Varves form only in fresh or brackish water, because the high levels of salt in normal sea water coagulate the clay into coarse grains. Since the saline waters leave coarse particles all year, it is nearly impossible to distinguish the individual layers in salt waters.
An aspartate aminotransferase (AST) test measures the amount of this enzyme in the blood. AST is normally found in red blood cells, liver, heart, muscle tissue, pancreas, and kidneys. AST formerly was called serum glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase (SGOT). Low levels of AST are normally found in the blood. When body tissue or an organ such as the heart or liver is diseased or damaged, additional AST is released into the bloodstream. The amount of AST in the blood is directly related to the extent of the tissue damage.
AST SGOT â High, Normal, Low (Interpretation) AST is one of the two liver enzymes. it stands for aspartate amino transferase. This enzyme is also known as SGOT, which stands for serum glutamic-oxaloacetic transaminase. AST is a protein that is synthesized in the liver cells. When there is liver complication or damage, this enzyme leaks out and enters the blood stream, something that leads to increased level of this type of protein in blood. AST is also found in other parts of the body apart from liver.