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El Khiat A, El Hiba O, Tamegart L, Rais H, Fdil N, Sellami S, El Mokhtar MA, Gamrani H. Time dependent alteration of locomotor behavior in rat with acute liver failure induced cerebellar neuroinflammation and neuro-astroglial damage. J Chem Neuroanat 2021; 119:102055. [PMID: 34863855 DOI: 10.1016/j.jchemneu.2021.102055] [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: 09/16/2021] [Revised: 11/27/2021] [Accepted: 11/27/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Hepatic encephalopathy (HE) is a neurophysiological syndrome secondary to acute or chronic liver failure. Studies showed that HE patients exhibit a deficit in motor coordination, which may result from cerebellar functional impairment. The aim of this study is to assess the time-dependent alteration of locomotor behavior and the glial and neuronal alteration in rat with acute HE induced chemically. The study was carried out in male Sprague-Dawley rats with thioacetamide (TAA) induced acute liver failure at different stages 12 h, 24 h and 36 h. Hepatic and renal functions were assessed via various biochemical and histopathological examinations, while the cerebellum and the midbrain were examined using histology and immunohistochemistry for tyrosine hydroxylase (TH), cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) and glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP). We used as well, the open field test and the Rotarod test for assessing the locomotor activity and coordination. Our data showed a progressive loss of liver function and a progressive alteration in locomotor behavior and motor coordination in acute HE rats. In the cerebellum, we noted an increase in the degeneration of cerebellar Purkinje neurons parallel to increased COX-2 immunoreactivity together with astrocytic morphology and density changes. Likewise, in substantia nigra pars compacta, TH levels were reduced. We showed through the current study, a progressive deterioration in locomotor behavior in acute HE rats, as a result of Purkinje neurons death and a deficient dopaminergic neurotransmission, together with the morpho-functional astroglial modifications involving the oxidative stress and neuroinflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdelaati El Khiat
- Laboratory of Clinical and Experimental Neurosciences and Environment, faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, Cadi Ayyad University, 4000 Marrakech, Morocco; Higher Institute of Nursing Professions and Health Techniques, Ouarzazate, Morocco.
| | - Omar El Hiba
- Nutritional Physiopathologies and Toxicology Team, faculty of Sciences, Chouaib Doukkali University, El Jadida, Morocco.
| | - Lahcen Tamegart
- Laboratory of Clinical and Experimental Neurosciences and Environment, faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, Cadi Ayyad University, 4000 Marrakech, Morocco; Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Abdelmalek Essaadi University, Tetouan, Morocco
| | - Hanane Rais
- Laboratory of Morphosciences, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, Cadi Ayyad University, Morocco; Mohammed VI University Hospital, Marrakech, Morocco
| | - Naima Fdil
- Metabolics platform, Biochemistry Laboratory, Faculty of Medicine, Cadi Ayyad University, Sidi Abbad, BP 40000 Marrakech, Morocco
| | | | - Mohamed Ait El Mokhtar
- Laboratory of Biochemistry, Environment &Agri-food URAC 36, Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences and Techniques, Mohmmedia, Hassan II University of Casablanca, Morocco
| | - Halima Gamrani
- Laboratory of Clinical and Experimental Neurosciences and Environment, faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, Cadi Ayyad University, 4000 Marrakech, Morocco.
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Brain and the Liver: Cerebral Edema, Hepatic Encephalopathy and Beyond. HEPATIC CRITICAL CARE 2018. [PMCID: PMC7122599 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-319-66432-3_8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Occurrence of brain dysfunction is common in both chronic liver disease as well as acute liver failure. While brain dysfunction most commonly manifests as hepatic encephalopathy is chronic liver disease; devastating complications of cerebral edema and brain herniation syndromes may occur with acute liver failure. Ammonia seems to play a central role in the pathogenesis of brain dysfunction in both chronic liver disease and acute liver failure. In this chapter we outline the pathophysiology and clinical management of brain dysfunction in the critically ill patients with liver disease.
