Liver Disease Research Paper

The second largest organ in the human body is the liver, weighing roughly three pounds.1 The liver is located on the upper right side of the abdomen beneath the rib cage.1, 2 It performs numerous functions in the body including energy metabolism, processing of foods into nutrients used for body processes, and removal of toxic substances from the blood system.1, 2 A variety of factors can affect the liver; for example, genetic disorders, hepatitis viruses, alcohol abuse, obesity, and diabetes.2 Damage to the liver may result in scarring or cirrhosis over time, which could lead to liver failure and an increase risk of mortality.2 Signs and symptoms of liver disease may include jaundice (yellowing of skin and eyes), abdominal pain and swelling,
The fundamental treatment for NAFLD aims at addressing metabolic risk factors via weight loss through lifestyle interventions including diet and exercise.16 In recent studies diet and exercise have been shown to improve histology of the liver. A recommended diet of 1,200 kcal/day and moderate exercise for 60 min/day was shown to improve steatosis in a cohort study of highly motivated liver donors.17 High-intensity training, three times a week over 12 weeks, for 30-40 minutes was also shown to reduce hepatic steatosis.18 Furthermore, Vilar-Gomez et al found that NASH patients with a >5% weigh loss had a 58% reduction of NASH and patients who had a >10% weigh loss were shown a 90% resolution of NASH and 45% regression of fibrosis, however this was shown to have a minimal effect on glucose control. Other treatments that have been studied but have not been effective for example treatments of IR, drugs that induce weight loss, statins, cytoprotective agents and antioxidants, and blocker angiotensin receptor