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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] [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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2
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Colosimo S, Bertoli S, Saffioti F. Use of Branched-Chain Amino Acids as a Potential Treatment for Improving Nutrition-Related Outcomes in Advanced Chronic Liver Disease. Nutrients 2023; 15:4190. [PMID: 37836474 PMCID: PMC10574343 DOI: 10.3390/nu15194190] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2023] [Revised: 09/19/2023] [Accepted: 09/20/2023] [Indexed: 10/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Advanced chronic liver disease (ACLD) represents a complex and multifactorial clinical entity characterized by liver dysfunction and associated complications. In recent years, the significance of nutritional status in ACLD prognosis has gained considerable attention. This review article delves into the multifactorial pathogenesis of malnutrition in ACLD and its profound consequences for health outcomes. We explore the clinical implications of secondary sarcopenia in ACLD and highlight the critical relevance of frailty in both decompensated and compensated ACLD. A specific focus of this review revolves around branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs) and their pivotal role in managing liver disease. We dissect the intricate relationship between low Fischer's ratio and BCAA metabolism in ACLD, shedding light on the molecular mechanisms involved. Furthermore, we critically evaluate the existing evidence regarding the effects of BCAA supplementation on outcomes in ACLD patients, examining their potential to ameliorate the nutritional deficiencies and associated complications in this population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Santo Colosimo
- School of Nutrition Science, University of Milan, 20133 Milan, Italy
- Department of Food, Environmental and Nutritional Sciences (DeFENS), University of Milan, 20133 Milan, Italy
| | - Simona Bertoli
- Department of Food, Environmental and Nutritional Sciences (DeFENS), University of Milan, 20133 Milan, Italy
- Laboratory of Clinical Studies on Obesity, Istituto Auxologico Italiano IRCCS, 20145 Milan, Italy
| | - Francesca Saffioti
- Oxford Liver Unit, Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Oxford OX3 9DU, UK;
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Du JY, Shu L, Zhou YT, Zhang L. Branched-chain amino acids supplementation has beneficial effects on the progression of liver cirrhosis: A meta-analysis. World J Clin Cases 2022; 10:10984-10996. [PMID: 36338230 PMCID: PMC9631141 DOI: 10.12998/wjcc.v10.i30.10984] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2022] [Revised: 08/19/2022] [Accepted: 09/19/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Liver cirrhosis (LC) is currently the 11th most common cause of death and 15th cause of morbidity globally. The treatment of LC is mainly aimed at etiological intervention, lifestyle intervention, prevention and treatment of complications and nutritional treatment. Nutritional treatment of LC mainly includes increasing dietary intake, food intake time and branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs). Despite the recommendation of BCAAs in some guidelines, adverse effects have been reported in studies so the efficacy and safety of BCAAs remain controversial. Currently, BCAAs have been widely used in chronic liver disease, while the summary of the effect of BCAAs on long-term prognosis is rare.
AIM To determine the effects of BCAAs in patients with LC.
METHODS The PubMed, Cochrane Library, Embase and Web of Science databases were searched. The retrieval deadline was 1 October 2021 and there were no language restrictions set in the retrieval. The study was performed in strict accordance with the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Nine studies were finally included. The primary outcome was complications of LC. The secondary outcomes were nutritional status and liver function. This meta-analysis used the Review Manager, version 5 statistical package (Cochrane Collaboration, Oxford, England) for analysis.
RESULTS The analysis included nine studies that consisted of 1080 patients (554 in the BCAA groups and 526 in the control groups). The nine studies were randomized control trials (RCTs). The quality of the studies was assessed using the risk of bias method recommended by the Cochrane Collaboration. BCAAs reduced the rate of complications in LC patients [Risk ratio: 0.70, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.56-0.88, P = 0.002] and improved patients’ albumin levels [std mean difference SMD: 0.26, 95%CI: 0.12-0.40, P = 0.0002]. Meanwhile, BCAAs significantly ameliorated the levels of alanine transaminase (SMD: -2.03, 95%CI: -2.52 to -1.53, P < 0.00001) and aspartate aminotransferase (SMD: -1.8, 95%CI: -2.14 to -1.46, P < 0.00001). Meanwhile, glucose in the LC was significantly increased in BCAA-treated patients (MD: 13.04, 95%CI: 6.81-19.89, P = 0.0002).
CONCLUSION BCAAs reduce the incidence of complications in patients with LC and ameliorate nutritional status.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jia-Yu Du
- School of Clinical Medicine, Chengdu Medical College, Chengdu 610000, Sichuan Province, China
| | - Liu Shu
- Department of Neuroscience, College of Veterinary Medicine and Life Sciences, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Yu-Tian Zhou
- Department of Geriatrics, Sichuan Provincial People’s Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu 610000, Sichuan Province, China
| | - Li Zhang
- Department of Geriatrics, Sichuan Academy of Medical Sciences & Sichuan Provincial People’s Hospital, Chengdu 610072, Sichuan Province, China
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4
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Prokopidis K, Kirwan RP, Giannos P, Triantafyllidis KK, Kechagias KS, Forbes SC, Candow DG. The impact of branched-chain amino acid supplementation on measures of glucose homeostasis in individuals with hepatic disorders: A systematic review of clinical studies. J Hum Nutr Diet 2022; 36:603-611. [PMID: 35996869 DOI: 10.1111/jhn.13076] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2022] [Accepted: 07/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Branched chain amino acid (BCAA) supplementation may influence glucose metabolism in individuals with impaired glycemic profile. This systematic review investigated the effects of isolated BCAA supplementation on measures of glucose homeostasis in individuals with hepatic disorders. METHODS We searched PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, and Scopus for published clinical trials that investigated the effects of isolated BCAA supplementation on measures of glucose homeostasis, including serum glucose and insulin, glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) levels, and Homeostatic Model Assessment for Insulin Resistance (HOMA-IR) scores. RESULTS Eleven trials met the inclusion criteria. Only one study revealed a decrease in serum glucose from BCAA supplementation compared to three studies that showed increases. Five studies demonstrated no significant changes in serum glucose, and two studies displayed no changes in HbA1c following BCAA supplementation. Serum levels of insulin were decreased in three studies, remained unchanged in one, whilst increased in the remaining three studies. BCAA supplementation reduced HOMA-IR scores in two studies, increased HOMA-IR scores in another two or resulted in no changes in two other studies. CONCLUSIONS BCAA supplementation in isolation had no effect on overall glucose homeostasis in individuals with hepatic disorders, although some improvements on serum insulin levels and HOMA-IR scores were observed. Overall, there is little evidence to support the utilization of BCAA supplementation as a potential nutritional strategy for improving measures of glucose homeostasis in individuals with hepatic disorders. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
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Affiliation(s)
- Konstantinos Prokopidis
- Department of Musculoskeletal Biology, Institute of Life Course and Medical Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - Richard P Kirwan
- School of Biological and Environmental Sciences, Liverpool John Moores University, Liverpool, UK
| | - Panagiotis Giannos
- Department of Life Sciences, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | | | - Konstantinos S Kechagias
- Department of Metabolism, Digestion and Reproduction, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, UK.,Department of Nutrition & Dietetics, Chelsea and Westminster Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Scott C Forbes
- Department of Physical Education Studies, Faculty of Education, Brandon University, Brandon, MB, Canada
| | - Darren G Candow
- Faculty of Kinesiology and Health Studies, University of Regina, Regina, SK, Canada
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Konstantis G, Pourzitaki C, Chourdakis M, Kitsikidou E, Germanidis G. Efficacy of branched chain amino acids supplementation in liver cirrhosis: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Clin Nutr 2022; 41:1171-1190. [DOI: 10.1016/j.clnu.2022.03.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2021] [Revised: 02/23/2022] [Accepted: 03/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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Effect of long-term aggressive nutrition therapy on survival in patients with alcohol-related cirrhosis: A randomized controlled trial. Indian J Gastroenterol 2022; 41:52-62. [PMID: 35235198 DOI: 10.1007/s12664-021-01187-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2021] [Accepted: 04/20/2021] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The aim of this study was to assess the effect of long-term aggressive nutritional therapy on clinical outcomes and survival in patients with alcoholic liver cirrhosis (ALC). METHODS Malnourished patients assessed by Royal Free Hospital-Subjective Global Assessment (RFH-SGA) were randomized to control group (CG) (35-40 kcal and 1.2 g protein/kg/day; diet alone) or intervention group (IG) (40-45 kcal and 1.5 g protein/kg/day; diet plus polymeric formula) for 3 months. Patients were followed up at 3 and 12 months. RESULTS Malnourished patients (age 44.0 ± 9 years; M [100%]; Child A:B:C [%] = 11:39:50) were randomized to the CG (n = 50) or IG (n = 54); 21 patients in CG and 27 in IG completed 3 months of follow-up. The RFH-SGA improved in 7 (33.3%; p = 0.016) in IG vs. 3 (14.2%; p = 0.625) in CG. Over 3 months, increments (CG vs. IG) were seen in calories (1554 ± 972 to 1823 ± 398; p = 0.001 vs.1542 ± 603 to 2254 ± 372; p=0.001), protein (53.1 ± 18.4 to 72.5 ± 19.6; p = 0.001 vs. 53 ± 21 to 86.9 ± 18.8; p = 0.00), dry body weight (64 ± 10 to 66 ± 11; p = 0.04 vs. 60.8 ± 9.2 to 63.2 ± 10.7; p = 0.009), and mid-upper arm circumference (MUAC) (24.7 ± 3.3 to 25.5 ± 3.3; p = 0.116 vs. 23.5 ± 2.7 to 24.1 ± 2.9; p = 0.015), with better ascites resolution in IG (53.3%; p = 0.008) vs. CG (44.4%; p = 0.227). Median 12-month survival was comparable in both the groups (p = 0.864). Irrespective of the intervention group, energy intake > 25 kcal and protein > 0.8 g/kg/day significantly improved 12-month survival. CONCLUSION Aggressive nutritional therapy improves nutritional status and resolves ascites, however fails to show long-term survival benefit, though higher calorie and protein intake has the potential to impact survival. TRIAL REGISTRATION NCT02140294.
