1
|
Chen A, Tait C, Minacapelli C, Rustgi V. Pathophysiology of Hepatic Encephalopathy: A Framework for Clinicians. Clin Liver Dis 2024; 28:209-224. [PMID: 38548434 DOI: 10.1016/j.cld.2024.01.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/02/2024]
Abstract
Hepatic encephalopathy (HE) is a neuropsychiatric syndrome that is observed primarily in patients with liver disease. The pathophysiology is complex and involves many factors including ammonia toxicity, dysregulation of central nervous system activity, and excess inflammatory cytokines. Symptoms of HE range from subclinical to debilitating. HE can be difficult to treat and represents a large burden to patients, their caregivers, and the health-care system because of associated resource utilization. This review article provides an overview of the current understanding of the pathophysiology behind HE and where the current research and treatments are pointing toward.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alexander Chen
- Internal Medicine, Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences (RBHS), Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ, USA
| | - Christopher Tait
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, New Brunswick, NJ, USA
| | - Carlos Minacapelli
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, New Brunswick, NJ, USA; Center for Liver Diseases and Masses, Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, New Brunswick, NJ, USA
| | - Vinod Rustgi
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, New Brunswick, NJ, USA; Center for Liver Diseases and Masses, Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, New Brunswick, NJ, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Pierzchala K, Hadjihambi A, Mosso J, Jalan R, Rose CF, Cudalbu C. Lessons on brain edema in HE: from cellular to animal models and clinical studies. Metab Brain Dis 2024; 39:403-437. [PMID: 37606786 PMCID: PMC10957693 DOI: 10.1007/s11011-023-01269-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2023] [Accepted: 07/24/2023] [Indexed: 08/23/2023]
Abstract
Brain edema is considered as a common feature associated with hepatic encephalopathy (HE). However, its central role as cause or consequence of HE and its implication in the development of the neurological alterations linked to HE are still under debate. It is now well accepted that type A and type C HE are biologically and clinically different, leading to different manifestations of brain edema. As a result, the findings on brain edema/swelling in type C HE are variable and sometimes controversial. In the light of the changing natural history of liver disease, better description of the clinical trajectory of cirrhosis and understanding of molecular mechanisms of HE, and the role of brain edema as a central component in the pathogenesis of HE is revisited in the current review. Furthermore, this review highlights the main techniques to measure brain edema and their advantages/disadvantages together with an in-depth description of the main ex-vivo/in-vivo findings using cell cultures, animal models and humans with HE. These findings are instrumental in elucidating the role of brain edema in HE and also in designing new multimodal studies by performing in-vivo combined with ex-vivo experiments for a better characterization of brain edema longitudinally and of its role in HE, especially in type C HE where water content changes are small.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Katarzyna Pierzchala
- CIBM Center for Biomedical Imaging, Lausanne, Switzerland.
- Animal Imaging and Technology, EPFL, Lausanne, Switzerland.
| | - Anna Hadjihambi
- The Roger Williams Institute of Hepatology London, Foundation for Liver Research, London, SE5 9NT, UK
- Faculty of Life Sciences and Medicine, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Jessie Mosso
- CIBM Center for Biomedical Imaging, Lausanne, Switzerland
- Animal Imaging and Technology, EPFL, Lausanne, Switzerland
- Laboratory for Functional and Metabolic Imaging (LIFMET), EPFL, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Rajiv Jalan
- Liver Failure Group, Institute for Liver and Digestive Health, University College London, Royal Free Campus, London, UK
- European Foundation for the Study of Chronic Liver Failure (EF Clif), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Christopher F Rose
- Hépato-Neuro Laboratory, Centre de Recherche du Centre Hospitalier de l', Université de Montréal (CRCHUM), Montreal, QC, H2X 0A9, Canada
- Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Université de Montréal, QC, Montreal, H3T 1J4, Canada
| | - Cristina Cudalbu
- CIBM Center for Biomedical Imaging, Lausanne, Switzerland.
- Animal Imaging and Technology, EPFL, Lausanne, Switzerland.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Ryu JY, Baek SH, Kim S. Evidence-based hyponatremia management in liver disease. Clin Mol Hepatol 2023; 29:924-944. [PMID: 37280091 PMCID: PMC10577348 DOI: 10.3350/cmh.2023.0090] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2023] [Revised: 06/05/2023] [Accepted: 06/05/2023] [Indexed: 06/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Hyponatremia is primarily a water balance disorder associated with high morbidity and mortality. The pathophysiological mechanisms behind hyponatremia are multifactorial, and diagnosing and treating this disorder remains challenging. In this review, the classification, pathogenesis, and step-by-step management approaches for hyponatremia in patients with liver disease are described based on recent evidence. We summarize the five sequential steps of the traditional diagnostic approach: 1) confirm true hypotonic hyponatremia, 2) assess the severity of hyponatremia symptoms, 3) measure urine osmolality, 4) classify hyponatremia based on the urine sodium concentration and extracellular fluid status, and 5) rule out any coexisting endocrine disorder and renal failure. Distinct treatment strategies for hyponatremia in liver disease should be applied according to the symptoms, duration, and etiology of disease. Symptomatic hyponatremia requires immediate correction with 3% saline. Asymptomatic chronic hyponatremia in liver disease is prevalent and treatment plans should be individualized based on diagnosis. Treatment options for correcting hyponatremia in advanced liver disease may include water restriction; hypokalemia correction; and administration of vasopressin antagonists, albumin, and 3% saline. Safety concerns for patients with liver disease include a higher risk of osmotic demyelination syndrome.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ji Young Ryu
- Department of Internal Medicine, Hallym University Dongtan Sacred Heart Hospital, Hwaseong, Korea
| | - Seon Ha Baek
- Department of Internal Medicine, Hallym University Dongtan Sacred Heart Hospital, Hwaseong, Korea
| | - Sejoong Kim
- Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul University Bundang Hospital, Seongnam, Korea
- Center for Artificial Intelligence in Healthcare, Seoul University Bundang Hospital, Seongnam, Korea
- Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Chauhan M, Zhang T, Thuluvath PJ. Combined effects of hyponatremia and hepatic encephalopathy on inpatient mortality. Ann Hepatol 2023; 28:101084. [PMID: 36878465 DOI: 10.1016/j.aohep.2023.101084] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2022] [Revised: 01/15/2023] [Accepted: 02/05/2023] [Indexed: 03/08/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES Although hyponatremia and hepatic encephalopathy (HE) are known independent predictors of mortality, their combined effect is unknown. We investigated whether the inpatient mortality differed among patients with both hyponatremia and HE compared to those with either hyponatremia or HE alone. MATERIALS AND METHODS In this retrospective study, data were extracted from the National Inpatient Sample (NIS) to identify US adults (aged ≥18 years) with cirrhosis between January 1st, 2016, and December 31st, 2017. We analyzed the effects of hyponatremia, HE, or a combination of hyponatremia and HE on inpatient mortality using logistic regression. RESULTS Among 309,841 cirrhosis-related admissions, 22,870 (7%) patients died during hospitalization. Those with a combination of hyponatremia and HE had higher mortality (14%) than those with HE only (11%), hyponatremia only (9%), and neither hyponatremia nor HE (6%) (p<0.001). When compared to patients without hyponatremia or HE, patients with both hyponatremia and HE had the highest odds (adjusted odds ratio or aOR) of inpatient mortality (aOR 1.90, 95% CI: 1.79 - 2.01) followed by patients with HE only (aOR 1.75, 95% CI: 1.69 - 1.82) and patients with hyponatremia only (aOR 1.17, 95% CI: 1.12 - 1.22). Patients with HE only had 50% higher odds of inpatient mortality when compared to those with hyponatremia only (aOR: 1.50, 95% CI: 1.43 - 1.57). CONCLUSIONS In this nationwide study, the presence of both hyponatremia and HE was associated with higher inpatient mortality than either hyponatremia or HE alone.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mahak Chauhan
- Institute of Digestive Health & Liver Diseases, Mercy Medical Center, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Talan Zhang
- Institute of Digestive Health & Liver Diseases, Mercy Medical Center, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Paul J Thuluvath
- Institute of Digestive Health & Liver Diseases, Mercy Medical Center, Baltimore, MD, United States; Department of Medicine, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD. United States.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Muacevic A, Adler JR, de Souza HP, Machado MCC, Ardengh JC. Molecular Basis of Hyperammonemic Encephalopathy in Fibrolamellar Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Cureus 2023; 15:e33750. [PMID: 36788919 PMCID: PMC9922532 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.33750] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/13/2023] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Hyperammonemic encephalopathy is a potentially fatal condition associated with fibrolamellar hepatocellular carcinoma. The mechanism involved in hyperammonemia in patients with fibrolamellar carcinoma was unclear until a possible physiopathological pathway was recently proposed. An ornithine transcarboxylase dysfunction was suggested as a result of increased ornithine decarboxylase activity induced by c-Myc overexpression. This c-Myc overexpression resulted from Aurora kinase A overexpression derived from the activity of a chimeric kinase that is the final transcript of a deletion in chromosome 19, common to all fibrolamellar carcinomas. We performed the analysis of the expression of all enzymes involved and tested for the mutation in chromosome 19 in fresh frozen samples of fibrolamellar hepatocellular carcinoma, non-tumor liver, and hepatic adenomatosis. The specific DNAJB-PRKACA fusion protein that results from the recurrent mutation on chromosome 19 common to all fibrolamellar carcinoma was detected only in the fibrolamellar carcinoma sample. Fibrolamellar carcinoma and adenomyomatosis samples presented increased expression of Aurora kinase A, c-MYC, and ornithine decarboxylase when compared to normal liver, while ornithine transcarbamylase was decreased. The proposed physiopathological pathway is correct and that overexpression of c-Myc may also be responsible for hyperammonemia in patients with other types of rapidly growing hepatomas. This gives further evidence to apply new and adequate treatment to this severe complication.
Collapse
|
6
|
Simicic D, Cudalbu C, Pierzchala K. Overview of oxidative stress findings in hepatic encephalopathy: From cellular and ammonium-based animal models to human data. Anal Biochem 2022; 654:114795. [PMID: 35753389 DOI: 10.1016/j.ab.2022.114795] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2022] [Revised: 05/26/2022] [Accepted: 06/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Oxidative stress is a natural phenomenon in the body. Under physiological conditions intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) are normal components of signal transduction cascades, and their levels are maintained by a complex antioxidants systems participating in the in-vivo redox homeostasis. Increased oxidative stress is present in several chronic diseases and interferes with phagocytic and nervous cell functions, causing an up-regulation of cytokines and inflammation. Hepatic encephalopathy (HE) occurs in both acute liver failure (ALF) and chronic liver disease. Increased blood and brain ammonium has been considered as an important factor in pathogenesis of HE and has been associated with inflammation, neurotoxicity, and oxidative stress. The relationship between ROS and the pathophysiology of HE is still poorly understood. Therefore, sensing ROS production for a better understanding of the relationship between oxidative stress and functional outcome in HE pathophysiology is critical for determining the disease mechanisms, as well as to improve the management of patients. This review is emphasizing the important role of oxidative stress in HE development and documents the changes occurring as a consequence of oxidative stress augmentation based on cellular and ammonium-based animal models to human data.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- D Simicic
- CIBM Center for Biomedical Imaging, Switzerland; Animal Imaging and Technology, Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland; Laboratory of Functional and Metabolic Imaging, EPFL, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - C Cudalbu
- CIBM Center for Biomedical Imaging, Switzerland; Animal Imaging and Technology, Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - K Pierzchala
- CIBM Center for Biomedical Imaging, Switzerland; Animal Imaging and Technology, Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland; Laboratory of Functional and Metabolic Imaging, EPFL, Lausanne, Switzerland.
