Aspartate transaminase (
AST) or
aspartate aminotransferase, also known as
AspAT/ASAT/AAT or
serum glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase (
SGOT), is a
pyridoxal phosphate (PLP)-dependent
transaminase enzyme . AST catalyzes the reversible transfer of an a-amino group between aspartate and glutamate and, as such, is an important enzyme in amino acid metabolism. AST is found in the
liver,
heart,
skeletal muscle,
kidneys,
brain, and red blood cells. Serum AST level, serum ALT (
alanine transaminase) level, and their ratio (
AST/ALT ratio) are commonly measured clinically as
biomarkers for liver health. The tests are part of
blood panels.