The key biomarkers under investigation include C-reactive proteins (CRPs), which indicate systemic inflammation and are linked to a poor cirrhosis prognosis; fibrinogen, a marker of coagulopathy and systemic inflammation; alpha-fetoprotein (AFP), which may signal hepatocellular carcinoma or advanced liver disease; and soluble CD163, a macrophage activation marker associated with portal hypertension and liver inflammation. The gene discussed is AFP; the disease is inflammatory response.