Liver Treatment Medicine

Hepatitis A

You are likely to contract Hepatitis A if you have been in contact with water or food that has been contaminated with the virus. You might also contract the disease if you have come into contact with the blood or the stool of the person who has the disease currently. No medication is known to treat the hepatitis A symptoms; however, a vaccine or an immune globulin shot has proved to be most effective in preventing it.

STEATOSIS

Hepatitis B

The hepatitis B virus can be spread by contact with body fluids or blood of a person with the infection. For those who have acute hepatitis B are not usually treated with medication. But those who suffer from chronic hepatitis B are given antiviral medication in case of liver damage. Medication choices include Interferons like interferon alfa-2b and pegylated interferon alfa-2a. Nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors or NRTIs like adefovir, lamivudine, entecavir and telbivudine and other medications prescribed to treat this liver condition.

Hepatitis C

This disease is the result of a virus induced liver infection that could lead to cirrhosis, permanent liver damage or liver failure over time. Chronic hepatitis C can only be treated with an antiviral. Medication choices include peginterferons which are a little similar to a protein present in your body that fights the infection. Combination antiviral therapy with ribavirin and interferons is also used to help your body get rid of the virus.

Liver cancer

Few drugs that are prescribed commonly to patients of liver cancer are Aldactone, Avastin, Lasix, Nexavar, Ambien, Capecitabine, Irinotecan, Oxaliplatin, Tarceva and pain medications.

Fatty liver

Fatty liver or steatosis hepatitis is a condition involving accumulation of large vacuoles of triglyceride fat in the liver cells due to steatosis.

Liver Treatment Medicine

STEATOSIS

Genetic (DNA) Basis For Insulin Resistance, Diabetes - Treated With Specific Nutrition?

Insulin resistance and diabetes mellitus type 2 develop when there is an imbalance between conditions that promote excessive fatty acid synthesis combined with deficient fatty acid oxidation. The conditions mentioned are such things as dietary, genetic, hormonal, and exercise related areas. Of most concern in this paper, is the influence that genetic modifications may have on fatty acid metabolism. Much research has been done in this area, especially on the mouse, whose genome is considerably similar to the human genome. Through the study of the mouse genome, advances in human health, in the way of better insulin sensitivity, can be realized.

There are two main mouse models that illustrate which genes are involved most in fatty acid metabolism. The first model deals with mouse mutants used to study excessive and deficient fatty acid synthesis and oxidation. In regards to fatty acid/triacylgylcerol synthesis, sterol-response element binding protein over-expression can cause trigger an excess in these compounds. If one carries the diacylglycerol transferase -/- gene or the short-chain acyl coenzyme A dehydrogenase -/- gene, deficient level of fatty acid synthesis will occur. In regards to fatty acid oxidation, acetyl coenzyme A carboxylase 2 -/- gene or peroxisomal proliferator-activated receptor gene over-expression can result in a very high oxidation rate of fatty acids from the blood stream. If very longchain coenzyme A dehydrogenase -/- gene or long-chain acyl coenzyme A dehydrogenase -/- gene are part of one's genome, fatty acid oxidation in the body will be deficient.

STEATOSIS

The second model deals with genetic manipulation of fatty acid metabolism. A wide range of manipulations have been performed and studied with varied phenotypic changes inflicted upon the mouses' body. For instance, targeting the null allele of Dgat or Acc-2 will result in the mouse being lean and resistant to obesity. This means that no matter what the mouse is fed, it will not gain a considerable amount of adipose tissue. On the other hand, targeting the null allele of Ppar will result in hyperlipidemia, insulin resistance, hepatic steatosis, decreased expression of fatty acid oxidation genes, and cold intolerance. These negative phenotypic changes in the mouse genetically predestine it to become obese.

Through the use of such models described above, researchers have been able to key in on the exact genes which can cause someone to have a propensity for insulin resistance, diabetes type 2, and obesity. But how can one relate nutritional considerations to genetic makeup? If someone has a certain defect/variant of one of the known causes for a negative phenotype, how can individualized nutrition help to blunt the effects of one's genotype.

It has been found that diets high in simple carbohydrates and low in fat are a huge risk factor in priming the body to make more fatty acids and not oxidize enough of them. The reasoning behind this is that this type of diet will drive insulin levels through the roof, causing the body to produce excess fatty acids. An even worse diet, which would be catastrophic for someone with an already unfavorable genotype, is the high carbohydrate and high fat diet. This diet not only spikes insulin levels up, it also provides excess fat to be stored by the body. So, if a person's genetic makeup favors fatty acid synthesis, then a high-fat, high-carbohydrate diet would increase the risk of developing insulin-resistance and diabetes mellitus type 2.

