Category: Hepatitis

Scientists illuminate causes of hepatitis B virus-associated acute liver failure


Scientists illuminate causes of hepatitis B virus-associated acute liver failure

Hepatitis B core antigen (arrow head) on the cellular membrane in cells transfected with hepatitis B virus. The virus is derived from a patient with acute liver failure. Credit: NIAID

National Institutes of Health scientists and their collaborators found that hepatitis B virus (HBV)-associated acute liver failure (ALF)—a rare condition that can turn fatal within days without liver transplantation—results from an uncommon encounter between a highly mutated HBV variant and an unusual immune response in the patient’s liver that is mainly sustained by antibody-producing B cells.

By applying state-of-the-art technologies, the researchers discovered important new mechanisms about the by examining liver samples taken from four patients who developed HBV-ALF. HBV-ALF is one of the most dramatic clinical syndromes in medicine, according to the research team, but so rare that samples of this type are seldom available for study.

Scientists from NIH’s National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) led the project with colleagues from two Italian universities. Their study is published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.

The investigators used advanced gene sequencing and tissue and cell analysis technologies to determine specific molecular events occurring at the site where HBV replicates and damages liver tissue. They identified processes that are distinct to HBV-ALF cases compared with cases of classic acute HBV infection. Some of these unique events involve a highly mutated virus antigen, the HBV core antigen. The scientists believe that this antigen plays a key role in disease development because it interacts with specific antibodies that are—unusually, they say—already present in these patients. Because of ethical reasons in obtaining liver tissues from patients with classic acute HBV, for their comparison study the scientists used archived liver specimens from two chimpanzees with acute HBV that had been studied many years earlier. They found the mechanism of acute HBV disease to be completely different from that of ALF.

According to the scientists, the HBV-ALF findings were consistent among samples taken from all four studied. That is important validation, they say, because virtually no studies have been done on the molecular pathogenesis of HBV-ALF in the . They hope their new work provides a model of how the disease develops and will lead to new diagnostic, treatment and prevention strategies.

Journal reference:
Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences

Provided by:
NIH/National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases

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What Is Hepatitis A?

Hepatitis A is a liver infection caused by the hepatitis A virus. Unlike hepatitis B and C, hepatitis A is very contagious and easily spread. Although the disease is usually mild and often doesn’t require treatment other than monitoring the condition, in rare cases it can lead to serious problems, especially in the elderly and people who have compromised immune systems. A highly-effective vaccine is available to prevent the disease.

Misconceptions

  • Hepatitis A is often confused with hepatitis B and hepatitis C. Although all three conditions are viral infections of the liver, hepatitis A is much less severe and much more contagious. Hepatitis B and C are primarily spread through risky behavior, much like HIV infection, although health care workers are also at risk from these conditions. Hepatitis A, on the other hand, is transmitted through contaminated food, water or being in close contact with an infected person.

Effects

  • Not everyone who contracts hepatitis A has symptoms. Young children, especially, tend to have mild cases of the disease without ever having symptoms of infection. Older children and adults usually become ill from the disease, which may be mistaken for gastroenteritis (food poisoning, or “stomach flu”). The disease does not usually cause symptoms for the first month following infection. After the incubation period has passed, you may become fatigued, have nausea and vomiting, lose your appetite, have a low-grade fever, experience muscle aches and pains, have itchy skin and notice discomfort on the right side of your abdomen. Some people who have hepatitis A also develop jaundice, which causes the skin and whites of the eyes to turn a yellowish color and the urine to darken.

Identification

  • Hepatitis A may be suspected based on a history of possible exposure and symptoms, but blood tests must be performed to confirm the diagnosis. The first blood tests performed are usually bilirubin and aminotransferase levels. Abnormal results indicate the liver is not functioning properly, which may be caused by hepatitis A. If one or both of these tests are positive, another blood test to check for the presence of antibodies to hepatitis A is performed. This test may be combined with others to check for conditions that cause liver problems. The false-negative rate from the antibody test is quite high if the test is performed soon after infection, and when antibodies are present, they may indicate a previous infection rather than the current illness. For this reason, it can be very difficult to be certain if a person has hepatitis A.

Prevention/Solution

  • Hepatitis A can be prevented by having a series of immunizations against the disease. The hepatitis A vaccine requires two shots that are taken 6 to 12 months apart, and provides protection for up to 20 years. However, it does not work immediately; approximately 4 weeks must pass after the first injection for you to be protected. A short-term immunization, called immune globulin, can be used to prevent hepatitis A in people who are at risk. This immunization works almost immediately and lasts for approximately 3 months.

