Common Causes of Elevated Liver Enzymes and How to Address Them

9. Alpha 1 antitrypsin deficiency

Alpha 1-antitrypsin is an enzyme that inhibits proteases in the body. Proteases are enzymes that break down proteins. In other words, this enzyme protects the body from other enzymes that may cause harm. When it is not present, the patient has damage to structures such as the liver or the lungs. Alpha 1-antitrypsin deficiency is a genetic disorder passed down from parents to children.