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Arjunan A, Sah DK, Jung YD, Song J. Hepatic Encephalopathy and Melatonin. Antioxidants (Basel) 2022; 11:antiox11050837. [PMID: 35624703 PMCID: PMC9137547 DOI: 10.3390/antiox11050837] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2022] [Revised: 04/06/2022] [Accepted: 04/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatic encephalopathy (HE) is a severe metabolic syndrome linked with acute/chronic hepatic disorders. HE is also a pernicious neuropsychiatric complication associated with cognitive decline, coma, and death. Limited therapies are available to treat HE, which is formidable to oversee in the clinic. Thus, determining a novel therapeutic approach is essential. The pathogenesis of HE has not been well established. According to various scientific reports, neuropathological symptoms arise due to excessive accumulation of ammonia, which is transported to the brain via the blood–brain barrier (BBB), triggering oxidative stress and inflammation, and disturbing neuronal-glial functions. The treatment of HE involves eliminating hyperammonemia by enhancing the ammonia scavenging mechanism in systemic blood circulation. Melatonin is the sole endogenous hormone linked with HE. Melatonin as a neurohormone is a potent antioxidant that is primarily synthesized and released by the brain’s pineal gland. Several HE and liver cirrhosis clinical studies have demonstrated impaired synthesis, secretion of melatonin, and circadian patterns. Melatonin can cross the BBB and is involved in various neuroprotective actions on the HE brain. Hence, we aim to elucidate how HE impairs brain functions, and elucidate the precise molecular mechanism of melatonin that reverses the HE effects on the central nervous system.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Archana Arjunan
- Department of Anatomy, Chonnam National University Medical School, Hwasun 58128, Korea;
| | - Dhiraj Kumar Sah
- Department of Biochemistry, Chonnam National University Medical School, Hwasun 58128, Korea;
| | - Young Do Jung
- Department of Biochemistry, Chonnam National University Medical School, Hwasun 58128, Korea;
- Correspondence: (Y.D.J.); (J.S.); Tel.: +82-61-379-2706 (J.S.)
| | - Juhyun Song
- Department of Anatomy, Chonnam National University Medical School, Hwasun 58128, Korea;
- BioMedical Sciences Graduate Program (BMSGP), Chonnam National University, 264 Seoyangro, Hwasun 58128, Korea
- Correspondence: (Y.D.J.); (J.S.); Tel.: +82-61-379-2706 (J.S.)
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Pierzchala K, Simicic D, Sienkiewicz A, Sessa D, Mitrea S, Braissant O, McLin VA, Gruetter R, Cudalbu C. Central nervous system and systemic oxidative stress interplay with inflammation in a bile duct ligation rat model of type C hepatic encephalopathy. Free Radic Biol Med 2022; 178:295-307. [PMID: 34890769 DOI: 10.1016/j.freeradbiomed.2021.12.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2021] [Revised: 11/12/2021] [Accepted: 12/06/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The role and coexistence of oxidative stress (OS) and inflammation in type C hepatic encephalopathy (C HE) is a subject of intense debate. Under normal conditions the physiological levels of intracellular reactive oxygen species are controlled by the counteracting antioxidant response to maintain redox homeostasis. Our previous in-vivo1H-MRS studies revealed the longitudinal impairment of the antioxidant system (ascorbate) in a bile-duct ligation (BDL) rat model of type C HE. Therefore, the aim of this work was to examine the course of central nervous system (CNS) OS and systemic OS, as well as to check for their co-existence with inflammation in the BDL rat model of type C HE. To this end, we implemented a multidisciplinary approach, including ex-vivo and in-vitro electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy (EPR) spin-trapping, which was combined with UV-Vis spectroscopy, and histological assessments. We hypothesized that OS and inflammation act synergistically in the pathophysiology of type C HE. Our findings point to an increased CNS- and systemic-OS and inflammation over the course of type C HE progression. In particular, an increase in the CNS OS was observed as early as 2-weeks post-BDL, while the systemic OS became significant at week 6 post-BDL. The CNS EPR measurements were further validated by a substantial accumulation of 8-Oxo-2'-deoxyguanosine (Oxo-8-dG), a marker of oxidative DNA/RNA modifications on immunohistochemistry (IHC). Using IHC, we also detected increased synthesis of antioxidants, glutathione peroxidase 1 (GPX-1) and superoxide dismutases (i.e.Cu/ZnSOD (SOD1) and MnSOD (SOD2)), along with proinflammatory cytokine interleukin-6 (IL-6) in the brains of BDL rats. The presence of systemic inflammation was observed already at 2-weeks post-surgery. Thus, these results suggest that CNS OS is an early event in type C HE rat model, which seems to precede systemic OS. Finally, our results suggest that the increase in CNS OS is due to enhanced formation of intra- and extra-cellular ROS rather than due to reduced antioxidant capacity, and that OS in parallel with inflammation plays a significant role in type C HE.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- K Pierzchala
- Center for Biomedical Imaging, EPFL, Lausanne, Switzerland; Animal Imaging and Technology, Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland; Laboratory of Functional and Metabolic Imaging, EPFL, Lausanne, Switzerland.
| | - D Simicic
- Center for Biomedical Imaging, EPFL, Lausanne, Switzerland; Animal Imaging and Technology, Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland; Laboratory of Functional and Metabolic Imaging, EPFL, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - A Sienkiewicz
- Laboratory for Quantum Magnetism, Institute of Physics, EPFL, Lausanne, Switzerland; ADSresonances Sàrl, Préverenges, Switzerland
| | - D Sessa
- Swiss Pediatric Liver Center, Department of Pediatrics, Gynecology and Obstetrics, University Hospitals Geneva and University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - S Mitrea
- Center for Biomedical Imaging, EPFL, Lausanne, Switzerland; Animal Imaging and Technology, Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - O Braissant
- Service of Clinical Chemistry, Lausanne University Hospital and University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - V A McLin
- Swiss Pediatric Liver Center, Department of Pediatrics, Gynecology and Obstetrics, University Hospitals Geneva and University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - R Gruetter
- Center for Biomedical Imaging, EPFL, Lausanne, Switzerland; Laboratory of Functional and Metabolic Imaging, EPFL, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - C Cudalbu
- Center for Biomedical Imaging, EPFL, Lausanne, Switzerland; Animal Imaging and Technology, Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Flatt E, McLin VA, Braissant O, Pierzchala K, Mastromarino P, Mitrea SO, Sessa D, Gruetter R, Cudalbu C. Probiotics combined with rifaximin influence the neurometabolic changes in a rat model of type C HE. Sci Rep 2021; 11:17988. [PMID: 34504135 PMCID: PMC8429411 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-97018-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2021] [Accepted: 08/12/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Type C hepatic encephalopathy (HE) is a neuropsychiatric disease caused by chronic liver disease. Management of type C HE remains an important challenge because treatment options are limited. Both the antibiotic rifaximin and probiotics have been reported to reduce the symptoms of HE, but longitudinal studies assessing their effects on brain metabolism are lacking and the molecular mechanisms underpinning their effects are not fully understood. Therefore, we evaluated in detail the effects of these different treatments on the neurometabolic changes associated with type C HE using a multimodal approach including ultra-high field in vivo 1H MRS. We analyzed longitudinally the effect of rifaximin alone or in combination with the probiotic Vivomixx on the brain metabolic profile in the hippocampus and cerebellum of bile duct ligated (BDL) rats, an established model of type C HE. Overall, while rifaximin alone appeared to induce no significant effect on the neurometabolic profile of BDL rats, its association with the probiotic resulted in more attenuated neurometabolic alterations in BDL rats followed longitudinally (i.e. a smaller increase in Gln and milder decrease in Glu and Cr levels). Given that both rifaximin and some probiotics are used in the treatment of HE, the implications of these findings may be clinically relevant.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Emmanuelle Flatt
- Laboratory for Functional and Metabolic Imaging, Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Valérie A McLin
- Swiss Pediatric Liver Center, Department of Pediatrics, Gynecology and Obstetrics, University Hospitals Geneva, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Olivier Braissant
- Service of Clinical Chemistry, Lausanne University Hospital, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Katarzyna Pierzchala
- CIBM Center for Biomedical Imaging, Lausanne, Switzerland.,Animal Imaging and Technology, Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Paola Mastromarino
- Section of Microbiology, Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Dario Sessa
- Swiss Pediatric Liver Center, Department of Pediatrics, Gynecology and Obstetrics, University Hospitals Geneva, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Rolf Gruetter
- Laboratory for Functional and Metabolic Imaging, Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Cristina Cudalbu
- CIBM Center for Biomedical Imaging, Lausanne, Switzerland. .,Animal Imaging and Technology, Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), Lausanne, Switzerland.
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Chiriac S, Stanciu C, Cojocariu C, Singeap AM, Sfarti C, Cuciureanu T, Girleanu I, Igna RA, Trifan A. Role of ammonia in predicting the outcome of patients with acute-on-chronic liver failure. World J Clin Cases 2021; 9:552-564. [PMID: 33553393 PMCID: PMC7829715 DOI: 10.12998/wjcc.v9.i3.552] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2020] [Revised: 12/02/2020] [Accepted: 12/16/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND High venous ammonia (VA) values have been proven to be a part of the mechanism of hepatic encephalopathy in patients with liver cirrhosis (LC) as well as acute hepatitis. Moreover, VA has been associated with poor prognosis and high mortality in these clinical settings. However, the role of ammonia in acute-on-chronic liver failure (ACLF) has not yet been clearly established.
AIM To assess the role of VA in predicting the outcome of cirrhotic patients with ACLF in a tertiary care center.
METHODS We performed a retrospective observational study including consecutive patients with LC hospitalized for acute non-elective indications such as ascites, hepatic encephalopathy (HE), upper gastrointestinal bleeding, or bacterial infections that fulfilled the Asian Pacific Association for the Study of the Liver (APASL) criteria for ACLF. The study was conducted in “St. Spiridon” University Hospital, Iasi, Romania, a tertiary care center, between January 2017 and January 2019. The APASL ACLF Research Consortium (AARC) score was calculated and ACLF grade was established accordingly. West-haven classification was used for HE. Statistical analysis was performed using IBM SPSS version 22.0.
RESULTS Four hundred and forty-six patients were included, aged 59 (50-65) years, 57.4% men. Child-Pugh, model for end-stage liver disease (MELD) and AARC scores were 11 (10-12), 19.13 ± 6.79, and 7 (6-8), respectively. 66.4% had ACLF grade I, 31.2% ACLF grade II, and 2.5% ACLF grade III. HE was diagnosed in 83.9%, 34% grade I, 37.2% grade II, 23.5% grade III, and 5.3% grade IV. Overall mortality was 7.8%. VA was 103 (78-148) μmol/L. Receiver operating characteristic analysis showed good accuracy for the prediction of in-hospital mortality for the AARC score [Area under the curve (AUC) = 0.886], MELD score (AUC = 0.816), VA (AUC = 0.812) and a fair accuracy for the Child-Pugh score (AUC = 0.799). Subsequently, a cut-off value for the prediction of mortality was identified for VA (152.5 μmol/L, sensitivity = 0.706, 1-specificity = 0.190). Univariate analysis found acute kidney injury, severe HE (grade III or IV), VA ≥ 152.5 μmol/L, MELD score ≥ 22.5, Child-Pugh score ≥ 12.5, and AARC score ≥ 8.5 to be associated with in-hospital mortality. Multivariate analysis identified AARC score ≥ 8.5 and venous ammonia ≥ 152 μmol/L to be independent predictors of in-hospital mortality.
CONCLUSION VA could be used as an inexpensive predictor of in-hospital mortality in patients with ACLF. Patients with both ACLF and VA > 152.5 μmol/L have a high risk for a poor outcome.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Stefan Chiriac
- Department of Gastroenterology, “Grigore T. Popa” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Iasi 700115, Romania
- Institute of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, "St. Spiridon" Emergency Hospital, Iasi 700111, Romania
| | - Carol Stanciu
- Institute of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, "St. Spiridon" Emergency Hospital, Iasi 700111, Romania
| | - Camelia Cojocariu
- Department of Gastroenterology, “Grigore T. Popa” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Iasi 700115, Romania
- Institute of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, "St. Spiridon" Emergency Hospital, Iasi 700111, Romania
| | - Ana-Maria Singeap
- Department of Gastroenterology, “Grigore T. Popa” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Iasi 700115, Romania
- Institute of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, "St. Spiridon" Emergency Hospital, Iasi 700111, Romania
| | - Catalin Sfarti
- Department of Gastroenterology, “Grigore T. Popa” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Iasi 700115, Romania
- Institute of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, "St. Spiridon" Emergency Hospital, Iasi 700111, Romania
| | - Tudor Cuciureanu
- Department of Gastroenterology, “Grigore T. Popa” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Iasi 700115, Romania
| | - Irina Girleanu
- Department of Gastroenterology, “Grigore T. Popa” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Iasi 700115, Romania
- Institute of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, "St. Spiridon" Emergency Hospital, Iasi 700111, Romania
| | - Razvan Alexandru Igna
- Intensive Care, “Grigore T. Popa” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Iasi 700115, Romania
| | - Anca Trifan
- Department of Gastroenterology, “Grigore T. Popa” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Iasi 700115, Romania
- Institute of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, "St. Spiridon" Emergency Hospital, Iasi 700111, Romania
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Amodio P, Montagnese S. Lights and Shadows in Hepatic Encephalopathy Diagnosis. J Clin Med 2021; 10:jcm10020341. [PMID: 33477554 PMCID: PMC7831133 DOI: 10.3390/jcm10020341] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2020] [Revised: 01/15/2021] [Accepted: 01/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatic encephalopathy (HE) is a form of brain dysfunction that is caused by liver insufficiency and/or portal-systemic shunting. The exact nature of HE is debated; as such, conflicting uses of the term "HE" may cause inconsistencies in its detection and management. This review highlights the meaning of the term "HE" on the basis of its historical origins and current consensus. It also provides criteria for the diagnosis of the condition based on its phenotypes and risk factors for its occurrence. The procedure for differential diagnosis from other conditions which result in similar phenotypes is considered, together with precipitants and confounders. Finally, the current multidimensional approach for the correct clinical reporting of HE episodes is discussed.
