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Liu Q, Ba X, Han L, Yan J, Chen Z, Qin K, Tu S, Shen P. Dahuang-Wumei decoction protects against hepatic encephalopathy in mice: Behavioural, biochemical, and molecular evidence. Phytomedicine 2024; 128:155419. [PMID: 38522314 DOI: 10.1016/j.phymed.2024.155419] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2023] [Revised: 01/17/2024] [Accepted: 02/03/2024] [Indexed: 03/26/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Disturbance of the blood‒brain barrier (BBB) and associated inflammatory responses are observed in patients with hepatic encephalopathy (HE) and can cause long-term complications. Dahuang-Wumei decoction (DWD) is a renowned traditional Chinese herbal medicine with a long history of clinical use and has been widely employed as an effective treatment for hepatic encephalopathy (HE). Despite its established efficacy, the precise mechanisms underlying the therapeutic effects of DWD have not been fully elucidated. PURPOSE The present study aimed to comprehensively explore the potential effects and underlying molecular mechanisms of DWD on HE through an integrated investigation that included both in vivo and in vitro experiments. METHODS In the present study, carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) and thioacetamide (TAA) were used to establish an HE model in mice. The therapeutic effects of DWD on liver injury, fibrosis, brain injury, behaviour, and consciousness disorders were evaluated in vivo. C8-D1A and bEnd.3 cells were used to construct a BBB model in vitro. The effects of DWD on proinflammatory factor expression, BBB damage and the Wnt/β-catenin pathway were detected in vivo and in vitro. RESULTS Our results showed that DWD can improve liver injury and fibrosis and brain damage and inhibit neurofunctional and behavioural disorders in mice with HE. Afterwards, we found that DWD decreased the levels of proinflammatory factors and suppressed BBB disruption by increasing the levels of junction proteins in vivo and vitro. Further studies verified that the Wnt/β-catenin pathway may play a pivotal role in mediating the inhibitory effect of DWD on HE. CONCLUSION These results demonstrated that DWD can treat HE by preventing BBB disruption, and the underlying mechanisms involved were associated with the activation of the Wnt/β-catenin pathway and the inhibition of inflammatory responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiong Liu
- Department of Integrated Chinese Traditional and Western Medicine, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College of Huazhong University of Science and Technology, No. 1095, Jiefang Avenue, Wuhan 430030, China
| | - Xin Ba
- Department of Integrated Chinese Traditional and Western Medicine, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College of Huazhong University of Science and Technology, No. 1095, Jiefang Avenue, Wuhan 430030, China
| | - Liang Han
- Department of Integrated Chinese Traditional and Western Medicine, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College of Huazhong University of Science and Technology, No. 1095, Jiefang Avenue, Wuhan 430030, China
| | - Jiahui Yan
- Department of Integrated Chinese Traditional and Western Medicine, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College of Huazhong University of Science and Technology, No. 1095, Jiefang Avenue, Wuhan 430030, China
| | - Zhe Chen
- Department of Integrated Chinese Traditional and Western Medicine, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College of Huazhong University of Science and Technology, No. 1095, Jiefang Avenue, Wuhan 430030, China
| | - Kai Qin
- Department of Integrated Chinese Traditional and Western Medicine, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College of Huazhong University of Science and Technology, No. 1095, Jiefang Avenue, Wuhan 430030, China
| | - Shenghao Tu
- Department of Integrated Chinese Traditional and Western Medicine, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College of Huazhong University of Science and Technology, No. 1095, Jiefang Avenue, Wuhan 430030, China
| | - Pan Shen
- Department of Integrated Chinese Traditional and Western Medicine, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College of Huazhong University of Science and Technology, No. 1095, Jiefang Avenue, Wuhan 430030, China; Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Zhongnan Hospital, Wuhan University, China.
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Sanyal AJ, Kowdley KV, Reau NS, Pyrsopoulos NT, Allen C, Heimanson Z, Bajaj JS. Rifaximin plus lactulose versus lactulose alone for reducing the risk of HE recurrence. Hepatol Commun 2024; 8:e0436. [PMID: 38727685 DOI: 10.1097/hc9.0000000000000436] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2023] [Accepted: 03/04/2024] [Indexed: 05/16/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The aim was to examine rifaximin plus lactulose efficacy in patients with cirrhosis at a risk of developing overt HE who were stratified by important baseline characteristics such as comorbid ascites or diabetes. METHODS Pooled post hoc subgroup analysis of adults receiving rifaximin 550 mg twice daily plus lactulose or lactulose alone for 6 months in a phase 3 randomized, double-blind trial and a phase 4 open-label trial was conducted. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION Rifaximin plus lactulose was more efficacious than lactulose alone for reducing the risk of overt HE recurrence and HE-related hospitalization in adults grouped by select baseline disease characteristics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arun J Sanyal
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia, USA
| | - Kris V Kowdley
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Elson Floyd College of Medicine, Spokane, Washington, USA
| | - Nancy S Reau
- Department of Medicine, Rush University, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | | | | | | | - Jasmohan S Bajaj
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia, USA
- Central Virginia Veterans Healthcare System, Richmond, Virginia, USA
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Sedik AA, Hussein DT, Fathy K, Mowaad NA. Neuroprotective and cognitive enhancing effects of herbecetin against thioacetamide induced hepatic encephalopathy in rats via upregulation of AMPK and SIRT1 signaling pathways. Sci Rep 2024; 14:11396. [PMID: 38762495 PMCID: PMC11102433 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-61639-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2024] [Accepted: 05/08/2024] [Indexed: 05/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Acute liver injury, there is a risky neurological condition known as hepatic encephalopathy (HE). Herbacetin is a glycosylated flavonoid with many pharmacological characteristics. The purpose of this study was to assess the ability of herbacetin to protect against the cognitive deficits associated with thioacetamide (TAA) rat model and delineate the underlying behavioral and pharmacological mechanisms. Rats were pretreated with herbacetin (20 and 40 mg/kg) for 30days. On 30th day, the rats were injected with TAA (i.p. 350 mg/kg) in a single dose. In addition to a histpathological studies, ultra-structural architecture of the brain, liver functions, oxidative stress biomarkers, and behavioral tests were evaluated. Compared to the TAA-intoxicated group, herbacetin improved the locomotor and cognitive deficits, serum hepatotoxicity indices and ammonia levels. Herbacetin reduced brain levels of malodialdeyde, glutamine synthetase (GS), tumor necrosis factor- alpha (TNF-α), interleukin 1 B (IL-1β), annexin v, and increased brain GSH, Sirtuin 1 (SIRT1), and AMP-activated kinase (AMPK) expression levels. Also, herbacetin improve the histopathological changes and ultra- structure of brain tissue via attenuating the number of inflammatory and apoptotic cells. Herbacetin treatment significantly reduced the toxicity caused by TAA. These findings suggest that herbacetin might be taken into account as a possible neuroprotective and cognitive enhancing agent due to its ability to reduce oxidative stress, inflammation and apoptosis associated with TAA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmed A Sedik
- Pharmacology Department, Medical Research and Clinical Studies Institute, National Research Centre, El-Buhouth St., Dokki, Cairo, 12622, Egypt
| | - Dalia T Hussein
- Fellow of Biochemistry, Children Hospital, Faculty of Medicine, Mansoura University, Mansoura, Egypt
| | - Khaled Fathy
- Electron Microscopy Unit, Mansoura University, El Mansoura, 35516, Egypt
| | - Noha A Mowaad
- Narcotics, Ergogenics and Poisons Department, Medical Research and Clinical Studies Institute, National Research Centre, El-Buhouth St., Dokki, Cairo, 12622, Egypt.
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Kulkarni AV, Avadhanam M, Karandikar P, Rakam K, Gupta A, Simhadri V, Premkumar M, Zuberi AA, Gujjarlapudi D, Narendran R, Shaik S, Sharma M, Iyengar S, Alla M, Venishetty S, Reddy DN, Rao PN. Antibiotics With or Without Rifaximin for Acute Hepatic Encephalopathy in Critically Ill Patients With Cirrhosis: A Double-Blind, Randomized Controlled (ARiE) Trial. Am J Gastroenterol 2024; 119:864-874. [PMID: 37942950 DOI: 10.14309/ajg.0000000000002575] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2023] [Accepted: 10/10/2023] [Indexed: 11/10/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Critically ill patients with cirrhosis admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) are usually on broad-spectrum antibiotics because of suspected infection or as a hospital protocol. It is unclear if additional rifaximin has any synergistic effect with broad-spectrum antibiotics in ICU patients with acute overt hepatic encephalopathy (HE). METHODS In this double-blind trial, patients with overt HE admitted to ICU were randomized to receive antibiotics (ab) alone or antibiotics with rifaximin (ab + r). Resolution (or 2 grade reduction) of HE, time to resolution of HE, in-hospital mortality, nosocomial infection, and changes in endotoxin levels were compared between the 2 groups. A subgroup analysis of patients with decompensated cirrhosis and acute-on-chronic liver failure was performed. RESULTS Baseline characteristics and severity scores were similar among both groups (92 in each group). Carbapenems and cephalosporin with beta-lactamase inhibitors were the most commonly used ab. On Kaplan-Meier analysis, 44.6% (41/92; 95% confidence interval [CI], 32-70.5) in ab-only arm and 46.7% (43/92; 95% CI, 33.8-63) in ab + r arm achieved the primary objective ( P = 0.84).Time to achieve the primary objective (3.65 ± 1.82 days and 4.11 ± 2.01 days; P = 0.27) and in-hospital mortality were similar among both groups (62% vs 50%; P = 0.13). Seven percent and 13% in the ab and ab + r groups developed nosocomial infections ( P = 0.21). Endotoxin levels were unaffected by rifaximin. Rifaximin led to lower in-hospital mortality (hazard ratio: 0.39 [95% CI, 0.2-0.76]) in patients with decompensated cirrhosis but not in patients with acute-on-chronic liver failure (hazard ratio: 0.99 [95% CI, 0.6-1.63]) because of reduced nosocomial infections. DISCUSSION Reversal of overt HE in those on ab was comparable with those on ab + r.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Kalyan Rakam
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, AIG Hospitals, Hyderabad, India
| | - Anand Gupta
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, AIG Hospitals, Hyderabad, India
| | - Venu Simhadri
- Department of Basic Sciences, Asian Healthcare Foundation, Hyderabad, India
| | | | | | | | | | - Sameer Shaik
- Department of Hepatology, AIG Hospitals, Hyderabad, India
| | - Mithun Sharma
- Department of Hepatology, AIG Hospitals, Hyderabad, India
| | - Sowmya Iyengar
- Department of Hepatology, AIG Hospitals, Hyderabad, India
| | - Manasa Alla
- Department of Hepatology, AIG Hospitals, Hyderabad, India
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Abd El Salam ASG, Abd Elrazik NA. Cinnamaldehyde/lactulose combination therapy alleviates thioacetamide-induced hepatic encephalopathy via targeting P2X7R-mediated NLRP3 inflammasome signaling. Life Sci 2024; 344:122559. [PMID: 38479595 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2024.122559] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2023] [Revised: 03/03/2024] [Accepted: 03/09/2024] [Indexed: 03/22/2024]
Abstract
AIMS Cinnamaldehyde (CA), the main active constituent of cinnamon oil, is reported to have neuroprotective effects. However, the potential benefits of CA for brain protection in hepatic encephalopathy (HE) are still not understood. Thus, the present study investigates the possible ameliorative effect of CA (70 mg/kg/day, I.P.) either alone or in combination with lactulose (Lac) (5.3 g/kg/day, oral) against thioacetamide (TAA)-induced hepatic encephalopathy in rats. MATERIALS AND METHODS For induction of HE, TAA (200 mg/kg) was intraperitoneally administered for 1 week at alternative days. CA, Lac and Lac+CA were administered for 14 days prior to and for further 7 days together with TAA injection. KEY FINDINGS CA, Lac and Lac+CA combination effectively attenuated TAA-induced HE; as indicated by the improvement in behavioral tests, mitigation of pathological abnormalities in both liver and brain, the significant reduction in serum hyperammonemia and amelioration in liver function biomarkers; ALT and AST. This was accompanied with a substantial restoration of redox state in liver and brain; MDA and GSH levels. Moreover, CA, Lac and Lac+CA combination reduced neuroinflammation as demonstrated by the notable attenuation of P2X7R, NLRP3, caspase-1, IL-1β, GFAP and Iba1 brain levels, as well as the amelioration of brain edema as manifested by reduction in AQP4 levels in brain. SIGNIFICANCE Our study has demonstrated that CA in combination with Lac possesses a superior neuroprotective effect over Lac alone against TAA-induced HE by attenuation of P2X7R/NLRP3 mediated neuroinflammation and relieving brain edema.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Nesma A Abd Elrazik
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Mansoura University, Mansoura 35516, Egypt
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Sordi Chara B, Hara KS, Penrice D, Schmidt KA, Kassmeyer BA, Anstey J, Tiede D, Kamath PS, Shah VH, Bajaj JS, Kraus A, Simonetto DA. Artificial Intelligence-Enabled Stool Analysis for Lactulose Titration Assistance in Hepatic Encephalopathy Through a Smartphone Application. Am J Gastroenterol 2024; 119:982-986. [PMID: 38240303 DOI: 10.14309/ajg.0000000000002656] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2023] [Accepted: 12/28/2023] [Indexed: 02/23/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Management of hepatic encephalopathy relies on self-titration of lactulose. In this feasibility trial, we assess an artificial intelligence-enabled tool to guide lactulose use through a smartphone application. METHODS Subjects with hepatic encephalopathy on lactulose captured bowel movement pictures during lead-in and intervention phases. During the intervention phase, daily feedback on lactulose titration was delivered through the application. Goals were determined according to number of bowel movement and Bristol Stool Scale reports. RESULTS Subjects completed the study with more than 80% satisfaction. In the lead-in phase, less compliant subjects achieved Bristol Stool Scale goal on 62/111 (56%) of days compared with 107/136 (79%) in the intervention phase ( P = 0.041), while the most compliant subjects showed no difference. Severe/recurrent hepatic encephalopathy group achieved Bristol Stool Scale goal on 80/104 (77%) days in the lead-in phase and 90/110 (82%) days in the intervention phase ( P = NS), compared with 89/143 (62%) days and 86/127 (68%) days in the stable group. DISCUSSION Dieta application is a promising tool for objective Bowel Movement/Bristol Stool Scale tracking for hepatic encephalopathy and may potentially be used to assist with lactulose titration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beatriz Sordi Chara
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA
| | - Kamalpreet S Hara
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA
| | - Daniel Penrice
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA
| | - Kathryn A Schmidt
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA
| | - Blake A Kassmeyer
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA
| | | | | | - Patrick S Kamath
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA
| | - Vijay H Shah
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA
| | - Jasmohan S Bajaj
- Virginia Commonwealth University and Richmond VA Medical Center, Richmond, Virginia, USA
| | | | - Douglas A Simonetto
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA
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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] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [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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Khalessi A, Pyrsopoulos NT. Pharmacologic Management of Hepatic Encephalopathy. Clin Liver Dis 2024; 28:287-296. [PMID: 38548440 DOI: 10.1016/j.cld.2024.01.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/02/2024]
Abstract
Hepatic encephalopathy is a common cause of morbidity and mortality among patients with decompensated liver cirrhosis. In this article, we review the history, mechanism, and evidence for first-line pharmacologic therapies for hepatic encephalopathy including nonabsorbable disaccharides, antibiotics, and electrolyte management. We also review newer, second-line therapies including polyethylene glycol, albumin, branched-chain amino acids, probiotics and fecal microbiota transplant, zinc, and l-ornithine-l-aspartate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ali Khalessi
- Rutgers New Jersey School of Medicine, 185 South Orange Avenue, MSB H-538, Newark, NJ 07103, USA
| | - Nikolaos T Pyrsopoulos
- Rutgers New Jersey School of Medicine, 185 South Orange Avenue, MSB H-538, Newark, NJ 07103, USA.
