Which enzyme decreases in hepatocellular disease?

In hepatocellular disease, serum albumin levels decrease due to the liver's compromised ability to synthesize proteins. The liver is responsible for producing several vital proteins, among them albumin, which helps maintain osmotic pressure and play roles in transporting substances in the blood. When the liver is damaged or diseased, its capacity to produce these proteins diminishes, leading to lower levels of serum albumin in the bloodstream.

In contrast, other substances listed, such as bilirubin, AST, and alkaline phosphatase, may either remain normal or increase in cases of hepatocellular injury or liver dysfunction. For example, bilirubin levels can rise due to impaired conjugation or excretion, while AST can be elevated in response to liver cell damage. Alkaline phosphatase levels typically indicate biliary obstruction or cholestasis rather than hepatocyte function directly. Thus, the decrease in serum albumin specifically highlights the liver's reduced synthetic capability in hepatocellular disease.