Collapse
|
12
|
Abstract
Hyponatremia is frequently seen in patients with ascites secondary to advanced cirrhosis and portal hypertension. Although not apparent in the early stages of cirrhosis, the progression of cirrhosis and portal hypertension leads to splanchnic vasodilation, and this leads to the activation of compensatory mechanisms such as renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS), sympathetic nervous system, and antidiuretic hormone (ADH) to ameliorate low circulatory volume. The net effect is the avid retention of sodium and water to compensate for the low effective circulatory volume, resulting in the development of ascites. These compensatory mechanisms lead to impairment of the kidneys to eliminate solute-free water in decompensated cirrhosis. Nonosmotic secretion of antidiuretic hormone (ADH), also known as arginine vasopressin, further worsens excess water retention and thereby hyponatremia. The management of hyponatremia in this setting is a challenge as conventional therapies for hyponatremia including fluid restriction and correction of hypokalemia are frequently inefficacious. In this review, we discuss the pathophysiology, complications, and various treatment modalities, including albumin infusion, selective vasopressin receptor antagonists, or hypertonic saline for patients with severe hyponatremia and those awaiting liver transplantation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Joseph J Alukal
- Institute of Digestive Health and Liver Diseases, Mercy Medical Center, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Savio John
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, SUNY Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, New York, USA
| | - Paul J Thuluvath
- Institute of Digestive Health and Liver Diseases, Mercy Medical Center, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
- Department of Medicine, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Jin X, Chen D, Wu F, Zhang L, Huang Y, Lin Z, Wang X, Wang R, Xu L, Chen Y. Hydrogen Sulfide Protects Against Ammonia-Induced Neurotoxicity Through Activation of Nrf2/ARE Signaling in Astrocytic Model of Hepatic Encephalopathy. Front Cell Neurosci 2020; 14:573422. [PMID: 33192318 PMCID: PMC7642620 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2020.573422] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2020] [Accepted: 09/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective: Hepatic encephalopathy (HE) characterized by neuropsychiatric abnormalities is a major complication of cirrhosis with high mortality. However, the pathogenesis of HE has not been fully elucidated. This study aimed to determine endogenous hydrogen sulfide (H2S) in the blood of HE patients and investigate the role of H2S in an astrocytic model of HE. Methods: Patients with and without HE were recruited to determine plasma H2S levels and blood microbial 16S rRNA gene. Rat astrocytes were employed as a model of HE by treatment of NH4Cl. Exogenous H2S was preadded. Cell viability was measured by Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8) assay, and cell death was evaluated by lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) release. Apoptosis was determined by Hoechst 33342/Propidium Iodide (PI) Double Staining and Western blot analysis of apoptosis-related protein expression. Intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels were assessed by flow cytometer. Expressions of Nrf2 and its downstream regulated genes were examined by immunofluorescence staining and Western blot, respectively. Nrf2 gene knockdown was performed by antisense shRNA of Nrf2 gene. Results: There was a significant decrease in H2S levels in cirrhotic patients with HE compared with without HE. Blood microbiota analyses revealed that certain strains associated with H2S production were negatively correlated with HE. In vitro, H2S markedly attenuated NH4Cl-induced cytotoxicity, oxidative stress, and apoptosis. This effect was mediated by Nrf2/ARE signaling, and knockdown of Nrf2 expression abolished the antagonistic effect of H2S on NH4Cl-induced neurotoxicity in astrocytes. Conclusion: Levels of H2S and bacteria associated with H2S production are decreased in HE, and H2S functions as the neuroprotector against NH4Cl-induced HE by activating Nrf2/ARE signaling of astrocytes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xiaozhi Jin
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Wenzhou Key Laboratory of Hepatology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Hepatology Institute of Wenzhou Medical University, Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory for Accurate Diagnosis and Treatment of Chronic Liver Diseases, Wenzhou, China
| | - Dazhi Chen
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First Hospital of Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Faling Wu
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Wenzhou Key Laboratory of Hepatology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Hepatology Institute of Wenzhou Medical University, Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory for Accurate Diagnosis and Treatment of Chronic Liver Diseases, Wenzhou, China
| | - Lei Zhang
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Wenzhou Key Laboratory of Hepatology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Hepatology Institute of Wenzhou Medical University, Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory for Accurate Diagnosis and Treatment of Chronic Liver Diseases, Wenzhou, China
| | - Yu Huang
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Wenzhou Key Laboratory of Hepatology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Hepatology Institute of Wenzhou Medical University, Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory for Accurate Diagnosis and Treatment of Chronic Liver Diseases, Wenzhou, China
| | - Zhuo Lin
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Wenzhou Key Laboratory of Hepatology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Hepatology Institute of Wenzhou Medical University, Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory for Accurate Diagnosis and Treatment of Chronic Liver Diseases, Wenzhou, China
| | - Xiaodong Wang
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Wenzhou Key Laboratory of Hepatology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Hepatology Institute of Wenzhou Medical University, Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory for Accurate Diagnosis and Treatment of Chronic Liver Diseases, Wenzhou, China
| | - Rui Wang
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Wenzhou Key Laboratory of Hepatology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Hepatology Institute of Wenzhou Medical University, Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory for Accurate Diagnosis and Treatment of Chronic Liver Diseases, Wenzhou, China
| | - Lanman Xu
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Liver Diseases, Ningbo Medical Center Lihuili Hospital, Ningbo, China.,Department of Infectious Diseases and Liver Diseases, The Affiliated Lihuili Hospital of Ningbo University, Ningbo, China
| | - Yongping Chen
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Wenzhou Key Laboratory of Hepatology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Hepatology Institute of Wenzhou Medical University, Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory for Accurate Diagnosis and Treatment of Chronic Liver Diseases, Wenzhou, China
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Weiss N, Rose CF. Plasmatic osmolality and hepatic encephalopathy: A new player on the field? Liver Int 2020; 40:1826-1828. [PMID: 33135858 DOI: 10.1111/liv.14549] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2020] [Revised: 05/21/2020] [Accepted: 05/23/2020] [Indexed: 02/13/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Nicolas Weiss
- Département de Neurologie, Unité de réanimation neurologique, Brain Liver Pitié-Salpêtrière (BLIPS) Study Group, INSERM UMR_S 938, Centre de recherche Saint-Antoine, Maladies métaboliques, biliaires et fibro-inflammatoire du foie, Institute of Cardiometabolism and Nutrition (ICAN), Assistance Publique - Hôpitaux de Paris, Groupement Hospitalier Pitié-Salpêtrière-Charles Foix, Sorbonne Université, Paris, France
| | - Christopher F Rose
- Hepato-Neuro Laboratory, CRCHUM, Université de Montréal, Montréal, Québec, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Tran TT, Wei K, Cole S, Mena E, Csete M, King KS. Brain MR Spectroscopy Markers of Encephalopathy Due to Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis. J Neuroimaging 2020; 30:697-703. [PMID: 32705733 DOI: 10.1111/jon.12728] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2020] [Revised: 04/22/2020] [Accepted: 05/06/2020] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE In hepatic encephalopathy (HE), osmotic stressors promoting brain edema result in a compensatory drop in the astrocyte metabolite myo-inositol (mI). Identifying differences between nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) with and without HE and healthy controls using proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) and evaluating hypoalbuminemia and hyperammonemia as osmotic stressors that predict the reduction of mI allow further understanding of mechanisms that promote brain edema in HE. The aim of this study was to assess brain edema in HE using characteristic MRS markers and serum albumin. METHODS We evaluated between group differences among 19 NASH cirrhosis without HE (Crhs-HE) (age = 63 ± 8.7), 9 NASH cirrhosis with HE (Crhs+HE) (age = 63 ± 9.2), and 16 controls (age = 57.8 ± 11.7) using 1 H MRS. Glutamine (Gln/tCr) and serum albumin were evaluated as predictors of myo-inositol (mI/tCr) using linear regression. Statistical significance was set at P < .05 with adjustment for multiple comparisons. RESULTS Brain mI/tCr was decreased, and Gln/tCr increased in Crhs+HE compared to Crhs-HE and controls in both brain regions (P < .001 for all). Evaluated together as joint predictors, serum albumin but not Gln/tCr significantly predicted mI/tCr in GM (P = .02 and P = .2, respectively) and PWM (P = .01 and P = .1, respectively). CONCLUSION Low mI/tCr and increased Gln/tCr were characteristics of Crhs+HE. Low serum albumin was the strongest predictor of brain osmotic stress indicated by reduced mI/tCr, with no residual independent association seen for brain Gln/tCr concentration. This suggests that hypoalbuminemia in chronic liver disease may promote brain edema in HE.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Ke Wei
- HMRI Imaging Center, Pasadena, CA
| | | | - Edward Mena
- California Liver Research Institute, Pasadena, CA
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
16
|
Liotta EM, Kimberly WT. Cerebral edema and liver disease: Classic perspectives and contemporary hypotheses on mechanism. Neurosci Lett 2020; 721:134818. [PMID: 32035166 DOI: 10.1016/j.neulet.2020.134818] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2019] [Revised: 02/01/2020] [Accepted: 02/03/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Liver disease is a growing public health concern. Hepatic encephalopathy, the syndrome of brain dysfunction secondary to liver disease, is a frequent complication of both acute and chronic liver disease and cerebral edema (CE) is a key feature. While altered ammonia metabolism is a key contributor to hepatic encephalopathy and CE in liver disease, there is a growing appreciation that additional mechanisms contribute to CE. In this review we will begin by presenting three classic perspectives that form a foundation for a discussion of CE in liver disease: 1) CE is unique to acute liver failure, 2) CE in liver disease is only cytotoxic, and 3) CE in liver disease is primarily an osmotically mediated consequence of ammonia and glutamine metabolism. We will present each classic perspective along with more recent observations that call in to question that classic perspective. After highlighting these areas of debate, we will explore the leading contemporary mechanisms hypothesized to contribute to CE during liver disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Eric M Liotta
- Northwestern University-Feinberg School of Medicine, Department of Neurology, United States; Northwestern University-Feinberg School of Medicine, Department of Surgery, Division of Organ Transplantation, United States; Northwestern University Transplant Outcomes Research Collaboration, United States.
| | | |
Collapse
|
17
|
Zuo Z, Niu Z, Liu Z, Ma J, Qu P, Qiao F, Su J, Zhang Y, Wang Y. The effects of glycine-glutamine dipeptide replaced l-glutamine on bovine parthenogenetic and IVF embryo development. Theriogenology 2019; 141:82-90. [PMID: 31518732 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2019.09.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2019] [Revised: 08/17/2019] [Accepted: 09/05/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Relative to alanine and serine amino acid levels, glutamine is highly abundant in follicular fluid, and is an important source of energy required for oocyte maturation and embryo development. Thus, glutamine is an essential component of in vitro embryo culture media. However, glutamine has poor stability and degrades spontaneously in solution to form ammonia and pyrrolidonecarboxylic acid. In the present study, we aimed to explore the effect of substituting l-glutamine with glycine-glutamine, a more stable glutamine, on development of early parthenogenetic embryos and in vitro fertilization (IVF) embryos in bovine. Results revealed that glycine-glutamine can significantly increase cleavage rate (parthenogenetic embryos:87.24% vs. 72.61%, IVF embryos:89.33% vs. 83.79%, P < 0.01), blastocyst number (parthenogenetic embryos:24.98% vs. 18.07%, IVF embryos:33.53% vs. 27.29%, P < 0.01), and blastocyst number (parthenogenetic embryos:96 vs. 76, IVF embryos:114 vs. 109, P < 0.01), reduce blastocyst apoptosis (parthenogenetic embryos:3.72% vs. 6.65%, IVF embryos:2.53% vs.6.23%, P < 0.01), alleviate embryo ammonia toxicity, and reduce the content of reactive oxygen species (ROS) compared with the l-glutamine. In addition, glycine-glutamine can alter epigenetic reprogramming by increasing the expression of HDAC1 (Histone Deacetylase 1) and decreasing the relative expression levels of H3K9 acetylation in early parthenogenetic embryos and IVF embryos. From our present study, we concluded that glycine-glutamine is an effective substitute of glutamine in modified synthetic oviduct fluid with amino acids (mSOFaa).
