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Lange EC, Rampelotto PH, Longo L, de Freitas LBR, Uribe-Cruz C, Alvares-da-Silva MR. Ornithine aspartate effects on bacterial composition and metabolic pathways in a rat model of steatotic liver disease. World J Hepatol 2024; 16:832-842. [PMID: 38818297 PMCID: PMC11135274 DOI: 10.4254/wjh.v16.i5.832] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2023] [Revised: 02/02/2024] [Accepted: 03/05/2024] [Indexed: 05/22/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Metabolic-dysfunction associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) is a hepatic manifestation of metabolic syndrome. Studies suggest ornithine aspartate (LOLA) as drug therapy. AIM To analyze the influence of LOLA intake on gut microbiota using a nutritional model of MASLD. METHODS Adult male Sprague Dawley rats were randomized into three groups: Control (10 rats fed with a standard diet), MASLD (10 rats fed with a high-fat and choline-deficient diet), and LOLA (10 rats receiving 200 mg/kg/d LOLA, after the 16th week receiving high-fat and choline-deficient diet). After 28 wk of the experiment, animals were euthanized, and feces present in the intestine were collected. Following fecal DNA extraction, the V4 region of the 16S rRNA gene was amplified followed by sequencing in an Ion S5™ system. RESULTS Alpha and beta diversity metrics were comparable between MASLD and LOLA. 3 OTUs were differentially abundant between MASLD and LOLA, which belong to the species Helicobacter rodentium, Parabacteroides goldsteinii, and Parabacteroides distasonis. The functional prediction provided two different metabolic profiles between MASLD and LOLA. The 9 pathways differentially abundant in MASLD are related to a change in energy source, adenosine/purine nucleotides degradation as well as guanosine and adenosine deoxyribonucleotides biosynthesis. The 14 pathways differentially abundant in LOLA are associated with four major metabolic functions primarily influenced by L-aspartate, including tricarboxylic acid cycle pathways, purine/guanosine nucleotides biosynthesis, pyrimidine ribonucleotides biosynthesis and salvage as well as lipid IVA biosynthesis. CONCLUSION Although LOLA had no influence on alpha and beta diversity in this nutritional model of MASLD, it was associated with changes in specific gut microbes and their related metabolic pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisa Carolina Lange
- Experimental Laboratory of Hepatology and Gastroenterology, Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre, Porto Alegre 90035-007, Brazil
- Graduate Program in Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre 90035-007, Brazil
| | - Pabulo Henrique Rampelotto
- Experimental Laboratory of Hepatology and Gastroenterology, Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre, Porto Alegre 90035-007, Brazil
- Bioinformatics and Biostatistics Core Facility, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre 91501-970, Brazil
- Graduate Program in Biological Sciences: Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre 90035-007, Brazil
| | - Larisse Longo
- Experimental Laboratory of Hepatology and Gastroenterology, Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre, Porto Alegre 90035-007, Brazil
- Graduate Program in Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre 90035-007, Brazil
| | - Laura Bainy Rodrigues de Freitas
- Experimental Laboratory of Hepatology and Gastroenterology, Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre, Porto Alegre 90035-007, Brazil
| | - Carolina Uribe-Cruz
- Experimental Laboratory of Hepatology and Gastroenterology, Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre, Porto Alegre 90035-007, Brazil
- Graduate Program in Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre 90035-007, Brazil
- Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad Católica de las Misiones, Posadas, Misiones 3300, Argentina
| | - Mario Reis Alvares-da-Silva
- Experimental Laboratory of Hepatology and Gastroenterology, Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre, Porto Alegre 90035-007, Brazil
- Graduate Program in Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre 90035-007, Brazil
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre, Porto Alegre 90035-007, RS, Brazil
- Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq) researcher, Brasília 71605-001, Brazil.
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Singh J, Ibrahim B, Han SH. Nontraditional Treatment of Hepatic Encephalopathy. Clin Liver Dis 2024; 28:297-315. [PMID: 38548441 DOI: 10.1016/j.cld.2024.01.007] [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
The pathophysiology of hepatic encephalopathy (HE) is complex, with hyperammonemia playing a central role in its development. Traditional therapies for HE have targeted ammonia and include medications such as lactulose and rifaximin. Although these agents are considered standard of care, nontraditional treatments seek to affect other factors in the pathogenesis of HE. Finally, procedural therapies include albumin dialysis, shunt closure, and the ultimate cure for HE, which is liver transplant. The treatments discussed provide alternative options for patients who have failed standard of care. However, more high-quality studies are needed to routinely recommend many of these agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jasleen Singh
- Department of Medicine, University of California at Los Angeles; Los Angeles, CA, USA.
| | - Brittney Ibrahim
- Department of Surgery, University of California at Los Angeles; Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Steven-Huy Han
- Department of Medicine, University of California at Los Angeles; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Department of Surgery, University of California at Los Angeles; Los Angeles, CA, USA
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Canbay A, Götze O, Kucukoglu O, Weinert S, Croner RS, Baars T, Özçürümez MK, Gieseler RK. l-Ornithine-l-Aspartate (LOLA) Normalizes Metabolic Parameters in Models of Steatosis, Insulin Resistance and Metabolic Syndrome. Pharmaceutics 2024; 16:506. [PMID: 38675168 PMCID: PMC11054838 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics16040506] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2023] [Revised: 02/20/2024] [Accepted: 04/04/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
l-Ornithine- l-aspartate (LOLA) reduces toxic ammonium (NH3) plasma levels in hepatic encephalopathy. NH3 detoxification/excretion is achieved by its incorporation into urea and glutamine via activation of carbamoyl phosphate synthetase 1 (CSP1) by l-ornithine and stimulation of arginase by l-aspartate. We aimed at identifying additional molecular targets of LOLA as a potential treatment option for non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). In primary hepatocytes from NAFLD patients, urea cycle enzymes CSP1 and ornithine transcarbamylase (OTC) increase, while the catabolism of branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs) decreases with disease severity. In contrast, LOLA increased the expression rates of the BCAA enzyme transcripts bcat2, bckdha, and bckdk. In untreated HepG2 hepatoblastoma cells and HepG2-based models of steatosis, insulin resistance, and metabolic syndrome (the latter for the first time established herein), LOLA reduced the release of NH3; beneficially modulated the expression of genes related to fatty acid import/transport (cd36, cpt1), synthesis (fasn, scd1, ACC1), and regulation (srbf1); reduced cellular ATP and acetyl-CoA; and favorably modulated the expression of master regulators/genes of energy balance/mitochondrial biogenesis (AMPK-α, pgc1α). Moreover, LOLA reconstituted the depolarized mitochondrial membrane potential, while retaining mitochondrial integrity and avoiding induction of superoxide production. Most effects were concentration-dependent at ≤40 mM LOLA. We demonstrate for l-ornithine-l-aspartate a broad range of reconstituting effects on metabolic carriers and targets of catabolism/energy metabolism impaired in NAFLD. These findings strongly advocate further investigations to establish LOLA as a safe, efficacious, and cost-effective basic medication for preventing and/or alleviating NAFLD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ali Canbay
- Department of Internal Medicine, University Hospital, Knappschaftskrankenhaus, Ruhr University Bochum, 44892 Bochum, Germany (T.B.); (M.K.Ö.)
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Infectious Diseases, Medical Faculty, Otto-von-Guericke University, 39120 Magdeburg, Germany;
| | - Oliver Götze
- Department of Internal Medicine, University Hospital, Knappschaftskrankenhaus, Ruhr University Bochum, 44892 Bochum, Germany (T.B.); (M.K.Ö.)
| | - Ozlem Kucukoglu
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Infectious Diseases, Medical Faculty, Otto-von-Guericke University, 39120 Magdeburg, Germany;
| | - Sönke Weinert
- Department of Cardiology, Medical Faculty, Otto-von-Guericke University Magdeburg, 39120 Magdeburg, Germany;
| | - Roland S. Croner
- Department of General, Visceral, Vascular and Transplantation Surgery, Medical Faculty, Otto-von-Guericke University, 39120 Magdeburg, Germany;
| | - Theodor Baars
- Department of Internal Medicine, University Hospital, Knappschaftskrankenhaus, Ruhr University Bochum, 44892 Bochum, Germany (T.B.); (M.K.Ö.)
| | - Mustafa K. Özçürümez
- Department of Internal Medicine, University Hospital, Knappschaftskrankenhaus, Ruhr University Bochum, 44892 Bochum, Germany (T.B.); (M.K.Ö.)
| | - Robert K. Gieseler
- Department of Internal Medicine, University Hospital, Knappschaftskrankenhaus, Ruhr University Bochum, 44892 Bochum, Germany (T.B.); (M.K.Ö.)
