Hepatocelulární

Hepatocelulární refers to anything related to hepatocytes, which are the main functional cells of the liver. These cells are responsible for a vast array of metabolic, detoxification, and synthetic functions crucial for maintaining the body's health. Hepatocytes make up approximately 70-85% of the liver's mass.

Hepatocellular functions include the synthesis of bile, which aids in fat digestion, and the production of vital proteins such as albumin, clotting factors, and various enzymes. They play a central role in carbohydrate metabolism, converting glucose to glycogen for storage and releasing glucose when needed. Furthermore, hepatocytes are the primary site for detoxification of harmful substances, including drugs, alcohol, and metabolic byproducts, transforming them into less toxic forms that can be excreted from the body.

Diseases affecting hepatocytes are termed hepatocellular diseases. Examples include hepatitis, which is inflammation of the liver, often caused by viral infections (hepatitis A, B, C, D, E), autoimmune conditions, or toxins. Cirrhosis is another significant hepatocellular disease, characterized by chronic liver damage leading to scarring and impaired liver function. Liver cancer, specifically hepatocellular carcinoma, is a malignancy arising from hepatocytes. Diagnosis and management of hepatocellular conditions often involve blood tests to assess liver enzyme levels, imaging techniques like ultrasound or CT scans, and sometimes liver biopsies to examine the hepatocytes directly.