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Buckholz AP, Brown RS. Future Therapies of Hepatic Encephalopathy. Clin Liver Dis 2024; 28:331-344. [PMID: 38548443 PMCID: PMC10987054 DOI: 10.1016/j.cld.2024.02.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/02/2024]
Abstract
Hepatic encephalopathy, either covert or overt, affects more than half of patients with cirrhosis and has lasting effects even after portal hypertension is corrected. Unfortunately, the current therapeutic options still result in high rates of relapse and progression, in part owing to cost barriers and side effects, leading to poor adherence. This review summarizes emerging treatment options, which could take advantage of alternative disease pathways to improve future care of those with hepatic encephalopathy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adam P Buckholz
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, New York/Presbyterian-Weill Cornell Medical College, 1305 York Avenue, 4th Floor, New York, NY 10021, USA
| | - Robert S Brown
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, New York/Presbyterian-Weill Cornell Medical College, 1305 York Avenue, 4th Floor, New York, NY 10021, USA.
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Patel VC, McPhail MJ, Uddin R, Jafari H, Lawrence V, Le Boutillier C, Shearer J, Yaziji N, Cape A, Ahmed H, Ward C, Walsh P, Besly K, Zamalloa A, Kelly J, Carter B. Beta-blockers or Placebo for Primary Prophylaxis (BOPPP) of oesophageal varices: study protocol for a randomised controlled trial. Trials 2024; 25:265. [PMID: 38627804 PMCID: PMC11022376 DOI: 10.1186/s13063-024-08063-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2023] [Accepted: 03/18/2024] [Indexed: 04/19/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Liver disease is within the top five causes of premature death in adults. Deaths caused by complications of cirrhosis continue to rise, whilst deaths related to other non-liver disease areas are declining. Portal hypertension is the primary sequelae of cirrhosis and is associated with the development of variceal haemorrhage, ascites, hepatic encephalopathy and infection, collectively termed hepatic decompensation, which leads to hospitalisation and mortality. It remains uncertain whether administering a non-selective beta-blocker (NSBB), specifically carvedilol, at an earlier stage, i.e. when oesophageal varices are small, can prevent VH and reduce all-cause decompensation (ACD). METHODS/DESIGN The BOPPP trial is a pragmatic, multicentre, placebo-controlled, triple-blinded, randomised controlled trial (RCT) in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. Patients aged 18 years or older with cirrhosis and small oesophageal varices that have never bled will be recruited, subject to exclusion criteria. The trial aims to enrol 740 patients across 55 hospitals in the UK. Patients are allocated randomly on a 1:1 ratio to receive either carvedilol 6.25 mg (a NSBB) or a matched placebo, once or twice daily, for 36 months, to attain adequate power to determine the effectiveness of carvedilol in preventing or reducing ACD. The primary outcome is the time to first decompensating event. It is a composite primary outcome made up of variceal haemorrhage (VH, new or worsening ascites, new or worsening hepatic encephalopathy (HE), spontaneous bacterial peritonitis (SBP), hepatorenal syndrome, an increase in Child-Pugh grade by 1 grade or MELD score by 5 points, and liver-related mortality. Secondary outcomes include progression to medium or large oesophageal varices, development of gastric, duodenal, or ectopic varices, participant quality of life, healthcare costs and transplant-free survival. DISCUSSION The BOPPP trial aims to investigate the clinical and cost-effectiveness of carvedilol in patients with cirrhosis and small oesophageal varices to determine whether this non-selective beta-blocker can prevent or reduce hepatic decompensation. There is clinical equipoise on whether intervening in cirrhosis, at an earlier stage of portal hypertension, with NSBB therapy is beneficial. Should the trial yield a positive result, we anticipate that the administration and use of carvedilol will become widespread with pathways developed to standardise the administration of the medication in primary care. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION The trial has been approved by the National Health Service (NHS) Research Ethics Committee (REC) (reference number: 19/YH/0015). The results of the trial will be submitted for publication in a peer-reviewed scientific journal. Participants will be informed of the results via the BOPPP website ( www.boppp-trial.org ) and partners in the British Liver Trust (BLT) organisation. TRIAL REGISTRATION EUDRACT reference number: 2018-002509-78. ISRCTN reference number: ISRCTN10324656. Registered on April 24 2019.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vishal C Patel
- Institute of Liver Studies, King's College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK.
- Institute of Liver Studies, Faculty of Life Sciences and Medicine, School of Immunology and Microbial Sciences, King's College London, London, UK.
- The Roger Williams Institute of Hepatology, Foundation for Liver Research, 111 Coldharbour Lane, London, SE5 9NT, UK.
| | - Mark J McPhail
- Institute of Liver Studies, King's College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
- Institute of Liver Studies, Faculty of Life Sciences and Medicine, School of Immunology and Microbial Sciences, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Ruhama Uddin
- Institute of Liver Studies, King's College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Hassan Jafari
- Department of Biostatistics and Health Informatics, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
- King's Clinical Trials Unit, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience,, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Vanessa Lawrence
- Health Service and Population Research Department, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Clair Le Boutillier
- Health Service and Population Research Department, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
- Division of Methodologies, Florence Nightingale Faculty of Nursing, Midwifery & Palliative Care, King's College London, London, UK
| | - James Shearer
- Health Service and Population Research Department, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Nahel Yaziji
- Health Service and Population Research Department, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Angela Cape
- King's Clinical Trials Unit, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience,, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Haroon Ahmed
- Cardiff University, Division of Population Medicine, Cardiff, UK
| | | | - Peter Walsh
- British Liver Trust, Venta Court, Winchester, UK
| | - Kevin Besly
- Institute of Liver Studies, King's College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Ane Zamalloa
- Institute of Liver Studies, King's College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Joanna Kelly
- King's Clinical Trials Unit, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience,, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Ben Carter
- Department of Biostatistics and Health Informatics, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
- King's Clinical Trials Unit, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience,, King's College London, London, UK
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Ali SA, Datusalia AK. Protective effects of Tinospora cordifolia miers extract against hepatic and neurobehavioral deficits in thioacetamide-induced hepatic encephalopathy in rats via modulating hyperammonemia and glial cell activation. J Ethnopharmacol 2024; 323:117700. [PMID: 38176666 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2023.117700] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2023] [Revised: 12/17/2023] [Accepted: 12/30/2023] [Indexed: 01/06/2024]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Tinospora cordifolia (TC) a potential medicinal herb, has been ethnobotanically used as an eco-friendly supplement to manage various diseases, including cerebral fever. Earlier studies have shown that TC exhibits diverse beneficial effects, including hepatoprotective and neuroprotective effects. However, the effects of TC remain unexplored in animal models of encephalopathy including hepatic encephalopathy (HE). AIM OF THE STUDY To evaluate the effects of TC stem extract against thioacetamide (TAA)-induced behavioural and molecular alterations in HE rats. METHODS AND MATERIALS The extract was preliminarily screened through phytochemical and HR-LC/MS analysis. Animals were pre-treated with TC extract at doses 30 and 100 mg/kg, orally. Following 7 days of TC pre-treatment, HE was induced by administering TAA (300 mg/kg, i. p. thrice). Behavioural assessments were performed after 56 h of TAA first dose. The animals were then sacrificed to assess biochemical parameters in serum, liver and brain. Liver tissue was used for immunoblotting and histological studies to evaluate inflammatory and fibrotic signalling. Moreover, brain tissue was used to evaluate brain edema, activation of glial cells (GFAP, IBA-1) and NF-κB/NLRP3 downstream signalling via immunoblotting and immunohistochemical analysis in cortex and hippocampus. RESULTS The pre-treatment with TC extract effective mitigated TAA-induced behavioural alterations, lowered serum LFT (AST, ALT, ALP, bilirubin) and oxidative stress markers in liver and brain. TC treatment significantly modulated hyperammonemia, cerebral edema and preserved the integrity of BBB proteins in HE animals. TC treatment attenuated TAA-induced histological changes, tissue inflammation (pNF-κB (p65), TNF-α, NLRP3) and fibrosis (collagen, α-SMA) in liver. In addition, immunoblotting analysis revealed TC pre-treatment inhibited fibrotic proteins such as vimentin, TGF-β1 and pSmad2/3 in the liver. Our study further showed that TC treatment downregulated the expression of MAPK/NF-κB inflammatory signalling, as well as GFAP and IBA-1 (glial cell markers) in cortex and hippocampus of TAA-intoxicated rats. Additionally, TC-treated animals exhibited reduced expression of caspase3/9 and BAX induced by TAA. CONCLUSION This study revealed promising insights on the protective effects of TC against HE. The findings clearly demonstrated that the significant inhibition of MAPK/NF-κB signalling and glial cell activation could be responsible for the observed beneficial effects of TC in TAA-induced HE rats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Syed Afroz Ali
- Laboratory of Molecular NeuroTherapeutics, Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, Raebareli, India
| | - Ashok Kumar Datusalia
- Laboratory of Molecular NeuroTherapeutics, Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, Raebareli, India; Department of Regulatory Toxicology, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, Raebareli, India.
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Hofer BS, Burghart L, Halilbasic E, Simbrunner B, Petrenko O, Mandorfer M, Stättermayer AF, Trauner M, Reiberger T. Evaluation of potential hepatic recompensation criteria in patients with PBC and decompensated cirrhosis. Aliment Pharmacol Ther 2024; 59:962-972. [PMID: 38409879 DOI: 10.1111/apt.17908] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2023] [Revised: 11/25/2023] [Accepted: 02/06/2024] [Indexed: 02/28/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Aetiological therapy improves liver function and may enable hepatic recompensation in decompensated cirrhosis. AIMS We explored the potential for recompensation in patients with decompensated primary biliary cholangitis (PBC) - considering a biochemical response to ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) according to Paris-II criteria as a surrogate for successful aetiological treatment. METHODS Patients with PBC were retrospectively included at the time of first decompensation. Recompensation was defined as (i) resolution of ascites and hepatic encephalopathy (HE) despite discontinuation of diuretic/HE therapy, (ii) absence of variceal bleeding and (iii) sustained liver function improvement. RESULTS In total, 42 patients with PBC with decompensated cirrhosis (age: 63.5 [IQR: 51.9-69.2] years; 88.1% female; MELD-Na: 13.5 [IQR: 11.0-15.0]) were included and followed for 41.9 (IQR: 11.0-70.9) months after decompensation. Seven patients (16.7%) achieved recompensation. Lower MELD-Na (subdistribution hazard ratio [SHR]: 0.90; p = 0.047), bilirubin (SHR per mg/dL: 0.44; p = 0.005) and alkaline phosphatase (SHR per 10 U/L: 0.67; p = 0.001) at decompensation, as well as variceal bleeding as decompensating event (SHR: 4.37; p = 0.069), were linked to a higher probability of recompensation. Overall, 33 patients were treated with UDCA for ≥1 year and 12 (36%) achieved Paris-II response criteria. Recompensation occurred in 5/12 (41.7%) and in 2/21 (9.5%) patients with vs. without UDCA response at 1 year, respectively. Recompensation was linked to a numerically improved transplant-free survival (HR: 0.46; p = 0.335). Nonetheless, 4/7 recompensated patients presented with liver-related complications after developing hepatic malignancy and/or portal vein thrombosis and 2 eventually died. CONCLUSIONS Patients with PBC and decompensated cirrhosis may achieve hepatic recompensation under UDCA therapy. However, since liver-related complications still occur after recompensation, patients should remain under close follow-up.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benedikt Silvester Hofer
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
- Vienna Hepatic Hemodynamic Lab, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
- Rare Liver Diseases (RALID) Center of the ERN RARE-LIVER at the Vienna General Hospital, Vienna, Austria
| | - Lukas Burghart
- Rare Liver Diseases (RALID) Center of the ERN RARE-LIVER at the Vienna General Hospital, Vienna, Austria
- Klinik Ottakring, Wiener Gesundheitsverbund, Vienna, Austria
| | - Emina Halilbasic
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
- Rare Liver Diseases (RALID) Center of the ERN RARE-LIVER at the Vienna General Hospital, Vienna, Austria
| | - Benedikt Simbrunner
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
- Vienna Hepatic Hemodynamic Lab, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
- Rare Liver Diseases (RALID) Center of the ERN RARE-LIVER at the Vienna General Hospital, Vienna, Austria
| | - Oleksandr Petrenko
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
- Rare Liver Diseases (RALID) Center of the ERN RARE-LIVER at the Vienna General Hospital, Vienna, Austria
| | - Mattias Mandorfer
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
- Vienna Hepatic Hemodynamic Lab, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
- Rare Liver Diseases (RALID) Center of the ERN RARE-LIVER at the Vienna General Hospital, Vienna, Austria
| | - Albert Friedrich Stättermayer
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
- Vienna Hepatic Hemodynamic Lab, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
- Rare Liver Diseases (RALID) Center of the ERN RARE-LIVER at the Vienna General Hospital, Vienna, Austria
| | - Michael Trauner
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
- Rare Liver Diseases (RALID) Center of the ERN RARE-LIVER at the Vienna General Hospital, Vienna, Austria
| | - Thomas Reiberger
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
- Vienna Hepatic Hemodynamic Lab, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
- Rare Liver Diseases (RALID) Center of the ERN RARE-LIVER at the Vienna General Hospital, Vienna, Austria
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Colak R, Kapar C, Gulturk I, Yilmaz M. Nivolumab treatment in a patient with BRAF mutant advanced melanoma and liver failure with encephalopathy. J Oncol Pharm Pract 2024; 30:589-593. [PMID: 38111303 DOI: 10.1177/10781552231221230] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND We report the case of a patient with melanoma and liver failure with encephalopathy, successfully treated with nivolumab without major side effects and encouraging prolonged disease control. CASE PRESENTATION In June 2022, metastatic lesions appeared in the liver associated with melanoma progression under treatment. Liver biopsy was non-diagnostic. The patient developed fever, abdominal distension, and jaundice. Liver function tests (LFTs) began to deteriorate. Hepatic encephalopathy developed in accordance with the worsening liver functions in the patient. Upper abdominal MRI with primovist showed multiple, progressive, metastatic lesions in the liver and mild to moderate dilatation of the intrahepatic biliary tract. Patient was evaluated as acute cholangitis associated with the compression of the biliary tract by progressive liver metastases. In December 2022, the patient was started antibiotherapy for cholangitis and Nivolumab (240 mg flat dose, every 2 weeks) therapy. After the first dose, both LFT and constitutional symptoms began to improve. Subsequently, LFTs almost completely returned to normal, clinical response was achieved. Multiple metastatic lesions in the liver regressed in the radiological evaluation performed at the third month of nivolumab treatment. With partial response, nivolumab treatment is continued. CONCLUSION In this case is reported patient with hepatic encephalopathy due to an advanced refractory melanome successfully, and safely, treated with programed cell death-1 (PD-1) inhibitors. Clinical trials to explore the benefits of these immunotherapies in the hepatic failure population with advanced solid tumors should be supported.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rumeysa Colak
- Medical Oncology, Istanbul Bakirkoy Dr Sadi Konuk Training and Research Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey
- Medical Oncology Department, Bakırköy Sadi Konuk Training and Research Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey
- Medical Oncology, Bakirkoy Dr Sadi Konuk Egitim ve Arastirma Hastanesi, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Caner Kapar
- Medical Oncology, Istanbul Bakirkoy Dr Sadi Konuk Training and Research Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey
- Medical Oncology Department, Bakırköy Sadi Konuk Training and Research Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey
- Medical Oncology, Bakirkoy Dr Sadi Konuk Egitim ve Arastirma Hastanesi, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Ilkay Gulturk
- Medical Oncology, Istanbul Bakirkoy Dr Sadi Konuk Training and Research Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey
- Medical Oncology Department, Bakırköy Sadi Konuk Training and Research Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey
- Medical Oncology, Bakirkoy Dr Sadi Konuk Egitim ve Arastirma Hastanesi, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Mesut Yilmaz
- Medical Oncology, Istanbul Bakirkoy Dr Sadi Konuk Training and Research Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey
- Medical Oncology Department, Bakırköy Sadi Konuk Training and Research Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey
- Medical Oncology, Bakirkoy Dr Sadi Konuk Egitim ve Arastirma Hastanesi, Istanbul, Turkey
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14
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Fang G, Liu S, Liu B. Preventive and therapeutic effects of rifaximin on hepatic encephalopathy with differential application dosages and strategies: a network meta-analysis. BMC Gastroenterol 2024; 24:94. [PMID: 38439005 PMCID: PMC10910798 DOI: 10.1186/s12876-024-03184-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2023] [Accepted: 02/20/2024] [Indexed: 03/06/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hepatic encephalopathy (HE) is a neuropsychiatric syndrome that affects the prognosis of patients with liver disease and is considered an independent risk factor for hospitalization and death. Rifaximin has been approved for HE treatment. This review will analyze the effect of rifaximin on different stages of HE with differential application dosages and strategies by traditional and network meta-analyses. METHODS We performed a systematic search of PubMed, EmBase, and Cochrane Library databases up to February 26, 2023, to identify randomized controlled trials (RCTs) about rifaximin for the prevention and treatment of HE. The outcomes included incidence of HE and HE progression, HE reversal, mortality, and adverse effects. RESULTS A total of 21 studies were included. In the primary prevention of HE, rifaximin significantly reduced the incidence of HE (OR: 0.66; 95% CI: 0.45, 0.96; p = 0.032). In secondary prevention, rifaximin significantly reduced the risk of recurrence in patients who were in remission (OR: 0.38; 95% CI: 0.28, 0.52; p < 0.001). In the treatment of minimal HE, rifaximin significantly reduced the breakthrough of MHE to OHE (OR: 0.17; 95% CI: 0.04,0.63; p = 0.008). Rifaximin also significantly improved the clinical symptoms of MHE and OHE patients (OR: 3.76; 95% CI: 2.69, 5.25; p < 0.001). However, rifaximin did not reduce mortality at any stage in HE patients (OR: 0.79; 95% CI: 0.58, 1.08; p = 0.133). Additionally, rifaximin did not increase the risk of adverse effects (OR: 0.96; 95% CI: 0.74, 1.24; p = 0.749). In the network meta-analysis, the 400 mg T.I.D. intervention had a relative advantage for HE risks in primary and secondary prevention. In the treatment of MHE, 600 mg b.i.d. was superior in preventing the breakthrough from MHE to OHE. CONCLUSION Rifaximin prevented HE risks and progression and improved clinical symptoms in patients with MHE but did not reduce mortality. For primary and secondary prevention, 400 mg t.i.d. could be considered. 600 mg b.i.d. could be considered in patients with MHE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guihua Fang
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Medical University, No.57 Renmin Avenue South, 524000, Xiashan, Zhanjiang, Guangdong, China
| | - Shuna Liu
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Medical University, No.57 Renmin Avenue South, 524000, Xiashan, Zhanjiang, Guangdong, China
| | - Bin Liu
- Laboratory of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Medical University, 524000, Zhanjiang, Guangdong, China.