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Singh Tejavath A, Mathur A, Nathiya D, Singh P, Raj P, Suman S, Mundada PR, Atif S, Rai RR, Tomar BS. Impact of Branched Chain Amino Acid on Muscle Mass, Muscle Strength, Physical Performance, Combined Survival, and Maintenance of Liver Function Changes in Laboratory and Prognostic Markers on Sarcopenic Patients With Liver Cirrhosis (BCAAS Study): A Randomized Clinical Trial. Front Nutr 2021; 8:715795. [PMID: 34631765 PMCID: PMC8494250 DOI: 10.3389/fnut.2021.715795] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2021] [Accepted: 08/11/2021] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: This study aimed to investigate the long-term effects of branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs) supplementations on the parameters associated with improved prognosis in sarcopenic patients with liver cirrhosis (LC) and evaluate its impact on cirrhotic-related events. Methods: A 24-week, single-center, randomized, open-label, controlled, two cohort parallel-group intervention study was carried out by comparing the efficacy of BCAAs against lactoalbumin (L-ALB) on 106 sarcopenic patients with LC. The BCAA (intervention) group was treated with 7.2 g BCAA per dose, whereas the L-ALB group was treated with 6.3 g of L-ALB. The primary outcome was to assess the effect of BCAA on the parameters of sarcopenia, such as muscle mass, muscle strength, and physical performance. The secondary outcomes were to study the combined survival and maintenance of liver function changes in laboratory and prognostic markers over the duration of 6 months. Results: The treatment with BCAA leads to the significant improvement in sarcopenic parameters, such as muscle strength, muscle function, and muscle mass. The total cirrhotic-related complications and cumulative event-free survival occurred fewer in the BCAA group than in the L-ALB group. In addition, prognostic markers improved significantly in the study. Conclusion: The current study demonstrated that long-term BCAAs supplementation improved sarcopenia and prognostic markers in patients with advanced LC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arun Singh Tejavath
- Department of Gastroenterology, National Institute of Medical Sciences, Nims University Rajasthan, Jaipur, India
| | - Amit Mathur
- Department of Gastroenterology, National Institute of Medical Sciences, Nims University Rajasthan, Jaipur, India
| | - Deepak Nathiya
- Institute of Pharmacy, Nims University Rajasthan, Jaipur, India
| | - Pratima Singh
- Institute of Pharmacy, Nims University Rajasthan, Jaipur, India
| | - Preeti Raj
- Institute of Pharmacy, Nims University Rajasthan, Jaipur, India
| | - Supriya Suman
- Institute of Pharmacy, Nims University Rajasthan, Jaipur, India
| | | | - Sheikh Atif
- Institute of Pharmacy, Nims University Rajasthan, Jaipur, India
| | - Ramesh Roop Rai
- Department of Gastroenterology, National Institute of Medical Sciences, Nims University Rajasthan, Jaipur, India
| | - Balvir Singh Tomar
- Department of Gastroenterology, National Institute of Medical Sciences, Nims University Rajasthan, Jaipur, India.,Institute of Pharmacy, Nims University Rajasthan, Jaipur, India.,Institute of Pediatric Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Nims University Rajasthan, Jaipur, India
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8
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Lai JC, Tandon P, Bernal W, Tapper EB, Ekong U, Dasarathy S, Carey EJ. Malnutrition, Frailty, and Sarcopenia in Patients With Cirrhosis: 2021 Practice Guidance by the American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases. Hepatology 2021; 74:1611-1644. [PMID: 34233031 PMCID: PMC9134787 DOI: 10.1002/hep.32049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 246] [Impact Index Per Article: 82.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2021] [Accepted: 06/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer C Lai
- Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA
| | - Puneeta Tandon
- Division of Gastroenterology (Liver Unit), University of Alberta, Edmonton, Albert, Canada
| | - William Bernal
- Liver Intensive Therapy Unit, Institute of Liver Studies, Kings College Hospital, London, UK
| | - Elliot B Tapper
- Division of Gastroenterology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI
| | - Udeme Ekong
- Georgetown University School of Medicine, Medstar Georgetown Transplant Institute, Washington, DC
| | - Srinivasan Dasarathy
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Inflammation and Immunity, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH
| | - Elizabeth J Carey
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Mayo Clinic in Arizona, Phoenix, AZ
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9
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Mao XY, Yin XX, Guan QW, Xia QX, Yang N, Zhou HH, Liu ZQ, Jin WL. Dietary nutrition for neurological disease therapy: Current status and future directions. Pharmacol Ther 2021; 226:107861. [PMID: 33901506 DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2021.107861] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2020] [Revised: 04/02/2021] [Accepted: 04/06/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Adequate food intake and relative abundance of dietary nutrients have undisputed effects on the brain function. There is now substantial evidence that dietary nutrition aids in the prevention and remediation of neurologic symptoms in diverse pathological conditions. The newly described influences of dietary factors on the alterations of mitochondrial dysfunction, epigenetic modification and neuroinflammation are important mechanisms that are responsible for the action of nutrients on the brain health. In this review, we discuss the state of evidence supporting that distinct dietary interventions including dietary supplement and dietary restriction have the ability to tackle neurological disorders using Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, stroke, epilepsy, traumatic brain injury, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, Huntington's disease and multiple sclerosis as examples. Additionally, it is also highlighting that diverse potential mechanisms such as metabolic control, epigenetic modification, neuroinflammation and gut-brain axis are of utmost importance for nutrient supply to the risk of neurologic condition and therapeutic response. Finally, we also highlight the novel concept that dietary nutrient intervention reshapes metabolism-epigenetics-immunity cycle to remediate brain dysfunction. Targeting metabolism-epigenetics-immunity network will delineate a new blueprint for combating neurological weaknesses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao-Yuan Mao
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, 87 Xiangya Road, Changsha 410008, PR China; Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Central South University, Hunan Key Laboratory of Pharmacogenetics, 110 Xiangya Road, Changsha 410078, PR China; Engineering Research Center of Applied Technology of Pharmacogenomics, Ministry of Education, 110 Xiangya Road, Changsha 410078, PR China; National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, 87 Xiangya Road, Changsha 410008, Hunan, PR China.
| | - Xi-Xi Yin
- Department of Pediatrics, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Qi-Wen Guan
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, 87 Xiangya Road, Changsha 410008, PR China; Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Central South University, Hunan Key Laboratory of Pharmacogenetics, 110 Xiangya Road, Changsha 410078, PR China; Engineering Research Center of Applied Technology of Pharmacogenomics, Ministry of Education, 110 Xiangya Road, Changsha 410078, PR China; National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, 87 Xiangya Road, Changsha 410008, Hunan, PR China
| | - Qin-Xuan Xia
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, 87 Xiangya Road, Changsha 410008, PR China; Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Central South University, Hunan Key Laboratory of Pharmacogenetics, 110 Xiangya Road, Changsha 410078, PR China; Engineering Research Center of Applied Technology of Pharmacogenomics, Ministry of Education, 110 Xiangya Road, Changsha 410078, PR China; National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, 87 Xiangya Road, Changsha 410008, Hunan, PR China
| | - Nan Yang
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, 87 Xiangya Road, Changsha 410008, PR China; Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Central South University, Hunan Key Laboratory of Pharmacogenetics, 110 Xiangya Road, Changsha 410078, PR China; Engineering Research Center of Applied Technology of Pharmacogenomics, Ministry of Education, 110 Xiangya Road, Changsha 410078, PR China; National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, 87 Xiangya Road, Changsha 410008, Hunan, PR China
| | - Hong-Hao Zhou
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, 87 Xiangya Road, Changsha 410008, PR China; Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Central South University, Hunan Key Laboratory of Pharmacogenetics, 110 Xiangya Road, Changsha 410078, PR China; Engineering Research Center of Applied Technology of Pharmacogenomics, Ministry of Education, 110 Xiangya Road, Changsha 410078, PR China; National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, 87 Xiangya Road, Changsha 410008, Hunan, PR China
| | - Zhao-Qian Liu
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, 87 Xiangya Road, Changsha 410008, PR China; Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Central South University, Hunan Key Laboratory of Pharmacogenetics, 110 Xiangya Road, Changsha 410078, PR China; Engineering Research Center of Applied Technology of Pharmacogenomics, Ministry of Education, 110 Xiangya Road, Changsha 410078, PR China; National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, 87 Xiangya Road, Changsha 410008, Hunan, PR China.
| | - Wei-Lin Jin
- Institute of Cancer Neuroscience, Medical Frontier Innovation Research Center, The First Hospital of Lanzhou University, The First Clinical Medical College of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, PR China.
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Butterworth RF. Ammonia Removal by Metabolic Scavengers for the Prevention and Treatment of Hepatic Encephalopathy in Cirrhosis. Drugs R D 2021; 21:123-132. [PMID: 33890246 PMCID: PMC8206241 DOI: 10.1007/s40268-021-00345-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Effective lowering of circulating ammonia is the mainstay strategy in the prevention and treatment of hepatic encephalopathy in cirrhosis and there is increasing interest in agents with the metabolic potential for the active removal of ammonia by the liver and skeletal muscle by agents including L-ornithine L-aspartate, branched-chain amino acids, as well as the re-purposing of benzoate and phenylacetate currently employed for the control of hyperammonaemia in congenital urea-cycle enzymopathies. Based upon results of multiple systematic reviews with meta-analyses, L-ornithine L-aspartate demonstrably lowers circulating ammonia in patients with cirrhosis with concomitantly improved mental status. Distinct mechanisms responsible include optimisation of hepatic metabolic pathways for ammonia removal as well as direct hepatoprotective effects involving the release of glutathione and of nitric oxide with beneficial effects on hepatic microcirculation. L-ornithine L-aspartate also prevents cirrhosis-related sarcopenia, leading to increased capacity for ammonia removal by skeletal muscle. Branched-chain amino acids continue to be prescribed as nutritional supplements with the potential to result in improvements in liver function. Sodium benzoate, glycerol phenylbutyrate and an analogous compound L-ornithine phenylacetate were also evaluated. Glycerol phenylbutyrate was the only agent with a beneficial effect on both hyperammonaemia and hepatic encephalopathy. None were superior to lactulose for the lowering of blood ammonia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roger F Butterworth
- Department of Medicine, University of Montreal, 45143 Cabot Trail, Englishtown, NS, B0C 1H0, Canada.
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11
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Iqbal U, Jadeja RN, Khara HS, Khurana S. A Comprehensive Review Evaluating the Impact of Protein Source (Vegetarian vs. Meat Based) in Hepatic Encephalopathy. Nutrients 2021; 13:nu13020370. [PMID: 33530344 PMCID: PMC7911290 DOI: 10.3390/nu13020370] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2020] [Revised: 01/18/2021] [Accepted: 01/20/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatic encephalopathy (HE) is a common neurological consequence in patients with cirrhosis and has a healthcare burden of USD 5370 to 50,120 per patient annually. HE significantly hampers the quality of life and is a major cause of morbidity and mortality. Patients with cirrhosis are at a high risk for protein-calorie malnutrition due to altered metabolism. Current evidence has changed the old belief of protein restriction in patients with cirrhosis and now 1.2 to 1.5 g/kg/day protein intake is recommended. Case series and studies with small numbers of participants showed that a vegetarian protein diet decreases the symptoms of HE when compared to a meat-based diet, but the evidence is limited and requires further larger randomized controlled trials. However, vegetable or milk-based protein diets are good substitutes for patients averse to meat intake. Branch chain amino acids (BCAA) (leucine, isoleucine and valine) have also been shown to be effective in alleviating symptoms of HE and are recommended as an alternative therapy in patients with cirrhosis for the treatment of HE. In this review, we provide an overview of current literature evaluating the role of protein intake in the management of HE in cirrhosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Umair Iqbal
- Geisinger Medical Center, Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Danville, PA 17822, USA; (U.I.); (H.S.K.)
| | - Ravirajsinh N. Jadeja
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, The Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University, Augusta, GA 30912, USA;
| | - Harshit S. Khara
- Geisinger Medical Center, Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Danville, PA 17822, USA; (U.I.); (H.S.K.)
| | - Sandeep Khurana
- Geisinger Medical Center, Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Danville, PA 17822, USA; (U.I.); (H.S.K.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-570-271-6407
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12
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Bischoff SC, Bernal W, Dasarathy S, Merli M, Plank LD, Schütz T, Plauth M. ESPEN practical guideline: Clinical nutrition in liver disease. Clin Nutr 2020; 39:3533-3562. [PMID: 33213977 DOI: 10.1016/j.clnu.2020.09.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 134] [Impact Index Per Article: 33.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2020] [Accepted: 09/09/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The Practical guideline is based on the current scientific ESPEN guideline on Clinical Nutrition in Liver Disease. METHODS It has been shortened and transformed into flow charts for easier use in clinical practice. The guideline is dedicated to all professionals including physicians, dieticians, nutritionists and nurses working with patients with chronic liver disease. RESULTS A total of 103 statements and recommendations are presented with short commentaries for the nutritional and metabolic management of patients with (i) acute liver failure, (ii) alcoholic steatohepatitis, (iii) non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, (iv) liver cirrhosis, and (v) liver surgery/transplantation. The disease-related recommendations are preceded by general recommendations on the diagnostics of nutritional status in liver patients and on liver complications associated with medical nutrition. CONCLUSION This practical guideline gives guidance to health care providers involved in the management of liver disease to offer optimal nutritional care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephan C Bischoff
- Department for Clinical Nutrition, University of Hohenheim, Stuttgart, Germany.
