From which tissues is ALP primarily derived in non-pregnant adults?

Alkaline phosphatase (ALP) is an enzyme that plays a crucial role in various physiological processes, including dephosphorylation, and its levels can provide important diagnostic information. In non-pregnant adults, the primary sources of ALP are indeed the bones and liver.

The liver contains a form of ALP that is involved in bile metabolism, and it is released into the bloodstream in response to certain liver conditions or cholestasis. The bone-derived ALP is produced by osteoblasts during the process of bone formation and is particularly elevated during periods of bone growth or in certain bone diseases.

Levels of ALP can be used clinically to assess liver function and bone health, making the identification of its primary sources crucial for accurate interpretation of laboratory results. This emphasis on bones and liver as the main sources highlights their significant roles in the regulation and activity of ALP in the bloodstream of non-pregnant adults.