Hepatic metabolism in liver health and disease

The liver plays a central role in metabolism of the body with hepatocytes carrying out most of the function. It metabolizes beneficial and harmful compounds and endogenous and exogenous compounds. This chapter summarizes the major metabolic functions of the liver into four categories: carbohydrate metabolism, lipid and fatty acid metabolism, protein and amino acid metabolism, and drug metabolism. Fundamental processes involved in these metabolisms are reviewed for normal and diseased liver. Most of the liver diseases cause some degree of hepatocellular injury and dysfunction, which could have profound effects on metabolic function. Key regulation factors for hepatic metabolism are briefly discussed as well to provide a knowledge base for understanding the development and pathogenesis of liver metabolic disease