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Song J, Westover MB, Zhang R. A neural mass model for disturbance of alpha rhythm in the minimal hepatic encephalopathy. Mol Cell Neurosci 2024; 128:103918. [PMID: 38296121 DOI: 10.1016/j.mcn.2024.103918] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2023] [Revised: 01/18/2024] [Accepted: 01/21/2024] [Indexed: 02/13/2024] Open
Abstract
One of the early markers of minimal hepatic encephalopathy (MHE) is the disruption of alpha rhythm observed in electroencephalogram (EEG) signals. However, the underlying mechanisms responsible for this occurrence remain poorly understood. To address this gap, we develop a novel biophysical model MHE-AWD-NCM, encompassing the communication dynamics between a cortical neuron population (CNP) and an astrocyte population (AP), aimed at investigating the relationship between alpha wave disturbance (AWD) and mechanistical principles, specifically concerning astrocyte-neuronal communication in the context of MHE. In addition, we introduce the concepts of peak power density and peak frequency within the alpha band as quantitative measures of AWD. Our model faithfully reproduces the characteristic EEG phenomenology during MHE and shows how impairments of communication between CNP and AP could promote AWD. The results suggest that the disruptions in feedback neurotransmission from AP to CNP, along with the inhibition of GABA uptake by AP from the extracellular space, contribute to the observed AWD. Moreover, we found that the variation of external excitatory stimuli on CNP may play a key role in AWD in MHE. Finally, the sensitivity analysis is also performed to assess the relative significance of above factors in influencing AWD. Our findings align with the physiological observations and provide a more comprehensive understanding of the complex interplay of astrocyte-neuronal communication that underlies the AWD observed in MHE, which potentially may help to explore the targeted therapeutic interventions for the early stage of hepatic encephalopathy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiangling Song
- The Medical Big Data Research Center, Northwest University, Xi'an, China
| | - M Brandon Westover
- Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, USA
| | - Rui Zhang
- The Medical Big Data Research Center, Northwest University, Xi'an, China.
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16
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Pun CK, Huang HC, Chang CC, Hsu SJ, Huang YH, Hou MC, Lee FY. Hepatic encephalopathy: From novel pathogenesis mechanism to emerging treatments. J Chin Med Assoc 2024; 87:245-251. [PMID: 38109364 DOI: 10.1097/jcma.0000000000001041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatic encephalopathy (HE) is one of the major complications of liver disease and significantly affects the quality of life (QOL) of patients. HE is common and frequently relapses in cirrhotic patients. The management of HE is supportive, and precipitating conditions should be eliminated. Most drugs used to treat HE are conventional and include nonabsorbable disaccharides such as lactulose, and antibiotics such as rifaximin. However, their therapeutic efficacy is still suboptimal, and novel therapeutic agents are urgently needed. In addition, the optimal management and diagnosis of minimal HE/covert HE are under debate. In this review, we focus on novel pathogenetic mechanisms such as central nervous system clearance, and emerging therapeutic targets of HE, such as fecal material transplantation. We also discuss different classifications and etiologies of HE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chon Kit Pun
- Faculty of Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University School of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC
- Therapeutic and Research Center of Liver Cirrhosis and Portal Hypertension, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Hui-Chun Huang
- Faculty of Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University School of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC
- Therapeutic and Research Center of Liver Cirrhosis and Portal Hypertension, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Ching-Chih Chang
- Faculty of Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University School of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC
- Division of Holistic and Multidisciplinary Medicine, Department of Medicine, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Shao-Jung Hsu
- Faculty of Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University School of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC
- Therapeutic and Research Center of Liver Cirrhosis and Portal Hypertension, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Yi-Hsiang Huang
- Faculty of Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University School of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Ming-Chih Hou
- Faculty of Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University School of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC
- Therapeutic and Research Center of Liver Cirrhosis and Portal Hypertension, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Fa-Yauh Lee
- Faculty of Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University School of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC
- Therapeutic and Research Center of Liver Cirrhosis and Portal Hypertension, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC
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Ozturk NB, Jamil LH, Tapper EB. Diagnostic Performance of the ICD-10 Code K76.82 for Hepatic Encephalopathy in Patients With Cirrhosis. Am J Gastroenterol 2024; 119:364-366. [PMID: 37830544 DOI: 10.14309/ajg.0000000000002560] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2023] [Accepted: 10/02/2023] [Indexed: 10/14/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Hepatic encephalopathy (HE) is prevalent and is associated with increased morbidity and mortality among patients with cirrhosis. On October 1, 2022, a new, specific International Classification of Diseases-10 code for HE, K76.82, was introduced. We aimed to analyze the diagnostic accuracy of K76.82. METHODS Diagnostic performance of K76.82 for HE (sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive ratio, and negative predictive ratio) was evaluated in 2 large health systems compared with lactulose, rifaximin, and K72.90. RESULTS A total of 2,483 patients were analyzed. The combination term "lactulose or rifaximin" showed the highest sensitivity of >98% while K76.82 demonstrated a specificity of >87% in all cohorts. DISCUSSION Although K76.82 is promising, the combination term "lactulose or rifaximin" identified patients with HE more accurately.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nazli Begum Ozturk
- Department of Internal Medicine, Corewell Health William Beaumont University Hospital, Royal Oak, Michigan, USA
| | - Laith H Jamil
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Corewell Health William Beaumont University Hospital, Royal Oak, Michigan, USA
- Oakland University William Beaumont School of Medicine, Rochester, Michigan, USA
| | - Elliot B Tapper
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
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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] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [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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Casanova-Ferrer F, Gallego JJ, Fiorillo A, Urios A, Ríos MP, León JL, Ballester MP, Escudero-García D, Kosenko E, Belloch V, Montoliu C. Improved cognition after rifaximin treatment is associated with changes in intra- and inter-brain network functional connectivity. J Transl Med 2024; 22:49. [PMID: 38217008 PMCID: PMC10787503 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-023-04844-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2023] [Accepted: 12/29/2023] [Indexed: 01/14/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Rifaximin is a non-reabsorbable antibiotic which acts at gut level, and improves cognition and inflammatory parameters in minimal hepatic encephalopathy (MHE) patients, but not all patients show the same level of response. This study aims to assess brain activity, both within and between brain networks, following rifaximin treatment, considering the differences between response groups as well. METHODS Twenty-two healthy controls and 53 patients with cirrhosis (22 without and 31 with MHE, diagnosed by Psychometric Hepatic Encephalopathy Score, PHES) performed psychometric, attention and coordination tests, and blood inflammatory parameters were measured. Resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) acquisitions were performed on controls and MHE patients. Eighteen MHE patients underwent a rifaximin treatment for 6 months, after which all measures were repeated. fMRI images were analysed and changes after treatment were assessed. RESULTS After rifaximin treatment, 13 patients improved their PHES score (Responder patients) while 5 did not (Non-responder patients). No significant decrease in blood ammonia was observed after rifaximin treatment, but there was a decrease in plasma inflammatory cytokines in responder patients. A global effect of rifaximin was detected on the sensorimotor and fronto-parietal networks. Responder patients showed a relative increase of thalamic network connectivity in comparison to non-responder patients. Before treatment, responder and non-responder patients showed connectivity differences in basal ganglia network. The connection of the sensorimotor and thalamic networks between them and with other networks suffered changes after treatment. These connections between networks mostly decreased after treatment. All changes and differences showed a significant level of correlation with the performance of psychometric tests and the blood levels of inflammatory biomarkers. CONCLUSIONS There was an improvement of the communication between executive, motor and attention-related brain areas, and their functional independence following rifaximin treatment. Patients who respond also show a less deteriorated connection involved in these functions before treatment. Results suggest that the improved inflammatory state of MHE patients, following rifaximin treatment would favour the observed changes in brain function and enhanced cognitive performance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Franc Casanova-Ferrer
- Fundacion de Investigación Hospital Clinico Universitario de Valencia-INCLIVA, Valencia, Spain
| | - Juan-José Gallego
- Fundacion de Investigación Hospital Clinico Universitario de Valencia-INCLIVA, Valencia, Spain
| | - Alessandra Fiorillo
- Fundacion de Investigación Hospital Clinico Universitario de Valencia-INCLIVA, Valencia, Spain
| | - Amparo Urios
- Fundacion de Investigación Hospital Clinico Universitario de Valencia-INCLIVA, Valencia, Spain
| | - María-Pilar Ríos
- Servicio de Medicina Digestiva, Hospital Arnau de Vilanova de Valencia, Valencia, Spain
| | - José Luis León
- Universitats Neurorradiology Unit, Ascires Biomedical Group, Valencia, Spain
| | - María-Pilar Ballester
- Servicio de Medicina Digestiva, Hospital Clinico Universitario de Valencia, Valencia, Spain
| | - Desamparados Escudero-García
- Servicio de Medicina Digestiva, Hospital Clinico Universitario de Valencia, Valencia, Spain
- Departamento de Medicina, University of Valencia, Valencia, Spain
| | - Elena Kosenko
- Institute of Theoretical and Experimental Biophysics of Russian Academy of Sciences, Pushchino, Russia
| | - Vicente Belloch
- Universitats Neurorradiology Unit, Ascires Biomedical Group, Valencia, Spain
| | - Carmina Montoliu
- Fundacion de Investigación Hospital Clinico Universitario de Valencia-INCLIVA, Valencia, Spain.
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Valencia, Av Blasco Ibáñez, 15, 46010, Valencia, Spain.
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20
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Bayraktar M, Hacımüftüoğlu A, Okkay U, Koçak MN, Kösedağ M, Tekin E, Çelik M, Okkay IF, Bayram C, Ertuğrul MS, Sezen S. Use of bee venom in preventive medicine: An experimental hepatic encephalopathy study in rats. Vet Med Sci 2024; 10:e1336. [PMID: 38109225 PMCID: PMC10766040 DOI: 10.1002/vms3.1336] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2023] [Revised: 11/14/2023] [Accepted: 12/03/2023] [Indexed: 12/20/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Bee venom is used for medicinal purposes, including the treatment of neurological and liver diseases, but its use as a primary health care approach for preventive purposes requires further exploration. The aim of this study was to provide the first investigation into the possible protective effects of bee venom against hepatic encephalopathy, a serious neurodegenerative disease. MATERIALS AND METHODS An experimental animal study was conducted in which healthy albino Sprague-Dawley rats were randomized into three groups: healthy, control and bee venom groups. All rats were tested for locomotor activity at the beginning and end of the study. No intervention was made in the healthy group, whereas hepatic encephalopathy was induced in the control and bee venom groups by the administration of thioacetamide (TAA) (200 mg/kg/day). The bee venom group also received bee venom (5 mg/kg/day) subcutaneously every day for 14 days prior to the TAA administration. RESULTS The results for the final locomotor activity tests were statistically better in the bee venom group than in the control group, supporting a beneficial effect of prophylactic bee venom application. Blood ammonia levels and liver weights, determined as indicators of inflammation, were lower in the bee venom group than in the control group and were close to levels in the healthy group, but not statistically significant. CONCLUSIONS Bee venom administration has protective effects against the development of hepatic encephalopathy and offers a promising therapeutic opportunity in preventive medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mustafa Bayraktar
- Department of Family MedicineFaculty of MedicineUniversity of AtaturkErzurumTurkey
- Acupuncture and Complementary Medicine Methods Application and Research CenterUniversity of AtaturkErzurumTurkey
| | - Ahmet Hacımüftüoğlu
- Department of PharmacologyFaculty of MedicineUniversity of AtaturkErzurumTurkey
| | - Ufuk Okkay
- Department of PharmacologyFaculty of MedicineUniversity of AtaturkErzurumTurkey
| | - Mehmet Nuri Koçak
- Department of NeurologyFaculty of MedicineUniversity of AtaturkErzurumTurkey
| | - Murat Kösedağ
- Department of BiochemistryFaculty of PharmacyUniversity of AtaturkErzurumTurkey
| | - Erdal Tekin
- Department of EmergencyFaculty of MedicineUniversity of AtaturkErzurumTurkey
| | - Muhammet Çelik
- Department of Medical BiochemistryFaculty of MedicineUniversity of AtaturkErzurumTurkey
| | - Irmak Ferah Okkay
- Department of PharmacologyFaculty of PharmacyUniversity of AtaturkErzurumTurkey
| | - Cemil Bayram
- Department of PharmacologyFaculty of MedicineUniversity of AtaturkErzurumTurkey
| | | | - Selma Sezen
- Department of PharmacologyFaculty of MedicineUniversity of AtaturkErzurumTurkey
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21
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Upadhyay M, Purohit B, Pargi P. Oral Linezolid Induced Early Onset Hepatic Encephalopathy- A Case Report of 65-year Old Diabetic Female. Curr Drug Saf 2024; 19:151-153. [PMID: 37070438 DOI: 10.2174/1574886318666230417113910] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2022] [Revised: 02/02/2023] [Accepted: 02/20/2023] [Indexed: 04/19/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Linezolid is increasingly utilized to treat gram-positive bacteria that are resistant to other antibiotics like vancomycin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, methicillinresistant Staphylococcus aureus as well as drug-resistant tuberculosis. It acts by inhibiting protein synthesis in bacteria. Although it is a relatively safe medicine, many reports of hepatotoxicity and neurotoxicity linked to long-term usage have been received but patients with pre-existing risk factors, such as diabetes and alcoholism, may have toxicity even after short-term use of linezolid. CASE PRESENTATION Here we are presenting a case of a 65-year-old female with diabetes who developed hepatic encephalopathy after one week of treatment with linezolid prescribed for nonhealing diabetic ulcer after a culture sensitivity test. After the use of linezolid 600 mg BD for 8 days patient developed altered sensorium and breathlessness and had high bilirubin, SGOT, and SGPT. She was diagnosed with hepatic encephalopathy. Linezolid was withdrawn and after 10 days all laboratory parameters for liver function test were improved. CONCLUSION Care should be taken when prescribing linezolid in such patients with pre-existing risk factors as they are prone to develop hepatotoxic and neurotoxic adverse effects even after short-term use of linezolid.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mitul Upadhyay
- Department of Pharmacology, Sir Takhtasinhji General Hospital & Government Medical College, Bhavnagar-364001, Gujarat, India
| | - Bhargav Purohit
- Department of Pharmacology, Sir Takhtasinhji General Hospital & Government Medical College, Bhavnagar-364001, Gujarat, India
| | - Piyush Pargi
- Department of Pharmacology, Sir Takhtasinhji General Hospital & Government Medical College, Bhavnagar-364001, Gujarat, India
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22
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Roy A, Giri S, Singh A, Vaidya A, Angadi S. Prophylactic Lactulose Therapy in Patients with Cirrhosis and Upper Gastrointestinal Bleeding: A Meta-analysis of Randomized Trials. J Gastrointestin Liver Dis 2023; 32:507-512. [PMID: 38147599 DOI: 10.15403/jgld-4975] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2023] [Accepted: 10/07/2023] [Indexed: 12/28/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Lactulose is the first-line drug for both treatment and secondary prophylaxis for overt hepatic encephalopathy (HE). The use of lactulose for the primary prophylaxis of HE in patients with cirrhosis and acute upper gastrointestinal bleeding (AUGIB) has been debated. Hence, we conducted this meta-analysis to assess the role of lactulose in HE prophylaxis in patients with cirrhosis and AUGIB. METHODS A comprehensive search of literature from inception to December 2022 was performed of three databases for randomized studies comparing lactulose and placebo in patients with cirrhosis and AUGIB. Risk ratios (RR) with 95% confidence intervals were calculated for all the dichotomous outcomes. RESULTS A total of five studies were included in the final analysis, out of which three studies had a low risk of bias, and two had a moderate risk of bias. Lactulose therapy was associated with a significantly lower risk of OHE compared to placebo, with a RR of 0.38 (0.23-0.62) and a number needed to treat of 6. There was no difference in the risk of mortality between the groups, with a RR of 0.71 (0.29-1.76). The pooled incidence rates of overall adverse events (AEs) and diarrhea with the use of lactulose therapy were 53.2% (42.2- 64.2) and 34.7% (17.7-51.7), but a majority did not require drug discontinuation. The certainty of the evidence was moderate to low. CONCLUSIONS Prophylactic lactulose reduces the incidence of HE after AUGIB but has no effect on mortality. Diarrhea and abdominal discomfort are common AEs but do not need drug discontinuation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Akash Roy
- Institute of Gastrosciences and Liver, Apollo Multispecialty Hospital, Kolkata, India. .
