Liver disease is a serious illness that affects many physiological processes and is the twelfth leading cause of death due to disease. Cirrhosis is a condition in which the liver slowly degenerates and is unable to normally function. Physical symptoms and laboratory data can identify the presence of liver disease. Under certain circumstances, low cholesterol may be an indicator of liver dysfunction.
The Liver
Located on the right side of the body, the liver is a vital organ that serves many different functions. In addition to the production of bile and blood clotting products, the liver processes nutrients and hormones. The liver also removes toxins and metabolizes drugs. Unfortunately, chronic exposure to illness, infection or substance abuse can cause the liver to deteriorate. Although the liver is capable of self-regeneration, the ability is lost in more severe stages of disease.
Liver Disease
Cirrhosis can cause physical symptoms such as weakness, fatigue, nausea, jaundice, abdominal pain, itching and loss of appetite. The complications of liver disease are severe and life threatening. In late stages of disease, a liver transplant may be indicated. Laboratory data such as elevated liver enzymes, increased blood clotting times and other diagnostic labs may indicate the presence of liver disease. Liver disease can also be detected through a biopsy of the liver tissue.
Cholesterol
The regulation and production of cholesterol occurs in the liver. Dietary cholesterol is absorbed from the intestine and transported to the liver. As the cells require cholesterol for biological processes, the liver produces the appropriate amount and releases it into the bloodstream. According to the most recent ATP 3 guideline, total cholesterol should ideally remain below 200 mg/dL.
Considerations
Since the liver is responsible for synthesizing cholesterol, total cholesterol lab values below 100 mg/dL may indicate liver dysfunction. Low cholesterol values are especially significant if the patient is not taking any cholesterol lowering medications. Low cholesterol values alone should not be used as a definitive diagnosis of liver disease. It is important that lab values are used in context with the overall clinical picture.
Significance
In conjunction with symptoms, laboratory values such as low cholesterol may indicate the presence of liver disease. However, there is currently no evidence suggesting that low cholesterol by itself is a cause of liver disease. Contact a physician for further questions and concerns regarding liver disease.
