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