| | - Suprabhat Giri
- Department of Gastroenterology, Nizam's Institute of Medical Sciences, Hyderabad, India. .
| | - Ankita Singh
- Department of Gastroenterology, Seth GS Medical College and KEM Hospital, Mumbai, India.
| | - Arun Vaidya
- Department of Gastroenterology, Seth GS Medical College and KEM Hospital, Mumbai, India.
| | - Sumaswi Angadi
- Department of Gastroenterology, Nizam's Institute of Medical Sciences, Hyderabad, India.
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23
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Nady R, Ahmed RR, Moustafa N, Abdul-Hamid M. TNF-α blockage by etanercept restores spatial learning and reduces cellular degeneration in the hippocampus during liver cirrhosis. Tissue Cell 2023; 85:102249. [PMID: 37865039 DOI: 10.1016/j.tice.2023.102249] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2023] [Revised: 09/29/2023] [Accepted: 10/16/2023] [Indexed: 10/23/2023]
Abstract
Hepatic encephalopathy (HE) is one of the most debilitating cerebral complications of liver cirrhosis. The one-year survival of patients with liver cirrhosis and severe encephalopathy is less than 50%. Recent studies have indicated that neuroinflammation is a new player in the pathogenesis of HE, which seems to be involved in the development of cognitive impairment. In this study, we demonstrated neurobehavioral and neuropathological consequences of liver cirrhosis and tested the therapeutic potential of the tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) inhibitor, etanercept. Sixty male adult Wistar albino rats (120-190 g) were allocated into four groups, where groups I and IV served as controls. Thioacetamide (TAA; 300 mg/kg) was intraperitoneally injected twice a week for five months to induce liver cirrhosis in group II (n = 20). Both TAA and etanercept (2 mg/kg) were administered to group III (n = 20). At the end of the experiment, spatial learning was assessed using Morris water maze. TNF-α was detected in both serum and hippocampus. The excised brains were also immunohistochemically stained with glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) to estimate both the number and integrity of hippocampal astrocytes. Ultrastructural changes in the hippocampus were characterized by transmission electron microscopy. The results showed that blocking TNF-α by etanercept was accompanied by a lower TNF-α expression and a higher number of GFAP-positive astrocytes in the hippocampus. Etanercept intervention alleviated the neuronal and glial degenerative changes and impeded the deterioration of spatial learning ability. In conclusion, TNF-α is strongly involved in the development of liver cirrhosis and the associated encephalopathy. TNF-α blockers may be a promising approach for management of hepatic cirrhosis and its cerebral complications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rehab Nady
- Cell Biology, Histology and Genetics Division, Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Beni-Suef University, Beni Suef 62511, Egypt
| | - Rasha R Ahmed
- Cell Biology, Histology and Genetics Division, Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Beni-Suef University, Beni Suef 62511, Egypt
| | - Nadia Moustafa
- Cell Biology, Histology and Genetics Division, Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Beni-Suef University, Beni Suef 62511, Egypt
| | - Manal Abdul-Hamid
- Cell Biology, Histology and Genetics Division, Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Beni-Suef University, Beni Suef 62511, Egypt.
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24
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Odenwald MA, Lin H, Lehmann C, Dylla NP, Cole CG, Mostad JD, Pappas TE, Ramaswamy R, Moran A, Hutchison AL, Stutz MR, Dela Cruz M, Adler E, Boissiere J, Khalid M, Cantoral J, Haro F, Oliveira RA, Waligurski E, Cotter TG, Light SH, Beavis KG, Sundararajan A, Sidebottom AM, Reddy KG, Paul S, Pillai A, Te HS, Rinella ME, Charlton MR, Pamer EG, Aronsohn AI. Bifidobacteria metabolize lactulose to optimize gut metabolites and prevent systemic infection in patients with liver disease. Nat Microbiol 2023; 8:2033-2049. [PMID: 37845315 PMCID: PMC11059310 DOI: 10.1038/s41564-023-01493-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2023] [Accepted: 09/08/2023] [Indexed: 10/18/2023]
Abstract
Progression of chronic liver disease is precipitated by hepatocyte loss, inflammation and fibrosis. This process results in the loss of critical hepatic functions, increasing morbidity and the risk of infection. Medical interventions that treat complications of hepatic failure, including antibiotic administration for systemic infections and lactulose treatment for hepatic encephalopathy, can impact gut microbiome composition and metabolite production. Here, using shotgun metagenomic sequencing and targeted metabolomic analyses on 847 faecal samples from 262 patients with acute or chronic liver disease, we demonstrate that patients hospitalized for liver disease have reduced microbiome diversity and a paucity of bioactive metabolites, including short-chain fatty acids and bile acid derivatives, that impact immune defences and epithelial barrier integrity. We find that patients treated with the orally administered but non-absorbable disaccharide lactulose have increased densities of intestinal bifidobacteria and reduced incidence of systemic infections and mortality. Bifidobacteria metabolize lactulose, produce high concentrations of acetate and acidify the gut lumen in humans and mice, which, in combination, can reduce the growth of antibiotic-resistant bacteria such as vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus faecium in vitro. Our studies suggest that lactulose and bifidobacteria serve as a synbiotic to reduce rates of infection in patients with severe liver disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew A Odenwald
- Department of Medicine, Section of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA.
| | - Huaiying Lin
- Duchossois Family Institute, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Christopher Lehmann
- Department of Medicine, Section of Infectious Diseases and Global Health, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Nicholas P Dylla
- Duchossois Family Institute, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Cody G Cole
- Duchossois Family Institute, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
- Department of Microbiology, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Jake D Mostad
- Duchossois Family Institute, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Téa E Pappas
- Duchossois Family Institute, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | | | - Angelica Moran
- Department of Pathology, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Alan L Hutchison
- Department of Medicine, Section of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Matthew R Stutz
- Department of Medicine, Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Cook County Health, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Mark Dela Cruz
- Section of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Emerald Adler
- Duchossois Family Institute, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Jaye Boissiere
- Duchossois Family Institute, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Maryam Khalid
- Duchossois Family Institute, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Jackelyn Cantoral
- Duchossois Family Institute, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Fidel Haro
- Duchossois Family Institute, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Rita A Oliveira
- Duchossois Family Institute, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Emily Waligurski
- Duchossois Family Institute, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
- Department of Microbiology, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Thomas G Cotter
- Division of Digestive and Liver Diseases, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Samuel H Light
- Duchossois Family Institute, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | | | | | | | - K Gautham Reddy
- Department of Medicine, Section of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Sonali Paul
- Department of Medicine, Section of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Anjana Pillai
- Department of Medicine, Section of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Helen S Te
- Department of Medicine, Section of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Mary E Rinella
- Department of Medicine, Section of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Michael R Charlton
- Department of Medicine, Section of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Eric G Pamer
- Duchossois Family Institute, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA.
- Department of Medicine, Section of Infectious Diseases and Global Health, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA.
- Department of Microbiology, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA.
| | - Andrew I Aronsohn
- Department of Medicine, Section of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
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25
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Nadeem M, Tafader A, Park D, Fagan A, Wade JB, Bajaj JS. A specialized HE testing clinic improves rational decision-making for therapy in cirrhosis. Hepatol Commun 2023; 7:e0301. [PMID: 38016049 PMCID: PMC10578715 DOI: 10.1097/hc9.0000000000000301] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2023] [Accepted: 08/31/2023] [Indexed: 11/30/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cognitive complaints in cirrhosis are often attributed to HE with reflexive therapy if specialized tests are not performed. The aim was to determine the utility of a specialized HE clinic for management decisions. METHODS Cirrhosis patients with cognitive complaints were referred through a dedicated consult pathway to a specialized clinic and followed for 6 months. This clinic included detailed history, medication review, standardized tests [Mini-Mental Status Exam (MMSE), Psychometric HE Score, and others], and obstructive sleep apnea screening. Results were communicated with patients and referring providers. A subset was offered repeat testing. RESULTS A total of 286 patients were tested between 2012 and 2022. Of the 286 patients, 4 patients who showed a Mini-Mental State Exam <25 were referred to neurology. Thirty-nine percent had normal Psychometric HE Score (higher in younger patients, without prior HE, depression, and lower Model for End-Stage Liver Disease-Sodium), while 172 (61%) patients had cognitive impairment. Of the 172 patients, 51 did not want management change, 84 were started on HE therapy, and 37 were considered impaired due to other causes. In 51 without management change, 32 refused lactulose, while the remaining were counseled regarding lactulose titration. Of the 84 patients with HE-therapy initiation, lactulose was initiated in 56 and rifaximin in 28; most therapies continued over 6 months. The ones who were retested improved their Psychometric HE Score. The 37 with other causes (obstructive sleep apnea, mood disorders, substance use, and mild cognitive impairment) led to specialized referrals. No overt HE was found over 6 months in those without HE-related impairment. The clinic was billed for. CONCLUSIONS A specialized HE clinic for patients with cirrhosis and cognitive complaints established through a dedicated consult pathway showed that 39% of referred patients had normal cognitive performance, while the results guided management changes, including for HE and other causes in the remaining patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mahum Nadeem
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition, Virginia Commonwealth University and Richmond VA Medical Center, Richmond, Virginia, USA
| | - Asiya Tafader
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition, Virginia Commonwealth University and Richmond VA Medical Center, Richmond, Virginia, USA
| | - Dan Park
- Department of Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth University and Richmond VA Medical Center, Richmond, Virginia, USA
| | - Andrew Fagan
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition, Virginia Commonwealth University and Richmond VA Medical Center, Richmond, Virginia, USA
| | - James B. Wade
- Department of Psychiatry, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia, USA
| | - Jasmohan S. Bajaj
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition, Virginia Commonwealth University and Richmond VA Medical Center, Richmond, Virginia, USA
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26
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Bloom PP, Tapper EB. Lactulose in cirrhosis: Current understanding of efficacy, mechanism, and practical considerations. Hepatol Commun 2023; 7:e0295. [PMID: 37820287 PMCID: PMC10578757 DOI: 10.1097/hc9.0000000000000295] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2023] [Accepted: 09/04/2023] [Indexed: 10/13/2023] Open
Abstract
HE is a complication of cirrhosis characterized by neuropsychiatric and motor dysfunction, and results in decreased quality of life and increased mortality. Lactulose is a synthetic disaccharide used to treat HE since 1966, though many questions about its use remain unanswered. Lactulose reverses minimal HE, prevents overt HE, improves quality of life, increases the rate of recovery from overt HE, and improves survival rates. Lactulose's clinical effect appears to be derived from its impact on intestinal microbes, likely a result of its enteric acidifying effect, positive pressure on beneficial taxa, and improvement of gut barrier function. There are several practical considerations with lactulose including (1) a need to avoid excessive bowel movements and subsequent dehydration, (2) treatment titration protocols need further investigation, (3) baseline or treatment-induced gastrointestinal side effects limit adherence in some cases, and (4) the utility of monitoring stool consistency or pH remains unknown. Further research is needed to optimize our use of this effective treatment for HE.
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27
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Jesudian AB, Fortune BE. The PROs and cons of crystalline lactulose for suspected covert HE among patients with cirrhosis and activity impairment: Are we using the right assessments? Hepatology 2023; 78:1015-1016. [PMID: 37246443 DOI: 10.1097/hep.0000000000000497] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2023] [Accepted: 05/19/2023] [Indexed: 05/30/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Arun B Jesudian
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York, USA
| | - Brett E Fortune
- Division of Hepatology, Montefiore Medical Center, Bronx, New York, USA
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28
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Fiorillo A, Gallego JJ, Casanova-Ferrer F, Urios A, Ballester MP, San Miguel T, Megías J, Kosenko E, Tosca J, Rios MP, Escudero-García D, Montoliu C. Neurofilament Light Chain Protein in Plasma and Extracellular Vesicles Is Associated with Minimal Hepatic Encephalopathy and Responses to Rifaximin Treatment in Cirrhotic Patients. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:14727. [PMID: 37834174 PMCID: PMC10572420 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241914727] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2023] [Revised: 09/19/2023] [Accepted: 09/27/2023] [Indexed: 10/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Neurofilament light chain protein (NfL) levels reflect neuronal damage in several neurological diseases and have been proposed as a possible biomarker. Plasma extracellular vesicles (EVs) could play an important role as mediators of the inflammatory changes associated with inducing minimal hepatic encephalopathy (MHE) in cirrhotic patients. This study investigated the association of NfL levels in plasma and EVs with the presence of MHE in cirrhotic patients, and with responses to rifaximin treatment. The NfL levels in plasma and EVs were assessed in 71 patients with liver cirrhosis (40 with MHE and 31 without MHE) and 26 controls. A total of 31 patients with MHE received rifaximin treatment. We examined changes in NfL levels in plasma and EVs before and after 6 months of rifaximin treatment. The NfL measures were correlated with cognitive alterations and plasma inflammatory cytokines. MHE patients showed increased plasma levels of NfL, which were reverted after rifaximin treatment in patients who responded to treatment. The NfL content in EVs also showed a reversal pattern in MHE patients treated with rifaximin. In multivariable analyses, NfL levels were independently associated with the presence of MHE. We also showed that patients with high levels of both ammonia and fractalkine had significantly higher NfL levels than patients with low levels of least one of these parameters. Rifaximin treatment in MHE patients showed promising results in improving axonal damage, suggesting that rifaximin may have therapeutic benefits against disease progression in MHE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandra Fiorillo
- Fundación de Investigación, Hospital Clínico Universitario de Valencia-INCLIVA, 46010 Valencia, Spain; (A.F.); (J.J.G.); (F.C.-F.); (A.U.)
| | - Juan José Gallego
- Fundación de Investigación, Hospital Clínico Universitario de Valencia-INCLIVA, 46010 Valencia, Spain; (A.F.); (J.J.G.); (F.C.-F.); (A.U.)
| | - Franc Casanova-Ferrer
- Fundación de Investigación, Hospital Clínico Universitario de Valencia-INCLIVA, 46010 Valencia, Spain; (A.F.); (J.J.G.); (F.C.-F.); (A.U.)
| | - Amparo Urios
- Fundación de Investigación, Hospital Clínico Universitario de Valencia-INCLIVA, 46010 Valencia, Spain; (A.F.); (J.J.G.); (F.C.-F.); (A.U.)
| | - María-Pilar Ballester
- Servicio de Medicina Digestiva, Hospital Clínico Universitario de Valencia, 46010 Valencia, Spain; (M.-P.B.); (J.T.); (D.E.-G.)
| | - Teresa San Miguel
- Departamento de Patología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Valencia, 46010 Valencia, Spain; (T.S.M.); (J.M.)
| | - Javier Megías
- Departamento de Patología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Valencia, 46010 Valencia, Spain; (T.S.M.); (J.M.)
| | - Elena Kosenko
- Institute of Theoretical and Experimental Biophysics, Russian Academy of Sciences, 142290 Pushchino, Russia;
| | - Joan Tosca
- Servicio de Medicina Digestiva, Hospital Clínico Universitario de Valencia, 46010 Valencia, Spain; (M.-P.B.); (J.T.); (D.E.-G.)
| | - Maria-Pilar Rios
- Servicio de Digestivo, Hospital Arnau de Vilanova, 46015 Valencia, Spain;
| | - Desamparados Escudero-García
- Servicio de Medicina Digestiva, Hospital Clínico Universitario de Valencia, 46010 Valencia, Spain; (M.-P.B.); (J.T.); (D.E.-G.)
