Elevated levels of alkaline phosphatase in the blood. Alkaline phosphatase - a normal level in a biochemical blood test in children and adults

Therefore, during this period of time, it is important to ensure that there is no decrease in phosphatase, which can lead to the development of negative consequences, both for the mother's body and for the child.

Ask your question to the doctor of clinical laboratory diagnostics

Anna Poniaeva. She graduated from the Nizhny Novgorod Medical Academy (2007-2014) and residency in clinical laboratory diagnostics (2014-2016).

In the process of diagnosing diseases of internal organs, it is rarely possible to do without laboratory tests. By determining the biochemical composition of the blood, it is possible to give an objective assessment of the patient's state of health. The standard diagnostic examination includes a test for the content in the blood of a substance such as alkaline phosphatase. Under what pathologies is the concentration of this substance reduced?

Violations of the functions of certain internal organs cause changes in the composition of the blood. For this reason, diagnosis is not complete without biochemical analyzes. One of the substances, the content of which is determined in the blood during a standard examination, is alkaline phosphatase. Consider what it is and what the decrease in enzyme activity means.

What it is?

The term alkaline phosphatase (for brevity, in many sources the designation ALP is accepted) is used to refer to a group of enzymes whose main function is to ensure the dephosphorylation processes.

This reaction consists in separating the phosphate group from organophosphorus compounds. Phosphatase acts as a catalyst for the reaction, that is, it ensures the flow of metabolic processes of calcium and phosphorus.

Advice! The enzyme was named alkaline phosphatase because it is active only in an alkaline environment (pH 9-10). There is also acid phosphatase, but other methods are used to determine its blood level.

This enzyme is found in different tissues, so several of its isoforms are isolated. However, two isoforms are mainly present in the blood, one of them is found in the liver tissues, the second - in the cells of bone tissues.

Indications

The reasons for the change in the content of alkaline phosphatase in the blood are varied, most often, its concentration changes with:

• pathological processes in the liver and gallbladder;
• the appearance of tumor diseases;
• lesions of the skeletal system and injuries (fractures);
• infectious mononucleosis and cytomegalovirus infection;
• pregnancy.

Therefore, the determination of the concentration of the enzyme alkaline phosphatase is prescribed if the patient complains:

• weakness, indigestion, discoloration of urine (darkening), itching;
• frequent fractures, bone pain, bone deformities;
• during scheduled examinations of people working in hazardous industries;
• during routine examinations during pregnancy.

Advice! Such an analysis can be prescribed not only in the process of diagnosis, but also during treatment. Evaluation of indicators allows you to judge the effectiveness of the prescribed treatment and control the spread of the pathological process.

Procedure

As with any blood test, you need to properly prepare for the ALP test.

The preparation rules for all biochemical analyzes are the same:

• at least a day before the collection of materials, alcohol, fatty foods should be excluded;
• In the morning on the day of blood donation, you should do without breakfast, you can drink only a little water.

Advice! It must be remembered that the level of the alkaline phosphatase enzyme is affected by the intake of many drugs, including hormonal contraceptives. Therefore, it is important to warn the doctor that the patient is taking any medications.

Evaluation of results

A specialist should decipher the results of the analysis, since even if deviations from the norm are detected, it is impossible to make a diagnosis based on the results of one analysis.

Normal performance

The normal level of concentration of the enzyme alkaline phosphatase varies over a fairly wide range. The rules are different for people of different ages. In children, the level of the enzyme is always significantly higher than in adults.

Influences the evaluation of the results and the gender of the patient, as well as some physiological conditions. So, during pregnancy, the level of the placental fraction of the enzyme increases and this is the norm.

In addition, the norms depend on how the analysis was carried out. The fact is that different laboratories use different reagents, so the reference values ​​can vary significantly. The range of indicators that represent the norm must be indicated in the laboratory form.

What does a decrease in concentration mean?

If during the analysis it was revealed that alkaline phosphatase is contained in a concentration that is significantly lower than the accepted standards, then it will be necessary to determine the causes of this condition. Possible reasons for such analysis results may be the following conditions:

• a significant amount of recent blood transfusion;
• severe anemia;
• malnutrition, an unbalanced diet, resulting in a deficiency of zinc and magnesium in the body;
• beriberi, a decrease in the level of the enzyme is noted with a deficiency of vitamins B12 and C.

The reason for the low level of this enzyme in children is often congenital syndromes that lead to impaired bone growth. An example of such a pathology is achondroplasia. With this disease, there is a deformation of the spine and too short limbs with a normal size of the body.

Disturbances in bone growth, accompanied by a decrease in the level of alkaline phosphatase, are also observed in some other congenital syndromes, in particular in Down syndrome. Another hereditary syndrome, which is characterized by a low level of alkaline phosphatase in the blood, is hypophosphatasemia.

In this disease, the calcification of bone tissue is disturbed. A feature of this disease is that with a reduced level of alkaline phosphatase in the blood and bone tissue, there is no decrease in the level of elements such as phosphorus and calcium.

Hypothyroidism is a common cause of low alkaline phosphatase levels. With this disease, the functions of the thyroid gland are disrupted, as a result of which the synthesis of hormones decreases. This affects many processes in the body, including metabolic ones.

