Aldolase
Aldolase is an enzyme of glucose metabolism found in high concentrations in muscle (skeletal and cardiac) and liver. Elevated serum aldolase suggests muscle or liver injury. In inflammatory myopathies (polymyositis, dermatomyositis, inclusion body myositis), aldolase complements creatine kinase (CK) — sometimes elevated when CK is normal, sometimes the reverse. Aldolase is less specific than CK but adds sensitivity, particularly in dermatomyositis.
Reference Ranges
Male
3 – 8.2
U/L
Female
3 – 8.2
U/L
Child
3 – 8.2
U/L
Higher in young children
Reference ranges may vary by laboratory. Always compare with the range printed on your lab report.
What Low Levels Mean
Low aldolase has no known clinical significance. It is neither a marker of disease nor of nutrition.
What High Levels Mean
Elevated aldolase suggests muscle injury (exercise, trauma, rhabdomyolysis), inflammatory myopathy (polymyositis, dermatomyositis), muscular dystrophy, liver disease (hepatitis, cirrhosis, hepatocellular carcinoma), hemolysis, myocardial infarction, or prostate cancer. In a patient with proximal muscle weakness, aldolase plus CK plus LDH makes a useful panel for inflammatory myopathy. Normal CK with elevated aldolase and compatible symptoms should not be dismissed — muscle biopsy may still show myositis.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between aldolase and CK?
Both are muscle enzymes. CK is more sensitive and more specific for muscle injury — rhabdomyolysis, MI, myopathy. Aldolase is less specific (also rises in liver disease and hemolysis) but sometimes picks up inflammatory myopathies that CK misses, particularly dermatomyositis. In inflammatory myopathy workup, both are checked.
Should aldolase be used routinely in myositis?
Not as a first-line test on its own. The standard approach is clinical assessment, CK, and then specific autoantibodies (Jo-1, Mi-2, TIF1-γ, MDA5, NXP2, SRP, HMGCR). Aldolase and LDH are supportive and may be added if CK is normal but myositis is still suspected. Muscle biopsy and MRI are the definitive tests.
Can vigorous exercise raise aldolase?
Yes. Intense exercise (especially eccentric exercise like downhill running or weight training with unfamiliar exercises) can raise CK, aldolase, and LDH for up to a week. Always check for recent exercise history before interpreting these enzymes. If persistently elevated after rest, investigate further.
Related Chemistry tests
See all →Blood Glucose (Random)
Sugar level in your blood at any given time.
mg/dLChemistryFasting Blood Glucose (FBS)
Blood sugar measured after 8–12 hours of fasting.
mg/dLChemistryHbA1c (Glycated Hemoglobin)
Average blood sugar over the past 2–3 months.
%ChemistryTotal Cholesterol
Total amount of cholesterol in your blood.
mg/dLThis information is for educational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice. Always consult your doctor for interpretation of your test results.
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