Funded by GMR and delivered by Griffith University and Ochsner Health, USA
Liver Research
Salivary Proteins as Biomarkers of Liver Fibrosis
About
Liver scarring (called hepatic fibrosis) is common in people with long-term liver problems. Determining the severity of the scarring helps doctors decide on the best treatment and course of action for the patient.
Scientists are looking for easier, less invasive ways to detect this scarring—without having to conduct tests such as liver biopsies. Our researchers are exploring whether we can find new markers in saliva that show liver damage. If we can, these could be used on their own, or be combined with other tests, to check for liver scarring.
Opportunities and outcomes
Saliva has molecules that come from both the salivary glands and the blood, so it might carry useful information about what is happening in the liver.
Since collecting saliva is quick, painless, and doesn’t require technical equipment, it’s a good option for people who might not have easy access to healthcare—including for remote and underprivileged communities.
This could also make liver disease screening much easier and more widespread.
Project team
Related news
Lucas’s world-first saliva test research is published
In a world first, Lucas has created saliva-based testing to detect liver fibrosis and cirrhosis. The aim of his research was to create a simple, non-invasive saliva test to improve access to liver testing, especially for people living in rural and remote communities
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