Warning

  • Most cases of hepatitis A are not particularly serious and the liver does not sustain permanent damage. However, the elderly and people who have compromised immune systems or other serious health problems are at risk of liver damage or failure. Rarely, hepatitis A may lead to a condition called fulminant hepatitis. This condition is quite dangerous and can cause sudden liver failure. Those most at risk from fulminant hepatitis are people who have chronic liver disease or have had a liver transplant. There is no specific treatment available for hepatitis A, so people who have the condition usually receive supportive care. It is, however, very important to avoid drinking alcohol and taking medications that can cause liver damage during the illness.

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Disinfectants That Destroy Hep B



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Hepatitis B is an infectious liver disease caused by the hepatitis B virus. It is known as a “enveloped virus,” meaning it has an outer wrapping, according to National Caner Institute. Infection occurs when the virus enters the bloodstream and reaches the liver. Hepatitis B is spread through direct contact with infected blood and saliva and through unprotected sex and breast milk. Hepatitis B can be killed by several types of disinfectants.

High-Level Disinfectants

  • High-level disinfectants are typically used in a health-care setting. Hydrogen peroxide is a high-level disinfectant that is effective in destroying hepatitis B, but according to the BC Center for Disease Control, manufacturers of hydrogen peroxide warn that it requires contact for at least five minutes to be effective. Hydrogen peroxide together with peracetic acid have high disinfectant qualities. Manufacturers of this mixture have found that all microorganisms excluding bacterial spores, are destroyed within 20 minutes of contact with this solution. Peracetic acid is also effective at killing viruses such as hepatitis B on its own but is unstable, especially when diluted.

    Gluteraldehydes are high-level disinfectants that kill viruses like hepatitis B. They can be highly toxic and should only be used by medical professionals to sterilize medical equipment. Ortho-phthalaldehyde (OPA) is similar to gluteraldehyde, but its odor is faint and not irritating to the nose or eyes.

    Formaldehyde is a high-level disinfectant commonly used as a water-based solution called formalin (37% formaldehyde). This solution will kill hepatitis B virus along with several other viruses, fungi and spores. Typically, use of formaldehyde is also limited to medical settings.

Intermediate-Level Disinfectants

  • Intermediate-level disinfectants kill vegetative bacteria, viruses and fungi. Ethyl and isopropyl alcohol are intermediate-level disinfectants effective in killing enveloped viruses like hepatitis B. The time needed to kill bacteria and viruses is difficult to achieve because alcohol evaporates quickly. The BC Center for Disease Control recommends immersing the item requiring disinfection into the alcohol.

    Hypochlorites, like household bleach, are fast-acting intermediate-level disinfectants that are best used to disinfect surfaces, as they can burn skin and eyes. To gain the most effectiveness from hypochlorites, they must remain on surfaces for several minutes.

    Another common intermediate-level disinfectant is iodine and iodophors. Iodine tinctures, which are dissolved in alcohol, have limited cleaning ability. They are effective in killing the hepatitis B virus but require a long contact time and several applications may be needed.

Low-Level Disinfectants

  • Low-level disinfectants kill vegetative (grown in rich, moist soil) bacteria, fungi and enveloped viruses. They are typically used to clean household surfaces. Phenol, an ingredient found in mouthwashes and hand soaps, is the active ingredient in household disinfectants like Lysol. Phenolic disinfectants are effective in killing the hepatitis B virus and are safe to use. Prolonged contact with skin can cause irritation.

    Quaternary ammonium (QA) compounds are another type of low-level disinfectant but are ineffective as antiseptics on skin and tissue. QA disinfectants are often formulated as ammonium chloride and are effective in killing the hepatitis B virus. They are low in toxicity but can irritate skin after prolonged contact. These disinfectants can be used in home disinfecting of surfaces like floors, furniture and walls.

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How to Lower Bilirubin

Bilirubin is the yellow brownish substance that is produced when the liver breaks down or takes apart old red blood cells. Bilirubin is then passed out of the body through the feces or stool and bilirubin is what gives feces its brown color. People are tested for bilirubin to measure the amount they have in their blood. A newborn full-term baby’s bilirubin level is considered high at 15-20 mg, however if the infant is being breastfed in will generally quickly level off and will start dropping on its own. In some cases however the majority of doctors may decide that some steps need to be done to lower the bilirubin level, especially if the baby is not being breastfed and the bilirubin level continues to climb.

