TAA

Thioacetamide

TNF-α

Tumour necrosis factor alfa

29.1

Introduction

Liver is the largest vital organ of the body associated with the detoxification of

various drugs and xenobiotics and also maintains the metabolic homeostasis of the

body. It also helps in regulating the physiological processes which are involved in

various functions such as metabolism, storage and excretion (Pal and Manoj 2011;

Samuel et al. 2012). The primary function of the liver is to control the safety of the

substances that are absorbed from the digestive system before their distribution into

systemic circulation. The liver has a great physiological importance in the body, and

malfunctions or complete loss of the liver functions leads to morbidity and mortality

(Ozougwu 2014).

29.1.1 Functions of the Liver and Types of Liver Diseases

1. The main functions of liver are discussed hereunder:

(a) Bile secretion.

(b) Metabolism of bilirubin.

(c) Metabolism of nutrients such as fats proteins and carbohydrates.

(d) Detoxification of drugs, toxins and hormones.

(e) Storage of vitamins and minerals such as iron, copper and glycogen.

(f) The liver is also involved in endocrine functions such as activation of

vitamin D, secretion of angiotensinogen, hormone metabolism and conver-

sion of thyroxine (T4) to triiodothyronine.

(g) The liver is also involved in the protection functions such as phagocytosis by

kupffer cells, removes haemolysis products and filters the portal blood from

bacteria.

(h) Inactivation of drugs and toxins by oxidation, by reduction, by conjugation

and by cytochrome P450 system (Moore and Dalley 2006; Guyton and Hall

2006).

2. According to Porth (2011), the main types of liver diseases are:

(a) Hepatitis

•

Viral hepatitis

•

Autoimmune hepatitis

•

Acute fulminant hepatitis

(b) Intrahepatic biliary disorders

•

Primary biliary cirrhosis

(c) Drug- and alcohol-induced liver disease

29

The Pathophysiology of Liver Disorders and Pharmacotherapy Options with. . .

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