Difference between SGOT and SGPT

The SGOT and SGPT tests are commonly used to assess liver function.

The SGOT and SGPT tests are usually done together and are part of a liver function test panel. Both tests are performed using a blood sample.

The procedure for the test involves the following steps:

1. A healthcare provider will clean the area on your arm where they will collect the blood sample.
2. They will then insert a needle into your vein to draw the blood sample.
3. The blood sample will be collected into a tube and sent to a laboratory for analysis.
4. The laboratory will measure the levels of SGOT and SGPT in the blood sample.

There is no difference in the way the SGOT and SGPT tests are done. They are both performed using a blood sample and are part of a liver function test panel. The difference between the two tests is the enzyme they measure. SGOT measures the levels of the enzyme in the blood, which is normally found in the liver, heart, muscle, and other tissues. SGPT measures the levels of the enzyme in the blood, which is primarily found in the liver.

It's worth noting that the normal ranges for SGOT and SGPT can vary depending on the laboratory that analyzes the blood sample, so it's important to discuss the results with a healthcare provider.

The relationship between the two liver enzymes - SGOT and SGPT, is described using the SGOT/SGPT ratio. The ratio compares the level of these enzymes in your blood. Depending on the elevated enzyme, doctors can usually determine the disease involved. Here’s how they use the ratio value to determine the disease:

1. SGOT/SGPT ratio higher than 1 (SGOT is higher than SGPT): Cirrhosis
2. SGOT/SGPT ratio equal to 1 (SGPT is equal to SGOT): Acute Viral Hepatitis or drug-related liver toxicity
3. SGOT/SGPT ratio less than 1 (SGPT is higher than SGOT): Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD)
4. SGOT/SGPT ratio more than 2:1 (SGOT is two times higher than SGPT): Alcoholic Liver Disease (ALD)

However, the disease cannot be diagnosed solely based on the elevated enzyme; the level of elevation is also required.

While both SGOT SGPT may detect liver diseases, their symptoms and causes differ slightly.

Causes of Rising Levels of SGOT

SGOT (serum glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase) is an enzyme primarily found in the liver, heart, and muscles. Elevated SGOT levels in the blood can be an indication of tissue damage or injury. Some of the most common causes of rising SGOT levels include:

1. Myocardial Infarction - It occurs when there is a blockage of blood flow to the heart, leading to damage and death of heart muscle cells. As heart muscle cells die, SGOT is released into the bloodstream, leading to an increase in SGOT levels. Myocardial Infarction can happen to anyone.
2. Acute Renal Disease is a condition in which the kidneys suddenly stop working or their function is significantly reduced. This can be caused by a variety of factors, including dehydration, medication toxicity, infections, or blood loss. When the kidneys are damaged, they are unable to filter waste products and excess fluids from the bloodstream, leading to an increase in SGOT levels.
3. Acute Haemolytic Anaemia - SGOT levels can become elevated due to the destruction of red blood cells. Acute haemolytic anaemia is a condition in which red blood cells are destroyed faster than they can be produced. This can be caused by a variety of factors, including infections, autoimmune disorders, or reactions to drugs or other substances. When red blood cells are destroyed, the haemoglobin inside them is released into the bloodstream and can cause an increase in SGOT levels.
4. Acute Pancreatitis - It can affect SGOT levels by causing damage to the liver. The pancreas and liver are closely connected through the biliary system, which carries digestive enzymes and bile from the liver and gallbladder to the small intestine. When the pancreas becomes inflamed, it can block the flow of bile and digestive enzymes from the liver, leading to damage to liver cells and an increase in SGOT levels.
5. Musculoskeletal Diseases - These can affect SGOT levels as ongoing muscle damage and breakdown can lead to an increase in SGOT levels in the blood. This is because SGOT is present in muscle cells and is released into the bloodstream when muscle cells are damaged. 
6. Trauma such as a severe injury or accident can also cause damage to the liver, heart, and muscles, leading to an increase in SGOT levels. This increase in SGOT is often seen in the first few hours after the trauma and can be used as a marker for tissue damage.
7. Severe Burns - In the case of burns, the severity and extent of the burn can affect SGOT levels. A large burn injury can cause muscle damage and release of SGOT from damaged muscle cells, leading to elevated levels of SGOT in the blood.