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Moedas MF, Simões RJM, Silva MFB. Mitochondrial targets in hyperammonemia: Addressing urea cycle function to improve drug therapies. Biochem Pharmacol 2024; 222:116034. [PMID: 38307136 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2024.116034] [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] [Received: 10/28/2023] [Revised: 12/27/2023] [Accepted: 01/25/2024] [Indexed: 02/04/2024]
Abstract
The urea cycle (UC) is a critically important metabolic process for the disposal of nitrogen (ammonia) produced by amino acids catabolism. The impairment of this liver-specific pathway induced either by primary genetic defects or by secondary causes, namely those associated with hepatic disease or drug administration, may result in serious clinical consequences. Urea cycle disorders (UCD) and certain organic acidurias are the major groups of inherited rare diseases manifested with hyperammonemia (HA) with UC dysregulation. Importantly, several commonly prescribed drugs, including antiepileptics in monotherapy or polytherapy from carbamazepine to valproic acid or specific antineoplastic agents such as asparaginase or 5-fluorouracil may be associated with HA by mechanisms not fully elucidated. HA, disclosing an imbalance between ammoniagenesis and ammonia disposal via the UC, can evolve to encephalopathy which may lead to significant morbidity and central nervous system damage. This review will focus on biochemical mechanisms related with HA emphasizing some poorly understood perspectives behind the disruption of the UC and mitochondrial energy metabolism, namely: i) changes in acetyl-CoA or NAD+ levels in subcellular compartments; ii) post-translational modifications of key UC-related enzymes, namely acetylation, potentially affecting their catalytic activity; iii) the mitochondrial sirtuins-mediated role in ureagenesis. Moreover, the main UCD associated with HA will be summarized to highlight the relevance of investigating possible genetic mutations to account for unexpected HA during certain pharmacological therapies. The ammonia-induced effects should be avoided or overcome as part of safer therapeutic strategies to protect patients under treatment with drugs that may be potentially associated with HA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco F Moedas
- Research Institute for Medicines-iMed.ULisboa, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Prof. Gama Pinto, 1649-003 Lisboa, Portugal; Centre for Inherited Metabolic Diseases, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden; Department of Medical Biochemistry and Biophysics, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Ricardo J M Simões
- Research Institute for Medicines-iMed.ULisboa, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Prof. Gama Pinto, 1649-003 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Margarida F B Silva
- Research Institute for Medicines-iMed.ULisboa, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Prof. Gama Pinto, 1649-003 Lisboa, Portugal.
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Shang G, Niu X, Tong Q, Zhao Y, Yin J, Zhou X, Xu J, Cao Y, Cheng F, Bao B, Li Z, Yao W. Integrated metabolomic and lipidomic analysis revealed the protective mechanisms of Erzhi Wan on senescent NRK cells through BRL cells. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2024; 320:117482. [PMID: 38000520 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2023.117482] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2023] [Revised: 11/08/2023] [Accepted: 11/17/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Erzhi Wan (EZW), as a prescription of traditional Chinese medicine, has been used for tonifying the liver and kidney. Although past studies have shown that EZW has potential anti-aging effect, the mechanisms associated with cellular metabolomics and lipidomics are not fully understood. AIM OF THE STUDY This study aimed to evaluate the anti-aging effect of EZW and investigate the mechanisms associated with cellular metabolomics and lipidomics. MATERIALS AND METHODS EZW solution at dosage of 3.6 g/kg in Sprague-Dawley rats was orally administered twice a day for 7 days and serum containing EZW was then collected. NRK cell senescence model induced by D-galactose was established in vitro, and non-contact co-culture cell assay was performed between senescent NRK cells and BRL cells intervened by serum containing EZW. The anti-aging effect of EZW on NRK cells was evaluated by metabolites identification, differential metabolites screening and metabolic pathways analysis through cellular metabolomics with GC-MS and lipidomics with UHPLC-Q-Exactive Orbitrap/MS. RESULTS Serum containing EZW indicated a protective effect through intervening BRL cells in non-contact co-culture system with D-gal-induced senescent NRK cells. For metabolic profiles, 71 endogenous metabolites were identified, among which 24 significantly differential metabolites were screened as metabolomics potential biomarkers. For lipidic profiles, 64 lipid components were identified in NRK cell samples under positive ion mode, among which 24 potential biomarkers of lipids were screened, mainly including PC and PE. 127 lipid components were identified in NRK cell samples under negative ion mode, among which 59 potential biomarkers of lipids were screened, including FA, PC, PE, PI and PS. Metabolic pathway analysis demonstrated that the identified differential metabolites found mainly involved in amino acids metabolism, energy metabolism and phospholipid biosynthesis pathways. CONCLUSION Serum containing EZW exhibited protective effect on D-gal-induced senescent NRK cells through intervening BRL cells by mainly regulating amino acids metabolism, energy metabolism and phospholipid biosynthesis pathways to possess its anti-aging function, providing a theoretical basis for clinical treatment of EZW.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guanxiong Shang
- Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center of Chinese Medicinal Resources Industrialization, National and Local Collaborative Engineering Center of Chinese Medicinal Resources Industrialization and Formulae Innovative Medicine, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, China.
| | - Xuan Niu
- Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center of Chinese Medicinal Resources Industrialization, National and Local Collaborative Engineering Center of Chinese Medicinal Resources Industrialization and Formulae Innovative Medicine, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, China.
| | - Qingheng Tong
- Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center of Chinese Medicinal Resources Industrialization, National and Local Collaborative Engineering Center of Chinese Medicinal Resources Industrialization and Formulae Innovative Medicine, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, China.
| | - Yan Zhao
- Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center of Chinese Medicinal Resources Industrialization, National and Local Collaborative Engineering Center of Chinese Medicinal Resources Industrialization and Formulae Innovative Medicine, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, China.
| | - Jiu Yin
- Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center of Chinese Medicinal Resources Industrialization, National and Local Collaborative Engineering Center of Chinese Medicinal Resources Industrialization and Formulae Innovative Medicine, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, China.
| | - Xiaoqi Zhou
- Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center of Chinese Medicinal Resources Industrialization, National and Local Collaborative Engineering Center of Chinese Medicinal Resources Industrialization and Formulae Innovative Medicine, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, China.
| | - Jia Xu
- Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center of Chinese Medicinal Resources Industrialization, National and Local Collaborative Engineering Center of Chinese Medicinal Resources Industrialization and Formulae Innovative Medicine, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, China.
| | - Yudan Cao
- Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center of Chinese Medicinal Resources Industrialization, National and Local Collaborative Engineering Center of Chinese Medicinal Resources Industrialization and Formulae Innovative Medicine, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, China.
| | - Fangfang Cheng
- Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center of Chinese Medicinal Resources Industrialization, National and Local Collaborative Engineering Center of Chinese Medicinal Resources Industrialization and Formulae Innovative Medicine, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, China.
| | - Beihua Bao
- Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center of Chinese Medicinal Resources Industrialization, National and Local Collaborative Engineering Center of Chinese Medicinal Resources Industrialization and Formulae Innovative Medicine, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, China.
| | - Zhipeng Li
- Jiangsu Cancer Hospital & Jiangsu Institute of Cancer Research & the Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, 210009, China.
| | - Weifeng Yao
- Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center of Chinese Medicinal Resources Industrialization, National and Local Collaborative Engineering Center of Chinese Medicinal Resources Industrialization and Formulae Innovative Medicine, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, China.
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Sawicka-Gutaj N, Gruszczyński D, Zawalna N, Nijakowski K, Skiba A, Pochylski M, Sowiński J, Ruchała M. Safety of non-standard regimen of systemic steroid therapy in patients with Graves' orbitopathy: a single-centre experience. Pharmacol Rep 2024; 76:185-194. [PMID: 38273183 PMCID: PMC10830746 DOI: 10.1007/s43440-023-00567-0] [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] [Received: 09/07/2023] [Revised: 12/12/2023] [Accepted: 12/13/2023] [Indexed: 01/27/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Graves' orbitopathy (GO) is an autoimmune disorder of the orbit and retro-ocular tissues and the primary extrathyroidal manifestation of Graves' disease. In moderate-to-severe and active GO iv glucocorticoids (GCs) are recommended as first-line treatment. The aim was to assess the safety profile of methylprednisolone administered intravenously for three consecutive days at 1 g in patients with active, moderate-to-severe or sight-threatening Graves' orbitopathy. METHODS We retrospectively evaluated 161 medical records of patients with GO treated with high-dose systemic GCs in the Department of Endocrinology, Metabolic Disorders, and Internal Medicine in Poznań between 2014 and 2021. Clinical data included age, gender, laboratory results, activity and severity of GO, smoking status, disease duration, and presented side effects. RESULTS The presence of mild side effects was observed during 114 (71%) hospitalizations. The most common complications were hyperglycemia (n = 95) and elevated aminotransferases (n = 31). Increased levels of aminotransferases were more likely observed in smokers and GO duration above 12 months. Based on the multivariate logistic regression, higher TRAb and CAS values were significantly associated with lower odds of hyperglycemia. In turn, the increased odds of elevated aminotransferases were significantly correlated with higher initial ALT levels, female gender, and GO duration above 12 months. In addition, the multidimensional correspondence analysis (MPA) showed that GO patients who declared smoking and had not L-ornithine L-aspartate applied demonstrated a higher probability of elevated aminotransferases. CONCLUSIONS Active GO treatment with high-dose systemic GCs is not associated with serious side effects. Hyperglycemia is the most common steroid-induced complication.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nadia Sawicka-Gutaj
- Department of Endocrinology, Metabolic Disorders and Internal Medicine, Poznań University of Medical Sciences, 49 Przybyszewskiego Street, 60-355, Poznań, Poland.