| | - William Bernal
- Institute of Liver Studies, King's College Hospital, London, United Kingdom
| | - Srinivasan Dasarathy
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Manuela Merli
- Gastroenterology and Hepatology Unit, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Lindsay D Plank
- Department of Surgery, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Tatjana Schütz
- IFB Adiposity Diseases, Leipzig University Medical Centre, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Mathias Plauth
- Department of Internal Medicine, Municipal Hospital of Dessau, Dessau, Germany
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13
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Yamanashi K, Kinugawa S, Fukushima A, Kakutani N, Takada S, Obata Y, Nakano I, Yokota T, Kitaura Y, Shimomura Y, Anzai T. Branched-chain amino acid supplementation ameliorates angiotensin II-induced skeletal muscle atrophy. Life Sci 2020; 250:117593. [PMID: 32234320 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2020.117593] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2019] [Revised: 03/25/2020] [Accepted: 03/26/2020] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
AIMS Sarcopenia is characterized by muscle mass and strength loss and reduced physical activity. Branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs) were recently described as an activator of protein synthesis via mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling for muscle atrophy. In cardiovascular diseases, excessive activation of the renin-angiotensin system may induce an imbalance of protein synthesis and degradation, and this plays a crucial role in muscle atrophy. We investigated the effects of BCAAs on angiotensin II (Ang II)-induced muscle atrophy in mice. MATERIALS AND METHODS We administered Ang II (1000 ng/kg/min) or vehicle to 10-12-week-old male C57BL/6J mice via subcutaneous osmotic minipumps for 4 weeks with or without BCAA supplementation (3% BCAA in tap water). KEY FINDINGS The skeletal muscle weight/tibial length and cross-sectional area were smaller in the Ang II mice than the vehicle mice; these changes were induced by an imbalance of protein synthesis and degradation signaling such as Akt/mTOR and MuRF-1/Atrogin-1. Compared to the Ang II mice, the mTOR signaling was significantly activated and Ang II-induced muscle atrophy was ameliorated in the Ang II + BCAA mice, and this attenuated the reduction of exercise capacity. Notably, the decrease of muscle weight/tibial length in the fast-twitch dominant muscles (e.g., the extensor digitorum longus) was significantly ameliorated compared to that in the slow-twitch dominant muscles (e.g., soleus). Histologically, the effect of BCAA was larger in fast-twitch than slow-twitch fibers, which may be related to the difference in BCAA catabolism. SIGNIFICANCE BCAA supplementation could contribute to the prevention of skeletal muscle atrophy induced by Ang II.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katsuma Yamanashi
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Graduate School of Medicine, Hokkaido University, Sapporo 0608638, Japan
| | - Shintaro Kinugawa
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Graduate School of Medicine, Hokkaido University, Sapporo 0608638, Japan.
| | - Arata Fukushima
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Graduate School of Medicine, Hokkaido University, Sapporo 0608638, Japan
| | - Naoya Kakutani
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Graduate School of Medicine, Hokkaido University, Sapporo 0608638, Japan; Research Fellow of the Japan Society for the Promotion of Science, Japan
| | - Shingo Takada
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Graduate School of Medicine, Hokkaido University, Sapporo 0608638, Japan; Faculty of Lifelong Sport, Department of Sports Education, Hokusho University, Ebetsu 0698511, Japan
| | - Yoshikuni Obata
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Graduate School of Medicine, Hokkaido University, Sapporo 0608638, Japan
| | - Ippei Nakano
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Graduate School of Medicine, Hokkaido University, Sapporo 0608638, Japan
| | - Takashi Yokota
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Graduate School of Medicine, Hokkaido University, Sapporo 0608638, Japan
| | - Yasuyuki Kitaura
- Laboratory of Nutritional Biochemistry, Department of Applied Molecular Biosciences, Graduate School of Bioagricultural Sciences, Nagoya University, Nagoya 4648601, Japan
| | - Yoshiharu Shimomura
- Laboratory of Nutritional Biochemistry, Department of Applied Molecular Biosciences, Graduate School of Bioagricultural Sciences, Nagoya University, Nagoya 4648601, Japan
| | - Toshihisa Anzai
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Graduate School of Medicine, Hokkaido University, Sapporo 0608638, Japan
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Bhanji RA, Montano-Loza AJ, Watt KD. Sarcopenia in Cirrhosis: Looking Beyond the Skeletal Muscle Loss to See the Systemic Disease. Hepatology 2019; 70:2193-2203. [PMID: 31034656 DOI: 10.1002/hep.30686] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2019] [Accepted: 04/16/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Sarcopenia is a common complication of cirrhosis and is defined as a progressive and generalized loss of skeletal muscle mass, strength, and function. Sarcopenia is associated with poor prognosis and increased mortality. How sarcopenia and muscle wasting relate to such poor outcomes requires looking beyond the overt muscle loss and at this entity as a systemic disease that affects muscles of vital organs including cardiac and respiratory muscles. This review explores the pathophysiological pathways and mechanisms that culminate in poor outcomes associated with sarcopenia. This provides a launching pad to identify potential targets for therapeutic intervention and optimization to improve patient outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rahima A Bhanji
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN.,Division of Gastroenterology (Liver Unit), University of Alberta Hospital, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Aldo J Montano-Loza
- Division of Gastroenterology (Liver Unit), University of Alberta Hospital, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Kymberly D Watt
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN
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Serum γ-globulin and albumin concentrations predict secondary loss of response to anti-TNFα in inflammatory bowel disease patients. Eur J Gastroenterol Hepatol 2019; 31:1563-1568. [PMID: 31567711 DOI: 10.1097/meg.0000000000001493] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Loss of response to anti-TNFα treatment occurs frequently in IBD- patients. We evaluatedthe predictive value of serum albumin and γ-globulin concentrations for treatment failure. METHODS Prospectively, all patients treated for the first time with either infliximab or adalimumab for IBD between 2007 and 2018 were included. All patients were tested for serum albumin and γ-globulin concentrations and were followed up until June 2018. RESULTS 128 patients (95 Crohn's disease, 67 females, age 40.1 ± 13.7 years) were included in the study. 81patients (63.3%) received infliximab and 47 (36.7%) adalimumab first line. Eight patients (6.3%) were primary non-responders, 50 patients (39.0%) showed a sustained clinical remission and 70 patients (54.7%) developed a secondary loss of response. Meantime to develop secondary loss of response was 24.5 ± 20.5 months. Albumin serum concentrations in the clinical response group were significantly higher than in the secondary loss of response group (39.8 ± 5.7 g/L vs. 35.0 ± 5.4 g/L). γ-globulin serum concentrations in the sustained response group were significantly lower than in the secondary loss of response group (11.8 ± 2.8 g/L vs. 14.7 ± 4.5 g/L). Hypoalbuminemia and hypergammaglobulinemia were associated with the loss of response. Immunosuppressant co-medication in patients with high γ-globulin serum concentrations reduced the risk of secondary loss of response. CONCLUSION Low albumin and increased γ-globulin serum concentrations are strongly associated with a higher risk for loss of response to an anti-TNFα treatment. Increased serum γ-globulin concentrations may have a higher risk to produce anti-drug antibodies or a different phenotype of disease less responsive to anti-TNFα treatment.
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Plauth M, Bernal W, Dasarathy S, Merli M, Plank LD, Schütz T, Bischoff SC. ESPEN guideline on clinical nutrition in liver disease. Clin Nutr 2019; 38:485-521. [PMID: 30712783 DOI: 10.1016/j.clnu.2018.12.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 250] [Impact Index Per Article: 50.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2018] [Accepted: 12/18/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
This update of evidence-based guidelines (GL) aims to translate current evidence and expert opinion into recommendations for multidisciplinary teams responsible for the optimal nutritional and metabolic management of adult patients with liver disease. The GL was commissioned and financially supported by ESPEN. Members of the guideline group were selected by ESPEN. We searched for meta-analyses, systematic reviews and single clinical trials based on clinical questions according to the PICO format. The evidence was evaluated and used to develop clinical recommendations implementing the SIGN method. A total of 85 recommendations were made for the nutritional and metabolic management of patients with acute liver failure, severe alcoholic steatohepatitis, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, liver cirrhosis, liver surgery and transplantation as well as nutrition associated liver injury distinct from fatty liver disease. The recommendations are preceded by statements covering current knowledge of the underlying pathophysiology and pathobiochemistry as well as pertinent methods for the assessment of nutritional status and body composition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mathias Plauth
- Department of Internal Medicine, Municipal Hospital of Dessau, Dessau, Germany.
| | - William Bernal
- Institute of Liver Studies, King's College Hospital, London, United Kingdom
| | - Srinivasan Dasarathy
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Manuela Merli
- Gastroenterology and Hepatology Unit, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Lindsay D Plank
- Department of Surgery, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Tatjana Schütz
- IFB Adiposity Diseases, Leipzig University Medical Centre, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Stephan C Bischoff
- Department for Clinical Nutrition, University of Hohenheim, Stuttgart, Germany
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Intravenous and Oral Hyperammonemia Management. CURRENT EMERGENCY AND HOSPITAL MEDICINE REPORTS 2018. [DOI: 10.1007/s40138-018-0174-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
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18
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Is the Response of Tumours Dependent on the Dietary Input of Some Amino Acids or Ratios among Essential and Non-Essential Amino Acids? All That Glitters Is Not Gold. Int J Mol Sci 2018; 19:ijms19113631. [PMID: 30453654 PMCID: PMC6275049 DOI: 10.3390/ijms19113631] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2018] [Revised: 11/08/2018] [Accepted: 11/13/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Energy production is the main task of the cancer cell metabolism because the costs of duplicating are enormous. Although energy is derived in cells by dismantling the carbon-to-carbon bonds of any macronutrient, cancer nutritional needs for energetic purposes have been studied primarily as being dependent on glycolysis. Since the end of the last century, the awareness of the dependence of cancer metabolism on amino acids not only for protein synthesis but also to match energy needs has grown. The roles of specific amino acids such as glutamine, glycine and serine have been explored in different experimental conditions and reviewed. Moreover, epidemiological evidence has revealed that some amino acids used as a supplement for therapeutic reasons, particularly the branched-chain ones, may reduce the incidence of liver cancer and a specific molecular mechanism has been proposed as functional to their protective action. By contrast and puzzling clinicians, the metabolomic signature of some pathologies connected to an increased risk of cancer, such as prolonged hyperinsulinemia in insulin-resistant patients, is identified by elevated plasma levels of the same branched-chain amino acids. Most recently, certain formulations of amino acids, deeply different from the amino acid compositions normally present in foods, have shown the power to master cancer cells epigenetically, slowing growth or driving cancer cells to apoptotic death, while being both beneficial for normal cell function and the animal’s health and lifespan. In this review, we will analyze and try to disentangle some of the many knots dealing with the complexities of amino acid biology and links to cancer metabolism.
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19
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KASL clinical practice guidelines for liver cirrhosis: Ascites and related complications. Clin Mol Hepatol 2018; 24:230-277. [PMID: 29991196 PMCID: PMC6166105 DOI: 10.3350/cmh.2018.1005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2018] [Accepted: 04/06/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
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Ooi PH, Gilmour SM, Yap J, Mager DR. Effects of branched chain amino acid supplementation on patient care outcomes in adults and children with liver cirrhosis: A systematic review. Clin Nutr ESPEN 2018; 28:41-51. [PMID: 30390892 DOI: 10.1016/j.clnesp.2018.07.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2018] [Accepted: 07/27/2018] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS Malnutrition is highly prevalent in chronic liver disease (CLD) due to alterations in nutrient utilization, malabsorption and poor intake. Low serum concentrations of branched chain amino acids (BCAA) in the presence of elevated aromatic acid concentrations is commonly observed in adult and children with liver cirrhosis and is associated with malnutrition and other adverse patient outcomes. The efficacy of BCAA supplementation has not been well established in adults and children with CLD. The purpose of this review was to critically evaluate the literature regarding the impact of BCAA supplementation related to changes in body composition, muscle strength, liver biomarkers, medical and hepatic complications (hepatic encephalopathy (HE), ascites, edema) and patient care outcomes (event free survival, health related quality of life, length of hospitalization). METHODS A total of 40 articles retrieved from PubMed or Web of Science databases (1989-2017) were included. RESULTS BCAA supplementation may be beneficial in improving muscle strength, ascites and edema with potential clinically significant improvements in HE in adult liver patients. In children, limited data have shown that BCAA supplementation may exert favourable effects on weight, fat mass, fat free mass and serum albumin level. CONCLUSIONS Heterogeneity of study findings attributed to variability in BCAA dose (total, relative proportions), duration, disease severity and lack of uniformity in tools used for assessing patient outcomes limit overall conclusions. Longitudinal studies examining the efficacy of BCAA supplementation as a therapeutic treatment of malnutrition in chronic liver disease is warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- P H Ooi
- Department of Agricultural, Food & Nutritional Sciences, University of Alberta, Canada
| | - S M Gilmour
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Alberta, Canada; Division of Pediatric Gastroenterology & Nutrition/Transplant Services, The Stollery Children's Hospital, Alberta Health Services, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - J Yap
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Alberta, Canada; Division of Pediatric Gastroenterology & Nutrition/Transplant Services, The Stollery Children's Hospital, Alberta Health Services, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - D R Mager
- Department of Agricultural, Food & Nutritional Sciences, University of Alberta, Canada; Department of Pediatrics, University of Alberta, Canada.
