Which enzyme pattern is associated with hepatocellular liver injury?

• A. AST and ALT (cellular enzymes increased)
• B. GGT and 5'NT (cholestatic enzymes increased)
• C. Ammonia and TPAG (synthetic function affected)
• D. Enzymes remain normal in hepatocellular injury

Answer: (A)

When liver cells are damaged, their inside enzymes spill into the blood. The most characteristic signal of hepatocellular injury is an increase in aminotransferases, especially ALT, with AST also rising. These enzymes reflect leakage from injured hepatocytes, so their elevation points to hepatocellular damage. In contrast, cholestatic injury tends to raise cholestatic enzymes such as GGT and 5'-nucleotidase, while markers like ammonia or synthetic-function tests indicate overall liver failure rather than the specific pattern of cell injury. So the pattern of elevated AST and ALT is the best indicator of hepatocellular liver injury.