Normally, the level of alkaline phosphatase in pregnant women should increase, this is due to the formation of the placenta. Therefore, if the concentration of the enzyme is significantly below the norm, then this is a rather alarming sign. Such test results may indicate placental insufficiency. With such a pathology, the normal nutrition of the fetus is disturbed, which can lead to delays in its development.

Timely detection of placental insufficiency allows you to carry out the necessary treatment and reduce the risk of negative consequences.

What to do?

If it turns out that the level of alkaline phosphatase is reduced, you do not need to try to self-diagnose. The analysis is not specific, in order to determine the cause that caused the decrease in the concentration of the enzyme in the blood, additional examinations will be required.

So the correct course of action would be:

• with the results of the analysis, you should contact the therapist;
• undergo examinations prescribed by a doctor;
• if necessary, seek expert advice.

Only after the cause of the decrease in alkaline phosphatase levels has been established and a diagnosis has been made, it will be possible to begin treatment.

So, an analysis for the content of the enzyme alkaline phosphatase can be prescribed in the process of diagnosing a number of diseases, as well as during treatment to evaluate the prescribed therapy. In order to correctly assess the decrease in the level of this enzyme in the blood, the specialist will need to study data from other examinations.

It should be remembered that the range of values ​​of the normal level of phosphatase content is quite wide, and the reasons leading to a change in the concentration of the enzyme are varied. Therefore, even an experienced doctor will not be able to make a diagnosis based on a single analysis. And even more so, you should not try to do it yourself.

Alkaline phosphatase (ALP, ALP) is a parameter of a biochemical blood test, which patients usually indifferently ignore with their eyes due to its “incomprehensibility”. More attention goes to parameters with familiar, familiar names - total protein, urea, glucose, total choleste
rin. Meanwhile, ALP in biochemical analysis is a very important marker that can tell a lot about the patient's health status to a diagnostician.

What is alkaline phosphatase?

Alkaline phosphatase is an enzyme (a special substance, without which the course of biochemical reactions in the human body will become impossible, in inorganic chemistry another word is used in the same meaning - catalyst). ALP is an enzyme from the group of hydrolases. Hydrolases are a large family of enzymes, the distinguishing ability of which is the breaking of intramolecular bonds of various organic compounds with the help of water molecules. There are 6 large groups of hydrolases: phosphatases, glycosidases, esterases, lipases, peptidases, nucleases.

Phosphatase classification

In biochemistry, phosphatases are divided into two types - acidic and alkaline. The conditional middle of the hydrogen ion concentration index in “PH” solutions for a person will be 5.5 (the absolute value is 5.0). Less than 5.5 is an acidic environment, the location of acid phosphatase activity. More than 5.5 - alkaline environment, the location of the activity of alkaline phosphatases. Alkaline human phosphatases show the highest activity in the range of 8.5-10.0 pH index.

ALP is the most abundant enzyme in the human body and can be found in any tissue in the human body. Human alkaline phosphatase is not one homogeneous enzyme, but a group of biologically active substances, having a common generic affiliation, they at the same time differ from each other in their selective effect on a certain type of cell.

Subspecies (isoforms) of human alkaline phosphatase:

• ALPI - intestinal;
• ALPL - non-specific (located in the liver, bone and kidney tissues);
• ALPP - placental.

Although a biochemical blood test can detect any subtype of alkaline phosphatase, another alternative analysis method, the “kinetic colorimetric method”, can be used in clinical studies. Its undoubted advantage will be a clear differentiation of enzymes according to classes and isoforms. It is not worth opposing methods, each of the methods has its own advantages.

Functions of alkaline phosphatase in the human body

The main function of ALP is participation in phosphorus-calcium metabolism, the enzyme facilitates the transport of phosphorus to body tissues, thus regulating the calcium content in the human body.
The secondary functions of alkaline phosphatase are participation in the secretory work of the liver and the growth of bone tissue. The bile produced by liver cells contains molecules of phospholipids, alkaloids, proteins, nucleotides - organic compounds that have phosphatases in their composition. They got into the bile because the body did not have time to use and protect them. ALP helps to separate phosphatase from these compounds, breaks them down, performing a dual useful function - it neutralizes and utilizes these substances. Osteoblast cells, responsible for the “building” of bone tissue, contain the most alkaline phosphatase in the body after the liver. These cells need alkaline phosphatase to structure calcium molecules in bone tissue - phosphatase supplied by alkaline phosphatase acts as a catalyst for this process.

What role does phosphorus and calcium play in the human body?

Calcium and Phosphorus are two inseparable chemical elements in the human body. Their connection is dialectical in nature - one element determines the comprehensibility of the other. The mediator in this process is vitamin D, alkaline and acid phosphatases. The approximate ratio of phosphorus to calcium in the body is 1:3.5 (for an adult, it is 650 g of phosphorus and 2200 g of calcium).

This chemical element is the most important building material from which the human body builds itself. Calcium is part of bone, dental, muscle tissue. With the help of calcium, nails are formed, the smooth muscles of blood vessels are strengthened. In nature, there is a structural twin of calcium - strontium. This metal, in case of calcium deficiency, becomes its substitute. As a building material, strontium is significantly inferior to calcium, and therefore tissues consisting of strontium will be inferior to those made on the basis of calcium - blood vessels, nails, teeth will become brittle and brittle, muscles will lose some of their tone, various growths, processes will appear on the bones. It is not an excess of calcium that is to blame for the deposition of so-called “salts” in the bones, but, on the contrary, a deficiency - the body compensates for the missing calcium with strontium, which, as a rule, is always in excess.

