How are liver diseases detected through the eyes?

The liver has several essential functions. It converts ammonia to urea in the urea cycle, produces bile (bile), and converts fats into cholesterol. It also removes damaged red blood cells to supply the body with oxygen, especially to vital organs. Furthermore, it maintains blood sugar levels, converting sugar to glucose, and removes toxins, damaged microbes, and the waste products of cellular metabolism from the body. It also plays a role in protein synthesis. Any imbalance in liver enzyme levels, whether elevated or decreased, can cause damage to the liver and other nearby organs such as the gallbladder and kidneys.

What are liver enzymes? The liver is the second largest organ in the human body, located beneath the diaphragm. It stores glycogen and produces blood plasma. It contains a number of enzymes, which are organic substances. Levels vary depending on the specific enzyme. One such enzyme found in the liver is bilirubin. This enzyme helps purify the blood, which is used to form hemoglobin. An excess of this enzyme can lead to liver cancer. Gallstones, in cases of deficiency, can cause liver cirrhosis. Aspartate transaminase, an enzyme found in the liver, heart muscle, and bones, can cause excessive secretion of this enzyme, leading to liver cirrhosis or paralysis of a muscle. Albumin, an enzyme that helps produce essential renal enzymes, is crucial for clearing liver cirrhosis. Alanine transaminase, also found in the liver, is secreted by certain medications; when its levels are disrupted, it can cause hepatitis and cirrhosis. Alkaline phosphatase, an enzyme found in the bile ducts, can also cause hepatitis when its levels are elevated.

See: Signs and Symptoms of Liver Cirrhosis

With abnormal liver enzymes, the patient experiences paleness and jaundice, yellowing of the eyes and skin, darkening of the stool, a decrease in body temperature, and significant loss of appetite and weight loss. Elevated or decreased enzyme levels can lead to fatty liver disease, which can cause weight gain, poisoning, or increased cholesterol levels. A fever may also occur. Genetic factors play a significant role in liver enzyme dysfunction, particularly in the bilirubin enzyme, which is responsible for gallstones.

Causes of elevated liver enzymes:

Obesity. Genetic factors, especially with gallstones and kidney stones. Excessive consumption of alcoholic and carbonated beverages and drug use; all of these act as toxins that accumulate in the liver. Insulin dysfunction; diabetics are more prone to liver enzyme abnormalities. Use of certain medications such as cholesterol-lowering drugs, rheumatism medications, painkillers, aspirin, antibiotics, antifungals, antibacterials, and joint medications. As a result of gallbladder, urinary tract, and pancreatic infections.

Gallstones Disease:

Gallstones are a common disease. The gallbladder is a small sac located directly under the liver that stores bile. Stones form in the gallbladder, appearing as small, hardened stones. This process, called cholelithiasis, is caused by a deficiency in the bilirubin enzyme. Gallstones vary in size and shape, from a small grain of sand to a golf ball. A single gallbladder can contain several gallstones. Gallstone formation is influenced by age and diet. Cholesterol gallstones are light in color, ranging from pale yellow to dark green. Black pigment gallstones are dark and contain bilirubin, calcium salts, and phosphates. Mixed gallstones consist of cholesterol, phosphates, bilirubin, and bile pigments (calcium bilirubin, calcium palmitate, and calcium stearate).

People most at risk of developing gallstones:

Those aged 40 to 60. Those who are obese. Pregnancy increases the risk of gallstone formation. Those with high triglyceride levels. Those who have irregular sleep patterns and stay up late are more prone to gallstones. Not drinking enough water.

The main cause of gallstones is elevated bilirubin levels or high cholesterol in the blood, which leads to the formation of crystals that develop into stones.

Symptoms and signs of gallstones:

Severe and sudden pain in the upper right abdomen. Pain increases with eating and is intermittent. In cases of bile duct obstruction, the patient may develop a fever. Yellowing of the skin (jaundice). Nausea and vomiting.

Diagnosis is made using dental ultrasound to detect gallstones. In some cases, treatment can be achieved simply by starting cholesterol-lowering medication, but in 99% of cases, the treatment involves gallbladder removal to eliminate the gallstones, and there are no negative consequences from this surgical procedure.