SERUM GLUTAMIC OXALOACETIC TRANSAMINASE (SGOT) - An enzyme present in hepatocytes (liver cells) and heart cells. SGOT is released into the blood in larger quantities in cases where the heart or liver becomes damaged. Increased levels are usually associated with heart attacks or liver disease. Some medications can also raise blood SGOT levels. Another name for this test is the aspartate aminotransferase or AST.