Cirrhosis Overview

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What is the primary characteristic of cirrhosis?

Extensive accumulation of collagen fibers in response to inflammation (correct)
High survival prognosis due to regenerating nodules
Reversible fibrotic scarring in the liver
Rapid regeneration of destroyed hepatic cells

Why do lipophilic drugs and pollutants diffuse readily into hepatocytes?

As a result of close contact facilitated by the fenestrated epithelium of the sinusoid (correct)
Because the liver membrane repels lipophilic compounds
Thanks to sinusoidal transporters that extract toxins slowly
Due to a reduced contact between circulating molecules and hepatocytes

Why are phalloidin and microcystin considered hepatotoxins?

As they prevent fibrosis in the liver
Because they are substrates for sinusoidal transporters (correct)
Because they are examples of phase II enzymes
Due to their inability to enter hepatocytes

What is the primary function of phase II enzymes in hepatocytes?

Enhance removal from the body by adding a polar group (B) Signup and view all the answers

Why are phase I enzymes considered crucial in hepatocytes?

Often convert xenobiotics to reactive electrophilic metabolites (C) Signup and view all the answers

What determines whether a reactive metabolite will initiate liver cell injury or be detoxified safely?

Phase I and phase II reactions (D) Signup and view all the answers

Which process causes mitochondrial injury in cases of alcohol abuse?

Accumulation of reactive acetaldehyde metabolite (D) Signup and view all the answers

What facilitates the removal of debris from damaged liver cells by releasing cytotoxic proteases and reactive oxygen species?

Immune responses (B) Signup and view all the answers

Why is the liver often the dominant target site of specific toxins?

Its location between the intestinal tract and the rest of the body (B) Signup and view all the answers

What condition consists of a build-up of lipids in hepatocytes?

Steatosis (A) Signup and view all the answers

Primary characteristic of cirrhosis

The extensive production of collagen fibers within the liver, primarily in response to inflammatory processes.

Lipophilic drug/pollutant diffusion in hepatocytes

Lipophilic drugs and pollutants easily enter hepatocytes due to the fenestrated epithelium of the sinusoid, which allows for close contact with the liver cells.

Why are phalloidin and microcystin hepatotoxins?

These substances act as substrates for sinusoidal transporters, meaning they are actively taken up by the liver, leading to damage.

Primary function of Phase II enzymes

Phase II enzymes in hepatocytes add polar groups (like water-loving tags) to molecules, making them easier to excrete from the body.