The activity of this enzyme is measured in blood plasma. Elevated levels of this enzyme can be an indication of viral hepatitis and other forms of liver disease. Elevated concentrations reflect dehydration, which might be attributable to vomiting, diarrhea, Addison's disease, diabetic acidosis, and other conditions. Reduced levels of albumin may reflect a variety of conditions, including primary liver disease, increased breakdown of macromolecules resulting from tissue damage or inflammation, malabsorption syndromes, malnutrition, and renal diseases. An elevation in the level of serum globulin can indicate the presence of cirrhosis of the liver.
Alkaline phosphatases are a family of enzymes that are present throughout the body.
Elevated levels of ALP are associated with liver and bile duct disorders, and bone diseases. Increased levels of plasma calcium may indicate the presence of malignant disease or hyperparathyroidism. Less commonly, it could reflect thyrotoxicosis, vitamin D intoxication, the use of thiazide diuretics, sarcoidosis, and other disorders. Reduced levels of calcium may reflect vitamin D deficiency, renal disease, hypoparathyroidism, magnesium deficiency and other disorders. Increased levels of plasma phosphate ion may indicate imminent renal failure, hypoparathyroidism, acromegaly, excessive phosphate intake, and vitamin D intoxication.