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Abstract
Hepatic encephalopathy occurs ubiquitously in all causes of advanced liver failure, however, its implications on mortality diverge and vary depending upon acuity and severity of liver failure. This associated mortality has decreased in subsets of liver failure over the last 20 years. Aside from liver transplantation, this improvement is not attributable to a single intervention but likely to a combination of practical advances in critical care management. Misconceptions surrounding many facets of hepatic encephalopathy exists due to heterogeneity in presentation, pathophysiology and outcome. This review is intended to highlight the important concepts, rationales and strategies for managing hepatic encephalopathy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Prem A Kandiah
- Division of Neuro Critical Care, Department of Neurosurgery, Co-appointment in Surgical Critical Care, Emory University Hospital, 1364 Clifton Road Northeast, 2nd Floor, 2D ICU-D264, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA.
| | - Gagan Kumar
- Department of Critical Care, Phoebe Putney Memorial Hospital, 417 Third Avenue, Albany, GA 31701, USA
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Weiss N, Rosselli M, Mouri S, Galanaud D, Puybasset L, Agarwal B, Thabut D, Jalan R. Modification in CSF specific gravity in acutely decompensated cirrhosis and acute on chronic liver failure independent of encephalopathy, evidences for an early blood-CSF barrier dysfunction in cirrhosis. Metab Brain Dis 2017; 32:369-376. [PMID: 27730496 DOI: 10.1007/s11011-016-9916-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2015] [Accepted: 09/23/2016] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Although hepatic encephalopathy (HE) on the background of acute on chronic liver failure (ACLF) is associated with high mortality rates, it is unknown whether this is due to increased blood-brain barrier permeability. Specific gravity of cerebrospinal fluid measured by CT is able to estimate blood-cerebrospinal fluid-barrier permeability. This study aimed to assess cerebrospinal fluid specific gravity in acutely decompensated cirrhosis and to compare it in patients with or without ACLF and with or without hepatic encephalopathy. We identified all the patients admitted for acute decompensation of cirrhosis who underwent a brain CT-scan. Those patients could present acute decompensation with or without ACLF. The presence of hepatic encephalopathy was noted. They were compared to a group of stable cirrhotic patients and healthy controls. Quantitative brain CT analysis used the Brainview software that gives the weight, the volume and the specific gravity of each determined brain regions. Results are given as median and interquartile ranges and as relative variation compared to the control/baseline group. 36 patients presented an acute decompensation of cirrhosis. Among them, 25 presented with ACLF and 11 without ACLF; 20 presented with hepatic encephalopathy grade ≥ 2. They were compared to 31 stable cirrhosis patients and 61 healthy controls. Cirrhotic patients had increased cerebrospinal fluid specific gravity (CSF-SG) compared to healthy controls (+0.4 %, p < 0.0001). Cirrhotic patients with ACLF have decreased CSF-SG as compared to cirrhotic patients without ACLF (-0.2 %, p = 0.0030) that remained higher than in healthy controls. The presence of hepatic encephalopathy did not modify CSF-SG (-0.09 %, p = 0.1757). Specific gravity did not differ between different brain regions according to the presence or absence of either ACLF or HE. In patients with acute decompensation of cirrhosis, and those with ACLF, CSF specific gravity is modified compared to both stable cirrhotic patients and healthy controls. This pattern is observed even in the absence of hepatic encephalopathy suggesting that blood-CSF barrier impairment is manifest even in absence of overt hepatic encephalopathy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicolas Weiss
- Brain-Liver Pitié-Salpêtrière Study Group (BLIPS), Hôpital de la Pitié Salpétrière, and INSERM UMR_S 938, CDR Saint-Antoine, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Paris, France.
- Unité de réanimation neurologique, Fédération de Neurologie, Pôle des maladies du système nerveux, Hôpital de la Pitié Salpêtrière, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Paris, France.
- Institut de Neurosciences Translationnelles de Paris, Institut-Hospitalo-Universitaire-A-Institut du Cerveau et de la Moelle (IHU-A-ICM), Paris, France.
