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Twohig PA, Peeraphatdit TB, Samson K, Schissel M, Smith L, Ashford A, Freese L, McCashland T. A Prospective Multimodal Education Intervention for Providers Does Not Increase Hepatic Encephalopathy Treatment Rates. Dig Dis Sci 2024; 69:1996-2007. [PMID: 38652390 DOI: 10.1007/s10620-024-08445-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2023] [Accepted: 04/09/2024] [Indexed: 04/25/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Over 50% of hospitalizations from hepatic encephalopathy (HE) are preventable, but patients often do not receive medical treatment. AIMS To use a multimodal education intervention (MMEI) to increase HE treatment rates and to evaluate (1) trends in HE treatment, (2) predictors of receiving treatment, and (3) the impact of treatment on hospitalization outcomes. METHODS Prospective single-center cohort study of patients hospitalized with HE from April 1, 2020-September 30, 2022. The first 15 months were a control ("pre-MMEI"), the subsequent 15 months (MMEI) included three phases: (1) prior authorization resources, (2) electronic order set, and (3) in-person provider education. Treatment included receiving any drug (lactulose or rifaximin), or combination therapy. Treatment rates pre- vs. post-MMEI were compared using logistic regression. RESULTS 471 patients were included. There were lower odds of receiving any drug post-MMEI (p = 0.03). There was no difference in receiving combination therapy pre- or post-MMEI (p = 0.32). Predictors of receiving any drug included alcohol-related or cryptogenic cirrhosis (p's < 0.001), and the presence of ascites (p = 0.005) and/or portal hypertension (p = 0.003). The only significant predictor of not receiving any drug treatment was having autoimmune cirrhosis (p < 0.001). Patients seen by internal medicine (p = 0.01) or who were intoxicated (p = 0.02) were less likely to receive rifaximin. Any treatment was associated with higher 30-day liver disease-specific readmission (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION This MMEI did not increase HE treatment rates, suggesting that alternative strategies are needed to identify and address barriers to treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrick A Twohig
- Division of Gastroenterology & Hepatology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, 982000 Medical Center Drive, Omaha, NE, 68198-2000, USA.
| | - Thoetchai Bee Peeraphatdit
- Division of Gastroenterology & Hepatology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, 982000 Medical Center Drive, Omaha, NE, 68198-2000, USA
| | - Kaeli Samson
- Department of Biostatistics, University of Nebraska Medical Center, 984375 Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, 68198, USA
| | - Makayla Schissel
- Department of Biostatistics, University of Nebraska Medical Center, 984375 Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, 68198, USA
| | - Lynette Smith
- Department of Biostatistics, University of Nebraska Medical Center, 984375 Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, 68198, USA
| | - Allison Ashford
- Departments of Internal Medicine & Hospital Medicine, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, 68198, USA
| | - Laura Freese
- Departments of Internal Medicine & Hospital Medicine, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, 68198, USA
| | - Timothy McCashland
- Department of Biostatistics, University of Nebraska Medical Center, 984375 Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, 68198, USA
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Khalessi A, Pyrsopoulos NT. Pharmacologic Management of Hepatic Encephalopathy. Clin Liver Dis 2024; 28:287-296. [PMID: 38548440 DOI: 10.1016/j.cld.2024.01.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/02/2024]
Abstract
Hepatic encephalopathy is a common cause of morbidity and mortality among patients with decompensated liver cirrhosis. In this article, we review the history, mechanism, and evidence for first-line pharmacologic therapies for hepatic encephalopathy including nonabsorbable disaccharides, antibiotics, and electrolyte management. We also review newer, second-line therapies including polyethylene glycol, albumin, branched-chain amino acids, probiotics and fecal microbiota transplant, zinc, and l-ornithine-l-aspartate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ali Khalessi
- Rutgers New Jersey School of Medicine, 185 South Orange Avenue, MSB H-538, Newark, NJ 07103, USA
| | - Nikolaos T Pyrsopoulos
- Rutgers New Jersey School of Medicine, 185 South Orange Avenue, MSB H-538, Newark, NJ 07103, USA.
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Zhu X, Zhou Z, Pan X. Research reviews and prospects of gut microbiota in liver cirrhosis: a bibliometric analysis (2001-2023). Front Microbiol 2024; 15:1342356. [PMID: 38550860 PMCID: PMC10972893 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2024.1342356] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2023] [Accepted: 01/15/2024] [Indexed: 06/20/2024] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The gut-liver axis has emerged as a focal point in chronic liver disorders, prompting more research into the role of the gut microbiota in liver cirrhosis. In individuals with liver cirrhosis, changes in the structure and function of the gut microbiota are closely tied to clinical prognosis. However, there is a scarcity of bibliometric evaluations conducted in this particular field. METHODS This study is aiming to conduct a complete analysis of the knowledge structure and centers pertaining to gut microbiota in liver cirrhosis using bibliometric methods. Publications on gut microbiota and liver cirrhosis from 2001 to 2023 are sourced from the Web of Science Core Collection. For the bibliometric analysis, we employ VOSviewer, CiteSpace, and the R package "bibliometrix". RESULTS Our study encompasses a comprehensive collection of 3109 articles originating from 96 countries, with notable contributions from leading nations such as the United States and China. The quantity of publications concerning the gut microbiota of liver cirrhosis rises annually. The University of California San Diego, Virginia Commonwealth University, Zhejiang University are the primary research institutions. World Journal of Gastroenterology publishes the most papers in this field, while hepatology is the most frequently co-cited journal. These publications come from a total of 15,965 authors, and the most prolific authors are Bajaj Jasmohan S., Schnabl Bernd and Gillevet Patrick M., while the most co-cited authors are Bajaj Jasmohan S., Younossi Zobair M., and Reiner Wiest. In addition, "dysbiosis", "gut microbiota", "intestinal barrier", "fecal microbiota transplantation", and "complement-system" are the primary keywords of research trends in recent years. DISCUSSION This study offering a comprehensive insight into the research dynamics surrounding gut microbiota in patients with liver cirrhosis. It delineates the current research frontiers and hotspots, serving as a valuable guide for scholars.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaofei Zhu
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Hangzhou Ninth People’s Hospital, Hangzhou, China
| | - Ziyuan Zhou
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Diseases, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Xiaxia Pan
- Cancer Center, Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Zhejiang Provincial People’s Hospital (Affiliated People’s Hospital), Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, China
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Evstafeva D, Ilievski F, Bao Y, Luo Z, Abramovic B, Kang S, Steuer C, Montanari E, Casalini T, Simicic D, Sessa D, Mitrea SO, Pierzchala K, Cudalbu C, Armbruster CE, Leroux JC. Inhibition of urease-mediated ammonia production by 2-octynohydroxamic acid in hepatic encephalopathy. Nat Commun 2024; 15:2226. [PMID: 38472276 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-46481-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2023] [Accepted: 02/28/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Hepatic encephalopathy is a neuropsychiatric complication of liver disease which is partly associated with elevated ammonemia. Urea hydrolysis by urease-producing bacteria in the colon is often mentioned as one of the main routes of ammonia production in the body, yet research on treatments targeting bacterial ureases in hepatic encephalopathy is limited. Herein we report a hydroxamate-based urease inhibitor, 2-octynohydroxamic acid, exhibiting improved in vitro potency compared to hydroxamic acids that were previously investigated for hepatic encephalopathy. 2-octynohydroxamic acid shows low cytotoxic and mutagenic potential within a micromolar concentration range as well as reduces ammonemia in rodent models of liver disease. Furthermore, 2-octynohydroxamic acid treatment decreases cerebellar glutamine, a product of ammonia metabolism, in male bile duct ligated rats. A prototype colonic formulation enables reduced systemic exposure to 2-octynohydroxamic acid in male dogs. Overall, this work suggests that urease inhibitors delivered to the colon by means of colonic formulations represent a prospective approach for the treatment of hepatic encephalopathy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diana Evstafeva
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Department of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences, ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Filip Ilievski
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Department of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences, ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Yinyin Bao
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Department of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences, ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Zhi Luo
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Department of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences, ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Boris Abramovic
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Department of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences, ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Sunghyun Kang
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Department of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences, ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Christian Steuer
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Department of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences, ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Elita Montanari
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Department of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences, ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Tommaso Casalini
- Institute for Chemical and Bioengineering, Department of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences, ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Dunja Simicic
- CIBM Center for Biomedical Imaging, Lausanne, Switzerland
- Animal Imaging and Technology, EPFL, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Dario Sessa
- Swiss Pediatric Liver Center, Department of Pediatrics, Gynecology and Obstetrics, University Hospitals Geneva and University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Stefanita-Octavian Mitrea
- CIBM Center for Biomedical Imaging, Lausanne, Switzerland
- Animal Imaging and Technology, EPFL, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Katarzyna Pierzchala
- CIBM Center for Biomedical Imaging, Lausanne, Switzerland
- Animal Imaging and Technology, EPFL, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Cristina Cudalbu
- CIBM Center for Biomedical Imaging, Lausanne, Switzerland
- Animal Imaging and Technology, EPFL, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Chelsie E Armbruster
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, State University of New York at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, USA
| | - Jean-Christophe Leroux
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Department of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences, ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.
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Shah YR, Ali H, Tiwari A, Guevara-Lazo D, Nombera-Aznaran N, Pinnam BSM, Gangwani MK, Gopakumar H, Sohail AH, Kanumilli S, Calderon-Martinez E, Krishnamoorthy G, Thakral N, Dahiya DS. Role of fecal microbiota transplant in management of hepatic encephalopathy: Current trends and future directions. World J Hepatol 2024; 16:17-32. [PMID: 38313244 PMCID: PMC10835490 DOI: 10.4254/wjh.v16.i1.17] [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: 09/16/2023] [Revised: 12/02/2023] [Accepted: 01/03/2024] [Indexed: 01/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) offers a potential treatment avenue for hepatic encephalopathy (HE) by leveraging beneficial bacterial displacement to restore a balanced gut microbiome. The prevalence of HE varies with liver disease severity and comorbidities. HE pathogenesis involves ammonia toxicity, gut-brain communication disruption, and inflammation. FMT aims to restore gut microbiota balance, addressing these factors. FMT's efficacy has been explored in various conditions, including HE. Studies suggest that FMT can modulate gut microbiota, reduce ammonia levels, and alleviate inflammation. FMT has shown promise in alcohol-associated, hepatitis B and C-associated, and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. Benefits include improved liver function, cognitive function, and the slowing of disease progression. However, larger, controlled studies are needed to validate its effectiveness in these contexts. Studies have shown cognitive improvements through FMT, with potential benefits in cirrhotic patients. Notably, trials have demonstrated reduced serious adverse events and cognitive enhancements in FMT arms compared to the standard of care. Although evidence is promising, challenges remain: Limited patient numbers, varied dosages, administration routes, and donor profiles. Further large-scale, controlled trials are essential to establish standardized guidelines and ensure FMT's clinical applications and efficacy. While FMT holds potential for HE management, ongoing research is needed to address these challenges, optimize protocols, and expand its availability as a therapeutic option for diverse hepatic conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yash R Shah
- Department of Internal Medicine, Trinity Health Oakland/Wayne State University, Pontiac, MI 48341, United States
| | - Hassam Ali
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, East Carolina University/Brody School of Medicine, Greenville, NC 27858, United States
| | - Angad Tiwari
- Department of Internal Medicine, Maharani Laxmi Bai Medical College, Jhansi 284001, India
| | - David Guevara-Lazo
- Faculty of Medicine, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Lima 15102, Peru
| | | | - Bhanu Siva Mohan Pinnam
- Department of Internal Medicine, John H. Stroger Hospital of Cook County, Chicago, IL 60612, United States
| | - Manesh Kumar Gangwani
- Department of Internal Medicine, The University of Toledo, Toledo, OH 43606, United States
| | - Harishankar Gopakumar
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of Illinois College of Medicine at Peoria, Peoria, IL 61605, United States
| | - Amir H Sohail
- Department of Surgery, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM 87106, United States
| | | | - Ernesto Calderon-Martinez
- Department of Internal Medicine, Universidad Nacional Autonoma de Mexico, Ciudad De Mexico 04510, Mexico
| | - Geetha Krishnamoorthy
- Department of Internal Medicine, Trinity Health Oakland/Wayne State University, Pontiac, MI 48341, United States
| | - Nimish Thakral
- Department of Digestive Diseases and Nutrition, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40536, United States
| | - Dushyant Singh Dahiya
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology & Motility, The University of Kansas School of Medicine, Kansas City, KS 66160, United States.
