Theme |
NASH : An Update |
Title |
Biomarkers for the Diagnosis of NASH |
Author |
Miwa Kawanaka |
Center for Liver Disease, Kawasaki Hospital, Kawasaki Medical School |
Author |
Gotaro Yamada |
Center for Liver Disease, Kawasaki Hospital, Kawasaki Medical School |
[ Summary ] |
Liver biopsies remains the only reliable way to differentiate simple steatosis from non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). However they provide an invasive test when it is not realistic to perform a liver biopsy in cases of non alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). It is necessary to rapidly establish a novel biomarker for the diagnosis of NASH. High transaminase levels, insulin resistance, high hs-CRP levels, hypoadiponectinemia, hyperleptinemia, and high oxdative markers are suggested as markers for NASH rather than simple steatosis. In addition, the presence of metabolic syndromes suggested a high risk of NASH in NAFLD patients. |