Proteins

Give a general overview of liver?

The liver is a vital organ present in vertebrates and some other animals. It has a wide range of functions.
- The liver is necessary for survival.
- This organ plays a major role in metabolism.
- It lies below the diaphragm in the abdominal-pelvic region of the abdomen.
- It produces bile, an alkaline compound which aids in digestion.
- It does so via the emulsification of lipids.
- The liver’s highly specialized tissues regulate a wide variety of high-volume biochemical reactions.
- The reactions include the synthesis and breakdown of small and complex molecules that are necessary for normal vital functions.
- Medical terms related to the liver often start in hepato- or hepatic.
- This comes from the Greek word for liver, hēpar.

Functions of Liver
More than 500 vital functions have been identified with the liver. The functions include:
- Detoxification.
- Protein synthesis.
- Production of biochemicals that are necessary for digestion.
- Glycogen storage.
- Decomposition of red blood cells.
- Plasma protein synthesis.
- Hormone production.
- Production of bile for digestion.
- Production of certain proteins for blood plasma.
- Production of cholesterol and special proteins that help to carry fats through the body.
- Conversion of excess glucose into glycogen for storage.
- Regulation of blood levels of amino acids.
- These amino acids form the building blocks of proteins.
- Processing of hemoglobin – the liver stores iron.
- Conversion of poisonous ammonia to urea.
- Clearing the blood of drugs and other poisonous substances.
- Regulating blood clotting.
- Resisting infections by producing immune factors.
- Removing bacteria from the bloodstream.
- Liver breaks down harmful substances which are excreted into the bile or blood.
- Bile by-products enter the intestine and ultimately leave the body in the feces.

Liver Location
- The liver is located in the upper right-hand portion of abdominal cavity.
- This is beneath the diaphragm.
- And on top of her stomach, right kidney and intestines.
- Weight: The liver weighs about 2 pounds.

Regulation Process of the Liver
- The liver regulates most chemical levels in the blood.
- It excretes a product called bile.
- This helps to break down fats.
- It also prepares them for further digestion and absorption.

Lobes of the liver
- The liver consists of two main lobes.
- Both of these lobes are made up of thousands of lobules.
- These lobules are connected to small ducts.
- These connect with larger ducts to ultimately form the hepatic duct.

Blood flow and liver
- All of the blood leaving the stomach and intestines pass through the liver.
- The liver processes this blood.
- It breaks down the nutrients.
- The drugs present in the blood are broken into forms that are easier to use for the rest of the body.

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Leucine and Isoleucine – Essential Amino acids that boosts energy levels and stimulates essential hormones.

LEUCINE – BOOSTS ENERGY LEVELS

Leucine is an essential amino acid that boosts energy levels and along with isoleucine and valine plays an important role in energy production in the body. Leucine regulates protein metabolism in the body. The availability of leucine is especially important in controlling the net synthesis of protein. The major sources of leucine are :
- Whole grains
- Milk and milk products
- Eggs
- Pork
- Beef
- Chicken
- Pulses
- Soya Beans
- Leafy vegetables
Therapeutically, leucine as well as isoleucine and valine can be used as a means of minimising protein loss in patients undergoing surgery.

CAUTION : It has been found that dietary excess of leucine may be a precipitating factor in developing pellagra.

ISOLEUCINE – STIMULATES ESSENTIAL HORMONES

Isoleucine is an essential amino acids i.e. it is not formed in the body and hence, must be present in the diet. Along with leucine and valine, it is important in human metabolism as an energy yielding source.
Isoleucine is essential for the production and maintenance of body proteins. It also regulates metabolism and the functioning of the thymus gland in the neck, spleen, and pituitary glands. It is useful in the formation of hemoglobin.
The rich sources of isoleucine are :
- Eggs
- Chicken
- Pork
- Mutton
- Pulses
- Soya Beans
- Cottage cheese
- Milk
- Piyal seeds
- Cashew Nuts
- Cereal grains

Isoleucine is one of a group of amino acids found deficient in persons who are ill. The recommended therapeutic dose of this amino acid is between 240mg and 360mg daily. Hence this must be given in combination with the other amino acids that are found lacking.