What is true about SGOT (Serum glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase) levels?

SGOT, now more commonly referred to as AST (aspartate aminotransferase), is an enzyme found in various tissues, including the liver, heart, muscles, and kidneys. In the context of liver function, increased levels of AST are often associated with liver damage, making it a valuable marker in diagnosing liver conditions such as hepatitis.

When considering the relationship of AST levels with hepatitis, it is important to note that hepatitis typically causes an increase in AST levels due to liver cell damage and necrosis. This increase reflects the release of AST into the bloodstream from the damaged liver cells. Conversely, diabetes alone does not typically lead to elevated AST levels unless there are other underlying liver conditions or complications related to diabetes that affect liver function.

The choice that states SGOT levels increase with hepatitis is aligned with the clinical findings of elevated liver enzymes during liver injury or inflammation. Additionally, while severe hepatic conditions can affect AST levels, diabetes in itself does not directly decrease AST levels; thus, it wouldn't be accurate to say that AST levels would decrease with diabetes.

Overall, the chosen answer accurately reflects the relationship between AST levels and liver integrity, emphasizing the increase in levels due to hepatitis and the lack of direct correlation with diabetes changes.