| | - Dawid Gruszczyński
- Department of Endocrinology, Metabolic Disorders and Internal Medicine, Poznań University of Medical Sciences, 49 Przybyszewskiego Street, 60-355, Poznań, Poland
| | - Natalia Zawalna
- Department of Endocrinology, Metabolic Disorders and Internal Medicine, Poznań University of Medical Sciences, 49 Przybyszewskiego Street, 60-355, Poznań, Poland
| | - Kacper Nijakowski
- Department of Conservative Dentistry and Endodontics, Poznań University of Medical Sciences, Poznań, Poland
| | - Agnieszka Skiba
- Department of Endocrinology, Metabolic Disorders and Internal Medicine, Poznań University of Medical Sciences, 49 Przybyszewskiego Street, 60-355, Poznań, Poland
| | - Mateusz Pochylski
- Department of Endocrinology, Metabolic Disorders and Internal Medicine, Poznań University of Medical Sciences, 49 Przybyszewskiego Street, 60-355, Poznań, Poland
| | - Jerzy Sowiński
- Department of Endocrinology, Metabolic Disorders and Internal Medicine, Poznań University of Medical Sciences, 49 Przybyszewskiego Street, 60-355, Poznań, Poland
| | - Marek Ruchała
- Department of Endocrinology, Metabolic Disorders and Internal Medicine, Poznań University of Medical Sciences, 49 Przybyszewskiego Street, 60-355, Poznań, Poland
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Guo H, Wang G, Huang W, Li L, Bai Y, Wang H, Gao L. The Mechanism of Hepatic Encephalopathy Induced by Thioacetamide Based on Metabolomics and Proteomics: A Preliminary Study. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 25:284. [PMID: 38203455 PMCID: PMC10779174 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25010284] [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] [Received: 11/16/2023] [Revised: 12/15/2023] [Accepted: 12/20/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Hepatic encephalopathy (HE) is a central nervous system dysfunction syndrome caused by acute and chronic liver failure or various portal systemic shunt disorders. HE arises from metabolic disorder and excludes other known types of encephalopathy. HE is a major cause of death in people with liver disease. Early diagnosis and timely treatment are key to improving HE prognosis. Herein, we established a model of HE and performed metabolomics to identify 50 significantly differential metabolites between the HE group and control group. The main metabolic pathways associated with these differential metabolites were the purine metabolism, pyrimidine metabolism, aminoacyl tRNA biosynthesis, and glucose metabolism. Through proteomics analysis, we identified 226 significantly differential proteins (52 up-regulated and 174 down-regulated). The main (Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes) enrichment pathways were the Staphylococcus aureus infection, vitamin digestion and absorption, and complement and coagulation cascades. Through the conjoint analysis of proteomics and metabolomics, the differentially present proteins and metabolites were found to be involved in vitamin digestion and absorption, and ferroptosis pathways. In HE, malondialdehyde was significantly elevated, but glutathione was significantly diminished, and the redox balance was destroyed, thus leading to changes in proteins' levels associated with the ferroptosis pathway. In conclusion, this study preliminarily explored the molecular and metabolic mechanisms underlying HE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Honghui Guo
- Liaoning Province Key Laboratory of Forensic Bio-Evidence Sciences, Shenyang 110122, China; (H.G.); (W.H.)
- China Medical University Center of Forensic Investigation, Shenyang 110122, China
- Department of Forensic Analytical Toxicology, China Medical University, Shenyang 110122, China
| | - Guang Wang
- Department of Laboratory Animal Science, China Medical University, Shenyang 110122, China;
| | - Wei Huang
- Liaoning Province Key Laboratory of Forensic Bio-Evidence Sciences, Shenyang 110122, China; (H.G.); (W.H.)
- China Medical University Center of Forensic Investigation, Shenyang 110122, China
- Department of Forensic Analytical Toxicology, China Medical University, Shenyang 110122, China
| | - Lingrui Li
- Liaoning Province Key Laboratory of Forensic Bio-Evidence Sciences, Shenyang 110122, China; (H.G.); (W.H.)
- China Medical University Center of Forensic Investigation, Shenyang 110122, China
- Department of Forensic Analytical Toxicology, China Medical University, Shenyang 110122, China
| | - Yang Bai
- Liaoning Province Key Laboratory of Forensic Bio-Evidence Sciences, Shenyang 110122, China; (H.G.); (W.H.)
- China Medical University Center of Forensic Investigation, Shenyang 110122, China
- Department of Forensic Analytical Toxicology, China Medical University, Shenyang 110122, China
| | - Haifeng Wang
- Liaoning Province Key Laboratory of Forensic Bio-Evidence Sciences, Shenyang 110122, China; (H.G.); (W.H.)
- China Medical University Center of Forensic Investigation, Shenyang 110122, China
- Department of Forensic Analytical Toxicology, China Medical University, Shenyang 110122, China
| | - Lina Gao
- Liaoning Province Key Laboratory of Forensic Bio-Evidence Sciences, Shenyang 110122, China; (H.G.); (W.H.)
- China Medical University Center of Forensic Investigation, Shenyang 110122, China
- Department of Forensic Analytical Toxicology, China Medical University, Shenyang 110122, China
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Balzano T, Llansola M, Arenas YM, Izquierdo-Altarejos P, Felipo V. Hepatic encephalopathy: investigational drugs in preclinical and early phase development. Expert Opin Investig Drugs 2023; 32:1055-1069. [PMID: 37902074 DOI: 10.1080/13543784.2023.2277386] [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] [Received: 09/01/2023] [Accepted: 10/26/2023] [Indexed: 10/31/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Hepatic encephalopathy (HE) is a neuropsychiatric syndrome, in patients with liver disease, which affects life quality and span. Current treatments are lactulose or rifaximin, acting on gut microbiota. Treatments aiming ammonia levels reduction have been tested with little success. AREAS COVERED Pre-clinical research shows that the process inducing HE involves sequentially: liver failure, altered microbiome, hyperammonemia, peripheral inflammation, changes in immunophenotype and extracellular vesicles and neuroinflammation, which alters neurotransmission impairing cognitive and motor function. HE may be reversed using drugs acting at any step: modulating microbiota with probiotics or fecal transplantation; reducing peripheral inflammation with anti-TNFα, autotaxin inhibitors or silymarin; reducing neuroinflammation with sulforaphane, p38 MAP kinase or phosphodiesteras 5 inhibitors, antagonists of sphingosine-1-phosphate receptor 2, enhancing meningeal lymphatic drainage or with extracellular vesicles from mesenchymal stem cells; reducing GABAergic neurotransmission with indomethacin or golexanolone. EXPERT OPINION A factor limiting the progress of HE treatment is the lack of translation of research advances into clinical trials. Only drugs acting on microbiota or ammonia reduction have been tested in patients. It is urgent to change the mentality on how to approach HE treatment to develop clinical trials to assess drugs acting on the immune system/peripheral inflammation, neuroinflammation or neurotransmission to improve HE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tiziano Balzano
- Laboratory of Neurobiology, Centro de Investigación Príncipe Felipe, Valencia, Spain
- HM CINAC (Centro Integral de Neurociencias Abarca Campal), Hospital Universitario HM Puerta del Sur, HM Hospitales, Madrid, Spain
| | - Marta Llansola
- Laboratory of Neurobiology, Centro de Investigación Príncipe Felipe, Valencia, Spain
| | - Yaiza M Arenas
- Laboratory of Neurobiology, Centro de Investigación Príncipe Felipe, Valencia, Spain
- Departamento de Patología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Valencia, Valencia, Spain
| | | | - Vicente Felipo
- Laboratory of Neurobiology, Centro de Investigación Príncipe Felipe, Valencia, Spain
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Shawcross DL, Thabut D, Amodio P. Ammonia - an enduring foe - What evaluating whole body ammonia metabolism can teach us about cirrhosis and therapies treating hepatic encephalopathy. J Hepatol 2023:S0168-8278(23)00327-6. [PMID: 37178732 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhep.2023.04.039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2023] [Accepted: 04/27/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Debbie L Shawcross
- Institute of Liver Studies, School of Immunology and Microbial Sciences, Faculty of Life Sciences and Medicine, King's College London, 125 Coldharbour Lane, London SE5 9NU, UK; Institute of Liver Studies, King's College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, Denmark Hill, London, SE5 9RS, UK.
| | - Dominique Thabut
- Brain Liver Salpêtrière Study Group, Sorbonne Université, INSERM UMR_S 938, Centre de Recherche Saint-Antoine & Institute of Cardiometabolism and Nutrition (ICAN), Paris 75013, France; AP-HP; Sorbonne Université, Liver Intensive Care Unit, Hepatogastroenterology Department, Pitié-Salpêtrière Hospital, 47-83 Boulevard de l'Hôpital, Paris 75013, France; Sorbonne Université, Paris F-75005, France
| | - Piero Amodio
- Department of Medicine, University of Padova, Italy
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10
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Old and New Precipitants in Hepatic Encephalopathy: A New Look at a Field in Continuous Evolution. J Clin Med 2023; 12:jcm12031187. [PMID: 36769836 PMCID: PMC9917479 DOI: 10.3390/jcm12031187] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2022] [Revised: 01/30/2023] [Accepted: 01/31/2023] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatic encephalopathy (HE) is a common complication in patients with advanced liver disease. It is a brain dysfunction characterized by neurological and psychiatric symptoms that significantly affects quality of life, morbidity and mortality of patients. HE has various precipitants that can potentially promote its onset, alone or in combination. Among the historically well-known precipitants, such as infections, gastrointestinal bleeding, dehydration, electrolyte disorders and constipation, recent studies have highlighted the role of malnutrition and portosystemic shunts as new precipitating factors of HE. The identification, management and correction of these factors are fundamental for effective HE treatment, in addition to pharmacological therapy with non-absorbable disaccharides and/or antibiotics.