Lowering High Bilirubin Level in Newborns

  • Begin by stopping breastfeeding and supplementing with formula until the bilirubin starts to lower, and then restart breastfeeding. While the baby is on formula, continue to pump your breasts to maintain proper milk production or lactation and decrease the chances of a breast infection.
  • Start photo-therapy treatment if necessary. The physician may decide to place your baby under photo-therapy lights in the hospital nursery or a photo-optic bilirubin wrap may be used at home.
  • Feed the baby often to help removal of the bilirubin from the baby’s body. The bilirubin will be removed out of the baby through the feces and because babies tend to soil diapers often with frequent feeding, this will lower the bilirubin. This is especially true with breastfed infants.

Lowering High Bilirubin Levels in Adults takes a Much Different Approach

  • Begin with abstaining from alcohol and tobacco consumption. Alcohol tends to raise bilirubin in a person’s body and can be life threatening.
  • Look into the cause of the high bilirubin count, if there is a medical condition such as cancer or hepatitis, treatment for the disease will be necessary to lower the bilirubin level. Treatment for some medical conditions may only require medications, while some high bilirubin conditions may require additional therapies.
  • Look into whether the cause of the high bilirubin is due to gallstones or liver problems such as cirrhosis, in which case surgery may be required to correct the bilirubin problem. In some instances even a liver transplant may be necessary if the liver is completely dysfunctional.
  • Try some alternative therapies for lowering bilirubin levels. Many all natural alternative therapies are available for lowering bilirubin levels, however you should discuss any alternative therapy with a physician before starting.
  • Try some dietary changes, jaundice and high bilirubin symptoms can be caused by an iron deficiency. Possible dietary changes or iron supplements may help lower bilirubin levels. Also fasting and dietary restriction can cause increase in bilirubin levels.

Tips & Warnings

  • If you think you may have signs of jaundice you should see a physician as soon as possible for proper diagnosis and treatment.

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Recommended Video:

High Bilirubin Levels: Symptoms and Treatment

Symptoms of Liver Disease Due to Alcohol



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What Is Alcoholic Liver Disease?

  • Liver disease as a result of alcohol abuse transpires after years of continually drinking too much alcohol. The longer the person abuses alcohol, the greater the risk of developing alcoholic liver disease. A severe condition known as alcoholic hepatitis also occurs when people binge drink. Alcoholic hepatitis can be life-threatening.

    When drinking too much alcohol on a regular basis, malnutrition is often the result, with loss of appetite and insufficient digestion of nutrients from the intestinal tract.

Are All Heavy Drinkers Affected by Alcoholic Liver Disease?

  • Not all heavy drinkers are affected by alcoholic liver disease. Women who drink heavily, however, are more vulnerable to alcoholic liver disease than men. Nonetheless, men should continue to be cautious of drinking too much alcohol because heavy consumption creates a great risk for the disease.

Liver Damage Related to Alcohol Use

  • When liver damage occurs, it starts with inflammation of the liver and progresses to a condition that creates fatty liver (steatosis). The final stage of liver damage is cirrhosis, which has serious complications such as alcoholic encephalopathy, which is brain damage, and portal hypertension (high blood pressure within the liver).

Symptoms of Liver Disease Associated with Alcohol Use

  • Approximately 50 percent of people who have liver disease do not show any signs of the disease. The most common symptom is sporadic itching, extreme tiredness and a lack of drive. However, these symptoms can be caused by many other conditions. The signs of liver disease that are indicative of liver disease include complications such as jaundice (yellowing of the eyes and skin), dark urine, whitish or light-colored bowel movements, mental confusion, fluid retention in the abdomen and hemorrhaging (bleeding) from the gastrointestinal tract.

How Much Is Too Much?

  • It is important to understand that alcohol is a poison, and any amount of alcohol (small or large) can produce damage to the liver. Therefore, in a healthy person with no risk of having liver problems, the amount of alcohol that can safely be consumed varies. Men metabolize alcohol more efficiently than women as a result of body size, enzymes and body fat. Therefore, some researchers attest that safe alcohol consumption for women is one to two drinks per day; for a man, it’s three to four drinks within a 24-hour period. However, each individual’s susceptibility to alcohol is different.

    It is extremely important to realize that neither the liver nor the body make a distinction among alcoholic beverages. Wine and beer are no safer than whiskey or spirits.

