[1][2] The liver can regenerate after partial hepatectomy or injury due to hepatotoxic agents such as certain medications, toxins, or chemicals.
[5] The liver manages to restore any lost mass and adjust its size to that of the organism, while at the same time providing full support for body homeostasis during the entire regenerative process.
[5] The process of regeneration in mammals is mainly compensatory growth or hyperplasia because while the lost mass of the liver is replaced, it does not regain its original shape.
[8] Priming phase occurs within 5 hours of hepatectomy and involves activation and over expression of multiple specific genes to prepare the liver cells (hepatocytes) for replication.
[8] Termination phase is coordinated by TGF-β (transforming growth factor beta) that is responsible for stopping the regenerative process and preventing liver overgrowth.
[8] ECM remodeling initiates signaling impulses through integrin and leads to the release of local growth factors.
[8] The cascade starts with the uPA coordinated activation of an inactive hepatic growth factor (HGF) that is attached to ECM.
[5] During proliferation phase of liver regeneration, there is a communication between β-catenin, the Notch signaling pathway, and two growth factors, EGF and HGF.
[8] β-catenin exhibits rapid nuclear translocation in partial hepatectomy model of liver regeneration in rats.
[8] Notch signaling pathway is generally dependent on two main proteins known as NOTCH-1 receptor and JAGGED-1 (NOTCH-1 ligand), which are markedly up regulated 1–5 days following partial hepatectomy.
[5] After the liver regeneration process is completed, TGF-β puts an end to the proliferation phase by inducing apoptosis.
[12] Acetaminophen, found in many prescription and over-the-counter medications, is the most common drug that can cause liver damage if taken in a high dose or in conjunction with alcohol.
The liver is a critical organ that is responsible for many different homeostatic functions that help support metabolism, immunity, digestion, detoxification, and carbohydrates and vitamin storage.
[5] IL 6 is responsible for a rapid increase in production by hepatocytes of many proteins, which assist in controlling acute or chronic inflammation.
Part of the diagnostic process is obtaining the history of drug and alcohol abuse, past viral infections, or any genetic conditions that may run in the family members and can contribute to the liver damage.
Imaging studies reveal the physical condition of the liver and they include ultrasounds, CT scans, and MRIs.