Glossary

 

Anaemia

deficiency of haemoglobin commonly caused by low iron levels

 

Antibodies

gamma globulin proteins produced by B cells as part of the body’s immune response to foreign objects

 

Ascites

fluid accumulation in the peritoneal cavity

 

Asymptomatic

showing no obvious symptoms

 

Biopsy

removal of cells or tissue for microscopic examination

 

Cirrhosis

a form of liver disease where fibrous scar tissue replaces normal liver tissue, reducing hepatic function

 

Fibrosis

formation of excess fibrous connective tissue within an organ

 

Genotype

the genetic make-up of an organism in reference to an individual trait, group of traits or their entire genome

 

Hepatic

relating to the liver

 

Hepatic encephalopathy

damage to the brain and nervous system as a result of liver disorders

 

Hepatocellular carcinoma

primary malignant cancer of the liver

 

Immunoglobulins

see antibodies

 

Jaundice

increased levels of bilirubin in the blood causing a yellowy discolouration of the skin, conjunctiva and other mucous membranes

 

Ostealgia

pain felt within a bone

 

Portal hypertension

increased pressure in liver circulation

 

Prevalence

the total number of cases of a disease in a population divided by the number of individuals in the given population

 

Prodrug

pharmacological substance administered in a less active form which is later metabolised in vivo to become an active drug

 

Silybum marianum

a milk thistle from the Asteraceae family, used to treat liver disease and protect the liver from toxins 

 

Sho-saiko-to

a herbal supplement believed to improve the health of the liver

 

Steatorrhea

excess fat in the faeces

 

Transfusion

the process of transferring blood or blood products from a donor into the circulatory system of a separate recipient

 

Varices

distended veins, especially in the oesophagus and stomach