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Mullish BH, Tohumcu E, Porcari S, Fiorani M, Di Tommaso N, Gasbarrini A, Cammarota G, Ponziani FR, Ianiro G. The role of faecal microbiota transplantation in chronic noncommunicable disorders. J Autoimmun 2023; 141:103034. [PMID: 37087392 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaut.2023.103034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2023] [Revised: 03/09/2023] [Accepted: 03/17/2023] [Indexed: 04/24/2023]
Abstract
The gut microbiome plays a key role in influencing several pathways and functions involved in human health, including metabolism, protection against infection, and immune regulation. Perturbation of the gut microbiome is recognised as a pathogenic factor in several gastrointestinal and extraintestinal disorders, and is increasingly considered as a therapeutic target in these conditions. Faecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) is the transfer of the microbiota from healthy screened stool donors into the gut of affected patients, and is a well-established and highly effective treatment for recurrent Clostridioides difficile infection. Despite the mechanisms of efficacy of FMT not being fully understood, it has been investigated in several chronic noncommunicable disorders, with variable results. This review aims to give an overview of mechanisms of efficacy of FMT in chronic noncommunicable disorders, and to paint the current landscape of its investigation in these medical conditions, including inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), chronic liver disorders, and also extraintestinal autoimmune conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin H Mullish
- Division of Digestive Diseases, Department of Metabolism, Digestion and Reproduction, Faculty of Medicine, St Mary's Hospital Campus, Imperial College London, London, UK; Departments of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, St Mary's Hospital, Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, London, UK
| | - Ege Tohumcu
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Gastroenterology Unit, Digestive Disease Center, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, Italy; Department of Translational Medicine and Surgery, Università Cattolica Del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
| | - Serena Porcari
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Gastroenterology Unit, Digestive Disease Center, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, Italy; Department of Translational Medicine and Surgery, Università Cattolica Del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
| | - Marcello Fiorani
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Gastroenterology Unit, Digestive Disease Center, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, Italy; Department of Translational Medicine and Surgery, Università Cattolica Del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
| | - Natalia Di Tommaso
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Gastroenterology Unit, Digestive Disease Center, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, Italy; Department of Translational Medicine and Surgery, Università Cattolica Del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
| | - Antonio Gasbarrini
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Gastroenterology Unit, Digestive Disease Center, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, Italy; Department of Translational Medicine and Surgery, Università Cattolica Del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
| | - Giovanni Cammarota
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Gastroenterology Unit, Digestive Disease Center, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, Italy; Department of Translational Medicine and Surgery, Università Cattolica Del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
| | - Francesca Romana Ponziani
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Gastroenterology Unit, Digestive Disease Center, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, Italy; Department of Translational Medicine and Surgery, Università Cattolica Del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
| | - Gianluca Ianiro
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Gastroenterology Unit, Digestive Disease Center, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, Italy; Department of Translational Medicine and Surgery, Università Cattolica Del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy.
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Gilbert MC, Setayesh T, Wan YJY. The contributions of bacteria metabolites to the development of hepatic encephalopathy. LIVER RESEARCH 2023; 7:296-303. [PMID: 38221945 PMCID: PMC10786625 DOI: 10.1016/j.livres.2022.11.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Over 20% of mortality during acute liver failure is associated with the development of hepatic encephalopathy (HE). Thus, HE is a complication of acute liver failure with a broad spectrum of neuropsychiatric abnormalities ranging from subclinical alterations to coma. HE is caused by the diversion of portal blood into systemic circulation through portosystemic collateral vessels. Thus, the brain is exposed to intestinal-derived toxic substances. Moreover, the strategies to prevent advancement and improve the prognosis of such a liver-brain disease rely on intestinal microbial modulation. This is supported by the findings that antibiotics such as rifaximin and laxative lactulose can alleviate hepatic cirrhosis and/or prevent HE. Together, the significance of the gut-liver-brain axis in human health warrants attention. This review paper focuses on the roles of bacteria metabolites, mainly ammonia and bile acids (BAs) as well as BA receptors in HE. The literature search conducted for this review included searches for phrases such as BA receptors, BAs, ammonia, farnesoid X receptor (FXR), G protein-coupled bile acid receptor 1 (GPBAR1 or TGR5), sphingosine-1-phosphate receptor 2 (S1PR2), and cirrhosis in conjunction with the phrase hepatic encephalopathy and portosystemic encephalopathy. PubMed, as well as Google Scholar, was the search engines used to find relevant publications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miranda Claire Gilbert
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of California, Davis, Sacramento, CA, USA
| | - Tahereh Setayesh
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of California, Davis, Sacramento, CA, USA
| | - Yu-Jui Yvonne Wan
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of California, Davis, Sacramento, CA, USA
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Torre A, Córdova-Gallardo J, Frati Munari AC. Rifaximin Alfa and Liver Diseases: More Than a Treatment for Encephalopathy, a Disease Modifier. Ther Clin Risk Manag 2023; 19:839-851. [PMID: 37899985 PMCID: PMC10612522 DOI: 10.2147/tcrm.s425292] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2023] [Accepted: 09/17/2023] [Indexed: 10/31/2023] Open
Abstract
RFX, a rifamycin-based antibacterial agent obtained by the culture of the actinomycete Streptomyces mediterranei, has a broad antibacterial spectrum covering gram- positive, gram-negative, aerobic, and anaerobic bacteria. RFX is an antibiotic that elicits its effect by inhibiting bacterial RNA synthesis. When administered orally, its intestinal absorption is extremely low (<0.4%), restricting antibacterial activity mainly in the intestinal tract, with few systemic side effects. RFX has been recommended by the American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases and the European Association for the Study of the Liver guidelines for the treatment of HE. RFX may contribute to restore hepatic function and to decrease the development of liver fibrosis. Its efficacy has been shown in patients with previous hepatic encephalopathy and several complications, such as infections, including spontaneous bacterial peritonitis, ascites and oesophageal variceal bleeding. Thus, RFX has an outstanding role in the therapeutic arsenal in hepatic cirrhosis, under the concept of disease modifier.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aldo Torre
- Guest Research, Metabolic Unit Department, Instituto Nacional de Ciencias Médicas Y Nutrición “Salvador Zubirán”, México City, Mexico
- Guest Research, Liver Unit Department, Hospital General de México, México City, Mexico
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Widjaja F, Rietjens IMCM. From-Toilet-to-Freezer: A Review on Requirements for an Automatic Protocol to Collect and Store Human Fecal Samples for Research Purposes. Biomedicines 2023; 11:2658. [PMID: 37893032 PMCID: PMC10603957 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11102658] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2023] [Revised: 09/22/2023] [Accepted: 09/24/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The composition, viability and metabolic functionality of intestinal microbiota play an important role in human health and disease. Studies on intestinal microbiota are often based on fecal samples, because these can be sampled in a non-invasive way, although procedures for sampling, processing and storage vary. This review presents factors to consider when developing an automated protocol for sampling, processing and storing fecal samples: donor inclusion criteria, urine-feces separation in smart toilets, homogenization, aliquoting, usage or type of buffer to dissolve and store fecal material, temperature and time for processing and storage and quality control. The lack of standardization and low-throughput of state-of-the-art fecal collection procedures promote a more automated protocol. Based on this review, an automated protocol is proposed. Fecal samples should be collected and immediately processed under anaerobic conditions at either room temperature (RT) for a maximum of 4 h or at 4 °C for no more than 24 h. Upon homogenization, preferably in the absence of added solvent to allow addition of a buffer of choice at a later stage, aliquots obtained should be stored at either -20 °C for up to a few months or -80 °C for a longer period-up to 2 years. Protocols for quality control should characterize microbial composition and viability as well as metabolic functionality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frances Widjaja
- Division of Toxicology, Wageningen University & Research, 6708 WE Wageningen, The Netherlands;
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Zacharias HD, Kamel F, Tan J, Kimer N, Gluud LL, Morgan MY. Rifaximin for prevention and treatment of hepatic encephalopathy in people with cirrhosis. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2023; 7:CD011585. [PMID: 37467180 PMCID: PMC10360160 DOI: 10.1002/14651858.cd011585.pub2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/21/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hepatic encephalopathy describes the spectrum of neuropsychiatric changes that may complicate the course of cirrhosis and detrimentally affect outcomes. Ammonia plays a key role in its development. Rifaximin is a non-absorbable antibiotic that inhibits urease-producing bacteria and reduces absorption of dietary and bacterial ammonia. OBJECTIVES To evaluate the beneficial and harmful effects of rifaximin versus placebo, no intervention, or non-absorbable disaccharides for: (i) the prevention of hepatic encephalopathy, and (ii) the treatment of minimal and overt hepatic encephalopathy, in people with cirrhosis, both when used alone and when combined with a non-absorbable disaccharide. SEARCH METHODS We searched the Cochrane Hepato-Biliary Group Clinical Trials Register, CENTRAL, MEDLINE, Embase, three other databases, the reference lists of identified papers, and relevant conference proceedings. We wrote to authors and pharmaceutical companies for information on other published, unpublished, or ongoing trials. Searches were performed to January 2023. SELECTION CRITERIA We included randomised clinical trials assessing prevention or treatment of hepatic encephalopathy with rifaximin alone, or with a non-absorbable disaccharide, versus placebo/no intervention, or a non-absorbable disaccharide alone. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS Six authors independently searched for studies, extracted data, and validated findings. We assessed the design, bias risk, and participant/intervention characteristics of the included studies. We assessed mortality, serious adverse events, health-related quality of life, hepatic encephalopathy, non-serious adverse events, blood ammonia, Number Connection Test-A, and length of hospital stay. MAIN RESULTS We included 41 trials involving 4545 people with, or at risk for, developing hepatic encephalopathy. We excluded 89 trials and identified 13 ongoing studies. Some trials involved participants with more than one type of hepatic encephalopathy or more than one treatment comparison. Hepatic encephalopathy was classed as acute (13 trials), chronic (7 trials), or minimal (8 trials), or else participants were considered at risk for its development (13 trials). The control groups received placebo (12 trials), no/standard treatment (1 trial), or a non-absorbable disaccharide (14 trials). Eighteen trials assessed rifaximin plus a non-absorbable disaccharide versus a non-absorbable disaccharide alone. We classified 11 trials as at high risk of overall bias for mortality and 28 for non-mortality outcomes, mainly due to lack of blinding, incomplete outcome data, and selective reporting. Compared to placebo/no intervention, rifaximin likely has no overall effect on mortality (risk ratio (RR) 0.83, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.50 to 1.38; P = 48, I2 = 0%; 13 trials, 1007 participants; moderate-certainty evidence), and there may be no overall effect when compared to non-absorbable disaccharides (RR 0.99, 95% CI 0.49 to 1.97; P = 0.97, I2 = 0%; 10 trials, 786 participants; low-certainty evidence). However, there is likely a reduction in the overall risk of mortality when comparing rifaximin plus a non-absorbable disaccharide to a non-absorbable disaccharide alone (RR 0.69, 95% CI 0.55 to 0.86; number needed to treat for an additional beneficial outcome (NNTB) = 22; P = 0.001, I2 = 0%; 14 trials, 1946 participants; moderate-certainty evidence). There is likely no effect on the overall risk of serious adverse events when comparing rifaximin to placebo/no intervention (RR 1.05, 95% CI 0.83 to 1.32; P = 68, I2 = 0%; 9 trials, 801 participants; moderate-certainty evidence) and there may be no overall effect when compared to non-absorbable disaccharides (RR 0.97, 95% CI 0.66 to 1.40; P = 85, I2 = 0%; 8 trials, 681 participants; low-certainty evidence). However, there was very low-certainty evidence that use of rifaximin plus a non-absorbable disaccharide may be associated with a lower risk of serious adverse events than use of a non-absorbable disaccharide alone (RR 0.66, 95% CI 0.45 to 0.98; P = 0.04, I2 = 60%; 7 trials, 1076 participants). Rifaximin likely results in an overall effect on health-related quality of life when compared to placebo/no intervention (mean difference (MD) -1.43, 95% CI -2.87 to 0.02; P = 0.05, I2 = 81%; 4 trials, 214 participants; moderate-certainty evidence), and may benefit health-related quality of life in people with minimal hepatic encephalopathy (MD -2.07, 95% CI -2.79 to -1.35; P < 0.001, I2 = 0%; 3 trials, 176 participants). The overall effect on health-related quality of life when comparing rifaximin to non-absorbable disaccharides is very uncertain (MD -0.33, 95% CI -1.65 to 0.98; P = 0.62, I2 = 0%; 2 trials, 249 participants; very low-certainty evidence). None of the combined rifaximin/non-absorbable disaccharide trials reported on this outcome. There is likely an overall beneficial effect on hepatic encephalopathy when comparing rifaximin to placebo/no intervention (RR 0.56, 95% CI 0.42 to 0.77; NNTB = 5; P < 0.001, I2 = 68%; 13 trials, 1009 participants; moderate-certainty evidence). This effect may be more marked in people with minimal hepatic encephalopathy (RR 0.40, 95% CI 0.31 to 0.52; NNTB = 3; P < 0.001, I2 = 10%; 6 trials, 364 participants) and in prevention trials (RR 0.71, 95% CI 0.56 to 0.91; NNTB = 10; P = 0.007, I2 = 36%; 4 trials, 474 participants). There may be little overall effect on hepatic encephalopathy when comparing rifaximin to non-absorbable disaccharides (RR 0.85, 95% CI 0.69 to 1.05; P = 0.13, I2 = 0%; 13 trials, 921 participants; low-certainty evidence). However, there may be an overall beneficial effect on hepatic encephalopathy when comparing rifaximin plus a non-absorbable disaccharide to a non-absorbable disaccharide alone (RR 0.58, 95% CI 0.48 to 0.71; NNTB = 5; P < 0.001, I2 = 62%; 17 trials, 2332 participants; low-certainty evidence). AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS Compared to placebo/no intervention, rifaximin likely improves health-related quality of life in people with minimal hepatic encephalopathy, and may improve hepatic encephalopathy, particularly in populations with minimal hepatic encephalopathy and when it is used for prevention. Rifaximin likely has no overall effect on mortality, serious adverse events, health-related quality of life, or hepatic encephalopathy compared to non-absorbable disaccharides. However, when used in combination with a non-absorbable disaccharide, it likely reduces overall mortality risk, the risk of serious adverse events, improves hepatic encephalopathy, reduces the length of hospital stay, and prevents the occurrence/recurrence of hepatic encephalopathy. The certainty of evidence for these outcomes is very low to moderate; further high-quality trials are needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Harry D Zacharias
- UCL Institute for Liver & Digestive Health, Division of Medicine, Royal Free Campus, University College London, London, UK
| | - Fady Kamel
- UCL Institute for Liver & Digestive Health, Division of Medicine, Royal Free Campus, University College London, London, UK
| | - Jaclyn Tan
- UCL Institute for Liver & Digestive Health, Division of Medicine, Royal Free Campus, University College London, London, UK
| | - Nina Kimer
- Gastrounit, Medical Division, Copenhagen University Hospital Hvidovre, Hvidovre, Denmark
| | - Lise Lotte Gluud
- Gastrounit, Medical Division, Copenhagen University Hospital Hvidovre, Hvidovre, Denmark
| | - Marsha Y Morgan
- UCL Institute for Liver & Digestive Health, Division of Medicine, Royal Free Campus, University College London, London, UK
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11
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Di Vincenzo F, Nicoletti A, Negri M, Vitale F, Zileri Dal Verme L, Gasbarrini A, Ponziani FR, Cerrito L. Gut Microbiota and Antibiotic Treatments for the Main Non-Oncologic Hepato-Biliary-Pancreatic Disorders. Antibiotics (Basel) 2023; 12:1068. [PMID: 37370387 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics12061068] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2023] [Revised: 06/10/2023] [Accepted: 06/15/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The gut microbiota is a pivotal actor in the maintenance of the balance in the complex interconnections of hepato-biliary-pancreatic system. It has both metabolic and immunologic functions, with an influence on the homeostasis of the whole organism and on the pathogenesis of a wide range of diseases, from non-neoplastic ones to tumorigenesis. The continuous bidirectional metabolic communication between gut and hepato-pancreatic district, through bile ducts and portal vein, leads to a continuous interaction with translocated bacteria and their products. Chronic liver disease and pancreatic disorders can lead to reduced intestinal motility, decreased bile acid synthesis and intestinal immune dysfunction, determining a compositional and functional imbalance in gut microbiota (dysbiosis), with potentially harmful consequences on the host's health. The modulation of the gut microbiota by antibiotics represents a pioneering challenge with striking future therapeutic opportunities, even in non-infectious diseases. In this setting, antibiotics are aimed at harmonizing gut microbial function and, sometimes, composition. A more targeted and specific approach should be the goal to pursue in the future, tailoring the treatment according to the type of microbiota modulation to be achieved and using combined strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Federica Di Vincenzo
- Internal Medicine and Gastroenterology, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Alberto Nicoletti
- Internal Medicine and Gastroenterology, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Marcantonio Negri
- Internal Medicine and Gastroenterology, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Federica Vitale
- Internal Medicine and Gastroenterology, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Lorenzo Zileri Dal Verme
- Internal Medicine and Gastroenterology, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Antonio Gasbarrini
- Internal Medicine and Gastroenterology, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy
- Dipartimento Universitario di Medicina e Chirurgia Traslazionale, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Francesca Romana Ponziani
- Internal Medicine and Gastroenterology, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy
- Dipartimento Universitario di Medicina e Chirurgia Traslazionale, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Lucia Cerrito
- Internal Medicine and Gastroenterology, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy
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12
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Jagdish RK, Roy A, Kumar K, Premkumar M, Sharma M, Rao PN, Reddy DN, Kulkarni AV. Pathophysiology and management of liver cirrhosis: from portal hypertension to acute-on-chronic liver failure. Front Med (Lausanne) 2023; 10:1060073. [PMID: 37396918 PMCID: PMC10311004 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2023.1060073] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2022] [Accepted: 05/19/2023] [Indexed: 07/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Cirrhosis transcends various progressive stages from compensation to decompensation driven by the severity of portal hypertension. The downstream effect of increasing portal hypertension severity leads to various pathophysiological pathways, which result in the cardinal complications of cirrhosis, including ascites, variceal hemorrhage, and hepatic encephalopathy. Additionally, the severity of portal hypertension is the central driver for further advanced complications of hyperdynamic circulation, hepatorenal syndrome, and cirrhotic cardiomyopathy. The management of these individual complications has specific nuances which have undergone significant developments. In contrast to the classical natural history of cirrhosis and its complications which follows an insidious trajectory, acute-on-chronic failure (ACLF) leads to a rapidly downhill course with high short-term mortality unless intervened at the early stages. The management of ACLF involves specific interventions, which have quickly evolved in recent years. In this review, we focus on complications of portal hypertension and delve into an approach toward ACLF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rakesh Kumar Jagdish
- Department of Hepatology, Gastroenterology and Liver Transplant Medicine, Metro Hospital, Noida, India
| | - Akash Roy
- Department of Gastroenterology, Institute of Gastrosciences and Liver Transplantation, Apollo Hospitals, Kolkata, India
| | - Karan Kumar
- Department of Hepatology, Mahatma Gandhi Medical College and Hospital, Jaipur, India
| | - Madhumita Premkumar
- Department of Hepatology, Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER), Chandigarh, India
| | - Mithun Sharma
- Department of Hepatology, Asian Institute of Gastroenterology (AIG) Hospitals, Hyderabad, India
| | - Padaki Nagaraja Rao
- Department of Hepatology, Asian Institute of Gastroenterology (AIG) Hospitals, Hyderabad, India
| | - Duvvur Nageshwar Reddy
- Department of Hepatology, Asian Institute of Gastroenterology (AIG) Hospitals, Hyderabad, India
| | - Anand V. Kulkarni
- Department of Hepatology, Asian Institute of Gastroenterology (AIG) Hospitals, Hyderabad, India
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13
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Izquierdo-Altarejos P, Martínez-García M, Felipo V. Extracellular vesicles from hyperammonemic rats induce neuroinflammation in hippocampus and impair cognition in control rats. Cell Mol Life Sci 2023; 80:90. [PMID: 36922433 PMCID: PMC11072842 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-023-04750-7] [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] [Received: 08/31/2022] [Revised: 02/24/2023] [Accepted: 03/06/2023] [Indexed: 03/17/2023]
Abstract
Patients with liver cirrhosis show hyperammonemia and peripheral inflammation and may show hepatic encephalopathy with cognitive impairment, reproduced by rats with chronic hyperammonemia. Peripheral inflammation induces neuroinflammation in hippocampus of hyperammonemic rats, altering neurotransmission and leading to cognitive impairment. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) may transmit pathological effects from the periphery to the brain. We hypothesized that EVs from peripheral blood would contribute to cognitive alterations in hyperammonemic rats. The aims were to assess whether EVs from plasma of hyperammonemic rats (HA-EVs) induce cognitive impairment and to identify the underlying mechanisms. Injection of HA-EVs impaired learning and memory, induced microglia and astrocytes activation and increased TNFα and IL-1β. Ex vivo incubation of hippocampal slices from control rats with HA-EVs reproduced these alterations. HA-EVs increased membrane expression of TNFR1, reduced membrane expression of TGFβR2 and Smad7 and IκBα levels and increased IκBα phosphorylation. This led to increased activation of NF-κB and IL-1β production, altering membrane expression of NR2B, GluA1 and GluA2 subunits, which would be responsible for cognitive impairment. All these effects of HA-EVs were prevented by blocking TNFα, indicating that they were mediated by enhanced activation of TNFR1 by TNFα. We show that these mechanisms are very different from those leading to motor incoordination, which is due to altered GABAergic neurotransmission in cerebellum. This demonstrates that peripheral EVs play a key role in the transmission of peripheral alterations to the brain in hyperammonemia and hepatic encephalopathy, inducing neuroinflammation and altering neurotransmission in hippocampus, which in turn is responsible for the cognitive deficits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paula Izquierdo-Altarejos
- Laboratory of Neurobiology, Centro de Investigacion Príncipe Felipe, Eduardo Primo-Yufera 3, 46012, Valencia, Spain
| | - Mar Martínez-García
- Laboratory of Neurobiology, Centro de Investigacion Príncipe Felipe, Eduardo Primo-Yufera 3, 46012, Valencia, Spain
| | - Vicente Felipo
- Laboratory of Neurobiology, Centro de Investigacion Príncipe Felipe, Eduardo Primo-Yufera 3, 46012, Valencia, Spain.