Attention! Phosphorus is needed for the absorption of calcium, a lack of phosphorus leads to a decrease in the absorption of calcium and, accordingly, the level of this chemical element is rapidly falling in the body. For the assimilation of strontium, phosphorus is needed much less than for the assimilation of calcium. Therefore, the body, in case of a lack of phosphorus, switches to an economical mode, forming its tissues from what is, and not from what is needed.

Phosphorus

After calcium, phosphorus is the most important building material. This chemical element is part of bones, teeth, fats (phospholipids), enzymes and proteins.

Phosphorus is the most important participant in energy metabolism in the human body. Such an organic compound as ATP, splitting into ADP, gives the human body the energy necessary for its existence.

DNA and RNA molecules responsible for the storage and transmission of temporal and hereditary information contain phosphate groups that ensure the stability of their structure.

Attention! The normal content of phosphorus in the body will reduce the risk of rheumatoid factor, reduce the likelihood of arthritis and arthrosis, provide clarity and purity of thinking, and reduce the pain threshold.

ALP norms in children and adults

To understand what the numbers mean in the values ​​of alkaline phosphatase in a biochemical blood test, you need to know the normal range, according to which it will be possible to determine the increased and decreased values ​​of the content of this enzyme.

• children from 8 to 10 years old - 150-355 U / l;
• children from 10 to 19 years old - 158-500 U / l;
• adults under the age of 50 years - 85-120 U / l;
• adults from 50 to 75 years old - 110-138 U / l;
• people over 75 years old - from 168-188 U / l.

Possible pathologies associated with a change in the norm of alkaline phosphatase in the results of a biochemical blood test

Before proceeding to a review of the possible pathological causes of changes in the level of ALP in biochemical analysis, we note several significant features that patients need to know.

Alkaline phosphatase is elevated in children. In the children's body, there are rapid metabolic processes associated with the growth of the body. Considering the role that ALP plays in the human body - the growth of bone tissue, the stabilization of the liver - it is not surprising that there is a lot of this enzyme in the blood of a child. Naturally, the younger the child, the more active such processes are. Upon completion of the hormonal restructuring of the body at 17-19 years (men) and 15-17 years (women), the level of alkaline phosphatase in the human body begins to decline. After 24-25 years, alkaline phosphatase in the human body is used not so much for tissue growth, but for maintaining their health.

Alkaline phosphatase is increased in women during gestation - the formation of a fetus in a woman's body requires a significant amount of various substances - trace elements, proteins, fats, which, accordingly, causes an increase in the number of enzymes responsible for their digestibility. Therefore, the level of alkaline phosphatase in the blood of a pregnant woman increases.

Important! A high level of alkaline phosphatase in children and pregnant women is completely natural, we are not talking about pathology in such cases.

Elevated alkaline phosphatase

Considering the fact that most alkaline phosphatase is found in bone and liver cells, an increased level of this enzyme will indicate a high probability that there are problems with the liver and bone tissue - the death of liver cells, the breakdown of bone tissue will release excess of this enzyme into the blood. All sorts of diseases of the liver (hepatitis of various etiologies, liver injuries) and bone tissue (osteitis of various etiologies, bone injuries and fractures) will become the main suspects in a diagnostician who sees a high level of alkaline phosphatase in the results of a patient's analysis. In addition to the indicated pathologies, a high level of alkaline phosphatase in the patient's blood can have quite banal reasons, for example, a lack of phosphorus and calcium in the diet.

It consists in the transfer of phosphorus across the cell membrane.

Phosphatase is a component of cell membranes of almost the entire organism. It is an important indicator, since its variability depends on various diseases of organs and systems. Blood alkaline phosphatase is also elevated in physiological conditions such as pregnancy.

In women and girls under 20 years of age, the level of the enzyme is slightly increased due to the active growth of bones.

Types of alkaline phosphatase

In the human body, it is present in almost all tissues, and is provided in 11 varieties (isoenzymes). The most common and clinically significant are the following:

1. Bone LPL is formed in osteoblasts (young bone cells). In case of violations of bone integrity (fractures), bone deformities, rickets, alkaline phosphatase enters the blood from the cell, respectively, its level in the blood rises (the most active).
2. Hepatic (ALPL-located in liver cells (hepatocytes) and, when they are destroyed, enters the blood.
3. Renal (ALPL is an isoform of alkaline phosphatase found in the renal tubules.
4. Enteric (ALPI) in the intestinal mucosa.
5. Placental (ALPP) is synthesized in the placenta. Her performance increases physiologically during pregnancy. Especially a lot of it is secreted by the mammary gland during the lactation period.
6. Oncological phosphatase is an isoenzyme that is released from malignant neoplasms.

The detection of an elevated level of this enzyme indicates changes in many organs and systems, so this indicator is often checked. The enzyme is quite variable, as it can change depending on gender, body temperature, and even the mood of the patient. Severe stress can provoke an increase in the level of the enzyme.

What you need to know about alkaline phosphatase

1. An increase in alkaline phosphatase is more typical for older people - due to a decrease in bone mass.
2. This enzyme contains zinc, therefore, with a lack of zinc in food, the phosphatase index will be lowered. Zinc-containing foods: watermelon seeds, cocoa powder, chocolate, beef, lamb, peanuts, oysters.
3. It is necessary to take an analysis on an empty stomach, so as not to get a false overestimation. Since after eating fatty foods in people with blood groups I and III, the intestinal form of alkaline phosphatase increases.

