Compare and contrast the tradional marker and new marker of liver Essay

Compare and contrast the tradional marker and new marker of liver fibrosis - Essay Example But is is fraught with several disadvantages and recent novel methods claim to overcome the disadvantages associated with liver biopsy. In this research article, both traditional and novel methods of liver biopsy evaluation are discussed. Novel assessment strategies include serological assays, imaging methods and genetic studies. There are 2 types of biochemical markers and they are direct and indirect. Direct markers evaluate for fibrolysis and fibrogenesis. There is evidence to show that there does exists a good correlation between different biochemical markers, suggesting the fact that they investigate similar process. While the role of biochemical markers are studied and many researchers have opined that they are better than liver biopsy, currently liver biopsy still enjoys the first line investigation method for diagnosis and staging of liver fibrosis. Imaging studies and genetic studies are also considered useful, but in research stage. Excessive accumulation of various extrace llular matrix proteins like collagen is known as liver fibrosis. The condition arises because of chronic damage to the liver due to one or more causes like chronic hepatitis C infection, non-alcoholic steatohepatitis and alcohol abuse. It has the potential to progress to advanced liver conditions like liver failure, cirrhosis and portal hypertension, requiring liver transplantation (Bataller and Brenner, 2005). As of now, there is no standard treatment for liver fibrosis. Though some treatments have been found effective among rodents, they have not been practical to apply on humans because of the difficulties associated with performing serial biopsies to evaluate and ascertain the changes associated with treatment accurately and also because of the fact that humans are much less sensitive towards antifibrotic treatments when compared to rodents (Bataller and Brenner, 2005). Currently, the most effective treatment for liver biopsy appears to be removal of the offending agent and the only curative approach for those with cirrhosis and complications is liver transplantation which improves not only the quality of life, but also the survival (Bataller and Brenner, 2005). Management of liver fibrosis is mainly based on the accuracy of the degree of liver fibrosis. Those with chronic liver disease need to be frequently evaluated for detection of liver fibrosis in early stages. Traditionally, liver biopsy was considered to be the "gold standard" test for ascertaining and evaluation liver biopsy. However, this test is fraught with several limitations and risks because of the invasive nature of the procedure. Recent investigations like biochemical tests, liver magnetic resonance imaging and genetic evaluation are non-invasive and overcome the disadvantages of liver biopsy. However, some experts continue to employ liver biopsy for evaluation of liver biopsy arguing that it is a more accurate assessment strategy. In this research article, both traditional and modern metho ds of liver fibrosis evaluation will be compared and discussed through review of suitable literature. A brief overview of the pathogenesis of the disease will be