Hepatic injury biomarkers (LFTs)

Hepatic injury biomarkers are a group of biochemical indicators used to assess the functional integrity and health of the liver. These markers primarily consist of enzymes such as alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST), which are released into the bloodstream following hepatocyte damage or necrosis (StatPearls, 2023). Other components of a standard liver panel include alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT), which serve as markers for cholestasis or biliary tract obstruction (NIH, 2021). Additionally, measures of the liver's synthetic capacity, such as serum albumin and prothrombin time, provide insight into chronic liver dysfunction (Mayo Clinic, 2023). While these biomarkers are critical for diagnosing conditions like hepatitis, cirrhosis, and drug-induced liver injury (DILI), they are not therapeutic targets themselves. Instead, they are used to monitor the safety and efficacy of various pharmacological treatments and to guide clinical decision-making in hepatology (LiverTox, 2022).

Other names

Liver function testsLFTsHepatotoxicity markersLiver injury markersLiver panel

Not applicable. Hepatic injury biomarkers are diagnostic indicators used to monitor liver health and are not therapeutic targets for drug intervention.