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zhenzi Zuo
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, 712100, PR China; Key Laboratory of Animal Biotechnology of the Ministry of Agriculture, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, 712100, PR China
| | - Zhihan Niu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, 712100, PR China; Key Laboratory of Animal Biotechnology of the Ministry of Agriculture, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, 712100, PR China
| | - Zhengqing Liu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, 712100, PR China; Key Laboratory of Animal Biotechnology of the Ministry of Agriculture, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, 712100, PR China
| | - Jukui Ma
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, 712100, PR China; Key Laboratory of Animal Biotechnology of the Ministry of Agriculture, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, 712100, PR China
| | - Pengxiang Qu
- Laboratory Animal Centre, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Centre, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710061, PR China
| | - Fang Qiao
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, 712100, PR China; Key Laboratory of Animal Biotechnology of the Ministry of Agriculture, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, 712100, PR China
| | - Jianmin Su
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, 712100, PR China; Key Laboratory of Animal Biotechnology of the Ministry of Agriculture, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, 712100, PR China
| | - Yong Zhang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, 712100, PR China; Key Laboratory of Animal Biotechnology of the Ministry of Agriculture, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, 712100, PR China.
| | - Yongsheng Wang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, 712100, PR China; Key Laboratory of Animal Biotechnology of the Ministry of Agriculture, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, 712100, PR China.
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Braissant O, Rackayová V, Pierzchala K, Grosse J, McLin VA, Cudalbu C. Longitudinal neurometabolic changes in the hippocampus of a rat model of chronic hepatic encephalopathy. J Hepatol 2019; 71:505-515. [PMID: 31173812 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhep.2019.05.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2018] [Revised: 05/24/2019] [Accepted: 05/27/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS The sequence of events in hepatic encephalopathy (HE) remains unclear. Using the advantages of in vivo 1H-MRS (9.4T) we aimed to analyse the time-course of disease in an established model of type C HE by analysing the longitudinal changes in a large number of brain metabolites together with biochemical, histological and behavioural assessment. We hypothesized that neurometabolic changes are detectable very early, and that these early changes will offer insight into the primary events underpinning HE. METHODS Wistar rats underwent bile-duct ligation (BDL) and were studied before BDL and at post-operative weeks 2, 4, 6 and 8 (n = 26). In vivo short echo-time 1H-MRS (9.4T) of the hippocampus was performed in a longitudinal manner, as were biochemical (plasma), histological and behavioural tests. RESULTS Plasma ammonium increased early after BDL and remained high during the study. Brain glutamine increased (+47%) as early as 2-4 weeks post-BDL while creatine (-8%) and ascorbate (-12%) decreased. Brain glutamine and ascorbate correlated closely with rising plasma ammonium, while brain creatine correlated with brain glutamine. The increases in brain glutamine and plasma ammonium were correlated, while plasma ammonium correlated negatively with distance moved. Changes in astrocyte morphology were observed at 4 weeks. These early changes were further accentuated at 6-8 weeks post-BDL, concurrently with the known decreases in brain organic osmolytes. CONCLUSION Using a multimodal, in vivo and longitudinal approach we have shown that neurometabolic changes are already noticeable 2 weeks after BDL. These early changes are suggestive of osmotic/oxidative stress and are likely the premise of some later changes. Early decreases in cerebral creatine and ascorbate are novel findings offering new avenues to explore neuroprotective strategies for HE treatment. LAY SUMMARY The sequence of events in chronic hepatic encephalopathy (HE) remains unclear, therefore using the advantages of in vivo proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy at 9.4T we aimed to test the hypothesis that neurometabolic changes are detectable very early in an established model of type C HE, offering insight into the primary events underpinning HE, before advanced liver disease confounds the findings. These early, previously unreported neurometabolic changes occurred as early as 2 to 4 weeks after bile-duct ligation, namely an increase in plasma ammonium and brain glutamine, a decrease in brain creatine and ascorbate together with behavioural and astrocyte morphology changes, and continued to progress throughout the 8-week course of the disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Olivier Braissant
- Service of Clinical Chemistry, University of Lausanne and University Hospital of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Veronika Rackayová
- Laboratory of Functional and Metabolic Imaging, Center for Biomedical Imaging, Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), Lausanne, Switzerland; Centre d'Imagerie Biomedicale (CIBM), Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Katarzyna Pierzchala
- Centre d'Imagerie Biomedicale (CIBM), Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Jocelyn Grosse
- Laboratory of Behavioral Genetics, Brain Mind Institute, School Of Life Sciences, Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Valérie A McLin
- Swiss Pediatric Liver Center, Department of Pediatrics, Gynecology and Obstetrics, University Hospitals Geneva, and University of Geneva Medical School, Switzerland
| | - Cristina Cudalbu
- Centre d'Imagerie Biomedicale (CIBM), Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), Lausanne, Switzerland.
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Attar B. Approach to Hyponatremia in Cirrhosis. Clin Liver Dis (Hoboken) 2019; 13:98-101. [PMID: 31061701 PMCID: PMC6491031 DOI: 10.1002/cld.790] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2018] [Accepted: 11/27/2018] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Bashar Attar
- Cook County Health and Hospitals SystemChicagoIL
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Cudalbu C, Taylor-Robinson SD. Brain Edema in Chronic Hepatic Encephalopathy. J Clin Exp Hepatol 2019; 9:362-382. [PMID: 31360029 PMCID: PMC6637228 DOI: 10.1016/j.jceh.2019.02.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2018] [Revised: 01/15/2019] [Accepted: 02/06/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Brain edema is a common feature associated with hepatic encephalopathy (HE). In patients with acute HE, brain edema has been shown to play a crucial role in the associated neurological deterioration. In chronic HE, advanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) techniques have demonstrated that low-grade brain edema appears also to be an important pathological feature. This review explores the different methods used to measure brain edema ex vivo and in vivo in animal models and in humans with chronic HE. In addition, an in-depth description of the main studies performed to date is provided. The role of brain edema in the neurological alterations linked to HE and whether HE and brain edema are the manifestations of the same pathophysiological mechanism or two different cerebral manifestations of brain dysfunction in liver disease are still under debate. In vivo MRI/magnetic resonance spectroscopy studies have allowed insight into the development of brain edema in chronic HE. However, additional in vivo longitudinal and multiparametric/multimodal studies are required (in humans and animal models) to elucidate the relationship between liver function, brain metabolic changes, cellular changes, cell swelling, and neurological manifestations in chronic HE.
Collapse
Key Words
- 1H MRS, proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy
- ADC, apparent diffusion coefficient
- ALF, acute liver failure
- AQP, aquaporins
- BBB, blood-brain barrier
- BDL, bile duct ligation
- CNS, central nervous system
- CSF, cerebrospinal fluid
- Cr, creatine
- DTI, diffusion tensor imaging
- DWI, diffusion-weighted imaging
- FLAIR, fluid-attenuated inversion recovery
- GM, gray matter
- Gln, glutamine
- Glx, sum of glutamine and glutamate
- HE, hepatic encephalopathy
- Ins, inositol
- LPS, lipopolysaccharide
- Lac, lactate
- MD, mean diffusivity
- MRI, magnetic resonance imaging
- MRS, magnetic resonance spectroscopy
- MT, magnetization transfer
- MTR, MT ratio
- NMR, nuclear magnetic resonance
- PCA, portocaval anastomosis
- TE, echo time
- WM, white matter
- brain edema
- chronic hepatic encephalopathy
- in vivo magnetic resonance imaging
- in vivo magnetic resonance spectroscopy
- liver cirrhosis
- mIns, myo-inositol
- tCho, total choline
- tCr, total creatine
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Cristina Cudalbu
- Centre d'Imagerie Biomedicale (CIBM), Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), Lausanne, Switzerland,Address for correspondence: Cristina Cudalbu, Centre d'Imagerie Biomedicale (CIBM), Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), EPFL-CIBM, Office F3 628, Station 6, CH-1015 Lausanne, Switzerland.
| | - Simon D. Taylor-Robinson
- Division of Integrative Systems Medicine and Digestive Disease, Department of Surgery and Cancer, St Mary's Hospital Campus, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Intraoperative hyponatremia is an independent predictor of one-year mortality after liver transplantation. Sci Rep 2018; 8:18023. [PMID: 30575797 PMCID: PMC6303312 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-37006-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2018] [Accepted: 11/25/2018] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Preoperative hyponatremia is associated with an increased risk of mortality on the liver transplantation (LT) waiting list. We sought to investigate the impact of pre- and intraoperative serum sodium levels on the one-year mortality after LT. We identified 1,164 patients for whom preoperative and intraoperative serum sodium levels were available. Cox regression analysis with multivariable adjustment was performed for one-year mortality. A propensity score matching analysis was performed for preoperative and intraoperative serum sodium groups to compare one-year survival. The cutoff of sodium level with minimal p-value was 130 mEq/L for both preoperative and intraoperative sodium. Intraoperative hyponatremia was an independent predictor of one-year mortality in the multivariable Cox regression analysis, while preoperative hyponatremia was not. Kaplan-Meier curve showed that there was a significant difference in the one-year mortality between preoperative and intraoperative serum sodium groups. However, after propensity score matching, there was no difference in the one-year mortality among the preoperative sodium groups, while there was a significant difference among the intraoperative sodium groups. Intraoperative hyponatremia defined by mean sodium <130 mEq/L was independently associated with a significantly high one-year mortality. Mean intraoperative serum sodium levels may be a better prognostic predictor than preoperative serum sodium levels.
Collapse
|
22
|
Amodio P. Current Diagnosis and Classification of Hepatic Encephalopathy. J Clin Exp Hepatol 2018; 8:432-437. [PMID: 30564001 PMCID: PMC6286442 DOI: 10.1016/j.jceh.2018.07.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2018] [Accepted: 07/06/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatic encephalopathy is a brain dysfunction caused by liver insufficiency and/or portal-systemic shunt; it manifests as a wide spectrum of neurological or psychiatric abnormalities ranging from subclinical alterations to coma. It should be differentiated from other neurological/psychiatric disorders that can occur in patients with liver disease. Its classification needs to take into account the underlying condition, severity, course, precipitating factors, and-possibly-sensitivity to ammonia-lowering agents.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Piero Amodio
- Address for correspondence: Piero Amodio, MD, FRCP, Department of Medicine –DIMED- University of Padova, via Giustiniani, 2, 35128 Padova, Italy. Fax: +39 049 7960903.
