Figure 3.

Functionality of mature hepatocytes. Hepatocytes present a poligonal shape and can be polynucleated. They present different hepatic specific functions such as: (I) drug metabolism through phase I (CYP P450), phase II and phase III enzymes; (II) lipid metabolism; (III) gluconeogenesis; (IV) bile production and transport; (V) bilirubin conjugation and excretion; (VI) ureogenesis; (VII) synthesis and of proteins such as albumin; (VIII) production of hepatic clotting factors; (IX) metabolism of aminoacids; and (X) cholesterol transport. There are specific functions with clinical relevance because the lack or alteration of some specific hepatic enzymes such as OTS, UT1A1 or FAH produce metabolic congenital diseases that have been treated with liver cell transplantation (in bold).