By: Prof. Dr. Seyed Saeid Zamanieh Shahri, MD  and  Prof. Dr. Sonia Sayyedalhosseini, MD

Glycogen storage:

The liver also stores carbohydrates in the form of a substance with low volume and high calories called glycogen, which can provide the fuel needed by the body in times of lack of energy. The body’s natural arrangement for fuel production includes carbohydrates, fats, and protein. Our body burns every carbohydrate we eat. If your body runs out of carbohydrates, your body will begin to metabolize stored fat.

But between these stages, the liver has glycogen. It acts as a quick-release fuel whose energy is more easily released and replenished than fat. After depleting the liver’s glycogen stores, our body normally starts burning fat.

Destroying red blood cells: Red blood cells die more often than any other type of cell in the body. This is because red blood cells do not have a nucleus, so they cannot make the proteins they need. When old proteins are destroyed, they are broken down and new blood cells replace them. Without this organ (liver), these steps lead to severe blood poisoning. Dying cells release toxic compounds that must be cleared by the liver to make the body immune.

Thanks to the action of liver cells and enzymes, materials from dying red blood cells are broken down into harmless forms and even recycled for further use in new red blood cells.

By the function of liver cells and enzymes, materials from dying red blood cells are broken down into harmless forms and even recycled for later use in new red blood cells.

Hormonal Production: The liver produces several chemical messengers that help the body coordinate its activities. Some of these chemical messengers include:

Insulin-like growth factor, a hormone that promotes tissue growth and is especially important in childhood.

Thrombopoietin, a hormone that tells the bone marrow how many platelets to produce to help the blood clot.

Histidine, which tells the body whether to absorb or excrete iron.

Angiotensinogen, an important hormone that regulates blood pressure.

Carrier proteins, which are produced in the liver. Carrier proteins bind to other hormones in specific amounts, including sex hormones, thyroid hormones, stress hormones, and also can bind to vitamins and minerals to carry them in the blood.

What are the types of liver cancer?

In general, cancer affects the liver in two ways. In the first type, the cancerous cells are from the liver itself and spread there. But in the second type, the cancer cells first develop in other organs of the body and then move to the liver. The second type of this disease is more common. The liver is made up of several different types of cells. For this reason, different types of tumors can develop in this organ. Some of these tumors are benign (non-cancerous) and others are cancerous and can spread (metastasize) to other parts of the body. These tumors develop for different reasons and have different treatments. The outlook for health or recovery depends on the type of tumor. Common benign tumors include;

Hemangioma, hepatic adenoma, hyperplasia, cyst, lipoma, fibroma and leiomyoma

What are the symptoms of liver cancer?

Most people do not have any specific signs or symptoms in the early stages of primary liver cancer. However, as the disease progresses, the following symptoms may develop: unexplained weight loss, loss of appetite, upper abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting, general weakness and fatigue, abdominal swelling, yellowing of the skin, yellowing of the whites of the eyes, and chalky white stools. Remember that the liver is one of the most important organs in the body and must always function well. Otherwise, the patient’s life is at risk. Therefore, it is necessary to see a doctor if you notice any of the symptoms.

What causes liver cancer?

Liver cancer occurs when changes and mutations occur in DNA. DNA is the material that provides instructions for every chemical process in the body’s cells. DNA mutations cause changes in these instructions. These changes have various results. One of the most common of these changes is the uncontrolled growth of cells, which eventually leads to the formation of tumors. Tumors are actually masses of cancerous cells. Sometimes the cause of liver cancer is known, such as chronic infections and hepatitis C. But sometimes the disease occurs in people who have no underlying disease and it is not known what caused it.

What are the factors that increase the risk of liver cancer?

Factors that increase the risk of developing primary liver cancer include:

• Gender: Men are more likely to develop this type of cancer.

• Chronic infection with HBV or HCV: Chronic infection with the hepatitis virus increases the risk of developing liver cancer.

• Cirrhosis: This progressive, irreversible condition causes scar tissue to form in the liver, increasing the risk of developing this type of cancer.

• Certain inherited liver diseases: These conditions include hemochromatosis and Wilson’s disease.

• Diabetes: People with diabetes are at higher risk of developing this cancer than those without diabetes.

• Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease: A buildup of fat in the liver increases the risk of liver cancer.

• Exposure to aflatoxins: Aflatoxins are toxins produced by molds. Crops, such as grains and nuts, can be contaminated with aflatoxins.

• Excessive alcohol consumption: Alcohol consumption damages liver tissue and can lead to liver cancer in the long term.

How can we reduce the risk of developing this type of cancer?

By taking some of the steps below, you can reduce your risk of liver cancer:

Preventing cirrhosis: Cirrhosis of the liver is a condition in which scar tissue gradually replaces healthy liver cells, increasing the risk of cancer. Cirrhosis is a progressive disease that develops slowly over years and, if left untreated, impairs liver function. When healthy liver tissue is destroyed and replaced by scar tissue, blood flow to the liver can be blocked. Cirrhosis can be caused by many diseases, such as hepatitis and chronic alcohol consumption. You can reduce your risk of developing cirrhosis by taking the following steps:

• Avoiding alcohol

• Controlling weight with exercise and healthy eating

• Reducing intake of unhealthy fats and salt

• Getting the hepatitis B vaccine: The risk of getting hepatitis B can be reduced by getting the hepatitis B vaccine. This vaccine is available to almost everyone.

• Hepatitis C Prevention: There is currently no vaccine to prevent hepatitis C.

However, you can reduce your risk by taking some measures. These measures include; Not having unprotected sex, making sure your sexual partner does not have HBV, HCV, or any sexually transmitted infection, using condoms, using new needles when injecting intravenous drugs, visiting standard centers that follow hygiene for piercings or tattoos.

To be continued