Research Tracker›Biomarker Atlas›NAFLD / MASH (Metabolic-Associated Steatohepatitis)›AST

AST in NAFLD / MASH (Metabolic-Associated Steatohepatitis)

AST belongs to the hepatic group of NAFLD / MASH (Metabolic-Associated Steatohepatitis) markers and is reported to be raised relative to the reference group of the cited comparison (NAFLD vs without NAFLD). The source does not tie this marker to a specific symptom cluster, so it is best read as a biological signal rather than a symptom predictor. The evidence summarised here comes from Liu et al. 2023 and reflects averages across cohorts rather than any single patient's result.

↑ ElevatedHepatic

Summary

Direction in NAFLD / MASH (Metabolic-Associated Steatohepatitis)↑ Elevated — higher than in the comparison group
CategoryHepatic
Compared againstNAFLD vs without NAFLD
SourceLiu et al. 2023 — doi:10.3390/nu15081892
Condition atlasNAFLD / MASH (Metabolic-Associated Steatohepatitis) Biomarker Atlas

Other conditions where AST is reported

See the cross-condition hub: AST across conditions.

Related Hepatic markers in NAFLD / MASH (Metabolic-Associated Steatohepatitis)

Full list: NAFLD / MASH (Metabolic-Associated Steatohepatitis) Biomarker Atlas.

Frequently asked questions

Is AST high or low in NAFLD / MASH (Metabolic-Associated Steatohepatitis)?

Elevated. Studies summarised in the OSMF atlas report higher AST in NAFLD / MASH (Metabolic-Associated Steatohepatitis) than in the reference group of the cited comparison (NAFLD vs without NAFLD). Source: Liu et al. 2023.

Which test measures AST?

The atlas record does not list a standardised clinical test code (LOINC) for AST, which usually means it was measured with research assays or study-specific protocols rather than a routine clinical panel. Check the cited source for the exact method.

Is one abnormal AST result diagnostic of NAFLD / MASH (Metabolic-Associated Steatohepatitis)?

No. No single biomarker is diagnostic of NAFLD / MASH (Metabolic-Associated Steatohepatitis). AST findings come from group comparisons, overlap considerably between patients and controls, and vary with study design, timing and comparison group. A result should be interpreted by a clinician alongside symptoms, history and other tests.

Is AST specific to NAFLD / MASH (Metabolic-Associated Steatohepatitis)?

No. The same marker is also reported in Hepatitis C in this atlas, so it reflects shared biology (for example inflammation or vascular stress) rather than a condition-specific signature.

Cite this page

Open Source Medicine Foundation. (2026). AST in NAFLD / MASH (Metabolic-Associated Steatohepatitis): direction, evidence and what it means. OSMF Research Tracker. Retrieved October 7, 2026, from https://research.opensourcemed.info/biomarkers/nafld-mash-metabolic-associated-steatohepatitis/ast.html
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Last reviewed: 2026-07-03 · Page generated from nafld-mash-metabolic-associated-steatohepatitis.json · Browse: NAFLD / MASH (Metabolic-Associated Steatohepatitis) atlas · Biomarker Index · All marker pages

Disclaimer: This page is an educational synthesis of published, peer-reviewed research and is not medical advice. Biomarker findings vary across studies with case definitions, comparison groups, timing and assay methods. Direction of change reflects the predominant finding in the cited source and does not establish a diagnostic threshold. Discuss any test result with a qualified clinician.