How to know the level of alkaline phosphatase

Its content is determined not only in the blood, but also in the mucous membranes of the intestines and even in saliva. A biochemical blood test is generally accepted. In healthy people, in the blood serum, the liver or bone isoform of alkaline phosphatase usually circulates, but not in high numbers. Common designations are ALKP, alkaline phosphatase, or simply ALP. In the case of high activity of alkaline phosphatase, liver diseases are likely, which are accompanied by obstruction of the biliary tract. Alcohol abuse (since it destroys hepatocytes). In bone diseases, calcium-phosphorus metabolism is disturbed, and the activity of this enzyme increases. Therefore, phosphatase is one of the markers for the early detection of the pathology of the skeletal system in menopausal women (osteoporosis), and in children (rickets).

Causes of increased phosphatase

Physiological reasons for the increase in the enzyme:

• active growth of bone tissue (possibly a 20-fold increase in children, as well as after fractures);
• pregnancy U/l;
• lactation.

1. Bone disease: osteoporosis, osteomalacia, osteopetrosis, osteosarcoma, bone metastases, rickets. In the latter, an increase in the enzyme level 4-6 weeks before the onset of symptoms.
2. Diseases of the liver and biliary tract:

• obstruction or obstruction of the biliary tract, a 3-5 times increase in the level of phosphatase;
• hepatitis of different etiology (viral, toxic) U/l;
• oncopathology (hepatocarcinoma, liver metastases) U/l;
• cirrhosis, alcoholic hepatitis;
• kidney disease;
• chronic renal failure;
• malignant tumor of the kidney.

• Paget's disease (deforming osteitis);
• hyperparathyroidism;
• lymphogranulomatosis;
• mononucleosis;
• sepsis;
• ischemia of the intestinal wall;
• Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis;
• acromegaly;
• vasculitis.

Causes of a decrease in alkaline phosphatase

• alimentary;
• placental insufficiency;
• hypothyroidism;
• hypophosphatasemia;
• deficiency of vitamin B12 or folic acid;
• lack of growth hormone in children.

Details about some diseases and their impact on alkaline phosphatase levels.

Osteoporosis

In menopause, women begin an active "washout" of calcium from the bones, therefore, the bones become more fragile and brittle, which means that they lead to an increase in the level of alkaline phosphatase. Even before the development of the clinical picture, the biochemical parameters of the blood increase. Therefore, an increase in this enzyme can be regarded as an early sign of osteoporosis and used as a screening.

Liver disease and impact on performance.

An increase in the hepatic isoenzyme of phosphatase with a slit occurs due to the death of hepatocytes. The reason for this may be hepatitis, both viral and toxic, cirrhosis of the liver, alcohol poisoning, while taking hepatotoxic drugs (tetracycline, paracetamol, salicylates, etc.).

There is also a cholestatic reason for the increase in the enzyme. Cholestasis or obstruction of the outflow of bile, possibly with extrahepatic obstruction of the bile ducts, damage or narrowing of the ducts, or impaired transport of bile through the small bile ducts.

Given the data of scientists in 65% of cases, the rise in alkaline phosphatase is due to liver disease.

The effect of oral contraceptives on the level of the enzyme in the blood

Oral contraceptives that contain estrogen and progesterone may alter phosphatase levels.

Oncological diseases

Cervical cancer is able to produce placental phosphatase. Osteogenic sarcoma sharply increases the activity of the enzyme. Metastases in bone tissue, liver, kidneys, lymphogranulomatosis with bone lesions, multiple myeloma also contribute to an increase in phosphatase.

indicators during pregnancy. Normally, during pregnancy, starting from the 16th week, the level of the placental phosphatase isoenzyme increases in the woman's body. In the case of a decrease in the level of the enzyme in the blood, placental insufficiency can be suspected.

Reasons to measure alkaline phosphatase

Since the causes of an increase in alkaline phosphatase are found in almost every organ, there are no specific symptoms that indicate an increase in this particular enzyme. However, some of them can be noted:

• headache;
• bitterness in the mouth;
• jaundice, subicteric sclera, aching pain in the right hypochondrium, skin itching, discoloration of feces, darkening of urine, general weakness, nausea (indicates stagnation of bile);
• bone disease, frequent fractures, bone pain;
• sudden loss of body weight.

How to bring your scores back to normal

When the patient's condition stabilizes, biochemical parameters also normalize. For the prevention of osteoporosis, it is necessary to remember about taking calcium supplements with vitamin D in the postmenopausal period and women after 50 years of age. Moreover, vitamin D is required, because after 50 in the body, under the action of sunlight on the skin, it is no longer synthesized, unlike children and young people.

Alkaline phosphatase should be assessed in conjunction with other tests, such as: ALT, AST, GGT, LDH, bilirubin, creatine kinase with alkaline phosphatase. Given these data, liver function can be easily assessed.

We are the masters of our own health. It is our duty to ourselves and those close to him to follow and cherish. At the slightest symptoms of the disease, do not rely on the omnipotent "self-pass", but hurry to go to the doctor. Be healthy!

The information on the site is provided for informational purposes only and is not a guide to action. Do not self-medicate. Consult with your physician.

