Correlation Between Liver Fibrosis Scores (FIB-4, APRI) and Oxidative Stress Biomarkers in Chronic Hepatitis B and C Patients
Liver Fibrosis and Oxidative Stress Markers
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.69750/dmls.03.03.0195Keywords:
Chronic hepatitis B, chronic hepatitis C, liver fibrosis, FIB-4, APRI, oxidative stress, malondialdehyde, uperoxide dismutase, glutathioneAbstract
Background: Chronic hepatitis B (HBV) and hepatitis C (HCV) infections are major causes of progressive liver fibrosis and cirrhosis. Non-invasive fibrosis indices like Fibrosis-4 (FIB-4) and Aspartate Aminotransferase to Platelet Ratio Index (APRI) are commonly utilized in clinical evaluation. Oxidative stress has been identified in liver damage, but its connection with the fibrosis scores needs additional assessment.
Objective: To determine the correlation between liver fibrosis scores (FIB-4, APRI) and oxidative stress biomarkers in patients with chronic hepatitis B and C.
Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in the Department of Medicine, Bahawalpur Medical and Dental College, Bahawalpur, Pakistan, over a one-year duration from January 2024 to January 2025. The research included 130 individuals diagnosed with chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) or hepatitis C virus (HCV) infections. Liver fibrosis was assessed by recognised non-invasive scoring methodologies. Serum oxidative stress indicators, namely malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and glutathione (GSH), were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Data analysis used SPSS version 26, using Pearson correlation and multivariable regression analysis to investigate connections and discern independent relationships among research variables.
Results: The mean FIB-4 and APRI scores were 1.89 ± 0.88 and 1.05 ± 0.52, respectively. MDA levels showed a strong positive correlation with FIB-4 (r = 0.64) and APRI (r = 0.59) (p < 0.001). SOD and GSH demonstrated significant negative correlations with fibrosis scores (p < 0.01). Patients with advanced fibrosis exhibited significantly higher MDA and lower antioxidant levels. Multivariate analysis identified MDA as an independent predictor of fibrosis severity (β = 0.53, p < 0.001).
Conclusion: Oxidative stress is strongly associated with liver fibrosis severity in chronic hepatitis patients. Integration of oxidative biomarkers with non-invasive fibrosis scores may improve disease assessment.
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