Pharmacological Interventions Targeting the Liver: Therapeutic Strategies and Drug Approaches

Abstract

The liver is the biggest internal gland in the human body. In adults, it typically weighs between 1.5 and 2 kg. It has two main parts called the right and left lobes, with the right one being larger. The liver is found in the upper right side of the abdomen, but it also extends slightly to the left side. This organ performs many vital functions. It helps keep blood sugar levels stable, breaks down medicines and harmful substances, and acts as an important helper in digestion. The liver also produces bile, makes bilirubin, and plays a key role in the metabolism of proteins, fats, and carbohydrates. The liver can be divided in two ways. Functionally, it has eight segments, each with its own blood supply and bile drainage. Anatomically, the liver is separated into the right lobe, left lobe, caudate lobe, and quadrate lobe. The porta hepatis, which works like the liver’s entry gate, is the area where important structures enter or leave the liver, such as the hepatic artery, portal vein, right and left bile ducts, lymph vessels and nerve fibres. The liver is a very important organ because it helps with digestion, hormone balance, and the body’s immune system. It keeps the body working normally by controlling metabolism, removing harmful substances, and supporting immunity. Many things, such as viruses, alcohol, chemicals, toxins, and other harmful agents, can damage the liver. This damage can be sudden or long-term, and if it continues, it may lead to severe liver disease. The most common reasons people develop cirrhosis around the world are viral hepatitis, drinking too much alcohol, and fatty liver disease that is not caused by alcohol. Viruses that infect the liver usually cause most cases of acute hepatitis. Liver diseases like hepatitis, fatty liver disease, cirrhosis, and liver cancer are major health problems around the world. To treat these conditions well, it is important to understand how they start and how they develop over time. Studies how viral hepatitis is a major cause of liver disease globally, especially infections caused by the hepatitis B and hepatitis C viruses.