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Bernardi M, Zaccherini G. Approach and management of dysnatremias in cirrhosis. Hepatol Int 2018; 12:487-499. [PMID: 30203382 DOI: 10.1007/s12072-018-9894-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2018] [Accepted: 08/28/2018] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Hypervolemic (dilutional) hyponatremia is the most common dysnatremia in cirrhosis, with a prevalence close to 50% in patients with ascites, while hypovolemic hyponatremia occurs in a minority of cases. Hyponatremia carries a poor prognosis, being associated with increased mortality and reduced survival after liver transplantation. Hypernatremia is rarer and is also associated with an adverse prognosis. Increased non-osmotic secretion of arginine vasopressin and altered renal tubular sodium handling due to impaired free water generation are the mechanisms leading to hypervolemic hyponatremia, while diuretic-induced fluid loss is the main cause of hypovolemic hyponatremia. Hypernatremia usually follows hypotonic fluid losses due to osmotic diuresis (glycosuria) or lactulose-induced diarrhea. The main clinical manifestations of dysnatremias are due to their effects on the central nervous system: astroglial cell hyperhydration follows hyponatremia-an abnormality that exacerbates ammonia neurotoxicity-while the opposite abnormality occurs with hypernatremia. Asymptomatic or mildly symptomatic hypervolemic hyponatremia is mainly managed by correcting of precipitating factors and non-osmotic fluid restriction. Severe, life-threatening hyponatremia requires hypertonic saline infusion, avoiding rapid and complete correction of serum sodium concentration to prevent neurological sequelae such as osmotic demyelination. V2 receptor blockade by vaptans may be considered in patients with sustained hyponatremia waitlisted for liver transplantation. Diuretic withdrawal and plasma volume expansion are required in hypovolemic hypernatremia. Prompt recognition, removal of the precipitating factor(s) and non-osmotic fluid administration represent the mainstays of hypernatremia management. Rapid correction of long-standing hypernatremia can lead to cerebral edema and has to be avoided.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mauro Bernardi
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Alma Mater Studiorum, University of Bologna, Policlinico S. Orsola-Malpighi, Via Albertoni, 15, 40138, Bologna, Italy.
| | - Giacomo Zaccherini
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Alma Mater Studiorum, University of Bologna, Policlinico S. Orsola-Malpighi, Via Albertoni, 15, 40138, Bologna, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Amodio P. Hepatic encephalopathy: Diagnosis and management. Liver Int 2018; 38:966-975. [PMID: 29624860 DOI: 10.1111/liv.13752] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2018] [Accepted: 03/28/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Hepatic encephalopathy (HE) is a peculiar kind of brain dysfunction caused by liver insufficiency and/or portal-systemic shunting. It is related to gut-derived substances. It is a relevant cause of morbidity and hospitalisation for patients with cirrhosis. The prognosis of HE is important in terms of survival and re-hospitalisation. It is related to impaired quality of life, falls and poor driving; presents a relevant burden for caregivers and health services; and may negatively impact on patient's job and income. Proper diagnosis and classification are expected to improve HE management. Once diagnosed, the management and therapeutic options for HE are generally clear. The improvement of knowledge in recent years has also clarified which are the further aims of research in this field of medicine. Prophylaxis of overt HE should always be performed, and this is generally secondary prophylaxis. Primary prophylaxis should be done immediately after upper gastrointestinal bleeding. Great advances in the detection and treatment of mild forms of HE are expected to lead to further improvement in patient management.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Piero Amodio
- Department of Medicine -DIMED- and CIRMANMEC, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Jiménez JV, Carrillo-Pérez DL, Rosado-Canto R, García-Juárez I, Torre A, Kershenobich D, Carrillo-Maravilla E. Electrolyte and Acid-Base Disturbances in End-Stage Liver Disease: A Physiopathological Approach. Dig Dis Sci 2017; 62:1855-1871. [PMID: 28501971 DOI: 10.1007/s10620-017-4597-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2016] [Accepted: 04/26/2017] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Electrolyte and acid-base disturbances are frequent in patients with end-stage liver disease; the underlying physiopathological mechanisms are often complex and represent a diagnostic and therapeutic challenge to the physician. Usually, these disorders do not develop in compensated cirrhotic patients, but with the onset of the classic complications of cirrhosis such as ascites, renal failure, spontaneous bacterial peritonitis and variceal bleeding, multiple electrolyte, and acid-base disturbances emerge. Hyponatremia parallels ascites formation and is a well-known trigger of hepatic encephalopathy; its management in this particular population poses a risky challenge due to the high susceptibility of cirrhotic patients to osmotic demyelination. Hypokalemia is common in the setting of cirrhosis: multiple potassium wasting mechanisms both inherent to the disease and resulting from its management make these patients particularly susceptible to potassium depletion even in the setting of normokalemia. Acid-base disturbances range from classical respiratory alkalosis to high anion gap metabolic acidosis, almost comprising the full acid-base spectrum. Because most electrolyte and acid-base disturbances are managed in terms of their underlying trigger factors, a systematic physiopathological approach to their diagnosis and treatment is required.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- José Víctor Jiménez
- Department of Internal Medicine, Instituto Nacional de Ciencias Médicas y Nutrición Salvador Zubirán, Tlalpan, 14080, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Diego Luis Carrillo-Pérez
- Department of Nephrology and Mineral Metabolism, Instituto Nacional de Ciencias Médicas y Nutrición Salvador Zubirán, Tlalpan, 14080, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Rodrigo Rosado-Canto
- Department of Nephrology and Mineral Metabolism, Instituto Nacional de Ciencias Médicas y Nutrición Salvador Zubirán, Tlalpan, 14080, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Ignacio García-Juárez
- Department of Gastroenterology, Instituto Nacional de Ciencias Médicas y Nutrición Salvador Zubirán, Tlalpan, 14080, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Aldo Torre
- Department of Gastroenterology, Instituto Nacional de Ciencias Médicas y Nutrición Salvador Zubirán, Tlalpan, 14080, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - David Kershenobich
- Department of Gastroenterology, Instituto Nacional de Ciencias Médicas y Nutrición Salvador Zubirán, Tlalpan, 14080, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Eduardo Carrillo-Maravilla
- Department of Internal Medicine, Instituto Nacional de Ciencias Médicas y Nutrición Salvador Zubirán, Tlalpan, 14080, Mexico City, Mexico.
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Cerebral Hemodynamics and Cognitive Function in Cirrhotic Patients with Hepatic Encephalopathy. Gastroenterol Res Pract 2016; 2016:8485032. [PMID: 28096811 PMCID: PMC5209626 DOI: 10.1155/2016/8485032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2016] [Revised: 10/23/2016] [Accepted: 11/17/2016] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Aims. To investigate cerebral hemodynamics in cirrhotic patients with HE and to observe effects of treatment in cerebral hemodynamics and correlations among ammonia, cerebral hemodynamics, and cognitive function. Methods. There were four groups: healthy controls (group 1), cirrhosis without HE (group 2), cirrhosis with MHE (group 3), and cirrhosis with OHE (group 4). Ammonia and cerebral hemodynamics (by TCD) were assessed. Patients in group 3 were subsequently randomized to two subgroups: the control (group A) and the treated (group B, treated with lactulose for two months), and they were retested for ammonia and TCD after treatment. Results. Ammonia, Vm, Vd, PI, and RI were statistically different before treatment, and ammonia, PI, and RI levels paralleled the severity of HE (P < 0.05). In group B, Vd increased and ammonia, PI, and RI declined following treatment (P < 0.05), while there were no differences in group A (P > 0.05). Correlations were found between ammonia and Vd, PI, RI, NCT-A, and DST and also found between Vd, PI, RI, and NCT-A and DST (P < 0.05). Conclusions. This study revealed that cerebral hemodynamics were related to the severity of HE and cerebral autoregulation was impaired. There were tight correlations among ammonia, cerebral hemodynamics, and cognitive function, and, following treatment, cerebral hemodynamics improved.
Collapse
|
27
|
Rackayova V, Braissant O, McLin VA, Berset C, Lanz B, Cudalbu C. 1H and 31P magnetic resonance spectroscopy in a rat model of chronic hepatic encephalopathy: in vivo longitudinal measurements of brain energy metabolism. Metab Brain Dis 2016; 31:1303-1314. [PMID: 26253240 DOI: 10.1007/s11011-015-9715-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2015] [Accepted: 07/26/2015] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Chronic liver disease (CLD) leads to a spectrum of neuropsychiatric disorders named hepatic encephalopathy (HE). Even though brain energy metabolism is believed to be altered in chronic HE, few studies have explored energy metabolism in CLD-induced HE, and their findings were inconsistent. The aim of this study was to characterize for the first time in vivo and longitudinally brain metabolic changes in a rat model of CLD-induced HE with a focus on energy metabolism, using the methodological advantages of high field proton and phosphorus Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy (1H- and 31P-MRS). Wistar rats were bile duct ligated (BDL) and studied before BDL and at post-operative weeks 4 and 8. Glutamine increased linearly over time (+146 %) together with plasma ammonium (+159 %). As a compensatory effect, other brain osmolytes decreased: myo-inositol (-36 %), followed by total choline and creatine. A decrease in the neurotransmitters glutamate (-17 %) and aspartate (-28 %) was measured only at week 8, while no significant changes were observed for lactate and phosphocreatine. Among the other energy metabolites measured by 31P-MRS, we observed a non-significant decrease in ATP together with a significant decrease in ADP (-28 %), but only at week 8 after ligation. Finally, brain glutamine showed the strongest correlations with changes in other brain metabolites, indicating its importance in type C HE. In conclusion, mild alterations in some metabolites involved in energy metabolism were observed but only at the end stage of the disease when edema and neurological changes are already present. Therefore, our data indicate that impaired energy metabolism is not one of the major causes of early HE symptoms in the established model of type C HE.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Veronika Rackayova
- Laboratory of Functional and Metabolic Imaging (LIFMET), Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Olivier Braissant
- Service of Biomedicine, University Hospital of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Valérie A McLin
- Swiss Center for Liver Disease in Children, Department of Pediatrics, University Hospitals Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Corina Berset
- Centre d'Imagerie Biomedicale (CIBM), Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Bernard Lanz
- Laboratory of Functional and Metabolic Imaging (LIFMET), Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Cristina Cudalbu
- Centre d'Imagerie Biomedicale (CIBM), Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), Lausanne, Switzerland.
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Affiliation(s)
- Eelco F M Wijdicks
- From the Division of Critical Care Neurology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
Bittencourt PL, Terra C, Parise ER, Farias AQ, Arroyo V, Fernandez J, Pereira G, Maubouisson LM, Andrade GM, Costa FGDB, Codes L, Andrade AR, Mattos AAD, Torres A, Couto F, Zyngier I. Intensive care management of patients with liver disease: proceedings of a single-topic conference sponsored by the Brazilian Society of Hepatology. ARQUIVOS DE GASTROENTEROLOGIA 2016; 52 Suppl 1:55-72. [PMID: 26959806 DOI: 10.1590/s0004-28032015000500004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Survival rates of critically ill patients with liver disease has sharply increased in recent years due to several improvements in the management of decompensated cirrhosis and acute liver failure. This is ascribed to the incorporation of evidence-based strategies from clinical trials aiming to reduce mortality. In order to discuss the cutting-edge evidence regarding critical care of patients with liver disease, a joint single topic conference was recently sponsored by the Brazilian Society of Hepatology in cooperation with the Brazilian Society of Intensive Care Medicine and the Brazilian Association for Organ Transplantation. This paper summarizes the proceedings of the aforementioned meeting and it is intended to guide intensive care physicians, gastroenterologists and hepatologists in the care management of patients with liver disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Paulo Lisboa Bittencourt
- Hospital Português, Salvador, Brazil.,Hospital Universitário Professor Edgard Santos, Universidade Federal da Bahia, Salvador, BA, Brasil
| | - Carlos Terra
- Hospital Universitário Pedro Ernesto, Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | | | - Alberto Queiroz Farias
- Departamento de Gastroenterologia, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | | | | | - Gustavo Pereira
- Departamento de Gastroenterologia, Hospital Federal do Bonsucesso, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brasil
| | | | | | | | - Liana Codes
- Hospital Português, Salvador, Brazil.,Hospital Universitário Professor Edgard Santos, Universidade Federal da Bahia, Salvador, BA, Brasil
| | - Antônio Ricardo Andrade
- Hospital Português, Salvador, Brazil.,Hospital Universitário Professor Edgard Santos, Universidade Federal da Bahia, Salvador, BA, Brasil
| | | | - André Torres
- Hospital Universitário Pedro Ernesto, Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Fernanda Couto
- Departamento de Gastroenterologia, Hospital Federal do Bonsucesso, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brasil
| | - Ivan Zyngier
- Departamento de Gastroenterologia, Hospital Federal do Bonsucesso, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brasil
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
Effect of taurine on chronic and acute liver injury: Focus on blood and brain ammonia. Toxicol Rep 2016; 3:870-879. [PMID: 28959615 PMCID: PMC5615919 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxrep.2016.04.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2015] [Revised: 03/19/2016] [Accepted: 04/08/2016] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Hyperammonemia is associated with chronic and acute liver injury. There is no promising therapeutic agent against ammonia-induced complications. Hence, finding therapeutic molecules with safe profile of administration has clinical value. The present study was conducted to evaluate the role of taurine (TA) administration on plasma and brain ammonia and its consequent events in different models of chronic and acute liver injury and hyperammonemia. Bile duct ligated (BDL) rats were used as a model of chronic liver injury. Thioacetamide and acetaminophen-induced acute liver failure were used as acute liver injury models. A high level of ammonia was detected in blood and brain of experimental groups. An increase in brain ammonia level coincided with a decreased total locomotor activity of animals and significant changes in the biochemistry of blood and also liver tissue. TA administration (500 and 1000 mg/kg, i.p), effectively alleviated liver injury and its consequent events including rise in plasma and brain ammonia and brain edema. The data suggested that TA is not only a useful and safe agent to preserve liver function, but also prevented hyperammonemia as a deleterious consequence of acute and chronic liver injury.