Alkaline phosphatase is the norm in women after 50 years

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Alkaline phosphatase is an active enzyme that is found in human blood, and allows you to enrich the body with organic compounds due to the breakdown of phosphoric acid. There is also a huge concentration of this enzyme in organs that affect blood purification: liver, bone tissue, kidneys. The level of alkaline phosphatase is the basis of the correct diagnosis in case of suspicion of any diagnosis of diseases of the internal organs. That is why it is important for everyone to know, especially for people of respectable age, how to reduce alkaline phosphatase in the blood at home.

What does alkaline phosphatase show

The largest amount of the enzyme is found in the cells of the biliary tract and liver. It actively affects the biochemical reactions of the body and is the only catalyst for the breakdown of phosphoric acid. During the process of splitting, the contents enter the bloodstream and are distributed to all cells of the body. That is why the enzyme can be found in almost any cell.

• With it, you can determine the deviation in the body. It is noteworthy that it is impossible to detect deviations in the removal of bile from the child's body.
• In elderly people, there is a decrease in alkaline phosphatase, since the enzyme is found in bone tissues. And as you know, in older people there is a decrease in bone mass.
• If there are violations, then it is necessary to take tests at the level weekly. The thing is that more than half of the enzyme can leave the body within 3-5 days.
• The main reason for the increase in alkaline phosphatase in the blood is zinc deficiency, since it is the main component.
• Before the analysis, it is not recommended to eat fatty foods. This moment is especially important for the 1st and 3rd blood groups.

With the help of an enzyme, harmony and normal metabolism reign in the body. In addition, this applies to all organs and tissues. But if any part of the body is damaged, its cells enter the bloodstream and cause an imbalance of phosphatase. This situation is especially noticeable in lesions of bone tissue, kidneys and liver. Another striking cause of imbalance is the formation of a malignant tumor.

Also, a variety of drugs can affect phosphatase levels. Especially: halothane, furosemide, papaverine.

The main reasons for the abnormal indicator:

• thyroid disease;
• rickets;
• unbalanced diet;
• the period of breastfeeding;
• third trimester of pregnancy;
• avitaminosis;
• menopause;
• infectious diseases;
• inflammatory processes;
• excessive physical activity;
• heart attack;

What is alkaline phosphatase in biochemical analysis and why do tests

As a rule, an analysis for the level of this enzyme is prescribed in combination with other analyzes of a clinical trial. Be sure to donate blood to patients who suffer from diseases of the bone tissue, digestive system, liver and kidneys.

The main symptoms of an abnormal enzyme indicator:

• liquid stool;
• nausea;
• cholestasis;
• suspicion of Paget's disease;
• yellowing of the eyes;
• severe pain in the abdomen.

The rate of alkaline phosphatase in women after 50 years of age differs from that of other ages. More detailed information is given in the table:

It is also worth remembering that the enzyme tends to rise or fall, regardless of whether you are healthy or sick. This can be influenced by short-term factors that change very quickly. Changes in the indicator of enzymes do not always indicate the presence of terrible diseases or pathologies.

The examination may be ordered by the following specialists:

Enzyme normalization

So, we figured out what elevated alkaline phosphatase means and what are the reasons. It remains to determine how to bring the enzyme back to normal and what treatment to choose.

Important! You should not make any decisions on your own during pregnancy, violation of the integrity of the bone tissue or during the rehabilitation period. We have already said that with the growth of bone tissue, the level of the enzyme increases significantly. This is normal. The indicator will return to normal over time.

There is no specialized treatment for restoring phosphatase levels. Do not self-medicate. The doctor will look at the tests, determine the cause of the increase in the indicator and, if necessary, prescribe treatment or additional tests.

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Alkaline phosphatase is normal in women

Alkaline phosphatase - the norm

Alkaline phosphatase is a protein that ensures the normal course of many chemical reactions in the body. The deviation of the indicator from the norm often indicates the development of certain pathologies associated with a violation of phosphorus-calcium metabolism.

The norm of alkaline phosphatase in the blood

In order to identify compliance or deviation from the norm of the content of alkaline phosphatase, a biochemical blood test is performed. It should be noted that the rate of alkaline phosphatase is associated with age, gender, and in some cases, the physiological state of the patient. So, in children, this indicator is three times higher than in adults, and in women, the level of alkaline phosphatase in the blood is normally lower than in men.

In addition, it should be taken into account that the indicators of the alkaline phosphatase norm also depend on which reagents were used in the blood test. Here are the average figures.

Blood ALP norms in biochemical analysis (constant time method):

• in children and adolescents - 1.2-6.3 μkat / l;
• in men - 0.9-2.3 mkat / l;
• the norm of alkaline phosphatase in women is 0.7-2.1 mkat / l.

• from birth to 1 year - units / l;
• from 1 to 9 years - units / l;
• from 9 to 15 years - units / l;
• from 15 to 18 years old - units / l.

A significant increase in the average ALP in children under 9 years of age is not a pathology and is associated with intensive bone growth.

The norm of alkaline phosphatase in blood plasma in women (by age):

• from 19 to 45 years old /l;
• from 45 to 55 years - units / l;
• from 55 to 70 years - units / l;
• after 70 years - units / l.

It is normal to change the level of the enzyme during pregnancy. This is due to the formation of the placenta in the body of the expectant mother.