| | - Matteo Rosselli
- Liver Failure Group, UCL Institute for Liver and Digestive Health, UCL Medical School, Royal Free Hospital, London, UK
| | - Sarah Mouri
- Brain-Liver Pitié-Salpêtrière Study Group (BLIPS), Hôpital de la Pitié Salpétrière, and INSERM UMR_S 938, CDR Saint-Antoine, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Paris, France
- Soins Intensifs d'Hépatologie, Service d'Hépato-Gastroentérologie, Hôpital de la Pitié Salpétrière, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Paris, France
| | - Damien Galanaud
- Service de Neuroradiologie, Hôpital de la Pitié-Salpêtrière, Assistance Publique - Hôpitaux de Paris, Paris, France
| | - Louis Puybasset
- Neuro-réanimation chirurgicale, département d'anesthésie-réanimation, Hôpital de la Pitié-Salpêtrière, Assistance Publique - Hôpitaux de Paris, France and Université Pierre et Marie Curie, Paris, France
| | - Banwari Agarwal
- Liver Failure Group, UCL Institute for Liver and Digestive Health, UCL Medical School, Royal Free Hospital, London, UK
| | - Dominique Thabut
- Brain-Liver Pitié-Salpêtrière Study Group (BLIPS), Hôpital de la Pitié Salpétrière, and INSERM UMR_S 938, CDR Saint-Antoine, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Paris, France
- Soins Intensifs d'Hépatologie, Service d'Hépato-Gastroentérologie, Hôpital de la Pitié Salpétrière, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Paris, France
| | - Rajiv Jalan
- Liver Failure Group, UCL Institute for Liver and Digestive Health, UCL Medical School, Royal Free Hospital, London, UK
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Milewski K, Oria M. What we know: the inflammatory basis of hepatic encephalopathy. Metab Brain Dis 2016; 31:1239-1247. [PMID: 26497651 DOI: 10.1007/s11011-015-9740-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2015] [Accepted: 09/24/2015] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Central Nervous System (CNS) degeneration appearing in patients with cirrhosis is responsible for cognitive and persistent motor impairments that lead to an important impact on life quality. Brain injury affects certain areas of the CNS that might affect two types of cells: neurons and astrocytes. The process leading to brain injury could be induced by portosystemic shunting accompanied by hyperammonemia and by the activation of peripheral inflammation, manifested as episodic encephalopathy. Hyperammonemia combined with a decrease on the BCA/AAA ratio induces alterations of energetic metabolism and the formation of free radicals in the CNS. This process would be stimulated by the activation of peripheral inflammatory mediators that could act on receptors of the blood brain barrier such as TLR4, activating inflammatory responses in the CNS. As a result, a persistent activation of microglia and an irreversible neuronal and astrocytic injury would be induced. A new knowledge of the mechanisms leading to brain injury in cirrhosis would develop protective strategies to correct changes of nitrogen metabolism and inflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
- K Milewski
- Department of Neurotoxicology, Mossakowski Medical Research Centre, Polish Academy of Sciences, Pawińskiego 5 Str, 02-106, Warsaw, Poland
| | - M Oria
- Translational Research in Fetal Surgery for Congenital Malformations, Center for Fetal, Cellular and Molecular Therapy, Division of Pediatric General and Thoracic Surgery, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center (CCHMC), 3333 Burnet Avenue, MLC 11020, S 8.400 AT, Cincinnati, OH, 45229-3039, USA.
- Liver Failure Group, UCL Institute for Liver and Digestive Health, Royal Free Hospital, University College London, London, UK.
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Wright G, Swain M, Annane D, Saliba F, Samuel D, Arroyo V, DeMorrow S, Witt A. Neuroinflammation in liver disease: sessional talks from ISHEN. Metab Brain Dis 2016; 31:1339-1354. [PMID: 27726053 DOI: 10.1007/s11011-016-9918-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2015] [Accepted: 09/27/2016] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
At the recent ISHEN ('International Symposium of Hepatic Encephalopathy & Nitrogen Metabolism') conference in London, a whole session was dedicated to our increasing awareness of the importance of inflammation in the brain - termed 'neuroinflammation', in the development of Hepatic Encephalopathy (HE) - the neurological manifestations of advanced liver disease. In this review our ISHEN speakers further discuss the content of their sessional presentations and more broadly we discuss our understanding of the role of neuroinflammation in HE pathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gavin Wright
- Gastroenterology Department, Basildon & Thurrock University Hospitals, Basildon, UK.
- Hepatology and Hepatobiliary Medicine, The Royal Free Hospital, Pond Street, London, NW3 2QG, UK.
