Research Tracker›Biomarker Atlas›NAFLD / MASH (Metabolic-Associated Steatohepatitis)›Cytokeratin-18 (CK-18)

Cytokeratin-18 (CK-18) in NAFLD / MASH (Metabolic-Associated Steatohepatitis)

Cytokeratin-18 (CK-18) belongs to the hepatic group of NAFLD / MASH (Metabolic-Associated Steatohepatitis) markers and is reported to be raised relative to the reference group of the cited comparison (NASH vs without NASH/healthy controls). The source does not tie this marker to a specific symptom cluster, so it is best read as a biological signal rather than a symptom predictor. This entry summarises Feldstein et al. 2009. Group-level associations like this do not translate into an individual diagnostic cut-off.

↑ ElevatedHepatic

Summary

Direction in NAFLD / MASH (Metabolic-Associated Steatohepatitis)↑ Elevated — higher than in the comparison group
CategoryHepatic
Compared againstNASH vs without NASH/healthy controls
SourceFeldstein et al. 2009 — doi:10.1002/hep.23050
Condition atlasNAFLD / MASH (Metabolic-Associated Steatohepatitis) Biomarker Atlas

Related Hepatic markers in NAFLD / MASH (Metabolic-Associated Steatohepatitis)

Full list: NAFLD / MASH (Metabolic-Associated Steatohepatitis) Biomarker Atlas.

Frequently asked questions

Is Cytokeratin-18 (CK-18) high or low in NAFLD / MASH (Metabolic-Associated Steatohepatitis)?

Elevated. Studies summarised in the OSMF atlas report higher Cytokeratin-18 (CK-18) in NAFLD / MASH (Metabolic-Associated Steatohepatitis) than in the reference group of the cited comparison (NASH vs without NASH/healthy controls). Source: Feldstein et al. 2009.

Which test measures Cytokeratin-18 (CK-18)?

The atlas record does not list a standardised clinical test code (LOINC) for Cytokeratin-18 (CK-18), which usually means it was measured with research assays or study-specific protocols rather than a routine clinical panel. Check the cited source for the exact method.

Is one abnormal Cytokeratin-18 (CK-18) result diagnostic of NAFLD / MASH (Metabolic-Associated Steatohepatitis)?

No. No single biomarker is diagnostic of NAFLD / MASH (Metabolic-Associated Steatohepatitis). Cytokeratin-18 (CK-18) findings come from group comparisons, overlap considerably between patients and controls, and vary with study design, timing and comparison group. A result should be interpreted by a clinician alongside symptoms, history and other tests.

Cite this page

Open Source Medicine Foundation. (2026). Cytokeratin-18 (CK-18) in NAFLD / MASH (Metabolic-Associated Steatohepatitis): direction, evidence and what it means. OSMF Research Tracker. Retrieved October 7, 2026, from https://research.opensourcemed.info/biomarkers/nafld-mash-metabolic-associated-steatohepatitis/cytokeratin-18-ck-18.html
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Last reviewed: 2026-07-03 · Page generated from nafld-mash-metabolic-associated-steatohepatitis.json · Browse: NAFLD / MASH (Metabolic-Associated Steatohepatitis) atlas · Biomarker Index · All marker pages

Disclaimer: This page is an educational synthesis of published, peer-reviewed research and is not medical advice. Biomarker findings vary across studies with case definitions, comparison groups, timing and assay methods. Direction of change reflects the predominant finding in the cited source and does not establish a diagnostic threshold. Discuss any test result with a qualified clinician.