...Reversing liver damage Liver Basics The liver is one of the only organs in the body that is able to replace damaged tissue with new cells rather than scar tissue. For example, an overdose of acetaminophen (Tylenol) can destroy half of a person's liver cells in less than a week. Barring complications, the liver can repair itself completely and, within a month, the patient will show no signs of damage. However, sometimes the liver gets overwhelmed and can't repair itself completely, especially if it's still under attack from a virus, drug, or alcohol. Scar tissue develops, which becomes difficult to reverse, and can lead to cirrhosis. Liver transplants Liver Basics Liver transplants are considered only when a patient might die from liver disease. This is sometimes the case when a patient has liver cancer or when someone has advanced liver disease and the liver has stopped functioning properly. Being considered for a liver transplant does not mean that a patient is in danger of dying right away. Liver transplantation is a long process that involves a lot of medical care. After a transplant, a patient needs lifelong drugs to keep the body from rejecting the new liver, and lifelong follow-up care from a specialist. Survival rates after a transplant are higher than 90% at 1 year, and patients usually have a good quality of life after their recovery. Keeping your liver healthy Liver Basics Here are some things to remember about keeping your liver healthy: · Don't have unsafe...
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...The Liver Section A: Describe the cause and effect of alcohol toxicity on the structure and function of the liver. The liver is the largest internal organ and the largest gland in the body. Glands produce hormones that other parts of the body use to function. The liver is divided into two major sections; the right side is bigger while the left is smaller. Sixty percent of the liver is made up of liver cells called hepatocytes; these cells take in nutrients, destroy and remove harmful substances from the blood. The liver is important for survival, it has many functions, and according to the British Liver Trust (2007) it has over five hundred functions. Here is a brief summary of some of the functions of the liver. It processes digested food from the intestine, it controls the levels of fats, amino acids and glucose in the blood, fights infections, produces bile, breaks down food and turns it into energy as well as produces quick energy. It produces, breaks down and controls most hormones in the body, it also makes enzymes and proteins, and these are responsible for most chemical reactions in the body, British Liver Trust (2007). There are many conditions that can affect the functions of the liver. One of these is alcohol abuse. Alcohol is developed from the fermentation of sugar by yeast. It is a drug. The liver cannot store alcohol so it breaks down the alcohol into water, carbon dioxide and fat, then processes about ninety percent of the alcohol and removes around five...
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...Liver Cirrhosis Your Name HCS 245 April 16, 2014 University of Phoenix Dr. Tobey Tam Liver Cirrhosis As the Directors at the Sharp Rees Medical Facility, we will be talking about the liver. The liver is a very important organ in the human body as it does not just perform one function but is involved in multiple tasks. Some interesting facts about the liver; it weighs under five pounds, it has a shape like a half football and everyone is born with one. Just like most other disease or disorder, if the liver has not been taken care of properly there are many negative outcomes that can affect and destroy the liver. There are many complications when the liver is abused or damage for example cancer, hemochromatosis, gallbladder or even liver cirrhosis (Lee, 2014). We will be focusing more about liver cirrhosis. Liver cirrhosis has been the 12th leading cause of death in the United States in 2010 (Murphy, Xu, & Kochenek, 2013). We will primarily focus on liver cirrhosis also known as Hepatitis C, provide you with general information as well as the possible solutions, data regarding the infected population and giving some resources/awareness about this disease. To start is to give information about liver cirrhosis. This disease causes the liver to be scarred and damaged. The liver is damaged with scar tissue in and around the liver as new cells are trying to restructure but instead they turn into regenerated nodules (Lee, 2014). The redeveloped nodules are what give...
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...The Function of the Liver in Digestion In order for the body to perform vital physiological processes that maintain life, energy is required. The body acquires energy through the ingestion of food, therefore making it increasingly important to homeostasis (1). To allow for functional bodily processes to occur, every cell of the body requires access to energy. However most cells are not able to travel to the energy source, ingested food. Therefore food must be converted to a serviceable form and delivered to the cells. To do this, the digestive system is a specialised system which ingests food, propels it through the gastrointestinal tract (GIT), digests it and absorbs the water, electrolytes and nutrients (1, 2). Once the beneficial substances...
