The liver plays an important role in fat metabolism. (Image: www.colourbox.com).
ETH researchers have discovered a molecule in liver cells that controls the release of fat into the bloodstream. This 'lock keeper? is present in large quantities in overweight people and leads indirectly to vascular narrowing. Anyone attending Munich's famous Oktoberfest will know it can leave physical traces; fatty foods and plenty of alcohol cause the liver to work overtime. This organ stores a portion of any fat consumed (and also converts alcohol to fat), but releases it again once the revelry is over. However, should the excesses continue - and if they are not offset by exercise and sport - the person becomes overweight and diabetic, leading to a condition known as fatty liver. If corrective action is taken in time, the liver can usually recover completely from its fatty degeneration. In severe cases the organ becomes inflamed - a condition that is almost impossible to treat.
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