Content
TGO and TGP, also known as transaminases, are enzymes normally dosed with the aim of assessing liver health. TGO, known as oxalacetic transaminase or AST (aspartate aminotransferase) is produced in various tissues, such as heart, muscles and liver, and is located inside liver cells.
Thus, when there is an increase in the levels of TGO only, it is common that it is related to another situation that is not related to the liver, this is because in the case of liver damage, the injury must be more extensive so that the liver cells break and lead to the release of TGO into the blood.
On the other hand, TGP, known as pyruvic transaminase or ALT (alanine aminotransferase), is produced exclusively in the liver and, therefore, when there is any change in this organ, there is an increase in the circulating amount in the blood. Learn more about TGP.
Normal values
The values of TGO and TGP may vary according to the laboratory, however in general, the values considered normal in the blood are:
- TGO: between 5 and 40 U / L;
- TGP: between 7 and 56 U / L.
Although TGO and TGP are considered hepatic markers, these enzymes can also be produced by other organs, especially the heart in the case of TGO. Therefore, it is important that the evaluation of the examination is performed by the doctor who requested the examination, as it is thus possible to verify whether there has been a change and, if so, to be able to establish the cause.
What can be changed TGO and TGP
Changes in TGO and TGP levels are usually indicative of liver damage, which can happen due to hepatitis, cirrhosis or the presence of fat in the liver, and these possibilities are considered when much higher values of TGO and TGP are seen.
On the other hand, when only TGO is altered, for example, it is possible that there is a change in the heart, since TGO is also a cardiac marker. Thus, in this situation, the doctor may indicate the performance of tests that assess heart health, such as the measurement of troponin, myoglobin and creatinophosphokinase (CK). Learn more about TGO.
In general, changes in the levels of TGO and TGP can be related to the following situations:
- Fulminant hepatitis;
- Alcoholic hepatitis;
- Cirrhosis due to excessive consumption of alcoholic beverages;
- Abuse of illicit drugs;
- Liver fat;
- Presence of abscess in the liver;
- Acute pancreatitis;
- Bile duct obstruction;
- Heart attack;
- Cardiac insufficiency;
- Cardiac ischemia;
- Muscle injury;
- Use of medication for a long period and / or without medical advice.
Thus, the dosage of these enzymes is requested by the doctor when any of these situations are suspected and when there are suggestive symptoms, such as yellow skin and eyes, dark urine, frequent tiredness and for no apparent reason and yellow or whitish stools. Know other symptoms of liver problems.
In addition to assessing the levels of TGO and TGP, to confirm the liver injury and its extent, the doctor applies the Ritis ratio, which is the ratio between the levels of TGO and TGP and which when higher than 1 is indicative of injuries more severe, and treatment should be started as soon as possible to prevent disease progression.