Metabolomics in cirrhosis: Recent advances and opportunities

•This review synthesizes the advancements in the application of metabolomics within the research of liver cirrhosis (LC) over the past five years, underscoring its pivotal role in the diagnosis, prognostic assessment, and therapeutic evaluation of LC.•As an integral component of systems biology, metabolomics offers novel perspectives and methodologies for elucidating the pathophysiological mechanisms and therapeutic strategies of LC.•By delving into the progress of metabolomic technologies and the evolution of bioinformatics, the review anticipates innovative advancements in the early detection and intervention of LC. Liver cirrhosis (LC) represents a significant hepatic disorder that persistently commands the attention of the scientific community, especially concerning its pathogenesis and therapeutic approaches. Metabolomics, the comprehensive profiling of an organism's metabolome, has been increasingly applied in the research of cirrhosis over the past decade. This review summarizes the recent advancements and applications of metabolomics within the context of LC research, in recent five years. It highlights the role of metabolomics in the diagnosis of LC, the assessment of prognostic markers, and the evaluation of therapeutic outcomes. The discussion focuses on the potential and challenges of metabolomics in LC research, including the evolution of analytical technologies, advancements in bioinformatics, and the challenges impeding clinical implementation. Additionally, the review anticipates the forthcoming developments in metabolomics related to LC research, with the objective of facilitating innovative approaches for early detection and intervention in LC.