- University College London, Gower Street, London, WC1E 6BT, UK.
| | - Mark Swain
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada
| | - Djillali Annane
- INSERM CIC IT 805, CHU Paris IdF Ouest - Hôpital Raymond Poincaré, 104 boulevard Raymond Poincaré, 92380, Garches, France
| | - Faouzi Saliba
- Centre Hépato-Biliaire, Hôpital Paul Brousse, 12, avenue Paul vaillant Couturier, 94800, Villejuif, France
| | - Didier Samuel
- GHU Paris-Sud - Hôpital Paul Brousse, 12 avenue Paul Vaillant-Couturier, 94804, Villejuif Cedex, France
| | - Vicente Arroyo
- Liver Unit, Instiute of Digestive and Metabolic Diseases, Hopsital Clinic, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Sharon DeMorrow
- Department of Internal Medicine, Central Texas Veterans Healthcare System, VA Bld 205, 1901 South 1st Street, Temple, TX, 76504, USA
| | - Anne Witt
- Departement of Hepatology, Rigshospitalet, Blegdamsvej 9, 2100 København Ø, Copenhagen, Denmark
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Hepatic encephalopathy in patients with acute decompensation of cirrhosis and acute-on-chronic liver failure. J Hepatol 2015; 62:437-47. [PMID: 25218789 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhep.2014.09.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 152] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2014] [Revised: 08/29/2014] [Accepted: 09/02/2014] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Hepatic encephalopathy in a hospitalized cirrhotic patient is associated with a high mortality rate and its presence adds further to the mortality of patients with acute-on-chronic liver failure (ACLF). The exact pathophysiological mechanisms of HE in this group of patients are unclear but hyperammonemia, systemic inflammation (including sepsis, bacterial translocation, and insulin resistance) and oxidative stress, modulated by glutaminase gene alteration, remain as key factors. Moreover, alcohol misuse, hyponatremia, renal insufficiency, and microbiota are actively explored. HE diagnosis requires exclusion of other causes of neurological, metabolic and psychiatric dysfunction. Hospitalization in the ICU should be considered in every patient with overt HE, but particularly if this is associated with ACLF. Precipitating factors should be identified and treated as required. Evidence-based specific management options are limited to bowel cleansing and non-absorbable antibiotics. Ammonia lowering drugs, such as glycerol phenylbutyrate and ornithine phenylacetate show promise but are still in clinical trials. Albumin dialysis may be useful in refractory cases. Antibiotics, prebiotics, and treatment of diabetes reduce systemic inflammation. Where possible and not contraindicated, large portal-systemic shunts may be embolized but liver transplantation is the most definitive step in the management of HE in this setting. HE in patients with ACLF appears to be clinically and pathophysiologically distinct from that of acute decompensation and requires further studies and characterization.
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Wright GAK, Sharifi Y, Newman TA, Davies N, Vairappan B, Perry HV, Jalan R. Characterisation of temporal microglia and astrocyte immune responses in bile duct-ligated rat models of cirrhosis. Liver Int 2014; 34:1184-91. [PMID: 24528887 DOI: 10.1111/liv.12481] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2013] [Accepted: 01/31/2014] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS Microglia and astrocyte related pro-inflammatory responses are thought to underpin cerebral sequelae of acute liver failure. Conversely, despite background pro-inflammatory responses in cirrhosis, overt brain swelling and coma associated with acute-on-chronic liver failure, is infrequent unless precipitated (e.g. sepsis). Moreover in other chronic neurodegenerative disorders and sepsis, the brain is protected from recurrent microbial insults by compensatory microglial-associated immune responses. To characterise longitudinal cerebral immune responses in a bile duct-ligated (BDL) rat model of cirrhosis. METHOD Rats underwent BDL or sham operation before sacrifice at either 1-day, 1, 2 and 4 weeks post-surgery. We analysed consciousness, brain water, biochemistry and immunohistochemistry to assess activation of microglia (ED-1, OX6 and Iba-1), astrocytes (Glial fibrillary acidic protein - GFAP), cellular stress (Heat shock protein - Hsp 25) and pro-inflammatory mediator expression (inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), interleukin-1beta (IL-1β) and tumour growth factor-beta (TGF-β)). RESULTS BDL significantly increased ammonia and bilirubin (P < 0.01 respectively). The classical microglial markers OX6, ED1 and Iba-1 and pro-inflammatory IL-1β and iNOS were not significantly increased. However, the alternative microglial marker and regulatory cytokine TGF-β was elevated from day 1 to 4 weeks post-BDL. GFAP expression was significantly increased in corpus callosum in all groups. In BDL rats, Hsp 25 was also increased in the corpus callosum, peaking at 2 weeks. CONCLUSION BDL triggers early alternative, but not classical, microglial activation. There was a correlation between astrocyte activation and cellular stress. These findings indicate early cerebral immune responses, which may be associated with immune tolerance to further challenge.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gavin A K Wright
