BIOCHEMICAL MARKERS FOR EARLY DETECTION OF LIVER DISEASES

Abstract

Liver diseases represent a significant global health burden, with timely detection being crucial for effective intervention and management. This comprehensive review examines established and emerging biochemical markers that facilitate early identification of hepatic dysfunction. Traditional liver function tests, including alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT), bilirubin, and albumin, remain cornerstone diagnostic tools due to their clinical accessibility and established reference ranges. Recent advances have introduced novel biomarkers such as liver-specific microRNAs and specialized protein markers that offer enhanced sensitivity and specificity. Additionally, technological innovations in detection methodologies, particularly electrochemical biosensors, have revolutionized liver biomarker analysis by enabling rapid, sensitive, and potentially point-of-care testing capabilities. This review synthesizes current knowledge on biochemical markers for liver disease detection, highlighting their clinical utility, limitations, and the emerging technologies that promise to transform early diagnostic approaches. Integration of these biochemical indicators with imaging modalities, particularly ultrasound, provides a comprehensive framework for liver disease assessment that aligns with contemporary clinical guidelines.