The liver is one of the most crucial organs in the human body, performing over 500 functions that are essential for life.

These include detoxification, regulation of metabolism, production of bile, digestion of fats, and storage of vitamins and minerals, among others. The liver is also one of the most resilient organs, capable of regenerating itself after injury or damage.

However, despite its resilience, the liver is also vulnerable to a wide range of diseases and disorders that can pose a serious threat to overall health and wellbeing.

Hepatitis

Hepatitis is a group of viral infections that affect the liver, causing inflammation, damage, and scarring. There are five main types of hepatitis viruses, namely A, B, C, D, and E.

Hepatitis B and C are the most common types and can lead to chronic liver disease, cirrhosis, and liver cancer if left untreated. Hepatitis A and E are usually self-limiting and do not cause chronic liver disease, while hepatitis D only occurs in people who already have hepatitis B.

Alcoholic Liver Disease

Alcoholic liver disease (ALD) is a condition that results from heavy and prolonged alcohol consumption, causing inflammation, fatty infiltration, and scarring of the liver.

ALD can progress from fatty liver disease (steatosis) to alcoholic hepatitis, which can cause liver failure and death. ALD is one of the leading causes of liver disease and is responsible for about half of all cases of cirrhosis in the United States.

Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a condition characterized by the accumulation of fat in the liver, not caused by alcohol consumption.

NAFLD ranges from simple fatty liver (steatosis) to non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), which is associated with inflammation, fibrosis, and increased risk of cirrhosis and liver cancer. NAFLD is now the most common liver disease worldwide and is closely linked to obesity, insulin resistance, metabolic syndrome, and type 2 diabetes.

Cirrhosis

Cirrhosis is a late stage of liver disease that occurs when healthy liver tissue is replaced by scar tissue, shrinking and hardening the liver, and impeding its normal functions.

Cirrhosis is the end result of many liver diseases, such as hepatitis B and C, alcoholic liver disease, and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. Cirrhosis can cause many complications, such as portal hypertension, ascites, hepatic encephalopathy, and increased risk of liver cancer and death.

There is no cure for cirrhosis, and treatment focuses on slowing down its progression and managing its symptoms.

Liver Cancer

Liver cancer or hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a type of malignant tumor that originates from the liver cells. Liver cancer is the fifth most common cancer and the second deadliest cancer worldwide.

Liver cancer can occur as a primary tumor in the liver, or as a secondary tumor that has spread from other parts of the body, such as the colon, pancreas, or lung. The risk factors for liver cancer include chronic hepatitis B and C, alcohol abuse, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, cirrhosis, and exposure to aflatoxins, a type of mold that contaminates foodstuffs.

Autoimmune Hepatitis

Autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) is a rare and chronic liver disease that occurs when the immune system mistakenly attacks the liver cells, causing inflammation and damage.

AIH can affect people of all ages and sexes, but is more common in women and older adults. AIH is often asymptomatic in its early stages, but can progress to cirrhosis and liver failure if left untreated. AIH is diagnosed through blood tests, liver biopsy, and exclusion of other liver diseases.

Wilson’s Disease

Wilson’s disease is a rare genetic disorder that results from the accumulation of copper in the liver and other organs, causing damage and dysfunction.

Wilson’s disease is caused by a mutation in the ATP7B gene, which encodes a protein that helps transport copper out of the liver cells. Wilson’s disease can cause liver disease, neurological symptoms, psychiatric disorders, and other complications. Wilson’s disease is diagnosed through blood tests, urine tests, liver biopsy, and genetic testing.

Hemochromatosis

Hemochromatosis is a genetic disorder that causes the body to absorb too much iron from the diet, leading to its accumulation and deposition in various organs, including the liver.

Hemochromatosis can cause liver damage, cirrhosis, liver cancer, and other complications. Hemochromatosis is diagnosed through blood tests, genetic testing, and liver biopsy. Treatment involves removing excess iron from the body through phlebotomy (blood withdrawal) or chelation therapy.

Drug-Induced Liver Injury

Drug-induced liver injury (DILI) is a common and underreported cause of liver disease, resulting from the toxic effect of drugs and other substances on the liver cells.

DILI can cause acute or chronic liver damage, ranging from mild elevations in liver enzymes to severe liver failure. DILI can be caused by prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, dietary supplements, and recreational drugs.

Some drugs have a higher risk of causing liver injury than others, such as acetaminophen, methotrexate, isoniazid, and amoxicillin-clavulanate. The diagnosis of DILI requires a thorough medical history, physical exam, blood tests, and exclusion of other liver diseases.

Conclusion

The liver is a vital organ that performs countless functions essential to human health and wellbeing.

However, the liver is also vulnerable to a wide range of diseases and disorders that can pose a serious threat to its function and the overall health of the body. The most common liver diseases include viral hepatitis, alcoholic and non-alcoholic liver disease, cirrhosis, liver cancer, autoimmune hepatitis, Wilson’s disease, hemochromatosis, and drug-induced liver injury.

Recognizing the signs and symptoms of liver disease and seeking timely medical care can help prevent or mitigate liver damage and improve outcomes.