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14
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Ahmed Z, Badal J, Nawras M, Battepati D, Farooq U, Arif SF, Lee-Smith W, Aziz M, Iqbal U, Nawaz A, Gangwani MK, Iqbal A, Kobeissy A, Addissie BD, Hassan M, Saab S. Role of rifaximin in the management of alcohol-associated hepatitis: A systematic review and meta-analysis. J Gastroenterol Hepatol 2023; 38:703-709. [PMID: 36919224 DOI: 10.1111/jgh.16179] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2022] [Revised: 02/20/2023] [Accepted: 03/08/2023] [Indexed: 03/16/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIM Alcohol-associated hepatitis (AAH) is an acute, inflammatory liver disease with severe short-term and long-term morbidity and mortality. AAH can lead to severe complications including hepatic failure, gastrointestinal bleeding, sepsis, and the development or decompensation of cirrhosis. Rifaximin is an antibiotic that reduces bacterial overgrowth and gut translocation, and it may have a role in decreasing systemic inflammation and infection in patients with AAH. Therefore, we conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to evaluate the role of rifaximin in the management of AAH. METHODS A comprehensive search strategy was used to identify studies that met our inclusion criteria in Embase, MEDLINE (PubMed), Cochrane Library, Web of Science Core Collection, and Google Scholar. Outcomes of interest included rates of infection, 90-day mortality, and overall mortality between the rifaximin versus non-rifaximin group. Open Meta Analyst software was used to compute the results. RESULTS Three studies with a total of 162 patients were included in the final meta-analysis. Of the three studies, two were randomized control trials (RCTs), and one was a case-control study. There was a significantly lower rate of infection in the rifaximin group versus the non-rifaximin group (RR: 0.331, 95% CI: 0.159-0.689, I2 = 0%, P = 0.003). There was no significant difference in 90-day mortality in the rifaximin versus non-rifaximin group (RR: 0.743, 95% CI: 0.298-1.850, I2 = 24%, P = 0.523), nor was there a significant difference in overall mortality (RR: 0.624, 95% 95% CI: 0.299-1.3, I2 = 7.1%, P = 0.208). CONCLUSIONS The use of rifaximin in AAH is associated with a lower rate of infection rate than the non-rifaximin group. Additional research is needed to determine whether this effect is more pronounced in patients concurrently being treated with prednisolone. Differences in 90-day or overall mortality did not reach statistical significance. Further studies, particularly large randomized controlled trials, are needed to establish the role of rifaximin in AAH, especially as an adjunct therapy with prednisolone.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zohaib Ahmed
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Toledo Medical Center, Toledo, Ohio, USA
| | - Joyce Badal
- University of Toledo College of Medicine and Life Sciences, Toledo, Ohio, USA
| | - Mohamad Nawras
- University of Toledo College of Medicine and Life Sciences, Toledo, Ohio, USA
| | - Dhanushya Battepati
- University of Toledo College of Medicine and Life Sciences, Toledo, Ohio, USA
| | - Umer Farooq
- Department of Internal Medicine, Loyola Medicine/MacNeal Hospital, Berwyn, Illinois, USA
| | | | | | - Muhammad Aziz
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of Toledo, Toledo, Ohio, USA
| | - Umair Iqbal
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Geisinger Medical Center, Danville, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Ahmad Nawaz
- Yale New Haven Hospital, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Manesh Kumar Gangwani
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Toledo Medical Center, Toledo, Ohio, USA
| | - Amna Iqbal
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Toledo Medical Center, Toledo, Ohio, USA
| | - Abdallah Kobeissy
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of Toledo, Toledo, Ohio, USA
| | - Benyam D Addissie
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Geisinger Medical Center, Danville, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Mona Hassan
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of Toledo, Toledo, Ohio, USA
| | - Sammy Saab
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA (University of California Los Angeles), Los Angeles, California, USA
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15
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de Wit K, Beuers U, Mukha A, Stigter ECA, Gulersonmez MC, Ramos Pittol JM, Middendorp S, Takkenberg RB, van Mil SWC. Rifaximin stimulates nitrogen detoxification by PXR-independent mechanisms in human small intestinal organoids. Liver Int 2023; 43:649-659. [PMID: 36463417 DOI: 10.1111/liv.15491] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2022] [Revised: 11/30/2022] [Accepted: 12/02/2022] [Indexed: 02/13/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Recurrent hepatic encephalopathy (HE) is characterized by hyperammonaemia in combination with neuropsychiatric abnormalities and is treated with lactulose and rifaximin. Rifaximin is a pregnane X receptor (PXR) agonist with low systemic and high intestinal bioavailability. The mechanisms by which it alleviates HE are unclear. We used human small intestinal (hSI) organoids to study whether rifaximin, via PXR activation, affects the epithelial biotransformation machinery, and to gain understanding of its low systemic availability. METHODS We generated PXR knockdown hSI organoids via lentiviral delivery of short hairpin RNAs. Organoids were cultured for 24 h with rifaximin or rifampicin. RNA-sequencing and metabolomics were performed to analyse gene expression and amino acid metabolism. Luminal rifaximin was quantified by photospectrometry. RESULTS Treatment of wild-type hSI organoids with rifaximin resulted in >twofold differential expression of 131 genes compared to DMSO. These effects were largely PXR independent and related to amino acid metabolism. Rifaximin decreased expression of glutaminase-2 and increased expression of asparagine synthetase and solute carrier 7A11, thereby increasing intracellular glutamine and asparagine concentrations, indicating active ammonia detoxification. Rifaximin was apically excreted into the lumen in an ATP binding cassette B1 (ABCB1)-dependent manner. CONCLUSIONS Rifaximin-after uptake into enterocytes-stimulates intracellular nitrogen detoxification by PXR-independent mechanisms. Active apical excretion of rifaximin by ABCB1 into the intestinal lumen explains its low systemic bioavailability. Our study implies that rifaximin, next to modulation of the microbiome, has direct effects on ammonia scavenging in the human small intestinal epithelium.
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Affiliation(s)
- Koos de Wit
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam Gastroenterology Endocrinology Metabolism, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Ulrich Beuers
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam Gastroenterology Endocrinology Metabolism, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Anna Mukha
- Center for Molecular Medicine, UMC Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Edwin C A Stigter
- Center for Molecular Medicine, UMC Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - M Can Gulersonmez
- Center for Molecular Medicine, UMC Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Jose M Ramos Pittol
- Center for Molecular Medicine, UMC Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Sabine Middendorp
- Division of Paediatric Gastroenterology, Wilhelmina Children's Hospital, UMC Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands.,Regenerative Medicine Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - R Bart Takkenberg
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam Gastroenterology Endocrinology Metabolism, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Saskia W C van Mil
- Center for Molecular Medicine, UMC Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
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16
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Ji J, Wu L, Wei J, Wu J, Guo C. The Gut Microbiome and Ferroptosis in MAFLD. J Clin Transl Hepatol 2023; 11:174-187. [PMID: 36406312 PMCID: PMC9647110 DOI: 10.14218/jcth.2022.00136] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2022] [Revised: 05/22/2022] [Accepted: 06/12/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Metabolic-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) is a new disease definition, and is proposed to replace the previous name, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Globally, MAFLD/NAFLD is the most common liver disease, with an incidence rate ranging from 6% to 35% in adult populations. The pathogenesis of MAFLD/NAFLD is closely related to insulin resistance (IR), and the genetic susceptibility to acquired metabolic stress-associated liver injury. Similarly, the gut microbiota in MAFLD/NAFLD is being revaluated by scientists, as the gut and liver influence each other via the gut-liver axis. Ferroptosis is a novel form of programmed cell death caused by iron-dependent lipid peroxidation. Emerging evidence suggests that ferroptosis has a key role in the pathological progression of MAFLD/NAFLD, and inhibition of ferroptosis may become a novel therapeutic strategy for the treatment of NAFLD. This review focuses on the main mechanisms behind the promotion of MAFLD/NAFLD occurrence and development by the intestinal microbiota and ferroptosis. It outlines new strategies to target the intestinal microbiota and ferroptosis to facilitate future MAFLD/NAFLD therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Ji
- Department of Gastroenterology, Putuo People’s Hospital, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
- Department of Gastroenterology, Shanghai Tenth People’s Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Liwei Wu
- Department of Gastroenterology, Putuo People’s Hospital, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
- Department of Gastroenterology, Shanghai Tenth People’s Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Jue Wei
- Department of Gastroenterology Shanghai Tongren Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Jianye Wu
- Department of Gastroenterology, Putuo People’s Hospital, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
- Correspondence to: Chuanyong Guo, Department of Gastroenterology, Shanghai Tenth People’s Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, NO. 301, Middle Yanchang Road, Jing’an District, Shanghai 200072, China. ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6527-4673. E-mail: ; Jianye Wu: Department of Gastroenterology, Putuo People’s Hospital, NO. 1291, Jiangning road, Putuo, Shanghai 200060, China. ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2675-4241. E-mail:
| | - Chuanyong Guo
- Department of Gastroenterology, Putuo People’s Hospital, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
- Department of Gastroenterology, Shanghai Tenth People’s Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Correspondence to: Chuanyong Guo, Department of Gastroenterology, Shanghai Tenth People’s Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, NO. 301, Middle Yanchang Road, Jing’an District, Shanghai 200072, China. ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6527-4673. E-mail: ; Jianye Wu: Department of Gastroenterology, Putuo People’s Hospital, NO. 1291, Jiangning road, Putuo, Shanghai 200060, China. ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2675-4241. E-mail:
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17
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Moon AM, Kim HP, Jiang Y, Lupu G, Bissram JS, Barritt AS, Tapper EB. Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis on the Effects of Lactulose and Rifaximin on Patient-Reported Outcomes in Hepatic Encephalopathy. Am J Gastroenterol 2023; 118:284-293. [PMID: 36730910 PMCID: PMC9904367 DOI: 10.14309/ajg.0000000000002008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2022] [Accepted: 09/09/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Patients with hepatic encephalopathy (HE) suffer from significant symptoms and impaired quality of life. Improved understanding on the potential benefits of first-line HE therapies may aid patient-provider discussions regarding expected benefits of HE treatments. We aimed to perform a systematic review to assess the effects of lactulose and rifaximin on patient-reported outcomes (PROs). METHODS We searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Cochrane Library databases for randomized trials or prospective cohort studies using lactulose and/or rifaximin for the management of HE and assessing changes in PRO using PRO instruments. Physician reviewers independently reviewed titles, abstracts, and full texts and extracted data independently. We performed random-effects meta-analyses to examine the effects of lactulose and rifaximin on PROs. RESULTS We identified 16 studies representing 1,376 patients that met inclusion criteria. Most studies assessed treatment of covert HE. In patients with covert HE, lactulose significantly improved overall patient-reported health-related quality of life measured by the Sickness Impact Profile with an estimated pooled mean difference of 6.92 (95% confidence interval: 6.66-7.18) and showed improvements in several subscales. Conversely, rifaximin demonstrated a nonstatistically significant mean difference in the total Sickness Impact Profile of 4.76 (95% confidence interval: -4.23 to 13.76), with strong evidence of heterogeneity between these studies. Studies examining other PRO instruments showed improvements in overall health-related quality of life, social functioning, and sleep from both lactulose and rifaximin. DISCUSSION Patients with HE treated with lactulose or rifaximin reported improvements in important PROs. These results may inform provider-patient communication and help manage patient expectations regarding the potential benefits of HE therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew M Moon
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Hannah P Kim
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition, Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
| | - Yue Jiang
- Department of Statistical Science, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Gabriel Lupu
- Department of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Jennifer S Bissram
- Health Sciences Library, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - A Sidney Barritt
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Elliot B Tapper
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
- Gastroenterology Section, VA Ann Arbor Healthcare System, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
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18
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Lee S, Saffo S. Evolution of care in cirrhosis: Preventing hepatic decompensation through pharmacotherapy. World J Gastroenterol 2023; 29:61-74. [PMID: 36683719 PMCID: PMC9850948 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v29.i1.61] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2022] [Revised: 10/22/2022] [Accepted: 12/14/2022] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Cirrhosis is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality, impacting more than 120 million people worldwide. Although geographic differences exist, etiologic factors such as alcohol use disorder, chronic viral hepatitis infections, and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease are prevalent in nearly every region. Historically, significant effort has been devoted to modifying these risks to prevent disease progression. Nevertheless, more than 11% of patients with compensated cirrhosis experience hepatic decompensation each year. This transition signifies the most important prognostic factor in the natural history of the disease, corresponding to a decline in median survival to below 2 years. Over the past decade, the need for pharmacotherapies aimed at reducing the risk for hepatic decompensation has been emphasized, and non-selective beta-blockers have emerged as the most effective option to date. However, a critical therapeutic gap still exists, and additional therapies have been proposed, including statins, rifaximin, and sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors. Based on the results of innovative retrospective analyses and small-scale prospective trials, these pharmacotherapies represent promising options, but further studies, including randomized controlled trials, are necessary before they can be incorporated into clinical use. This report highlights the potential impact of these agents and others in preventing hepatic decompensation and discusses how this paradigm shift may pave the way for guideline-directed medical therapy in cirrhosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seohyuk Lee
- Department of Medicine, Section of Digestive Diseases, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520-8019, United States
| | - Saad Saffo
- Department of Medicine, Section of Digestive Diseases, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520-8019, United States
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Sharma K, Akre S, Chakole S, Wanjari MB. Hepatic Encephalopathy and Treatment Modalities: A Review Article. Cureus 2022; 14:e28016. [PMID: 36134085 PMCID: PMC9470972 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.28016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2022] [Accepted: 08/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
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Rifaximin Improves Spatial Learning and Memory Impairment in Rats with Liver Damage-Associated Neuroinflammation. Biomedicines 2022; 10:biomedicines10061263. [PMID: 35740285 PMCID: PMC9219896 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10061263] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2022] [Revised: 05/23/2022] [Accepted: 05/26/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) may show mild cognitive impairment. Neuroinflammation in the hippocampus mediates cognitive impairment in rat models of minimal hepatic encephalopathy (MHE). Treatment with rifaximin reverses cognitive impairment in a large proportion of cirrhotic patients with MHE. However, the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. The aims of this work were to assess if rats with mild liver damage, as a model of NAFLD, show neuroinflammation in the hippocampus and impaired cognitive function, if treatment with rifaximin reverses it, and to study the underlying mechanisms. Mild liver damage was induced with carbon-tetrachloride. Infiltration of immune cells, glial activation, and cytokine expression, as well as glutamate receptors expression in the hippocampus and cognitive function were assessed. We assessed the effects of daily treatment with rifaximin on the alterations showed by these rats. Rats with mild liver damage showed hippocampal neuroinflammation, reduced membrane expression of glutamate N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor subunits, and impaired spatial memory. Increased C-C Motif Chemokine Ligand 2 (CCL2), infiltration of monocytes, microglia activation, and increased tumor necrosis factor α (TNFα) were reversed by rifaximin, that normalized NMDA receptor expression and improved spatial memory. Thus, rifaximin reduces neuroinflammation and improves cognitive function in rats with mild liver damage, being a promising therapy for patients with NAFLD showing mild cognitive impairment.
