Gas6 as a putative noninvasive biomarker of hepatic fibrosis

To evaluate serum growth arrest-specific gene 6 (Gas6) concentration as a biomarker of liver fibrosis progression.

One hundred and thirteen consecutive patients affected by chronic liver disease underwent transient elastography, Gas6 measurement and, if clinically indicated, liver biopsy.

Gas6 concentration was directly correlated to liver stiffness (r = 0.67; p < 0.0001) and was significantly higher in patients with advanced fibrosis (Ishak 4-5; p < 0.001). A plasma concentration <30 ng/ml Gas6 ruled out fibrosis with 84% sensitivity and 56% specificity, while values >42 ng/ml identified severe fibrosis with a sensitivity of 64% and a specificity of 95%; the diagnostic accuracy was comparable to that of transient elastography.

Gas6 is a novel biomarker of liver fibrosis, with a potential clinical and pathophysiological relevance.