How does caffeine impact the liver histologically?
The liver metabolizes caffeine primarily through the cytochrome P450 enzyme system, specifically the CYP1A2 isoform. Chronic caffeine consumption can induce the expression of these enzymes, enhancing the liver's metabolic capacity. Histologically, this may be observed as an increase in the smooth endoplasmic reticulum within hepatocytes, which is involved in detoxification processes.