Pathological causes of changes in alkaline phosphatase

Together with other laboratory tests and instrumental studies, the detection of the level of alkaline phosphatase is of decisive importance in the diagnosis of certain diseases. Biochemical analysis is prescribed for patients with pathology of the endocrine system, digestive tract, liver, kidneys. Without fail, this study is carried out with pregnant women and patients who are being prepared for surgery.

As a result of damage to the tissues of an organ or system, the level of alkaline phosphatase changes. Contribute to this disease:

• liver (cirrhosis, viral hepatitis, obstructive jaundice);
• bile ducts;
• bone tissue (rickets, osteosarcoma, osteomalacia, etc.);
• malignant tumors;
• rheumatoid arthritis;
• myocardial infarction;
• severe renal failure;
• ulcerative colitis and intestinal infections accompanied by diarrhea;
• thyroid disorders.

Rules for conducting biochemical analysis

To get the most accurate data, you must follow the following rules:

Additionally, in order to clarify the diagnosis, tests of urine, feces, intestinal juice can be prescribed, as well as liver, intestinal, bone, placental, alkaline phosphatase isoenzymes.

Alkaline phosphatase: norm and pathology

What is alkaline phosphatase?

Alkaline phosphatase is a group of enzymes that provide biochemical processes in the body, resulting in the breakdown of phosphoric acid monoesters. According to the chemical structure, phosphatase is a protein, the molecule of which has a complex structure and contains several zinc atoms.

In the biochemical processes occurring inside the cell, alkaline phosphatase plays the role of a catalyst, its highest activity is determined in an alkaline environment, with a ph value of 9 to 10. Total alkaline phosphatase is not homogeneous in structure and consists of isoenzymes similar in structure, the main sources of which are:

Normally, all alkaline phosphatase in the blood is represented by the liver and bone isoenzyme, approximately in equal parts, the remaining fractions may be present in small quantities. However, under certain pathological and physiological conditions, the quantitative ratio of ALP isoenzymes in blood plasma can change significantly.

Why does the level of alkaline phosphatase in the body change?

Alkaline phosphatase ensures normal metabolism in all tissues of the human body. Therefore, when the cells of any of the organs of a mechanical, inflammatory, degenerative or neoplastic nature are damaged, some of the enzymes from the damaged tissues enter the bloodstream, and an increase in the activity of alkaline phosphatase in the blood plasma is determined. Most often, the following conditions contribute to this:

• diseases of the liver and biliary tract: obstructive jaundice, cirrhosis of the liver, viral hepatitis, Gilbert's syndrome;
• bone tissue diseases: Paget's disease, osteogenic sarcoma, rickets, osteomalacia, bone fusion after fractures;
• malignant tumors of the testicle, prostate, kidney, ovary, uterus, pancreas and lung;
• with other pathologies: hyperparathyroidism, hyperthyroidism, myocardial infarction, ulcerative colitis, chronic renal failure, rheumatoid arthritis, etc.;
• as a side effect when taking medications: phenobarbital, furosemide, ranitidine, papaverine, halothane, etc.

An increase in the level of alkaline phosphatase in the blood can also be observed in healthy people with a significant increase in the metabolism of certain organs and tissues caused by some functional conditions, the main of which are the following:

Pathological conditions are much less common in which the activity of alkaline phosphatase decreases, and its indicators in the blood are determined at a very low level. Deficiency of alkaline phosphatase is caused by the following pathologies:

• hypovitaminosis and beriberi (especially with a lack of vitamins of groups B and C);
• lack of trace elements in the body: zinc, magnesium, phosphorus (occurs during starvation and poor nutrition);
• hypervitaminosis D (with excessive consumption of foods containing large amounts of vitamin D);
• hypothyroidism with severe dysfunction of the thyroid gland;
• taking medications: statins, sulfonamides.

When is an alkaline phosphatase blood test performed?

In clinical practice, the level of alkaline phosphatase acquires an important diagnostic value only in combination with other laboratory and instrumental studies. Therefore, patients are usually prescribed a biochemical blood test, which includes the determination of the content of alkaline phosphatase. This study is indicated for all outpatients and inpatients with pathology of the liver, kidneys, digestive and endocrine systems. Currently, in most cases, they are limited to determining the total level of alkaline phosphatase, since fractional analysis, although more informative, is very expensive and is performed only in specialized laboratories.

How is the analysis for ALP done?

To obtain the correct result of the study, you must adhere to the following rules:

• blood sampling is performed in the morning from the cubital vein in the amount of 5-10 ml;
• the analysis should be performed on an empty stomach and it is best not to eat for at least 12 hours before taking blood;
• one day before blood donation, one should not engage in heavy physical labor and sports involving intense loads;
• refrain from drinking alcohol and taking medications that increase the level of alkaline phosphatase.

What is the rate of alkaline phosphatase in the blood?

Normal levels of alkaline phosphatase in blood plasma vary depending on the age and sex of the person. The norm in children is:

In adults, ALP indicators slightly differ depending on gender, the norm for women per liter is lower than for men of the same age:

• 20-30 years - 85 - 105 units / l;
• 30-45 years - 95 - 115 units / l;
• 45-55 years - 100 - 125 units / l;
• 55-70 years - 130 - 145 units / l;
• over 70 years old - 165 - 190 units / l.

Alkaline phosphatase is elevated

Alkaline phosphatase is a group of enzymes that is present in almost all tissues of the body. The greatest localization of enzymes is in the liver, bones and placenta. Phosphatases located in cells take part in the reactions of cleavage of the phosphoric acid residue from its organic compounds.