Causes of Rising Levels of SGPT

SGPT (serum glutamic pyruvic transaminase) is an enzyme found in high concentrations in the liver and to a lesser extent in other tissues such as muscles, kidneys, and heart. Elevated SGPT levels in the blood can be an indication of liver injury or damage. Some of the most common causes of rising SGPT levels include:

1. Viral Hepatitis: Hepatitis B and C are viral infections that can cause inflammation and damage to the liver, leading to elevated SGPT levels.
2. Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD): NAFLD is a condition in which there is an excessive accumulation of fat in the liver, leading to liver inflammation and damage.
3. Alcohol Consumption: Alcohol abuse is a common cause of liver damage, and excessive alcohol consumption can lead to elevated SGPT levels.
4. Drug-Induced Liver Injury: Certain medications, such as acetaminophen, can cause liver damage and elevated SGPT levels when taken in excess or for prolonged periods.
5. Autoimmune Hepatitis is a condition in which the body's immune system attacks the liver, leading to inflammation and damage.
6. Haemochromatosis: It is a genetic condition in which the body absorbs too much iron, leading to iron overload and liver damage.
7. Biliary Tract Obstruction: Obstruction of the bile ducts can lead to liver inflammation and elevated SGPT levels

Apart from the symptoms and causes, SGOT and SGPT differ in the amino acid transferred to the keto acid. While SGPT mediates the transfer of the amino group from L-alanine to ⍺-ketoglutarate, SGOT mediates the transfer of the amino group from L-aspartate to ⍺-ketoglutarate.

The range for the normal serum SGOT quantity is typically between 0 to 36 units/litre. Any level above 50 units/litre for males and 45 units/litre for women, however, can be regarded as alarming.

The range for normal SGPT values in serum is typically in between 0 and 25 units/litre for women and 0 to 33 units/litre for men. However, if the patient's blood test results for SGPT indicate a level of more than 56 units/litre, that level is considered alarming. The patients' high SGOT and SGPT values frequently point to serious underlying complications like liver disease or heart disease etc.

Some dietary and lifestyle changes can help lower your SGPT and SGOT levels, keeping your liver and body healthy. Maintaining normal levels of SGPT and SGOT is important for good liver health. Here are some lifestyle changes that may help:

1. Manage Chronic Conditions: Certain chronic conditions such as diabetes and high blood pressure can increase the risk of liver damage and elevated liver enzymes. Managing these conditions through medication, diet, and lifestyle changes can help maintain healthy liver function.
2. Get Regular Check-Ups: Regular check-ups with a healthcare provider can help monitor liver function and identify any issues early before they become more serious.
3. Maintain a Healthy Weight: Being overweight or obese can increase the risk of fatty liver disease, which can cause elevated SGPT and SGOT levels. Regular exercise can help improve liver function and decrease liver fat, which can help lower SGPT and SGOT levels. Adopting a healthy diet and regular exercise can help maintain a healthy weight.
4. Avoid Unhealthy Foods: Processed foods, fried foods, and foods high in sugar and saturated fat can contribute to liver damage and elevated liver enzymes. Aim to eat a healthy diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein.
5. Limit Alcohol Consumption: Excessive alcohol consumption can damage liver cells and increase SGPT and SGOT levels. If you drink alcohol, try to limit your intake and aim for no more than one drink per day for women and two drinks per day for men.
6. Avoid Smoking: Smoking can contribute to liver damage and increase the risk of liver disease, which can cause elevated SGPT and SGOT levels. Quitting smoking can help improve liver health.

Overall, a healthy lifestyle that includes a balanced diet, regular exercise, limited alcohol consumption, and avoidance of smoking can help maintain normal levels of SGPT and SGOT and promote overall liver health.

In summary, while both SGOT and SGPT are liver enzymes and may share some symptoms, they differ in their causes and the specific symptoms they are associated with. Moreover, it helps detect other diseases as well. Both primarily differ based on their distribution in the body and the medical conditions resulting from changes in their levels. Elevated levels of SGPT and SGOT may indicate a liver cell injury. Therefore, it is critical to get regular health check-ups, as liver dysfunction may not always show symptoms. Regular screening and LFTs are the best ways to know if your liver is functioning properly. 

You can consult a healthcare professional at HexaHealth to know more about SGPT and SGOT enzymes. Moreover, our expert team of doctors can help you with the early detection and timely treatment of underlying medical conditions.

Suggested Reads

1. Lower SGOT and SGPT in 1 Week
2. SGOT and SGPT Levels in Jaundice
3. Diet for High SGPT and SGOT Levels in Pregnancy
4. Side Effect of High SGPT SGOT during Pregnancy

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