CHAPTER 36

Bioactive Foods and Supplements for

Protection against Liver Diseases
S.K. Shukla, V. Kumar
International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, New Delhi, India

ABBREVIATIONS
ALP Alkaline phosphatase
ALT Alanine transaminase
AST Aspartate transaminase
CCl4 Carbon tetrachloride
GSH Reduced glutathione
HBV Hepatitis B virus
HCC Hepatocellular carcinoma
HCV Hepatitis C virus

1. INTRODUCTION
Liver is the largest and most important metabolic organ of the human body, having an
average weight of 2–3 pounds, located in the upper right-hand side of the abdomen. It is
the center of various metabolic reactions, which occur in the body. Liver performs over
500 important functions like conversion of food component to essential blood compo-
nents, storage of vitamins and minerals, production of many critical proteins and min-
erals, maintenance of hormonal balance and metabolism, and detoxification of toxic
wastes of the body. It produces bile, which facilitates the process of digestion. Liver also
plays a significant role in protein, lipid, and carbohydrate metabolism (Worman, 1999).

1.1 Liver Diseases

Any disorder or condition which leads to malfunctioning of liver is termed as liver disease.
Liver diseases are mainly categorized into two types: acute and chronic liver diseases. Acute
disease occurs rapidly and usually exists for a very short duration. Chronic diseases are usually
long term and exist for a long time, usually more than 6 months. In the clinical context,
chronic liver disease is a disease process of the liver that involves a process of progressive
destruction and regeneration of liver parenchyma leading to fibrosis and cirrhosis
(Crawford, 2007). The main causes of chronic liver diseases are shown in Figure 36.1.

Bioactive Food as Dietary Interventions for Liver and Gastrointestinal Disease # 2013 Elsevier Inc.
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