- Departamento de Medicina, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Valencia, 46010 Valencia, Spain
| | - Carmina Montoliu
- Fundación de Investigación, Hospital Clínico Universitario de Valencia-INCLIVA, 46010 Valencia, Spain; (A.F.); (J.J.G.); (F.C.-F.); (A.U.)
- Departamento de Patología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Valencia, 46010 Valencia, Spain; (T.S.M.); (J.M.)
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Ganjalikhan‐hakemi S, Asadi‐Shekaari M, Pourjafari F, Asadikaram G, Nozari M. Agmatine improves liver function, balance performance, and neuronal damage in a hepatic encephalopathy induced by bile duct ligation. Brain Behav 2023; 13:e3124. [PMID: 37337713 PMCID: PMC10498069 DOI: 10.1002/brb3.3124] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2023] [Revised: 04/21/2023] [Accepted: 06/06/2023] [Indexed: 06/21/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION In the current study, we investigate whether oral administration of agmatine (AGM) could effectively reduce motor and cognitive deficits induced by bile duct ligation (BDL) in an animal model of hepatic encephalopathy (HE) through neuroprotective mechanisms. METHODS The Wistar rats were divided into four groups: sham, BDL, BDL+ 40 mg/kg AGM, and BDL+ 80 mg/kg AGM. The BDL rats were treated with AGM from 2 weeks after the surgery for 4 consecutive weeks. The open field, rotarod, and wire grip tests were used to assess motor function and muscle strength. The novel object recognition test (NOR) was performed to evaluate learning and memory. Finally, blood samples were collected for the analysis of the liver markers, the animals were sacrificed, and brain tissues were removed; the CA1 regions of the hippocampus and cerebellum were processed to identify apoptosis and neuronal damage rate using caspase-3 immunocytochemistry and Nissl staining. RESULTS The serological assay results showed that BDL severely impaired the function of the liver. Based on histochemical findings, BDL increased the neuronal damage in CA1 and Purkinje cells, whereas apoptosis was significantly observed only in the cerebellum. AGM treatment prevented the increase of serum liver enzymes, balance deficits, and neuronal damage in the brain areas. Apoptosis partially decreased by AGM, and there were no differences in the performance of animals in different groups in the NOR. CONCLUSIONS The study suggests AGM as a potential treatment candidate for HE because of its neuroprotective properties and/or its direct effects on liver function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sepideh Ganjalikhan‐hakemi
- Student Research Committee, Department of Anatomical Sciences, Afzalipour School of MedicineKerman University of Medical SciencesKermanIran
| | - Majid Asadi‐Shekaari
- Neuroscience Research Center, Institute of NeuropharmacologyKerman University of Medical SciencesKermanIran
| | - Fahimeh Pourjafari
- Student Research Committee, Department of Anatomical Sciences, Afzalipour School of MedicineKerman University of Medical SciencesKermanIran
| | - Gholamreza Asadikaram
- Department of Biochemistry, Afzalipour School of MedicineKerman University of Medical SciencesKermanIran
| | - Masoumeh Nozari
- Neuroscience Research Center, Institute of NeuropharmacologyKerman University of Medical SciencesKermanIran
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Aby ES, Shen TH, Murugappan MN, Stenehjem DD, Leventhal TM. High rifaximin out-of-pocket costs are associated with decreased treatment retention among patients with hepatic encephalopathy. Hepatol Commun 2023; 7:e0215. [PMID: 37534941 PMCID: PMC10553020 DOI: 10.1097/hc9.0000000000000215] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2023] [Accepted: 06/07/2023] [Indexed: 08/04/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Hepatic encephalopathy (HE) is associated with significant morbidity and mortality for those with cirrhosis. Despite the known benefits of rifaximin use for HE, treatment retention remains low. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of out-of-pocket (OOP) rifaximin cost on treatment retention among commercially insured patients in the United States. METHODS Adult patients with cirrhosis and HE were identified from the IBM MarketScan claims database. Those who began rifaximin treatment between January 1, 2011, and December 1, 2021 were included. Regression models were used to analyze the relationship between patients' 30-day OOP rifaximin cost and rifaximin retention (≥80% eligible days with rifaximin supply) at 180, 360, and 540 days. Models were controlled for patient demographic and clinical characteristics including age, sex, comorbid conditions, Charlson comorbidity index (CCI), and lactulose use. RESULTS A total of 6839 adult patients were included. Most patients were between 55 and 64 years (57.1%), male (60.4%), and living in urban settings (84.6%). Treatment retention was low for all time periods; retention rates for rifaximin were 42%, 25%, and 16% at 180, 360, and 540 days, respectively. In multivariable analysis, 30-day OOP costs of ≥ $150 were associated with a decreased likelihood of rifaximin retention at 180, 360, and 540 days [relative risk (RR) = 0.67, RR = 0.62, and R = 0.60, respectively]. Younger age was associated with reduced treatment retention for all time periods. Metastatic cancer and depression were associated with reduced treatment retention at 180 days (RR = 0.70 and RR = 0.87, respectively). CONCLUSIONS Rates of rifaximin treatment retention are low despite the known benefits of rifaximin use for breakthrough HE. High 30-day OOP cost is associated with reduced rifaximin treatment retention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth S. Aby
- Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
| | - Tsung-Hua Shen
- Department of Pharmacy Practice and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Minnesota, College of Pharmacy, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
| | - Meena N. Murugappan
- Department of Pharmacy Practice and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Minnesota, College of Pharmacy, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
| | - David D. Stenehjem
- Department of Pharmacy Practice and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Minnesota, College of Pharmacy, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
| | - Thomas M. Leventhal
- Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
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Swansson WD, Anderson BM, Yeoh SW, Lewis DJ. Management of minimal and overt hepatic encephalopathy with branched-chain amino acids: a review of the evidence. Eur J Gastroenterol Hepatol 2023; 35:812-821. [PMID: 37395232 DOI: 10.1097/meg.0000000000002595] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/04/2023]
Abstract
Hepatic encephalopathy (HE) is a challenging complication of liver disease that is associated with substantial morbidity and mortality. Branched-chain amino acid (BCAA) supplementation in the management of HE is a debated topic. This narrative review aims to provide an up-to-date review of the topic and includes studies featuring patients with hepatocellular carcinoma. A review of the literature was performed using the online databases MEDLINE and EMBASE for studies between 2002 and December 2022. Keywords 'branched-chain amino acids', 'liver cirrhosis' and 'hepatic encephalopathy' were used. Studies were assessed for inclusion and exclusion criteria. Of 1045 citations, 8 studies met the inclusion criteria. The main outcomes reported for HE was changed in minimal HE (MHE) (n = 4) and/or incidence of overt HE (OHE) (n = 7). Two of the 4 studies reporting on MHE had improvement in psychometric testing in the BCAA group, but there was no change in the incidence of OHE in any of the 7 papers in the BCAA group. There were few adverse effects of BCAA supplementation. This review found weak evidence for BCAA supplementation for MHE, and no evidence for BCAAs for OHE. However, given the relative paucity and methodological heterogeneity of the current research, there is scope for future studies to examine the effects of varying timing, dosage, and frequency of BCAAs on outcomes such as HE. Importantly, research is also needed to examine BCAAs in conjunction with standard therapies for HE such as rifaximin and/or lactulose.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Sern Wei Yeoh
- Melbourne Medical School, The University of Melbourne
- Department of Gastroenterology, Northern Health, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Diana J Lewis
- Melbourne Medical School, The University of Melbourne
- Department of Gastroenterology, Northern Health, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
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Fritz MK, Mangino AA, Hunt TV, Pitcock CT, Dugan AJ, Karri K, Yarra P. Clinical Outcomes of Oral Zinc Therapy in Hepatic Encephalopathy Treatment. Ann Pharmacother 2023; 57:899-906. [PMID: 36367093 DOI: 10.1177/10600280221134283] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/20/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Additional therapies for hepatic encephalopathy (HE) treatment are warranted. There are data evaluating the use of zinc for HE; however, clinical outcomes, specifically in the United States, are unknown. OBJECTIVE To compare 30-day and 1-year all-cause readmission rates in patients with cirrhosis complicated by HE on lactulose and rifaximin to those on lactulose, rifaximin, and zinc. METHODS This retrospective study included patients admitted with documented cirrhosis and home medications of lactulose and rifaximin, with or without zinc. Patients were stratified into 2 groups: those receiving lactulose and rifaximin for HE (control) and those receiving lactulose, rifaximin, and zinc for HE (treatment). The primary outcomes were 30-day and 1-year all-cause readmission rates. RESULTS One-hundred fifty-seven patients were included (102 in control group, 55 in treatment group). Regarding 30-day and 1-year all-cause readmission rates, there was no difference between the control and treatment groups. CONCLUSION AND RELEVANCE This is the first study conducted in the United States evaluating zinc for HE treatment. Zinc did not impact 30-day or 1-year all-cause readmission rates. Further studies are warranted to evaluate the potential benefit of zinc for HE, possibly in correlation with Model for End-stage Liver Disease-Sodium (MELD-Na) scores.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Anthony A Mangino
- Department of Biostatistics, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, USA
| | - Taylor V Hunt
- Department of Pharmacy, UK HealthCare, Lexington, KY, USA
| | | | - Adam J Dugan
- Department of Biostatistics, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, USA
| | - Kishore Karri
- Department of Hospital Medicine, UK HealthCare, Lexington, KY, USA
| | - Pradeep Yarra
- Department of Hospital Medicine, UK HealthCare, Lexington, KY, USA
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Abstract
BACKGROUND Hepatic encephalopathy describes the spectrum of neuropsychiatric changes that may complicate the course of cirrhosis and detrimentally affect outcomes. Ammonia plays a key role in its development. Rifaximin is a non-absorbable antibiotic that inhibits urease-producing bacteria and reduces absorption of dietary and bacterial ammonia. OBJECTIVES To evaluate the beneficial and harmful effects of rifaximin versus placebo, no intervention, or non-absorbable disaccharides for: (i) the prevention of hepatic encephalopathy, and (ii) the treatment of minimal and overt hepatic encephalopathy, in people with cirrhosis, both when used alone and when combined with a non-absorbable disaccharide. SEARCH METHODS We searched the Cochrane Hepato-Biliary Group Clinical Trials Register, CENTRAL, MEDLINE, Embase, three other databases, the reference lists of identified papers, and relevant conference proceedings. We wrote to authors and pharmaceutical companies for information on other published, unpublished, or ongoing trials. Searches were performed to January 2023. SELECTION CRITERIA We included randomised clinical trials assessing prevention or treatment of hepatic encephalopathy with rifaximin alone, or with a non-absorbable disaccharide, versus placebo/no intervention, or a non-absorbable disaccharide alone. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS Six authors independently searched for studies, extracted data, and validated findings. We assessed the design, bias risk, and participant/intervention characteristics of the included studies. We assessed mortality, serious adverse events, health-related quality of life, hepatic encephalopathy, non-serious adverse events, blood ammonia, Number Connection Test-A, and length of hospital stay. MAIN RESULTS We included 41 trials involving 4545 people with, or at risk for, developing hepatic encephalopathy. We excluded 89 trials and identified 13 ongoing studies. Some trials involved participants with more than one type of hepatic encephalopathy or more than one treatment comparison. Hepatic encephalopathy was classed as acute (13 trials), chronic (7 trials), or minimal (8 trials), or else participants were considered at risk for its development (13 trials). The control groups received placebo (12 trials), no/standard treatment (1 trial), or a non-absorbable disaccharide (14 trials). Eighteen trials assessed rifaximin plus a non-absorbable disaccharide versus a non-absorbable disaccharide alone. We classified 11 trials as at high risk of overall bias for mortality and 28 for non-mortality outcomes, mainly due to lack of blinding, incomplete outcome data, and selective reporting. Compared to placebo/no intervention, rifaximin likely has no overall effect on mortality (risk ratio (RR) 0.83, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.50 to 1.38; P = 48, I2 = 0%; 13 trials, 1007 participants; moderate-certainty evidence), and there may be no overall effect when compared to non-absorbable disaccharides (RR 0.99, 95% CI 0.49 to 1.97; P = 0.97, I2 = 0%; 10 trials, 786 participants; low-certainty evidence). However, there is likely a reduction in the overall risk of mortality when comparing rifaximin plus a non-absorbable disaccharide to a non-absorbable disaccharide alone (RR 0.69, 95% CI 0.55 to 0.86; number needed to treat for an additional beneficial outcome (NNTB) = 22; P = 0.001, I2 = 0%; 14 trials, 1946 participants; moderate-certainty evidence). There is likely no effect on the overall risk of serious adverse events when comparing rifaximin to placebo/no intervention (RR 1.05, 95% CI 0.83 to 1.32; P = 68, I2 = 0%; 9 trials, 801 participants; moderate-certainty evidence) and there may be no overall effect when compared to non-absorbable disaccharides (RR 0.97, 95% CI 0.66 to 1.40; P = 85, I2 = 0%; 8 trials, 681 participants; low-certainty evidence). However, there was very low-certainty evidence that use of rifaximin plus a non-absorbable disaccharide may be associated with a lower risk of serious adverse events than use of a non-absorbable disaccharide alone (RR 0.66, 95% CI 0.45 to 0.98; P = 0.04, I2 = 60%; 7 trials, 1076 participants). Rifaximin likely results in an overall effect on health-related quality of life when compared to placebo/no intervention (mean difference (MD) -1.43, 95% CI -2.87 to 0.02; P = 0.05, I2 = 81%; 4 trials, 214 participants; moderate-certainty evidence), and may benefit health-related quality of life in people with minimal hepatic encephalopathy (MD -2.07, 95% CI -2.79 to -1.35; P < 0.001, I2 = 0%; 3 trials, 176 participants). The overall effect on health-related quality of life when comparing rifaximin to non-absorbable disaccharides is very uncertain (MD -0.33, 95% CI -1.65 to 0.98; P = 0.62, I2 = 0%; 2 trials, 249 participants; very low-certainty evidence). None of the combined rifaximin/non-absorbable disaccharide trials reported on this outcome. There is likely an overall beneficial effect on hepatic encephalopathy when comparing rifaximin to placebo/no intervention (RR 0.56, 95% CI 0.42 to 0.77; NNTB = 5; P < 0.001, I2 = 68%; 13 trials, 1009 participants; moderate-certainty evidence). This effect may be more marked in people with minimal hepatic encephalopathy (RR 0.40, 95% CI 0.31 to 0.52; NNTB = 3; P < 0.001, I2 = 10%; 6 trials, 364 participants) and in prevention trials (RR 0.71, 95% CI 0.56 to 0.91; NNTB = 10; P = 0.007, I2 = 36%; 4 trials, 474 participants). There may be little overall effect on hepatic encephalopathy when comparing rifaximin to non-absorbable disaccharides (RR 0.85, 95% CI 0.69 to 1.05; P = 0.13, I2 = 0%; 13 trials, 921 participants; low-certainty evidence). However, there may be an overall beneficial effect on hepatic encephalopathy when comparing rifaximin plus a non-absorbable disaccharide to a non-absorbable disaccharide alone (RR 0.58, 95% CI 0.48 to 0.71; NNTB = 5; P < 0.001, I2 = 62%; 17 trials, 2332 participants; low-certainty evidence). AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS Compared to placebo/no intervention, rifaximin likely improves health-related quality of life in people with minimal hepatic encephalopathy, and may improve hepatic encephalopathy, particularly in populations with minimal hepatic encephalopathy and when it is used for prevention. Rifaximin likely has no overall effect on mortality, serious adverse events, health-related quality of life, or hepatic encephalopathy compared to non-absorbable disaccharides. However, when used in combination with a non-absorbable disaccharide, it likely reduces overall mortality risk, the risk of serious adverse events, improves hepatic encephalopathy, reduces the length of hospital stay, and prevents the occurrence/recurrence of hepatic encephalopathy. The certainty of evidence for these outcomes is very low to moderate; further high-quality trials are needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Harry D Zacharias
- UCL Institute for Liver & Digestive Health, Division of Medicine, Royal Free Campus, University College London, London, UK
| | - Fady Kamel
- UCL Institute for Liver & Digestive Health, Division of Medicine, Royal Free Campus, University College London, London, UK
| | - Jaclyn Tan
- UCL Institute for Liver & Digestive Health, Division of Medicine, Royal Free Campus, University College London, London, UK
| | - Nina Kimer
- Gastrounit, Medical Division, Copenhagen University Hospital Hvidovre, Hvidovre, Denmark
| | - Lise Lotte Gluud
- Gastrounit, Medical Division, Copenhagen University Hospital Hvidovre, Hvidovre, Denmark