Collapse
|
31
|
Sinha VK, Ko B. Hyponatremia in Cirrhosis--Pathogenesis, Treatment, and Prognostic Significance. Adv Chronic Kidney Dis 2015; 22:361-7. [PMID: 26311597 DOI: 10.1053/j.ackd.2015.02.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2014] [Revised: 02/06/2015] [Accepted: 02/12/2015] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
Cirrhosis is characterized by systemic and splanchnic vasodilation that leads to excessive nonosmotic secretion of vasopressin (antidiuretic hormone). Hyponatremia is a common electrolyte abnormality in advanced liver disease that results from the impaired ability of the kidney to excrete solute-free water that leads to "dilutional" hyponatremia-water retention disproportionate to the retention of sodium. Hyponatremia in liver diseases carries the prognostic burden, correlates with the severity of cirrhosis, and, in recent studies, has also been implicated in the pathogenesis of hepatic encephalopathy. The current treatment options are limited to conventional therapies like fluid restriction, and the outcomes are unsatisfactory. Although currently available vasopressin (V2 receptors) antagonists have been shown to increase serum sodium concentrations and improve ascites control, their role in the treatment of hyponatremia in liver disease patients remains questionable because of adverse effect profiles, high cost, and poor data on long-term mortality benefits. More information is needed to argue the benefits vs risks of short-term use of vaptans for correction of hyponatremia especially just hours-to-days before liver transplant.
Collapse
|
32
|
Pathogenesis of brain edema and investigation into anti-edema drugs. Int J Mol Sci 2015; 16:9949-75. [PMID: 25941935 PMCID: PMC4463627 DOI: 10.3390/ijms16059949] [Citation(s) in RCA: 183] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2015] [Revised: 04/15/2015] [Accepted: 04/27/2015] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Brain edema is a potentially fatal pathological state that occurs after brain injuries such as stroke and head trauma. In the edematous brain, excess accumulation of extracellular fluid results in elevation of intracranial pressure, leading to impaired nerve function. Despite the seriousness of brain edema, only symptomatic treatments to remove edema fluid are currently available. Thus, the development of novel anti-edema drugs is required. The pathogenesis of brain edema is classified as vasogenic or cytotoxic edema. Vasogenic edema is defined as extracellular accumulation of fluid resulting from disruption of the blood-brain barrier (BBB) and extravasations of serum proteins, while cytotoxic edema is characterized by cell swelling caused by intracellular accumulation of fluid. Various experimental animal models are often used to investigate mechanisms underlying brain edema. Many soluble factors and functional molecules have been confirmed to induce BBB disruption or cell swelling and drugs targeted to these factors are expected to have anti-edema effects. In this review, we discuss the mechanisms and involvement of factors that induce brain edema formation, and the possibility of anti-edema drugs targeting them.
Collapse
|
33
|
Urso C, Brucculeri S, Caimi G. Employment of vasopressin receptor antagonists in management of hyponatraemia and volume overload in some clinical conditions. J Clin Pharm Ther 2015; 40:376-85. [PMID: 25924179 DOI: 10.1111/jcpt.12279] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2015] [Accepted: 04/07/2015] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
WHAT IS KNOWN AND OBJECTIVE Hyponatraemia, the most common electrolyte imbalance occurring in hospitalized subjects, is usually classified as hypovolaemic, euvolaemic or hypervolaemic. Hyponatraemia is a predictor of death among subjects with chronic heart failure and cirrhosis. The inappropriate secretion of the antidiuretic hormone (AVP) seems to be of pivotal importance in the decline of serum sodium concentration in these clinical conditions. The objective of this review was to summarize recent progress in management of hyponatraemia in SIADH, cirrhosis and heart failure. METHODS Literature searches were conducted on the topics of hyponatraemia and vasopressin receptor antagonists, using PubMed, pharmaceutical company websites and news reports. The information was evaluated for relevance and quality, critically assessed and summarized. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION The initial treatment of severe hyponatraemia is directed towards the prevention or management of neurological manifestations and consists of an intravenous infusion of hypertonic saline. Fluid restriction is indicated in oedematous states. Diuretics alone or in combination with other specific drugs remain the main strategy in the management of volume overload in heart failure. In resistant cases, ultrafiltration can lead to effective removal of isotonic fluid preventing new episodes of decompensation; however, aquapheresis is associated with increased costs and other limits. In several trials, the efficacy of vasopressin receptor antagonists in euvolaemic patients (inappropriate antidiuretic hormone secretion) or in hypervolaemic hyponatraemia (chronic heart failure, cirrhosis) has been evaluated. It was found that vaptans, which promote aquaresis, were superior to a placebo in raising and maintaining serum sodium concentrations in these subjects. WHAT IS NEW AND CONCLUSIONS Combined with conventional therapy, vasopressin receptor antagonists (AVP-R antagonists) are able to increase the excretion of electrolyte-free water and the sodium concentration. Further studies are needed to assess efficacious outcomes of aquaresis compared with aquapheresis and with conventional therapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- C Urso
- Dipartimento Biomedico di Medicina Interna e Specialistica, Universitá di Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - S Brucculeri
- Dipartimento Biomedico di Medicina Interna e Specialistica, Universitá di Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - G Caimi
- Dipartimento Biomedico di Medicina Interna e Specialistica, Universitá di Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
34
|
Abstract
Hyponatremia is common in cirrhosis. It mostly occurs in an advanced stage of the disease and is associated with complications and increased mortality. Either hypovolemic or, more commonly, hypervolemic hyponatremia can be seen in cirrhosis. Impaired renal sodium handling due to renal hypoperfusion and increased arginine-vasopressin secretion secondary to reduced effective volemia due to peripheral arterial vasodilation represent the main mechanisms leading to dilutional hyponatremia in this setting. Patients with cirrhosis usually develop slowly progressing hyponatremia. In different clinical contexts, it is associated with neurological manifestations due to increased brain water content, where the intensity is often magnified by concomitant hyperammonemia leading to hepatic encephalopathy. Severe hyponatremia requiring hypertonic saline infusion is rare in cirrhosis. The management of asymptomatic or mildly symptomatic hyponatremia mainly rely on the identification and treatment of precipitating factors. However, sustained resolution of hyponatremia is often difficult to achieve. V2 receptor blockade by Vaptans is certainly effective, but their long-term safety, especially when associated to diuretics given to control ascites, has not been established as yet. As in other conditions, a rapid correction of long-standing hyponatremia can lead to irreversible brain damage. The liver transplant setting represents a condition at high risk for the occurrence of such complications.
Collapse
|
35
|
Ding S, Yang J, Liu L, Ye Y, Wang X, Hu J, Chen B, Zhuge Q. Elevated dopamine induces minimal hepatic encephalopathy by activation of astrocytic NADPH oxidase and astrocytic protein tyrosine nitration. Int J Biochem Cell Biol 2014; 55:252-63. [DOI: 10.1016/j.biocel.2014.09.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2014] [Revised: 08/14/2014] [Accepted: 09/01/2014] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
|
36
|
Leise MD, Yun BC, Larson JJ, Benson JT, DongYang J, Therneau TM, Rosen CB, Heimbach JK, Biggins SW, Kim WR. Effect of the pretransplant serum sodium concentration on outcomes following liver transplantation. Liver Transpl 2014; 20:687-97. [PMID: 24616214 PMCID: PMC4128788 DOI: 10.1002/lt.23860] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2013] [Revised: 02/04/2014] [Accepted: 02/18/2014] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Hyponatremia is associated with an increased risk of mortality on the liver transplantation (LT) waiting list. Although the incorporation of the serum sodium (Na) level into the Model for End-Stage Liver Disease score may reduce wait-list mortality, concerns remain about a potential association between pre-LT hyponatremia and decreased post-LT survival. Furthermore, the relationship between pre-LT hypernatremia and post-LT survival remains unexplored. The purpose of this study was to investigate the impact of the entire spectrum of pre-LT serum Na levels on post-LT outcomes. We identified 19,537 patients from 2003 to 2010 for whom serum Na levels immediately before LT were available. The patients were divided into 3 groups [hyponatremic (Na ≤ 130 mEq/L), normonatremic (Na = 131-145 mEq/L), and hypernatremic (Na > 145 mEq/L)], and their post-LT outcomes were compared. There was no difference in in-hospital mortality or 90-day survival between patients with hyponatremia and patients with normonatremia. A fraction of the patients (2.4%) had hypernatremia, which was associated with increased in-hospital mortality (11.2% versus 4.2%, P < 0.001) and diminished 90-day survival (86.4% versus 94.0.%, P < 0.001). After adjustments for important clinical variables, the association of pre-LT hypernatremia with posttransplant mortality remained significant with a hazard ratio of 1.13 for each unit increase in the Na level > 145 mEq/L (P < 0.001). The duration of the hospitalization after LT was significantly longer for hypernatremic patients (P < 0.001). In conclusion, hyponatremia per se does not affect post-LT survival. Pre-LT hypernatremia is a highly significant risk factor for post-LT mortality.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Byung Cheol Yun
- Department of Internal Medicine, Kosin University College of Medicine, Busan, Korea
| | | | | | - Ju DongYang
- William J. von Leibig Transplant Center, Mayo Clinic, Rochester
| | | | | | | | - Scott W. Biggins
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of Colorado Denver Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora Colorado
| | - W. Ray Kim
- William J. von Leibig Transplant Center, Mayo Clinic, Rochester
| |
Collapse
|
37
|
Merola J, Chaudhary N, Qian M, Jow A, Barboza K, Charles H, Teperman L, Sigal S. Hyponatremia: A Risk Factor for Early Overt Encephalopathy after Transjugular Intrahepatic Portosystemic Shunt Creation. J Clin Med 2014; 3:359-72. [PMID: 26237379 PMCID: PMC4449686 DOI: 10.3390/jcm3020359] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2014] [Revised: 03/04/2014] [Accepted: 03/07/2014] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatic encephalopathy (HE) is a frequent complication in cirrhotic patients undergoing transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS). Hyponatremia (HN) is a known contributing risk factor for the development of HE. Predictive factors, especially the effect of HN, for the development of overt HE within one week of TIPS placement were assessed. A single-center, retrospective chart review of 71 patients with cirrhosis who underwent TIPS creation from 2006–2011 for non-variceal bleeding indications was conducted. Baseline clinical and laboratory characteristics were collected. Factors associated with overt HE within one week were identified, and a multivariate model was constructed. Seventy one patients who underwent 81 TIPS procedures were evaluated. Fifteen patients developed overt HE within one week. Factors predictive of overt HE within one week included pre-TIPS Na, total bilirubin and Model for End-stage Liver Disease (MELD)-Na. The odds ratio for developing HE with pre-TIPS Na <135 mEq/L was 8.6. Among patients with pre-TIPS Na <125 mEq/L, 125–129.9 mEq/L, 130–134.9 mEq/L and ≥135 mEq/L, the incidence of HE within one week was 37.5%, 25%, 25% and 3.4%, respectively. Lower pre-TIPS Na, higher total bilirubin and higher MELD-Na values were associated with the development of overt HE post-TIPS within one week. TIPS in hyponatremic patients should be undertaken with caution.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan Merola
- Department of Medicine, New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY, 10016, USA.
| | - Noami Chaudhary
- Department of Medicine, New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY, 10016, USA.
| | - Meng Qian
- Department of Biostatistics, New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY 10016, USA.
| | - Alexander Jow
- Department of Medicine, New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY, 10016, USA.