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...Hyperammonemia Ammonia is a normal constituent of all body fluids. At physiologic pH, it exists mainly as ammonium ion. Reference serum levels are less than 35 µmol/L. Excess ammonia is excreted as urea, which is synthesized in the liver through the urea cycle. Sources of ammonia include bacterial hydrolysis of urea and other nitrogenous compounds in the intestine, the purine-nucleotide cycle and amino acid transamination in skeletal muscle, and other metabolic processes in the kidneys and liver. Increased entry of ammonia to the brain is a primary cause of neurological disorders associated with hyperammonemia, such as congenital deficiencies of urea cycle enzymes, hepatic encephalopathies, Reye syndrome, several other metabolic disorders, and some toxic encephalopathies. Ammonia is a productof the metabolismof proteinsand other compounds,and itis required for the synthesis of essential cellular compounds. However,a 5- to 10-fold increase in ammonia in the blood induces toxic effects in mostanimal species, withalterations in the functionof the central nervous system. Bothacuteand chronic hyperammonemia result inalterationsof the neurotransmitter system. Based onanimal study findings, the mechanismofammonia neurotoxicityat the molecular level has been proposed.Acuteammonia intoxication inananimal model leads to increased extracellular concentrationof glutamate in the brainand results inactivationof the N-methyl D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor.Activationof this receptor mediatesATP...
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...portal supply is provided by a branch originating from the left main portal branch. In most cases, you can easily follow this branch from its origin. Segment 2 is separated from Segment 4A by a vertical scissura containing the left hepatic vein. * Segment 2 is separated from Segment 3 by a trans-axial scissura or transverse scissura containing the left main portal branch and from segment 1 by the ligamentum venosum. From the external surface of the liver, Segment 2 is separated from Segment 4A by the falciform ligament. Segment 3 is displayed in light blue. * This segment is the inferior part of the left lateral segment. * Its portal supply is provided by a branch originating from the left main portal branch. * It is usually drained by the left hepatic vein. Segment 3 is separated from Segment 4B by a vertical scissura containing the left hepatic vein, and from Segment 2 by the tranverse scissura. Segment 3 is separated from Segment 1 by the ligamentum venosum. * From the external surface of the liver, Segment 3 is separated from Segment 4B by the inferior part of the falciform ligament. Segment 4A is displayed in blue. This segment is the superior part of...
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...Liver: Organ Description Gina Skolosh Kaplan University General Biology 1: Human Perspectives SC235 Kathryn Gubista June 3, 2015 Liver: Organ Description A human body is made up of about 78 organs that are different in the harmony with their functions, actions, and sizes (Normann & Rehermann, 2004). An organ is a collection of numerous cells that work together to carry out an individual function in the human body. The body’s organs carry different cells, these cells are extremely focused and form for all the essential jobs at a particular time. The liver is made up of various types of cells, specifically the liver endothelial cells, hepatocytes, stellate cells, and other different cells. There is also inflammatory cells, smooth muscle cells of the veins and arteries (Ireland, 2012). These various cells of the liver work individually and also together to make the liver function as it is supposed to. These cells also collaborate to let the liver be wildly involved in protein, fat, carbohydrate, and metabolism (Ireland, 2012). The liver also stores minerals and vitamins to form particular compounds like growth factors and clotting factors for our blood. Our liver cells also work as a blood filtering system that further helps in removing cellular remains and organic by-(Normann & Rehermann, 2004). The liver also performs another important function, and that is producing and discharging bile. Moreover, it also emits or detoxifies drugs and any other poisonous compounds....
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...Alcohols effects on Liver Fatty Liver * Fatty liver is reversible, and is present in a high % of heavy drinkers. * Caused by fat droplets from adipose tissue, can lead to higher BP, hypertension - stroke Hepatitis * Reversible with complete absence of alcohol in the system for a long period of time, but 75-85% turns chronic. * Causes inflammation/necrosis of the liver tissue * Centre for disease control (CDC) 2007 stated hepatitis kills more patients than HIV/Aids. * 15,100 deaths in hepatitis patients, 12,700 HIV deaths Cirrhosis * Excess fibrosis and hardening of blood vessels impairs liver function. * Blood flow from GI tract & spleen through portal vein to liver can cause variceal haemorrhages - intense bleeding due to the hypertensive blood flow Gamma - Glutamyl Transferase * Marker of alcohol intake leading to liver dysfunction * Counteracts oxidative stress - breaking down extracellular glutathione (antioxidant/protective) - making its component amino acids available to cells. * BUT: high alcohol intake causes free radical production - depletes the glutathione - so less amino acids available - less repair of liver cells showing necrosis. Metabolism * Alcohol metabolised by oxidation reactions * Alcohol dehydrogenase oxidises ethanol to acetaldehyde - hepatotoxic so is then oxidised by aldehyde dehydrogenase to acetate * NAD+ oxidised to NADH - increases lactate conc - slows down krebs cycle - less ATP made ...
