In the human body, alkaline phosphatase is responsible for transporting phosphorus to all cells and tissues. Her indicator is more or less constant. If alkaline phosphatase is increased, 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 is involved in dephospholation processes. It separates the trace element from organic substances and carries it through cell membranes. As a result, all body tissues receive the required amount of phosphorus.
The enzyme is most active in a medium whose pH is 8.6 or more. It is because of this that the word "alkaline" is present in his name.
Where is contained
The highest level of the enzyme is observed in the intestinal mucosa, placenta (during pregnancy), mammary glands (during lactation), and 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 serum.
Signs of an increase
An increase in the level of alkaline phosphatase can occur against the background of both physiological processes and serious pathologies.
In this case, a person has the following symptoms:
- constant feeling of tiredness;
- decreased or complete loss of appetite;
- pain in the right hypochondrium;
- episodes of nausea;
- discomfort in the joints and bones.
The presence of such conditions is the basis for visiting the attending physician. The specialist will prescribe a study, according to which he will be able to assess the composition of the blood. In conclusion, the concentration of alkaline phosphatase is also displayed.
The natural nature of the growth rate
The concentration of the enzyme can sometimes increase in healthy people. Information regarding what increased alkaline phosphatase means in each case should be provided by the attending physician.
However, it is important to know that an increase in an indicator can occur under the following conditions:
- pregnancy
- lactation;
- menopause
- high-intensity physical activity;
- vitamin deficiency;
- unbalanced diet;
- intoxication caused by the use of alcohol-containing drinks.
In addition, increased alkaline phosphatase in the blood can be observed against the background of prolonged 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 can lead to impaired liver function.
Reasons for the increase in adults
Most often, the enzyme level increases in the presence of pathologies, during the development of which bone tissue and liver are damaged.
All causes of increased alkaline phosphatase are conventionally 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.
- Pathology 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. In this case, 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 can be the penetration of metastases into the body (secondary cancer).
- Cholangitis. This is a chronic liver disease. 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, the indicator even after a full recovery decreases over time.
- Infectious mononucleosis. This is a viral pathology of an acute nature. It is characterized by damage to the liver cells. In addition, the composition of the blood changes.
- The formation of calculi in the bile ducts.
- Cholestasis. This is a pathological condition in which bile produced by the liver stagnates.
If alkaline phosphatase is elevated in the blood, this may indicate bone damage. The most common causes of an increase in enzyme levels are the following diseases:
- Osteomalacia This is a systemic pathology characterized by softening of the bones, as well as their deformation. Against the background of its development, vitamins and minerals vital to it are washed out of the body.
- Paget's disease. This is a serious chronic illness. It is characterized by damage to the bone tissue repair mechanism, as a result of which it becomes weak, prone to deformation and destruction.
- Osteogenic sarcoma. This is a primary malignancy. A tumor forms and develops deep in the bone tissue.
- Metastases from other organs.
In addition, alkaline phosphatase increases with bone healing after fractures.
Other diseases in which the indicator is increased:
- Hyperparathyroidism (primary).
- Ulcerative colitis.
- Myocardial infarction.
- Perforation of the intestinal wall.
According to statistics, the most common cause of an increase in alkaline phosphatase is liver disease.
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. A similar situation persists until puberty. In these cases, it is customary to talk about physiological processes in which intensive bone growth occurs.
The deviation of the indicator in a larger direction can also indicate the presence of the following pathologies:
- rickets;
- Infectious mononucleosis;
- bone damage (including malignant neoplasms);
- hyperparathyroidism;
- intestinal ailments;
- Paget's disease.
Diagnostics
If alkaline phosphatase is elevated in a child, the pediatrician will draw up a referral to a gastroenterologist. In adults, the primary diagnosis can be performed by a therapist.
To identify pathology, the doctor prescribes the following studies:
- Analysis of blood, feces and urine. In the biomaterial, the level of alkaline phosphatase is determined.
- Analysis of isoenzymes in blood serum or amniotic fluid (in pregnant women).
- Assessment of alkaline phosphatase activity in the juice of the small intestine.
The following values are normal (expressed in IU / L):
- Children under 10 years old - 150-350.
- Persons from 10 to 19 years old - 155-500.
- Adults under the age of 50 years - 30-120.
- Persons from 50 to 75 years old - 110-135.
- Elderly people (over 75 years old) - 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 indicator is also deviated upward, 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 bone tissue diseases.
Thus, according to the results of complex diagnostics, it will become clear what pathology development provoked an increase in the enzyme level.
Treatment
It is important to understand that the deviation of the alkaline phosphatase index to a greater extent is not an independent disease. This is only a symptom indicating the development of an ailment. 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. With diseases of this organ, it is necessary to strictly follow a diet in order to provide it with functional peace. For this, fresh bread, flour products, sour fruits and berries, legumes, fatty meats, carbonated and alcohol-containing drinks, spices, chocolate should be excluded from the diet. All dishes must be boiled, stewed, baked or steamed. In addition, the patient is shown taking medications 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 controlled by a doctor. This will reduce the duration of therapy and significantly reduce the risk of complications. Based on the diagnostic results, the doctor can refer the patient for further treatment to specialists of a narrow profile - a 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 healthy lifestyle: give up smoking and drinking alcohol-containing drinks, eat right.
- If any disease occurs, do not self-medicate. Medications should be taken only in accordance with medical prescriptions.
- Regularly undergo preventive examinations. This allows you to identify any disease at an early stage.
Finally
Alkaline phosphatase is an enzyme responsible for the delivery of phosphorus to the cells of the body. As a rule, its indicator changes only against the background of growing up. If a blood test indicates that alkaline phosphatase is elevated, what does this mean? This result is an alarming sign, since an increase in the level of the enzyme in most cases indicates pathology of the liver, bone tissue or bile ducts. To identify the underlying disease, a comprehensive diagnosis is required.