In the human body, alkaline phosphatase is responsible for transporting phosphorus to all cells and tissues. Its rate is more or less constant. If alkaline phosphatase is elevated, this indicates a violation of phosphorus-calcium metabolism, which, in turn, indicates the development of a pathological process in the body.
Functions
This substance is an enzyme. It belongs to the group of hydrolases. Alkaline phosphatase takes part in dephosphorylation processes. It separates the microelement from organic substances and carries it through cell membranes. As a result, all body tissues receive the necessary amount of phosphorus.
The enzyme is most active in an environment with a pH of 8.6 or more. This is why the word “alkaline” is present in its name.
Where is contained
The highest level of the enzyme is observed in the intestinal mucosa, placenta (during pregnancy), mammary glands (during lactation),bone tissue. Almost all body tissues contain alkaline phosphatase. In this regard, it can be: intestinal, hepatic, renal, placental and bone. In addition, the enzyme is found in the blood serum.
Signs of rising rates
An increase in the level of alkaline phosphatase can occur against the background of both physiological processes and serious pathologies.
When a person experiences the following symptoms:
- constant feeling of tiredness;
- decreased or complete loss of appetite;
- pain in the right hypochondrium;
- episodes of nausea;
- discomfort in joints and bones.
The presence of such conditions is the basis for visiting the attending physician. The specialist will appoint a study, according to the results of which he will be able to assess the composition of the blood. The conclusion also displays the concentration of alkaline phosphatase.
Natural nature of growth rate
The concentration of the enzyme can sometimes increase in he althy people. Information regarding what elevated alkaline phosphatase means in each case should be provided by the attending physician.
However, it is important to know that an increase in the indicator can occur under the following conditions:
- pregnancy;
- lactation;
- menopause;
- high-intensity physical activity;
- avitaminosis;
- unbalanced diet;
- intoxication caused by drinking alcohol.
ExceptIn addition, increased alkaline phosphatase in the blood can be observed against the background of long-term use of certain drugs. The list of medicines that affect the growth of the indicator is extensive, it includes several hundred items. In this regard, it is necessary to strictly follow the treatment regimen drawn up by the doctor. Increasing the dosage and duration of administration may lead to impaired liver function.
Causes of elevation in adults
Most often, the level of the enzyme increases in the presence of pathologies, during the development of which bone tissue and liver are damaged.
All causes of elevated alkaline phosphatase are conditionally divided into several groups:
- Diseases associated with damage or destruction of liver cells. This also includes ailments characterized by difficulty in the outflow of bile.
- Pathologies of bone tissue.
- Other diseases.
The first group of causes includes the following pathologies:
- Cirrhosis. This is a process characterized by inhibition of liver function. This is due to the replacement of normal scar tissue.
- Hepatitis. Most often, alkaline phosphatase is elevated in autoimmune and viral forms of the disease. At the same time, the level of the enzyme increases 3 times.
- Malignant neoplasms. The tumor may be primary, that is, localized in the liver. In addition, the cause of an increase in alkaline phosphatase may be the penetration of metastases into the organ (secondary cancer).
- Cholangitis. It's a liver diseasechronic nature. Against the background of its development, portal hypertension and liver failure occur.
- Biliary cirrhosis (primary). Pathology is a consequence of cholangitis. In its presence, alkaline phosphatase is increased significantly - 4 times. At the same time, even after complete recovery, the indicator decreases over time.
- Infectious mononucleosis. This is a viral pathology of an acute nature. It is characterized by damage to liver cells. In addition, the composition of the blood changes.
- Formation of stones in the bile ducts.
- Cholestasis. This is a pathological condition in which the bile produced by the liver stagnates.
If alkaline phosphatase is elevated in the blood, this may indicate damage to bone tissue. The most common causes of an increase in the level of the enzyme are the following diseases:
- Osteomalacia. This is a pathology of a systemic nature, characterized by softening of the bones, as well as their deformation. Against the background of its development, vital vitamins and microelements are washed out of the body.
- Paget's disease. This is a serious chronic disease. It is characterized by damage to the mechanism of bone tissue repair, as a result of which it becomes weak, prone to deformation and destruction.