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21
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Liu Y, Li J, Jin Y, Zhao L, Zhao F, Feng J, Li A, Wei Y. Splenectomy Leads to Amelioration of Altered Gut Microbiota and Metabolome in Liver Cirrhosis Patients. Front Microbiol 2018; 9:963. [PMID: 29867867 PMCID: PMC5962811 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2018.00963] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2018] [Accepted: 04/24/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Dysbiosis of gut microbiota and metabolome is a frequently encountered condition in liver cirrhosis (LC) patients. The severity of liver dysfunction was found to be correlated with the degree of microbial dysbiosis. Several clinical studies have indicated liver function improvement after therapeutic splenectomy for LC-induced hypersplenism. We sought to determine whether such post-splenectomy outcome is pertinent to modulation of the abnormal gut microenvironment in LC patients. A cross-sectional study including 12 LC patients and 16 healthy volunteers was first conducted, then a before-after study in the cohort of patients was carried out before and 6 months after splenectomy. Fecal samples were collected in hospital. Temporal bacterial (n = 40) and metabolomics (n = 30) profiling was performed using 16s rRNA gene sequencing and ultra performance liquid chromatography/mass spectrometer (UPLC/MS), respectively. Our results revealed that microbial composition in patients was clearly different from that in healthy controls (HCs), evidenced by considerable taxonomic variation. Along with improved liver function (Child-Pugh score), the patients also displayed similar gut microbiota profile and predicted metagenome function to that of HCs after splenectomy. Enterobacteriaceae and Streptococcaceae, two LC-enriched families showing positive relation with Child-Pugh score, exhibited significantly decreased abundance after splenectomy. At the genus level, 11 genera were differentially abundant between patients and HCs, but 9 genera of them restituted to normal levels by certain degree after splenectomy. PICRUSt analysis showed that the relative abundance of 17 KEGG pathways was partially restored after splenectomy. Four of them were amino acid-related pathways: lysine degradation, tryptophan degradation, amino acid metabolism, and protein digestion and absorption. These findings were supported by metabonomics results which showed that relative abundance of amino acid and corresponding catabolites changed toward normal. In addition to the variations in the relative abundances of bacteria and metabolites, the correlation between them also altered in patients after splenectomy. Dysbiosis in gut microbiome and related metabolism of LC patients was partially corrected after splenectomy. Whether the improved gut microenvironment could prevent LC-related complications and delay the progress of LC is a propitious objective for future study. TRIAL REGISTRATION ChiCTR-OOB-15007409. Registered November 15, 2015.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Yunwei Wei
- Department of Oncological and Laparoscopic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
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Mazurak VC, Tandon P, Montano-Loza AJ. Nutrition and the transplant candidate. Liver Transpl 2017; 23:1451-1464. [PMID: 29072825 DOI: 10.1002/lt.24848] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2017] [Revised: 07/07/2017] [Accepted: 08/01/2017] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Cirrhosis is the most common indication for liver transplantation (LT) worldwide. Malnutrition is present in at least two-thirds of patients with cirrhosis awaiting LT. It negatively impacts survival, quality of life, and the ability to respond to stressors, such as infection and surgery. Muscle wasting or sarcopenia is the most objective feature of chronic protein malnutrition in cirrhosis, and this condition is associated with increased morbidity and mortality before and after LT. In addition to its objectivity, muscularity assessment with cross-sectional imaging studies is a useful marker of nutritional status in LT candidates, as sarcopenia reflects a chronic decline in the general physical condition, rather than acute severity of the liver disease. Despite the high prevalence and important prognostic role, malnutrition and sarcopenia are frequently overlooked because standards for nutritional assessment are lacking and challenges such as fluid retention and obesity are prevalent. In this review, current diagnostic methods to evaluate malnutrition, including muscle abnormalities in cirrhosis, are discussed and current knowledge regarding the incidence and clinical impact of malnutrition in cirrhosis and its impact after LT are presented. Existing and potential novel therapeutic strategies for malnutrition in cirrhosis are also discussed, emphasizing the treatment of muscle wasting in the LT candidate in an effort to improve survival while waiting for LT and to reduce morbidity and mortality after LT.Liver Transplantation 23 1451-1464 2017 AASLD.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Puneeta Tandon
- Gastroenterology and Liver Unit, University of Alberta Hospital, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Aldo J Montano-Loza
- Gastroenterology and Liver Unit, University of Alberta Hospital, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
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23
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Gluud LL, Dam G, Les I, Marchesini G, Borre M, Aagaard NK, Vilstrup H. Branched-chain amino acids for people with hepatic encephalopathy. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2017; 5:CD001939. [PMID: 28518283 PMCID: PMC6481897 DOI: 10.1002/14651858.cd001939.pub4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hepatic encephalopathy is a brain dysfunction with neurological and psychiatric changes associated with liver insufficiency or portal-systemic shunting. The severity ranges from minor symptoms to coma. A Cochrane systematic review including 11 randomised clinical trials on branched-chain amino acids (BCAA) versus control interventions has evaluated if BCAA may benefit people with hepatic encephalopathy. OBJECTIVES To evaluate the beneficial and harmful effects of BCAA versus any control intervention for people with hepatic encephalopathy. SEARCH METHODS We identified trials through manual and electronic searches in The Cochrane Hepato-Biliary Group Controlled Trials Register, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), MEDLINE, Embase, Science Citation Index Expanded and Conference Proceedings Citation Index - Science, and LILACS (May 2017). SELECTION CRITERIA We included randomised clinical trials, irrespective of the bias control, language, or publication status. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS The authors independently extracted data based on published reports and collected data from the primary investigators. We changed our primary outcomes in this update of the review to include mortality (all cause), hepatic encephalopathy (number of people without improved manifestations of hepatic encephalopathy), and adverse events. The analyses included random-effects and fixed-effect meta-analyses. We performed subgroup, sensitivity, regression, and trial sequential analyses to evaluate sources of heterogeneity (including intervention, and participant and trial characteristics), bias (using The Cochrane Hepato-Biliary Group method), small-study effects, and the robustness of the results after adjusting for sparse data and multiplicity. We graded the quality of the evidence using the GRADE approach. MAIN RESULTS We found 16 randomised clinical trials including 827 participants with hepatic encephalopathy classed as overt (12 trials) or minimal (four trials). Eight trials assessed oral BCAA supplements and seven trials assessed intravenous BCAA. The control groups received placebo/no intervention (two trials), diets (10 trials), lactulose (two trials), or neomycin (two trials). In 15 trials, all participants had cirrhosis. We classed seven trials as low risk of bias and nine trials as high risk of bias (mainly due to lack of blinding or for-profit funding). In a random-effects meta-analysis of mortality, we found no difference between BCAA and controls (risk ratio (RR) 0.88, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.69 to 1.11; 760 participants; 15 trials; moderate quality of evidence). We found no evidence of small-study effects. Sensitivity analyses of trials with a low risk of bias found no beneficial or detrimental effect of BCAA on mortality. Trial sequential analysis showed that the required information size was not reached, suggesting that additional evidence was needed. BCAA had a beneficial effect on hepatic encephalopathy (RR 0.73, 95% CI 0.61 to 0.88; 827 participants; 16 trials; high quality of evidence). We found no small-study effects and confirmed the beneficial effect of BCAA in a sensitivity analysis that only included trials with a low risk of bias (RR 0.71, 95% CI 0.52 to 0.96). The trial sequential analysis showed that firm evidence was reached. In a fixed-effect meta-analysis, we found that BCAA increased the risk of nausea and vomiting (RR 5.56; 2.93 to 10.55; moderate quality of evidence). We found no beneficial or detrimental effects of BCAA on nausea or vomiting in a random-effects meta-analysis or on quality of life or nutritional parameters. We did not identify predictors of the intervention effect in the subgroup, sensitivity, or meta-regression analyses. In sensitivity analyses that excluded trials with a lactulose or neomycin control, BCAA had a beneficial effect on hepatic encephalopathy (RR 0.76, 95% CI 0.63 to 0.92). Additional sensitivity analyses found no difference between BCAA and lactulose or neomycin (RR 0.66, 95% CI 0.34 to 1.30). AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS In this updated review, we included five additional trials. The analyses showed that BCAA had a beneficial effect on hepatic encephalopathy. We found no effect on mortality, quality of life, or nutritional parameters, but we need additional trials to evaluate these outcomes. Likewise, we need additional randomised clinical trials to determine the effect of BCAA compared with interventions such as non-absorbable disaccharides, rifaximin, or other antibiotics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lise Lotte Gluud
- Copenhagen University Hospital HvidovreGastrounit, Medical DivisionKettegaards Alle 30HvidovreDenmark2650
| | - Gitte Dam
- Aarhus University HospitalDepartment of Hepatology and Gastroenterology44 NoerrebrogadeAarhus8200 NDenmark
| | - Iñigo Les
- Hospital Universitario ArabaDepartment of Internal MedicineC/ Olaguibel, 27Vitoria‐GasteizÁlavaSpain01004
| | - Giulio Marchesini
- University of BolognaDepartment of Internal Medicine, Alma Mater Studiorum9, Via MassarentiS. Orsola‐Maloighi HospitalBolognaItaly40138
| | - Mette Borre
- Aarhus University HospitalDepartment of Medicine V (Hepatology and Gastroenterology)44 NoerrebrogadeAarhus CDenmark
| | - Niels Kristian Aagaard
- Aarhus University HospitalDepartment of Medicine V (Hepatology and Gastroenterology)44 NoerrebrogadeAarhus CDenmark
| | - Hendrik Vilstrup
- Aarhus University HospitalDepartment of Hepatology and Gastroenterology44 NoerrebrogadeAarhus8200 NDenmark
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Holeček M. Branched-chain amino acid supplementation in treatment of liver cirrhosis: Updated views on how to attenuate their harmful effects on cataplerosis and ammonia formation. Nutrition 2017; 41:80-85. [PMID: 28760433 DOI: 10.1016/j.nut.2017.04.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2017] [Revised: 03/15/2017] [Accepted: 04/05/2017] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Branched-chain amino acid (BCAA; valine, leucine, and isoleucine) supplementation is common for patients with liver cirrhosis due to decreased levels of BCAA in the blood plasma of these patients, which plays a role in pathogenesis of hepatic encephalopathy and cachexia. The unique pharmacologic properties of BCAA also are a factor for use as supplementation in this population. In the present article, BCAA is shown to provide nitrogen to alpha-ketoglutarate (α-KG) for synthesis of glutamate, which is a substrate for ammonia detoxification to glutamine (GLN) in the brain and muscles. The article also demonstrates that the favorable effects of BCAA supplementation might be associated with three adverse effects: draining of α-KG from tricarboxylic acid cycle (cataplerosis), increased GLN content and altered glutamatergic neurotransmission in the brain, and activated GLN catabolism to ammonia in the gut and kidneys. Cataplerosis of α-KG can be attenuated by dimethyl-α-ketoglutarate, l-ornithine-l-aspartate, and ornithine salt of α-KG. The pros and cons of GLN elimination from the body using phenylbutyrate (phenylacetate), which may impair liver regeneration and decrease BCAA levels, should be examined. The therapeutic potential of BCAA might be enhanced also by optimizing its supplementation protocol. It is concluded that the search for strategies attenuating adverse and increasing positive effects of the BCAA is needed to include the BCAA among standard medications for patients with cirrhosis of the liver.
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Affiliation(s)
- Milan Holeček
- Department of Physiology, Charles University, Faculty of Medicine in Hradec Kralove, Czech Republic.
