Hepatic fibrosis with various origins can be estimated non-invasively by using certain
biomarkers and imaging-based measurements. The aim of our study was to examine redox
homeostasis biomarkers and liver stiffness measurements for the assessment of significant
liver fibrosis in different etiologies of chronic liver diseases. A cohort study consisting
of 88 chronic liver disease patients of both sexes (age 49.1 ± 14.7 years) was performed.
Cytokine profiles as well as redox homeostasis characteristics were determined. Liver
fibrosis stages were assessed with shear wave elastography. The plasma levels of four
cytokines showed no significant alteration between the four fibrotic stages; however,
higher values were measured in the F2–4 stages. Free sulfhydryl group concentration,
the marker of redox homeostasis, was lower in significant fibrosis (F0–F1: 0.36 ±
0.06 vs. F2–4: 0.29 ± 0.08 mmol/L, p < 0.05). Higher chemiluminescence values, as
free radical–antioxidant parameters, were detected in advanced fibrosis stages in
erythrocytes (F0–F1: 36.00 ± 37.13 vs. F2–4: 51.47 ± 44.34 RLU%). These data suggest
that oxidative stress markers can predict significant fibrosis, with the aim of reducing
the number of protocol liver biopsies in patients unlikely to have significant disease;
however, their role in distinguishing between the certain fibrosis groups needs further
studies.
