Which substance in the blood may indicate liver disease when elevated?

Bilirubin is a substance produced from the breakdown of hemoglobin in red blood cells, and it is primarily processed by the liver. When the liver is functioning normally, bilirubin is converted into a water-soluble form that can be excreted in bile. Elevated levels of bilirubin in the blood can indicate liver disease, as this condition may impair the liver's ability to process and eliminate bilirubin effectively.

In various liver diseases, such as hepatitis, cirrhosis, or bile duct obstruction, the liver's ability to conjugate (process) and excrete bilirubin is compromised, leading to its accumulation in the blood. This can result in jaundice, which is characterized by a yellowing of the skin and eyes due to high bilirubin levels.

In contrast, albumin is a protein synthesized by the liver, and while low levels can indicate liver dysfunction, it is not as directly related to liver disease as elevated bilirubin levels. Glucose levels and electrolytes can be influenced by liver function but are not specific indicators for liver disease like bilirubin is. Therefore, elevated bilirubin serves as a crucial biomarker for assessing liver health and function.