In hepatocellular disease, which enzyme level tends to increase?

In cases of hepatocellular disease, the enzyme level that typically increases is AST (aspartate aminotransferase). This enzyme is primarily found in liver cells, and when there is liver damage or inflammation, as seen in conditions like hepatitis, cirrhosis, or fatty liver disease, AST is released into the bloodstream, causing elevated serum levels.

While some of the other options relate to liver function, they do not specifically indicate hepatocellular damage in the same way. For example, serum albumin levels generally decrease in hepatocellular disease due to impaired synthesis by the damaged liver. Alkaline phosphatase levels may rise primarily in conditions affecting the bile ducts rather than direct hepatocellular injury. Ammonia may increase in cases of severe liver dysfunction, but it is more associated with hepatic encephalopathy rather than being a primary indicator of hepatocellular disease. Thus, the elevation of AST serves as a more direct indicator of hepatocellular injury.