AST Levels elevated ALT normal

[ccc38]

I had normal blood work done as part of a routine physical and it came back with an AST level of 77. The doctor ordered an ultrasound and the ultrasound tech & doc said I had mild fatty infiltration of the liver and that weight loss would be key. This was Feb 19.

To provide a background 2 weeks prior to this visit I was on a 2 week trip split between Vegas & Phoenix. I know I drank too much, and was eating poorly as most do on vacations. The timing of this test wasn't ideal, but it was a good wake up call.

I have cut back significantly on the alcohol, and have been exercising 5x/week and controlling my diet. I am down 10 lbs to 224 (still too high) and plan on continuing to lose more. My questions are is there anything additional I could be doing? and if the next test results come back good, will I be able to casually drink a beer again?

[Beckybexx]

Hello, I’m in a very similar position to you, although my AST was lower at 40. Mild diffuse fatty liver diagnosed end of last year. I’ll be really interested to hear opinions and replies. I decided I should stop drinking completely despite my GP saying stick to 14 units a week! On the whole it’s really not too hard, but I do occasionally feel sorry for myself that I have to be teetotal, and surely the occasional glass of wine on a special night out wouldn’t hurt?!? But then maybe the feelings of guilt and worry aren’t worth it. I’m not sure that alcohol caused my problem or other factors including thyroid problems but I’ve lost 16kg so far, struggling to exercise due to pain. I’ve also cut out sugar and artificial sweeteners, processed meat and red meat completely. I don’t take pain killers etc. I’ve signed up to give blood as iron levels too high. I use cholesterol lowering spread and yoghurt too. Just trying everything I can think of to take pressure of liver and try to reverse this! 3 months to my next set of bloods and scans. Good luck and keep in touch if you like.

[kurtymac]

Fatty liver can come from drinking, as alcohol has a lot of glucose in it. This can cause fatty infiltration of the hepatocytes. Also, AST shows mitochondrial damage, which comes from zone III of the liver. This is almost always due to mobilization of toxic metabolites. Ethanol, Tylenol's NAPQI, ect. When we see an AST elevated out of rage hovering above ALT, we normally look at alcohol or medication use. You need to cut down your drinking consumption, it isn't worth it. The fatty infiltration, show that your liver is in fact being damaged by fat and by alcohol. If it isn't put in check and the fatty process continues, it can lead to NASH and then cirrhosis down the road.