Researchers from Griffith University and Gallipoli Medical Research are working on a groundbreaking saliva test to detect liver fibrosis.

Liver fibrosis occurs when excessive scar tissue builds up in the liver, affecting its normal function. If not addressed, it can advance to cirrhosis, increasing the risk of liver failure, high blood pressure in the liver’s veins (portal hypertension), and liver cancer.

At present, diagnosing liver fibrosis typically requires a liver biopsy, a procedure that can be uncomfortable and carries some risks. Other options, such as imaging scans and blood tests, are available but come with their own benefits and limitations.

Researchers from Griffith University and Gallipoli Medical Research are exploring the use of salivary biomarkers as a non-invasive diagnostic tool for liver fibrosis. Professor Chamindie Punyadeera of Griffith University, who is leading the research alongside Professor Darrell Crawford from GMR, emphasizes the potential benefits of this approach. “We anticipate the use of salivary biomarkers can overcome these limitations for a variety of reasons and provide significant benefits in the diagnosis of a serious disease,” says Professor Punyadeera.

The study aims to evaluate novel biomarkers in a cohort of 250 patients from the Ochsner Clinic Foundation in the U.S. The data will be compared with hepatic histology to assess the effectiveness of these biomarkers as a potential saliva-based test for liver fibrosis.

This research holds promise for a more accessible and patient-friendly approach to liver fibrosis diagnosis, potentially allowing for earlier detection and treatment, thereby improving patient outcomes.