Alkaline phosphatase is an enzyme in the human body, mainly found in the liver and bones. Generally, alkaline phosphatase levels increase in women after pregnancy, but in normal individuals, an increase in alkaline phosphatase may indicate a problem with the body and requires timely examination. Do you know the normal value of alkaline phosphatase? Let's learn about it together.
Alkaline phosphatase is an indicator of liver function testing, widely distributed in various organs of the human body, with the liver being the most common, followed by tissues such as the kidneys, bones, intestines, and placenta. When the liver is damaged or obstructed, it enters the bloodstream through the lymphatic tract and hepatic sinusoids. At the same time, due to the obstruction of bile excretion in the intrahepatic bile duct, it refluxes into the bloodstream, causing a significant increase in serum alkaline phosphatase.
Alkaline phosphatase is not a single enzyme, but a group of isoenzymes. At present, six isoenzymes, AKP1, AKP2, AKP3, AKP4, AKP5, and AKP6, have been discovered. Among them, the first, second, and sixth types all come from the liver, the third type comes from bone cells, the fourth type is produced in the placenta and cancer cells, and the fifth type comes from small intestinal villous epithelium and fibroblasts. ALP in serum mainly comes from the liver and bones. Most of the serum in growing children comes from osteoblasts and growing osteoclasts, with a small amount coming from the liver.
The normal value of alkaline phosphatase varies among different populations. Normal value of female alkaline phosphatase: less than 500U/L for ages 1-12; Over 15 years old, 40-150U/L; Normal value of male alkaline phosphatase: less than 500U/L for ages 1-12; 12-15 years old, less than 750U/L; Over 15 years old, 40-150U/L. The main reason for this difference is that children produce additional alkaline phosphatase during their growth and development process. If it is an adult, alkaline phosphatase has clearly exceeded the normal range of alkaline phosphatase.
The above is the encyclopedia's introduction to the normal values of alkaline phosphatase. In short, when a high level of alkaline phosphatase is detected, it indicates the occurrence of liver cancer. It is recommended that you go to a large professional liver disease hospital for a comprehensive examination to determine the cause of the high alkaline phosphatase and then take targeted treatment.
