DISCOVERY AND VALIDATION OF BIOMARKERS FOR NONALCOHOLIC STEATOHEPATITIS AND LIVER FIBROSIS

Abstract

Up to 80% of obese individuals have non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. A form of this disease called non-alcoholic steatohepatitis, or NASH, increases the risk of developing advanced liver disease and diabetes. Diagnosing NASH is difficult and relies on taking a liver biopsy, which is invasive and can result in complications. This project seeks to identify biomarkers of NASH from the blood of patients, which will ultimately enable early diagnosis of disease and improved patient care.