Chitinase-3-like protein 1: a novel biomarker for liver disease diagnosis and management, finds study

In addition to its diagnostic capabilities, CHI3L1 plays a significant role in evaluating fibrosis progression and monitoring the efficacy of antiviral therapies. The protein's levels increase proportionally with the advancement of liver fibrosis, making it a practical tool for assessing treatment response. Furthermore, CHI3L1 has shown promise in distinguishing between simple steatosis and non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), which is vital for identifying patients at higher risk of progressing to cirrhosis or HCC. Combining CHI3L1 with other markers, such as alpha-fetal protein (AFP) and platelet count, enhances diagnostic accuracy, particularly in detecting significant fibrosis and advanced stages of liver disease.

One of the most promising applications of CHI3L1 is its potential to predict the prognosis of HCC. Studies indicate that elevated CHI3L1 levels correlate with poor survival rates, especially after curative resection. When combined with AFP, CHI3L1 significantly improves the diagnostic accuracy for HCC, offering clinicians a more reliable method for early detection and risk assessment. The integration of CHI3L1 measurements with routine clinical practice could transform patient management by enabling more precise risk stratification and tailored therapies.

The growing body of evidence supports the use of CHI3L1 not only as a biomarker for liver fibrosis but also as a potential therapeutic target. As a key regulator of fibrosis and inflammation, targeting CHI3L1 could mitigate disease progression and improve outcomes for patients suffering from chronic liver diseases. Further research into the molecular mechanisms underlying CHI3L1’s actions will enhance our understanding of liver pathology and pave the way for novel therapeutic strategies.

Reference:

Chao Tian, Shizhou Deng, Ming Yang, Baochen Bai, Lai Wei, Role of chitinase-3-like protein 1 in liver diseases: A comprehensive review, Genes & Diseases,  https://doi.org/10.1016/j.gendis.2025.101653.