- Osteogenic sarcoma. This is a primary neoplasm of a malignant nature. The tumor forms and develops deep in the bone tissue.
- Metastases from other organs.
In addition, alkaline phosphatase is increased during bone healing after fractures.
Other diseaseswhose indicator is increased:
- Hyperparathyroidism (primary).
- Ulcerative colitis.
- Myocardial infarction.
- Perforation of the intestinal walls.
Statistically, liver disease is the most common cause of elevated alkaline phosphatase.
Features of the growth rate in children
The level of the enzyme in the blood of a child is always higher than that of an adult. This situation persists until the onset of puberty. In these cases, it is customary to talk about physiological processes in which there is an intensive growth of bone tissue.
Deviation of the indicator upwards may also indicate the presence of the following pathologies:
- rickets;
- infectious mononucleosis;
- bone damage (including malignant neoplasms);
- hyperparathyroidism;
- intestinal ailments;
- Paget's disease.
Diagnosis
If the child's alkaline phosphatase is elevated, the pediatrician will issue a referral to a gastroenterologist. In adults, the primary diagnosis can be carried out by a therapist.
To detect pathology, the doctor prescribes the following studies:
- Analysis of blood, feces and urine. The level of alkaline phosphatase is determined in the biomaterial.
- Analysis of isoenzymes in blood serum or amniotic fluid (in pregnant women).
- Evaluation of alkaline phosphatase activity in the juice of the small intestine.
Normal are the followingvalues (expressed in IU/L):
- Children under the age of 10 - 150-350.
- Persons from 10 to 19 years old - 155-500.
- Adults under 50 - 30-120.
- Persons from 50 to 75 years old - 110-135.
- Older people (over 75) - 165-190.
In order to understand which organ is involved in the pathological process, the doctor may prescribe additional studies. As a rule, this is an analysis for alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase. If, against the background of an increase in alkaline phosphatase, their normal value is also deviated upwards, this indicates liver damage. If the analysis of the patient's biomaterial showed an increase in phosphorus and calcium, it is customary to talk about diseases of the bone tissue.
Thus, according to the results of complex diagnostics, it will become clear which pathology development provoked an increase in the level of the enzyme.
Treatment
It is important to understand that the deviation of the alkaline phosphatase index upwards is not an independent disease. This is just a symptom that indicates the development of a disease. In this regard, it is impossible to normalize the level of the enzyme in the blood without eliminating the underlying disease.
In most cases, an increase in alkaline phosphatase indicates liver damage. In diseases of this organ, it is necessary to strictly follow a diet in order to provide it with functional rest. To do this, you need to exclude fresh bread, flour products, sour fruits and berries, legumes, fatty meat from the diet,carbonated and alcoholic drinks, spices, chocolate. All dishes must be boiled, stewed, baked or steamed. In addition, the patient is shown taking drugs designed to restore the normal functioning of the liver (hepatoprotectors).
Regardless of what pathology caused the increase in the level of the enzyme, its treatment should be strictly under the supervision of a doctor. This will reduce the duration of therapy and significantly reduce the risk of complications. Based on the results of the diagnosis, the doctor can refer the patient for further treatment to narrow specialists - gastroenterologist, orthopedist, oncologist, surgeon, cardiologist.
Prevention
There are no specific measures to prevent the development of the pathological process. In order to minimize the risk of its occurrence, it is recommended:
- Observe the principles of a he althy lifestyle: stop smoking and drinking alcohol, eat right.
- If any disease appears, do not self-medicate. Medications should only be taken as directed by a doctor.
- Regularly undergo preventive examinations. This allows you to identify any disease at an early stage.
In closing
Alkaline phosphatase is the enzyme responsible for delivering phosphorus to the body's cells. As a rule, its indicator changes only against the background of growing up. If the blood test indicates that alkaline phosphatase is elevated, what is it?means? This result is an alarming sign, since an increase in the level of the enzyme in most cases indicates a pathology of the liver, bone tissue or bile ducts. To identify the underlying disease, a comprehensive diagnosis is required.
