Biomarkers in Pediatric Liver Disease
Nestle Nutrition Institute Workshop Series
|January 15, 2016
Summary
Identifying noninvasive biomarkers for liver disease progression is crucial. This chapter reviews advances in biomarkers for inflammation, cell death, fibrosis, and malignancy in liver conditions.
Area of Science:
- Hepatology and clinical biochemistry.
Background:
- Chronic liver diseases require continuous monitoring for progression and treatment efficacy.
- Disease progression involves hepatocyte injury, inflammation, steatosis, oxidative stress, fibrosis, and potentially cirrhosis.
- Inflammation, cell death, and fibrosis are key determinants of liver disease outcomes, regardless of the cause.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review recent advancements in identifying biomarkers for liver diseases.
- Focus on biomarkers reflecting inflammation, cell death, and fibrosis.
- Include biomarkers for the development of liver malignancy.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of recent research on liver disease biomarkers.
- Focus on noninvasive methods for dynamic assessment of disease parameters.
- Categorization of biomarkers based on underlying pathological processes.
Main Results:
- Significant progress has been made in identifying novel biomarkers.
- Biomarkers for inflammation, cell death, and fibrosis are increasingly available.
- Emerging biomarkers also target the detection of liver cancer.
Conclusions:
- Noninvasive biomarkers are urgently needed for dynamic monitoring of liver disease.
- Recent advances offer promising tools for evaluating inflammation, cell death, fibrosis, and malignancy.
- These biomarkers can aid in disease management and treatment evaluation.
Related Concept Videos
Effect of Hepatic Disease on Pharmacokinetics: Pathophysiologic Assessment and Liver Function Test
256
In clinical practice, the direct measurement of hepatic blood flow to evaluate liver function presents significant challenges due to the intricate and specialized nature of the necessary techniques. Consequently, healthcare professionals often rely on empirical estimates derived from thorough patient examinations and liver function tests to gauge liver health. Among the tools at their disposal, the Child–Pugh and MELD scoring systems stand out for their ability to categorize and assess...
256
Pharmacokinetics in Pediatric Patients: Drug Metabolism
330
In pediatric care, understanding the nuances of hepatic drug metabolism is crucial, as it significantly differs from that of adults. This divergence is primarily due to the developmental stage of drug-metabolizing enzymes, which affects how medications are processed in the body. In neonates, for instance, the activity of Phase I enzymes—critical for the initial breakdown of drugs—is markedly reduced, functioning at just 20–40% of the levels seen in adults. This reduction poses...
330
Pharmacokinetics in Pediatric Patients: Drug Distribution
461
Drug distribution in the pediatric population exhibits unique challenges and considerations due to the physiological differences between children, particularly neonates and infants, and adults. A crucial aspect of pediatric pharmacology is understanding how these differences impact the pharmacokinetics of various drugs, necessitating age-specific dosing strategies to ensure efficacy and safety.Neonates and infants have a higher total body water content, ~75%–90% of their body weight,...
461
Pharmacokinetics in Pediatric Patients: Overview and Drug Absorption
702
Understanding the physiological differences in the pediatric population is crucial for effective pharmacotherapy. Neonates, infants, and children exhibit significant variations in gastric pH, gastric emptying time, intestinal transit time, and biliary function. These variations profoundly affect oral drug absorption, necessitating a nuanced approach to pediatric dosing.Neonates present with a unique physiological profile, having a gastric pH greater than 4 and faster and more irregular gastric...
702
Effect of Hepatic Disease on Pharmacokinetics: Drug Dosing and Hepatic Blood Flow
334
Chronic liver disease significantly impacts drug metabolism due to alterations in hepatic blood flow and enzyme accessibility. This disruption affects the body's pharmacokinetics—the movement and processing of drugs within the system. Key enzymes crucial for metabolizing medications become less accessible, changing how drugs are processed and utilized. Furthermore, liver disease influences the synthesis of plasma proteins, such as albumin and globulins, which play critical roles in drug...
334
Liver Regeneration
4.7K
The liver is an important organ in vertebrates that plays an essential role in metabolism. It is also responsible for storing and redistributing nutrients such as carbohydrates, fats, and vitamins in the body. Additionally, the liver releases bile salts which are critical for digesting food and eliminating toxic metabolites from the body.
Cells of Liver
The liver comprises four major types of cells— hepatocytes, stellate, Kupffer, and sinusoidal endothelial cells. The hepatocytes are...
Cells of Liver
The liver comprises four major types of cells— hepatocytes, stellate, Kupffer, and sinusoidal endothelial cells. The hepatocytes are...
4.7K


