Advances in the clinical use of collagen as biomarker of liver fibrosis

source extracted confidence: high 2026-04-09
#animals #biomarkers #biopsy #clinical-decision-making #collagen

Advances in the clinical use of collagen as biomarker of liver fibrosis

Meurer et al., 2020 | Expert Rev Mol Diagn | Meta Analysis

Citation

Meurer Steffen K, Karsdal Morten A, Weiskirchen Ralf. Advances in the clinical use of collagen as biomarker of liver fibrosis. Expert Rev Mol Diagn. 2020-Sep;20(9):947-969. doi:10.1080/14737159.2020.1814746

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Hepatic fibrosis is the excessive synthesis and deposition of extracellular matrix including collagen in the tissue. Chronic liver insult leads to progressive parenchymal damage, portal hypertension, and cirrhosis. Determination of hepatic collagen by invasive liver biopsy is the gold standard to estimate severity and stage of fibrosis. However, this procedure is associated with pain, carries the risk of infection and bleeding, and is afflicted with a high degree of sampling error. Therefore, there is urgent need for serological collagen-derived markers to assess collagen synthesis/turnover. AREAS COVERED: Biochemical properties of collagens, cellular sources of hepatic collagen synthesis, and regulatory aspects in collagen expression. Markers are discussed suitable to estimate hepatic collagen synthesis and/or turnover. Discussed studies were identified through a PubMed search done in May 2020 and the authors' topic knowledge. EXPERT OPINION: Hepatic fibrosis is mainly characterized by accumulation of collagen-rich scar tissue. Although traditionally performed liver biopsy is still standard in estimating hepatic fibrosis, there is evidence that noninvasive diagnostic scores and collagen-derived neo-epitopes provide clinical useful information. These noninvasive tests are less expensive than liver biopsy, better tolerated, safer, and more acceptable to patients. Therefore, these tests will lead to dramatic changes in diagnosis.

Key Findings

Therefore, these tests will lead to dramatic changes in diagnosis.

Outcomes Measured

  • Requires manual extraction

Population

Field Value
Population See abstract
Sample Size See abstract
Age Range See abstract
Condition hypertension

MeSH Terms

  • Animals
  • Biomarkers
  • Biopsy
  • Clinical Decision-Making
  • Collagen
  • Disease Management
  • Disease Susceptibility
  • Humans
  • Liver Cirrhosis
  • Prognosis
  • Severity of Illness Index

Evidence Classification

  • Level: Meta Analysis
  • Publication Types: Journal Article, Meta-Analysis, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Vertical: collagen

Provenance

Source extracted via PubMed E-utilities API on 2026-04-09