Liver inflammation, also known as hepatitis, is a condition that occurs when the liver becomes swollen or inflamed. This can be caused by a variety of factors, including viral infections, alcohol abuse, and autoimmune diseases. Symptoms of liver inflammation may include fever, fatigue, abdominal pain, and jaundice (a yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes). In severe cases, liver inflammation can lead to scarring of the liver (cirrhosis) or liver failure. It is important to seek medical attention if you think you may have liver inflammation.
The inflammation of the liver, also known as hepatitis and referred to more often, is a reaction that takes place as a consequence of both acute and chronic liver illnesses.
The following three illnesses are the most prevalent of these:
- Abuse or excessive alcohol intake
- Chronic infection, including those caused by the hepatitis C virus
- Damage to the bile ducts
- NAFLD or non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH)
In the absence of treatment or other forms of intervention, these disorders cause persistent inflammation of the liver, which, in turn, sets off a chain reaction that ultimately results in liver damage.
This “cascade” is made up of a few important systems all working together.
To begin, an increase in the amount of fat that is ingested into and stored within the hepatocytes, which are the cells that make up the liver. This process is rapidly followed by an increase in the amount of oxidative stress that causes more damage to the tissue.
Let’s take a momentary break, shall we?
The human body is a wondrous creation; we are equipped with inborn defence mechanisms and checkpoints that allow us to adjust to both internal and external sources of stress and to fight off infections.
One of them that is among the most significant?
Our immune system, which is a system that plays a significant role in liver illnesses and is at the centre of liver inflammation.
As the liver is subjected to increasing amounts of fat and oxidative stress, our bodies react by ‘turning on’ this immune system, thereby producing an inflammatory response that is used to eliminate foreign substances that aren’t supposed to be there. This response is necessary for the liver to function properly.
When this occurs, scarring of the liver occurs as a result of our body’s attempts to “repair” the damaged tissue brought on by lipids, oxidative stress, and other foreign particles/substances such as bacteria. This scarring can be quite severe.
It is important to note that the presence of this condition for an extended period of time eventually results in liver fibrosis, cirrhosis, and in the worst possible scenario, cancer (4).
In the absence of treatment or other forms of intervention, these disorders cause persistent inflammation of the liver, which, in turn, sets off a chain reaction that ultimately results in liver damage.
This “cascade” is made up of a few important systems all working together.
To begin, an increase in the amount of fat that is ingested into and stored within the hepatocytes, which are the cells that make up the liver. This process is rapidly followed by an increase in the amount of oxidative stress that causes more damage to the tissue.
Let’s take a momentary break, shall we?
The human body is a wondrous creation; we are equipped with inborn defence mechanisms and checkpoints that allow us to adjust to both internal and external sources of stress and to fight off infections.
One of them that is among the most significant?
Our immune system, which is a system that plays a significant role in liver illnesses and is at the centre of liver inflammation.
As the liver is subjected to increasing amounts of fat and oxidative stress, our bodies react by ‘turning on’ this immune system, thereby producing an inflammatory response that is used to eliminate foreign substances that aren’t supposed to be there. This response is necessary for the liver to function properly.
When this occurs, scarring of the liver occurs as a result of our body’s attempts to “repair” the damaged tissue brought on by lipids, oxidative stress, and other foreign particles/substances such as bacteria. This scarring can be quite severe.
It is important to note that the presence of this condition for an extended period of time eventually results in liver fibrosis, cirrhosis, and in the worst possible scenario, cancer (4).
Inflammation is controlled by cells in the liver, which play a specific role in the process.
Kupffer cells are a type of specialised cell that may be found in our liver; current research reveals that these cells may even be capable of self-renewal (5).
In a similar fashion, Kupffer cells play an important part in the inflammation of the liver in the following ways:
1. Trigger the body’s immune response 1.
Kupffer cells have the ability to detect when our hepatocytes have been damaged. As a reaction to the damage, they become activated and begin to secrete cytokines and signalling molecules in an effort to repair the harm that has been done to the liver cells.
2. The malleability of cells
Kupffer cells, which are responsible for maintaining a type of ‘balance,’ can activate either pro-inflammatory or anti-inflammatory pathways, depending on the condition of the liver (6).
3. Detect And Eliminate ‘Danger’
Because of its role as a vital hub for metabolism and the breakdown of nutrients in our body, the liver is subjected to a wide range of particles, many of which are potentially dangerous, such as infections. As a result, the liver can get damaged.
Kupffer cells are equipped with unique receptors that allow them to detect and eliminate potentially harmful infections and chemicals.
Kupffer cells, in general, play a significant part in both the process of shielding the liver from potentially dangerous foreign particles and the process of delivering an anti-inflammatory impact in reaction to inflammation.
However, in reaction to chronic, long-term inflammation, which is usually caused by nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) or excessive alcohol use, our body’s intrinsic capacity to deal with the massive damage that follows is not sufficient.
It is at this point when potentially life-threatening health consequences, such as cancer or liver fibrosis, may become apparent.
In the body of scientific literature, preventative measures for lowering inflammation in the liver and improving overall liver health have received a great deal of attention and discussion.
In the next section, we will discuss some of the methods in which you may lessen the inflammation in your liver and lower your chance of developing common liver disorders such as NAFLD or alcoholic liver disease.
In general, examining your nutrition should be the first step you take when thinking about taking preventative action. Diets that commonly include the following components include those that are effective in preventing fatty liver disease, mitigating its symptoms, and enhancing overall liver health.
I am Doona F Weiss, a medical science graduate, and health enthusiast. As the author of my health and wellness review blog, I am using my knowledge and experience to provide readers with accurate and unbiased reviews on a variety of health and wellness topics. From supplements to medical treatments, my expert perspective offers valuable insights to help readers make informed decisions. read more