The norm of alkaline phosphatase

In the blood of a healthy person, the content of alkaline phosphatase is quite natural, since the cells are constantly updated. However, if many cells die, then the level of these enzymes can increase, sometimes by several times. Depending on age, the norm of the content of these enzymes in the blood also changes, and the norm for men and women also varies. So, for example, at the age of 4 years in boys, the norm of the alkaline phase is 104 # 8212; 345 U / l, in girls of the same age, the norm is slightly higher - 108 # 8212; 317 U/l. With age, the amount of alkaline phosphatase decreases, and in boys the blood already contains from 74 to 390 U / l, for girls of the same age the norm is 50 # 8212; 162 U/l. With the onset of 18 years, these indicators in men and women, these indicators are compared and remain unchanged - from 30 to 120 U / ml.

As you can see, in the blood of a healthy person, the content of alkaline phosphatase is minimal. To determine the amount of alkaline phosphatase, a blood test, urine, feces, intestinal juice is used. Sometimes alkaline phosphatase isoenzymes are determined, such as hepatic, intestinal, bone, placental, Regan and Nagayo isoenzymes in blood serum, in amniotic fluid. Taking a blood sample for alkaline phosphatase takes a couple of minutes. Before taking the test, it is recommended to refuse food and drink, because in some people eating produces alkaline phosphatase, which can distort the results of the analysis. Modern laboratories are able to provide test results within a couple of hours. Exceeding the permissible values ​​in most cases indicates a disease.

Causes of elevated alkaline phosphatase

The main reasons for an increase in alkaline phosphatase are:

1. Damage to the liver and biliary tract.

Obstructive jaundice due to obstruction of the bile ducts.

Bile duct stones, bile duct scars caused by surgery.

Tumors of the bile ducts of various origins.

Cancer of the head of the pancreas.

Gastric cancer with mechanical compression of the common bile duct, through which bile enters the duodenum.

Metastases in the liver of malignant tumors of internal organs.

Hepatitis of any origin. Traditionally, this disease exceeds the ALP value by 3 times the norm.

Infectious mononucleosis. The symptoms of this acute viral infection are not only fever, inflammation of the pharynx and swollen lymph nodes, but also elevated values ​​of alkaline phosphatase.

Primary biliary cirrhosis and primary sclerosing cholangitis.

At times, the level of alkaline phosphatase can increase in Paget's disease. This disease is accompanied by pathological growth of bones and a violation of their structure.

Metastases of tumors in the bone.

Osteomalacia is a softening of the bones due to a lack of calcium.

Hyperparathyroidism is a hormonal disease in which the parathyroid glands provoke excessive production of parathyroid hormone, as a result, calcium is washed out of the bones.

Third trimester of pregnancy.

Congestive heart failure.

Breast cancer with metastases.

Lymphoma and leukemia.

Lung cancer with metastases.

Prostate cancer.

Agree, dear visitors to our portal, not so much is known about alkaline phosphatase, as we suppose, about the same bilirubin, the increase in which in the blood also indicates problems with the liver. However, in no case do not neglect the treatment and do not ignore the treatment if the norm is exceeded at times, since the consequences of this can be extremely sad. We will be grateful if you tell us what you know about alkaline phosphatase in the comments to this article.

The norm of alkaline phosphatase in women and deviations from the norm

What is alkaline phosphatase, the norm in women of different ages. Serious importance in metabolism is played by alkaline phosphatase (especially calcium and phosphorus metabolism), which is found in many tissues of the body of any person. The amount of this enzyme in the blood stream allows you to obtain information about a particular disease of any internal organ or human systems. Conducting a special blood test aimed at determining the amount of alkaline phosphatase helps to diagnose various diseases, including the presence of cancerous tumors.

Alkaline phosphatase - what is it for

This medical term is the modern name for enzymes involved in the body's exchange of calcium and phosphorus in cells. Each of these enzymes has its own function - in alkaline phosphatase it is the transport of phosphorus through the cell membranes of the body. To ensure this, phosphatase helps separate phosphoric acid molecules from the compounds with which it entered human tissues. Thanks to the function of alkaline phosphatase, phosphorus freely enters the cells of the body, contributing to normal metabolism.

Phosphatase is one of the most important indicators of human health, because its amount directly depends on the pathologies of various body systems. It can have high and low values, which is most often observed during pregnancy. It is also worth knowing that an increase in the amount of phosphatase today is most often observed in the elderly, which occurs due to a decrease in bone mass.

Since this enzyme contains zinc, if it is deficient in the diet, the level of phosphatase will have reduced results.

• cocoa;
• peanut;
• any kind of chocolate;
• watermelon seeds;
• oysters;
• fresh meat (lamb, beef).

In order for the test results to be correct and reliable, it is important to donate blood on an empty stomach. The fact is that in people with blood groups 1 and 3, when eating fatty foods, there is an increase in intestinal phosphatase, which will certainly affect the test result.

Varieties of alkaline phosphatase

In the human body, phosphatase is found in many tissues and organs, while having 11 varieties - isoenzymes.