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21
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Garbuzenko DV. Principles of diagnosis and treatment of alcohol-induced liver fibrosis. MEDITSINSKIY SOVET = MEDICAL COUNCIL 2022. [DOI: 10.21518/2079-701x-2022-16-7-104-114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Alcohol-related liver diseases are one of the leading causes of death worldwide, primarily due to complications of liver cirrhosis (LC). Early detection of alcohol-induced liver fibrosis (LF) is a difficult task, since often alcoholic liver disease (ALD) is clinically manifested only at late stages. Given that not all alcoholic suffer from ALD, the widespread use of liver biopsy to verify the diagnosis is not advisable. Despite the variety of proposed non-invasive methods for assessing the severity of LF in patients with ALD, none of them has sufficient validation and therefore cannot be recommended for widespread use in clinical practice. The most well-studied transient elastography, due to its suboptimal specificity, can be effectively used only to exclude clinically significant LF or LC. The only proven approach to treat ALD is persistent and total alcohol abstinence. While the therapeutic options for patients with severe forms of acute hepatitis remain unchanged since the 70s of the last century and are based mainly on the use of corticosteroids, currently, there are no approaches to antifibrotic therapy of ALD approved by the guidelines. At the same time, modern achievements in understanding the pathophysiological mechanisms of this disease have served as an impetus for the development of ways to solve the problem. In particular, providing intestinal eubiosis may be an important goal for the prevention and treatment of alcohol-induced LF. Randomized controlled multicenter trials involving a large number of patients are needed to confirm this and other hypotheses related to antifibrotic therapy of ALD and to accept them as a standard of medical care.
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22
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Jiménez C, Ventura-Cots M, Sala M, Calafat M, Garcia-Retortillo M, Cirera I, Cañete N, Soriano G, Poca M, Simón-Talero M, Altamirano J, Lucey M, Garcia-Tsao G, Brown RS, Schwabe RF, Verna EC, Schnabl B, Bosques-Padilla F, Mathurin P, Caballería J, Louvet A, Shawcross DL, Abraldes JG, Genescà J, Bataller R, Vargas V. Effect of rifaximin on infections, acute-on-chronic liver failure and mortality in alcoholic hepatitis: A pilot study (RIFA-AH). Liver Int 2022; 42:1109-1120. [PMID: 35220659 PMCID: PMC9311407 DOI: 10.1111/liv.15207] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2021] [Revised: 01/31/2022] [Accepted: 02/15/2022] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS Alcoholic hepatitis (AH) is associated with a high incidence of infection and mortality. Rifaximin reduces bacterial overgrowth and translocation. We aimed to study whether the administration of rifaximin as an adjuvant treatment to corticosteroids decreases the number of bacterial infections at 90 days in patients with severe AH compared to a control cohort. METHODS This was a multicentre, open, comparative pilot study of the addition of rifaximin (1200 mg/day/90 days) to the standard treatment for severe AH. The results were compared with a carefully matched historical cohort of patients treated with standard therapy and matching by age and model of end-stage liver disease (MELD). We evaluated bacterial infections, liver-related complications, mortality and liver function tests after 90 days. RESULTS Twenty-one and 42 patients were included in the rifaximin and control groups respectively. No significant baseline differences were found between groups. The mean number of infections per patient was 0.29 and 0.62 in the rifaximin and control groups, respectively (p = .049), with a lower incidence of acute-on-chronic liver failure (ACLF) linked to infections within the treatment group. Liver-related complications were lower within the rifaximin group (0.43 vs. 1.26 complications/patient respectively) (p = .01). Mortality was lower in the treated versus the control groups (14.2% vs. 30.9, p = .15) without significant differences. No serious adverse events were associated with rifaximin treatment. CONCLUSIONS Rifaximin is safe in severe AH with a significant reduction in clinical complications. A lower number of infections and a trend towards a lower ACLF and mortality favours its use in these patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- César Jiménez
- Vall d'Hebron Hospital Universitari, Liver Unit; Vall d'Hebron Institut de Recerca, Liver Unit, Universitat Autonoma de Barcelona, Department of Medicine, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Meritxell Ventura-Cots
- Vall d'Hebron Hospital Universitari, Liver Unit; Vall d'Hebron Institut de Recerca, Liver Unit, Universitat Autonoma de Barcelona, Department of Medicine, Barcelona, Spain.,Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBERehd), Madrid, Spain.,Center for Liver Diseases, Pittsburgh Liver Research Center, Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Margarita Sala
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBERehd), Madrid, Spain.,Gastroenterology Department, Hospital Universitari Germans Trias I Pujol, Badalona, Spain
| | - Margalida Calafat
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBERehd), Madrid, Spain.,Gastroenterology Department, Hospital Universitari Germans Trias I Pujol, Badalona, Spain
| | - Montserrat Garcia-Retortillo
- Liver Section, Gastroenterology Department, Hospital del Mar, IMIM (Hospital del Mar Medical Research Institute), Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Isabel Cirera
- Liver Section, Gastroenterology Department, Hospital del Mar, IMIM (Hospital del Mar Medical Research Institute), Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Nuria Cañete
- Liver Section, Gastroenterology Department, Hospital del Mar, IMIM (Hospital del Mar Medical Research Institute), Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Germán Soriano
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBERehd), Madrid, Spain.,Department of Gastroenterology Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau Barcelona Spain, Institut d'Investigació Biomèdica Sant Pau IIB Sant Pau, Gastroenterology, Barcelona, Catalunya, ES, Universitat Autonoma de Barcelona, Medicine, Barcelona, Catalunya, Spain
| | - María Poca
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBERehd), Madrid, Spain.,Department of Gastroenterology Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau Barcelona Spain, Institut d'Investigació Biomèdica Sant Pau IIB Sant Pau, Gastroenterology, Barcelona, Catalunya, ES, Universitat Autonoma de Barcelona, Medicine, Barcelona, Catalunya, Spain
| | - Macarena Simón-Talero
- Vall d'Hebron Hospital Universitari, Liver Unit; Vall d'Hebron Institut de Recerca, Liver Unit, Universitat Autonoma de Barcelona, Department of Medicine, Barcelona, Spain.,Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBERehd), Madrid, Spain
| | - José Altamirano
- Department of Internal Medicine, Hospital Quironsalud, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Michael Lucey
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Guadalupe Garcia-Tsao
- Section of Digestive Diseases, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut Section of Digestive Diseases, Department of Veterans Affairs Connecticut Healthcare, West Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Robert S Brown
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York City, New York, USA
| | - Robert F Schwabe
- Department of Medicine, Columbia University, New York City, New York, USA
| | - Elizabeth C Verna
- Center for Liver Disease and Transplantation, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York City, New York, USA
| | - Bernd Schnabl
- Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
| | | | - Philippe Mathurin
- Service des Maladies de L'appareil Digestif et Unité INSERM U995, Lille, France
| | - Juan Caballería
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBERehd), Madrid, Spain.,Liver Unit, Hospital Clinic, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Alexandre Louvet
- Service des Maladies de L'appareil Digestif et Unité INSERM U995, Lille, France
| | - Debbie L Shawcross
- Department of Inflammation Biology, School of Immunology and Microbial Sciences, Institute of Liver Sciences, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Juan G Abraldes
- Division of Gastroenterology, Liver Unit, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada
| | - Joan Genescà
- Vall d'Hebron Hospital Universitari, Liver Unit; Vall d'Hebron Institut de Recerca, Liver Unit, Universitat Autonoma de Barcelona, Department of Medicine, Barcelona, Spain.,Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBERehd), Madrid, Spain
| | - Ramon Bataller
- Center for Liver Diseases, Pittsburgh Liver Research Center, Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Víctor Vargas
- Vall d'Hebron Hospital Universitari, Liver Unit; Vall d'Hebron Institut de Recerca, Liver Unit, Universitat Autonoma de Barcelona, Department of Medicine, Barcelona, Spain.,Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBERehd), Madrid, Spain
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23
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Kimer N, Meldgaard M, Hamberg O, Kronborg TM, Lund AM, Møller HJ, Bendtsen F, Ytting H. The impact of rifaximin on inflammation and metabolism in alcoholic hepatitis: A randomized clinical trial. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0264278. [PMID: 35286322 PMCID: PMC8920190 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0264278] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2021] [Accepted: 02/05/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Alcoholic hepatitis (AH) is characterized by acute liver failure, neurocognitive impairment and renal failure. Severe inflammatory reactions are also known to occur in AH. Inflammation and bacterial translocation in the gut are thought to have major impact on disease development and progression. The mortality rate for AH is close to 50%. We aimed to assess the efficacy of rifaximin in treating AH and its impact on inflammation and metabolism. METHODS The trial was approved by relevant authorities (EudraCT no: 2014-02264-33, Scientific Ethics Committee, jr. no: H-1-2014-056). Primary outcomes were changes in metabolic and inflammatory markers. Secondary outcomes were portal hypertension, kidney and neurocognitive function. RESULTS Thirty-two patients were randomized to standard medical therapy (SMT) or SMT plus rifaximin, allocation was concealed. Four patients in the SMT group and five patients in the SMT + rifaximin group died due to AH and liver failure. No adverse events related to the study medication were observed. We found no significant differences in amino acids or inflammation markers (IL-2, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, TNF-α, interferon-γ) between the groups after 28 and 90 days. CONCLUSION Rifaximin does not alter inflammation or metabolism in patients with AH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nina Kimer
- Gastro Unit, Medical Division, Amager-Hvidovre University Hospital, Hvidovre, Denmark
| | - Mads Meldgaard
- Department of Internal Medicine, Zealand University Hospital, Koege, Denmark
| | - Ole Hamberg
- Department of Internal Medicine, Zealand University Hospital, Koege, Denmark
- Department of Hepatology and Gastroenterology, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Thit Mynster Kronborg
- Gastro Unit, Medical Division, Amager-Hvidovre University Hospital, Hvidovre, Denmark
| | - Allan M. Lund
- Center for Inherited Metabolic Diseases, Departments of Clinical Genetics and Pediatrics, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Holger Jon Møller
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Flemming Bendtsen
- Gastro Unit, Medical Division, Amager-Hvidovre University Hospital, Hvidovre, Denmark
| | - Henriette Ytting
- Gastro Unit, Medical Division, Amager-Hvidovre University Hospital, Hvidovre, Denmark
- Department of Hepatology and Gastroenterology, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
- * E-mail:
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24
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Liu J, Yang D, Wang X, Asare PT, Zhang Q, Na L, Shao L. Gut Microbiota Targeted Approach in the Management of Chronic Liver Diseases. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2022; 12:774335. [PMID: 35444959 PMCID: PMC9014089 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2022.774335] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2021] [Accepted: 02/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The liver is directly connected to the intestines through the portal vein, which enables the gut microbiota and gut-derived products to influence liver health. There is accumulating evidence of decreased gut flora diversity and alcohol sensitivity in patients with various chronic liver diseases, including non-alcoholic/alcoholic liver disease, chronic hepatitis virus infection, primary sclerosing cholangitis and liver cirrhosis. Increased intestinal mucosal permeability and decline in barrier function were also found in these patients. Followed by bacteria translocation and endotoxin uptake, these will lead to systemic inflammation. Specific microbiota and microbiota-derived metabolites are altered in various chronic liver diseases studies, but the complex interaction between the gut microbiota and liver is missing. This review article discussed the bidirectional relationship between the gut and the liver, and explained the mechanisms of how the gut microbiota ecosystem alteration affects the pathogenesis of chronic liver diseases. We presented gut-microbiota targeted interventions that could be the new promising method to manage chronic liver diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Liu
