Metabolic Functions of the Liver

These flashcards cover key terms and concepts related to the metabolic functions of the liver, including metabolism of nutrients and xenobiotics.

Liver Functions

Plays a central role in the metabolism of nutrients including carbohydrates, fats, and proteins.

Carbohydrate Metabolism

Regulation of blood glucose levels in the body.

Protein Metabolism

Involves the synthesis of plasma proteins and detoxification of ammonia through urea formation.

Cholesterol Synthesis

The liver synthesizes and excretes cholesterol.

Bile Acids

Specialized molecules synthesized by the liver that aid in digestion.

Alcohol Dehydrogenase

An enzyme that metabolizes ethanol, accounting for approximately 90% of ethanol metabolism.

Acetaldehyde

A toxic product of ethanol metabolism that is highly reactive and can lead to liver damage.

Cirrhosis

The late stage of scarring (fibrosis) of the liver caused by many forms of liver diseases, including alcohol abuse.

Microsomal Ethanol-Oxidizing System

A pathway that oxidizes ethanol using cytochrome P450 enzymes, generating acetaldehyde.

Cytochrome P450

A family of enzymes involved in the oxidation of various substances, including drugs and xenobiotics.

Phase I Metabolism

The oxidation phase in xenobiotic metabolism that often increases solubility.

Phase II Metabolism

Involves conjugation of xenobiotics with substances like glutathione and glucuronic acid to increase their solubility.

Xenobiotics

Compounds with no nutritional value, such as drugs and food additives.

Drug Metabolism

The liver's modification of drugs can affect their effectiveness.

Aflatoxin B1

A compound produced by fungi that can cause liver cancer through metabolic activation.

Statins

Cholesterol-lowering drugs that are affected by the activity of the liver's cytochrome P450 enzymes.

NAPQI

A toxic intermediate formed during the metabolism of acetaminophen that can cause tissue damage.

Enterohepatic Circulation

The recycling process where substances are re-absorbed into the bloodstream after being excreted into the bile.

Half-life (t½)

The time required for 50% of a substance to be eliminated from the body.