Which of the following statements regarding the naming of transaminases is true?

Which of the following statements regarding the naming of transaminases is true?

• A. Serum glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase (SGOT) is the older abbreviation for ALT
• B. Serum glutamic pyruvic transaminase (SGPT) is the older abbreviation for AST
• C. SGPT is the older abbreviation for ALT
• D. SGOT is the newer abbreviation for AST

Answer: (C)

The correct statement is that SGPT is the older abbreviation for ALT (alanine aminotransferase). This terminology dates back to when transaminases were first categorized based on their biochemical functions and the types of amino acids they primarily interacted with. ALT specifically catalyzes the transfer of an amino group from alanine to α-ketoglutarate, in the process forming pyruvate and glutamate. Historically, this enzyme was referred to as serum glutamic pyruvic transaminase, or SGPT, reflecting the amino acids involved in its function. Regarding the other choices, the incorrect statements highlight a mix-up between SGOT and SGPT. SGOT refers to serum glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase, which is actually an older name for AST (aspartate aminotransferase), not ALT. Therefore, it is important to ensure that the correct acronyms are used to avoid confusion in clinical practice. Understanding these terms accurately is essential for correct interpretation of laboratory results and their clinical implications.

The correct statement is that SGPT is the older abbreviation for ALT (alanine aminotransferase). This terminology dates back to when transaminases were first categorized based on their biochemical functions and the types of amino acids they primarily interacted with.

ALT specifically catalyzes the transfer of an amino group from alanine to α-ketoglutarate, in the process forming pyruvate and glutamate. Historically, this enzyme was referred to as serum glutamic pyruvic transaminase, or SGPT, reflecting the amino acids involved in its function.

Regarding the other choices, the incorrect statements highlight a mix-up between SGOT and SGPT. SGOT refers to serum glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase, which is actually an older name for AST (aspartate aminotransferase), not ALT. Therefore, it is important to ensure that the correct acronyms are used to avoid confusion in clinical practice. Understanding these terms accurately is essential for correct interpretation of laboratory results and their clinical implications.