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11
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Ntona S, Papaefthymiou A, Kountouras J, Gialamprinou D, Kotronis G, Boziki M, Polyzos SA, Tzitiridou M, Chatzopoulos D, Thavayogarajah T, Gkolia I, Ntonas G, Vardaka E, Doulberis M. Impact of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease-related metabolic state on depression. Neurochem Int 2023; 163:105484. [PMID: 36634820 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuint.2023.105484] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2022] [Revised: 12/15/2022] [Accepted: 01/05/2023] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), also recently referred as metabolic (dysfunction)-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD), is characterized by hepatocyte steatosis in the setting of metabolic risk conditions and in the absence of an underlying precursor, for instance alcohol consumption, hepatotropic viruses and hepatotoxic drugs. A possible association between NAFLD and depression has been proposed, owing to intersecting pathophysiological pathways. This narrative review aimed to summarize the current evidence that illustrate the potential pathophysiological and clinical linkage between NAFLD-related metabolic state and depression. Prefrontal cortex lesions are suggested to be a consequence of liver steatosis-associated systematic hyperinflammatory state, a phenomenon also occurring in depression. In addition, depressive symptoms are present in neurotransmitter imbalances. These abnormalities seem to be correlated with NAFLD/MAFLD, in terms of insulin resistance (IR), ammonia and gut dysbiosis' impact on serotonin, dopamine, noradrenaline levels and gamma aminobutyric acid receptors. Furthermore, reduced levels of nesfatin-1 and copine-6-associated BDNF (brain-derived neurotrophic factor) levels have been considered as a probable link between NAFLD and depression. Regarding NAFLD-related gut dysbiosis, it stimulates mediators including lipopolysaccharides, short-chain fatty acids and bile acids, which play significant role in depression. Finally, western diet and IR, which are mainstay components of NAFLD/MAFLD, are, also, substantiated to affect neurotransmitters in hippocampus and produce neurotoxic lipids that contribute to neurologic dysfunction, and thus trigger emotional disturbances, mainly depressive symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Smaragda Ntona
- Alexandrovska University Hospital, Medical University Sofia, 1431, Sofia, Bulgaria
| | - Apostolis Papaefthymiou
- Department of Gastroenterology, University Hospital of Larisa, 41110, Mezourlo, Larissa, Thessaly, Greece; First Laboratory of Pharmacology, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54124, Thessaloniki, Macedonia, Greece; Second Medical Clinic, School of Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Ippokration Hospital, 54642, Thessaloniki, Macedonia, Greece
| | - Jannis Kountouras
- Second Medical Clinic, School of Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Ippokration Hospital, 54642, Thessaloniki, Macedonia, Greece.
| | - Dimitra Gialamprinou
- Second Medical Clinic, School of Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Ippokration Hospital, 54642, Thessaloniki, Macedonia, Greece; Second Neonatal Department and NICU, Papageorgiou General Hospital, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 56403, Thessaloniki, Macedonia, Greece
| | - Georgios Kotronis
- Second Medical Clinic, School of Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Ippokration Hospital, 54642, Thessaloniki, Macedonia, Greece; Department of Internal Medicine, General Hospital Aghios Pavlos of Thessaloniki, 55134, Thessaloniki, Macedonia, Greece
| | - Marina Boziki
- Second Neurological Department, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, AHEPA University General Hospital of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, 54636, Macedonia, Greece
| | - Stergios A Polyzos
- First Laboratory of Pharmacology, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54124, Thessaloniki, Macedonia, Greece
| | - Maria Tzitiridou
- Second Medical Clinic, School of Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Ippokration Hospital, 54642, Thessaloniki, Macedonia, Greece; School of Healthcare Sciences, Midwifery Department, University of West Macedonia, Koila, Kozani, 50100, Macedonia, Greece
| | - Dimitrios Chatzopoulos
- Second Medical Clinic, School of Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Ippokration Hospital, 54642, Thessaloniki, Macedonia, Greece
| | - Tharshika Thavayogarajah
- Department of Medical Oncology and Hematology, University Hospital and University of Zurich, 8091, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Ioanna Gkolia
- Psychiatric Hospital of Thessaloniki, 54634, Stavroupoli, Macedonia, Greece
| | - Georgios Ntonas
- Department of Anesthesiology, Agios Dimitrios General Hospital, 54635, Thessaloniki, Macedonia, Greece
| | - Elisabeth Vardaka
- Second Medical Clinic, School of Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Ippokration Hospital, 54642, Thessaloniki, Macedonia, Greece; Department of Nutritional Sciences and Dietetics, School of Health Sciences, International Hellenic University, 57400, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Michael Doulberis
- Second Medical Clinic, School of Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Ippokration Hospital, 54642, Thessaloniki, Macedonia, Greece; Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of Zurich, 8091, Zurich, Switzerland; Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Medical University Department, Kantonsspital Aarau, 5001, Aarau, Switzerland
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12
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Abstract
Hepatic encephalopathy (HE) is brain dysfunction secondary to liver insufficiency or portosystemic shunting. HE is a major burden on patients and caregivers, impairs quality of life and is associated with higher mortality. Overt HE is a clinical diagnosis while Covert HE, needs specialized diagnostic strategies. Mainstay of treatment of HE is nonabsorbable disaccharides such as lactulose as well as rifaximin; however, investigational therapies are discussed in this review. Better tools are needed to prognosticate which patients will go on to develop HE but microbiome and metabolomic-driven strategies are promising. Here we review methods to prevent the HE development and admissions.
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13
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Bell HN, Huber AK, Singhal R, Korimerla N, Rebernick RJ, Kumar R, El-Derany MO, Sajjakulnukit P, Das NK, Kerk SA, Solanki S, James JG, Kim D, Zhang L, Chen B, Mehra R, Frankel TL, Győrffy B, Fearon ER, Pasca di Magliano M, Gonzalez FJ, Banerjee R, Wahl DR, Lyssiotis CA, Green M, Shah YM. Microenvironmental ammonia enhances T cell exhaustion in colorectal cancer. Cell Metab 2023; 35:134-149.e6. [PMID: 36528023 PMCID: PMC9841369 DOI: 10.1016/j.cmet.2022.11.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 29.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2022] [Revised: 11/11/2022] [Accepted: 11/23/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Effective therapies are lacking for patients with advanced colorectal cancer (CRC). The CRC tumor microenvironment has elevated metabolic waste products due to altered metabolism and proximity to the microbiota. The role of metabolite waste in tumor development, progression, and treatment resistance is unclear. We generated an autochthonous metastatic mouse model of CRC and used unbiased multi-omic analyses to reveal a robust accumulation of tumoral ammonia. The high ammonia levels induce T cell metabolic reprogramming, increase exhaustion, and decrease proliferation. CRC patients have increased serum ammonia, and the ammonia-related gene signature correlates with altered T cell response, adverse patient outcomes, and lack of response to immune checkpoint blockade. We demonstrate that enhancing ammonia clearance reactivates T cells, decreases tumor growth, and extends survival. Moreover, decreasing tumor-associated ammonia enhances anti-PD-L1 efficacy. These findings indicate that enhancing ammonia detoxification can reactivate T cells, highlighting a new approach to enhance the efficacy of immunotherapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hannah N Bell
- Department of Molecular and Integrative Physiology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Amanda K Huber
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Rashi Singhal
- Department of Molecular and Integrative Physiology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Navyateja Korimerla
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA; University of Michigan Rogel Cancer Center, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Ryan J Rebernick
- Department of Computational Medicine and Bioinformatics, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Roshan Kumar
- Department of Biological Chemistry, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Marwa O El-Derany
- Department of Molecular and Integrative Physiology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA; Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Peter Sajjakulnukit
- Department of Molecular and Integrative Physiology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Nupur K Das
- Department of Molecular and Integrative Physiology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Samuel A Kerk
- Department of Molecular and Integrative Physiology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Sumeet Solanki
- Department of Molecular and Integrative Physiology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Jadyn G James
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Donghwan Kim
- Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Li Zhang
- Department of Molecular and Integrative Physiology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Brandon Chen
- Department of Molecular and Integrative Physiology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Rohit Mehra
- Department of Pathology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Timothy L Frankel
- Department of Surgery, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Department of Human Genetics, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Balázs Győrffy
- Department of Bioinformatics and 2(nd) Department of Pediatrics, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary; TTK Cancer Biomarker Research Group, Institute of Enzymology, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Eric R Fearon
- University of Michigan Rogel Cancer Center, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Department of Pathology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Department of Human Genetics, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Marina Pasca di Magliano
- Department of Surgery, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Department of Human Genetics, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Frank J Gonzalez
- Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Ruma Banerjee
- Department of Biological Chemistry, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Daniel R Wahl
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA; University of Michigan Rogel Cancer Center, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Costas A Lyssiotis
- Department of Molecular and Integrative Physiology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA; University of Michigan Rogel Cancer Center, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Michael Green
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA; University of Michigan Rogel Cancer Center, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Veteran's Affairs Ann Arbor Healthcare System, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Yatrik M Shah
- Department of Molecular and Integrative Physiology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA; University of Michigan Rogel Cancer Center, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.
