Serum alpha-glutathione S-transferase: a new marker of hepatocellular damage associated with hepatectomy

Serum concentrations of alpha-glutathione S-transferase (alpha GST) were de termined before and after hepatectomy to examine the clinical usefulness of alpha GST as a marker of hepatocellular damage compared with the conventio nal liver function tests. Prior to hepatectomy, serum alpha GST concentrati ons correlated significantly with serum aspartate aminotransferase (AST) an d alanine aminotransferase (ALT). In patients who had a good postoperative course, serum alpha GST concentrations rose significantly to a peak immedia tely after surgery, followed by a rapid fall to the normal range within 1 w eek, yielding a monophasic pattern. Serum alpha GST concentrations reached a peak earlier than other parameters of liver function, and peak serum alph a GST concentrations correlated with peak serum concentrations of AST and A LT. The mean decrease rate of serum alpha GST concentration from peak value s was significantly more rapid than that of serum AST and ALT, indicating a n early return of alpha GST concentrations to the normal range. These findi ngs suggest that serum alpha GST may be a more sensitive marker of hepatoce llular damage than transaminases and may therefore be useful for rapid moni toring of the extent and persistence of liver injury after hepatectomy. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.