    If a person already has a liver condition like hepatitis B or C, for example, or some other alcohol-related liver damage or other disease, then the liver is especially sensitive to even the smallest quantity of alcohol. The safest alcohol dosage, in cases like this, is zero.

Can Liver Disease Be Reversed?

  • The liver is the only organ in the human body that can completely regenerate itself when damage occurs. If advanced and severe liver damage has not yet occurred, the liver will generally regenerate and reverse any damage. Therefore, if a person who drinks too much stops drinking before receiving severe liver damage, the beginning stages of liver disease may be reversed and the liver can be healed completely.

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How to Identify Liver Infection Symptoms



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There are different infecting agents that can cause liver infection. They include Hepatitis A, Hepatitis C, fungal, and Plasmodium. The symptoms for various liver infections are similar and you should promptly report any sign of them to your health care provider.

  • See your doctor immediately if you experience jaundice or yellowing of the skin or eyes. These are the very obvious symptoms and should not be ignored. Be prepared to give your doctor detailed information on the symptom.

  • Report any weight changes or changes in eating habits to your doctor. Although there are many other conditions that can cause these symptoms, anyone who is at risk for liver infection should be tested.

  • Discuss any abdominal pain with your doctor. Any pain should be mentioned, but typically, when dealing with a liver infection, the pain tends to be located on the upper right part of the stomach. Know where your pain is when talking with your doctor.

  • Talk to your doctor about any fevers, vomiting or general feelings of illness you are experiencing. These can all be associated with a liver infection.

  • Report any bowel changes such as diarrhea or a lighter-colored stool. Although something as simple as what we eat can trigger such a change, it can also be a sign of infection.

  • Mention a loss of sex drive or depression to your doctor. They may seem unrelated, however, they can be a symptom of a liver infection, especially when coupled with any of the other symptoms.

Tips & Warnings

  • Liver infections may also show no symptoms. If you feel you are at risk, discuss it with your doctor.
  • Liver infections can be life threatening. Never ignore the symptoms and discuss them with your doctor.

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Signs and Symptoms of Hepatitis C in Men



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Hepatitis C is a viral disease that can cause scarring and eventual failure of the liver. The virus is transmitted via infected body fluids and blood, most often due to sharing of needles or the use of unsterilized tattoo equipment. The virus can also spread through sexual intercourse and from a pregnant mother to her baby. It is critically important to detect Hepatitis C early because, although it cannot be cured, it can be treated to avoid damage to the liver. Symptoms in men are similar to those in women, though women have additional symptoms related to their menstrual cycle and pregnancy.

Asymptomatic

  • When Hepatitis C is first transmitted, there are no signs and no symptoms. This makes it necessary for a person to be tested for Hepatitis C. If you or your partner has shared needles or had unprotected sex in the past, it is important to get tested as soon as possible. By the time symptoms develop in some patients, the virus has already begun to damage the liver.

Flu-Like

  • After the early asymptomatic phase has passed, the person with the virus may begin to suffer flu-like symptoms. These include fever, fatigue, poor appetite, nausea, and joint and muscle pains, according to the MayoClinic. If these symptoms do not react to traditional flu treatment, it is worth getting a check-up and a test for Hepatitis C.

Other Mild Symptoms

  • Hepatitis C does not always result in flu-like symptoms for all patients. According to the Janis Morrow Memorial website some symptoms include irritable bowel syndrome, mood swings, headaches, numbness in the extremities, brain fog, shortness of breath and facial puffiness.

Liver Symptoms

  • The major symptoms of Hepatitis C are connected with the liver. A patient may notice swelling or pain in the area of the liver in the early stages of the condition. As the function of the liver decreases, other symptoms may occur, such as jaundice (yellowing of the skin), a tendency to bruise and bleed more easily, dark-colored urine and scarring (cirrhosis) of the liver. Further symptoms of Hepatitis C include developing cancer of the liver or complete liver failure. As the liver fails, toxins in the body accumulate which can lead to enlarged esophageal veins and nervous system damage.

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The Signs & Symptoms of Hepatitis B



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Hepatitis B is an infectious disease that is caused by the Hepatitis B virus. It is a very common infection, it is estimated that more than 33 percent of the world’s population has been infected. Hepatitis B is transmitted sexually, through contact with infected blood and vertically(from mother to fetus). Hepatitis B is not usually dangerous, but can cause fatal complications (such as liver failure). Hepatitis B has an array of specific and non-specific symptoms. Some cases may not manifest symptomatically at all, and the infection must be found through laboratory analysis, but in most cases, hepatitis B shows an array of distinct symptoms.

