Liver fibrosis: a compilation on the biomarkers status and their significance during disease progression

Abstract

Liver fibrosis occurs in response to different etiologies of chronic liver injury. Diagnosing degree of liver fibrosis is a crucial step in evaluation of severity of the disease. An invasive liver biopsy is the gold standard method associated with pain and complications. Biomarkers to detect liver fibrosis include direct markers of extracellular matrix turnover and indirect markers as a reflection of liver dysfunction. Although a single marker may not be useful for successful management, a mathematical equation combining tests might be effective. The main purpose of this review is to understand the diagnostic accuracy of biomarkers and scoring systems for liver fibrosis. Advances in -omics approach have generated clinically significant biomarker candidates for liver fibrosis that need further evaluation. Lay abstract Liver fibrosis is a global health issue caused by various factors. Early diagnosis of the disease is important for better patient care. Liver biopsy is one of the diagnostic tools but comes with complications. Direct (involved in disease progression) and indirect markers are indicators for liver dysfunction that have easy applicability with less diagnostic value. Combination of these markers may give significant diagnosis but early detection is uncertain. Hence, the present review explains existing biomarkers and their relevance for the generation of ideal biomarkers for effective disease management by using advanced technology.