Published online May 15, 2017. doi: 10.4291/wjgp.v8.i2.11
Peer-review started: June 29, 2016
First decision: August 5, 2016
Revised: January 10, 2017
Accepted: February 8, 2017
Article in press: February 13, 2017
Published online: May 15, 2017
Processing time: 323 Days and 1.4 Hours
Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease is a common medical condition worldwide and its prevalence has increased notably in the past few years due to the increases in prevalence of obesity and metabolic syndrome. However, diagnosis of this disease is still a matter of debate because of disease variations and pathophysiologic alterations. Specific single markers have gained considerable attention recently, among them markers related to hepatic pathophysiology, inflammation, adipocytokines and so forth. But, it seems that no single marker is sufficient for diagnosis and staging of the disease, and applying a panel including different types of tests may be more useful.
Core tip: Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease is a pandemic disease in both developed and developing countries. There is emerging scientific evidence in this field that needs to be classified and summarized to make conceptual maps for researchers as well as practitioners. This article aimed to cover diagnostic markers in this disease, considering limitations and applications.