MBI004 - ALKALINE PHOSPHATASE, SERUM Detail

Alkaline phosphatase (ALP) is an enzyme present in many tissues of the body, especially those involved in bone formation and bile secretion.

Description

Alkaline phosphatase catalyzes the hydrolysis of phosphate esters in an alkaline environment, releasing inorganic phosphate. This enzyme is important for bone mineralization and normal liver and biliary function.

Distribution in the body

Major sources of ALP include:

• Liver (bile canaliculi)

• Bone (osteoblasts)

• Intestine

• Placenta (during pregnancy)

Clinical significance

• ALP is routinely measured in blood tests to evaluate liver and bone disorders.

• Elevated ALP levels are seen in:

  • Cholestatic liver diseases (bile duct obstruction, jaundice)

  • Bone diseases (rickets, osteomalacia, Paget’s disease)

  • Normal growth in children and adolescents

  • Pregnancy

• Low ALP levels may be seen in malnutrition, hypothyroidism, or certain genetic conditions.

Normal range

• Typically 44–147 IU/L in adults (ranges vary by laboratory and age).

In summary, alkaline phosphatase is an important diagnostic enzyme used to assess bone health and biliary/liver function.