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...I do not believe that the present policy of relying on donated organs is a superior one, but in any case scenario when it comes to the healthcare field money is always involved. This situation puts into play in my opinion Kant’s ethics. “Act only on that maxim which you can will to be a universal law” (Munson, 2012). Its show in the scenario that the present policy is a superior one because the outcome is based on how much you do have. Is it fair? Not at all, but looking at this situation from a pro side when it comes to major surgeries you have to the amount of money to get a major procedure, I say this in a way to me that healthcare is important and I think that some individuals should think more about setting aside money to be able to afford things in this case; $15,000 is a lot of money, but there a many options as well to be able to get assistance with funds like that. It’s not a fair situation but the government does make everything about money in this society and even when it comes to healthcare procedures money always plays a factor. One might object to selling organs because of the price range for them. For example, “John Q” the movie with Denzel Washington in order for his son to survive he needed a transplant and John Q could not afford it. He was a hardworking man and money was still a factor. Since he did not have the money for a major surgery his son was put on the bottom of the list and he was already fighting for his life. So another family might object to selling...
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...Your Liver and Hepatitis. The Liver Facts . One out of every 10 Americans is affected by liver disease. Liver disease is one of the top 10 causes of death in the United States. There are more than100 liver diseases. The good news is we can help prevent the liver diseases and keep it healthy. Overview of the liver. The liver is the second largest organ in the body and is located under the cage on the right side. It weighs about three pounds and is shaped like a football that is flat on one side. The liver performs many functions in the body. It processes what you eat and drink into energy and nutrients that your body can use. The liver also removes harmful substances from your blood. Functions of the liver include: • Filters your blood • Makes proteins, including blood-clotting factors (needed to help you heal) • Stores vitamins, sugars, fats, and other nutrients • Helps regulate hormones • Releases chemicals and nutrients into the body when needed • Makes bile needed for digesting fats Liver damage can lead to swollen, shrunken, hard, or scarred liver tissue. Such livers do not work well, and the person can get very sick, or even die, if the liver stops working altogether. Symptoms of liver disease Acute (When symptoms occur suddenly it is categorized as acute process) Tiredness or weakness Jaundice (yellowing of the eyes and skin) Fever Nausea and vomiting Dark urine or very pale colored...
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...Who Gets The Liver? An Ethical Dilemma Carrie R. Martin, R.N. N4510 Conceptual Thinking March 16, 2014 Keeping someone alive by giving them a new organ is a great achievement in medicine. Unfortunately, demand far outweighs supply when it comes to the organ market. People die daily while waiting on their new organ. The topic of distribution of procured organs brings many ethics questions into focus. The biggest of these in my opinion is deciding who will receive the procured organ. I was given the task of deciding who would receive a liver from a list of four potential recipients in an imaginary scenario. The four patients all have a rare tissue type and it is unlikely that another liver will be available that will match for months or even years. Patient number one is a 65-year-old male with four adult children whose wife depends on him for care of a debilitating illness. His liver was damaged by cirrhosis due to alcoholism. Patient number two is a 35-year-old female who is married with two small children. Her liver damage was caused by a chronic illness. Patient number three is a 21-year-old single male whose liver was damaged by a Tylenol overdose. Patient number four is a 28-year-old female who is married with 5 children under the age of 10. She is an illegal immigrant farm worker whose liver was damaged due to exposure to a chemical that was sprayed on the crops where she works. Very little information was given on each person. The first piece of...
