Less Common Causes of Elevated AST and ALT • Autoimmune hepatitis – the defense system of body attacks own cells • Alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency – does not stimulate the release of neutrophil elastase in inflammation and toxicity leading to chronic lung diseases • Wilson disease – inherited disorder which manifests with abnormal accumulation of copper in liver and brain leading to liver cirrhosis and psychiatric disturbances respectively • Hemochromatosis – inherited disorder which manifests with abnormal accumulation of iron in liver due to excessive absorption of dietary iron • Celiac disease – autoimmune disease which manifests with damage of small intestines and indigestion of gluten • Ulcerative colitis – inflammatory bowel disease which manifests with inflammation and sores in innermost lining of digestive tract
