Hepatitis liver inflammation may be reduced by specific immune cells. A new study from Belgium researchers reports that a specific immune cell type in the liver can dampen the immune response, reduce inflammation, and protect against liver damage.
Researchers at Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Belgium used mice to explore monocytes’ role – immune cells that help fight off infection – in combating liver inflammation. In the case of the mice, the researchers focused on trypanosome parasites because they often lead to liver inflammation.
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There are two types of monocytes: Ly6c positive monocytes and Ly6c negative monocytes.
When the mice were infected with trypanosome parasites, initially more Ly6c positive monocytes travelled to the infected liver, but the Ly6c negative monocytes did follow as well.
The researchers found the Ly6c positive monocytes actually increased inflammation and promoted liver damage, while the Ly6c negative monocytes reduced the inflammation and prevented further liver damage. This goes to show that Ly6c negative monocytes can work as liver protection.
Researchers now say a means for preventing liver inflammation can result from changing Ly6c negative monocytes in the body. A therapy would either increase their number or function to protect the liver.
What is liver inflammation?
Liver inflammation is when the liver becomes damaged, or the cells become attacked by either a virus or lifestyle habits. Hepatitis refers to liver inflammation, and alcohol, fatty foods, and toxins can also result in liver inflammation.
There are a few types of hepatitis – A, B, C, D and E – and depending on which one you have, that determines severity and treatment options. Hepatitis A and B are most common and vaccines are readily available to prevent their onset.
If left untreated, liver inflammation can result in the liver not functioning properly and eventually lead to liver disease or liver failure.
Type of Hepatitis | Mode of Transmission | Incubation | Symptoms | Prevention |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Hepatitis A | Contaminated food and water | 15 to 50 days, average | Jaundice (yellowing of | There is a safe HAV vaccine. |
Hepatitis B | Infected blood, sex, and needles | 60 to 150 days, average 90 days | There is a safe HBV vaccine. | |
Hepatitis C | Infected blood and needles | 14 to 180 days, average 45 days | There is no vaccine. | |
Hepatitis D | Must already have hepatitis B | Abdominal pain | Get the hepatitis B vaccine. | |
Hepatitis E | Contaminated water | Fever | There is no vaccine. |
Ref: http://www.hepb.org/hepb/abc.htm, http://www.immunize.org/catg.d/p4075.pdf, http://www.cdc.gov/hepatitis/hev/hevfaq.htm, http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/000216.htm
Liver inflammation Causes and risk factors
As mentioned, liver inflammation is a form of hepatitis and so that can develop in numerous ways:
- Viral infections
- Alcoholic hepatitis
- Drug or chemical intoxication
- Bacteria infections which can disrupt the function of the liver
A liver inflammation that lasts for six months or less is considered acute. When it lasts longer than that, it becomes a chronic inflammation.
Risk factors for liver inflammation include:
- Alcohol abuse
- Consumption of contaminated water
- Contact with infected hepatitis items
- Exposure to blood or other bodily fluids
- Exposure to contaminated needles, tattoo needles
- Sexual contact with a person with hepatitis
- Travelling to countries with contaminated water or food and poor sanitation
Liver inflammation prevention tips
While this new discovery may take years to materialize, it does reveal stepping stones toward liver protection. In the meantime, there are natural means in preventing liver inflammation that you can start doing right now:
- Get immunization shots for both hepatitis A and B
- Wash your hands after using the bathroom and handling food
- Use condoms
- Avoid tap water in foreign countries
- Don’t share personal hygiene items
- Reduce your alcohol consumption
Following these tips can help you reduce your risk of developing hepatitis and promoting a healthy liver. Eating liver-friendly foods can help as well: leafy greens, citrus foods, and lean meats can promote liver function to ensure it continues to work at its best. Habits like smoking, eating too much red meat, and eating processed foods simply weigh the liver down, making it more difficult to function.
The liver is the only organ that can regenerate itself – but if your liver is sick and tired, it just can’t do this properly. Taking the right steps for liver protection is key to a healthier you.
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Sources:
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2015/05/150528142804.htm
