Elevated levels of which substance can indicate liver disease?

Elevated levels of which substance can indicate liver disease?

• A. Hemoglobin
• B. Bilirubin
• C. Haptoglobin
• D. LDH

Answer: (B)

Elevated levels of bilirubin are a significant indicator of liver disease due to the liver's central role in the metabolism and clearance of bilirubin from the bloodstream. Bilirubin is a byproduct of the breakdown of hemoglobin from red blood cells. When the liver is functioning properly, it processes bilirubin and excretes it into the bile. In liver disease, whether due to hepatocellular damage, cholestasis, or hepatic dysfunction, the liver's ability to conjugate and excrete bilirubin is impaired, leading to elevated serum levels. This is particularly noticeable in conditions such as hepatitis, cirrhosis, or bile duct obstruction, where the liver's capacity to remove bilirubin diminishes and results in jaundice, characterized by a yellowing of the skin and eyes, which is a direct consequence of increased bilirubin levels in the bloodstream. In contrast, while substances like hemoglobin, haptoglobin, and LDH can provide useful information in various hematological and systemic conditions, they are not as definitive in indicating liver disease specifically as elevated bilirubin levels. Hemoglobin levels reflect red blood cell status, haptoglobin typically indicates hemolysis, and LDH is a marker that can be elevated in a variety

Elevated levels of bilirubin are a significant indicator of liver disease due to the liver's central role in the metabolism and clearance of bilirubin from the bloodstream. Bilirubin is a byproduct of the breakdown of hemoglobin from red blood cells. When the liver is functioning properly, it processes bilirubin and excretes it into the bile.

In liver disease, whether due to hepatocellular damage, cholestasis, or hepatic dysfunction, the liver's ability to conjugate and excrete bilirubin is impaired, leading to elevated serum levels. This is particularly noticeable in conditions such as hepatitis, cirrhosis, or bile duct obstruction, where the liver's capacity to remove bilirubin diminishes and results in jaundice, characterized by a yellowing of the skin and eyes, which is a direct consequence of increased bilirubin levels in the bloodstream.

In contrast, while substances like hemoglobin, haptoglobin, and LDH can provide useful information in various hematological and systemic conditions, they are not as definitive in indicating liver disease specifically as elevated bilirubin levels. Hemoglobin levels reflect red blood cell status, haptoglobin typically indicates hemolysis, and LDH is a marker that can be elevated in a variety