Aspartate aminotransferase (AST):Also known asserum glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase(SGOT),ASTis anenzymethat is normally presentinliverandheartcells. AST is released intobloodwhen the liver or heart is damaged. The blood AST levels are thus elevated with liver damage (for example, fromviral hepatitis) or with an insult to the heart (for example, from aheart attack). Some medications can also raise AST levels.