| | - Marsha Y Morgan
- UCL Institute for Liver & Digestive Health, Division of Medicine, Royal Free Campus, University College London, London, UK
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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] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [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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Shi J, Li F. Clinical study of probiotics combined with lactulose for minimal hepatic encephalopathy treatment. Eur J Gastroenterol Hepatol 2023; 35:777-781. [PMID: 37161982 DOI: 10.1097/meg.0000000000002567] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/11/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study aimed to investigate the clinical effect of probiotics combined with lactulose for minimal hepatic encephalopathy (MHE) treatment. METHODS A total of 88 patients with MHE were randomly divided into the control ( n = 44) and combined groups ( n = 44). The control group was treated with lactulose, while the combined group was treated with probiotics and lactulose. Serum ammonia, liver function [alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate transaminase (AST)], intestinal mucosal barrier markers [fatty acid-binding protein 2 (FABP2) and advanced glycation end-products (AGEs)] and number connection test A (NCT-A) and digit symbol test (DST) scores were tested and compared between the two groups. RESULTS The post-treatment in the control and combined groups shows decreased serum ammonia levels, ALT and AST levels, FABP2 and AGEs levels and NCT-A score and increased DST score compared with pre-treatment, with a significant difference ( P < 0.05). Post-treatment, the serum ammonia level, ALT and AST levels, FABP2 and AGEs levels, NCT-A score decreased and DST score increased in the combined group compared with the control group, with a significant difference ( P < 0.05). CONCLUSION Probiotics can promote lactulose in MHE treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junfen Shi
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Inner Mongolia Medical University, Huhhot, Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, China
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Marrone G, Serra A, Miele L, Biolato M, Liguori A, Grieco A, Gasbarrini A. Branched chain amino acids in hepatic encephalopathy and sarcopenia in liver cirrhosis: Evidence and uncertainties. World J Gastroenterol 2023; 29:2905-2915. [PMID: 37274800 PMCID: PMC10237095 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v29.i19.2905] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2022] [Revised: 01/24/2023] [Accepted: 04/20/2023] [Indexed: 05/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Liver cirrhosis is commonly associated with nutritional alterations, reported in 20% of patients with compensated disease and over 60% of patients with decompensated cirrhosis. Nutritional disturbances are associated with a worse prognosis and increased risk of complication. Serum levels of branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs) are decreased in patients with liver cirrhosis. The imbalance of amino acids levels has been suggested to be associated with the development of complications, such as hepatic encephalopathy and sarcopenia, and to affect the clinical presentation and prognosis of these patients. Several studies investigated the efficacy of BCAAs supplementation as a therapeutic option in liver cirrhosis, but uncertainties remain about the real efficacy, the best route of administration, and dosage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giuseppe Marrone
- Medical and Surgical Sciences, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli-IRCCS, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome 00168, Italy
| | - Amato Serra
- Medical and Surgical Sciences, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli-IRCCS, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome 00168, Italy
| | - Luca Miele
- Medical and Surgical Sciences, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli-IRCCS, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome 00168, Italy
| | - Marco Biolato
- Medical and Surgical Sciences, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli-IRCCS, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome 00168, Italy
| | - Antonio Liguori
- Medical and Surgical Sciences, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli-IRCCS, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome 00168, Italy
| | - Antonio Grieco
- Medical and Surgical Sciences, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli-IRCCS, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome 00168, Italy
| | - Antonio Gasbarrini
- Medical and Surgical Sciences, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli-IRCCS, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome 00168, Italy
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Abstract
Importance Cirrhosis affects approximately 2.2 million adults in the US. From 2010 to 2021, the annual age-adjusted mortality of cirrhosis increased from 14.9 per 100 000 to 21.9 per 100 000 people. Observations The most common causes of cirrhosis in the US, which can overlap, include alcohol use disorder (approximately 45% of all cases of cirrhosis), nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (26%), and hepatitis C (41%). Patients with cirrhosis experience symptoms including muscle cramps (approximately 64% prevalence), pruritus (39%), poor-quality sleep (63%), and sexual dysfunction (53%). Cirrhosis can be diagnosed by liver biopsy but may also be diagnosed noninvasively. Elastography, a noninvasive assessment of liver stiffness measured in kilopascals, can typically confirm cirrhosis at levels of 15 kPa or greater. Approximately 40% of people with cirrhosis are diagnosed when they present with complications such as hepatic encephalopathy or ascites. The median survival time following onset of hepatic encephalopathy and ascites is 0.92 and 1.1 years, respectively. Among people with ascites, the annual incidence of spontaneous bacterial peritonitis is 11% and of hepatorenal syndrome is 8%; the latter is associated with a median survival of less than 2 weeks. Approximately 1% to 4% of patients with cirrhosis develop hepatocellular carcinoma each year, which is associated with a 5-year survival of approximately 20%. In a 3-year randomized clinical trial of 201 patients with portal hypertension, nonselective β-blockers (carvedilol or propranolol) reduced the risk of decompensation or death compared with placebo (16% vs 27%). Compared with sequential initiation, combination aldosterone antagonist and loop diuretics were more likely to resolve ascites (76% vs 56%) with lower rates of hyperkalemia (4% vs 18%). In meta-analyses of randomized trials, lactulose was associated with reduced mortality relative to placebo (8.5% vs 14%) in randomized trials involving 705 patients and reduced risk of recurrent overt hepatic encephalopathy (25.5% vs 46.8%) in randomized trials involving 1415 patients. In a randomized clinical trial of 300 patients, terlipressin improved the rate of reversal of hepatorenal syndrome from 39% to 18%. Trials addressing symptoms of cirrhosis have demonstrated efficacy for hydroxyzine in improving sleep dysfunction, pickle brine and taurine for reducing muscle cramps, and tadalafil for improving sexual dysfunction in men. Conclusions and Relevance Approximately 2.2 million US adults have cirrhosis. Many symptoms, such as muscle cramps, poor-quality sleep, pruritus, and sexual dysfunction, are common and treatable. First-line therapies include carvedilol or propranolol to prevent variceal bleeding, lactulose for hepatic encephalopathy, combination aldosterone antagonists and loop diuretics for ascites, and terlipressin for hepatorenal syndrome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elliot B Tapper
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor
| | - Neehar D Parikh
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor
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Hayakawa Y, Tamaki N, Nakanishi H, Kurosaki M, Tanaka Y, Inada K, Ishido S, Kirino S, Yamashita K, Nobusawa T, Matsumoto H, Kakegawa T, Higuchi M, Takaura K, Tanaka S, Maeyashiki C, Kaneko S, Yasui Y, Takahashi Y, Tsuchiya K, Okamoto R, Izumi N. Add-on Therapeutic Effects of Rifaximin on Treatment-resistant Hepatic Encephalopathy. Intern Med 2023; 62:973-978. [PMID: 36070941 PMCID: PMC10125807 DOI: 10.2169/internalmedicine.0212-22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective Rifaximin is used to treat hepatic encephalopathy. However, whether or not rifaximin and lactulose combination therapy can enhance the treatment outcomes and reduce the hospitalization rate of patients with hepatic encephalopathy that are resistant to lactulose has yet to be determined. The present study investigated the hospitalization rate before and after rifaximin add-on therapy in patients resistant to lactulose. Methods A total of 36 patients who were resistant to lactulose with add-on rifaximin therapy were enrolled. Patients who were hospitalized and/or did not achieve normalization of ammonia levels under lactulose administration were defined as treatment-resistant. The primary outcome was the change in hospitalization rate due to hepatic encephalopathy at 24 weeks before and after rifaximin administration. Results Before rifaximin administration, 15 (41.6%) patients were hospitalized due to hepatic encephalopathy. After rifaximin administration, 8 (22.2%) patients were hospitalized due to hepatic encephalopathy. The hospitalization rates were significantly reduced after rifaximin administration (p=0.02). The median (interquartile range) ammonia levels upon rifaximin administration (baseline) and 8, 12, and 24 weeks after rifaximin administration were 124 (24-310) μg/dL, 78 (15-192) μg/dL, 67 (21-233) μg/dL, and 77 (28-200) μg/dL, respectively. Furthermore, the ammonia levels were significantly reduced by rifaximin add-on therapy (p=0.005, p=0.01, and p=0.01). Conclusion The addition of rifaximin to lactulose treatment in treatment-resistant patients decreases the hospitalization rate among patients with hepatic encephalopathy and may be used as an add-on treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuka Hayakawa
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Musashino Red Cross Hospital, Japan
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Japan
| | - Nobuharu Tamaki
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Musashino Red Cross Hospital, Japan
| | - Hiroyuki Nakanishi
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Musashino Red Cross Hospital, Japan
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Japan
| | - Masayuki Kurosaki
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Musashino Red Cross Hospital, Japan
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Japan
| | - Yuki Tanaka
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Musashino Red Cross Hospital, Japan
| | - Kento Inada
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Musashino Red Cross Hospital, Japan
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Japan
| | - Shun Ishido
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Musashino Red Cross Hospital, Japan
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Japan
| | - Sakura Kirino
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Musashino Red Cross Hospital, Japan
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Japan
| | - Koji Yamashita
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Musashino Red Cross Hospital, Japan
| | - Tsubasa Nobusawa
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Musashino Red Cross Hospital, Japan
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Japan
| | - Hiroaki Matsumoto
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Musashino Red Cross Hospital, Japan
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Japan
| | - Tatsuya Kakegawa
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Musashino Red Cross Hospital, Japan
| | - Mayu Higuchi
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Musashino Red Cross Hospital, Japan
| | - Kenta Takaura
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Musashino Red Cross Hospital, Japan
| | - Shohei Tanaka
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Musashino Red Cross Hospital, Japan
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Japan
| | - Chiaki Maeyashiki
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Musashino Red Cross Hospital, Japan
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Japan
| | - Shun Kaneko
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Musashino Red Cross Hospital, Japan
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Japan
| | - Yutaka Yasui
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Musashino Red Cross Hospital, Japan
| | - Yuka Takahashi
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Musashino Red Cross Hospital, Japan
| | - Kaoru Tsuchiya
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Musashino Red Cross Hospital, Japan
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Japan
| | - Ryuichi Okamoto
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Japan
| | - Namiki Izumi
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Musashino Red Cross Hospital, Japan
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Dumitrascu DL, Bakulin I, Berzigotti A, Cravo M, Gombošová L, Lukas M, Pietrzak A, Remes-Troche JM, Romero-Gómez M, Balmori MA, Gonçalves TC, Hamzaoui L, Juricek R, Moreira L, Neubauer K, Surdea-Blaga T, Tikhonov IN, Trna J, Ianiro G, Ponziani FR, Gasbarrini A. Update on the Role of Rifaximin in Digestive Diseases. JGLD 2023; 32:92-109. [PMID: 37004222 DOI: 10.15403/jgld-4871] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2023] [Accepted: 03/01/2023] [Indexed: 04/03/2023]
Abstract
Various environmental factors affecting the human microbiota may lead to gut microbial imbalance and to the development of pathologies. Alterations of gut microbiota have been firmly implicated in digestive diseases such as hepatic encephalopathy, irritable bowel syndrome and diverticular disease. However, while these three conditions may all be related to dysfunction of the gut-liver-brain axis, the precise pathophysiology appears to differ somewhat for each. Herein, current knowledge on the pathophysiology of hepatic encephalopathy, irritable bowel syndrome, and diverticular disease are reviewed, with a special focus on the gut microbiota modulation associated with these disorders during therapy with rifaximin. In general, the evidence for the efficacy of rifaximin in hepatic encephalopathy appears to be well consolidated, although it is less supported for irritable bowel syndrome and diverticular disease. We reviewed current clinical practice for the management of these clinical conditions and underlined the desirability of more real-world studies to fully understand the potential of rifaximin in these clinical situations and obtain even more precise indications for the use of the drug.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dan Lucian Dumitrascu
- Iuliu Hatieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Cluj County Clinical Emergency Hospital, Cluj-Napoca, Romania.
| | - Igor Bakulin
- Mechnikov North-Western State Medical University, Saint Petersburg, Russia.
| | - Annalisa Berzigotti
- Department of Visceral Surgery and Medicine, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, Bern, Switzerland.
| | - Marília Cravo
- Serviço de gastrenterologia hospital da luz Lisboa and faculdade de medicina da universidade de Lisboa. Lisbon, Portugal.
| | - Laura Gombošová
- II Internal Clinic, University Hospital of L. Pasteur and Medical faculty of P.J.Šafarik University, Košice, Slovakia.
| | - Milan Lukas
- Clinical and Research Centre for Inflammatory Bowel Diseases, ISCARE IVF Clinical Center Českomoravská, Prague, Czech Republic.
| | - Anna Pietrzak
- II Gastroenterology Department, Centre of Postgraduate Medical Education, Warsaw; Gastroenterology Department, Bielanski Hospital, Warsaw, Poland.
| | | | - Manuel Romero-Gómez
- UCM Digestive Diseases and ciberehd. Virgen del Rocío University Hospital. Institute of Biomedicine of Seville (HUVRocío/CSIC/US). Department of Medicine. University of Seville, Seville Spain.
| | - Mercedes Amieva Balmori
- Laboratory of Digestive Physiology and Motility. Medical - Biological Research Institute of the Universidad Veracruzana, Veracruz, Mexico.
| | - Tiago Cúrdia Gonçalves
- Gastroenterology Department, Hospital da Senhora da Oliveira - Guimarães, Portugal and Life, Braga; Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Medicine, University of Minho, Braga; ICVS/3B's, PT Government Associate Laboratory, Guimarães/Braga, Portugal.
| | - Lamine Hamzaoui
- Gastroenterology department. Mohamed Taher Maamouri Hospital, Nabeul; University of Tunis El Manar, Faculty of Medicine of Tunis, Tunisia.
| | - Radovan Juricek
- Department of Gastroenterology, Nemocnica Bory - Penta Hospitals, Bratislava, Slovakia.
| | - Leticia Moreira
- Gastroenterology Department, Hospital Clinic of Barcelona, University of Barcelona, Barcelona; Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBEREHD), Barcelona, Spain.
| | - Katarzyna Neubauer
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Wroclaw Medical University, Wroclaw, Poland.
| | - Teodora Surdea-Blaga
- Iuliu Hatieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Cluj County Clinical Emergency Hospital, Cluj-Napoca, Romania.
| | - Igor N Tikhonov
- Internal Diseases Propedeutics, Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University (Sechenov University), Moscow, Russia.
| | - Jan Trna
- Department of Gastroenterology and Digestive Endoscopy, Masaryk Memorial Cancer Institute, Brno; Department of Comprehensive Cancer Care, Masaryk Memorial Cancer Institute and Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic.
| | - Gianluca Ianiro
- CEMAD, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Rome; Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy.
| | - Francesca Romana Ponziani
- CEMAD, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Rome; Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy.
| | - Antonio Gasbarrini
- Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome; Internal Medicine and Gastroenterology, CEMAD, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, Italy.