| | - Katherine Barboza
- Department of Medicine, New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY, 10016, USA.
| | - Hearns Charles
- Department of Radiology, New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY 10016, USA.
| | - Lewis Teperman
- Department of Surgery, New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY 10016, USA.
| | - Samuel Sigal
- Department of Medicine, New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY, 10016, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
38
|
Increased brain lactate is central to the development of brain edema in rats with chronic liver disease. J Hepatol 2014; 60:554-60. [PMID: 24512824 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhep.2013.10.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2013] [Revised: 10/04/2013] [Accepted: 10/11/2013] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS The pathogenesis of brain edema in patients with chronic liver disease (CLD) and minimal hepatic encephalopathy (HE) remains undefined. This study evaluated the role of brain lactate, glutamine and organic osmolytes, including myo-inositol and taurine, in the development of brain edema in a rat model of cirrhosis. METHODS Six-week bile-duct ligated (BDL) rats were injected with (13)C-glucose and de novo synthesis of lactate, and glutamine in the brain was quantified using (13)C nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (NMR). Total brain lactate, glutamine, and osmolytes were measured using (1)H NMR or high performance liquid chromatography. To further define the interplay between lactate, glutamine and brain edema, BDL rats were treated with AST-120 (engineered activated carbon microspheres) and dichloroacetate (DCA: lactate synthesis inhibitor). RESULTS Significant increases in de novo synthesis of lactate (1.6-fold, p<0.001) and glutamine (2.2-fold, p<0.01) were demonstrated in the brains of BDL rats vs. SHAM-operated controls. Moreover, a decrease in cerebral myo-inositol (p<0.001), with no change in taurine, was found in the presence of brain edema in BDL rats vs. controls. BDL rats treated with either AST-120 or DCA showed attenuation in brain edema and brain lactate. These two treatments did not lead to similar reductions in brain glutamine. CONCLUSIONS Increased brain lactate, and not glutamine, is a primary player in the pathogenesis of brain edema in CLD. In addition, alterations in the osmoregulatory response may also be contributing factors. Our results suggest that inhibiting lactate synthesis is a new potential target for the treatment of HE.
Collapse
|
39
|
Cauli O, Llansola M, Agustí A, Rodrigo R, Hernández-Rabaza V, Rodrigues TB, López-Larrubia P, Cerdán S, Felipo V. Cerebral oedema is not responsible for motor or cognitive deficits in rats with hepatic encephalopathy. Liver Int 2014; 34:379-87. [PMID: 23869990 DOI: 10.1111/liv.12258] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2013] [Accepted: 06/12/2013] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS Low-grade cytotoxic oedema is considered a main contributor to the neurological (motor and cognitive) alterations in patients with hepatic encephalopathy (HE). This assumption is mainly based on studies with cultured astrocytes treated with very large ammonia concentrations or with animal models of acute liver failure with strong HE. However, the possible contribution of cerebral oedema (vasogenic or cytotoxic) to cognitive or motor alterations in chronic mild HE has not been demonstrated. The aim of this work was to assess whether cerebral oedema contributes to cognitive and/or motor alterations in rats with chronic mild HE. METHODS Motor activity and coordination and different types of learning and memory were assessed in rats with porta-caval shunts (PCS). Brain oedema was assessed by gravimetry in cerebellum and cortex and apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) by magnetic resonance in 16 areas. RESULTS Four weeks after surgery, PCS rats show reduced motor activity and coordination, impaired ability to learn a conditional discrimination task in the Y maze and reduced spatial memory in the Morris water maze. PCS rats did not show increased brain water content at 4 or 10 weeks or changes in ADC at 4 weeks. At 10 weeks, increased ADC in some areas is compatible with vasogenic but not cytotoxic oedema. CONCLUSION Cerebral oedema is not involved in motor and cognitive alterations in rats (and likely in humans) with mild HE. Proper understanding of the mechanisms responsible for the neurological alterations in HE is necessary to design efficient treatments.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Omar Cauli
- Laboratory of Neurobiology, Centro Investigación Príncipe Felipe, Valencia, Spain
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
40
|
Segawa S, Nishiura T, Furuta T, Ohsato Y, Tani M, Nishida K, Nagasawa K. Zinc is released by cultured astrocytes as a gliotransmitter under hypoosmotic stress-loaded conditions and regulates microglial activity. Life Sci 2013; 94:137-44. [PMID: 24252316 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2013.11.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2013] [Revised: 10/22/2013] [Accepted: 11/07/2013] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
AIM Astrocytes contribute to the maintenance of brain homeostasis via the release of gliotransmitters such as ATP and glutamate. Here we examined whether zinc was released from astrocytes under stress-loaded conditions, and was involved in the regulation of microglial activity as a gliotransmitter. MAIN METHODS Hypoosmotic stress was loaded to astrocytes using balanced salt solution prepared to 214-314 mOsmol/L, and then intra- and extra-cellular zinc levels were assessed using Newport Green DCF diacetate (NG) and ICP-MS, respectively. Microglial activation by the astrocytic supernatant was assessed by their morphological changes and poly(ADP-ribose) (PAR) polymer accumulation. KEY FINDINGS Exposure of astrocytes to hypoosmotic buffer, increased the extracellular ATP level in osmolarity-dependent manners, indicating a load of hypoosmotic stress. In hypoosmotic stress-loaded astrocytes, there were apparent increases in the intra- and extra-cellular zinc levels. Incubation of microglia in the astrocytic conditioned medium transformed them into the activated "amoeboid" form and induced PAR formation. Administration of an extracellular zinc chelator, CaEDTA, to the astrocytic conditioned medium almost completely prevented the microglial activation. Treatment of astrocytes with an intracellular zinc chelator, TPEN, suppressed the hypoosmotic stress-increased intracellular, but not the extracellular, zinc level, and the increase in the intracellular zinc level was blocked partially by a nitric oxide synthase inhibitor, but not by CaEDTA, indicating that the mechanisms underlying the increases in the intra- and extra-cellular zinc levels might be different. SIGNIFICANCE These findings suggest that under hypoosmotic stress-loaded conditions, zinc is released from astrocytes and then plays a primary role in microglial activation as a gliotransmitter.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shohei Segawa
- Department of Environmental Biochemistry, Kyoto Pharmaceutical University, 5 Nakauchi-cho, Misasagi, Yamashina-ku, Kyoto 607-8414, Japan
| | - Takeshi Nishiura
- Department of Environmental Biochemistry, Kyoto Pharmaceutical University, 5 Nakauchi-cho, Misasagi, Yamashina-ku, Kyoto 607-8414, Japan
| | - Takahiro Furuta
- Department of Environmental Biochemistry, Kyoto Pharmaceutical University, 5 Nakauchi-cho, Misasagi, Yamashina-ku, Kyoto 607-8414, Japan
| | - Yuki Ohsato
- Department of Environmental Biochemistry, Kyoto Pharmaceutical University, 5 Nakauchi-cho, Misasagi, Yamashina-ku, Kyoto 607-8414, Japan
| | - Misaki Tani
- Department of Environmental Biochemistry, Kyoto Pharmaceutical University, 5 Nakauchi-cho, Misasagi, Yamashina-ku, Kyoto 607-8414, Japan
| | - Kentaro Nishida
- Department of Environmental Biochemistry, Kyoto Pharmaceutical University, 5 Nakauchi-cho, Misasagi, Yamashina-ku, Kyoto 607-8414, Japan
| | - Kazuki Nagasawa
- Department of Environmental Biochemistry, Kyoto Pharmaceutical University, 5 Nakauchi-cho, Misasagi, Yamashina-ku, Kyoto 607-8414, Japan.
| |
Collapse
|
41
|
Luo M, Li L, Yang EN, Dai CY, Liang SR, Cao WK. Correlation between interleukin-6 and ammonia in patients with overt hepatic encephalopathy due to cirrhosis. Clin Res Hepatol Gastroenterol 2013; 37:384-90. [PMID: 23084463 DOI: 10.1016/j.clinre.2012.08.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2012] [Revised: 07/12/2012] [Accepted: 08/08/2012] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Previous studies have shown that elevated serum levels of interleukin-6 (IL-6) correlate with the severity of overt hepatic encephalopathy (OHE) in cirrhotic patients. However, the correlation between serum IL-6 levels and plasma ammonia levels in these patients remains unclear. Therefore, the present study investigated this correlation between both variables in cirrhotic patients with OHE. METHODS Fifty-five cirrhotic patients with various grades of OHE, 29 cirrhotic patients without OHE, and 30 healthy controls were recruited. Concentrations of plasma ammonia and serum IL-6 were simultaneously measured. RESULTS In cirrhotic patients with OHE, the severity of OHE, represented by the West Haven criteria, correlated with serum IL-6 levels (r=0.43, P<0.05) and plasma ammonia levels (r=0.59, P<0.05). IL-6 and ammonia were found to be significant independent predictors of OHE severity (P<0.05 for both variables). Furthermore, the severity of liver cirrhosis, determined by Child-Pugh scores, correlated with serum IL-6 levels (r=0.45, P<0.05) and plasma ammonia levels (r=0.68, P<0.05) in these patients. Moreover, there was a significant positive correlation between serum IL-6 levels and plasma ammonia levels (r=0.58, P<0.05) in cirrhotic patients with OHE, but not in patients without OHE (r=0.42, P>0.05) or healthy controls (r=0.27, P>0.05). The correlation between IL-6 and ammonia was independent of infectious precipitating factors. CONCLUSIONS The results of the present study suggest that IL-6 might be involved in the mechanism by which ammonia contributes to the pathogenesis of OHE. There is also evidence of a potential synergistic interaction between proinflammatory cytokines and ammonia in the pathogenesis of OHE.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ming Luo
- Graduate School, Tianjin Medical University, No. 81 mailbox, 22, Qixiangtai Road, Heping District, 300070 Tianjin, China.
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
42
|
Zheng G, Zhang LJ, Zhong J, Wang Z, Qi R, Shi D, Lu GM. Cerebral blood flow measured by arterial-spin labeling MRI: a useful biomarker for characterization of minimal hepatic encephalopathy in patients with cirrhosis. Eur J Radiol 2013; 82:1981-8. [PMID: 23849331 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejrad.2013.06.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2013] [Revised: 05/30/2013] [Accepted: 06/03/2013] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE To investigate the role of arterial-spin labeling (ASL) MRI to non-invasively characterize the patterns of cerebral blood flow (CBF) changes in cirrhotic patients and to assess the potential of ASL MRI to characterize minimal hepatic encephalopathy (MHE). MATERIALS AND METHODS This study was approved by the local ethics committee, and written informed consent was obtained from all participants. Thirty six cirrhosis patients without overt hepatic encephalopathy (16 MHE patients and 20 non hepatic encephalopathy (non-HE) patients) and 25 controls underwent ASL MRI, and CBF was measured for each subject. One-way ANOCOVA test with age and gender as covariences was used to compare CBF difference among three groups, and post hoc analysis was performed between each two groups. Region-based correlation analysis was applied between Child-Pugh score, venous blood ammonia level, neuropsychological tests and CBF values in cirrhosis patients. Receiver operator characteristic (ROC) analysis was used for assessing CBF measurements in ASL MRI to differentiate MHE from non-HE patients. RESULTS The gray matter CBF of MHE patients (71.09 ± 11.88 mL min(-1)100g(-1)) was significantly higher than that of non-HE patients (55.28 ± 12.30 mL min(-1)100g(-1), P<0.01) and controls (52.09 ± 9.27 mL min(-1)100g(-1), P<0.001). Voxel-wise ANOCOVA results showed that CBFs were significantly different among three groups in multiple gray matter areas (P<0.05, Bonferroni corrected). Post hoc comparisons showed that CBF of these brain regions was increased in MHE patients compared with controls and non-HE patients (P<0.05, Bonferroni corrected). CBF of the right putamen was of the highest sensitivity (93.8%) and moderate specificity (75.0%) for characterization of MHE when using the cutoff value of 50.57 mL min(-1)100g(-1). CBFs in the bilateral median cingulate gyri, left supramarginal gyrus, right angular gyrus, right heschl gyrus and right superior temporal gyrus have both sensitivity and specificity of approximately 80% for the diagnosis of MHE. CONCLUSION Higher CBF was found in many brain regions in cirrhotic patients than controls and gradually increased with the progress of disease. CBF measured with ASL MRI can be a useful marker for differentiating MHE from non-HE patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gang Zheng
- Department of Medical Imaging, Jinling Hospital, Clinical School of Medical College, Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210002, China; College of Civil Aviation, Nanjing University of Aeronautics and Astronautics, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210016, China
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
43
|
Chavez-Tapia NC, Cesar-Arce A, Barrientos-Gutiérrez T, Villegas-López FA, Méndez-Sanchez N, Uribe M. A systematic review and meta-analysis of the use of oral zinc in the treatment of hepatic encephalopathy. Nutr J 2013; 12:74. [PMID: 23742732 PMCID: PMC3689058 DOI: 10.1186/1475-2891-12-74] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2012] [Accepted: 06/04/2013] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Background and aim Because low serum zinc levels precipitate hepatic encephalopathy, zinc supplementation is considered a potential therapeutic option. The aim of this study was to assess the effects of oral zinc supplementation in the treatment of hepatic encephalopathy. Methods For this systematic review and meta-analysis, data sources included electronic databases (CENTRAL, MEDLINE, EMBASE) and manual searching. Randomized clinical trials of adult patients diagnosed with liver cirrhosis and hepatic encephalopathy were included. The types of interventions considered were any oral zinc supplementation versus no intervention, placebo, or other interventions for the management of hepatic encephalopathy. The data were analyzed by calculating the RR for each trial and expressing the uncertainty as 95% CI. Continuous data were analyzed by calculating the standard mean differences (SMD) between groups within each trial and their 95% CI. Statistical heterogeneity was defined as a P-value > 0.10 (χ2) or I2 > 25%. Results Four trials with a total of 233 patients were included. Oral zinc supplementation was associated with a significant improvement in performance on the number connection test (SMD –0.62; 95% CI –1.12 to –0.11) reported in three trials (n = 189), but not with encephalopathy recurrence reduction (RR 0.64; 95% CI 0.26 to 1.59) reported in two trials (n = 169). Other clinically significant outcomes (mortality, liver related morbidity, quality of life) were not reported. Conclusion Oral zinc supplementation improved performance on the number connection test, but no evidence about other clinical or biochemical outcomes was available.
