Drought can also have significant impacts on the economy. For example, in the first year of a severe drought from 2007 to 2009, the U.S. Southeast lost over $1.3 billion due to destruction of major crops such as corn, wheat, soybeans, cotton, and hay.
Less common causes include Î±1-antitrypsin deficiency, autoimmune hepatitis, and Wilson disease. Extrahepatic conditions (e.g., thyroid disorders, celiac disease, hemolysis, muscle disorders) can also cause elevated liver transaminase levels.
Damage to the liver cells causes ALT and AST to leak into the bloodstream. Normal levels of ALT range from 7 units to 56 units per liter, while normal levels of AST range from 5 units to 40 U/L, according to the Lab Tests Online website. Several types of liver disease cause elevated liver enzymes.