Liver Diseases: Pathophysiology and Clinical Aspects

Liver diseases are a group of disorders that affect the liver and its functions. The liver is a vital organ in the human body and it performs various functions associated with metabolism, storage of energy and filtering toxic substances out from the bloodstream. Viral hepatitis is the major cause of liver diseases including hepatitis A, B and C. Autoimmune conditions of the liver such as autoimmune hepatitis and primary biliary cholangitis are some other conditions affecting liver. The diagnosis of liver diseases involves various liver tests to examine certain enzyme levels and other proteins in the blood. Alanine transaminase (ALT) test, alkaline phosphatase (ALP) test, bilirubin test and prothrombin time (PT) test are some common tests performed to diagnose liver diseases. This book includes some of the vital pieces of work being conducted across the world, on various topics related to the pathophysiology and clinical aspects of liver diseases. It will also provide interesting topics for research which interested scholars can take up. This book will serve as a valuable source of reference for graduate and post graduate students.