Wang XY, Xie RX, Zhang JG, Zhang DK. Role of neurosteroids in hepatic encephalopathy.
Shijie Huaren Xiaohua Zazhi 2014;
22:5086-5091. [DOI:
10.11569/wcjd.v22.i33.5086]
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Abstract
Hepatic encephalopathy (HE) is a neuropsychiatric manifestation of chronic or acute liver disease. Neurosteroids are synthesized from cholesterol and its precursors by glial cells, oligodendrocytes and neurons in the brain. The mechanisms by which neurosteroids affect brain function may involve both genetic and non-genetic effects. On one hand, neurosteroids bind and modulate different types of neuronal membrane receptors, including gamma-amino butyric acid-A receptor (GABA-A), N-methyl-D-aspartic acid receptor (NMDA), 5-hydroxytryptamine 3 (5-HT3) and opioid receptors which have been showed to be involved in HE. On the other hand, some neurosteroids bind to intracellular receptors through which they also regulate gene expression. Of note, neurosteroids play a role in the pathogenesis of HE through inhibiting long-term potentiation. Neurosteroids might provide a new avenue for HE treatment.
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