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25
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Stickel F, Datz C, Hampe J, Bataller R. Pathophysiology and Management of Alcoholic Liver Disease: Update 2016. Gut Liver 2017; 11:173-188. [PMID: 28274107 PMCID: PMC5347641 DOI: 10.5009/gnl16477] [Citation(s) in RCA: 139] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2016] [Accepted: 10/14/2016] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Alcoholic liver disease (ALD) is a leading cause of cirrhosis, liver cancer, and acute and chronic liver failure and as such causes significant morbidity and mortality. While alcohol consumption is slightly decreasing in several European countries, it is rising in others and remains high in many countries around the world. The pathophysiology of ALD is still incompletely understood but relates largely to the direct toxic effects of alcohol and its main intermediate, acetaldehyde. Recently, novel putative mechanisms have been identified in systematic scans covering the entire human genome and raise new hypotheses on previously unknown pathways. The latter also identify host genetic risk factors for significant liver injury, which may help design prognostic risk scores. The diagnosis of ALD is relatively easy with a panel of well-evaluated tests and only rarely requires a liver biopsy. Treatment of ALD is difficult and grounded in abstinence as the pivotal therapeutic goal; once cirrhosis is established, treatment largely resembles that of other etiologies of advanced liver damage. Liver transplantation is a sound option for carefully selected patients with cirrhosis and alcoholic hepatitis because relapse rates are low and prognosis is comparable to other etiologies. Still, many countries are restrictive in allocating donor livers for ALD patients. Overall, few therapeutic options exist for severe ALD. However, there is good evidence of benefit for only corticosteroids in severe alcoholic hepatitis, while most other efforts are of limited efficacy. Considering the immense burden of ALD worldwide, efforts of medical professionals and industry partners to develop targeted therapies in ALF has been disappointingly low.
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Affiliation(s)
- Felix Stickel
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University Hospital Zurich, Zurich,
Switzerland
| | - Christian Datz
- Department of Internal Medicine, Hospital Oberndorf, Teaching Hospital of the Paracelsus Private University of Salzburg, Oberndorf,
Austria
| | - Jochen Hampe
- Medical Department 1, University Hospital Dresden, TU Dresden, Dresden,
Germany
| | - Ramon Bataller
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine and Nutrition, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC,
USA
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Rombouts K, Bémeur C, Rose CF. Targeting the muscle for the treatment and prevention of hepatic encephalopathy. J Hepatol 2016; 65:876-878. [PMID: 27590353 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhep.2016.08.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2016] [Revised: 08/23/2016] [Accepted: 08/25/2016] [Indexed: 02/09/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Krista Rombouts
- University College London (UCL), Institute for Liver & Digestive Health, Royal Free Hospital, London, United Kingdom.
| | - Chantal Bémeur
- Hepato-Neuro Laboratory, CRCHUM, Université de Montréal, Montréal, Quebec, Canada; Département de Nutrition, Faculté de Médecine, Université de Montréal, Montréal, Quebec, Canada.
| | - Christopher F Rose
- Hepato-Neuro Laboratory, CRCHUM, Université de Montréal, Montréal, Quebec, Canada.
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Levitt DG, Levitt MD. Human serum albumin homeostasis: a new look at the roles of synthesis, catabolism, renal and gastrointestinal excretion, and the clinical value of serum albumin measurements. Int J Gen Med 2016; 9:229-55. [PMID: 27486341 PMCID: PMC4956071 DOI: 10.2147/ijgm.s102819] [Citation(s) in RCA: 355] [Impact Index Per Article: 44.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Serum albumin concentration (CP) is a remarkably strong prognostic indicator of morbidity and mortality in both sick and seemingly healthy subjects. Surprisingly, the specifics of the pathophysiology underlying the relationship between CP and ill-health are poorly understood. This review provides a summary that is not previously available in the literature, concerning how synthesis, catabolism, and renal and gastrointestinal clearance of albumin interact to bring about albumin homeostasis, with a focus on the clinical factors that influence this homeostasis. In normal humans, the albumin turnover time of about 25 days reflects a liver albumin synthesis rate of about 10.5 g/day balanced by renal (≈6%), gastrointestinal (≈10%), and catabolic (≈84%) clearances. The acute development of hypoalbuminemia with sepsis or trauma results from increased albumin capillary permeability leading to redistribution of albumin from the vascular to interstitial space. The best understood mechanism of chronic hypoalbuminemia is the decreased albumin synthesis observed in liver disease. Decreased albumin production also accounts for hypoalbuminemia observed with a low-protein and normal caloric diet. However, a calorie- and protein-deficient diet does not reduce albumin synthesis and is not associated with hypoalbuminemia, and CP is not a useful marker of malnutrition. In most disease states other than liver disease, albumin synthesis is normal or increased, and hypoalbuminemia reflects an enhanced rate of albumin turnover resulting either from an increased rate of catabolism (a poorly understood phenomenon) or enhanced loss of albumin into the urine (nephrosis) or intestine (protein-losing enteropathy). The latter may occur with subtle intestinal pathology and hence may be more prevalent than commonly appreciated. Clinically, reduced CP appears to be a result rather than a cause of ill-health, and therapy designed to increase CP has limited benefit. The ubiquitous occurrence of hypoalbuminemia in disease states limits the diagnostic utility of the CP measurement.
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Affiliation(s)
- David G Levitt
- Department of Integrative Biology and Physiology, University of Minnesota
| | - Michael D Levitt
- Research Service, Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Minneapolis, MN, USA
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Kikuchi Y, Hiroshima Y, Matsuo K, Kawaguchi D, Murakami T, Yabushita Y, Endo I, Taguri M, Koda K, Tanaka K. A Randomized Clinical Trial of Preoperative Administration of Branched-Chain Amino Acids to Prevent Postoperative Ascites in Patients with Liver Resection for Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Ann Surg Oncol 2016; 23:3727-3735. [PMID: 27338747 DOI: 10.1245/s10434-016-5348-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2016] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Massive postoperative ascites remains a major threat that can lead to liver failure and other fatal complications, especially in patients with poor liver function. Branched-chain amino acid (BCAA) administration increases biosynthesis and secretion of albumin by hepatocytes and increases oncotic pressure by elevating blood albumin concentration, thereby decreasing peripheral edema, ascites, and pleural effusion. METHOD We randomly allocated consecutive patients undergoing major liver resection for hepatocellular carcinoma to either a group where oral BCAA administration was initiated 3 weeks before liver resection, or a non-BCAA group. The primary study endpoint was development of postoperative ascites. RESULTS Overall, 39 patients were allocated to the BCAA group, while 38 were assigned to the non-BCAA group. No significant difference in the rate of refractory ascites, considered alone, was evident between the BCAA (5.1 %) and non-BCAA groups (13.2 %; p = 0.263). However, the occurrence of refractory ascites and/or pleural effusion was significantly less frequent in the BCAA group (5.1 %) than in the non-BCAA group (21.1 %; p = 0.047). Furthermore, the postoperative serum concentration of reduced-state albumin was greater immediately after liver resection in the BCAA group than in the non-BCAA group. CONCLUSION Preoperative administration of BCAA did not significantly improve prevention of refractory ascites, but significant effectiveness in preventing ascites, pleural effusion, or both, as well as improving metabolism of albumin, was demonstrated [University Hospital Medical Information Network (UMIN) reference number 000004244].
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Affiliation(s)
- Yutaro Kikuchi
- Department of Surgery, Teikyo University Chiba Medical Center, Chiba, Japan
| | - Yukihiko Hiroshima
- Department of Surgery, Teikyo University Chiba Medical Center, Chiba, Japan
| | - Kenichi Matsuo
- Department of Surgery, Teikyo University Chiba Medical Center, Chiba, Japan
| | - Daisuke Kawaguchi
- Department of Surgery, Teikyo University Chiba Medical Center, Chiba, Japan
| | - Takashi Murakami
- Department of Surgery, Teikyo University Chiba Medical Center, Chiba, Japan
| | - Yasuhiro Yabushita
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Yokohama City University Graduate School of Medicine, Yokohama, Japan
| | - Itaru Endo
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Yokohama City University Graduate School of Medicine, Yokohama, Japan
| | - Masataka Taguri
- Department of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, Yokohama City University Graduate School of Medicine, Yokohama, Japan
| | - Keiji Koda
- Department of Surgery, Teikyo University Chiba Medical Center, Chiba, Japan
| | - Kuniya Tanaka
- Department of Surgery, Teikyo University Chiba Medical Center, Chiba, Japan. .,Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Yokohama City University Graduate School of Medicine, Yokohama, Japan.
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Abstract
OPINION STATEMENT Most widely recognized complications in cirrhotic patients include ascites, hepatic encephalopathy, variceal bleeding, kidney dysfunction, and hepatocellular carcinoma; however, malnutrition and muscle wasting (sarcopenia) constitute common complications which negatively impact survival, quality of life, and response to stressors, such as infection and surgery in patients with cirrhosis. Despite the important role that malnutrition and sarcopenia play in the prognosis of patients with cirrhosis, they are frequently overlooked, in part because nutritional assessment can be a difficult task in patients with cirrhosis due to fluid retention and/or overweight. Moreover, patients with cirrhosis may develop simultaneous loss of skeletal muscle and gain of adipose tissue, culminating in the condition of "sarcopenic obesity." In addition, muscle depletion is characterized by both a reduction in muscle size and increased proportion of intermuscular and intramuscular fat-denominated "myosteatosis." Sarcopenia in cirrhotic patients has been associated with increased mortality, sepsis complications, hyperammonemia, overt hepatic encephalopathy, and increased length of stay after liver transplantation. Muscularity assessment with cross-sectional imaging studies has become an attractive index of nutritional status evaluation in cirrhosis, as sarcopenia reflects a chronic detriment in general physical condition, rather than acute severity of the liver disease. In this review, we discuss the current diagnostic methods to evaluate malnutrition and muscle abnormalities in cirrhosis and also analyze the current knowledge regarding incidence and clinical impact of malnutrition and muscle abnormalities in cirrhosis and their impact after liver transplantation. We also discuss existing and potential novel therapeutic strategies for malnutrition in cirrhosis, emphasizing the recognition of sarcopenia in cirrhosis in an effort to improve survival and reduce morbidity related to cirrhosis. Finally, we analyze new studies including sarcopenia with the MELD score that seems to allow better prediction of mortality among cirrhotic patients waiting for liver transplantation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ragesh B Thandassery
- From the Division of Gastroenterology and Liver Unit, University of Alberta Hospital, Zeidler Ledcor Centre, 130 University Campus, Edmonton, AB, T6G 2X8, Canada
| | - Aldo J Montano-Loza
- From the Division of Gastroenterology and Liver Unit, University of Alberta Hospital, Zeidler Ledcor Centre, 130 University Campus, Edmonton, AB, T6G 2X8, Canada.
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Rosato V, Abenavoli L, Federico A, Masarone M, Persico M. Pharmacotherapy of alcoholic liver disease in clinical practice. Int J Clin Pract 2016; 70:119-31. [PMID: 26709723 DOI: 10.1111/ijcp.12764] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
AIMS Alcohol is the most commonly used addictive substance and alcoholic liver disease (ALD) is a major cause of chronic liver disease worldwide, responsible for 47.9% of all liver chronic deaths. Despite ALD has a significant burden on the health, few therapeutic advances have been made in the last 40 years, particularly in the long-term management of these patients. METHODS we searched in PubMed, Scopus, Google Scholar, and MEDLINE databases to identify relevant English language publications focused on long-term therapy of ALD. RESULTS From the huge literature on this topic, including about 755 studies, 75 were selected as eligible including clinical trials and meta-analysis. CONCLUSIONS Abstinence remains the cornerstone of ALD therapy but it is also the most difficult therapeutic target to achieve and the risk of recidivism is very high at any time. Several drugs (disulfiram, naltrexone, acamprosate, sodium oxybate) have proven to be effective to prevent alcohol relapse and increase the abstinence, although the psychotherapeutic support remains crucial. Baclofen seems to be effective to improve abstinence, showing an excellent safety and tolerability. ALD is often complicated by a state of malnutrition, which is related to a worst mortality. A nutritional therapy may improve survival in cirrhotic patients, reversing muscle wasting, weight loss and specific nutritional deficiencies. While in aggressive forms of alcoholic hepatitis are recommended specific drug treatments, including glucocorticoids or pentoxifylline, for the long-term treatment of ALD, specific treatments aimed at stopping the progression of fibrosis are not yet approved, but there are some future perspective in this field, including probiotics and antibiotics, caspase inhibitors, osteopontin and endocannabinoids.
