Blood analysis allows early detection of liver disease
Around every fourth person has one fatty liver. Fat deposits in the liver are a risk factor for serious liver diseases such as liver cirrhosis. However, most fatty liver diseases go undetected because they do not cause any symptoms and there is a lack of suitable diagnostic methods. A new blood analysis should now enable easy detection.
researchers of Max Planck Institute for Biochemistry have identified proteins in the blood that are associated with the presence of liver disease such as a fatty liver are connected. The procedure represents the first simple possibility to reliably detect liver diseases without a biopsy. The research results were recently published in the renowned journal “Nature Medicine” presents.
Risk factors for fatty liver prevalent
Two to three glasses of alcoholic beverages per day, a high-fat diet, lack of exercise – die Causes of fatty liver are anchored in the lifestyle of many people in this country.
The insidious thing about fatty liver is that it causes little or no symptoms, but at the same time it carries the risk of serious liver diseases such as cirrhosis and liver cancer elevated.
Biopsy painful and associated with risks
In the rarest of cases, a liver biopsy is performed if fatty liver is suspected. This invasive procedure is distressing for those affected and can lead to complications such as internal bleeding.
Proteins in the blood indicate fatty liver
The working group of the Max Planck Institute for Biochemistry Professor Matthias Mann has together with researchers from the Universities of Copenhagen and Southern Denmark proteins in the blood debunked that on that presence of liver disease close.
The proteins also provide an indication of how high the risk is that the disease will progress.
Early detection enables the best treatment
“Early detection of different types of liver damage is important because it can improve treatment options for patients as they progress.”explains the first author of the study Lili Niu.
“Since liver diseases usually go unnoticed at first, there is an urgent need for easily accessible screening tests in risk groups to enable early diagnosis in the first place.”so Niu.
With the new procedure just a blood sample the patient needs. All proteins in the sample are documented with extreme accuracy using a mass spectrometer.
A computer uses machine learning to identify the proteins that are associated with the presence of various forms of liver damage.
Inflammation, fatty liver and liver fibrosis distinguishable
“We identified three sets of biomarkers that can detect significant liver fibrosis, mild inflammatory activity, and steatosis (fatty liver) – all different ways the disease can manifest itself in tissues.”explained Niu.
The research team emphasizes that the method is at least as accurate as a biopsy, and probably even more precise.
A procedure for the general population
“We are interested in using this method as a research tool for the general population or risk groups, such as B. excessive alcohol consumption, for early detection of liver disease”highlights research director Mann out.
The blood sample required for this can be taken in any doctor’s office. The technique could also be extended to reveal other diseases linked to proteins in the blood.
A great success in the diagnosis of liver diseases
“This method is undoubtedly the future”emphasizes Maja Thiele, Clinical Professor and Chief Physician at Odense University Hospital. Liver fat, inflammation and scar tissue in the liver could now be determined with a single blood test. (vb)
Author and source information
This text corresponds to the specifications of medical specialist literature, medical guidelines and current studies and has been checked by medical professionals.
Author:
Graduate editor (FH) Volker Blasek
Sources:
- L. Niu, M. Thiele, M. Mann, et al.: Non-invasive proteomic biomarkers for alcohol-related liver disease; in: Nature Medicine (2022), nature.com
- Max Planck Institute of Biochemistry: New method for the early detection of liver diseases using proteomics (published: 2022-06-02), biochem.mpg.de
Important NOTE:
This article contains general advice only and should not be used for self-diagnosis or treatment. He can not substitute a visit at the doctor.