The most famous and of diagnostic value are the following:

1. Bone LPL - is located in the bone tissue, or rather, its cells. If there is a deformation in the bone, alkaline phosphatase quickly penetrates into the blood from the bone tissue cells, while increasing its level in the blood stream.
2. Renal ALPL - This type is located in the tubules of the kidneys.
3. Hepatic ALPL - is located in the liver cells, in violation of the integrity of which it quickly penetrates into the blood.
4. Intestinal ALPI is found in the intestinal mucosa.
5. Placental ALPP - found in the placenta. The indicators and results of alkaline phosphatase increase rapidly during pregnancy for physiological reasons of the body, while a lot of it is secreted by the mammary gland during lactation.
6. Oncological - this isoenzyme penetrates into the human body as a result of the formation of malignant and life-threatening neoplasms.

The level of this enzyme in the blood of women and men is evidence of pathology in some tissues, even if certain and characteristic symptoms of the disease are absent or very blurred.

Why you need to regularly measure the level of the enzyme

Since alkaline phosphatase is found in many organs of the human body, a variety of reasons affect the increase in its norm in the blood, therefore there are no pronounced symptoms indicating an increase in the amount of this enzyme. However, some signs can be distinguished, the presence of which explains the blood test for phosphatase.

These include:

• bitterness in the oral cavity before and after eating;
• severe and not passing pain in the head;
• itching on the skin, resembling an allergic reaction;
• jaundice;
• nausea;
• weakness of the body even without performing physical exertion;
• darkening of urine and the acquisition of an unpleasant odor;
• discoloration of feces;
• pain in the hypochondrium, which can be called aching;
• frequent fractures;
• diseases of bones and joints;
• drastic weight loss.

High levels of phosphatase in women

This indicator is observed much more often than a low level, and it tells the doctor a lot. Often high test results are explained by the fact that any kind of pathological process that occurs in the female body is accompanied by the death of a large number of cells. This leads to the penetration of phosphatase into the woman's blood from cell membranes.

If the high results of the study are accompanied by a sharp increase in the number of other enzymes in the body, then the doctor can safely say that the patient has problems with the liver, even if she does not feel any symptoms of a particular disease.

A simultaneous increase in calcium, phosphorus and this enzyme indicates pathologies of bone tissue.

It is also worth knowing that the increase in alkaline phosphatase - the norm in women and men, can be influenced by the gender, temperature and psychological mood of the patient. The rise in test results can be provoked by constant stress and fatigue.

If the level of phosphatase is increased in some cancerous tumors, this is due to the ability of their cells to synthesize this enzyme.

All reasons for the increase in test results can be divided into several groups:

1. Pathology of the liver. The increase in indicators is affected by liver diseases, its malignant tumors, as well as metastatic lesions, which include cancer, tumors and disruption of some internal and genital organs.
2. Violation of the integrity of bone tissue. This includes a lack of calcium in the body, and the development of a disease such as rickets. Also, the level of phosphatase is affected by osteomalacia, characterized by the destruction of tissues in the bones. Fractures, tumors, cancer that have spread to the bone tissue can cause a lot of diseases, which include prostate and breast cancer, disruption of the kidneys, lungs and other organs.
3. This includes diseases that are not associated with diseases of the above organs. Most often, the main cause is myocardial infarction, colitis and disruption of the intestines, which develops as a result of low levels of the enzyme in the woman's blood.
4. This group includes the patient's conditions that cannot be associated with pathologies of the body. In this case, the level of phosphatase is often increased in women who are carrying a child, adolescents, boys in adulthood, and also in girls who have not reached the age of 20.

Decreased phosphatase values ​​and blood biochemistry

This condition is much less common - in this case, the patient needs to conduct a full diagnostic examination to establish the cause of the low enzyme level.

It is worth knowing that this condition is associated with dangerous and serious diseases, which include:

• zinc deficiency in a woman's body;
• deterioration and disruption of the thyroid gland;
• anemia;
• hypophosphatosis;
• protein deficiency - sometimes occurs as a result of a low-protein diet for kidney disease.

To determine the level of enzyme activity in the blood, the method of colometry is used, during which various reagents are alternately added to the blood serum. The current equipment in laboratories allows physicians to obtain data on a wide variety of blood enzymes, and the results obtained are referred to as international units per liter of blood (IU/l).

When conducting biochemistry, blood from a vein is used, which is taken only on an empty stomach, since the presence of food dramatically increases the level of the enzyme in the liver. Cigarette drinkers should refrain from smoking for at least 30 minutes prior to testing.

Norms of alkaline phosphatase in the blood in women

In a healthy person, this level is directly related to gender, body condition and age, so the indicators of this enzyme often differ from each other.

In men, normal values ​​\u200b\u200bare considered (in IU / L):

• aged 1-10 years;
• at the age of departure;
• at the age of departure;
• at the age of 19 years.

In women, these indicators are somewhat different, the alkaline phosphatase rate is as follows (IU / l):

• aged 1-10 years;
• at the age of departure;
• at the age of departure;
• at the age of 19 years.

It can be seen that the normal indicators in women differ significantly from the norm in men.

This is due to several factors, the main ones being:

1. The onset of pregnancy. During the bearing of a child in a woman’s body, in addition to the presence of ordinary or “standard” isoenzymes, a placental or, as doctors call it, a new one also appears.
2. In women, a constant increase in the enzyme often occurs when taking contraceptives.
3. High levels of this substance in the blood are also caused by preeclampsia of pregnant women, which is considered a dangerous disease for the expectant mother and child. For such patients, the gynecologist will constantly prescribe blood donations to monitor the state of the body.