Young adults more at risk of liver function abnormalities, says survey
New Delhi, April 19: Owing to a sedentary lifestyle coupled with non-adherence to a balanced diet, an increasing number of young adults below 40 are facing liver function abnormalities, which if not attended to early can lead to liver diseases, finds a survey.
The findings, by SRL Diagnostics, showed that young adults had more abnormalities in liver enzymes, known as aminotransferases, which include alanine transaminase (ALT or SGPT) and aspartate transaminase (AST or SGOT).
The function of these enzymes is to help speed up (catalyse) the routine and vital chemical reactions in the liver.
Both SGPT, SGOT levels were found to be higher in the age group of 31-45 years.
Levels of another enzyme called alkaline phosphatase (ALP), were also found to be higher in young adults.
Young adults aged between 16-30 also had increased levels of bilirubin -- a waste product of the red blood cells.
There has been a paradigm shift in the dynamics of liver cirrhosis, with about 10 lakh new patients being diagnosed with it every year in India contributing markedly to the global burden of morbidity, mortality and increased death rate year-on-year, the survey showed.
"Liver abnormalities are increasing in India, because of rising obesity, alcohol abuse and liver infections. Also, liver disease is no longer restricted to age, as people below the age of 40 are also witnessing incidence of liver diseases," B.R. Das, Advisor and Mentor - R&D, SRL Diagnostics said in a statement.
According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), liver diseases are the tenth most common cause of death in India. Since the liver is a multi-functionary organ, it is susceptible to viruses, toxic substances and contaminants present in food and water.
An unhealthy lifestyle and eating patterns and viruses such as hepatitis A, B and C can damage the liver. Increased consumption of alcoholic drinks along with high cholesterol-inducing junk foods, obesity and Type 2 diabetes can also trigger the disease. It can also be inherited or be genetic.
Besides playing a key role in digestion, the liver also regulates blood sugar, removes toxins from the body and manages the cholesterol level.
Inflamed or injured liver cells leak higher than normal amounts of certain chemicals, including liver enzymes, into the bloodstream, which can result in elevated liver enzymes on blood tests.
"Followed by the brain, the liver is the second largest solid organ in the human body and performs a long list of complex functions to keep the body hale and hearty," said Anupam Sibal, Group Medical Director, Apollo Hospitals.
However, "the liver is an uncomplaining worker and often does not show any significant signs of damage. But at the same time, more than a 100 disorders can affect the liver," he added.
Because "the symptoms of liver disease usually do not appear till the disease is well advanced, early diagnosis is the key," Das said.
Regular health check-ups can catch any anomaly at a relatively early stage, which will allow for easier treatment and increased chances of managing the disease with medication and lifestyle changes.
Liver tests, which measure the levels of ALT, ALP, albumin -- the main protein made by the liver -- and bilirubin, can help determine if your liver is working correctly, the experts suggested.
Adopting healthy lifestyle habits, and maintain a healthy diet with grains, protein, dairy products, fruits, vegetables and fats, fibres, washing hands after going to the bathroom, saying no to alcohol, smoking and drugs, and importantly exercising regularly can keep your liver healthy, said Arvind Khurana, Director and Head, Department of Gastroenterology, Fortis Hospital, Shalimar Bagh.
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Riyan Parag likely to be fined 25 percent of match fees for vaping inside dressing room
New Delhi (PTI): Rajasthan Royals captain Riyan Parag is set to be fined 25 per cent of his match fee for bringing the game into "disrepute" after being caught vaping on camera during the IPL game against Punjab Kings in Mullanpur.
Parag's actions during the Royals' chase on Tuesday night drew condemnation on social media.
PTI has learned that on field umpires Tanmay Srivastava and Nitin Menon had not reported the matter to match referee Amit Sharma right after the game. They only did that after seeing visual proof and Sharma found Parag guilty for a code of conduct breach as per the IPL guidelines.
The Level 1 offences carries 25 per cent deduction from match fees and one demerit point.
"He is set to be fined a portion of his match fees and a demerit point for a Level 1 offence," said an IPL source.
The Indian government had banned e-cigarettes back in 2019, prohibiting their production, sale and distribution. As per the law, the offender faces imprisonment up to one year and/or a Rs one lakh fine for a first time offence.
"Article 2.21 of IPL Code of Conduct is intended to cover all types of conduct that bring the game into disrepute and which is not specifically and adequately covered by the specific offences set out elsewhere in this Code of Conduct, including Article 2.20," the IPL Code of Conduct states.
"By way of example, Article 2.21 may (depending upon the seriousness and context of the breach) prohibit, without limitation, the following: (a) public acts of misconduct; (b) unruly public behaviour; and (c) inappropriate comments which are detrimental to the interests of the game.
"When assessing the seriousness of the offence, the context of the particular situation, and whether it was deliberate, reckless, negligent, avoidable and/or accidental, shall be considered.
"Further, the person lodging the Report shall determine where on the range of severity the conduct lays (with the range of severity starting at conduct of a minor nature (and hence a Level 1 Offence) up to conduct of an extremely serious nature (and hence a Level 4 Offence)."
Since it is a Level 1 offence there was no need for a hearing.
Parag, who has not had the best of times with the bat this IPL, was seen inhaling an e-cigarette, also known as vaping, in the dressing room during the live broadcast of their game against Punjab Kings. Royals won the game to end Kings' unbeaten run in the tournament.
This is not the first controversy to hit the Royals this season. Earlier this month, team manager Romi Bhinder was fined Rs one lakh for breaching PMOA protocol after being found using his phone in the dugout.
IPL and BCCI officials involved in the conduct of the IPL termed it as a careless act in the age of social media and prying TV cameras.
Royals next host Delhi Capitals at home on Friday night.
