Your liver is the "brain of your body" and its healthy function is required for your ongoing well being. Your liver is potentially damaged by pollution, excess alcohol, medications, street drugs, internal "plumbing" problems, and excess food. For the first time, a process by which your liver can regenerate itself has been identified. As it turns out the endothelial cells
1 lining the circulatory system within your liver orchestrate the rejuvenation process.
© UnknownCross-section of liver showing sinusoidal endothelial cells
This is the first time scientists have ever documented a specific mechanism involved with liver rejuvenation. They hope to use the information to help individuals with liver injury or diseased livers. I think their discovery has immediate practical application value for you in terms of maintaining optimal liver function and health.
Endothelial cells are the weak link in the circulatory system. They form a thin layer, only one cell thick, which lines the insides of your arteries. They are crucial regulators of nutrient uptake from your circulation and instrumental in blood pressure regulation. When they are injured, the plaquing process is set in motion and increases potential for cardiovascular disease. In this context, the importance of endothelial cells has been understood for quite some time.
This new study proves that endothelial cells within your liver secrete signals that initiate and sustain the rejuvenation of your liver. They enable stem cells to form new liver cells and then coordinate the linking together of the liver cells to form new organ structure.
The problem is that endothelial cells are in contact with the contents of the blood.
The greater the number of stress chemicals, toxins, pollutants, antigens, junk food, and other irritants that come into contact with them, the greater the potential to damage these cells. This means that their ability to orchestrate rejuvenation would be compromised.