The control of insulin, through diet-mediated considerations, is paramount in protecting an already flawed genetic makeup. Insulin can be controlled by eating a diet that consists of higher protein and fat levels and lower carbohydrate levels. The carbohydrates consumed should not be high on the glycemic index, for this will drive insulin levels up.

Overall, the article keys in on the genetic factors that affect insulin resistance. Insulin resistance is the first step in a whole host of other problems, such as diabetes type 2 and obesity. Through the study of specific gene loci, genetic variations in such, and nutrigenomics, researchers have been able to acquire advanced knowledge about the prevention of insulin resistance. It was found that diets lower in carbohydrates and higher in fat/protein, for individuals with unfavorable genetic makeups are best for keeping insulin in an acceptable range. It is important to note that there are genetic variants in certain genes, such as the DGAT-1 -/-, which promote better health and give these people an advantage. When discussing such matters as personalized medicine, it will be interesting to see what certain people will do when they find out that they have a genetic makeup that allows them to eat anything they want, without having to worry about future medical conditions due to their poor choices of food.

-Wood, Philip. "Genetically modified mouse models for disorders of fatty acid metabolism: pursuing the nutrigenomics of insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes." Nutrition. Volume 20, Jan 2004, pgs. 121-126.

Genetic (DNA) Basis For Insulin Resistance, Diabetes - Treated With Specific Nutrition?

STEATOSIS

Vicks Vapor Rub Toenail Fungus

Vicks vapor rub is a home medicine for nail fungus many people read about on the Internet. When you call the Vicks company and ask them how to use Vicks for fingernail fungus, they will tell you the following: Vicks vaporous is not FDA approved for use on nail fungus. He will not give advice its use on fungus, or give any information. Reason is because they know Vicks is not safe, and do not want to be sued for any health consequences.

Vicks vaporous is mixture the following ingredients: Camphor, Menthol, Thymol, Eucalyptus oil and Petrolatum. None of these ingredients have ever been confirmed to fight fungus. But, they are known to weaken nails and can cause permanent damage to your toenail beds. In fact, improper use of the Vicks fungus medicine has caused severe damage to many patients' fingers.

HEPATIC

If patients ask us how to use Vicks for fingernail fungus, we tell them that the Vicks fungus remedy is dangerous, and should never be used. Toenail fungus and Vicks vaporous do not mix. PROVIDENTIALLY THERE ARE SAFE ALTERNATIVES FOR THE TREATMENT OF TOENAIL FUNGUS.

Nail fungus treatment-

One of the biggest mistakes we see in nail fungus treatment is trying a home medicine. So many patients spend months trying treatments like vinegar, bleach, rubbing alcohol, Vicks, and colloidal silver and even Listerine. Unfortunately except in rare cases, these home medicines don't work. Some of these home medicines (like Vicks) are also very dangerous. And while you are wasting time trying them, your fungus can actually make something worse.

So many patients have asked if prescription medications are safe. The two most accepted prescription medications are Sporanox capsules and Lamisil tablets. The Food and Drug Administration issued a public health advice-giving in May 2001 about Sporanox (itraconazole) capsules and Lamisil (terbinafine hydrochloride) tablets for the treatment of toenail fungus.

The Food and Drug Administration concluded that there is strong data of congestive heart failure and hepatic adverse events with the administration of these therapies. Hepatic toxicity includes liver failure and death given the possible risks related with both drugs, you need to look at better and safer alternatives.

Now that we have discussed unsafe treatments, such as the Vicks fungus medicine, we will go over safe and useful fungus treatment. Remember, when patient comes to asking how to use Vicks for fingernail fungus, the answer is to use safer better treatments.

Safe nail fungus treatment

There is a safe toenail fungus treatment that is extremely effective. It involves using positive key natural ingredients. These natural ingredients work really well, and have no dangerous side effects.

There are so many fungus treatments available that contain one or two of the key necessary ingredients needed to successfully eliminate toenail fungus.

There is some home remedy available, Tea tree oil, Jojoba oil, Lavender oil and Clove oil, all of which have famous anti-fungal and soothing properties.

Remember, that toenail fungus and Vicks vaporous are a dangerous combination. So many people still ask how to use Vicks for fingernail fungus. Please help us and inform them of the dangers, and of the better and safer alternatives.

Vicks Vapor Rub Toenail Fungus

HEPATIC

Treatment For a Fatty Liver

Fatty liver affects over one hundred million Americans and most don't even know about it. This condition can lead to cirrhosis and liver failure, and is linked to increased risk of liver and bile duct cancer. However, even if you suffer from fatty liver (steatosis) you can reverse this disease and regain health quickly using only natural therapies.