- Department of Research, Shanghai University of Medicine and Health Sciences Affiliated Zhoupu Hospital; The College of Medical Technology, Shanghai University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Dakai Yang
- Key Laboratory of Medical Science and Laboratory Medicine, School of Medicine, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, China
| | - Xiaojing Wang
- School of Pharmacy, Shanghai University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Paul Tetteh Asare
- Human and Animal Health Unit, Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Qingwen Zhang
- Department of Research, Shanghai University of Medicine and Health Sciences Affiliated Zhoupu Hospital; The College of Medical Technology, Shanghai University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Lixin Na
- Department of Research, Shanghai University of Medicine and Health Sciences Affiliated Zhoupu Hospital; The College of Medical Technology, Shanghai University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Lei Shao
- School of Pharmacy, Shanghai University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Shanghai, China
- *Correspondence: Lei Shao,
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Manzhalii E, Moyseyenko V, Kondratiuk V, Molochek N, Falalyeyeva T, Kobyliak N. Effect of a specific Escherichia coli Nissle 1917 strain on minimal/mild hepatic encephalopathy treatment. World J Hepatol 2022; 14:634-646. [PMID: 35582294 PMCID: PMC9055191 DOI: 10.4254/wjh.v14.i3.634] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2021] [Revised: 08/01/2021] [Accepted: 02/22/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hepatic encephalopathy (HE) can be considered a result of dysregulated gut-liver-brain axis function, where cognitive impairment can be reversed or prevented by the beneficial effects induced by "gut-centric" therapies, such as the administration of nonabsorbable disaccharides, nonabsorbable antibiotics, probiotics and prebiotics. AIM To assess the short-term efficacy and safety of the probiotic Escherichia coli Nissle (EcN) 1917 strain compared to lactulose and rifaximin in patients with minimal/mild HE. METHODS From January 2017 to March 2020, a total of 45 patients with HE were enrolled in this prospective, single-centre, open-label, randomized study. Participants were randomly assigned at a ratio of 1:1:1 to one of the treatment groups: The EcN group (n = 15), lactulose group (n = 15) or rifaximin group (n = 15) for a 1 mo intervention period. The main primary outcomes of the study were changes in serum ammonia and Stroop test score. The secondary outcomes were markers of a chronic systemic inflammatory response (ІL-6, ІL-8, and IFN-γ) and bacteriology of the stool flora evaluated by specialized nonculture techniques after a 1 mo intervention period. RESULTS Patients who were given rifaximin or EcN showed a more significant reduction in serum ammonia and normalization of Bifidobacteria and Lactobacilli abundance compared to the lactulose group. However, the most pronounced restoration of the symbiotic microflora was associated with EcN administration and characterized by the absence of E. coli with altered properties and pathogenic enterobacteria in patient faeces. In the primary outcome analysis, improvements in the Stroop test parameters in all intervention groups were observed. Moreover, EcN-treated patients performed 15% faster on the Stroop test than the lactulose group patients (P = 0.017). Both EcN and rifaximin produced similar significant reductions in the proinflammatory cytokines INF-γ, IL-6 and IL-8. EcN was more efficient than lactulose in reducing proinflammatory cytokine levels. CONCLUSION The use of the probiotic EcN strain was safe and quite efficient for HE treatment. The probiotic reduced the ammonia content and the level of serum proinflammatory cytokines, normalized the gut microbiota composition and improved the cognitive function of patients with HE. The application of the EcN strain was more effective than lactulose treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elina Manzhalii
- Department of Propedeutics of Internal Medicine, Bogomolets National Medical University, Kyiv 01601, Ukraine.
| | - Valentyna Moyseyenko
- Department of Propedeutics of Internal Medicine, Bogomolets National Medical University, Kyiv 01601, Ukraine
| | - Vitalii Kondratiuk
- Department of Propedeutics of Internal Medicine, Bogomolets National Medical University, Kyiv 01601, Ukraine
| | - Nataliia Molochek
- Educational and Scientific Centre “Institute of Biology and Medicine”, Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv, Kyiv 01601, Ukraine
- Department of Pediatrics, Bogomolets National Medical University, Kyiv 01601, Ukraine
| | - Tetyana Falalyeyeva
- Educational and Scientific Centre “Institute of Biology and Medicine”, Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv, Kyiv 01601, Ukraine
- Department of Scientific, Medical Laboratory CSD, Kyiv 01004, Ukraine
| | - Nazarii Kobyliak
- Department of Endocrinology, Bogomolets National Medical University, Kyiv 01601, Ukraine
- Department of Scientific, Medical Laboratory CSD, Kyiv 01004, Ukraine.
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26
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Ballester MP, Gallego JJ, Fiorillo A, Casanova-Ferrer F, Giménez-Garzó C, Escudero-García D, Tosca J, Ríos MP, Montón C, Durbán L, Ballester J, Benlloch S, Urios A, San-Miguel T, Kosenko E, Serra MÁ, Felipo V, Montoliu C. Metabolic syndrome is associated with poor response to rifaximin in minimal hepatic encephalopathy. Sci Rep 2022; 12:2463. [PMID: 35165326 PMCID: PMC8844048 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-06416-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2021] [Accepted: 01/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
AbstractPatients with cirrhosis may show minimal hepatic encephalopathy (MHE), for which rifaximin is effective. Metabolic syndrome may be associated with cognitive impairment. Our aims were to evaluate the influence of metabolic syndrome features on response to rifaximin for neurological and inflammatory alterations in MHE. A prospective cohort study was conducted in 63 cirrhotic patients and 30 controls from two tertiary centres recruited between 2015 and 2019. Metabolic syndrome was defined according to the Adult Treatment Panel-III. Patients were classified into 31 without and 32 with MHE according to the Psychometric Hepatic Encephalopathy Score (PHES). All participants performed specific psychometric tests, and inflammatory parameters were studied. Patients with MHE received rifaximin (400 mg/8 h). Response was evaluated by PHES at 3 and 6 months. Response according to metabolic syndrome manifestations was compared. The response rate was 66%. Older age (p = 0.012) and all metabolic syndrome diseases (p < 0.05) were associated with non-response, plus an increase in risk as the number of manifestations rose (p < 0.001). Patients with metabolic manifestations exhibited worse processing speed (p = 0.011), working memory (p = 0.005), visual coordination (p = 0.013) and lower proportion of activated CD4+ lymphocytes (p = 0.039) at baseline, as well as worse concentration (p = 0.030), bimanual coordination (p = 0.004) and higher levels of intermediate monocytes (p = 0.026), CX3CL1 (p < 0.05), IL-17 (p = 0.022), AHR (p = 0.010) and IgG (p < 0.05) at 3 and/or 6 months of rifaximin. Patients with clinical signs of metabolic syndrome have poor response to rifaximin for MHE, with a higher proportion of neurological alterations associated with a pro-inflammatory environment.
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27
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Zhang Z, Yuan Q, Hu X, Liao J, Kuang J. Rifaximin protects SH-SY5Y neuronal cells from iron overload-induced cytotoxicity via inhibiting STAT3/NF-κB signaling. Cell Biol Int 2022; 46:1062-1073. [PMID: 35143099 DOI: 10.1002/cbin.11776] [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: 04/23/2021] [Revised: 01/10/2022] [Accepted: 02/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Acute or chronic liver disease-caused liver failure is the cause of hepatic encephalopathy (HE), characterized by neuropsychiatric manifestations. Liver diseases potentially lead to peripheral iron metabolism dysfunction and surges of iron concentration in the brain, contributing to the pathophysiological process of degenerative disorders of the central nervous system. In this study, the mechanism of rifaximin treating hepatic encephalopathy was investigated. Ferric ammonium citrate (FAC)-induced iron overload significantly reduced the proliferation and boosted the apoptosis in SH-SY5Y cells through increasing reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels and inducing iron metabolism disorder. Rifaximin treatment could rectify the FAC-induced iron overload and lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced iron deposition, therefore effectively protecting SH-SY5Y cells from ROS-induced cell injury and apoptosis. Signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3)/nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-κB) signaling is involved in the protective function of rifaximin against LPS-induced iron deposition. The therapeutic effect of rifaximin on HE associated with acute hepatic failure in mouse model was ascertained. In conclusion, Rifaximin could effectively protect SH-SY5Y cells against injury caused by iron overload through the rectification of the iron metabolism disorder via the STAT3/NF-κB signaling pathway. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zheng Zhang
- Department of Hepatopathy, The Hunan Provincial People's Hospital, The First Affiliated Hospital of Hunan Normal University, Changsha, 410005, China
| | - Qi Yuan
- Department of Hepatopathy, The Hunan Provincial People's Hospital, The First Affiliated Hospital of Hunan Normal University, Changsha, 410005, China
| | - Xiaoxuan Hu
- Department of Hepatopathy, The Hunan Provincial People's Hospital, The First Affiliated Hospital of Hunan Normal University, Changsha, 410005, China
| | - Jinmao Liao
- Department of Hepatopathy, The Hunan Provincial People's Hospital, The First Affiliated Hospital of Hunan Normal University, Changsha, 410005, China
| | - Jia Kuang
- Department of Hepatopathy, The Hunan Provincial People's Hospital, The First Affiliated Hospital of Hunan Normal University, Changsha, 410005, China
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Li M, Li K, Tang S, Lv Y, Wang Q, Wang Z, Luo B, Niu J, Zhu Y, Guo W, Bai W, Wang E, Xia D, Wang Z, Li X, Yuan J, Yin Z, Trebicka J, Han G. Restoration of the gut microbiota is associated with a decreased risk of hepatic encephalopathy after TIPS. JHEP Rep 2022; 4:100448. [PMID: 35313729 PMCID: PMC8933702 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhepr.2022.100448] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2021] [Revised: 01/13/2022] [Accepted: 01/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Background & Aims Hepatic encephalopathy (HE) is a major complication after transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) and is primarily influenced by the gut microbiota. We aimed to evaluate alterations in the microbiota after TIPS and the association between such alterations and HE. Methods We conducted a prospective longitudinal study of 106 patients with cirrhosis receiving TIPS. Faecal samples were collected before and after TIPS, and the gut microbiota was analysed by 16S ribosomal RNA sequencing. Results Among all patients, 33 developed HE (HE+ group) within 6 months after TIPS and 73 did not (HE- group), and 18 died during follow-up. After TIPS, the autochthonous taxa increased, whereas the potential pathogenic taxa decreased in the HE- group, and the autochthonous taxon Lachnospiraceae decreased in the HE+ group. Furthermore, synergism among harmful bacteria was observed in all patients, which was weakened in the HE- group (p <0.001) but enhanced in the HE+ group (p <0.01) after TIPS. Variations of 5 autochthonous taxa, namely, Coprococcus, Ruminococcus, Blautia, Ruminococcaceae_uncultured, and Roseburia, were negatively correlated with the severity of HE. Notably, increased abundances of Coprococcus and Ruminococcus were protective factors against HE, and the incidences of HE in patients with improved, stable, and deteriorated microbiota after TIPS were 13.3, 25.9, and 68.2%, respectively. Higher total bilirubin level, Child–Pugh score, model for end-stage liver disease score, Granulicatella, and Alistipes and lower Subdoligranulum before TIPS were the independent risk factors for death. Conclusions Alterations in gut dysbiosis were negatively related to the occurrence and severity of post-TIPS HE, and the pre-TIPS microbiota were associated with death, suggesting the gut microbiota could be a promising potential biological target for screening suitable patients receiving TIPS and prevention and treatment of post-TIPS HE. Lay summary Alterations in the gut microbiota after transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) and the relationship between such alterations and post-TIPS hepatic encephalopathy (HE) remain unclear. We therefore performed this study and found that after TIPS, restoration of the gut microbiota, mainly characterised by expansion of autochthonous taxa, depletion of harmful taxa, and weakening of synergism among harmful bacteria, was inversely related to the occurrence and severity of post-TIPS HE. Gut dysbiosis of the patients without HE showed significant improvement after TIPS. Expansion of autochthonous taxa after TIPS was negatively correlated with the occurrence and severity of HE. The changes of relationship among the microbiota in different prognostic groups were opposite. Pre-TIPS gut microbiota and certain clinical indices were associated with survival.