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Affiliation(s)
- V Rosato
- Internal Medicine and Hepatology Department, Second University of Naples, Naples, Italy
| | - L Abenavoli
- Department of Health Science, University Magna Graecia, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - A Federico
- Gastroenterology and Endoscopy Unit, Second University of Naples, Naples, Italy
| | - M Masarone
- Internal Medicine and Hepatology Unit, University of Salerno, Baronissi, Italy
| | - M Persico
- Internal Medicine and Hepatology Unit, University of Salerno, Baronissi, Italy
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How to diagnose and manage hepatic encephalopathy: a consensus statement on roles and responsibilities beyond the liver specialist. Eur J Gastroenterol Hepatol 2016; 28:146-52. [PMID: 26600154 PMCID: PMC4885589 DOI: 10.1097/meg.0000000000000529] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Hepatic encephalopathy is defined as brain dysfunction caused by liver insufficiency and/or portosystemic shunting. Symptoms include nonspecific cognitive impairment, personality changes and changes in consciousness. Overt (symptomatic) hepatic encephalopathy is a common complication of cirrhosis that is associated with a poor prognosis. Patients with hepatic encephalopathy may present to healthcare providers who do not have primary responsibility for management of patients with cirrhosis. Therefore, we developed a series of 'consensus points' to provide some guidance on management. METHODS Using a modified 'Delphi' process, consensus statements were developed that summarize our recommendations for the diagnosis and management of patients with hepatic encephalopathy. Points on which full consensus could not be reached are also discussed. RESULTS Our recommendations emphasize the role of all healthcare providers in the identification of cognitive impairment in patients with cirrhosis and provide guidance on steps that might be considered to make a diagnosis of overt hepatic encephalopathy. In addition, treatment recommendations are summarized. Minimal hepatic encephalopathy can have a significant impact on patients; however, in most circumstances identification and management of minimal hepatic encephalopathy remains the responsibility of specialists in liver diseases. CONCLUSION Our opinion statements aim to define the roles and responsibilities of all healthcare providers who at times care for patients with cirrhosis and hepatic encephalopathy. We suggest that these recommendations be considered further by colleagues in other disciplines and hope that future guidelines consider the management of patients with cirrhosis and with a 'suspicion' of cognitive impairment through to a formal diagnosis of hepatic encephalopathy.
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Liu A, Perumpail RB, Kumari R, Younossi ZM, Wong RJ, Ahmed A. Advances in cirrhosis: Optimizing the management of hepatic encephalopathy. World J Hepatol 2015; 7:2871-2879. [PMID: 26692331 PMCID: PMC4678373 DOI: 10.4254/wjh.v7.i29.2871] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2015] [Revised: 10/24/2015] [Accepted: 11/25/2015] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatic encephalopathy (HE) is a major complication of cirrhosis resulting in significant socioeconomic burden, morbidity, and mortality. HE can be further subdivided into covert HE (CHE) and overt HE (OHE). CHE is a subclinical, less severe manifestation of HE and requires psychometric testing for diagnosis. Due to the time consuming screening process and lack of standardized diagnostic criteria, CHE is frequently underdiagnosed despite its recognized role as a precursor to OHE. Screening for CHE with the availability of the Stroop test has provided a pragmatic method to promptly diagnose CHE. Management of acute OHE involves institution of lactulose, the preferred first-line therapy. In addition, prompt recognition and treatment of precipitating factors is critical as it may result in complete resolution of acute episodes of OHE. Treatment goals include improvement of daily functioning, evaluation for liver transplantation, and prevention of OHE recurrence. For secondary prophylaxis, intolerance to indefinite lactulose therapy may lead to non-adherence and has been identified as a precipitating factor for recurrent OHE. Rifaximin is an effective add-on therapy to lactulose for treatment and prevention of recurrent OHE. Recent studies have demonstrated comparable efficacy of probiotic therapy to lactulose use in both primary prophylaxis and secondary prophylaxis.
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Iwasa M, Takei Y. Pathophysiology and management of hepatic encephalopathy 2014 update: Ammonia toxicity and hyponatremia. Hepatol Res 2015; 45:1155-62. [PMID: 25604571 DOI: 10.1111/hepr.12495] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2014] [Revised: 01/15/2015] [Accepted: 01/17/2015] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Hyperammonemia is a major factor involved in the pathogenesis of hepatic encephalopathy (HE). Ammonia elicits astrocyte swelling and causes brain edema. In addition, hyponatremia, a condition frequently observed in hepatic cirrhosis, also exacerbates brain edema, potentially becoming a factor that exacerbates HE. Therefore, as a treatment strategy for HE, alleviating ammonia toxicity is essential. In addition to restricting protein intake, synthetic disaccharides such as lactulose and lactitol, probiotics that improve gut flora, and rifaximin, an antibiotic with poor bioavailability, are also administrated. Additionally, branched-chain amino acids and carnitine have also been administrated. Moreover, we investigated the current trend in the concomitant use of drugs with different mechanisms of action. In Japan, the V2 receptor antagonist tolvaptan can be administrated to hepatic cirrhosis patients with fluid retention. This drug is also useful as a countermeasure for hyponatremia in hepatic cirrhosis, and elucidating its effects in HE patients may therefore become an agenda in the future. These observations indicate that ammonia toxicity, gut flora control and low sodium control are major focuses in HE improvement and long-term prognosis.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Yoshiyuki Takei
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Mie University Graduate School of Medicine, Tsu, Mie, Japan
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Gluud LL, Dam G, Les I, Córdoba J, Marchesini G, Borre M, Aagaard NK, Vilstrup H. Branched-chain amino acids for people with hepatic encephalopathy. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2015:CD001939. [PMID: 26377410 DOI: 10.1002/14651858.cd001939.pub3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hepatic encephalopathy is a brain dysfunction with neurological and psychiatric changes associated with liver insufficiency or portal-systemic shunting. The severity ranges from minor symptoms to coma. A Cochrane systematic review including 11 randomised clinical trials on branched-chain amino acids (BCAA) versus control interventions has evaluated if BCAA may benefit people with hepatic encephalopathy. OBJECTIVES To evaluate the beneficial and harmful effects of BCAA versus any control intervention for people with hepatic encephalopathy. SEARCH METHODS We identified trials through manual and electronic searches in The Cochrane Hepato-Biliary Group Controlled Trials Register, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Science Citation Index (August 2015). SELECTION CRITERIA We included randomised clinical trials, irrespective of the bias control, language, or publication status. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS The authors independently extracted data based on published reports and collected data from the primary investigators. We changed our primary outcomes in this update of the review to include mortality (all cause), hepatic encephalopathy (number of people without improved manifestations of hepatic encephalopathy), and adverse events. The analyses included random-effects and fixed-effect meta-analyses. We performed subgroup, sensitivity, regression, and trial sequential analyses to evaluate sources of heterogeneity (including intervention, and participant and trial characteristics), bias (using The Cochrane Hepato-Biliary Group method), small-study effects, and the robustness of the results after adjusting for sparse data and multiplicity. We graded the quality of the evidence using the GRADE approach. MAIN RESULTS We found 16 randomised clinical trials including 827 participants with hepatic encephalopathy classed as overt (12 trials) or minimal (four trials). Eight trials assessed oral BCAA supplements and seven trials assessed intravenous BCAA. The control groups received placebo/no intervention (two trials), diets (10 trials), lactulose (two trials), or neomycin (two trials). In 15 trials, all participants had cirrhosis. We classed seven trials as low risk of bias and nine trials as high risk of bias (mainly due to lack of blinding or for-profit funding). In a random-effects meta-analysis of mortality, we found no difference between BCAA and controls (risk ratio (RR) 0.88, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.69 to 1.11; 760 participants; 15 trials; moderate quality of evidence). We found no evidence of small-study effects. Sensitivity analyses of trials with a low risk of bias found no beneficial or detrimental effect of BCAA on mortality. Trial sequential analysis showed that the required information size was not reached, suggesting that additional evidence was needed. BCAA had a beneficial effect on hepatic encephalopathy (RR 0.73, 95% CI 0.61 to 0.88; 827 participants; 16 trials; high quality of evidence). We found no small-study effects and confirmed the beneficial effect of BCAA in a sensitivity analysis that only included trials with a low risk of bias (RR 0.71, 95% CI 0.52 to 0.96). The trial sequential analysis showed that firm evidence was reached. In a fixed-effect meta-analysis, we found that BCAA increased the risk of nausea and vomiting (RR 5.56; 2.93 to 10.55; moderate quality of evidence). We found no beneficial or detrimental effects of BCAA on nausea or vomiting in a random-effects meta-analysis or on quality of life or nutritional parameters. We did not identify predictors of the intervention effect in the subgroup, sensitivity, or meta-regression analyses. In sensitivity analyses that excluded trials with a lactulose or neomycin control, BCAA had a beneficial effect on hepatic encephalopathy (RR 0.76, 95% CI 0.63 to 0.92). Additional sensitivity analyses found no difference between BCAA and lactulose or neomycin (RR 0.66, 95% CI 0.34 to 1.30). AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS In this updated review, we included five additional trials. The analyses showed that BCAA had a beneficial effect on hepatic encephalopathy. We found no effect on mortality, quality of life, or nutritional parameters, but we need additional trials to evaluate these outcomes. Likewise, we need additional randomised clinical trials to determine the effect of BCAA compared with interventions such as non-absorbable disaccharides, rifaximin, or other antibiotics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lise Lotte Gluud
- Gastrounit, Medical Division, Copenhagen University Hospital Hvidovre, Kettegaards Alle, Hvidovre, Denmark, 2650
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Matoori S, Leroux JC. Recent advances in the treatment of hyperammonemia. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2015; 90:55-68. [PMID: 25895618 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2015.04.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 70] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2015] [Revised: 03/30/2015] [Accepted: 04/13/2015] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Ammonia is a neurotoxic agent that is primarily generated in the intestine and detoxified in the liver. Toxic increases in systemic ammonia levels predominantly result from an inherited or acquired impairment in hepatic detoxification and lead to potentially life-threatening neuropsychiatric symptoms. Inborn deficiencies in ammonia detoxification mainly affect the urea cycle, an endogenous metabolic removal system in the liver. Hepatic encephalopathy, on the other hand, is a hyperammonemia-related complication secondary to acquired liver function impairment. A range of therapeutic options is available to target either ammonia generation and absorption or ammonia removal. Therapies for hepatic encephalopathy decrease intestinal ammonia production and uptake. Treatments for urea cycle disorders eliminate ammoniagenic amino acids through metabolic transformation, preventing ammonia generation. Therapeutic approaches removing ammonia activate the urea cycle or the second essential endogenous ammonia detoxification system, glutamine synthesis. Recent advances in treating hyperammonemia include using synergistic combination treatments, broadening the indication of orphan drugs, and developing novel approaches to regenerate functional liver tissue. This manuscript reviews the various pharmacological treatments of hyperammonemia and focuses on biopharmaceutical and drug delivery issues.
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Nguyen DL, Morgan T. Protein restriction in hepatic encephalopathy is appropriate for selected patients: a point of view. Hepatol Int 2015; 8:447-51. [PMID: 25525477 DOI: 10.1007/s12072-013-9497-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Since the late nineteenth century, protein restriction has been shown to improve hepatic encephalopathy. However, malnutrition has been described in up to 60 % of cirrhotic patients and is associated with increased mortality. Furthermore, emerging clinical evidence has revealed that a large proportion of cirrhotic patients may tolerate normal protein intake. However, approximately one third of cirrhotic patients with hepatic encephalopathy may need a short course of protein restriction, in addition to maximum medical therapy, to ameliorate the clinical course of their hepatic encephalopathy. For patients with chronic hepatic encephalopathy who are protein-sensitive, modifying their sources of nitrogen by using more vegetable protein, less animal protein, and branched-chain amino acids may improve their encephalopathy without further loss of lean body mass. In conclusion, among cirrhotics with hepatic encephalopathy, modulation of normal protein intake must take into account the patient's hepatic reserve, severity of hepatic encephalopathy, and current nutritional status.