Steatosis is the accumulation of fat inside liver cells. This fat takes up space which the liver cells need to perform their main two functions: regulating metabolism (by burning fat and sugar) and purifying your body (by converting drugs into substances that the kidneys can remove from the body). A fatty liver can't process metabolism or drugs as efficiently as a healthy liver, which leads to accumulation of fat (obesity) and of drugs, leading to further liver damage.

STEATOSIS

But don't worry - you can break this cycle.

The first step is removing the things that caused you to have a fatty liver in the first place. Diet is the most important cause: too much meat and few vegetables and fruits lead to liver damage. By reducing meat and increasing veggies you do most of the work involved in reversing liver damage. The next most important cause is taking too much drugs. This means alcohol, caffeine, doctor prescribed drugs, and homeopathic remedies as well as recreational drugs. Remove them (talk to your doctor first about reducing prescribed medicines) and you leave your liver free to heal itself.

A few herbs have also been proved to increase liver regeneration. Raw turmeric and milk thistle are the main stars, but artichoke and linen are close behind. These herbs have been combined in commercial preparations but, despite being more practical, there is no study that shows they are more effective when previously combined, so you can take them individually as well.

Another popular step is going on a liver detox. A liver detox is very simple (simply spend a week drinking only vegetable and fruit juices without ingesting anything solid), but it is only a quick fix that will have no effect if you don't follow the other two steps. However, when combined with a healthy diet and lifestyle, reduction of drugs, and consumption of liver healing herbs, it is a powerful strategy.

Treatment For a Fatty Liver

STEATOSIS

Drooling in Dogs

Drooling in dogs, contrary to a lot of misconception, is not normal in all dogs. Although it is considered normal in large breeds of dogs due to the configuration of their lips and mouth, even in these breeds if it becomes persistent, it is a real warning sign. If the drooling is causing any type of abnormal swelling, any type of foul odor, or lasts for several hours without stopping, it is well past being normal.

If the drooling causes your dog to vomit or suddenly develops into difficulty in breathing, it is now considered an emergency and could be the first signs that something is very wrong.

HEPATIC

Drooling is also referred to by another name, hyper-salivation, but if starts to become excessive, it is than classified as pytalism. Dogs will drool for various reasons including being stimulated by the smell of food, excitement or playing with their owner, or if they are in a hot and humid environment. Some dogs may even droll when they become angry and protective of their family. But when the drooling reaches the pytalism stage, it is almost always the sign of an injury that your dog has suffered, or worse yet, an illness that has developed.

Causes:

Drooling in dogs has several potential causes and they can range from moderate threats to very serious and potentially life threatening treats. Other than very large breeds that drool as the result of the configuration of their mouth and lips, it is something that should never be ignored. In fact, ignoring it simply because it is considered to be normal can place your dog's life in jeopardy. Even in the largest of breeds, if it becomes excessive, it should not be ignored.

The first potential causes of drooling will be associated with your dog's mouth, and leading this list is a disease referred to as Stomatitis, which is an inflammatory disease of your dog's oral mucus membranes. This is a very serious condition that can result in severe oral infection in your dog and can cause mouth pain, behavioral changes, as well as a very rough hair coat.

The next potential mouth disease that can cause drooling is gingivitis, which is an inflammation of your dog's gums. Other dental and mouth potential causes include mouth or tongue erosions, ulcers, tumors, or some type of an esophageal foreign body. However, it may also be the result of an injury that dog has incurred, especially if the injury is to the oral cavity or their tongue.

Drooling in dogs may also be caused by nausea or pain that is associated with some form of gastrointestinal disease, as well as separation anxiety. It may also be the result of hyperthermia, better known as heat stroke, as well as a salivary gland disease. The salivary glands in your dog produce as well as secrete saliva that helps to lubricate and improve the solubility of their food and are essential components of their digestive process. If your dog's salivary glands are the result of the drooling, the real underlying cause could very easily be cancer.

However, the list is still not finished, as it may also be the result of your dog biting or ingesting certain types of toads. Although toads that are dangerous usually put out an odor that your dog is very sensitive to, they still may bite one and swallow parts of a toad. Drooling in dogs may also be caused by a kidney or a liver disease, especially hepatic encephalopathy.

Hepatic encephalopathy, also known as HE, is a very degenerative disease that affects your dog's brain. It is caused by severe hepatic insufficiency as the result of advanced liver disease, and your dog's neurological functions are severely affected. Drooling is one of the first symptoms to surface with this killer.