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14
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Xiong J, Luu TTT, Venkatachalam K, Du G, Zhu MX. Glutamine Produces Ammonium to Tune Lysosomal pH and Regulate Lysosomal Function. Cells 2022; 12:cells12010080. [PMID: 36611873 PMCID: PMC9819001 DOI: 10.3390/cells12010080] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2022] [Revised: 12/21/2022] [Accepted: 12/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Glutamine is one of the most abundant amino acids in the cell. In mitochondria, glutaminases 1 and 2 (GLS1/2) hydrolyze glutamine to glutamate, which serves as the precursor of multiple metabolites. Here, we show that ammonium generated during GLS1/2-mediated glutaminolysis regulates lysosomal pH and in turn lysosomal degradation. In primary human skin fibroblasts BJ cells and mouse embryonic fibroblasts, deprivation of total amino acids for 1 h increased lysosomal degradation capacity as shown by the increased turnover of lipidated microtubule-associated proteins 1A/1B light chain 3B (LC3-II), several autophagic receptors, and endocytosed DQ-BSA. Removal of glutamine but not any other amino acids from the culture medium enhanced lysosomal degradation similarly as total amino acid starvation. The presence of glutamine in regular culture media increased lysosomal pH by >0.5 pH unit and the removal of glutamine caused lysosomal acidification. GLS1/2 knockdown, GLS1 antagonist, or ammonium scavengers reduced lysosomal pH in the presence of glutamine. The addition of glutamine or NH4Cl prevented the increase in lysosomal degradation and curtailed the extension of mTORC1 function during the early time period of amino acid starvation. Our findings suggest that glutamine tunes lysosomal pH by producing ammonium, which regulates lysosomal degradation to meet the demands of cellular activities. During the early stage of amino acid starvation, the glutamine-dependent mechanism allows more efficient use of internal reserves and endocytosed proteins to extend mTORC1 activation such that the normal anabolism is not easily interrupted by a brief disruption of the amino acid supply.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jian Xiong
- Department of Integrative Biology and Pharmacology, McGovern Medical School, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- Program in Biochemistry and Cell Biology, MD Anderson Cancer Center UTHealth Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Thi Thu Trang Luu
- Department of Integrative Biology and Pharmacology, McGovern Medical School, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- Program in Biochemistry and Cell Biology, MD Anderson Cancer Center UTHealth Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Kartik Venkatachalam
- Department of Integrative Biology and Pharmacology, McGovern Medical School, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- Program in Biochemistry and Cell Biology, MD Anderson Cancer Center UTHealth Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- Program in Neuroscience, MD Anderson Cancer Center UTHealth Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Guangwei Du
- Department of Integrative Biology and Pharmacology, McGovern Medical School, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- Program in Biochemistry and Cell Biology, MD Anderson Cancer Center UTHealth Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Michael X. Zhu
- Department of Integrative Biology and Pharmacology, McGovern Medical School, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- Program in Biochemistry and Cell Biology, MD Anderson Cancer Center UTHealth Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- Program in Neuroscience, MD Anderson Cancer Center UTHealth Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-713-5007505
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15
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Pichon C, Nachit M, Gillard J, Vande Velde G, Lanthier N, Leclercq IA. Impact of L-ornithine L-aspartate on non-alcoholic steatohepatitis-associated hyperammonemia and muscle alterations. Front Nutr 2022; 9:1051157. [PMID: 36466421 PMCID: PMC9709200 DOI: 10.3389/fnut.2022.1051157] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2022] [Accepted: 10/31/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) is the most common chronic liver disease in the world. Progression toward non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is associated with alterations of skeletal muscle. One plausible mechanism for altered muscle compartment in liver disease is changes in ammonia metabolism. In the present study, we explored the hypothesis that NASH-associated hyperammonemia drives muscle changes as well as liver disease progression. MATERIALS AND METHODS In Alms1-mutant mice (foz/foz) fed a 60% fat diet (HFD) for 12 weeks; we investigated hepatic and muscular ammonia detoxification efficiency. We then tested the effect of an 8 week-long supplementation with L-ornithine L-aspartate (LOLA), a known ammonia-lowering treatment, given after either 4 or 12 weeks of HFD for a preventive or a curative intervention, respectively. We monitored body composition, liver and muscle state by micro computed tomography (micro-CT) as well as muscle strength by four-limb grip test. RESULTS According to previous studies, 12 weeks of HFD induced NASH in all foz/foz mice. Increase of hepatic ammonia production and alterations of urea cycle efficiency were observed, leading to hyperammonemia. Concomitantly mice developed marked myosteatosis. First signs of myopenia occurred after 20 weeks of diet. Early LOLA treatment given during NASH development, but not its administration in a curative regimen, efficiently prevented myosteatosis and muscle quality, but barely impacted liver disease or, surprisingly, ammonia detoxification. CONCLUSION Our study confirms the perturbation of hepatic ammonia detoxification pathways in NASH. Results from the interventional experiments suggest a direct beneficial impact of LOLA on skeletal muscle during NASH development, though it does not improve ammonia metabolism or liver disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Camille Pichon
- Laboratory of Hepato-Gastroenterology (GAEN), Institut de Recherche Expérimentale et Clinique, Université catholique de Louvain, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Maxime Nachit
- Laboratory of Hepato-Gastroenterology (GAEN), Institut de Recherche Expérimentale et Clinique, Université catholique de Louvain, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Justine Gillard
- Laboratory of Hepato-Gastroenterology (GAEN), Institut de Recherche Expérimentale et Clinique, Université catholique de Louvain, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Greetje Vande Velde
- Department of Imaging and Pathology, Molecular Small Animal Imaging Center, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Nicolas Lanthier
- Laboratory of Hepato-Gastroenterology (GAEN), Institut de Recherche Expérimentale et Clinique, Université catholique de Louvain, Brussels, Belgium
- Service d’Hépato-Gastroentérologie, Cliniques universitaires Saint-Luc, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Isabelle A. Leclercq
- Laboratory of Hepato-Gastroenterology (GAEN), Institut de Recherche Expérimentale et Clinique, Université catholique de Louvain, Brussels, Belgium
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16
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Aboras SI, Korany MA, El-Yazbi AF, Ragab MAA, Abdine HH. In-depth investigation of the Silymarin effect on the pharmacokinetic parameters of sofosbuvir, GS-331007 and ledipasvir in rat plasma using LC-MS. Biomed Chromatogr 2022; 36:e5427. [PMID: 35708053 DOI: 10.1002/bmc.5427] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2022] [Revised: 05/09/2022] [Accepted: 06/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
The use of complementary medicine (CMD) for liver support in Hepatitis C virus (HCV) patients sometimes coincides with the administration of oral antiviral drugs to eradicate the virus. This calls for a deep investigation of CMD effects on the pharmacokinetic parameters of these drugs to ensure their safety and efficacy. Silymarin (SLY), as a CMD, was selected to be given orally to healthy male rats with sofosbuvir (SFB) and ledipasvir (LED), a common regimen in HCV treatment. A new and sensitive LC-MS method was validated for the bioassay of SLY, LED, SFB and its inactive metabolite, GS-331007, in spiked plasma with lower limits of quantitation of 10, 1, 4 and 10 ng/ml, respectively. Moreover, the method was further applied to conduct a full pharmacokinetic profile of SFB, GS-331007 and ledipasvir with and without SLY. It was found that co-administration of SLY may expose the patient to unplanned high serum concentrations of SFB and LED. This could be accompanied by a decrease in SFB efficacy, potentially leading to therapeutic failure and the emergence of viral resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara I Aboras
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Department of Pharmaceutical Analytical Chemistry, University of Alexandria, El-Messalah, Alexandria, Egypt
| | - Mohamed A Korany
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Department of Pharmaceutical Analytical Chemistry, University of Alexandria, El-Messalah, Alexandria, Egypt
| | - Ahmed F El-Yazbi
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Alexandria University, Egypt.,Faculty of Pharmacy, Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, AlAlamein International University, AlAlamein, Matrouh, Egypt
| | - Marwa A A Ragab
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Department of Pharmaceutical Analytical Chemistry, University of Alexandria, El-Messalah, Alexandria, Egypt
| | - Heba H Abdine
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Department of Pharmaceutical Analytical Chemistry, University of Alexandria, El-Messalah, Alexandria, Egypt
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17
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Datsko V, Loi H, Datsko T, Mudra A, Mykolenko A, Golovata T, Furdela M, Orel Y, Smachylo I, Burak A, Klantsa M, Oleshchuk O. Nitric oxide-mediated effects of L-ornithine-L-aspartate in acute toxic liver injury. PHARMACIA 2022. [DOI: 10.3897/pharmacia.69.e83067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
This study was aimed to investigate nitric oxide-dependent mechanisms of L-ornithine-L-aspartate (LOLA) action in acute toxic liver injury in rats. Acute hepatitis was induced in Wistar rats using 50% oil solution of tetrachloromethane (CCl4) intragastrically (2 g/kg) twice in a 24 hour interval. Intraperitoneal treatment with LOLA (200 mg/kg) was started 6 hours after the second CCl4 administration and maintained for 3 consecutive days. L-Nω-Nitroarginine Methyl Ester (L-NAME) was used intraperitoneally (10 mg/kg). In CCl4-induced hepatitis, LOLA restores the structure of hepatocytes and prevents aminotransferases, alkaline phosphatase and gamma-glutamyl transferase elevation. It decreases total bilirubin concentration but does not affect increased cholesterol level. LOLA augments urea concentration, total protein level in blood and liver as well as serum and liver content of nitrite anions. LOLA enhances activity of catalase, glutathione S-transferase, manganese superoxide dismutase, increases reduced glutathione level and total antioxidant capacity and decreases thiobarbituric acid reactive substances level. The concomitant use of L-NAME inhibits the action of LOLA to enhance nitrite anions synthesis both in serum and liver, to delay the recovery of hepatocytes, to counteract LOLA effect against blood total protein reduction, to prevent the decline in aminotransferases, alkaline phosphatase,, gamma-glutamyl transferase and glutathione S-transferase activity and to reduce catalase activity and reduced glutathione level. Therefore, in CCl4-induced hepatitis, LOLA effectively prevents cytolysis and cholestasis, improves liver metabolism and protects against oxidative stress. Partially, these changes occur in nitric oxide-mediated mechanism since the use of L-NAME declines most of LOLA effects.