- Institute of Hepatology, University College London, Royal Free Hospital London, London, UK
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Blocking NMDA receptors delays death in rats with acute liver failure by dual protective mechanisms in kidney and brain. Neuromolecular Med 2013; 16:360-75. [PMID: 24338618 DOI: 10.1007/s12017-013-8283-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2013] [Accepted: 12/03/2013] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Treatment of patients with acute liver failure (ALF) is unsatisfactory and mortality remains unacceptably high. Blocking NMDA receptors delays or prevents death of rats with ALF. The underlying mechanisms remain unclear. Clarifying these mechanisms will help to design more efficient treatments to increase patient's survival. The aim of this work was to shed light on the mechanisms by which blocking NMDA receptors delays rat's death in ALF. ALF was induced by galactosamine injection. NMDA receptors were blocked by continuous MK-801 administration. Edema and cerebral blood flow were assessed by magnetic resonance. The time course of ammonia levels in brain, muscle, blood, and urine; of glutamine, lactate, and water content in brain; of glomerular filtration rate and kidney damage; and of hepatic encephalopathy (HE) and intracranial pressure was assessed. ALF reduces kidney glomerular filtration rate (GFR) as reflected by reduced inulin clearance. GFR reduction is due to both reduced renal perfusion and kidney tubular damage as reflected by increased Kim-1 in urine and histological analysis. Blocking NMDA receptors delays kidney damage, allowing transient increased GFR and ammonia elimination which delays hyperammonemia and associated changes in brain. Blocking NMDA receptors does not prevent cerebral edema or blood-brain barrier permeability but reduces or prevents changes in cerebral blood flow and brain lactate. The data show that dual protective effects of MK-801 in kidney and brain delay cerebral alterations, HE, intracranial pressure increase and death. NMDA receptors antagonists may increase survival of patients with ALF by providing additional time for liver transplantation or regeneration.
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Wright G, Vairappan B, Stadlbauer V, Mookerjee RP, Davies NA, Jalan R. Reduction in hyperammonaemia by ornithine phenylacetate prevents lipopolysaccharide-induced brain edema and coma in cirrhotic rats. Liver Int 2012; 32:410-9. [PMID: 22151131 DOI: 10.1111/j.1478-3231.2011.02698.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2011] [Accepted: 11/08/2011] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE In liver failure, inflammation synergistically exacerbates the deleterious cerebral effects of ammonia. The aims were to test whether treatment with the ammonia-lowering agent ornithine phenylacetate (OP) and/or anti-TNF-α (infliximab) prevent the deleterious brain consequences of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) in cirrhotic rats. DESIGN Rats 4 weeks following bile duct-ligation (BDL), sham-operation (sham) and/or 7 days hyperammonemic feed (HD), were randomized to receive LPS (1 mg/kg) or saline, and treatment with either 3 days intraperitoneal injections of OP (0.6 g/kg) and/or infliximab, 10 mg/kg. Animals were sacrificed at coma stages or at 3 h. RESULTS In sham rats, both HD and LPS increased brain water, with an increase in ammonia in the former and brain cytokines in the latter but with no effect on consciousness. BDL + HD rats caused significantly higher plasma ammonia, TNF-α and IL-6 levels compared to sham. LPS significantly worsened coma stage, increased brain water and plasma and brain TNF-α. OP significantly delayed LPS-induced progression to coma stages (P < 0.009), reduced arterial ammonia and brain water (P < 0.001 and P < 0.01 respectively), which was associated with a significant reduction in cytokines. Infliximab significantly reduced plasma and brain cytokines, but not brain water. OP + infliximab attenuated increase in brain water and delayed occurrence of coma, which was not different to OP alone. In BDL rats, OP reduced the expression of brain iNOS and NFκB. CONCLUSION Reduction in ammonia with OP in cirrhotic rats prevents LPS-induced brain edema and delays coma, suggesting that ammonia may prime the brain to the deleterious effect of LPS, possibly through effects on iNOS and NFκB related mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gavin Wright
- Liver Failure Group, UCL Institute of Hepatology, Royal Free Hospital, London, UK
