The liver is an extraordinary organ with a remarkable ability to heal and regenerate itself after damage.
The short answer to the question, “Does the liver regenerate?”
is a resounding yes.
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After Drinking
Alcohol consumption can have both immediate and long-term effects on liver health.
Alcohol-associated hepatitis: If drinking continues, inflammation of the liver may occur, leading to alcohol-associatedhepatitis.
While some recovery may occur if alcohol use is stopped, the damage may be irreversible.
Once a healthy liver is transplanted, the new liver can regenerate.
After Donation
Liver donation is a remarkable example of the liver’s regenerative ability.
MASH can improve significantly within a month, while signs of alcohol-associated hepatitis may take longer to resolve.
After Surgery or Donation
The timeline for regeneration is much less predictable in cases of cirrhosis.
Sometimes, one jot down of cell (either hepatocytes or cholangiocytes) is unable to repair itself.
General Liver Health Reminders
Maintaining liver health is crucial for supporting its regenerative capabilities.
National Institutes of Health.Cells that maintain and repair the liver identified.
National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism.Alcohol metabolism.
Medline Plus.Fatty liver disease.
American Addiction Centers.Alcohol, withdrawal symptoms, detox, timeline and treatment.
Johns Hopkins Medicine.Alcohol-associated liver disease.
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.Definition & facts for cirrhosis.
National Institute of Diabetic and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.Treatment for cirrhosis.
American Liver Foundation.Cirrhosis of the liver.
2015;21(1):79-88.
Bangru S, Kalsotra A.Cellular and molecular basis of liver regeneration.Seminars in Cell & Developmental Biology.
2020;100:74-87. doi:10.1016/j.semcdb.2019.12.004
University of Michigan Health.Living donor liver transplant.
National Institute of Diabetic and DIgestive and Kidney Diseases.Treatment for cirrhosis.
John Hopkins Medicine.Liver transplant.
doi:10.1038/s41575-020-0342-4
American Liver Foundation.13 ways to a healthy liver.