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Affiliation(s)
- Douglas L Nguyen
- Gastroenterology Service, VA Long Beach Healthcare System, 11, 5901 E. Seventh Street, Long Beach, CA 90822, USA, Gastroenterology Division, University of California, Irvine, CA, USA
| | - Timothy Morgan
- Gastroenterology Service, VA Long Beach Healthcare System, 11, 5901 E. Seventh Street, Long Beach, CA 90822, USA, Gastroenterology Division, University of California, Irvine, CA, USA
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Zhu GQ, Shi KQ, Huang S, Wang LR, Lin YQ, Huang GQ, Chen YP, Braddock M, Zheng MH. Systematic review with network meta-analysis: the comparative effectiveness and safety of interventions in patients with overt hepatic encephalopathy. Aliment Pharmacol Ther 2015; 41:624-35. [PMID: 25684317 DOI: 10.1111/apt.13122] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2014] [Revised: 10/21/2014] [Accepted: 01/26/2015] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Interventional treatment for overt hepatic encephalopathy (OHE), includes non-absorbable disaccharides, neomycin, rifaximin, L-ornithine-L-aspartate and branched chain amino acids (BCAA). However, the optimum regimen remains inconclusive. AIM To compare interventions in terms of patients' adverse events and major clinical outcomes. METHODS Literature search of PubMed, Embase, Scopus, and Cochrane Library studies published up to July 31 2014. RCTs of above interventions in OHE patients were included. Network meta-analysis combined direct and indirect evidence to estimate odds ratios (ORs) and mean difference (MD) between treatments and the probabilities of ranking for treatment based on clinical outcomes. RESULTS Twenty eligible RCTs were included. When compared with observation, only L-ornithine-L-aspartate (OR 3.71, P < 0.001) and BCAA (OR 3.37, P < 0.001) improved clinical efficacy significantly. However, when L-ornithine-L-aspartate was compared with BCAA, non-absorbable disaccharides and neomycin, there was a trend suggesting that L-ornithine-L-aspartate may be the most effective intervention with respect to clinical improvement (OR 1.10), rifaximin (OR 1.31), non-absorbable disaccharides (OR 2.75), neomycin (OR 2.22). In addition, L-ornithine-L-aspartate (MD -20.18, 95% CI -40.12 to -0.27) provided a significant reduction in blood ammonia concentration compared with observation. Neomycin appeared to be associated with more adverse events in comparison with non-absorbable disaccharides (OR 10.15), rifaximin (OR 17.31), L-ornithine-L-aspartate (OR 3.16) or BCAA (OR 7.69). CONCLUSIONS L-ornithine-L-aspartate treatment may show a trend in superiority for clinical efficacy among standard interventions for OHE. Rifaximin shows the greatest reduction in blood ammonia concentration, and treatment with neomycin demonstrates a higher probability in causing adverse effects among the five compared interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- G-Q Zhu
- Department of Infection and Liver Diseases, Liver Research Center, the First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China; School of the First Clinical Medical Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
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Gluud LL, Dam G, Les I, Córdoba J, Marchesini G, Borre M, Aagaard NK, Vilstrup H. Branched-chain amino acids for people with hepatic encephalopathy. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2015:CD001939. [PMID: 25715177 DOI: 10.1002/14651858.cd001939.pub2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hepatic encephalopathy is a brain dysfunction with neurological and psychiatric changes associated with liver insufficiency or portal-systemic shunting. The severity ranges from minor symptoms to coma. A Cochrane systematic review including 11 randomised clinical trials on branched-chain amino acids (BCAA) versus control interventions has evaluated if BCAA may benefit people with hepatic encephalopathy. OBJECTIVES To evaluate the beneficial and harmful effects of BCAA versus any control intervention for people with hepatic encephalopathy. SEARCH METHODS We identified trials through manual and electronic searches in The Cochrane Hepato-Biliary Group Controlled Trials Register, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Science Citation Index on 2 October 2014. SELECTION CRITERIA We included randomised clinical trials, irrespective of the bias control, language, or publication status. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS The authors independently extracted data based on published reports and collected data from the primary investigators. We changed our primary outcomes in this update of the review to include mortality (all cause), hepatic encephalopathy (number of people without improved manifestations of hepatic encephalopathy), and adverse events. The analyses included random-effects and fixed-effect meta-analyses. We performed subgroup, sensitivity, regression, and trial sequential analyses to evaluate sources of heterogeneity (including intervention, and participant and trial characteristics), bias (using The Cochrane Hepato-Biliary Group method), small-study effects, and the robustness of the results after adjusting for sparse data and multiplicity. We graded the quality of the evidence using the GRADE approach. MAIN RESULTS We found 16 randomised clinical trials including 827 participants with hepatic encephalopathy classed as overt (12 trials) or minimal (four trials). Eight trials assessed oral BCAA supplements and seven trials assessed intravenous BCAA. The control groups received placebo/no intervention (two trials), diets (10 trials), lactulose (two trials), or neomycin (two trials). In 15 trials, all participants had cirrhosis. Based on the combined Cochrane Hepato-Biliary Group score, we classed seven trials as low risk of bias and nine trials as high risk of bias (mainly due to lack of blinding or for-profit funding). In a random-effects meta-analysis of mortality, we found no difference between BCAA and controls (risk ratio (RR) 0.88, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.69 to 1.11; 760 participants; 15 trials; moderate quality of evidence). We found no evidence of small-study effects. Sensitivity analyses of trials with a low risk of bias found no beneficial or detrimental effect of BCAA on mortality. Trial sequential analysis showed that the required information size was not reached, suggesting that additional evidence was needed. BCAA had a beneficial effect on hepatic encephalopathy (RR 0.73, 95% CI 0.61 to 0.88; 827 participants; 16 trials; high quality of evidence). We found no small-study effects and confirmed the beneficial effect of BCAA in a sensitivity analysis that only included trials with a low risk of bias (RR 0.71, 95% CI 0.52 to 0.96). The trial sequential analysis showed that firm evidence was reached. In a fixed-effect meta-analysis, we found that BCAA increased the risk of nausea and vomiting (RR 5.56; 2.93 to 10.55; moderate quality of evidence). We found no beneficial or detrimental effects of BCAA on nausea or vomiting in a random-effects meta-analysis or on quality of life or nutritional parameters. We did not identify predictors of the intervention effect in the subgroup, sensitivity, or meta-regression analyses. In sensitivity analyses that excluded trials with a lactulose or neomycin control, BCAA had a beneficial effect on hepatic encephalopathy (RR 0.76, 95% CI 0.63 to 0.92). Additional sensitivity analyses found no difference between BCAA and lactulose or neomycin (RR 0.66, 95% CI 0.34 to 1.30). AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS In this updated review, we included five additional trials. The analyses showed that BCAA had a beneficial effect on hepatic encephalopathy. We found no effect on mortality, quality of life, or nutritional parameters, but we need additional trials to evaluate these outcomes. Likewise, we need additional randomised clinical trials to determine the effect of BCAA compared with interventions such as non-absorbable disaccharides, rifaximin, or other antibiotics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lise Lotte Gluud
- Gastrounit, Medical Division, Copenhagen University Hospital Hvidovre, Kettegaards Alle, Hvidovre, Denmark, 2650.
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Jeng WJ, Lin CC, Chen WT, Sheen IS, Lin CY, Lin SM. Adjuvant therapy for hepatocellular carcinoma after curative treatment. Dig Dis 2014; 32:747-54. [PMID: 25376293 DOI: 10.1159/000368017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a common malignancy in the world. Although resection and various locoregional therapies can achieve eradication or complete ablation of small HCC, HCC recurrence after these therapies is still common. Although candidates for medical ablation usually exhibit compensated hepatic functional status, the frequent recurrence of HCC after successful ablation contributes to short survival. Therefore, attempts to prevent HCC recurrence are essential to prolong survival. Efforts in preventing HCC recurrence after curative therapies include prevention of early recurrence by improving liver immunity and eliminating microscopic tumor foci or micrometastases, and prevention of late recurrence by reducing the hepatitis activity and using antiviral therapies based on viral suppression/eradication. In HCC with vascular invasion, adjuvant transcatheter arterial chemoembolization should be considered to provide better control. Whether the adjuvant use of sorafenib may suppress microscopic tumor foci or micrometastases may be unveiled in the near future. This review article will update the algorithms, novel medication or study drugs in the prevention of HCC after curative therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wen-Juei Jeng
- Division of Hepatology, Liver Research Unit, Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital and Chang Gung University, College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC
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Pathophysiology, diagnosis, and management of hepatic encephalopathy. Inflammopharmacology 2014; 22:319-26. [DOI: 10.1007/s10787-014-0217-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2014] [Accepted: 09/19/2014] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
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NISHIKAWA HIROKI, KITA RYUICHI, KIMURA TORU, OHARA YOSHIAKI, TAKEDA HARUHIKO, SAKAMOTO AZUSA, SAITO SUMIO, NISHIJIMA NORIHIRO, NASU AKIHIRO, KOMEKADO HIDEYUKI, OSAKI YUKIO. Clinical significance of early interventional therapy of branched-chain amino acid granules in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma: Propensity score matching analysis. Int J Oncol 2014; 45:1082-90. [DOI: 10.3892/ijo.2014.2514] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2014] [Accepted: 05/19/2014] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
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Metcalfe EL, Avenell A, Fraser A. Branched-chain amino acid supplementation in adults with cirrhosis and porto-systemic encephalopathy: systematic review. Clin Nutr 2014; 33:958-65. [PMID: 24656171 DOI: 10.1016/j.clnu.2014.02.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2013] [Revised: 02/19/2014] [Accepted: 02/27/2014] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS Branched-chain amino acid supplementation in porto-systemic encephalopathy remains controversial. Here, we examined the systematic review evidence for their effect on encephalopathy, hepatic decompensation, survival, infection, hospital stay and quality of life, and review data on adherence, side-effects and cost/economic evaluation. METHODS Four electronic databases were searched from 1980 to June 2011, with an update search in two databases in July 2013. Hand-searching was performed of references lists from included trials and six conference proceedings from 2005 to 2010. We included randomised controlled trials of branched chain amino acids versus other nutritional supplements in adults with cirrhosis and porto-systemic encephalopathy. Data extraction and quality assessment were performed by two independent assessors. Meta-analysis was performed if data were sufficient. RESULTS The search identified nine randomised controlled trials (436 patients in total) of branched-chain amino acid therapy for ≥2 weeks' duration. The overall quality of trials was poor. At meta-analysis, a significant improvement in the grade of encephalopathy was demonstrated in favour of branched-chain amino acids compared to other nutritional supplements (Risk Ratio 2.6, 95% Confidence Interval 1.7-3.9, p < 0.001, 2 trials, n 122) but no significant difference was found for either resolution or worsening of encephalopathy, gastrointestinal bleeding, survival or infection. Limited data suggested no difference in health-related quality of life, ascites or admission to hospital. Studies did not include cost data or economic evaluations. Side-effects appeared mild and gastrointestinal in nature. CONCLUSIONS Branched-chain amino acids might improve porto-systemic encephalopathy but more robust trials are needed to determine their role.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emma Louise Metcalfe
- Health Services Research Unit, University of Aberdeen, Foresterhill, Aberdeen AB25 2ZD, UK; Department of Gastroenterology, Aberdeen Royal Infirmary, Foresterhill, Aberdeen AB25 2ZN, UK.
