Fatty Liver and Liver Insufficiency
Fatty liver and liver insufficiency describe a liver that is no longer able to fully perform its vital functions, whether due to fat buildup, viral infection, toxins, or genetic disease. At Rocky Point Stem Cell Therapy, stem cell therapy is being studied as a way to help support liver regeneration and overall liver function.
The liver is a powerful organ that works hard to keep the body healthy, from eliminating toxins from the blood to aiding digestion and storing energy. When it becomes sick, the consequences can be significant, since the liver may be unable to perform its vital functions. Liver diseases range from the hepatitis viruses to cancer and hemochromatosis, a genetic disease. With effective diagnosis and treatment, however, many of these conditions are manageable. As much as 75% of the liver can be affected before its normal functioning is impaired, which is why regular checkups and an early warning system for detecting disease are so important.
Causes of Liver Disease
- Liver disease can arise from a variety of causes, ranging from viral infections to the infiltration of abnormal cells. Hepatitis, caused by inflammation in the liver, is one of the most prominent causes. Excess minerals and chemicals can also lead to damage and deterioration of liver health.
- Cholelithiasis (gallstones) is a common cause of liver disease, caused by the obstruction of bile flow.
- Triglycerides and cholesterol can also accumulate in the liver, leading to health complications.
- Alcohol abuse is one of the leading causes of liver disease in North America, resulting in conditions such as alcoholic hepatitis, fatty liver, and cirrhosis. Severe cases may lead to multi-system organ failure.
- Overdose of certain drugs and medicines, such as acetaminophen, can lead to liver inflammation.
- Statin medications, niacin, and other cholesterol-controlling agents can also cause liver damage.
- Infections from various forms of hepatitis, hemochromatosis, congestive heart failure, or blood flow irregularities may also lead to liver injury.
- Genetic diseases such as Wilson’s disease or Child-Pugh class A and B liver disease can lead to significant liver damage and failure. Early detection through regular checkups is key to identifying these conditions and preventing serious complications.
Liver Disease Symptoms
- Liver disease can present itself in many ways, including nausea, vomiting, jaundice, fatigue, weight loss, and abdominal pain.
- Regular medical checkups are important to monitor the progress of any liver disease and to diagnose the condition early.
- Stem cell therapy is a form of treatment being studied for liver disease that may help alleviate symptoms and support overall liver health.
Diagnosis of Liver Disease
- Careful diagnostic testing helps uncover the underlying cause of liver disease.
- A full medical history and physical exam help ensure an accurate diagnosis.
- Blood tests help determine inflammation and organ function for an accurate diagnosis.
- Imaging such as MRI, CT scan, and ultrasound is used to identify liver damage.
- A liver biopsy may be considered when extensive damage is suspected. This procedure, which involves removing a small liver tissue sample, is conducted under local anesthetic.
- The results of imaging and biopsy help determine the extent of damage present in the liver.
Stem Cell Therapy for Liver Disease
- The liver is capable of regeneration, but its ability is limited by its available energy and the severity of damage.
- Liver transplants are in high demand, yet there is a limited number of organs available for transplantation in the US.
- Stem cell therapy is being studied as an alternative approach to the problem of liver disease.
- Research has shown promising results, including increased survivability in mice after undergoing stem cell therapy.
- Harnessed stem cells can produce hepatocytes, the liver’s main functional cells, which could potentially be used to help regenerate liver tissue.
If you’ve been diagnosed specifically with cirrhosis or more advanced liver disease, see our dedicated Liver Disease Stem Cell Treatment page for more on that treatment option. Hepatitis B and C are among the most common causes of liver disease; learn more on our Hepatitis B and C page, or browse all of our stem cell therapy for chronic disease options.