First Signs of Hepatitis B

Later Signs

  • You will begin to notice different signs as the hepatitis B infection progresses. The most common of these signs are nausea, body aches and vomiting. The symptoms become more severe as the disease progresses.

Final Stage

  • To diagnose Hepatitis B clinically (by using symptoms), the symptoms of the final stage must appear. The symptoms of the final stage are specific to hepatitis. These symptoms are jaundice (the yellow coloration of the skin and visible mucous membrane), dark urine and itchy skin. These symptoms are usually the last ones to manifest.

Differentiating From Other Diseases

  • Hepatitis B is not easily distinguished from other forms of hepatitis because of their clinical similarities. It is differentiated by the unique virus that causes it (HBV) and the fact that it is comparably mild to other forms of hepatitis, rarely requiring medical intervention for a patient to recover.

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What Is Worse: Hepatitis B or Hepatitis C?



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Hepatitis C is worse than hepatitis B because it poses a greater risk for life-threatening liver malfunction. There is a vaccine for hepatitis B but not for hepatitis C.

Symptoms

  • Symptoms of hepatitis B include dark urine, joint pain, nausea and jaundice (yellowing of your skin and the whites of your eyes) might not occur until 2 to 3 months after infection. When first infected with hepatitis C you might experience only mild flu-like symptoms.

Causes

  • Viruses cause both hepatitis B and C. According to the Mayo Clinic, hepatitis B spreads more readily because of sexual transmission. Usually hepatitis C spreads when people share dirty needles or through unprotected sex.

Prognosis

  • Most likely your body will fight off hepatitis B and you will fully recover, says the Mayo Clinic. Some adults, but more often children, develop chronic infection that can permanently damage their liver. Anti-viral drugs can limit the effects of hepatitis C. Unfortunately you might not realize you have become infected with hepatitis C for some time. Long-term infection (20 years or more) can cause cirrhosis (liver scarring) and liver failure.

Complications

  • The Mayo Clinic says that chronic hepatitis B infection leaves you vulnerable to hepatitis D infection, which can further damage your liver. Even after a liver transplant for hepatitis C, the infection can recur so remains important to continue taking anti-viral medications.

Prevention

  • A vaccine exists to treat hepatitis B. However if you become exposed to hepatitis B without having a vaccination, you can reduce your risk of infection by getting treatment within 24 hours. There is no vaccine for hepatitis C.

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How to Naturally Bring Ammonia Levels Down in the Body



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High ammonia levels, or hyperammonemia, in the bloodstream can be fatal if left untreated. Ammonia levels become high because of liver problems or severe hepatitis. Such high levels can cause changes in metabolism, confusion, lethargy and forgetfulness in some individuals. In grave cases, it can even cause the person to become comatose. However, there are a number of ways to help lower ammonia levels in the body. With a close relationship with your medical practitioner and proper medications and treatments, you can effectively control hyperammonemia.

Things You’ll Need

  • Tea
  • Water
  • Lemon or citrus fruits
  • Silymarin Capsules
  • Coconut Water

  • Drink lots of water. Drinking water makes you urinate more frequently, effectively flushing ammonia out of your body.

  • Keep yourself hydrated by drinking coconut water, it will make you urinate even more frequently than drinking water, and further aid in helping your body lower ammonia levels.

  • Drink lemon in water to aid the liver in breaking down harmful toxins. Drinking lemon juice helps your liver to function more efficiently, thereby helping to lower ammonia levels in your body and in your system. You may also choose to eat some citrus fruits to help your liver even more. Oranges, lemons and limes are good fruits to help lower ammonia levels.

  • Stop drinking alcoholic beverages. Alcohol further strains your liver and may promote the production of even more ammonia in the body.

  • Drinking tea may help to keep your internal systems clean and free from toxins. Green tea includes catechins that help prevent cancer cells and flushes your body free from harmful toxins can help your liver lighten its workload.

  • Take silymarin capsules as a liver protection. They are also called milk thistle capsules and are hepatoprotective, which means they protect the liver from toxins. Silymarin capsules are used for hepatitis C and cirrhosis due to alcohol. Since silymarin is derived from milk thistle it is considered to be safe and natural.