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Rajpurohit S, Musunuri B, Basthi Mohan P, Shetty S. Novel Drugs for the Management of Hepatic Encephalopathy: Still a Long Journey to Travel. J Clin Exp Hepatol 2022; 12:1200-1214. [PMID: 35814520 PMCID: PMC9257922 DOI: 10.1016/j.jceh.2022.01.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2021] [Accepted: 01/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatic encephalopathy (HE) is one of the reversible complications of chronic liver disease, associated with a higher mortality rate. In current clinical practice, treatment with rifaximin and lactulose/lactitol is the first line of treatment in HE. With the advance in pathophysiology, a new class of ammonia lowering drugs has been revealed to overcome the hurdle and disease burden. The mechanism of the novel agents differs significantly and includes the alteration in intestinal microbiota, intestinal endothelial integrity, oxidative stress, inflammatory markers, and modulation of neurotoxins. Most of the trials have reported promising results in the treatment and prevention of HE with fecal microbiota transplantation, albumin, probiotics, flumazenil, polyethylene glycol, AST-120, glycerol phenylbutyrate, nitazoxanide, branched-chain amino acid, naloxone, and acetyl-l-carnitine. However, their clinical use is limited due to the presence of major drawbacks in their study design, sample size, safety profile, bias, and heterogenicity. This study will discuss the novel therapeutic targets for HE in liver cirrhosis patients with supporting clinical trial data.
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Key Words
- ALC, acetyl-L-carnitine
- BCAA, branched-chain amino acid
- BD, twice a day
- BDI, Beck Depression Inventory
- BUN, blood urea nitrogen
- CHESS, Clinical Hepatic Encephalopathy Staging Scale
- CLDQ, Chronic Liver Disease Questionnaire
- ECT, estimated completion time
- EEG, electroencephalogram
- FMT, fecal microbiota transplantation
- GPB, glycerol phenylbutyrate
- HESA, Hepatic Encephalopathy Scoring Algorithm
- HRQOL, health-related quality of life
- IV, intravenous
- MED, Modified Encephalopathy Scale
- MELD, Model for End-stage Liver Disease
- MMSE, Mini-Mental State Examination
- NTZ, nitazoxanide
- Nal, naloxone
- OD, once a day
- ORT, object recognition test
- PEG, polyethylene glycol
- QID, four times a day
- QOL, quality of life
- RBNS, Repeatable Battery for the Assessment of Neuropsychological Status
- RCT, randomized control trial
- RT-qPCR, real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction
- TID, three times a day
- VSL#3, high concentration probiotic preparations
- hepatic encephalopathy
- liver cirrhosis
- novel drugs
- treatment outcome
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Shiran Shetty
- Address for correspondence: Shiran Shetty, Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Kasturba Medical College, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal 576104, Karnataka, India.
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Rocco A, Sgamato C, Compare D, Coccoli P, Nardone OM, Nardone G. Gut Microbes and Hepatic Encephalopathy: From the Old Concepts to New Perspectives. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:748253. [PMID: 34900994 PMCID: PMC8662376 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.748253] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2021] [Accepted: 10/31/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatic encephalopathy (HE) is a severe complication of advanced liver disease and acute liver failure. The clinical spectrum ranges from minor cognitive dysfunctions to lethargy, depressed consciousness, and coma and significantly impact the quality of life, morbidity, and mortality of the patients. It is commonly accepted that the gut milieu is essential for the development of HE; however, despite intensive research efforts, the pathogenesis of HE is still not fully elucidated. As our knowledge of gut microbiota moves from the pioneering era of culture-dependent studies, the connection between microbes, inflammation, and metabolic pathways in the pathogenesis of HE is becoming increasingly clear, providing exciting therapeutic perspectives. This review will critically examine the latest research findings on the role of gut microbes in the pathophysiological pathways underlying HE. Moreover, currently available therapeutic options and novel treatment strategies are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alba Rocco
- Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Clinical Medicine and Surgery, University Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Costantino Sgamato
- Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Clinical Medicine and Surgery, University Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Debora Compare
- Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Clinical Medicine and Surgery, University Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Pietro Coccoli
- Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Clinical Medicine and Surgery, University Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Olga Maria Nardone
- Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Clinical Medicine and Surgery, University Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Gerardo Nardone
- Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Clinical Medicine and Surgery, University Federico II, Naples, Italy
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Quality of life as a therapeutic objective in the management of hepatic encephalopathy and the potential role of rifaximin-α. Eur J Gastroenterol Hepatol 2021; 33:e1032-e1038. [PMID: 34402475 PMCID: PMC8734632 DOI: 10.1097/meg.0000000000002273] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/10/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Quality of life (QoL) is impaired in patients with hepatic encephalopathy and rifaximin-α can improve QoL within 6 months. This study assessed the importance of QoL as a therapeutic objective in hepatic encephalopathy management; whether QoL is routinely assessed in hepatic encephalopathy patients in clinical practice and the role of rifaximin-α in this context. METHODS A survey was conducted of healthcare professionals (HCPs) from Europe and Australia involved in hepatic encephalopathy management. HCPs rated the importance of a range of therapeutic objectives on a 1-7 Likert scale (1 = not at all important; 7 = extremely important). HCPs were also required to provide three patient record forms (PRFs) based on their last three hepatic encephalopathy patients. RESULTS There were 218 HCP respondents, who provided 654 PRFs (patients treated with rifaximin-α, n = 347; patients not treated with rifaximin-α, n = 307). The mean Likert score was highest for the therapeutic objective 'improving a patient's QoL' (6.4), which was rated significantly more highly than all other therapeutic objectives, including 'reducing the patient's likelihood of hospital readmission' (6.1; P < 0.001) and 'preventing death of the patient' (6.1; P < 0.001). Despite this, only 28.3% of PRFs documented specific QoL data assessment. Patients receiving rifaximin-α were treated later in their disease course than those not receiving rifaximin-α. CONCLUSIONS HCPs consider QoL improvement the main therapeutic objective in hepatic encephalopathy management, but most do not explicitly assess QoL. Earlier introduction of rifaximin-α may safeguard QoL improvement even when QoL monitoring is not possible.
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Li H, Xiang Y, Zhu Z, Wang W, Jiang Z, Zhao M, Cheng S, Pan F, Liu D, Ho RCM, Ho CSH. Rifaximin-mediated gut microbiota regulation modulates the function of microglia and protects against CUMS-induced depression-like behaviors in adolescent rat. J Neuroinflammation 2021; 18:254. [PMID: 34736493 PMCID: PMC8567657 DOI: 10.1186/s12974-021-02303-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 84] [Impact Index Per Article: 28.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2021] [Accepted: 10/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS) can not only lead to depression-like behavior but also change the composition of the gut microbiome. Regulating the gut microbiome can have an antidepressant effect, but the mechanism by which it improves depressive symptoms is not clear. Short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) are small molecular compounds produced by the fermentation of non-digestible carbohydrates. SFCAs are ubiquitous in intestinal endocrine and immune cells, making them important mediators of gut microbiome-regulated body functions. The balance between the pro- and anti-inflammatory microglia plays an important role in the occurrence and treatment of depression caused by chronic stress. Non-absorbable antibiotic rifaximin can regulate the structure of the gut microbiome. We hypothesized that rifaximin protects against stress-induced inflammation and depression-like behaviors by regulating the abundance of fecal microbial metabolites and the microglial functions. METHODS We administered 150 mg/kg rifaximin intragastrically to rats exposed to CUMS for 4 weeks and investigated the composition of the fecal microbiome, the content of short-chain fatty acids in the serum and brain, the functional profiles of microglia and hippocampal neurogenesis. RESULTS Our results show that rifaximin ameliorated depressive-like behavior induced by CUMS, as reflected by sucrose preference, the open field test and the Morris water maze. Rifaximin increased the relative abundance of Ruminococcaceae and Lachnospiraceae, which were significantly positively correlated with the high level of butyrate in the brain. Rifaximin increased the content of anti-inflammatory factors released by microglia, and prevented the neurogenic abnormalities caused by CUMS. CONCLUSIONS These results suggest that rifaximin can regulate the inflammatory function of microglia and play a protective role in pubertal neurodevelopment during CUMS by regulating the gut microbiome and short-chain fatty acids.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haonan Li
- Department of Medical Psychology and Ethics, School of Basic Medicine Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, People's Republic of China
| | - Yujiao Xiang
- Cheeloo Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, People's Republic of China
| | - Zemeng Zhu
- Department of Medical Psychology and Ethics, School of Basic Medicine Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, People's Republic of China
| | - Wei Wang
- Department of Medical Psychology and Ethics, School of Basic Medicine Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhijun Jiang
- Department of Medical Psychology and Ethics, School of Basic Medicine Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, People's Republic of China
| | - Mingyue Zhao
- Department of Medical Psychology and Ethics, School of Basic Medicine Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, People's Republic of China
| | - Shuyue Cheng
- Department of Medical Psychology and Ethics, School of Basic Medicine Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, People's Republic of China
| | - Fang Pan
- Department of Medical Psychology and Ethics, School of Basic Medicine Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, People's Republic of China.
| | - Dexiang Liu
- Department of Medical Psychology and Ethics, School of Basic Medicine Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, People's Republic of China.
| | - Roger C M Ho
- Department of Psychological Medicine, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
- Institute of Health Innovation and Technology (iHealthtech), National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Cyrus S H Ho
- Department of Psychological Medicine, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
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Hasan LZ, Wu GY. Novel Agents in the Management of Hepatic Encephalopathy: A Review. J Clin Transl Hepatol 2021; 9:749-759. [PMID: 34722190 PMCID: PMC8516841 DOI: 10.14218/jcth.2021.00102] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2021] [Revised: 05/28/2021] [Accepted: 06/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatic encephalopathy is an often devastating complication of chronic liver disease, associated with high mortality and increased burden on patients and healthcare systems. Current agents (such as nonabsorbable disaccharides and oral antibiotics) are often only partially effective and associated with unpleasant side effects. With our improved understanding of the pathophysiology of hepatic encephalopathy, multiple treatment modalities have emerged with promising results when used alone or as an adjunct to standard medications. The mechanisms of these agents vary greatly, and include the manipulation of gut microbial composition, reduction of oxidative stress, inhibition of inflammatory mediators, protection of endothelial integrity, modulation of neurotransmitter release and function, and other novel methods to reduce blood ammonia and neurotoxins. Despite their promising results, the studies assessing these treatment modalities are often limited by study design, sample size, outcome assessment heterogeneity, and paucity of data regarding their safety profiles. In this article, we discuss these novel agents in depth and provide the best evidence supporting their use, along with a critical look at their limitations and future directions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leen Z. Hasan
- Correspondence to: Leen Z. Hasan, Department of Medicine, Internal Medicine Residency Program, UConn Health, 263 Farmington Avenue, Farmington, CT 06030-1235, USA. ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3852-8591. Tel: +1-617-283-6633, Fax: +1-860-679-4613, E-mail: ,
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Zaccherini G, Tufoni M, Bernardi M, Caraceni P. Prevention of Cirrhosis Complications: Looking for Potential Disease Modifying Agents. J Clin Med 2021; 10:4590. [PMID: 34640608 PMCID: PMC8509683 DOI: 10.3390/jcm10194590] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2021] [Revised: 09/29/2021] [Accepted: 10/04/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The current therapeutic strategies for the management of patients with cirrhosis rely on the prevention or treatment of specific complications. The removal of the causative agents (i.e., viruses or alcohol) prevents decompensation in the vast majority of patients with compensated cirrhosis. In contrast, even when etiological treatment has been effective, a significant proportion of patients with decompensated cirrhosis remains at risk of further disease progression. Therefore, therapies targeting specific key points in the complex pathophysiological cascade of decompensated cirrhosis could represent a new approach for the management of these severely ill patients. Some of the interventions currently employed for treating or preventing specific complications of cirrhosis or used in other diseases (i.e., poorly absorbable oral antibiotics, statins, albumin) have been proposed as potential disease-modifying agents in cirrhosis (DMAC) since clinical studies have shown their capacity of improving survival. Additional multicenter, large randomized clinical trials are awaited to confirm these promising results. Finally, new drugs able to antagonize key pathophysiological mechanisms are under pre-clinical development or at the initial stages of clinical assessment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giacomo Zaccherini
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy; (G.Z.); (M.B.)
| | - Manuel Tufoni
- IRCCS AOU di Bologna—Policlinico di S. Orsola, 40138 Bologna, Italy;
| | - Mauro Bernardi
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy; (G.Z.); (M.B.)
| | - Paolo Caraceni
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy; (G.Z.); (M.B.)
