Which blood chemistry test is used to measure cholangiocyte damage?

Which blood chemistry test is used to measure cholangiocyte damage?

• A. GGT
• B. ALKP
• C. AST
• D. ALT

Answer: (A)

Cholangiocytes line the bile ducts, so when these biliary epithelial cells are damaged or bile flow is obstructed, enzymes specific to the biliary system rise in the blood. Gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT) is highly associated with biliary tract disease and cholangiocyte injury, making it the most sensitive indicator for this type of damage among common liver enzymes. Alkaline phosphatase can also increase with cholestasis but has non-hepatic sources and is less specific. ALT and AST reflect hepatocellular (liver cell) injury rather than biliary duct damage. So GGT best indicates cholangiocyte damage.

Cholangiocytes line the bile ducts, so when these biliary epithelial cells are damaged or bile flow is obstructed, enzymes specific to the biliary system rise in the blood. Gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT) is highly associated with biliary tract disease and cholangiocyte injury, making it the most sensitive indicator for this type of damage among common liver enzymes. Alkaline phosphatase can also increase with cholestasis but has non-hepatic sources and is less specific. ALT and AST reflect hepatocellular (liver cell) injury rather than biliary duct damage. So GGT best indicates cholangiocyte damage.