Liver function was assessed as hepatic synthetic function, hepatocyte injury, and bilirubin metabolism. The reference values for hepatocyte synthetic function are serum clear albumin, coagulation factors, and cholesterol. Serum albumin is synthesized only by hepatocytes, and serum serum albumin is significantly lower when hepatic synthesis is reduced; the vast majority of coagulation factors are synthesized in the liver, and prothrombin time measurement (PT), partial activation prothrombin time measurement, and prothrombin time measurement are the most common indicators. Blood cholesterol levels are consistently lowered when hepatic synthesis is impaired.
Indicators of hepatocyte injury are alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST), which are significantly elevated in the presence of hepatocyte membrane rupture. AST is also present in skeletal muscle, kidney, and heart muscle, so a significant AST predominant in the blood is not necessarily hepatocyte damage.
Total bilirubin metabolism: Bilirubin includes both indirect and direct bilirubin. Serum bilirubin measurement helps detect jaundice that is not observable to the naked eye and often reflects hepatocellular damage and decompensation. In severe hepatitis, aminotransferases are now elevated, and this “enzyme-bile separation” phenomenon is a sign of severe hepatocyte necrosis. The liver function mainly reflects the synthesis, damage and metabolism of the liver and is recommended to be tested on an empty stomach.