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18
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Tranah TH, Shawcross DL. The rise and fall and rise again of ammonia as a therapeutic target in HE. Hepatology 2022; 75:1078-1080. [PMID: 34995377 DOI: 10.1002/hep.32319] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2022] [Accepted: 01/03/2022] [Indexed: 12/08/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Thomas H Tranah
- Institute of Liver StudiesKing's College Hospital NHS Foundation TrustLondonUK
- Department of Inflammation BiologySchool of Immunology and Microbial SciencesFaculty of Life Sciences and MedicineKing's College LondonLondonUK
| | - Debbie L Shawcross
- Institute of Liver StudiesKing's College Hospital NHS Foundation TrustLondonUK
- Department of Inflammation BiologySchool of Immunology and Microbial SciencesFaculty of Life Sciences and MedicineKing's College LondonLondonUK
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19
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Kroupina K, Bémeur C, Rose CF. Amino acids, ammonia, and hepatic encephalopathy. Anal Biochem 2022; 649:114696. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ab.2022.114696] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2021] [Revised: 03/30/2022] [Accepted: 04/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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20
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Wang ZX, Wang MY, Yang RX, Zhao ZH, Xin FZ, Li Y, Ren TY, Fan JG. Ammonia Scavenger Restores Liver and Muscle Injury in a Mouse Model of Non-alcoholic Steatohepatitis With Sarcopenic Obesity. Front Nutr 2022; 9:808497. [PMID: 35369074 PMCID: PMC8970101 DOI: 10.3389/fnut.2022.808497] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2021] [Accepted: 02/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Recent studies have revealed that sarcopenia is closely associated with obesity and non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). However, few attempted to explore the cause-and-effect relationship between sarcopenic obesity and NASH. In this study, we investigated muscular alterations in a rodent NASH model to elucidate their intrinsic relations and explore the potential therapeutic target. Forty-six 8-week-old and twenty 42-week-old male C57BL/6 mice (defined as young and middle-aged mice, respectively) were fed with a high-fat diet (HFD) for 12 or 20 weeks. A subset of young mice was subjected to ammonia lowering treatment by L-ornithine L-aspartate (LOLA). We examined body composition and muscle strength by nuclear magnetic resonance and grip strength meter, respectively. At the end of the 12th week, all HFD-fed mice developed typical steatohepatitis. Meanwhile, sarcopenia occurred in HFD-fed middle-aged mice, whereas young mice only demonstrated decreased grip strength. Until the end of week 20, young mice in the HFD group exhibited significant sarcopenia and obesity phenotypes, including decreased lean body mass and grip strength, and increased body fat mass and percentage body fat. Additionally, plasma ammonia level was markedly increased in HFD-fed mice of both ages at week 20. Plasma ammonia level was negatively associated with muscle strength and myofiber diameter in young mice. LOLA can significantly reduce plasma levels of ammonia, alanine aminotransaminase, aspartate aminotransaminase, and cholesterol in mice fed an HFD. Hepatic infiltration of inflammatory cells and collagen deposition area were significantly decreased in HFD group by LOLA treatment. Meanwhile, LOLA significantly increased lean body mass, grip strength, and average muscle fiber diameter of HFD-fed mice. These findings suggest that the occurrence of NASH precedes sarcopenia in HFD mice, and the steatohepatitis-related hyperammonemia might contribute to the pathogenesis of sarcopenia. LOLA might be an effective drug for both steatohepatitis and sarcopenic obesity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zi-Xuan Wang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Center for Fatty Liver, Xinhua Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Meng-Yu Wang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Center for Fatty Liver, Xinhua Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Rui-Xu Yang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Center for Fatty Liver, Xinhua Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Ze-Hua Zhao
- Department of Gastroenterology, Center for Fatty Liver, Xinhua Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Department of Hepatology, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Feng-Zhi Xin
- Department of Gastroenterology, Center for Fatty Liver, Xinhua Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Yu Li
- Chinese Academy of Science (CAS) Key Laboratory of Nutrition, Metabolism and Food Safety, Shanghai Institute of Nutrition and Health, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Tian-Yi Ren
- Department of Gastroenterology, Center for Fatty Liver, Xinhua Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Tian-Yi Ren
| | - Jian-Gao Fan
- Department of Gastroenterology, Center for Fatty Liver, Xinhua Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Lab of Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition, Shanghai, China
- *Correspondence: Jian-Gao Fan
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21
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Nitrogenous compounds in the saliva and blood of cirrhotic patients: a cross-sectional study. Clin Oral Investig 2022; 26:4587-4592. [PMID: 35226149 DOI: 10.1007/s00784-022-04426-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2021] [Accepted: 02/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Serum increase of nitrogenous compounds (NC) in cirrhotic patients has been associated with the development of hepatic encephalopathy (HE). However, the relation between NC in saliva and HE is unclear. The objective of this study is to measure the levels of nitric oxide and urea in the blood and saliva in 38 cirrhotic patients and correlate them with clinical characteristics and presence and grades of HE. MATERIAL AND METHODS Automated enzymatic colourimetric assays were performed to determine the levels of NC. Diagnosis and severity of HE were determined based on the West Haven criteria and by using the inhibitory control test. RESULTS HE was diagnosed in 89.47% of the patients, with the majority (60.50%) presenting covert HE. With regard to the measurement of NC, although nitric oxide is moderately correlated with its amount in blood and saliva (r = 0.630; P < 0.001), only salivary levels were associated with the presence of ascites and ecchymosis (P = 0.013 and P = 0.030, respectively). In patients with HE, the serum levels of urea were higher (P = 0.013) than those in patients without HE or minimal HE. CONCLUSIONS Nitrogenous compounds in the saliva were correlated with neither the presence nor grades of HE, whereas in the blood, only urea was positively correlated with the severity and presence of HE. CLINICAL RELEVANCE Saliva is an excellent fluid for diagnosing several diseases, but it does not seem to be able to collaborate with the identification of HE.
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22
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Horvath A, Traub J, Aliwa B, Bourgeois B, Madl T, Stadlbauer V. Oral Intake of L-Ornithine-L-Aspartate Is Associated with Distinct Microbiome and Metabolome Changes in Cirrhosis. Nutrients 2022; 14:748. [PMID: 35215398 PMCID: PMC8875633 DOI: 10.3390/nu14040748] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2022] [Revised: 02/07/2022] [Accepted: 02/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/10/2022] Open
Abstract
L-ornithine L-aspartate (LOLA) is administered as a therapeutic and/or preventive strategy against hepatic encephalopathy either intravenously or orally in patients with liver cirrhosis. Here, we analyzed how LOLA influences the microbiome and metabolome of patients with liver cirrhosis. We retrospectively analyzed the stool microbiome, stool, urine and serum metabolome as well as markers for gut permeability, inflammation and muscle metabolism of 15 cirrhosis patients treated orally with LOLA for at least one month and 15 propensity-score-matched cirrhosis patients without LOLA. Results were validated by comparing the LOLA-treated patients to a second set of controls. Patients with and without LOLA were comparable in age, sex, etiology and severity of cirrhosis as well as PPI and laxative use. In the microbiome, Flavonifractor and Oscillospira were more abundant in patients treated with LOLA compared to the control group, while alpha and beta diversity were comparable between groups. Differences in stool and serum metabolomes reflected the pathophysiology of hepatic encephalopathy and confirmed LOLA intake. In the urine metabolome, ethanol to acetic acid ratio was lower in patients treated with LOLA compared to controls. LOLA-treated patients also showed lower serum levels of insulin-like growth factor (IGF) 1 than patients without LOLA. No differences in gut permeability or inflammation markers were found. A higher abundance of Flavonifractor and Oscillospira in LOLA-treated patients could indicate LOLA as a potential microbiome modulating strategy in patients with liver disease. The lower levels of IGF1 in patients treated with LOLA suggest a possible link between the pathophysiology of hepatic encephalopathy and muscle health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angela Horvath
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Medical University of Graz, 8036 Graz, Austria; (A.H.); (B.A.)
- Center of Biomarker Research in Medicine, CBmed GmbH Graz, 8010 Graz, Austria
| | - Julia Traub
- Department of Clinical Medical Nutrition, University Hospital Graz, 8036 Graz, Austria;
| | - Benard Aliwa
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Medical University of Graz, 8036 Graz, Austria; (A.H.); (B.A.)
| | - Benjamin Bourgeois
- Gottfried Schatz Research Center for Cell Signaling, Metabolism and Aging Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, Medical University of Graz, 8036 Graz, Austria; (B.B.); (T.M.)
- BioTechMed-Graz, 8010 Graz, Austria
| | - Tobias Madl
- Gottfried Schatz Research Center for Cell Signaling, Metabolism and Aging Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, Medical University of Graz, 8036 Graz, Austria; (B.B.); (T.M.)
- BioTechMed-Graz, 8010 Graz, Austria
| | - Vanessa Stadlbauer
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Medical University of Graz, 8036 Graz, Austria; (A.H.); (B.A.)
