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