Macroaspartasemia (Aspartate Aminotransferase Macroenzyme Complex) can result in a persistent and unexplained elevation in serum AST levels.
The general topic of macroenzyme complexes is discussed in 41.30.43 (above)
Macroaspartasemia in a complex formed between AST and an immunoglobulin. The complex alters the kinetics of AST in the serum, resulting in a longer half-life.
Features:
(1) persistent elevation of serum AST activity
(2) no evidence of an underlying disease that can explain the elevated AST levels
(3) laboratory evidence of AST enzyme activity or antigen in an immunoglobulin fraction
Macroaspartaseemia has been reported in patients:
(1) with cancer
(2) with an autoimmune disease
(3) with chronic active hepatitis
(4) who are otherwise healthy
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