These metals are present in all body cells. When abnormal amounts of them accumulate in the liver, scarring and cirrhosis may develop. This chronic inflammation occurs when the body's protective antibodies fail to recognize the liver as its own tissue. The antibodies injure the liver cells as though they were a foreign protein or bacteria. These disorders are inherited.
Cirrhosis takes years to develop.
During this time, there are usually no symptoms, although fatigue, weakness and decreased appetite may occur and worsen with time. The liver produces a protein, called albumin, that holds fluid in blood vessels. The liver produces bile that normally flows into the intestine. With advanced cirrhosis, bile can back up into the blood, causing the skin and eyes to turn yellow and the urine to darken. Cirrhosis causes the abnormal metabolism of bile pigment.