergo further tests like an Ultrasound. 

Conclusion

Undergoing the SGPT test and SGOT test can be beneficial to learn about liver damage. You need not worry about a little hike at both enzyme levels but seeking medical consultation can be beneficial. It is possible to bring down a slight hike in both enzyme levels, with medical intervention and making food and lifestyle changes, in most cases. Just ensure you get tested at a reliable diagnostic facility.