Immunoglobulin-complexed aspartate aminotransferase

Intern Med. 1993 Feb;32(2):156-9. doi: 10.2169/internalmedicine.32.156.

Abstract

We report a case of increased aspartate aminotransferase (AST, EC 2.6.1.1; GOT) in a 17-year-old girl which persisted for 3 years. The patient was healthy, but a high level of serum AST was detected during a school health check. Further examination revealed that AST was increased to as high as 259 IU/l while alanine aminotransferase (ALT) was normal. Immunoelectrosyneresis and immunoprecipitation methods revealed that this atypical AST combined with IgG--kappa, lambda globulin and formed macromolecular complexes. Including the present case, 26 cases of IgG-complexed AST have been reported. It is important to be aware of this syndrome, and thereby avoid unnecessary examinations and therapies.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Alanine Transaminase / blood
  • Aspartate Aminotransferases / blood*
  • Aspartate Aminotransferases / immunology
  • Chromatography, Gel
  • Clinical Enzyme Tests
  • Electrophoresis
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Immunoglobulin G / blood*
  • Immunoglobulin kappa-Chains / blood
  • Immunoglobulin lambda-Chains / blood
  • Isoenzymes / blood*
  • Precipitin Tests

Substances

  • Immunoglobulin G
  • Immunoglobulin kappa-Chains
  • Immunoglobulin lambda-Chains
  • Isoenzymes
  • Aspartate Aminotransferases
  • Alanine Transaminase