- Center of Biomarker Research in Medicine, CBmed GmbH Graz, 8010 Graz, Austria
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23
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Sahney A, Wadhawan M. Encephalopathy in Cirrhosis: Prevention and Management. J Clin Exp Hepatol 2022; 12:927-936. [PMID: 35677508 PMCID: PMC9168742 DOI: 10.1016/j.jceh.2021.12.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2021] [Accepted: 12/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatic encephalopathy (HE) is a major neuropsychiatric complication of cirrhosis. The clinical manifestations of HE ranges from mild confusion, disorientation to altered behaviour and coma in advanced stages. HE is an important cause of recurrent admissions in liver cirrhosis patients. HE is the most common cause of altered mentation in a patient of liver cirrhosis. Lactulose and rifaximin are approved treatment options for the treatment of HE. In patients who have localised neurological signs or are not improving with lactulose and rifaximin should be investigated for other causes of altered sensorium.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Manav Wadhawan
- Address for correspondence: Manav Wadhawan, Institute of Digestive & Liver Diseases, BLK Superspeciality Hospital, Delhi, India.
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24
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Wang X, Vilchez RA. Population Pharmacokinetic Analysis to Assist Dose Selection of the L-Ornithine Salt of Phenylacetic Acid. Clin Pharmacokinet 2021; 61:515-526. [PMID: 34786649 PMCID: PMC8975757 DOI: 10.1007/s40262-021-01075-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/05/2021] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE L-Ornithine phenylacetate is an intravenous formulation of the L-ornithine salt of phenylacetic acid under development for the treatment of hepatic encephalopathy. Very limited clinical data in patients are available, with a phase II study in target patients not designed for dose finding, to support phase III dose selection in a global development program. The objective of the present population pharmacokinetic modeling and simulation was to evaluate dose selection for target patient populations with a low body weight, ethnicity, and hepatic impairment in a global clinical study. METHODS A population pharmacokinetic model was developed based on plasma concentrations of L-ornithine, phenylacetic acid, and phenylacetylglutamine data from four clinical trials in healthy subjects and patients with stable cirrhosis or hospitalized adult patients with liver cirrhosis and hepatic encephalopathy. A covariate analysis was conducted to identify source of variability to support dose selection for global clinical development of L-ornithine phenylacetate. Phenylacetylglutamine formation in the pharmacokinetic model also quantified pharmacodynamic effects measured by ammonia removal. RESULTS Body weight and hepatic function were significant covariates determining phenylacetic acid exposure. After accounting for body weight, there was no difference between tested Caucasian and Asian populations in phenylacetic acid exposure. Renal dysfunction significantly reduced phenylacetylglutamine excretion. However, renal impairment had no impact on plasma phenylacetic acid and free ammonia levels. Exploratory modeling suggested that L-ornithine might enhance the removal of ammonia. CONCLUSIONS With a flat dosing algorithm, special consideration must be given to patients with a small body size (i.e., body weight ≤ 50 kg) and severe hepatic impairment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaofeng Wang
- Clinical Pharmacology and Pharmacometrics, Mallinckrodt Pharmaceuticals, Hampton, NJ, USA
| | - Regis A Vilchez
- Clinical Development, Mallinckrodt Pharmaceuticals, 53 Frontage Rd, Hampton, NJ, 08827, USA.
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25
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Kreisel W, Lazaro A, Trebicka J, Grosse Perdekamp M, Schmitt-Graeff A, Deibert P. Cyclic GMP in Liver Cirrhosis-Role in Pathophysiology of Portal Hypertension and Therapeutic Implications. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:10372. [PMID: 34638713 PMCID: PMC8508925 DOI: 10.3390/ijms221910372] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2021] [Revised: 09/20/2021] [Accepted: 09/21/2021] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
The NO-cGMP signal transduction pathway plays a crucial role in tone regulation in hepatic sinusoids and peripheral blood vessels. In a cirrhotic liver, the key enzymes endothelial NO synthase (eNOS), soluble guanylate cyclase (sGC), and phosphodiesterase-5 (PDE-5) are overexpressed, leading to decreased cyclic guanosine-monophosphate (cGMP). This results in constriction of hepatic sinusoids, contributing about 30% of portal pressure. In contrast, in peripheral arteries, dilation prevails with excess cGMP due to low PDE-5. Both effects eventually lead to circulatory dysfunction in progressed liver cirrhosis. The conventional view of portal hypertension (PH) pathophysiology has been described using the "NO-paradox", referring to reduced NO availability inside the liver and elevated NO production in the peripheral systemic circulation. However, recent data suggest that an altered availability of cGMP could better elucidate the contrasting findings of intrahepatic vasoconstriction and peripheral systemic vasodilation than mere focus on NO availability. Preclinical and clinical data have demonstrated that targeting the NO-cGMP pathway in liver cirrhosis using PDE-5 inhibitors or sGC stimulators/activators decreases intrahepatic resistance through dilation of sinusoids, lowering portal pressure, and increasing portal venous blood flow. These results suggest further clinical applications in liver cirrhosis. Targeting the NO-cGMP system plays a role in possible reversal of liver fibrosis or cirrhosis. PDE-5 inhibitors may have therapeutic potential for hepatic encephalopathy. Serum/plasma levels of cGMP can be used as a non-invasive marker of clinically significant portal hypertension. This manuscript reviews new data about the role of the NO-cGMP signal transduction system in pathophysiology of cirrhotic portal hypertension and provides perspective for further studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wolfgang Kreisel
- Department of Medicine II, Gastroenterology, Hepatology, Endocrinology, and Infectious Diseases, Faculty of Medicine, Medical Center, University of Freiburg, 79106 Freiburg, Germany
| | - Adhara Lazaro
- Institute for Exercise and Occupational Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Medical Center, University of Freiburg, 79106 Freiburg, Germany; (A.L.); (P.D.)
| | - Jonel Trebicka
- Translational Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine I, Goethe University Clinic Frankfurt, 60590 Frankfurt, Germany;
| | - Markus Grosse Perdekamp
- Institute of Forensic Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Medical Center, University of Freiburg, 79106 Freiburg, Germany;
| | | | - Peter Deibert
- Institute for Exercise and Occupational Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Medical Center, University of Freiburg, 79106 Freiburg, Germany; (A.L.); (P.D.)
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26
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Daou N, Viader A, Cokol M, Nitzel A, Chakravarthy MV, Afeyan R, Tramontin T, Marukian S, Hamill MJ. A novel, multitargeted endogenous metabolic modulator composition impacts metabolism, inflammation, and fibrosis in nonalcoholic steatohepatitis-relevant primary human cell models. Sci Rep 2021; 11:11861. [PMID: 34088912 PMCID: PMC8178416 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-88913-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2020] [Accepted: 04/19/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is a complex metabolic disease of heterogeneous and multifactorial pathogenesis that may benefit from coordinated multitargeted interventions. Endogenous metabolic modulators (EMMs) encompass a broad set of molecular families, including amino acids and related metabolites and precursors. EMMs often serve as master regulators and signaling agents for metabolic pathways throughout the body and hold the potential to impact a complex metabolic disease like NASH by targeting a multitude of pathologically relevant biologies. Here, we describe a study of a novel EMM composition comprising five amino acids and an amino acid derivative (Leucine, Isoleucine, Valine, Arginine, Glutamine, and N-acetylcysteine [LIVRQNac]) and its systematic evaluation across multiple NASH-relevant primary human cell model systems, including hepatocytes, macrophages, and stellate cells. In these model systems, LIVRQNac consistently and simultaneously impacted biology associated with all three core pathophysiological features of NASH—metabolic, inflammatory, and fibrotic. Importantly, it was observed that while the individual constituent amino acids in LIVRQNac can impact specific NASH-related phenotypes in select cell systems, the complete combination was necessary to impact the range of disease-associated drivers examined. These findings highlight the potential of specific and potent multitargeted amino acid combinations for the treatment of NASH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nadine Daou
- Axcella Health Inc., 840 Memorial Drive, Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA
| | | | - Murat Cokol
- Axcella Health Inc., 840 Memorial Drive, Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA
| | - Arianna Nitzel
- Axcella Health Inc., 840 Memorial Drive, Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA
| | | | | | | | | | - Michael J Hamill
- Axcella Health Inc., 840 Memorial Drive, Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA.
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27
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Butterworth RF. Ammonia Removal by Metabolic Scavengers for the Prevention and Treatment of Hepatic Encephalopathy in Cirrhosis. Drugs R D 2021; 21:123-132. [PMID: 33890246 PMCID: PMC8206241 DOI: 10.1007/s40268-021-00345-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Effective lowering of circulating ammonia is the mainstay strategy in the prevention and treatment of hepatic encephalopathy in cirrhosis and there is increasing interest in agents with the metabolic potential for the active removal of ammonia by the liver and skeletal muscle by agents including L-ornithine L-aspartate, branched-chain amino acids, as well as the re-purposing of benzoate and phenylacetate currently employed for the control of hyperammonaemia in congenital urea-cycle enzymopathies. Based upon results of multiple systematic reviews with meta-analyses, L-ornithine L-aspartate demonstrably lowers circulating ammonia in patients with cirrhosis with concomitantly improved mental status. Distinct mechanisms responsible include optimisation of hepatic metabolic pathways for ammonia removal as well as direct hepatoprotective effects involving the release of glutathione and of nitric oxide with beneficial effects on hepatic microcirculation. L-ornithine L-aspartate also prevents cirrhosis-related sarcopenia, leading to increased capacity for ammonia removal by skeletal muscle. Branched-chain amino acids continue to be prescribed as nutritional supplements with the potential to result in improvements in liver function. Sodium benzoate, glycerol phenylbutyrate and an analogous compound L-ornithine phenylacetate were also evaluated. Glycerol phenylbutyrate was the only agent with a beneficial effect on both hyperammonaemia and hepatic encephalopathy. None were superior to lactulose for the lowering of blood ammonia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roger F Butterworth
- Department of Medicine, University of Montreal, 45143 Cabot Trail, Englishtown, NS, B0C 1H0, Canada.
