Emerging Diagnostic Tools and Therapeutic Approaches for Liver Cirrhosis Management.

Abstract

Liver cirrhosis, a chronic liver disease identified by the formation of regenerative nodules along with fibrous bands, poses significant challenges in diagnosis and treatment. In the world, the most common factors of cirrhosis are Hepatitis C Virus (HCV), alcoholic liver disease, and Non-Alcoholic Steatohepatitis (NASH). The disease develops from a presymptomatic phase to a symptomatic phase, which often results in hospitalization, poor quality of life, and high mortality. The treatment of liver cirrhosis is centred on the treatment of the causes and complications, and liver transplantation is required in some cases. This mini-review explores innovative strategies in liver cirrhosis detection and intervention, highlighting recent advancements and future directions. Current diagnostic methods include physical examination and serologic tests detecting secondary indicators of liver dysfunction and fibrosis. Diagnostic tools encompass established biomarkers such as serum albumin, prothrombin time, bile acid levels, and platelet count, as well as AI-assisted diagnostic tools that use digital imaging and pathology data. Novel therapeutic approaches like antifibrotic agents, targeted therapies for specific etiologies, endoscopic interventions, and innovative stem cell-based therapies, particularly mesenchymal stem cells, offer promising approaches for liver regeneration and fibrosis reduction through their multidirectional differentiation potential and secretion of cytokines, growth factors, and matrix metalloproteinases. However, additional studies are required to enhance the effectiveness of these interventions. Future directions emphasize primary prevention, early fibrosis screening using non-invasive testing, and active targeting of fibrogenesis pathways. More clinical studies are essential to treat cirrhosis and improve patient outcomes.