Alkaline phosphatase (ALP) is an enzyme found in various tissues across the body, notably in the liver, bones, kidneys, and digestive system. ALP plays a crucial role in protein breakdown and dephosphorylation processes. In the liver, it is linked with bile ducts and is frequently used to assist in diagnosing liver and bone disorders. Raised ALP levels may suggest bile duct obstruction or bone diseases, while low levels might be associated with specific genetic conditions and malnutrition.
Elevated ALP levels can be caused by: