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Bajaj JS, Fagan A, Gavis EA, Mousel T, Gallagher ML, Puri P, Fuchs M, Davis BC, Hylemon PB, Zhou H, Ahluwalia V, Cadrain R, Sikaroodi M, Gillevet PM. The RIVET RCT: Rifamycin SV MMX improves muscle mass, physical function, and ammonia in cirrhosis and minimal encephalopathy. Hepatol Commun 2024; 8:e0384. [PMID: 38315140 PMCID: PMC10843468 DOI: 10.1097/hc9.0000000000000384] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2023] [Accepted: 01/02/2024] [Indexed: 02/07/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Minimal hepatic encephalopathy (MHE) negatively affects the prognosis of cirrhosis, but treatment is not standard. Rifamycin SV MMX (RiVM) is a nonabsorbable rifampin derivative with colonic action. METHODS In a phase 2 placebo-controlled, double-blind randomized clinical trial patients with MHE were randomized to RiVM or placebo for 30 days with a 7-day follow-up. The primary endpoint was a change in stool cirrhosis dysbiosis ratio. Gut-brain (cognition, stool/salivary microbiome, ammonia, brain magnetic resonance spectroscopy), inflammation (stool calprotectin/serum cytokines), patient-reported outcomes (sickness impact profile: total/physical/psychosocial, high = worse), and sarcopenia (handgrip, bioelectric impedance) were secondary. Between/within groups and delta (post-pre) comparisons were performed. RESULTS Thirty patients (15/group) were randomized and completed the study without safety concerns. While cirrhosis dysbiosis ratio was statistically similar on repeated measures ANOVA (95% CI: -0.70 to 3.5), ammonia significantly reduced (95% CI: 4.4-29.6) in RiVM with changes in stool microbial α/β-diversity. MHE status was unchanged but only serial dotting (which tests motor strength) improved in RiVM-assigned patients. Delta physical sickness impact profile (95% CI: 0.33 = 8.5), lean mass (95% CI: -3.3 to -0.9), and handgrip strength (95% CI: -8.1 to -1.0) improved in RiVM versus placebo. Stool short-chain fatty acids (propionate, acetate, and butyrate) increased post-RiVM. Serum, urine, and stool bile acid profile changed to nontoxic bile acids (higher hyocholate/ursodeoxycholate and lower deoxycholate/lithocholate) post-RiVM. Serum IL-1β and stool calprotectin decreased while brain magnetic resonance spectroscopy showed higher glutathione concentrations in RiVM. CONCLUSIONS RiVM is well tolerated in patients with MHE with changes in stool microbial composition and function, ammonia, inflammation, brain oxidative stress, and sarcopenia-related parameters without improvement in cognition. RiVM modulates the gut-brain axis and gut-muscle axis in cirrhosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jasmohan S. Bajaj
- Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition, Virginia Commonwealth University and Richmond VA Medical Center, Richmond, Virginia, USA
| | - Andrew Fagan
- Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition, Virginia Commonwealth University and Richmond VA Medical Center, Richmond, Virginia, USA
| | - Edith A. Gavis
- Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition, Virginia Commonwealth University and Richmond VA Medical Center, Richmond, Virginia, USA
| | - Travis Mousel
- Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition, Virginia Commonwealth University and Richmond VA Medical Center, Richmond, Virginia, USA
| | - Mary L. Gallagher
- Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition, Virginia Commonwealth University and Richmond VA Medical Center, Richmond, Virginia, USA
| | - Puneet Puri
- Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition, Virginia Commonwealth University and Richmond VA Medical Center, Richmond, Virginia, USA
| | - Michael Fuchs
- Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition, Virginia Commonwealth University and Richmond VA Medical Center, Richmond, Virginia, USA
| | - Brian C. Davis
- Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition, Virginia Commonwealth University and Richmond VA Medical Center, Richmond, Virginia, USA
| | - Phillip B. Hylemon
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Virginia Commonwealth University and Richmond VA Medical Center, Richmond, Virginia, USA
| | - Huiping Zhou
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Virginia Commonwealth University and Richmond VA Medical Center, Richmond, Virginia, USA
| | - Vishwadeep Ahluwalia
- Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition, Virginia Commonwealth University and Richmond VA Medical Center, Richmond, Virginia, USA
- Center for Advanced Brain Imaging, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Robert Cadrain
- Collaborative Advanced Research Imaging Center, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia, USA
| | - Masoumeh Sikaroodi
- Microbiome Analysis Center, George Mason University, Manassas, Virginia, USA
| | - Patrick M. Gillevet
- Microbiome Analysis Center, George Mason University, Manassas, Virginia, USA
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2
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Cellular Pathogenesis of Hepatic Encephalopathy: An Update. Biomolecules 2023; 13:biom13020396. [PMID: 36830765 PMCID: PMC9953810 DOI: 10.3390/biom13020396] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2022] [Revised: 01/01/2023] [Accepted: 02/17/2023] [Indexed: 02/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatic encephalopathy (HE) is a neuropsychiatric syndrome derived from metabolic disorders due to various liver failures. Clinically, HE is characterized by hyperammonemia, EEG abnormalities, and different degrees of disturbance in sensory, motor, and cognitive functions. The molecular mechanism of HE has not been fully elucidated, although it is generally accepted that HE occurs under the influence of miscellaneous factors, especially the synergistic effect of toxin accumulation and severe metabolism disturbance. This review summarizes the recently discovered cellular mechanisms involved in the pathogenesis of HE. Among the existing hypotheses, ammonia poisoning and the subsequent oxidative/nitrosative stress remain the mainstream theories, and reducing blood ammonia is thus the main strategy for the treatment of HE. Other pathological mechanisms mainly include manganese toxicity, autophagy inhibition, mitochondrial damage, inflammation, and senescence, proposing new avenues for future therapeutic interventions.
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3
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Oliveira MM, Monnet-Aimard A, Bosoi CR, Tremblay M, Rose CF. Sex is associated with differences in oxidative stress and susceptibility to severe hepatic encephalopathy in bile-duct ligated rats. J Neurochem 2022; 162:337-351. [PMID: 35771118 DOI: 10.1111/jnc.15661] [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: 01/18/2022] [Revised: 06/23/2022] [Accepted: 06/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Hepatic encephalopathy (HE) is a debilitating neurological complication of chronic liver disease (CLD). Hyperammonemia plays an important role in HE's pathogenesis, acting synergistically with systemic oxidative stress. During CLD, muscle plays a compensatory role in detoxifying ammonia, and therefore muscle loss leads to an increase in the risk of developing HE. With most animal studies involving males, sex's impact on the development of CLD and associated complications such as HE and muscle loss remains unknown. Therefore, we aimed to identify the impact of sex on CLD, HE, and muscle mass loss in a rodent model of CLD. Liver injury markers, hyperammonemia, oxidative stress, muscle mass and ammonia clearance were measured in female and male bile-duct ligated (BDL) rats. In addition, covert HE was assessed in females while ammonia-precipitated severe HE was assessed in female and male BDL rats, and male BDL rats treated with allopurinol (100mg/kg), an antioxidant (xanthine oxidase inhibitor). Female BDL developed CLD and HE (impaired motor-coordination and night activity) compared to respective SHAM. Hyperammonemia and muscle ammonia clearance were similar between female and male BDL. However, only female BDL rats did not develop muscle loss, brain edema, and short-term memory impairment (vs. female SHAM) and systemic oxidative stress and decreased albumin levels (vs. male BDL). Furthermore, both female BDL and allopurinol-treated male BDL rats were protected against ammonia-induced overt HE. In conclusion, female and male BDL rats develop distinct features of CLD and HE, with systemic oxidative stress playing a pivotal role in the susceptibility to ammonia precipitated overt HE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariana M Oliveira
- Hepato-Neuro Laboratory, CRCHUM, Université de Montréal, Montreal, Canada
| | - Alexis Monnet-Aimard
- Institut de Neurosciences de la Timone, Équipe inVibe, Université Aix-Marseille, France
| | - Cristina R Bosoi
- Hepato-Neuro Laboratory, CRCHUM, Université de Montréal, Montreal, Canada
| | - Mélanie Tremblay
- Hepato-Neuro Laboratory, CRCHUM, Université de Montréal, Montreal, Canada
| | - Christopher F Rose
- Hepato-Neuro Laboratory, CRCHUM, Université de Montréal, Montreal, Canada
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4
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Yang J, Yin M, Hou Y, Li H, Guo Y, Yu H, Zhang K, Zhang C, Jia L, Zhang F, Li X, Bian H, Li Z. Role of ammonia for brain abnormal protein glycosylation during the development of hepatitis B virus-related liver diseases. Cell Biosci 2022; 12:16. [PMID: 35164881 PMCID: PMC8842931 DOI: 10.1186/s13578-022-00751-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2021] [Accepted: 01/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Ammonia is the most typical neurotoxin in hepatic encephalopathy (HE), but the underlying pathophysiology between ammonia and aberrant glycosylation in HE remains unknown. Results Here, we used HBV transgenic mice and astrocytes to present a systems-based study of glycosylation changes and corresponding enzymes associated with the key factors of ammonia in HE. We surveyed protein glycosylation changes associated with the brain of HBV transgenic mice by lectin microarrays. Upregulation of Galβ1-3GalNAc mediated by core 1 β1,3-galactosyltransferase (C1GALT1) was identified as a result of ammonia stimulation. Using in vitro assays, we validated that upregulation of C1GALT1 is a driver of deregulates calcium (Ca2+) homeostasis by overexpression of inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate receptor type 1 (IP3R1) in astrocytes. Conclusions We demonstrated that silencing C1GALT1 could depress the IP3R1 expression, an effective strategy to inhibit the ammonia-induced upregulation of Ca2+ activity, thereby C1GALT1 and IP3R1 may serve as therapeutic targets in hyperammonemia of HE. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13578-022-00751-4.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiajun Yang
- Laboratory for Functional Glycomics, College of Life Sciences, Northwest University, Xi'an, 710069, China
| | - Mengqi Yin
- Laboratory for Functional Glycomics, College of Life Sciences, Northwest University, Xi'an, 710069, China
| | - Yao Hou
- Laboratory for Functional Glycomics, College of Life Sciences, Northwest University, Xi'an, 710069, China
| | - Hao Li
- Cell Engineering Research Centre and Department of Cell Biology, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, China
| | - Yonghong Guo
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710004, China
| | - Hanjie Yu
- Laboratory for Functional Glycomics, College of Life Sciences, Northwest University, Xi'an, 710069, China
| | - Kun Zhang
- Laboratory for Functional Glycomics, College of Life Sciences, Northwest University, Xi'an, 710069, China
| | - Chen Zhang
- Laboratory for Functional Glycomics, College of Life Sciences, Northwest University, Xi'an, 710069, China
| | - Liyuan Jia
- Laboratory for Functional Glycomics, College of Life Sciences, Northwest University, Xi'an, 710069, China
| | - Fan Zhang
- Laboratory for Functional Glycomics, College of Life Sciences, Northwest University, Xi'an, 710069, China
| | - Xia Li
- Laboratory for Functional Glycomics, College of Life Sciences, Northwest University, Xi'an, 710069, China
| | - Huijie Bian
- Cell Engineering Research Centre and Department of Cell Biology, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, China.
| | - Zheng Li
- Laboratory for Functional Glycomics, College of Life Sciences, Northwest University, Xi'an, 710069, China.
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Häussinger D, Butz M, Schnitzler A, Görg B. Pathomechanisms in hepatic encephalopathy. Biol Chem 2021; 402:1087-1102. [PMID: 34049427 DOI: 10.1515/hsz-2021-0168] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2021] [Accepted: 05/12/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Hepatic encephalopathy (HE) is a frequent neuropsychiatric complication in patients with acute or chronic liver failure. Symptoms of HE in particular include disturbances of sensory and motor functions and cognition. HE is triggered by heterogeneous factors such as ammonia being a main toxin, benzodiazepines, proinflammatory cytokines and hyponatremia. HE in patients with liver cirrhosis is triggered by a low-grade cerebral edema and cerebral oxidative/nitrosative stress which bring about a number of functionally relevant alterations including posttranslational protein modifications, oxidation of RNA, gene expression changes and senescence. These alterations are suggested to impair astrocyte/neuronal functions and communication. On the system level, a global slowing of oscillatory brain activity and networks can be observed paralleling behavioral perceptual and motor impairments. Moreover, these changes are related to increased cerebral ammonia, alterations in neurometabolite and neurotransmitter concentrations and cortical excitability in HE patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dieter Häussinger
- Clinic for Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Infectious Diseases, Heinrich Heine University, Moorenstr. 5, D-40225 Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Markus Butz
- Department of Neurology/Institute of Clinical Neuroscience and Medical Psychology, Medical Faculty, Heinrich Heine University, Moorenstr. 5, D-40225 Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Alfons Schnitzler
- Department of Neurology/Institute of Clinical Neuroscience and Medical Psychology, Medical Faculty, Heinrich Heine University, Moorenstr. 5, D-40225 Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Boris Görg
- Clinic for Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Infectious Diseases, Heinrich Heine University, Moorenstr. 5, D-40225 Düsseldorf, Germany
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DeMorrow S, Cudalbu C, Davies N, Jayakumar AR, Rose CF. 2021 ISHEN guidelines on animal models of hepatic encephalopathy. Liver Int 2021; 41:1474-1488. [PMID: 33900013 PMCID: PMC9812338 DOI: 10.1111/liv.14911] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2020] [Revised: 03/05/2021] [Accepted: 04/01/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
This working group of the International Society of Hepatic Encephalopathy and Nitrogen Metabolism (ISHEN) was commissioned to summarize and update current efforts in the development and characterization of animal models of hepatic encephalopathy (HE). As defined in humans, HE in animal models is based on the underlying degree and severity of liver pathology. Although hyperammonemia remains the key focus in the pathogenesis of HE, other factors associated with HE have been identified, together with recommended animal models, to help explore the pathogenesis and pathophysiological mechanisms of HE. While numerous methods to induce liver failure and disease exist, less have been characterized with neurological and neurobehavioural impairments. Moreover, there still remains a paucity of adequate animal models of Type C HE induced by alcohol, viruses and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease; the most common etiologies of chronic liver disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- S DeMorrow
- Division of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, The University of Texas at Austin, Texas, USA; Department of Internal Medicine, Dell Medical School, The University of Texas at Austin, Texas, USA; Research division, Central Texas Veterans Healthcare System, Temple Texas USA.,Correspondance: Sharon DeMorrow, PhD, ; tel: +1-512-495-5779
| | - C Cudalbu
- Center for Biomedical Imaging, Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - N Davies
- Institute for Liver and Digestive Health, University College London, Royal Free Campus, London, United Kingdom
| | - AR Jayakumar
- General Medical Research, Neuropathology Section, R&D Service and South Florida VA Foundation for Research and Education Inc; Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, University of Miami School of Medicine, Miami FL, USA
| | - CF Rose
- Hepato-Neuro Laboratory, CRCHUM, Université de Montréal, Montreal, Canada
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7
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Rose CF, Amodio P, Bajaj JS, Dhiman RK, Montagnese S, Taylor-Robinson SD, Vilstrup H, Jalan R. Hepatic encephalopathy: Novel insights into classification, pathophysiology and therapy. J Hepatol 2020; 73:1526-1547. [PMID: 33097308 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhep.2020.07.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 183] [Impact Index Per Article: 45.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2019] [Revised: 07/01/2020] [Accepted: 07/03/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Hepatic encephalopathy (HE) is a frequent and serious complication of both chronic liver disease and acute liver failure. HE manifests as a wide spectrum of neuropsychiatric abnormalities, from subclinical changes (mild cognitive impairment) to marked disorientation, confusion and coma. The clinical and economic burden of HE is considerable, and it contributes greatly to impaired quality of life, morbidity and mortality. This review will critically discuss the latest classification of HE, as well as the pathogenesis and pathophysiological pathways underlying the neurological decline in patients with end-stage liver disease. In addition, management strategies, diagnostic approaches, currently available therapeutic options and novel treatment strategies are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher F Rose
- Hepato-Neuro Laboratory, CRCHUM, Université de Montréal, Montreal, Canada.
| | - Piero Amodio
- Department of Medicine, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Jasmohan S Bajaj
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, Virginia Commonwealth University and McGuire VA Medical Center, Richmond, Virginia, USA
| | - Radha Krishan Dhiman
- Department of Hepatology, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, India
| | | | - Simon D Taylor-Robinson
- Department of Surgery and Cancer, St. Mary's Hospital Campus, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Hendrik Vilstrup
- Department of Hepatology and Gastroenterology, Aarhus University Hospital, Denmark
| | - Rajiv Jalan
- Liver Failure Group, Institute for Liver and Digestive Health, University College London, Royal Free Campus, London, United Kingdom; European Foundation for the Study of Chronic Liver Failure, Barcelona, Spain.
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Abstract
Hepatic encephalopathy describes the array of neurological alterations that occur during acute liver failure or chronic liver injury. While key players in the pathogenesis of hepatic encephalopathy, such as increases in brain ammonia, alterations in neurosteroid levels, and neuroinflammation, have been identified, there is still a paucity in our knowledge of the precise pathogenic mechanism. This review gives a brief overview of our understanding of the pathogenesis of hepatic encephalopathy and then summarizes the significant recent advances made in clinical and basic research contributing to our understanding, diagnosis, and possible treatment of hepatic encephalopathy. A literature search using the PubMed database was conducted in May 2017 using "hepatic encephalopathy" as a keyword, and selected manuscripts were limited to those research articles published since May 2014. While the authors acknowledge that many significant advances have been made in the understanding of hepatic encephalopathy prior to May 2014, we have limited the scope of this review to the previous three years only.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victoria Liere
- Department of Medical Physiology, College of Medicine, Texas A&M Health Science Center, Temple, TX, USA
| | | | - Sharon DeMorrow
- Department of Medical Physiology, College of Medicine, Texas A&M Health Science Center, Temple, TX, USA
- Central Texas Veterans Healthcare System, Temple, TX, USA
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9
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Kang DJ, Betrapally NS, Ghosh SA, Sartor RB, Hylemon PB, Gillevet PM, Sanyal AJ, Heuman DM, Carl D, Zhou H, Liu R, Wang X, Yang J, Jiao C, Herzog J, Lippman HR, Sikaroodi M, Brown RR, Bajaj JS. Gut microbiota drive the development of neuroinflammatory response in cirrhosis in mice. Hepatology 2016; 64:1232-48. [PMID: 27339732 PMCID: PMC5033692 DOI: 10.1002/hep.28696] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2016] [Revised: 05/18/2016] [Accepted: 06/21/2016] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
UNLABELLED The mechanisms behind the development of hepatic encephalopathy (HE) are unclear, although hyperammonemia and systemic inflammation through gut dysbiosis have been proposed. The aim of this work was to define the individual contribution of hyperammonemia and systemic inflammation on neuroinflammation in cirrhosis using germ-free (GF) and conventional mice. GF and conventional C57BL/6 mice were made cirrhotic using CCl4 gavage. These were compared to their noncirrhotic counterparts. Intestinal microbiota, systemic and neuroinflammation (including microglial and glial activation), serum ammonia, intestinal glutaminase activity, and cecal glutamine content were compared between groups. GF cirrhotic mice developed similar cirrhotic changes to conventional mice after 4 extra weeks (16 vs. 12 weeks) of CCl4 gavage. GF cirrhotic mice exhibited higher ammonia, compared to GF controls, but this was not associated with systemic or neuroinflammation. Ammonia was generated through increased small intestinal glutaminase activity with concomitantly reduced intestinal glutamine levels. However, conventional cirrhotic mice had intestinal dysbiosis as well as systemic inflammation, associated with increased serum ammonia, compared to conventional controls. This was associated with neuroinflammation and glial/microglial activation. Correlation network analysis in conventional mice showed significant linkages between systemic/neuroinflammation, intestinal microbiota, and ammonia. Specifically beneficial, autochthonous taxa were negatively linked with brain and systemic inflammation, ammonia, and with Staphylococcaceae, Lactobacillaceae, and Streptococcaceae. Enterobacteriaceae were positively linked with serum inflammatory cytokines. CONCLUSION Gut microbiota changes drive development of neuroinflammatory and systemic inflammatory responses in cirrhotic animals. (Hepatology 2016;64:1232-1248).
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Affiliation(s)
- Dae Joong Kang
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, Virginia Commonwealth University and McGuire VA Medical Center, Richmond, VA
| | | | - Siddhartha A Ghosh
- Division of Nephrology, Virginia Commonwealth University and McGuire VA Medical Center, Richmond, VA
| | - R Balfour Sartor
- National Gnotobiotic Rodent Resource Center, Department of Medicine, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC
| | - Phillip B Hylemon
- Division of Microbiology and Immunology, and, Virginia Commonwealth University and McGuire VA Medical Center, Richmond, VA
| | | | - Arun J Sanyal
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, Virginia Commonwealth University and McGuire VA Medical Center, Richmond, VA
| | - Douglas M Heuman
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, Virginia Commonwealth University and McGuire VA Medical Center, Richmond, VA
| | - Daniel Carl
- Division of Nephrology, Virginia Commonwealth University and McGuire VA Medical Center, Richmond, VA
| | - Huiping Zhou
- Division of Microbiology and Immunology, and, Virginia Commonwealth University and McGuire VA Medical Center, Richmond, VA
| | - Runping Liu
- Division of Microbiology and Immunology, and, Virginia Commonwealth University and McGuire VA Medical Center, Richmond, VA
| | - Xiang Wang
- Division of Microbiology and Immunology, and, Virginia Commonwealth University and McGuire VA Medical Center, Richmond, VA
| | - Jing Yang
- Division of Microbiology and Immunology, and, Virginia Commonwealth University and McGuire VA Medical Center, Richmond, VA
| | - Chunhua Jiao
- Division of Microbiology and Immunology, and, Virginia Commonwealth University and McGuire VA Medical Center, Richmond, VA
| | - Jeremy Herzog
- National Gnotobiotic Rodent Resource Center, Department of Medicine, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC
| | - H Robert Lippman
- Division of Pathology, Virginia Commonwealth University and McGuire VA Medical Center, Richmond, VA
| | | | - Robert R Brown
- Microbiome Analysis Center, George Mason University, Manassas, VA
| | - Jasmohan S Bajaj
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, Virginia Commonwealth University and McGuire VA Medical Center, Richmond, VA.
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Oeltzschner G, Butz M, Wickrath F, Wittsack HJ, Schnitzler A. Covert hepatic encephalopathy: elevated total glutathione and absence of brain water content changes. Metab Brain Dis 2016; 31:517-27. [PMID: 26563124 DOI: 10.1007/s11011-015-9760-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2015] [Accepted: 11/06/2015] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
Recent pathophysiological models suggest that oxidative stress and hyperammonemia lead to a mild brain oedema in hepatic encephalopathy (HE). Glutathione (GSx) is a major cellular antioxidant and known to be involved in the interception of both. The aim of this work was to study total glutathione levels in covert HE (minimal HE and HE grade 1) and to investigate their relationship with local brain water content, levels of glutamine (Gln), myo-inositol (mI), neurotransmitter levels, critical flicker frequency (CFF), and blood ammonia. Proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy ((1)H MRS) data were analysed from visual and sensorimotor cortices of thirty patients with covert HE and 16 age-matched healthy controls. Total glutathione levels (GSx/Cr) were quantified with respect to creatine. Furthermore, quantitative MRI brain water content measures were evaluated. Data were tested for links with the CFF and blood ammonia. GSx/Cr was elevated in the visual (mHE) and sensorimotor (mHE, HE 1) MRS volumes and correlated with blood ammonia levels (both P < 0.001). It was further linked to Gln/Cr and mI/Cr (P < 0.01 in visual, P < 0.001 in sensorimotor) and to GABA/Cr (P < 0.01 in visual). Visual GSx/Cr correlated with brain water content in the thalamus, nucleus caudatus, and visual cortex (P < 0.01). Brain water measures did neither show group effects nor correlations with CFF or blood ammonia. Elevated total glutathione levels in covert HE (< HE 2) correlate with blood ammonia and may be a regional-specific reaction to hyperammonemia and oxidative stress. Brain water content is locally linked to visual glutathione levels, but appears not to be associated with changes of clinical parameters. This might suggest that cerebral oedema is only marginally responsible for the symptoms of covert HE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Georg Oeltzschner
- Institute of Clinical Neuroscience and Medical Psychology, Medical Faculty, Heinrich-Heine-University Düsseldorf, Universitätsstr. 1, D-40225, Düsseldorf, Germany.
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, Medical Faculty, Heinrich-Heine-University Düsseldorf, D-40225, Düsseldorf, Germany.
| | - Markus Butz
- Institute of Clinical Neuroscience and Medical Psychology, Medical Faculty, Heinrich-Heine-University Düsseldorf, Universitätsstr. 1, D-40225, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Frithjof Wickrath
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, Medical Faculty, Heinrich-Heine-University Düsseldorf, D-40225, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Hans-Jörg Wittsack
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, Medical Faculty, Heinrich-Heine-University Düsseldorf, D-40225, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Alfons Schnitzler
- Institute of Clinical Neuroscience and Medical Psychology, Medical Faculty, Heinrich-Heine-University Düsseldorf, Universitätsstr. 1, D-40225, Düsseldorf, Germany
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11
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Impaired Gut-Liver-Brain Axis in Patients with Cirrhosis. Sci Rep 2016; 6:26800. [PMID: 27225869 PMCID: PMC4880966 DOI: 10.1038/srep26800] [Citation(s) in RCA: 146] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2016] [Accepted: 05/10/2016] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Cirrhosis is associated with brain dysfunction known as hepatic encephalopathy (HE). The mechanisms behind HE are unclear although hyperammonemia and systemic inflammation through gut dysbiosis have been proposed. We aimed to define the individual contribution of specific gut bacterial taxa towards astrocytic and neuronal changes in brain function using multi-modal MRI in patients with cirrhosis. 187 subjects (40 controls, 147 cirrhotic; 87 with HE) underwent systemic inflammatory assessment, cognitive testing, stool microbiota analysis and brain MRI analysis. MR spectroscopy (MRS) changes of increased Glutamate/glutamine, reduced myo-inositol and choline are hyperammonemia-associated astrocytic changes, while diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) demonstrates changes in neuronal integrity and edema. Linkages between cognition, MRI parameters and gut microbiota were compared between groups. We found that HE patients had a significantly worse cognitive performance, systemic inflammation, dysbiosis and hyperammonemia compared to controls and cirrhotics without HE. Specific microbial families (autochthonous taxa negatively and Enterobacteriaceae positively) correlated with MR spectroscopy and hyperammonemia-associated astrocytic changes. On the other hand Porphyromonadaceae, were only correlated with neuronal changes on DTI without linkages with ammonia. We conclude that specific gut microbial taxa are related to neuronal and astrocytic consequences of cirrhosis-associated brain dysfunction.
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Milewski K, Hilgier W, Fręśko I, Polowy R, Podsiadłowska A, Zołocińska E, Grymanowska AW, Filipkowski RK, Albrecht J, Zielińska M. Carnosine Reduces Oxidative Stress and Reverses Attenuation of Righting and Postural Reflexes in Rats with Thioacetamide-Induced Liver Failure. Neurochem Res 2016; 41:376-84. [PMID: 26801175 PMCID: PMC4773466 DOI: 10.1007/s11064-015-1821-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2015] [Revised: 12/28/2015] [Accepted: 12/29/2015] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Cerebral oxidative stress (OS) contributes to the pathogenesis of hepatic encephalopathy (HE). Existing evidence suggests that systemic administration of l-histidine (His) attenuates OS in brain of HE animal models, but the underlying mechanism is complex and not sufficiently understood. Here we tested the hypothesis that dipeptide carnosine (β-alanyl-l-histidine, Car) may be neuroprotective in thioacetamide (TAA)-induced liver failure in rats and that, being His metabolite, may mediate the well documented anti-OS activity of His. Amino acids [His or Car (100 mg/kg)] were administrated 2 h before TAA (i.p., 300 mg/kg 3× in 24 h intervals) injection into Sprague–Dawley rats. The animals were thus tested for: (i) brain prefrontal cortex and blood contents of Car and His, (ii) amount of reactive oxygen species (ROS), total antioxidant capacity (TAC), GSSG/GSH ratio and thioredoxin reductase (TRx) activity, and (iii) behavioral changes (several models were used, i.e. tests for reflexes, open field, grip test, Rotarod). Brain level of Car was reduced in TAA rats, and His administration significantly elevated Car levels in control and TAA rats. Car partly attenuated TAA-induced ROS production and reduced GSH/GSSG ratio, whereas the increase of TRx activity in TAA brain was not significantly modulated by Car. Further, Car improved TAA-affected behavioral functions in rats, as was shown by the tests of righting and postural reflexes. Collectively, the results support the hypothesis that (i) Car may be added to the list of neuroprotective compounds of therapeutic potential on HE and that (ii) Car mediates at least a portion of the OS-attenuating activity of His in the setting of TAA-induced liver failure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Krzysztof Milewski
- Department of Neurotoxicology, Mossakowski Medical Research Centre, Polish Academy of Sciences, Pawińskiego 5 Str, 02-106, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Wojciech Hilgier
- Department of Neurotoxicology, Mossakowski Medical Research Centre, Polish Academy of Sciences, Pawińskiego 5 Str, 02-106, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Inez Fręśko
- Department of Neurotoxicology, Mossakowski Medical Research Centre, Polish Academy of Sciences, Pawińskiego 5 Str, 02-106, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Rafał Polowy
- Behavior and Metabolism Research Laboratory, Mossakowski Medical Research Centre, Polish Academy of Sciences, Pawińskiego 5 Str, 02-106, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Anna Podsiadłowska
- Department of Neurotoxicology, Mossakowski Medical Research Centre, Polish Academy of Sciences, Pawińskiego 5 Str, 02-106, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Ewa Zołocińska
- Department of Neurotoxicology, Mossakowski Medical Research Centre, Polish Academy of Sciences, Pawińskiego 5 Str, 02-106, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Aneta W Grymanowska
- Behavior and Metabolism Research Laboratory, Mossakowski Medical Research Centre, Polish Academy of Sciences, Pawińskiego 5 Str, 02-106, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Robert K Filipkowski
- Behavior and Metabolism Research Laboratory, Mossakowski Medical Research Centre, Polish Academy of Sciences, Pawińskiego 5 Str, 02-106, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Jan Albrecht
- Department of Neurotoxicology, Mossakowski Medical Research Centre, Polish Academy of Sciences, Pawińskiego 5 Str, 02-106, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Magdalena Zielińska
- Department of Neurotoxicology, Mossakowski Medical Research Centre, Polish Academy of Sciences, Pawińskiego 5 Str, 02-106, Warsaw, Poland.
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