What is the primary role of liver enzymes measured in a CMP?

The primary role of liver enzymes measured in a Comprehensive Metabolic Panel (CMP) is to measure liver injury. Liver enzymes such as alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) are implicated in the metabolism of amino acids and are released into the bloodstream when liver cells are damaged or injured. Elevated levels of these enzymes can indicate liver conditions such as hepatitis, fatty liver disease, or bile duct obstruction, making them critical in diagnosing liver injuries.

Other options, while important in their respective contexts, do not pertain to the primary focus of liver enzymes. Assessing kidney function is primarily done using different markers such as creatinine and blood urea nitrogen (BUN). Evaluating cardiac health typically involves cardiac enzymes and other specific tests related to heart function. Checking for diabetes generally requires the measurement of glucose levels or glycated hemoglobin (A1C), rather than liver enzymes. Therefore, understanding the specific role of liver enzymes provides valuable insight into liver health and injury.