Collapse
|
44
|
Drolz A, Jäger B, Wewalka M, Saxa R, Horvatits T, Roedl K, Perkmann T, Zauner C, Kramer L, Ferenci P, Fuhrmann V. Clinical impact of arterial ammonia levels in ICU patients with different liver diseases. Intensive Care Med 2013; 39:1227-37. [DOI: 10.1007/s00134-013-2926-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2012] [Accepted: 04/03/2013] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
|
45
|
McPhail MJW, Leech R, Grover VPB, Fitzpatrick JA, Dhanjal NS, Crossey MME, Pflugrad H, Saxby BK, Wesnes K, Dresner MA, Waldman AD, Thomas HC, Taylor-Robinson SD. Modulation of neural activation following treatment of hepatic encephalopathy. Neurology 2013; 80:1041-7. [PMID: 23427320 DOI: 10.1212/wnl.0b013e31828726e1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To measure changes in psychometric state, neural activation, brain volume (BV), and cerebral metabolite concentrations during treatment of minimal hepatic encephalopathy. METHODS As proof of principle, 22 patients with well-compensated, biopsy-proven cirrhosis of differing etiology and previous minimal hepatic encephalopathy were treated with oral l-ornithine l-aspartate for 4 weeks. Baseline and 4-week clinical review, blood chemistry, and psychometric evaluation (Psychometric Hepatic Encephalopathy Score and Cognitive Drug Research Score) were performed. Whole-brain volumetric and functional MRI was conducted using a highly simplistic visuomotor task, together with proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy of the basal ganglia. Treatment-related changes in regional BV and neural activation change (blood oxygenation level dependent) were assessed. RESULTS Although there was no change in clinical, biochemical state, basal ganglia magnetic resonance spectroscopy, or in regional BV, there were significant improvements in Cognitive Drug Research Score (+1.2, p = 0.003) and Psychometric Hepatic Encephalopathy Score (+1.5, p = 0.003) with treatment. This cognitive amelioration was accompanied by changes in blood oxygenation level-dependent activation in the posterior cingulate and ventral medial prefrontal cortex, 2 regions that form part of the brain's structural and metabolic core. In addition, there was evidence of greater visual cortex activation. CONCLUSIONS These structurally interconnected regions all showed increased function after successful encephalopathy treatment. Because no regional change in BV was observed, this implies that mechanisms unrelated to astrocyte volume regulation were involved in the significant improvement in cognitive performance.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mark J W McPhail
- Hepatology & Gastroenterology Section, Division of Diabetes, Endocrinology & Metabolism, Department of Medicine, St. Mary's Hospital Campus, Imperial College London, UK
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
46
|
Bosoi CR, Rose CF. Brain edema in acute liver failure and chronic liver disease: similarities and differences. Neurochem Int 2013; 62:446-57. [PMID: 23376027 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuint.2013.01.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2012] [Revised: 01/11/2013] [Accepted: 01/16/2013] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Hepatic encephalopathy (HE) is a complex neuropsychiatric syndrome that typically develops as a result of acute liver failure or chronic liver disease. Brain edema is a common feature associated with HE. In acute liver failure, brain edema contributes to an increase in intracranial pressure, which can fatally lead to brain stem herniation. In chronic liver disease, intracranial hypertension is rarely observed, even though brain edema may be present. This discrepancy in the development of intracranial hypertension in acute liver failure versus chronic liver disease suggests that brain edema plays a different role in relation to the onset of HE. Furthermore, the pathophysiological mechanisms involved in the development of brain edema in acute liver failure and chronic liver disease are dissimilar. This review explores the types of brain edema, the cells, and pathogenic factors involved in its development, while emphasizing the differences in acute liver failure versus chronic liver disease. The implications of brain edema developing as a neuropathological consequence of HE, or as a cause of HE, are also discussed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Cristina R Bosoi
- Neuroscience Research Unit, Hôpital Saint-Luc (CRCHUM), Université de Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | | |
Collapse
|
47
|
Factors related to quality of life in patients with cirrhosis and ascites: relevance of serum sodium concentration and leg edema. J Hepatol 2012; 57:1199-206. [PMID: 22824819 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhep.2012.07.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 94] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2012] [Revised: 06/26/2012] [Accepted: 07/11/2012] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS Hyponatremia is common in patients with cirrhosis and ascites and is associated with significant neurological disturbances. However, its potential effect on health-related quality of life (HRQL) in cirrhosis has not been investigated. We aimed at assessing the relationship between serum sodium concentration and other clinical and analytical parameters on HRQL in cirrhosis with ascites. METHODS A total of 523 patients with cirrhosis and ascites were prospectively investigated. Assessment of HRQL was done with the Medical Outcomes Study Short-Form 36 (SF-36) questionnaire, which is divided into 8 domains, summarized in two components: physical component score (PCS) and mental component score (MCS). Demographic, clinical, and analytical data at baseline were analyzed for their relationship with HRQL. RESULTS In multivariate analysis, independent predictive factors associated with an impaired PCS were non-alcoholic etiology of cirrhosis, severe ascites, history of previous episodes of hepatic encephalopathy and falls, presence of leg edema, and low serum sodium concentration. With respect to MCS, only two factors were associated with the independent predictive value: low serum sodium concentration and treatment with lactulose or lactitol. In both components, the scores decreased in parallel with the reduction in serum sodium concentration. Variables more commonly associated with the independent predictive value in the individual 8 domains of PCS and MCS were presence of leg edema and serum sodium concentration, 7 and 6 domains, respectively. CONCLUSIONS Serum sodium concentration and presence of leg edema are major factors of the impaired HRQL in patients with cirrhosis and ascites.
Collapse
|
48
|
Luo M, Li L, Yang EN, Cao WK. Relationship between interleukin-6 and ammonia in patients with minimal hepatic encephalopathy due to liver cirrhosis. Hepatol Res 2012; 42:1202-10. [PMID: 22646055 DOI: 10.1111/j.1872-034x.2012.01047.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
AIM Previous studies have shown significantly elevated levels of interleukin (IL)-6 in cirrhotic patients with minimal hepatic encephalopathy (MHE), but the relationship between circulating levels of IL-6 and ammonia is unclear. The aim of this study is to investigate the relationship between both variables in cirrhotic patients with MHE. METHODS Psychometric tests including number connection test part A (NCT-A) and digit symbol test (DST) were performed to diagnose MHE in 85 cirrhotic patients. Simultaneously, circulating levels of IL-6 and ammonia were measured. RESULTS Thirty-two (37.6%) cirrhotic patients were diagnosed with MHE. IL-6 and ammonia were the independent predictors of the presence of MHE (P < 0.05 for both variables). Circulating levels of IL-6 and ammonia correlated with the severity of MHE represented by results of NCT-A (r = 0.56, P < 0.05 and r = 0.39, P < 0.05, respectively) and DST (r = -0.48, P < 0.05 and r = -0.47, P < 0.05, respectively). Moreover, there was a significant correlation between circulating levels of IL-6 and those of ammonia in patients with MHE (r = 0.61, P < 0.05), and a positive additive interaction was found between IL-6 and ammonia on the presence of MHE, with a significant synergy index of 1.51 (95% confidence interval = 1.12-3.46). CONCLUSION The present study demonstrates a significant correlation and a positive additive interaction between IL-6 and ammonia in cirrhotic patients with MHE, suggesting that IL-6 may have a potential synergistic relationship with ammonia in the induction of MHE.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ming Luo
- Graduate School, Tianjin Medical University Graduate School, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine Tianjin Liver Disease Institute, Tianjin Infectious Disease Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
49
|
Kappus MR, Bajaj JS. Covert hepatic encephalopathy: not as minimal as you might think. Clin Gastroenterol Hepatol 2012; 10:1208-19. [PMID: 22728384 DOI: 10.1016/j.cgh.2012.05.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2012] [Revised: 05/30/2012] [Accepted: 05/31/2012] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Hepatic encephalopathy (HE) is a serious neuropsychiatric and neurocognitive complication of acute and chronic liver disease. Symptoms are often overt (confusion, disorientation, ataxia, or coma) but can also be subtle (difficulty with cognitive abilities such as executive decision-making and psychomotor speed). There is consensus that HE is characterized as a spectrum of neuropsychiatric symptoms in the absence of brain disease, ranging from overt HE (OHE) to minimal HE (MHE). The West Haven Criteria are most often used to grade HE, with scores ranging from 0-4 (4 being coma). However, it is a challenge to diagnose patients with MHE or grade 1 HE; it might be practical to combine these entities and name them covert HE for clinical use. The severity of HE is associated with the stage of liver disease. Although the pathologic mechanisms of HE are not well understood, they are believed to involve increased levels of ammonia and inflammation, which lead to low-grade cerebral edema. A diagnosis of MHE requires dedicated psychometric tests and neurophysiological techniques rather than a simple clinical assessment. Although these tests can be difficult to perform in practice, they are cost effective and important; the disorder affects patients' quality of life, socioeconomic status, and driving ability and increases their risk for falls and the development of OHE. Patients with MHE are first managed by excluding other causes of neurocognitive dysfunction. Therapy with gut-specific agents might be effective. We review management strategies and important areas of research for MHE and covert HE.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Matthew R Kappus
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, Virginia Commonwealth University and McGuire VA Medical Center, Richmond, Virginia 23249, USA
| | | |
Collapse
|
50
|
Abstract
Hepatic encephalopathy (HE) is a serious neuropsychiatric complication of both acute and chronic liver diseases. Symptoms of HE can include confusion, disorientation, poor coordination, and even coma. The pathogenesis of HE was thought to involve the increase in blood levels of ammonia, which increases the intracellular levels of glutamine, promotes calcium influx and initiates oxidative stress, destroys the function of mitochondria, disrupts energy metabolism and causes inflammation, destroys blood brain barrier, increases the water permeability of brain endothelial cells and astrocytes, and then induces brain edema. While, inflammation, in turn, raises the ammonia levels in the brain, which is toxic to the central nervous system. Manganese is an important component which participates in the above processes. A general consensus exists that the synergistic effects of excess ammonia and inflammation cause astrocyte swelling and cerebral edema; however, the precise molecular mechanisms that lead to these morphological changes in the brain are unclear. This article will summarize the research progress in understanding the pathogenesis of HE.
Collapse
|