Hepatotoxic
Hepatotoxic (pronounced: heh-puh-toh-tox-ik) is a term used in the field of medicine to describe substances that are toxic to the liver. The term is derived from the Greek words 'hepar' meaning liver, and 'toxicum' meaning poison.
Etymology
The term "Hepatotoxic" is derived from two Greek words: 'Hepar' or 'Hepatikos' meaning liver, and 'Toxicum' meaning poison. Thus, in its simplest form, Hepatotoxic refers to anything that causes damage to the liver.
Definition
Hepatotoxicity refers to the potential of a substance, including drugs, to cause liver damage. This damage can range from mild (e.g., elevated liver enzymes) to severe (e.g., liver failure). The liver plays a crucial role in the body, including detoxification of various metabolites, synthesis of proteins, and production of biochemicals necessary for digestion. Therefore, damage to the liver can have wide-ranging effects on almost every system in the body.
Related Terms
- Hepatotoxicity: The capacity of a drug, chemical, or other exposure to produce injury to the liver.
- Hepatotoxin: A toxic chemical substance that damages the liver.
- Hepatitis: Inflammation of the liver, commonly caused by viral infection but may also be caused by hepatotoxic substances.
- Cirrhosis: Late stage of scarring (fibrosis) of the liver caused by many forms of liver diseases and conditions, such as hepatitis and chronic alcoholism.
- Liver failure: Severe deterioration of liver function. Liver failure is a life-threatening condition that demands urgent medical care.
See Also
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Hepatotoxic
- Wikipedia's article - Hepatotoxic
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