| | - Alison Avenell
- Health Services Research Unit, University of Aberdeen, Foresterhill, Aberdeen AB25 2ZD, UK
| | - Andrew Fraser
- Department of Gastroenterology, Aberdeen Royal Infirmary, Foresterhill, Aberdeen AB25 2ZN, UK
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Tada T, Kumada T, Toyoda H, Kiriyama S, Tanikawa M, Hisanaga Y, Kanamori A, Kitabatake S, Niinomi T, Ito T, Hasegawa R, Ando Y, Yamamoto K, Tanaka T. Oral supplementation with branched-chain amino acid granules prevents hepatocarcinogenesis in patients with hepatitis C-related cirrhosis: A propensity score analysis. Hepatol Res 2014; 44:288-95. [PMID: 23607436 DOI: 10.1111/hepr.12120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2013] [Revised: 03/10/2013] [Accepted: 03/25/2013] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
AIM It has been reported that branched-chain amino acids (BCAA) supplementation can improve nutritional status and reduce liver-related complications in patients with decompensated cirrhosis. BCAA supplementation reportedly reduces the incidence of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in obese cirrhotic patients infected with hepatitis C virus (HCV). We investigated the effects of oral supplementation with BCAA granules on hepatocarcinogenesis in patients with HCV-related cirrhosis using propensity score matching. METHODS A total of 60 patients with HCV-related cirrhosis and without history of HCC who were selected by one-to-one matching of propensity scores: 30 patients receiving 12 g/day of BCAA granules for 3 months or more (BCAA group) and 30 being observed without BCAA supplementation (control group). The impact of BCAA supplementation was analyzed on the incidence of HCC. RESULTS The 3- and 5-year rates of HCC development were 13.7% and 13.7% in the BCAA group and 35.1% and 44.5% in the control group, respectively. The BCAA group had a significantly lower rate of HCC than the control group (P = 0.032). Multivariate analysis for factors that were associated with hepatocarcinogenesis indicated that BCAA supplementation was independently associated with a reduced incidence of HCC (hazard ratio 0.131; 95% confidence interval, 0.032-0.530; P = 0.004) along with sex and serum α-fetoprotein. Obesity (body mass index, ≥25 kg/m(2) ) was not significantly associated with an increased incidence of HCC. CONCLUSION Oral supplementation with BCAA granules is associated with a reduced incidence of HCC in patients with HCV-related cirrhosis regardless of the presence of obesity based on the propensity score analysis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Toshifumi Tada
- Department of Gastoroenterology and Hepatology, Ogaki Municipal Hospital, Gifu, Japan
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Kawaguchi T, Taniguchi E, Sata M. Effects of oral branched-chain amino acids on hepatic encephalopathy and outcome in patients with liver cirrhosis. Nutr Clin Pract 2013; 28:580-8. [PMID: 23945292 DOI: 10.1177/0884533613496432] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs) constituting of valine, leucine, and isoleucine act as both substrates of proteins and as key regulators for various nutrient metabolisms. Patients with liver cirrhosis frequently lack sufficient BCAAs and therefore suffer from various metabolic disorders. Hepatic encephalopathy (HE) is a severe metabolic disorder with neurologic manifestations such as flapping tremors and coma in patients with liver cirrhosis. In addition, a mild form of HE known as minimal HE (MHE) is an important social issue because it occurs in up to 80% of patients with chronic liver disease and affects prognosis and activities of daily living, possibly resulting in falls and motor vehicle accidents. Although HE/MHE can be caused by various pathological conditions, including in an accumulation of mercaptans, short-chain fatty acids, and alterations in the gut flora, hyperammonemia has also been implicated in an important pathogenesis of HE/MHE. Besides urea cycle of liver, ammonia can be detoxified in the skeletal muscles by the amidation process for glutamine synthesis using BCAAs. Thus, BCAA supplementation may enhance detoxification of ammonia in skeletal muscle and may be a possible therapeutic strategy for HE/MHE. In this review, we summarize the clinical impacts of BCAA supplementation on HE/MHE and discuss possible mechanisms for a BCAA-induced improvement of HE/MHE. Furthermore, we present some modifications of oral BCAA therapy for improvement of efficacy in HE treatment. We also briefly describe pleiotropic benefits of BCAAs on life-threatening events and overall prognosis in patients with liver cirrhosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takumi Kawaguchi
- Takumi Kawaguchi, Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, Kurume University School of Medicine, 67 Asahi-machi, Kurume 830-0011, Japan.
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Gluud LL, Dam G, Borre M, Les I, Cordoba J, Marchesini G, Aagaard NK, Risum N, Vilstrup H. Oral branched-chain amino acids have a beneficial effect on manifestations of hepatic encephalopathy in a systematic review with meta-analyses of randomized controlled trials. J Nutr 2013; 143:1263-8. [PMID: 23739310 DOI: 10.3945/jn.113.174375] [Citation(s) in RCA: 80] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Supplements with branched-chain amino acid (BCAA) have cerebral, metabolic, and nutritional effects that may benefit patients with hepatic encephalopathy (HE). We therefore conducted a systematic review on the effects of oral BCAAs compared with control supplements or placebo for patients with cirrhosis and recurrent overt or minimal HE. The quantitative analyses included data from 8 trials (n = 382 patients). Individual patient data were retrieved from 4 trials to recalculate outcomes (n = 255 patients). The mean dose of the oral BCAA supplements was 0.25 g/(kg body weight · d). Random effects meta-analysis showed that improvements in HE manifestations were registered for 87 of 172 patients in the BCAA group compared with 56 of 210 controls [risk ratio = 1.71 (95% CI: 1.17, 2.51) number needed to treat = 5 patients]. The effect of BCAAs differed (P = 0.04) for patients with overt [risk ratio = 3.26 (95% CI: 1.47, 7.22)] and minimal HE [risk ratio = 1.32 (95% CI: 0.97, 1.79)]. Subgroup, sensitivity, regression, and sequential analyses found no other sources of heterogeneity or bias. BCAA supplements had no effect on mortality or markers of nutritional status and did not induce adverse events. In conclusion, oral BCAA supplements improve manifestations of HE but have no effect on survival.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lise L Gluud
- Department of Medicine, Copenhagen University Hospital Gentofte, Hellerup, Denmark.
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Dam G, Ott P, Aagaard NK, Vilstrup H. Branched-chain amino acids and muscle ammonia detoxification in cirrhosis. Metab Brain Dis 2013; 28:217-20. [PMID: 23315357 DOI: 10.1007/s11011-013-9377-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2012] [Accepted: 01/02/2013] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Branched-chain amino acids (BCAA) are used as a therapeutic nutritional supplement in patients with cirrhosis and hepatic encephalopathy (HE). During liver disease, the decreased capacity for urea synthesis and porto-systemic shunting reduce the hepatic clearance of ammonia and skeletal muscle may become the main alternative organ for ammonia detoxification. We here summarize current knowledge of muscle BCAA and ammonia metabolism with a focus on liver cirrhosis and HE. Plasma levels of BCAA are lower and muscle uptake of BCAA seems to be higher in patients with cirrhosis and hyperammonemia. BCAA metabolism may improve muscle net ammonia removal by supplying carbon skeletons for formation of alfa-ketoglutarate that combines with two ammonia molecules to become glutamine. An oral dose of BCAA enhances muscle ammonia metabolism but also transiently increases the arterial ammonia concentration, likely due to extramuscular metabolism of glutamine. We, therefore, speculate that the beneficial effect of long term intake of BCAA on HE demonstrated in clinical studies may be related to an improved muscle mass and nutritional status rather than to an ammonia lowering effect of BCAA themselves.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gitte Dam
- Department of Medicine V (Hepatology and Gastroenterology), Aarhus University Hospital, Noerrebrogade, 8000, C Aarhus, Denmark.
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The effect of long-term supplementation with branched-chain amino acid granules in patients with hepatitis C virus-related hepatocellular carcinoma after radiofrequency thermal ablation. J Clin Gastroenterol 2013; 47:359-66. [PMID: 23090049 DOI: 10.1097/mcg.0b013e31826be9ad] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
GOALS To elucidate whether long-term supplementation with branched-chain amino acid (BCAA) granules improves overall survival (OS) and recurrence-free survival (RFS) after radiofrequency thermal ablation (RFA) in patients with hepatitis C virus (HCV)-related hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC)≤3 cm in diameter with up to 3 nodules and a serum albumin level before RFA of ≤3.5 g/dL. BACKGROUND Whether BCAA treatment after curative RFA for patients with HCV-related HCC improves OS and RFS remains unclear. STUDY We compared the OS rate and the RFS rate between the BCAA group (n=115) and the control group (n=141). We also examined factors contributing to OS and RFS. RESULTS The 1 and 3 years OS rates after RFA were 94.0% and 70.0%, respectively, in the BCAA group, and 94.0% and 49.8%, respectively, in the control group (P=0.001). The corresponding RFS rates 1 and 3 years after RFA were 61.8% and 28.0%, respectively, in the BCAA group, and 52.0% and 12.0%, respectively, in the control group (P=0.013). In the multivariate analysis, in terms of OS, BCAA treatment, and serum albumin level of ≥3.4 g/dL, and in terms of RFS, age 70 years or older, BCAA treatment, and a serum albumin level of ≥3.4 g/dL were significant independent factors, respectively. CONCLUSIONS BCAA treatment may improve OS and RFS after RFA in patients with HCV-related HCC≤3 cm in diameter with up to 3 nodules and a serum albumin level before RFA of 3.5 g/dL.
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Abstract
Cirrhosis is the consequence of progression of many forms of necro-inflammatory disorders of the liver with hepatic fibrosis, hepatocellular dysfunction, and vascular remodeling. Reversing the primary hepatic disorder, liver transplantation, and controlling the complications are the major management goals. Since the former options are not available to the majority of cirrhotics, treating complications remains the mainstay of therapy. Sarcopenia and/or cachexia is the most common complication and adversely affects survival, quality of life, development of other complications of cirrhosis, and outcome after liver transplantation. With the increase in number of cirrhotic patients with hepatitis C and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, the number of patients waiting for a liver transplantation is likely to continue to increase above the currently estimated 72.3/100,000 population. One of the critical clinical questions is to determine if we can treat sarcopenia of cirrhosis without transplantation. No effective therapies exist to treat sarcopenia because the mechanism(s) of sarcopenia in cirrhosis is as yet unknown. The reasons for this include the predominantly descriptive studies to date and the advances in our understanding of skeletal muscle biology and molecular regulation of atrophy and hypertrophy not being translated into the clinical practice of hepatology. Satellite cell biology, muscle autophagy and apoptosis, and molecular signaling abnormalities in the skeletal muscle of cirrhotics are also not known. Aging of the cirrhotic and transplanted population, use of mTOR inhibitors, and the lack of definitive outcome measures to define sarcopenia and cachexia in this population add to the difficulty in increasing our understanding of hepatic sarcopenia/cachexia and developing treatment options. Recent data on the role of myostatin, AMP kinase, impaired mTOR signaling resulting in anabolic resistance in animal models, and the rapidly developing field of nutriceuticals as signaling molecules need to be evaluated in human cirrhotics. Finally, the benefits of exercise reported in other disease states with sarcopenia may not be safe in cirrhotics due to the risk of gastrointestinal variceal bleeding due to an increase in portal pressure. This article focuses on the problems facing both muscle biologists and hepatologists in developing a comprehensive approach to sarcopenia in cirrhosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Srinivasan Dasarathy
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Pathobiology, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, NE4-208, 9500 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, OH, 44195, USA,
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Ammonia-lowering strategies for the treatment of hepatic encephalopathy. Clin Pharmacol Ther 2012; 92:321-31. [PMID: 22871998 DOI: 10.1038/clpt.2012.112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 81] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Hyperammonemia leads to neurotoxic levels of brain ammonia and is a major factor involved in the pathogenesis of hepatic encephalopathy (HE). Ammonia-lowering treatments primarily involve two strategies: inhibiting ammonia production and/or increasing ammonia removal. Targeting the gut has been the primary focus for many years, with the goal of inhibiting the generation of ammonia. However, in the context of liver failure, extrahepatic organs containing ammonia metabolic pathways have become new potential ammonia-lowering targets. Skeletal muscle has the capacity to remove ammonia by producing glutamine through the enzyme glutamine synthetase (amidation of glutamate) and, given its large mass, has the potential to be an important ammonia-removing organ. On the other hand, glutamine can be deaminated to glutamate by phosphate-activated glutaminase, thus releasing ammonia (ammonia rebound). Therefore, new treatment strategies are being focused on stimulating the removal of both ammonia and glutamine.
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