Amity Institute of Molecular Medicine & Stem Cell Research (AIMMSCR), Amity University Uttar Pradesh, Noida, organized a seminar, to spread awareness about liver related diseases on the occasion of World Liver Day, in hybrid mode.
Sharing her views on “Translational Liver Research: Recent Development”, Dr. Ruchi Bansal, Associate Professor, University of Twente, Netherland, stated, “The liver is a vital organ which plays an important role in detoxification, metabolism and synthesis of proteins and biochemicals necessary for digestion and growth. Liver diseases are a growing health problem worldwide with more than 2 million deaths per year, which is equal to 3.5% of the total deaths. Hepatitis viral infections, metabolic syndrome, excessive alcohol consumption and drug intoxication are some of the main causes of liver disease. Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD), due to obesity and diabetes, affects millions of people, i.e, around 25% population worldwide. About 50% of cases of liver diseases include alcohol-associated liver disease. No therapy is available for liver diseases and liver transplant is the only option for end-stage liver diseases. Following a healthy lifestyle, no alcohol consumption and regular exercise helps to keep our liver healthy and in good condition.”
Explaining the various stages of liver damage, Dr. Kunal Das, Consultant & Head, Department of Gastroenterology Manipal Hospitals, Dwarka, Delhi, said, “The first stage is fatty liver, the next stage is liver fibrosis and the last and most advanced stage is cirrhosis. Globally cirrhosis-related deaths have increased 46% from 1990 to 2013. 6% of patients suffering from cirrhosis due to excessive consumption of alcohol, are females. 15-40% of patients in western countries are suffering from Non- Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease(NAFLD) and 5%-40% people in Asian countries including China, Japan, Sri Lanka, South Korea and Indonesia, are affected by NAFLD. We must take care of our liver as it is the most important organ of our body, however, the awareness regarding liver diseases is very low in India. Liver cancer can be fatal at an advanced stage, therefore early diagnosis and preventive measures can help in curing liver-related diseases.”
Addressing the gathering, Prof. (Dr.) Bhudev C. Das, Chairman & H. G. Khorana Chair Professor, Amity Institute of Molecular Medicine & Stem Cell Research (AIMMSCR), averred, “Liver is the second most important organ in our bodies, after the brain. It controls digestion, produces protein for the plasma, regulates blood level and performs many other functions. Therefore, it is important to take good care of the liver and be aware of the ways and means of maintaining liver health. This seminar is of utmost importance as it will help in creating awareness about liver diseases, liver health and preventive measures which can be taken to ensure a healthy liver.”
Explaining the importance of liver in human body, Prof. (Dr.) Subhrajit Biswas, Deputy Director, Amity Institute of Molecular Medicine & Stem Cell Research (AIMMSCR), stated, “World Liver Day is celebrated every year on 19th April to spread awareness about liver related diseases. Human beings cannot survive without the liver as it acts like a filter for the blood and everything we eat or drink passes through the liver. It regulates most chemical levels in the blood and excretes a product called bile which carries away the waste products from the liver. During acute hepatitis which is basically the inflammation of liver, the patient suffers from fatigue, nausea, joints pain, yellowness of skin and whiteness of eyes, dark urine and clay coloured stool. Therefore, having a healthy liver is extremely crucial as it can get damaged easily due to bad lifestyle and excessive consumption of alcohol.”
The seminar concluded with a “Q&A” session where the queries of the audience were answered by the speakers and was attended by the students, faculty, researchers and scholars of Amity in large numbers.