Facial nerve paralysis as well as certain types of epilepsy will also cause your dog to drool, as well as something extremely sinister; rabies. Rabies is not anywhere near as common as it once was, but it can and does still affect dogs, and drooling is also one of the first signs with this dreaded disease.

Symptoms:

Drooling in dogs, if it is the result of an underlying and serious cause will show several symptoms other than just the drooling. The first symptom to surface is usually an abnormal swelling or some type of a mass that suddenly develops on your dog's lips. However, if your dog does start to drool excessively, you should always check their mouth as soon as possible. This swelling or mass development may also develop in their mouth as well as their lips.

The next symptom you will not see, you will smell it; a foul odor coming from their mouth. No one knows or understands the habits of your dog better than you do, and if they develop a foul odor at the same time as the drooling, it has now become serious. If the drooling in your dog lasts for more than several hours and they also start to experience a difficult time in swallowing when they eat or drink, this is also a real warning sign that something is very wrong with your dog. However, if they start to vomit, become weak, and suddenly have a difficult time in breathing, it has now moved into the emergency stage.

Treatments:

Treatments for drooling in dogs will all center on the actual underlying cause. If the drooling is the result of a dental problem, your veterinarian will usually do a complete dental cleaning in your dog. If the cause is the result of severe dental disease or oral masses, surgery will have to be done. If a foreign body has entered into your dog mouth or throat, it will also have to be removed by your veterinarian.

In some cases you may be able to reach it yourself, but in the vast majority of cases, you cannot. If it is deep in your dog's throat, they are usually sedated by your veterinarian while they remove the object. If the actual cause of the drooling is anything other than these causes, your dog will have to be thoroughly tested by your veterinarian so they can identify the actual cause and then treat it according.

Summary:

Drooling in dogs is normal in large breeds and occasional drooling may occur in all dogs at some point in their life. However, excessive drooling is not normal in any dog at any time. If your dog does start to drool excessively, watch very closely for any of the symptoms that may be associated with it. If you do see any of the symptoms, do not ignore them, as they are anything but normal.

Drooling in Dogs

HEPATIC

Dealing With Liver Shunts in Puppies

Liver shunts are also called portal systemic shunts, and are very commonly diagnosed in young puppies. This is a condition where there are abnormal blood vessels that allow blood to pass from the intestine into circulation by completely bypassing the liver.

This is a dangerous and often fatal condition because the liver is needed to filter the blood of ammonia and other toxins that are absorbed by the intestine.

HEPATIC

Many people do not realize that their puppy has a liver shunts until the dog starts to have seizures after eating meals. What they are seeing is called hepatic encephalopathy.

Almost all of these shunts are congenital which means that the puppies were born with these conditions. Two breeds and seem to be at the highest risk are Miniature Schnauzers and Yorkshire Terriers, but almost all dog breeds could have them.

This condition is most commonly diagnosed by veterinarians who use contrast dyes and x-rays. Also newer technologies might be used as well like ultrasound and MRI.

This condition is commonly fixed by surgery, which involves tying off the vessels that allow the blood to bypass the liver.

If your puppy does have this condition your veterinarian will likely put them on a low protein diet which decreases the amount of ammonia that they ingest. This helps to decrease the clinical signs and the amount of toxins in the body.

Surgery isn't always curative depending on the size and location of the shunt, so the prognosis is guarded in most cases.

Dealing With Liver Shunts in Puppies

HEPATIC

Overweight and Cancer Closely Linked

Overweight and obesity have become a worldwide epidemic. Statistics demonstrate that overweight has a high rate not only in industrialized countries, but also all over where problems of malnutrition go hand in hand with high incidence of obesity.

Population at large is aware that overweight is damaging health in many ways. Overweight produces important alterations in health, especially those of a cardiovascular type such as high arterial pressure, ischemia and cardiopathy. Obese condition emphasizes metabolic problems such as diabetes type 2 and significant changes in blood fat. Overweight may cause alterations in the joints, apnea during sleep, and so on. It is also involved in hepatic function alteration as a consequence of fat infiltration and may result in hepatic cirrhosis.

HEPATIC

A big social concern is that overweight and obesity are often associated with certain cancers. Statistics confirm that obese female members of families with breast cancer background are more likely to contract the disease. Many reports also concluded that obesity and overweight are close related to cancers of the kidney, colon, esophagus and endometrium.

Specialists have long suspected that fat cells produce a special type of hormone that help turn normal cells cancerous once it is released into the blood. Despite of fact nobody has been able to check yet, the general accepted hypothesis is that high blood estrogen level is the mechanism that support the cancerous effect of obesity.

Overweight and Cancer Closely Linked

HEPATIC