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28
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Hey P, Gow P, Testro AG, Apostolov R, Chapman B, Sinclair M. Nutraceuticals for the treatment of sarcopenia in chronic liver disease. Clin Nutr ESPEN 2021; 41:13-22. [PMID: 33487256 DOI: 10.1016/j.clnesp.2020.11.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2020] [Accepted: 11/30/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Sarcopenia, defined as loss of muscle mass, strength and function, is associated with adverse clinical outcomes in patients with cirrhosis. Despite improved understanding of the multifaceted pathogenesis, there are few established therapies to treat or prevent muscle loss in this population. This narrative review examines the available literature investigating the role of nutraceuticals for the prevention or treatment of muscle wasting in chronic liver disease. METHODS A comprehensive search or Medline and PubMED databases was conducted. Reference lists were screened to identify additional articles. RESULTS A number of nutritional supplements and vitamins target the specific metabolic derangements that contribute to sarcopenia in cirrhosis including altered amino acid metabolism, hyperammonaemia and inflammation. Branched chain amino acid (BCAA) supplementation has proposed anabolic effects through dual pathways of enhanced ammonia clearance and stimulation of muscle protein synthesis. l-carnitine also has multimodal effects on muscle and shows promise as a therapy for muscle loss through anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and ammonia lowering properties. Other nutraceuticals including l-ornithine l-aspartate, omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids and zinc and vitamin D supplementation, may similarly have positive effects on muscle homeostasis, however further evidence to support their use in cirrhotic populations is required. CONCLUSION Nutraceuticals offer a promising and likely safe adjunct to standard care for sarcopenia in cirrhosis. While there is most evidence to support the use of BCAA and l-carnitine supplementation, further well-designed clinical trials are needed to elucidate their efficacy as a therapy for muscle loss in this population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Penelope Hey
- Liver Transplant Unit, Austin Health, 145 Studley Rd, Heidelberg, Victoria, Australia; The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia.
| | - Paul Gow
- Liver Transplant Unit, Austin Health, 145 Studley Rd, Heidelberg, Victoria, Australia; The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia.
| | - Adam G Testro
- Liver Transplant Unit, Austin Health, 145 Studley Rd, Heidelberg, Victoria, Australia; The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia.
| | - Ross Apostolov
- Liver Transplant Unit, Austin Health, 145 Studley Rd, Heidelberg, Victoria, Australia; The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia.
| | - Brooke Chapman
- The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia; Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, Austin Health, 145 Studley Rd, Heidelberg, Victoria, Australia.
| | - Marie Sinclair
- Liver Transplant Unit, Austin Health, 145 Studley Rd, Heidelberg, Victoria, Australia; The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia.
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29
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Hamill MJ, Afeyan R, Chakravarthy MV, Tramontin T. Endogenous Metabolic Modulators: Emerging Therapeutic Potential of Amino Acids. iScience 2020; 23:101628. [PMID: 33103071 PMCID: PMC7569218 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2020.101628] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Multifactorial disease pathophysiology is complex and incompletely addressed by existing targeted pharmacotherapies. Amino acids (AAs) and related metabolites and precursors are a class of endogenous metabolic modulators (EMMs) that have diverse biological functions and, thus, have been explored for decades as potential multifactorial disease treatments. Here, we review the literature on this class of EMMs in disease treatment, with a focus on the emerging clinical studies on AAs and related metabolites and precursors as single- and combination-agents targeted to a single biology. These clinical research insights, in addition to increasing understanding of disease metabolic profiles and combinatorial therapeutic design principles, highlight an opportunity to develop EMM compositions with AAs and related metabolites and precursors to target multifactorial disease biology. EMM compositions are uniquely designed to enable a comprehensive approach, with potential to simultaneously and safely target pathways underlying multifactorial diseases and to regulate biological processes that promote overall health.
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30
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Han W, Zhang H, Han Y, Duan Z. Cognition-tracking-based strategies for diagnosis and treatment of minimal hepatic encephalopathy. Metab Brain Dis 2020; 35:869-881. [PMID: 32495311 PMCID: PMC7354280 DOI: 10.1007/s11011-020-00539-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2019] [Accepted: 01/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Minimal hepatic encephalopathy (MHE), which shows mild cognitive impairment, is a subtle complication of cirrhosis that has been shown to affect daily functioning and quality of life. However, until 2014, relevant guidelines do not give much attention to the diagnosis and treatment of MHE, resulting in patients being ignored and denied the benefits of treatment. In this review, we summarize recent cognition-based research about (1) alteration of nerve cells, including astrocytes, microglial cells and neurons, in mild cognitive impairment in MHE; (2) comparison of methods in detecting cognitive impairment in MHE; and (3) comparison of methods for therapy of cognitive impairment in MHE. We hope to provide information about diagnosis and treatment of cognitive impairment in patients with MHE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weijia Han
- Difficult & Complicated Liver Diseases and Artificial Liver Center, Beijing Youan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100069, China
- Beijing Municipal Key Laboratory of Liver Failure and Artificial Liver Treatment Research, Beijing, China
| | - Huanqian Zhang
- Yidu Central Hospital of Weifang Medical College, Shandong, China
| | - Ying Han
- Department of Immunologic Liver Disease, Beijing YouAn Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Zhongping Duan
- Difficult & Complicated Liver Diseases and Artificial Liver Center, Beijing Youan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100069, China.
- Beijing Municipal Key Laboratory of Liver Failure and Artificial Liver Treatment Research, Beijing, China.
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31
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Kerbert AJC, Jalan R. Recent advances in understanding and managing hepatic encephalopathy in chronic liver disease. F1000Res 2020; 9. [PMID: 32399191 PMCID: PMC7194462 DOI: 10.12688/f1000research.22183.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatic encephalopathy (HE) is a common, severe complication of advanced chronic liver disease (CLD) and has a devastating impact on the patient’s quality of life and prognosis. The neurotoxin ammonia and the presence of systemic and neurological inflammation are considered the key drivers of this neuropsychiatric syndrome. Treatment options available in routine clinical practice are limited, and the development of novel therapies is hampered owing to the complexity and heterogeneity of HE. This review article aims to outline the current understanding of the pathomechanisms of HE and the recent advances in the identification and development of novel therapeutic targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annarein J C Kerbert
- Institute for Liver and Digestive Health, University College London, Royal Free Campus, Rowland Hill Street, London, NW3 2PF, UK
| | - Rajiv Jalan
- Institute for Liver and Digestive Health, University College London, Royal Free Campus, Rowland Hill Street, London, NW3 2PF, UK
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32
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Campion D, Giovo I, Ponzo P, Saracco GM, Balzola F, Alessandria C. Dietary approach and gut microbiota modulation for chronic hepatic encephalopathy in cirrhosis. World J Hepatol 2019; 11:489-512. [PMID: 31293718 PMCID: PMC6603507 DOI: 10.4254/wjh.v11.i6.489] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2019] [Revised: 05/15/2019] [Accepted: 05/20/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatic encephalopathy (HE) is a common and serious neuropsychiatric complication of cirrhosis, acute liver failure, and porto-systemic shunting. HE largely contributes to the morbidity of patients with liver disease, severely affecting the quality of life of both patients and their relatives and being associated with poor prognosis. Its presentation is largely variable, manifesting with a broad spectrum of cognitive abnormalities ranging from subtle cognitive impairment to coma. The pathogenesis of HE is complex and has historically been linked with hyperammonemia. However, in the last years, it has become evident that the interplay of multiple actors, such as intestinal dysbiosis, gut hyperpermeability, and neuroinflammation, is of crucial importance in its genesis. Therefore, HE can be considered a result of a dysregulated gut-liver-brain axis function, where cognitive impairment can be reversed or prevented by the beneficial effects induced by "gut-centric" therapies, such as non-absorbable disaccharides, non-absorbable antibiotics, probiotics, prebiotics, and fecal microbiota transplantation. In this context dietary modifications, by modulating the intestinal milieu, can also provide significant benefit to cirrhotic patients with HE. This review will provide a comprehensive insight into the mechanisms responsible for gut-liver-brain axis dysregulation leading to HE in cirrhosis. Furthermore, it will explore the currently available therapies and the most promising future treatments for the management of patients with HE, with a special focus on the dietary approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniela Campion
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Città della Salute e della Scienza di Torino Hospital, University of Turin, 10126 Turin, Italy
| | - Ilaria Giovo
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Città della Salute e della Scienza di Torino Hospital, University of Turin, 10126 Turin, Italy
| | - Paola Ponzo
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Città della Salute e della Scienza di Torino Hospital, University of Turin, 10126 Turin, Italy
| | - Giorgio M Saracco
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Città della Salute e della Scienza di Torino Hospital, University of Turin, 10126 Turin, Italy
| | - Federico Balzola
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Città della Salute e della Scienza di Torino Hospital, University of Turin, 10126 Turin, Italy
| | - Carlo Alessandria
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Città della Salute e della Scienza di Torino Hospital, University of Turin, 10126 Turin, Italy.
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33
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L-Ornithine L-Aspartate (LOLA) for the Treatment of Hepatic Encephalopathy in Cirrhosis: Novel Insights and Translation to the Clinic. Drugs 2019; 79:1-3. [PMID: 30706421 DOI: 10.1007/s40265-018-1021-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
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