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Higuera-de-la-Tijera F, Velarde-Ruiz Velasco JA, Raña-Garibay RH, Castro-Narro GE, Abdo-Francis JM, Moreno-Alcántar R, Pérez-Hernández JL, Torre A, Contreras-Omaña R, Cano-Contreras A, Castillo-Barradas M, Pérez-Escobar J, Aldana-Ledesma JM, Cerda-Reyes E, Fernández-Pérez NJ, Meza-Cardona J, Flores-García NC, Reyes-Bastidas M, Lira-Vera JE, García-Jiménez ES, Santana-Vargas D, Páez-Zayas VM, Chávez-Tapia NC, Márquez-Guillén E. Current vision on diagnosis and comprehensive care in hepatic encephalopathy. Rev Gastroenterol Mex (Engl Ed) 2023; 88:155-174. [PMID: 37127462 DOI: 10.1016/j.rgmxen.2023.04.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2022] [Accepted: 03/08/2023] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
The first clinical guidelines on hepatic encephalopathy were published in 2009. Almost 14 years since that first publication, numerous advances in the field of diagnosis, treatment, and special condition care have been made. Therefore, as an initiative of the Asociación Mexicana de Gastroenterología A.C., we present a current view of those aspects. The manuscript described herein was formulated by 24 experts that participated in six working groups, analyzing, discussing, and summarizing the following topics: Definition of hepatic encephalopathy; recommended classifications; epidemiologic panorama, worldwide and in Mexico; diagnostic tools; conditions that merit a differential diagnosis; treatment; and primary and secondary prophylaxis. Likewise, these guidelines emphasize the management of certain special conditions, such as hepatic encephalopathy in acute liver failure and acute-on-chronic liver failure, as well as specific care in patients with hepatic encephalopathy, such as the use of medications and types of sedation, describing those that are permitted or recommended, and those that are not.
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Affiliation(s)
- F Higuera-de-la-Tijera
- Departamento de Gastroenterología y Hepatología, Hospital General de México "Dr. Eduardo Liceaga", Mexico City, Mexico.
| | - J A Velarde-Ruiz Velasco
- Departamento de Gastroenterología, Hospital Civil de Guadalajara "Fray Antonio Alcalde", Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico
| | | | - G E Castro-Narro
- Instituto Nacional de Ciencias Médicas y Nutrición Salvador Zubirán, Mexico City, Mexico
| | | | - R Moreno-Alcántar
- Departamento de Gastroenterología, Hospital de Especialidades Bernardo Sepúlveda del Centro Médico Nacional Siglo XXI, IMSS, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - J L Pérez-Hernández
- Departamento de Gastroenterología y Hepatología, Hospital General de México "Dr. Eduardo Liceaga", Mexico City, Mexico
| | - A Torre
- Centro Médico ABC, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - R Contreras-Omaña
- Centro de Educación e Investigación en Enfermedades Hepáticas y Toxicológicas (CEIHET), Pachuca, Hidalgo, Mexico
| | - A Cano-Contreras
- Centro de Investigaciones Médico Biológicas, Universidad Veracruzana, Veracruz, Veracruz, Mexico
| | - M Castillo-Barradas
- Departamento de Gastroenterología, Hospital de Especialidades del Centro Médico Nacional "La Raza", IMSS, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - J Pérez-Escobar
- Instituto Nacional de Enfermedades Respiratorias (INER) "Ismael Cosío Villegas", Mexico City, Mexico
| | - J M Aldana-Ledesma
- Departamento de Gastroenterología, Hospital Civil de Guadalajara "Fray Antonio Alcalde", Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico
| | - E Cerda-Reyes
- Departamento de Gastroenterología, Hospital Central Militar, Mexico City, Mexico
| | | | | | - N C Flores-García
- Instituto Nacional de Ciencias Médicas y Nutrición Salvador Zubirán, Mexico City, Mexico
| | | | - J E Lira-Vera
- Hospital Central "Dr. Ignacio Morones Prieto", San Luis Potosí, Mexico
| | - E S García-Jiménez
- Departamento de Gastroenterología, Hospital Civil de Guadalajara "Fray Antonio Alcalde", Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico
| | - D Santana-Vargas
- Clínica de Trastornos del Sueño, Departamento de Medicina Experimental, Facultad de Medicina, UNAM, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - V M Páez-Zayas
- Departamento de Gastroenterología y Hepatología, Hospital General de México "Dr. Eduardo Liceaga", Mexico City, Mexico
| | | | - E Márquez-Guillén
- Instituto Nacional de Ciencias Médicas y Nutrición Salvador Zubirán, Mexico City, Mexico
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Bajaj JS, Hassanein TI, Pyrsopoulos NT, Sanyal AJ, Rahimi RS, Heimanson Z, Israel RJ, Rockey DC. Dosing of Rifaximin Soluble Solid Dispersion Tablets in Adults With Cirrhosis: 2 Randomized, Placebo-controlled Trials. Clin Gastroenterol Hepatol 2023; 21:723-731.e9. [PMID: 35750249 DOI: 10.1016/j.cgh.2022.05.042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2022] [Revised: 04/22/2022] [Accepted: 05/12/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS Cirrhosis-related complications are a major burden. Rifaximin soluble solid dispersion (SSD) tablets (immediate-release [IR]; sustained extended-release [SER]) were designed to increase rifaximin water solubility. These analyses evaluate dosing for prevention of cirrhosis complication-related hospitalizations/mortality and overt hepatic encephalopathy (OHE) treatment. METHODS Two phase II, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trials were conducted. Trial 1: outpatients with early decompensated cirrhosis randomized to placebo or rifaximin SSD once-nightly: IR 40 or 80 mg, SER 40 or 80 mg, or IR 80 mg plus SER 80 mg, for 24 weeks. Trial 2: inpatients with OHE randomized to lactulose plus placebo or rifaximin SSD: IR 40 mg once or twice daily or SER 80 mg once or twice daily for ≤14 days. Primary efficacy endpoint: time to cirrhosis complication-related hospitalization/all-cause mortality (Trial 1) or time to OHE resolution (Trial 2). RESULTS In Trial 1 (n = 516), no significant difference in time to cirrhosis complication-related hospitalization/all-cause mortality vs placebo. In a post hoc analysis, time to all-cause hospitalization/all-cause mortality was improved with IR 40 mg vs placebo (15.4% [12/78] vs 27.7% [26/94]; P = .03). A Trial 2 prespecified interim analysis (n = 71) showed lactulose plus rifaximin SSD IR 40 mg bid significantly reduced median time to OHE resolution (21.1 hours) vs lactulose plus placebo (62.7 hours; P = .02). Trial 2 was subsequently terminated. CONCLUSION Rifaximin SSD IR 40 mg may reduce hospitalizations in patients with cirrhosis and shorten duration of OHE during hospitalization-considered a negative finding, yet also hypothesis-generating. (ClinicalTrials.govNCT01904409; NCT03515044).
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Affiliation(s)
- Jasmohan S Bajaj
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia; Division of Gastroenterology, Central Virginia Veterans Affairs Healthcare System, Richmond, Virginia.
| | | | - Nikolaos T Pyrsopoulos
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, Newark, New Jersey
| | - Arun J Sanyal
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia
| | - Robert S Rahimi
- Annette C. and Harold C. Simmons Transplant Institute, Baylor University Medical Center, Baylor Scott and White, Dallas, Texas
| | | | | | - Don C Rockey
- Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina
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Moon AM, Kim HP, Jiang Y, Lupu G, Bissram JS, Barritt AS, Tapper EB. Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis on the Effects of Lactulose and Rifaximin on Patient-Reported Outcomes in Hepatic Encephalopathy. Am J Gastroenterol 2023; 118:284-293. [PMID: 36730910 PMCID: PMC9904367 DOI: 10.14309/ajg.0000000000002008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2022] [Accepted: 09/09/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Patients with hepatic encephalopathy (HE) suffer from significant symptoms and impaired quality of life. Improved understanding on the potential benefits of first-line HE therapies may aid patient-provider discussions regarding expected benefits of HE treatments. We aimed to perform a systematic review to assess the effects of lactulose and rifaximin on patient-reported outcomes (PROs). METHODS We searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Cochrane Library databases for randomized trials or prospective cohort studies using lactulose and/or rifaximin for the management of HE and assessing changes in PRO using PRO instruments. Physician reviewers independently reviewed titles, abstracts, and full texts and extracted data independently. We performed random-effects meta-analyses to examine the effects of lactulose and rifaximin on PROs. RESULTS We identified 16 studies representing 1,376 patients that met inclusion criteria. Most studies assessed treatment of covert HE. In patients with covert HE, lactulose significantly improved overall patient-reported health-related quality of life measured by the Sickness Impact Profile with an estimated pooled mean difference of 6.92 (95% confidence interval: 6.66-7.18) and showed improvements in several subscales. Conversely, rifaximin demonstrated a nonstatistically significant mean difference in the total Sickness Impact Profile of 4.76 (95% confidence interval: -4.23 to 13.76), with strong evidence of heterogeneity between these studies. Studies examining other PRO instruments showed improvements in overall health-related quality of life, social functioning, and sleep from both lactulose and rifaximin. DISCUSSION Patients with HE treated with lactulose or rifaximin reported improvements in important PROs. These results may inform provider-patient communication and help manage patient expectations regarding the potential benefits of HE therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew M Moon
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Hannah P Kim
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition, Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
| | - Yue Jiang
- Department of Statistical Science, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Gabriel Lupu
- Department of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Jennifer S Bissram
- Health Sciences Library, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - A Sidney Barritt
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Elliot B Tapper
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
- Gastroenterology Section, VA Ann Arbor Healthcare System, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
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Jesudian AB, Gagnon-Sanschagrin P, Heimanson Z, Bungay R, Chen J, Guérin A, Bumpass B, Borroto D, Joseph G, Dashputre AA. Impact of rifaximin use following an initial overt hepatic encephalopathy hospitalization on rehospitalization and costs. J Med Econ 2023; 26:1169-1177. [PMID: 37664993 DOI: 10.1080/13696998.2023.2255074] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2023] [Revised: 08/30/2023] [Accepted: 08/31/2023] [Indexed: 09/05/2023]
Abstract
AIM To assess the impact of rifaximin (± lactulose) use following discharge of an initial overt hepatic encephalopathy (OHE) hospitalization on OHE rehospitalizations and healthcare costs in a real-world setting. METHODS Adults (18-64 years) with an OHE hospitalization were identified from MarketScan® Commercial claims (Q4'15-Q2'20), classified into two mutually exclusive treatment cohorts (i.e. rifaximin and no rifaximin treatment), and further stratified into four subgroups based on decreasing quality of care (QoC; i.e. Type 1 - rifaximin without delay post-discharge; Type 2 - rifaximin with delay post-discharge; Type 3 - lactulose only post-discharge; Type 4 - no rifaximin/lactulose treatment post-discharge). The impact of rifaximin use on 30-day and annualized OHE hospitalizations and healthcare costs were assessed between cohorts and by the QoC subgroup. RESULTS Characteristics were similar between the rifaximin (N = 1,452; Type 1: 1,138, Type 2: 314) and no rifaximin (N = 560; Type 3:337, Type 4: 223) treatment cohorts. The 30-day risk of OHE rehospitalization was lower for the rifaximin vs. no rifaximin treatment cohort (odds ratio 0.56, p < .01) and increased with decreasing QoC. The annual rate of OHE hospitalizations was 59% lower for the rifaximin treatment cohort (incidence rate ratio 0.41, p < .01) and increased with decreasing QoC. Compared to the no rifaximin treatment cohort, the rifaximin treatment cohort had higher pharmacy costs, lower medical costs, and no difference in total healthcare costs. LIMITATIONS This was a claims-based study subject to common data limitations such as billing inaccuracies or omissions in coded claims. Total healthcare costs were reported from a payer's perspective, which do not capture indirect costs associated with patient burden. CONCLUSIONS Initiation of rifaximin after an OHE hospitalization was associated with reduced OHE hospitalizations both in the 30-days following and annually. Further, reduced medical costs offset increased pharmacy costs, and no annual cost differences were observed between cohorts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arun B Jesudian
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - George Joseph
- Bausch Health, Bridgewater, NJ, USA
- BioNTech US Inc, Cambridge, MA, USA
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Wang S, Fan X, Gao Y, Zuo L, Hong M, Xu Y. The Relationship Between Zinc Deficiency and Hepatocellular Carcinoma Associated with Hepatitis B Liver Cirrhosis: A 10-year Follow-up Study. Biol Trace Elem Res 2023; 201:114-120. [PMID: 35247138 DOI: 10.1007/s12011-022-03156-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2022] [Accepted: 02/10/2022] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
Our aim is to evaluate the serum zinc levels in Hepatitis B liver cirrhosis patients and clarify the relationship between the serum zinc levels and the development of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). From January 2009 to December 2019, 295 included patients diagnosed with Hepatitis B liver cirrhosis received nucleos(t)ide analogues (NUCs) therapy at China-Japan Union Hospital of Jilin University. Their comprehensive medical records were retrospectively analyzed, and to analyze the relationship between hypozincemia and hepatitis B-related HCC. Twenty-eight of 295 patients (9.49%) developed HCC during an observation period of the median follow-up time was 42 months. Compared with the non-zinc deficiency group, the zinc deficiency group is older, has a higher proportion of hepatic encephalopathy, higher levels of aspartate aminotransferase(AST), international normalized ratio(INR) and TB, and lower levels of cholinesterase (CHE), creatinine, and platelet counts (P< 0.05). Multivariate analysis showed that zine (HR=0.854, 95%CI 0.725-1.007; P=0.061), zinc is not significant for reducing the incidence of HCC, as liver disease progresses, the proportion of zinc deficiency is getting higher and higher, Child-Pugh C. The proportion of grade zinc deficiency accounted for 64.86%. Child-Pugh grade C was more than Child-Pugh grade B and A, p<0.001. Zinc deficiency is associated with hepatic encephalopathy, and other complications related to hepatitis B and liver cirrhosis. But the relationship with hepatocellular carcinoma still needs further study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuai Wang
- Department of Gastroenterology, China-Japan Union Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, 130033, Jilin, China
| | - Xuemei Fan
- Department of Neurology, Affiliated Hangzhou First People's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yang Gao
- Department of Gastroenterology, China-Japan Union Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, 130033, Jilin, China
| | - Lijuan Zuo
- Department of Gastroenterology, China-Japan Union Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, 130033, Jilin, China
| | - Mingqi Hong
- Department of Gastroenterology, China-Japan Union Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, 130033, Jilin, China
| | - Yan Xu
- Department of Gastroenterology, China-Japan Union Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, 130033, Jilin, China.