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Zwirner K, Thiel C, Thiel K, Morgalla MH, Königsrainer A, Schenk M. Extracellular brain ammonia levels in association with arterial ammonia, intracranial pressure and the use of albumin dialysis devices in pigs with acute liver failure. Metab Brain Dis 2010; 25:407-12. [PMID: 21086032 DOI: 10.1007/s11011-010-9222-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2010] [Accepted: 07/22/2010] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
In acute liver failure (ALF) hyperammonemia plays a mayor role in the pathogenesis of hepatic encephalopathy (HE) but does not always correlate with the severity of mental deterioration and intracranial pressure (ICP). The aim of our study was to evaluate the association with extracellular brain ammonia, ICP and the therapeutical impact of two albumin dialysis devices. ALF was induced by complete hepatectomy in 13 pigs. All pigs were monitored and treated under intensive care conditions until death. Arterial blood and cerebral microdialysis samples were collected and ICP data recorded. Additionally in 5 pigs, standard albumin dialysis and in 3 animals an albumin dialysis prototype was initiated as a tool. Arterial ammonia increased straight after hepatectomy, while extracellular brain ammonia remained on a moderate level 10 h post ALF initiation. After 16 h the brain ammonia reached arterial ammonia levels before plateauing at 1,200 microM, though the arterial ammonia continued to rise. The ICP correlated with the brain ammonia levels. No impact of the different dialysis therapies on neither blood nor brain ammonia levels was observed. In ALF the extracellular brain ammonia revealed a delayed increase compared to arterial ammonia. It correlated strongly with the ICP and could serve as a sensitive marker for HE development. Albumin dialysis did not affect blood or brain ammonia levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kerstin Zwirner
- Department of General, Visceral and Transplant Surgery, Tuebingen University Hospital, Tuebingen, Germany
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Three-dimensional culture of human embryonic stem cell derived hepatic endoderm and its role in bioartificial liver construction. J Biomed Biotechnol 2010; 2010:236147. [PMID: 20169088 PMCID: PMC2821762 DOI: 10.1155/2010/236147] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2009] [Accepted: 12/03/2009] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The liver carries out a range of functions essential for bodily homeostasis. The impairment of liver functions has serious implications and is responsible for high rates of patient morbidity and mortality. Presently, liver transplantation remains the only effective treatment, but donor availability is a major limitation. Therefore, artificial and bioartificial liver devices have been developed to bridge patients to liver transplantation. Existing support devices improve hepatic encephalopathy to a certain extent; however their usage is associated with side effects. The major hindrance in the development of bioartificial liver devices and cellular therapies is the limited availability of human hepatocytes. Moreover, primary hepatocytes are difficult to maintain and lose hepatic identity and function over time even with sophisticated tissue culture media. To overcome this limitation, renewable cell sources are being explored. Human embryonic stem cells are one such cellular resource and have been shown to generate a reliable and reproducible supply of human hepatic endoderm. Therefore, the use of human embryonic stem cell-derived hepatic endoderm in combination with tissue engineering has the potential to pave the way for the development of novel bioartificial liver devices and predictive drug toxicity assays.
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Spahr L, Morard I, Mentha G, Hadengue A, Giostra E. Spontaneous Resolution of Brain Edema in Fulminant Hepatic Failure due to Hepatitis E. Case Rep Gastroenterol 2008; 2:424-7. [PMID: 21897793 PMCID: PMC3166805 DOI: 10.1159/000164618] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Fulminant hepatic failure is characterized by the presence of hepatic encephalopathy in the setting of acute liver injury that occurs in a noncirrhotic organ. Brain edema is the ultimate complication of advanced hepatic encephalopathy as it often leads to cerebral herniation and death. Thus, the presence of fulminant hepatic failure indicates the need for urgent liver transplantation to prevent death or irreversible brain damage. We report a very unusual evolution of fulminant hepatic failure complicated by brain edema and hepatic coma in a 45-year-old woman admitted with acute viral hepatitis E infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laurent Spahr
- Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University Hospital, Geneva, Switzerland
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