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...Advantage and Disadvantage of liver Transplantation After a liver transplantation, there are three types of graft rejection that may occur. They include hyper-acute rejection, acute rejection and chronic rejection. Hyper-acute rejection is caused by preformed anti-donor antibodies. It is characterized by the binding of these antibodies to antigens on vascular endothelial cells. Complement activation is involved and the effect is usually profound. Hyper-acute rejection happens within minutes to hours after the transplant procedure. Unlike hyper-acute rejection, which is B cell mediated, acute rejection is mediated by T cells. It involves direct cytotoxicity and cytokine mediated pathways. Acute rejection is the most common and the primary target of immunosuppressive agents. Acute rejection is usually seen within days or weeks of the transplant. Chronic rejection is the presence of any sign and symptom of rejection after 1 year. The cause of chronic rejection is still unknown but an acute rejection is a strong predictor of chronic rejections. Liver rejection may happen anytime after the transplant. Lab findings of a liver rejection include abnormal AST, ALT, GGT and liver function values such as prothrombin time, ammonia level, bilirubin level, albumin concentration, and blood glucose. Physical findings include encephalopathy, jaundice, bruising and bleeding tendency. Other nonspecific presentation are malaise, anorexia, muscle ache, low fever, slight increase in white blood...
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...Papaya Seeds as a Treatment for Liver Cirrhosis Liver cirrhosis is a disease, usually caused by excessive alcohol consumption over many years, wherein the liver shrinks and becomes hardened. In this state it is ineffective at removing toxins from the body, leading to a variety of serious health problems. Papaya seeds are often reported as an effective treatment for liver cirrhosis. One method is to grind up around five dried seeds in a pepper grinder, or crush up fresh ones in a mortar and pestle, and mix them with a tablespoon of fresh lime juice. Drink this papaya seed treatment down twice a day for a month. Many cirrhosis sufferers have had dramatic improvements with this powerful natural remedy. The benefits of papaya seeds, with their high levels of digestive enzymes, antibacterial, anti-parasitic and liver regenerating properties are powerful. You don’t need many at a time, certainly not a whole fruit’s worth. After you scrape them out of a fresh fruit, it’s best to keep them in a sealed container in the fridge if you’re using them regularly, or in the freezer if only occasionally. Why Green Papaya is Better for Digestion Green fruit contain significantly more papaya enzyme than those that are fully ripened. That said, perhaps with the exception of green papaya salad, it’s not as appetizing for most people. Home remedies for cirrhosis of the liver * Papaya seeds are believed to be an excellent home remedy for cirrhosis of the liver. Take some papaya seeds and take...
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...Liver biopsy The role of liver biopsy is a controversial topic in the management of chronic hepatitis C. it reveals important information about the degree of hepatic inflammation, staging of fibrosis, and histopathologic features. The biopsy is not mandatory in order to initiate therapy. A baseline liver biopsy may be helpful in making decisions if patients experience medication side effects and adjustment of treatment is necessary. In addition, a liver biopsy can be used to rule out other liver diseases in the initial workup of patients infected with chronic HCV. Steatosis and excess hepatocellular iron levels are two common liver biopsy findings that can impede a treatment response. Having one or both of these findings on biopsy is not a contraindication to initiate treatment, but their presence might help in predicting response to treatment (Strader et al., 2004 and Yasin et al., 2011). Diagnosis of acute hepatitis C When acute hepatitis C is suspected, the presence of both anti-HCV antibodies and HCV RNA should be tested. Measurable HCV RNA serum...
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...Cirrhosis and Related Liver Disorders The liver is the largest gland and second largest organ in the human body. It is also the only internal organ capable of regeneration following injury. Located in the abdominal cavity, this reddish brown organ is divided into lobes of different size and shape. The liver plays a critical role in metabolism, digestion, elimination, and detoxification, among other processes. This organ performs a surprisingly large number of functions that influence virtually all other body systems. This is why diseases of the liver can be so devastating. One class of chronic diseases affecting the liver is cirrhosis. (Kasper, 2008) Cirrhosis is a condition in which normal liver cells are damaged and replaced by scar tissue. As the scar tissue accumulates, blood flow through the organ is obstructed which prevents the liver from functioning normally. Cirrhosis can be difficult to notice early because the preliminary stages rarely demonstrate any signs or symptoms. As liver function deteriorates, the effects of cirrhosis become evident. Complications include swelling of the legs and abdomen, weight loss, jaundice, bleeding from the gastrointestinal tract and intense inching. (Kasper, 2008) The most common causes of cirrhosis are hepatitis C, fatty liver, and alcohol abuse. Other causes include repeated bouts of heart failure, cystic fibrosis, antitrypsin deficiency, and Wilson’s disease. Once diagnosed, treatment depends on the cause of the disease and...
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