Diagnostic significance of alanine aminotransferase isoenzymes in alcoholic and non-alcoholic fatty liver cancers

Abstract

Objectives: Alanine aminotransferase (ALT) expression is highly elevated in the serum of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma. However, the role of ALT isoenzymes in the total ALT activity remains unclear. In this study, we systematically investigated the role of ALT isoenzymes in alcoholic and non-alcoholic fatty liver cancer. Materials and methods: The expression of ALT1 and ALT2 at the mRNA and protein levels in 25 paired primary liver cancer tissues was detected by reverse transcription quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR), Western blotting, and immunohistochemistry. Serum ALT activity was determined using an automated biochemical analyzer. Results: The mRNA and protein expression levels of ALT1 and ALT2 were lower in the tissues of alcoholic and non-alcoholic fatty liver cancers than in the paracancerous tissues. Notably, ALT2 was highly expressed in non-alcoholic fatty liver cancer tissues compared with alcoholic fatty liver cancer tissues. Total serum ALT activity was mainly contributed by ALT1 in alcoholic fatty liver cancer, whereas ALT1 contributed only marginally more to the total ALT activity than ALT2 in non-alcoholic fatty liver cancer. ALT2/ALT1 ratio can well discriminate normal control group, alcoholic liver cancer and non-alcoholic liver cancer. Conclusion: ALT1 contributed more to the total ALT activity than ALT2 in both alcoholic and non-alcoholic fatty liver cancer. Serum ALT2 to ALT activity was higher in non-alcoholic fatty liver cancer than that in alcoholic fatty liver cancer. ALT2/ALT1 ratio has some diagnostic significance for alcoholic and non-alcoholic liver cancer.

Effects of Tail Vegetable Fermented Feed on the Growth and Rumen Microbiota of Lambs

“…This indicates that fermented feed does not significantly impact the immune system of lambs. Blood enzymes in livestock primarily originate from various tissues and organs, with alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) being critical transaminases representing liver health [30,31]. Elevated levels of these enzymes in the bloodstream often signal liver damage.…”