MicroRNAs for the diagnosis of liver inflammation and fibrosis in chronic viral hepatitis B
Medical Review (Med. pregled), 2024, 60(4), 13-18.
Yordanov1, V. Spasova2, V. Pencheva1
1 Clinic of Propedeutics of Internal Medicine, UMHAT Alexandrovska, Department of Propedeutics of Internal Diseases, Faculty of Medicine, Medical University – Sofia.
2 Department of Medical Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, Medical University – Sofia
Abstract. Chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is a global health problem. Its progres-sion into liver cirrhosis and/or hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in untreated patients is associated with the development of significant complications and high mortality. Assessment of liver fibrosis in patients with chronic HBV infection is an essential component of disease prognosis and is important for the therapeutic approach. Currently established noninvasive and invasive diagnostic tests have a number of disadvantages and limitations. The aim of this literature review is to outline the role of some micro ribonucleic acids (miRNAs) in the diagnosis of liver inflammation and fibrosis in chronic hepatitis B. Studies conducted to date have shown that certain panels of serum miRNAs can be used as a contemporary method for noninvasive diagnosis and staging of HBV-associated fibrosis. Combining miRNAs and some routinely used clinical parameters into a single model may be helpful in the early diagnosis of liver inflammation and fibrosis. However, further studies are needed to clarify the diagnostic role of miRNAs.
Key words: hepatitis B virus, chronic viral hepatitis, microRNA, liver fibrosis, non-invasive markers
Address for correspondence: Ventseslav Yordanov, MD, e-mail: ventsyordanov@gmail.com