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Evidence-based GLP-1 & peptide discussion since 2023
ForumsLab Results & BiomarkersIs it normal for liver enzymes to go UP at first? — need advice

Is it normal for liver enzymes to go UP at first? — need advice

pat_auckland Mon, Jun 17, 2024 at 5:20 AM 55 replies 2,123 viewsPage 1 of 11
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pat_auckland
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Jun 17, 2024 at 6:45 AM#1
I was diagnosed with MASLD (formerly NAFLD) in 2022 via ultrasound and elevated liver enzymes. Biopsy confirmed MASH (formerly NASH) with F2 fibrosis. My hepatologist started me on tirzepatide specifically for the liver benefits, alongside vitamin E 800 IU. Here are my liver labs over time. I'm genuinely emotional looking at these numbers. | Marker | Baseline (Jan 2025) | Month 3 | Month 6 | Month 8 (Now) | Ref Range | |--------|-------------------|---------|---------|---------------|-----------| | ALT | 94 U/L | 58 U/L | 34 U/L | 22 U/L | 7-56 | | AST | 72 U/L | 48 U/L | 30 U/L | 19 U/L | 10-40 | | GGT | 118 U/L | 74 U/L | 42 U/L | 28 U/L | 9-48 | | Albumin | 3.8 g/dL | 3.9 g/dL | 4.1 g/dL | 4.3 g/dL | 3.5-5.0 | | Platelets | 158 K/µL | 172 K/µL | 189 K/µL | 198 K/µL | 150-400 | | FIB-4 Score | 2.14 | 1.62 | 1.08 | 0.78 | <1.3 low risk | The FIB-4 score going from 2.14 (indeterminate/high) to 0.78 (low risk) is the headline. My hepatologist said I may have reversed from F2 to F1 or even F0 fibrosis. Follow-up FibroScan scheduled for December. 46 lbs down, liver is healing. I'm crying writing this. 😭
10 18NurseAsh_DET, BenResearch_OR, MikeKY_noInsulin and 7 others
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DadBodDave
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Nov 2024
Ohio
Jun 17, 2024 at 7:02 AM#2
Frank, these results are textbook GLP-1 benefit in MASLD/MASH. Let me put some context around your numbers for others reading: ALT is the most liver-specific aminotransferase. Your drop from 94 to 22 represents resolution of active hepatocellular injury. A normal ALT doesn't guarantee zero steatosis, but it strongly suggests reduced inflammation. GGT is often the most sensitive marker for fatty liver. Going from 118 to 28 is remarkable — that's a 76% reduction. FIB-4 combines age, AST, ALT, and platelets into a fibrosis risk score. Your improvement from 2.14 to 0.78 correlates with likely fibrosis regression. The SYNERGY-NASH trial with tirzepatide showed MASH resolution in 74% and fibrosis improvement in 47% of patients at 15mg — you're tracking right in line with trial data. Rising platelets (158 to 198) is also a good sign — low platelets can indicate portal hypertension from liver fibrosis, and your improvement suggests reduced hepatic pressure. Keep doing what you're doing. The FibroScan in December will give you more definitive staging.
34 0JenMemphis, pat_auckland, Dr.GastroMayo and 31 others
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VanRx_Mike
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Vancouver, CA
Jun 17, 2024 at 7:19 AM#3
This thread is everything. I just got diagnosed with MASLD last month — ALT 78, AST 54, GGT 96, with an ultrasound showing moderate steatosis. My BMI is 38. My GI doc is recommending semaglutide. Frank — were your numbers going up before treatment or had they been stable? Mine have been slowly rising over 3 years and I'm scared about progression.
16 8Admin, Dr.Martinez, mike_mod and 13 others
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Dr.Martinez
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Jun 17, 2024 at 7:36 AM#4
> were your numbers going up before treatment or had they been stable? Going up. In 2022 my ALT was 52, by mid-2023 it was 68, and by late 2024 it was 94. Same trend with GGT. That's what prompted the biopsy — the worsening trajectory. And the biopsy is what got my insurance to approve tirzepatide for the MASH indication. The fact that your numbers are rising is actually more reason to act NOW rather than wait. MASLD is progressive in a subset of patients and catching it before you develop significant fibrosis is key. F0-F1 fibrosis is generally fully reversible. F3-F4 gets much harder.
47 20Dr.SurgeonPGH, rachel_ABQ, traveltech_sara and 44 others
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MariaRD
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Jun 2024
New Mexico
Jun 17, 2024 at 7:53 AM#5
Not as dramatic as Frank's numbers but adding mine for completeness: Semaglutide 1.7 mg, 5 months | Marker | Baseline | Month 5 | |--------|----------|---------| | ALT | 48 U/L | 26 U/L | | AST | 38 U/L | 24 U/L | | GGT | 62 U/L | 35 U/L | No formal MASLD diagnosis — my doc just said "mildly elevated enzymes, probably fatty liver." Lost 28 lbs so far. Everything is normalizing nicely. Also quit alcohol completely which I'm sure helps.
Last edited: Jun 17, 2024 at 8:53 AM
11 16nancy_portland, rick_sfbay, maria_elpaso and 8 others
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