What effect does AST have on the liver?

Could you elaborate on the potential impact of AST, or aspartate aminotransferase, on liver health? AST is a commonly used biomarker in clinical settings to assess liver function, and I'm interested in understanding how its presence and fluctuations may indicate underlying liver conditions. Are there specific levels of AST that are indicative of mild, moderate, or severe liver damage? Furthermore, how does AST's relationship with other enzymes, such as ALT, help us gain a more comprehensive understanding of liver health? I'm also curious about the factors that can cause AST levels to rise, and whether there are any lifestyle changes or treatments that can help mitigate these effects.