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How to Read Blood Test Results for Hepatitis C

Hepatitis C is a serious disease of the liver caused by exposure to the hepatitis C virus or HCV. It is most commonly transmitted through exposure to infected blood, but can also be transmitted through sexual contact. There is no vaccine for hepatitis C, and it is the most serious of the hepatitis viruses. If you think you have been exposed to the hepatitis C virus, testing is important, as symptoms are not always evident and may take years to develop. If your physician performs blood tests for the hepatitis C virus, you can read the results by following these steps.

Instructions

  • Locate the test results for your anti-HCV test, sometimes called the EIA test. This is usually the first in a series of blood tests performed when hepatitis C is suspected. Determine if your result is positive or negative. If the result is positive, this means that you have developed antibodies to fight the hepatitis virus, as a result of prior exposure to the virus. If the result is negative, you have no immunity to the disease and are susceptible to becoming infected if exposed.

  • If your physician has ordered a HCV RIBA test, locate those results. This test is performed in response to a positive anti-HCV test. Determine if your result is positive or negative. A positive result indicates you have been exposed to the hepatitis C virus and have developed antibodies as a consequence. If the result is negative, you have not been exposed to hepatitis C, nor do you have antibodies to fight the disease.

  • Locate the results for your HCV RNA (ribonucleic acid) test, if ordered by your physician. This test can identify if you have an active hepatitis C infection in your body. This test is sometimes called a qualitative HCV RNA and will indicate a positive or negative result. If your result is positive or detected, then the HCV virus has been found, and you have a current ongoing chronic hepatitis C infection. If your result is negative, you are free from the HCV disease.

  • Locate the test results for your hepatitis C viral load or quantitative HCV test. This test is performed if you have an active HCV infection to measure the number of viral particles in your blood. It is especially useful in assessing your body’s response to treatment for hepatitis C. Determine if your result is positive or negative. If your result is positive, there will be a number of viral particles indicated in international units per milliliter of blood (IU/mL). The higher the number, the greater the amount of virus circulating in your body. If the result is negative or not detected, this indicates that your body is responding to successful treatment and little or no virus is circulating.

  • Review your results for the HCV viral genotype test. This test is ordered, usually before treatment begins, to determine which one of the six possible genotypes your HCV is. Find your resulting genotype as indicated. It will be identified as one number from 1 to 6. Determining the genotype is useful in predicting the length of treatment and the chances of success with the treatment. The most common is genotype 1 and does not respond to treatment as well as genotypes 2 and 3, even after extended treatment of 48 weeks. Understand that the common length of treatment is 24 weeks for genotypes 2,3,4,5 and 6.

Tips & Warnings

  • Normal laboratory values can vary slightly between facilities. Be sure to check with the lab performing your tests for information on their normal value ranges.

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Is Coffee Bad for the Liver?



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Mainstream media often focuses on risks and benefits of food choices. Coffee has been given attention for potential links to protection from and slowing of liver problems. Many scientific studies show the beneficial effects of coffee drinking on liver diseases and disorders, although the effect of coffee on general liver function in healthy people has not been fully established.

Liver Enzymes

  • High liver enzyme activity in the bloodstream indicates deterioration of liver cells, often a result of alcohol intake. Drinking coffee has been found to directly affect the production of these liver enzymes; regular coffee drinkers show lower liver enzyme levels than people who drink little coffee or none at all.

Cirrhosis

  • Cirrhosis, a type of liver disease that causes progressive damage to liver tissue and function, appears to be inversely related to coffee drinking. A large-scale study by the Kaiser Permanente Medical Care Program found that people who drank four or more cups of coffee per day had a much lower risk of developing cirrhosis than those who did not drink coffee.

Hepatitis C

  • A study in patients with hepatitis C showed significantly slower development of liver disease in patients who drank three or more cups of coffee each day. However, the study authors caution that these results should not be generalized to healthy people.

Hepatocellular Carcinoma

  • Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), or primary liver cancer, is a common type of cancer. The most significant risk for HCC is cirrhosis, which can be caused by hepatitis, alcohol consumption and obesity. Some studies suggest a dose-related relationship between coffee and HCC: lower risk of HCC was associated with higher daily doses of coffee.

Effective Mechanism in Coffee

  • The mechanism in coffee that causes its positive effects on liver function and in preventing or slowing liver disease is unclear. Caffeine appears to play a recognized role in liver enzyme activity, but the effects of other substances in coffee, like cafestol and kahweol, have yet to be determined. Some studies indicate that the coffee itself, not necessarily the caffeine that can be found in other beverages like tea, is the beneficial agent in liver problems.

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