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Huang L, Yu Q, Peng H, Zhen Z. Alterations of gut microbiome and effects of probiotic therapy in patients with liver cirrhosis: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Medicine (Baltimore) 2022; 101:e32335. [PMID: 36595801 PMCID: PMC9794299 DOI: 10.1097/md.0000000000032335] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Alterations in the gut microbiome usually occur in liver cirrhosis. Gut microbiome dysregulation damages the liver and accelerates the development of liver fibrosis. Probiotic treatment has gradually become a major method for improving the prognosis of liver cirrhosis and reducing its complications. However, alterations in the gut microbiome have revealed different results, and the therapeutic effects of various probiotics are inconsistent. METHODS We searched the PubMed, Medline, EMBASE, ScienceDirect, and Cochrane databases up to August 2022 and conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of 17 relevant studies. RESULTS The counts of Enterobacter (standardized mean difference [SMD] -1.79, 95% confidence interval [CI]: -3.08 to -0.49) and Enterococcus (SMD -1.41, 95% CI: -2.26 to -0.55) increased significantly in patients with cirrhosis, while the counts of Lactobacillus (SMD 0.63, 95% CI: 0.12-1.15) and Bifidobacterium (SMD 0.44, 95% CI: 0.12-0.77) decreased significantly. Blood ammonia (weighted mean difference [WMD] 14.61, 95% CI: 7.84-21.37) and the incidence of hepatic encephalopathy (WMD 0.40, 95% CI: 0.27-0.61) were significantly decreased in the probiotic group. As for mortality (MD 0.75, 95% CI: 0.48-1.16) and the incidence of spontaneous bacterial peritonitis (WMD -0.02, 95% CI: -0.07 to 0.03), no significant differences were found between the probiotic and placebo groups. CONCLUSION In summary, the gut microbiome in cirrhosis manifests as decreased counts of Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium and increased counts of Enterobacter and Enterococcus. Targeted supplementation of probiotics in cirrhosis, including Lactobacillus combined with Bifidobacterium or Bifidobacterium alone, can reduce blood ammonia and the incidence of hepatic encephalopathy. The effect is similar to that of lactulose, but it has no obvious effect on mortality and spontaneous bacterial peritonitis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Long Huang
- Department of No. 1 Surgery, The First Hospital Affiliated to Anhui University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Hefei, Anhui Province, China
- * Correspondence: Long Huang, The First Hospital Affiliated to Anhui University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, No. 117 Meishan Road, Hefei, Anhui Province 230031, China (e-mail: )
| | - Qingsheng Yu
- Department of No. 1 Surgery, The First Hospital Affiliated to Anhui University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Hefei, Anhui Province, China
| | - Hui Peng
- Department of No. 1 Surgery, The First Hospital Affiliated to Anhui University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Hefei, Anhui Province, China
| | - Zhou Zhen
- Department of Surgery, The Second Hospital Affiliated to Anhui University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Hefei, Anhui Province, China
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Qi W, Ge Y, Wang X, Li Z, Li X, Wang N, He H, Luo X, Ma W, Chen L, Liu Y, Zhang T. Ameliorative Effect of Chitosan Oligosaccharides on Hepatic Encephalopathy by Reshaping Gut Microbiota and Gut-Liver Axis. J Agric Food Chem 2022; 70:13186-13199. [PMID: 36194761 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jafc.2c01330] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
This study investigated the influence of chitosan oligosaccharides (COSs) on a thioacetamide-induced hepatic encephalopathy (HE) Wistar rat model. COS treatment statistically reduced the false neurotransmitters and blood ammonia in HE rats, along with the suppression of oxidative stress and inflammation. The disbalanced gut microbiota was detected in HE rats by 16S rDNA sequencing, but the abundance alterations of some intestinal bacteria at either the phylum or genus level were at least partly restored by COS treatment. According to metabolomics analysis of rat feces, six metabolism pathways with the greatest response to HE were screened, several of which were remarkably reversed by COS. The altered metabolites might serve as a bridge for the alleviated HE rats treated with COS and the enhanced intestinal bacterial structure. This study provides novel guidance to develop novel food or dietary supplements to improve HE diseases due to the potential beneficial effect of COS on gut-liver axis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Qi
- Key Laboratory of Industrial Fermentation Microbiology, Ministry of Education, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Industrial Microbiology, The College of Biotechnology, Tianjin University of Science and Technology, Tianjin 300457, P. R. China
| | - Yanyan Ge
- Key Laboratory of Industrial Fermentation Microbiology, Ministry of Education, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Industrial Microbiology, The College of Biotechnology, Tianjin University of Science and Technology, Tianjin 300457, P. R. China
| | - Xinyue Wang
- Key Laboratory of Industrial Fermentation Microbiology, Ministry of Education, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Industrial Microbiology, The College of Biotechnology, Tianjin University of Science and Technology, Tianjin 300457, P. R. China
| | - Zihan Li
- Key Laboratory of Industrial Fermentation Microbiology, Ministry of Education, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Industrial Microbiology, The College of Biotechnology, Tianjin University of Science and Technology, Tianjin 300457, P. R. China
| | - Xiaoxue Li
- Key Laboratory of Industrial Fermentation Microbiology, Ministry of Education, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Industrial Microbiology, The College of Biotechnology, Tianjin University of Science and Technology, Tianjin 300457, P. R. China
| | - Nan Wang
- Key Laboratory of Industrial Fermentation Microbiology, Ministry of Education, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Industrial Microbiology, The College of Biotechnology, Tianjin University of Science and Technology, Tianjin 300457, P. R. China
| | - Hongpeng He
- Key Laboratory of Industrial Fermentation Microbiology, Ministry of Education, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Industrial Microbiology, The College of Biotechnology, Tianjin University of Science and Technology, Tianjin 300457, P. R. China
| | - Xuegang Luo
- Key Laboratory of Industrial Fermentation Microbiology, Ministry of Education, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Industrial Microbiology, The College of Biotechnology, Tianjin University of Science and Technology, Tianjin 300457, P. R. China
| | - Wenjian Ma
- Key Laboratory of Industrial Fermentation Microbiology, Ministry of Education, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Industrial Microbiology, The College of Biotechnology, Tianjin University of Science and Technology, Tianjin 300457, P. R. China
| | - Liehuan Chen
- New Youlan Healthy Technology Co., Ltd., Guangzhou 510530, Guangdong, P. R. China
| | - Yihan Liu
- Key Laboratory of Industrial Fermentation Microbiology, Ministry of Education, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Industrial Microbiology, The College of Biotechnology, Tianjin University of Science and Technology, Tianjin 300457, P. R. China
| | - Tongcun Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Industrial Fermentation Microbiology, Ministry of Education, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Industrial Microbiology, The College of Biotechnology, Tianjin University of Science and Technology, Tianjin 300457, P. R. China
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Yokoyama K, Fukuda H, Yamauchi R, Higashi M, Miyayama T, Higashi T, Uchida Y, Shibata K, Tsuchiya N, Fukunaga A, Umeda K, Takata K, Tanaka T, Shakado S, Sakisaka S, Hirai F. Long-Term Effects of Rifaximin on Patients with Hepatic Encephalopathy: Its Possible Effects on the Improvement in the Blood Ammonia Concentration Levels, Hepatic Spare Ability and Refractory Ascites. Medicina (Kaunas) 2022; 58:medicina58091276. [PMID: 36143954 PMCID: PMC9501622 DOI: 10.3390/medicina58091276] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2022] [Revised: 09/09/2022] [Accepted: 09/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Background and Objectives: To investigate the long-term efficacy of rifaximin (RFX) for hyperammonemia and efficacy for refractory ascites in patients with cirrhosis. Materials and Methods: We enrolled 112 patients with liver cirrhosis who were orally administered RFX in this study. Changes in the clinical data of patients were evaluated up to 36 months after RFX administration. The primary endpoint was a change in blood ammonia levels. Secondary endpoints included changes in clinical symptoms, Child−Pugh (CP) score, number of hospitalizations, degree of refractory ascites, adverse events, and the relationship between RFX administration and the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system. Results: An improved rate of overt hepatic encephalopathy (HE) of 82.7% was observed 3 months after RFX administration, which significantly induced a progressive decrease in blood ammonia concentration and an improved CP score up to 36 months. No serious RFX treatment-related adverse events were observed. 36.5% in patients after RFX administration improved refractory ascites. After RFX administration, patients with satisfactory control of hepatic ascites without addition of diuretic had lower renin concentration than those with poor control (p < 0.01). At less than 41 pg/mL renin concentration, the control of refractory ascites was significantly satisfactory (p < 0.0001). Conclusions: RFX reduced blood ammonia concentration and improved hepatic spare ability and the quality of life of patients with long-term HE to up to 36 months. Our study revealed the effects of RFX against refractory ascites, suggesting that renin concentration may be a predictive marker for assessing ascites control.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keiji Yokoyama
- Department of Gastroenterology and Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Fukuoka University, 7-45-1 Nanakuma, Jonan-ku, Fukuoka-shi 814-0180, Fukuoka, Japan
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +81-92-801-1011 (ext. 3355)
| | - Hiromi Fukuda
- Department of Gastroenterology and Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Fukuoka University, 7-45-1 Nanakuma, Jonan-ku, Fukuoka-shi 814-0180, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Ryo Yamauchi
- Department of Gastroenterology and Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Fukuoka University, 7-45-1 Nanakuma, Jonan-ku, Fukuoka-shi 814-0180, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Masashi Higashi
- Higashi Hospital, 593-1 Hirotsu, Yositomi-machi, Chikujo-gun 871-0811, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Takashi Miyayama
- Department of Gastroenterology and Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Fukuoka University, 7-45-1 Nanakuma, Jonan-ku, Fukuoka-shi 814-0180, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Tomotaka Higashi
- Department of Gastroenterology and Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Fukuoka University, 7-45-1 Nanakuma, Jonan-ku, Fukuoka-shi 814-0180, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Yotaro Uchida
- Department of Gastroenterology and Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Fukuoka University, 7-45-1 Nanakuma, Jonan-ku, Fukuoka-shi 814-0180, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Kumiko Shibata
- Department of Gastroenterology and Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Fukuoka University, 7-45-1 Nanakuma, Jonan-ku, Fukuoka-shi 814-0180, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Naoaki Tsuchiya
- Department of Gastroenterology and Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Fukuoka University, 7-45-1 Nanakuma, Jonan-ku, Fukuoka-shi 814-0180, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Atsushi Fukunaga
- Department of Gastroenterology and Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Fukuoka University, 7-45-1 Nanakuma, Jonan-ku, Fukuoka-shi 814-0180, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Kaoru Umeda
- Department of Gastroenterology and Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Fukuoka University, 7-45-1 Nanakuma, Jonan-ku, Fukuoka-shi 814-0180, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Kazuhide Takata
- Department of Gastroenterology and Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Fukuoka University, 7-45-1 Nanakuma, Jonan-ku, Fukuoka-shi 814-0180, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Takashi Tanaka
- Department of Gastroenterology and Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Fukuoka University, 7-45-1 Nanakuma, Jonan-ku, Fukuoka-shi 814-0180, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Satoshi Shakado
- Department of Gastroenterology and Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Fukuoka University, 7-45-1 Nanakuma, Jonan-ku, Fukuoka-shi 814-0180, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Shotaro Sakisaka
- Department of Gastroenterology and Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Fukuoka University, 7-45-1 Nanakuma, Jonan-ku, Fukuoka-shi 814-0180, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Fumihito Hirai
- Department of Gastroenterology and Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Fukuoka University, 7-45-1 Nanakuma, Jonan-ku, Fukuoka-shi 814-0180, Fukuoka, Japan
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de Mattos ÂZ, Simonetto DA, Terra C, Farias AQ, Bittencourt PL, Pase THS, Toazza MR, de Mattos AA. Albumin administration in patients with cirrhosis: Current role and novel perspectives. World J Gastroenterol 2022; 28:4773-4786. [PMID: 36156923 PMCID: PMC9476855 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v28.i33.4773] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2022] [Revised: 06/05/2022] [Accepted: 07/06/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Mortality in cirrhosis is mostly associated with the development of clinical decompensation, characterized by ascites, hepatic encephalopathy, variceal bleeding, or jaundice. Therefore, it is important to prevent and manage such complications. Traditionally, the pathophysiology of decompensated cirrhosis was explained by the peripheral arterial vasodilation hypothesis, but it is currently understood that decompensation might also be driven by a systemic inflammatory state (the systemic inflammation hypothesis). Considering its oncotic and nononcotic properties, albumin has been thoroughly evaluated in the prevention and management of several of these decompensating events. There are formal evidence-based recommendations from international medical societies proposing that albumin be administered in individuals with cirrhosis undergoing large-volume paracentesis, patients with spontaneous bacterial peritonitis, those with acute kidney injury (even before the etiological diagnosis), and those with hepatorenal syndrome. Moreover, there are a few randomized controlled trials and meta-analyses suggesting a possible role for albumin infusion in patients with cirrhosis and ascites (long-term albumin administration), individuals with hepatic encephalopathy, and those with acute-on-chronic liver failure undergoing modest-volume paracentesis. Further studies are necessary to elucidate whether albumin administration also benefits patients with cirrhosis and other complications, such as individuals with extraperitoneal infections, those hospitalized with decompensated cirrhosis and hypoalbuminemia, and patients with hyponatremia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ângelo Zambam de Mattos
- Graduate Program in Medicine: Hepatology, Federal University of Health Sciences of Porto Alegre, Porto Alegre 90050-170, Brazil
| | - Douglas Alano Simonetto
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55902, United States
| | - Carlos Terra
- Department of Gastroenterology, State University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 20550-170, Brazil
| | | | | | - Tales Henrique Soares Pase
- Internal Medicine Unit, Irmandade Santa Casa de Misericórdia de Porto Alegre, Porto Alegre 90020-090, Brazil
| | - Marlon Rubini Toazza
- Gastroenterology and Hepatology Unit, Irmandade Santa Casa de Misericórdia de Porto Alegre, Porto Alegre 90020-090, Brazil
| | - Angelo Alves de Mattos
- Graduate Program in Medicine: Hepatology, Federal University of Health Sciences of Porto Alegre, Porto Alegre 90050-170, Brazil
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Shafey GM, Rashed ER, Zaki HF, Attia AS, El-Ghazaly MA. Molecular mechanisms involved in the effects of morin in experimental hepatic encephalopathy. Biofactors 2022; 48:1166-1178. [PMID: 35332953 DOI: 10.1002/biof.1838] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2021] [Accepted: 03/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
This study aimed to investigate the possible usefulness of morin flavonoid in comparison to silymarin as a hepatic/neuronal-supportive agent with similar effects and higher bioavailability in a rat model of hepatic encephalopathy (HE). Morin effects on rat liver and brain were evaluated post-induction of HE by thioacetamide (TAA; 200 mg/kg/day for 3 successive days). Then, the serum activities of aspartate transaminase (AST) and alanine transaminase (ALT) together with ammonia concentration were estimated to assess the liver function. Also, the degree of brain effects was evaluated via the assessment of brain contents of reduced glutathione (GSH), malondialdehyde (MDA), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), and interleukin (IL-1β) together with glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activity. In addition, the apoptotic and inflammatory changes in brain and liver tissues were also assessed via immunohistochemical examination. Our findings revealed a promising effect of morin against HE complications; as it corrected the liver functions, attenuated the brain/liver tissue injuries, and reduced the apoptotic and inflammatory insults of HE on both organs. These effects are comparable to those of silymarin. Morin could be introduced as a promising hepato- and neuro-therapeutic adjuvant in HE-associated neuronal complications especially in cases like silymarin intolerance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ghada M Shafey
- Drug Radiation Research Department, National Centre for Radiation Research and Technology, Egyptian Atomic Energy Authority, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Engy R Rashed
- Drug Radiation Research Department, National Centre for Radiation Research and Technology, Egyptian Atomic Energy Authority, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Hala F Zaki
- Pharmacology and Toxicology Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Amina S Attia
- Pharmacology and Toxicology Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Mona A El-Ghazaly
- Drug Radiation Research Department, National Centre for Radiation Research and Technology, Egyptian Atomic Energy Authority, Cairo, Egypt
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50
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Shaw J, Beyers L, Bajaj JS. Inadequate practices for hepatic encephalopathy management in the inpatient setting. J Hosp Med 2022; 17 Suppl 1:S8-S16. [PMID: 35972037 PMCID: PMC9542542 DOI: 10.1002/jhm.12897] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2022] [Revised: 05/23/2022] [Accepted: 05/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Hepatic encephalopathy (HE) is an important complication of decompensated liver disease. Hospital admission for episodes of HE are very common, with these patients being managed by the hospitalists. These admissions are costly and burdensome to the health-care system. Diagnosis of HE at times is not straightforward, particularly in patients who are altered and unable to provide any history. Precipitants leading to episodes of HE, should be actively sought and effectively tackled along with the overall management. This mandates timely diagnostics, appropriate initiation of pharmacological treatment, and supportive care. Infections are the most important precipitants leading to HE and should be aggressively managed. Lactulose is the front-line medication for primary treatment of HE episodes and for prevention of subsequent recurrence. However, careful titration in the hospital setting along with the appropriate route of administration should be established and supervised by the hospitalist. Rifaximin has established its role as an add-on medication, in those cases where lactulose alone is not working. Overall effective management of HE calls for attention to guideline-directed nutritional requirements, functional assessment, medication reconciliation, patient education/counseling, and proper discharge planning. This will potentially help to reduce readmissions, which are all too common for HE patients. Early specialty consultation may be warranted in certain conditions. Numerous challenges exist to optimal care of hospitalized OHE patients. However, hospitalists if equipped with knowledge about a systematic approach to taking care of these frail patients are in an ideal position to ensure good inpatient and transition of care outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jawaid Shaw
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Hospital MedicineVirginia Commonwealth UniversityRichmondVirginiaUSA
| | - Lisa Beyers
- Department of Internal Medicine, Strong Memorial HospitalUniversity of RochesterRochesterNew YorkUSA
| | - Jasmohan S. Bajaj
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and NutritionVirginia Commonwealth University and Central Virginia Veterans Healthcare SystemRichmondVirginiaUSA
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