- IRCCS AOU di Bologna—Policlinico di S. Orsola, 40138 Bologna, Italy;
- Center for Biomedical Applied Research, University of Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy
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Nathwani R, Mullish B, Kockerling D, Cole A, Selvapatt N, Dhar A. Review of Rifaximin: A Summary of the Current Evidence and Benefits Beyond Licensed Use. EUROPEAN MEDICAL JOURNAL 2021. [DOI: 10.33590/emj/21-00026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Antibiotic resistance in patients with cirrhosis continues to draw significant attention. With a propensity to frequent hospitalisations, patients with cirrhosis are subject to frequent antibiotic prescription. This increases their risk of developing resistance to one or more antimicrobial agents, making management of their condition particularly challenging. Despite advancements being made in the management of liver disease, mortality rates continue to rise: almost 5-fold in those <65 years of age while remaining the leading cause of death in those 35–49 years of age. Alternative therapeutic options to prevent disease progression and cirrhosis-associated complications are urgently required; rifaximin is one such example. The medication use in patients with cirrhosis demonstrates additional benefits beyond current licensed use in the UK, that being for the prevention of hepatic encephalopathy and traveller’s diarrhoea; rifaximin has especially been explored beyond current licensed use in the context of enteric-driven pathologies. Through the therapy’s key central action as a broad-spectrum antimicrobial, rifaximin has the ability to modulate the gut–liver axis via removal of gut microbial products associated with the progression of cirrhosis and its sequalae.
The benefits of rifaximin use continues to gather momentum, given its non-absorbable nature and well-tolerated side-effect profile, and these require consideration. With broad-spectrum antimicrobial properties, its use may assist in overcoming the conundrum posed of antibiotic resistance amongst patients with cirrhosis. This literature review discusses the chemical and antimicrobial properties of rifaximin, its licenced indication for use, and its reported benefits beyond this, as well as concerns regarding rifaximin resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rooshi Nathwani
- Liver Unit/Division of Digestive Diseases, Department of Metabolism, Digestion and Reproduction, Imperial College London, UK
| | - Benjamin Mullish
- Liver Unit/Division of Digestive Diseases, Department of Metabolism, Digestion and Reproduction, Imperial College London, UK
| | - David Kockerling
- Liver Unit/Division of Digestive Diseases, Department of Metabolism, Digestion and Reproduction, Imperial College London, UK
| | - Alexander Cole
- Liver Unit/Division of Digestive Diseases, Department of Metabolism, Digestion and Reproduction, Imperial College London, UK
| | - Nowlan Selvapatt
- Liver Unit/Division of Digestive Diseases, Department of Metabolism, Digestion and Reproduction, Imperial College London, UK
| | - Ameet Dhar
- Liver Unit/Division of Digestive Diseases, Department of Metabolism, Digestion and Reproduction, Imperial College London, UK
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Flatt E, McLin VA, Braissant O, Pierzchala K, Mastromarino P, Mitrea SO, Sessa D, Gruetter R, Cudalbu C. Probiotics combined with rifaximin influence the neurometabolic changes in a rat model of type C HE. Sci Rep 2021; 11:17988. [PMID: 34504135 PMCID: PMC8429411 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-97018-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2021] [Accepted: 08/12/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Type C hepatic encephalopathy (HE) is a neuropsychiatric disease caused by chronic liver disease. Management of type C HE remains an important challenge because treatment options are limited. Both the antibiotic rifaximin and probiotics have been reported to reduce the symptoms of HE, but longitudinal studies assessing their effects on brain metabolism are lacking and the molecular mechanisms underpinning their effects are not fully understood. Therefore, we evaluated in detail the effects of these different treatments on the neurometabolic changes associated with type C HE using a multimodal approach including ultra-high field in vivo 1H MRS. We analyzed longitudinally the effect of rifaximin alone or in combination with the probiotic Vivomixx on the brain metabolic profile in the hippocampus and cerebellum of bile duct ligated (BDL) rats, an established model of type C HE. Overall, while rifaximin alone appeared to induce no significant effect on the neurometabolic profile of BDL rats, its association with the probiotic resulted in more attenuated neurometabolic alterations in BDL rats followed longitudinally (i.e. a smaller increase in Gln and milder decrease in Glu and Cr levels). Given that both rifaximin and some probiotics are used in the treatment of HE, the implications of these findings may be clinically relevant.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emmanuelle Flatt
- Laboratory for Functional and Metabolic Imaging, Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Valérie A McLin
- Swiss Pediatric Liver Center, Department of Pediatrics, Gynecology and Obstetrics, University Hospitals Geneva, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Olivier Braissant
- Service of Clinical Chemistry, Lausanne University Hospital, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Katarzyna Pierzchala
- CIBM Center for Biomedical Imaging, Lausanne, Switzerland.,Animal Imaging and Technology, Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Paola Mastromarino
- Section of Microbiology, Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Dario Sessa
- Swiss Pediatric Liver Center, Department of Pediatrics, Gynecology and Obstetrics, University Hospitals Geneva, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Rolf Gruetter
- Laboratory for Functional and Metabolic Imaging, Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Cristina Cudalbu
- CIBM Center for Biomedical Imaging, Lausanne, Switzerland. .,Animal Imaging and Technology, Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), Lausanne, Switzerland.
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Caraceni P, Vargas V, Solà E, Alessandria C, de Wit K, Trebicka J, Angeli P, Mookerjee RP, Durand F, Pose E, Krag A, Bajaj JS, Beuers U, Ginès P, Napoleone L, Carol M, Avitabile E, Thu AM, Cervera M, Pérez M, Belén Rubio‐Garcia A, Ardiaca A, Vives A, Pich J, Fabrellas N, Zaccherini G, Chiappa MT, Jiménez C, Palacio E, Campion D, Lanzillotti T, Piano S, Nicolao G, Uschner F, Graf_Dirmeier S, Francoz C, Roux O, Esnault V, Helder J, Aban M, Kazankov K, Korenjak M, Kamath P, Abraldes JG, Watson H. The Use of Rifaximin in Patients With Cirrhosis. Hepatology 2021; 74:1660-1673. [PMID: 33421158 PMCID: PMC8518409 DOI: 10.1002/hep.31708] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2020] [Revised: 11/10/2020] [Accepted: 12/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Rifaximin is an oral nonsystemic antibiotic with minimal gastrointestinal absorption and broad-spectrum antibacterial activity covering both gram-positive and gram-negative organisms. Rifaximin is currently used worldwide in patients with cirrhosis for preventing recurrent HE because its efficacy and safety have been proven by large randomized clinical trials. In the last decade, experimental and clinical evidence suggest that rifaximin could have other beneficial effects on the course of cirrhosis by modulating the gut microbiome and affecting the gut-liver axis, which in turn can interfere with major events of the pathophysiological cascade underlying decompensated cirrhosis, such as systemic inflammatory syndrome, portal hypertension, and bacterial infections. However, the use of rifaximin for prevention or treatment of other complications, including spontaneous bacterial peritonitis or other bacterial infections, is not accepted because evidence by clinical trials is still very weak. The present review deals in the first part with the potential impact of rifaximin on pathogenic mechanisms in liver diseases, whereas in the second part, its clinical effects are critically discussed. It clearly emerges that, because of its potential activity on multiple pathogenic events, the efficacy of rifaximin in the prevention or management of complications other than HE deserves to be investigated extensively. The results of double-blinded, adequately powered randomized clinical trials assessing the effect of rifaximin, alone or in combination with other drugs, on hard clinical endpoints, such as decompensation of cirrhosis, acute-on-chronic liver failure, and mortality, are therefore eagerly awaited.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paolo Caraceni
- University of BolognaUniversity Hospital S. Orsola‐Malpighi di BolognaBolognaItaly
| | - Victor Vargas
- Hospital Vall d’HebronUniversitat Autònoma de BarcelonaCIEREHDBarcelonaCataloniaSpain
| | - Elsa Solà
- Hospital Clinic of BarcelonaUniversity of BarcelonaIDIBAPSCIBEReHDBarcelonaCataloniaSpain
| | - Carlo Alessandria
- Division of Gastroenterology and HepatologyCittà della Salute e della Scienza HospitalUniversity of TorinoTurinItaly
| | - Koos de Wit
- Amsterdam University Medical CentersAmsterdamthe Netherlands
| | - Jonel Trebicka
- Goethe‐University ‐ Frankfurt am MainFrankfurt am MainGermany,EF‐CLIFBarcelonaCataloniaSpain
| | | | | | | | - Elisa Pose
- Hospital Clinic of BarcelonaUniversity of BarcelonaIDIBAPSCIBEReHDBarcelonaCataloniaSpain
| | - Aleksander Krag
- Department of Gastroenterology and HepatologyOdense University HospitalOdenseDenmark,Institute of Clinical ResearchUniversity of Southern DenmarkOdenseDenmark
| | | | - Ulrich Beuers
- Amsterdam University Medical CentersAmsterdamthe Netherlands
| | - Pere Ginès
- Hospital Clinic of BarcelonaUniversity of BarcelonaIDIBAPSCIBEReHDBarcelonaCataloniaSpain
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Balzano T, Leone P, Ivaylova G, Castro MC, Reyes L, Ramón C, Malaguarnera M, Llansola M, Felipo V. Rifaximin Prevents T-Lymphocytes and Macrophages Infiltration in Cerebellum and Restores Motor Incoordination in Rats with Mild Liver Damage. Biomedicines 2021; 9:biomedicines9081002. [PMID: 34440206 PMCID: PMC8393984 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines9081002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2021] [Revised: 08/02/2021] [Accepted: 08/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
In patients with liver cirrhosis, minimal hepatic encephalopathy (MHE) is triggered by a shift in peripheral inflammation, promoting lymphocyte infiltration into the brain. Rifaximin improves neurological function in MHE by normalizing peripheral inflammation. Patients who died with steatohepatitis showed T-lymphocyte infiltration and neuroinflammation in the cerebellum, suggesting that MHE may already occur in these patients. The aims of this work were to assess, in a rat model of mild liver damage similar to steatohepatitis, whether: (1) the rats show impaired motor coordination in the early phases of liver damage; (2) this is associated with changes in the immune system and infiltration of immune cells into the brain; and (3) rifaximin improves motor incoordination, associated with improved peripheral inflammation, reduced infiltration of immune cells and neuroinflammation in the cerebellum, and restoration of the alterations in neurotransmission. Liver damage was induced by carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) injection over four weeks. Peripheral inflammation, immune cell infiltration, neuroinflammation, and neurotransmission in the cerebellum and motor coordination were assessed. Mild liver damage induces neuroinflammation and altered neurotransmission in the cerebellum and motor incoordination. These alterations are associated with increased TNFa, CCL20, and CX3CL1 in plasma and cerebellum, IL-17 and IL-15 in plasma, and CCL2 in cerebellum. This promotes T-lymphocyte and macrophage infiltration in the cerebellum. Early treatment with rifaximin prevents the shift in peripheral inflammation, immune cell infiltration, neuroinflammation, and motor incoordination. This report provides new clues regarding the mechanisms of the beneficial effects of rifaximin, suggesting that early rifaximin treatment could prevent neurological impairment in patients with steatohepatitis.
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Sauerbruch T, Hennenberg M, Trebicka J, Beuers U. Bile Acids, Liver Cirrhosis, and Extrahepatic Vascular Dysfunction. Front Physiol 2021; 12:718783. [PMID: 34393832 PMCID: PMC8358446 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2021.718783] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2021] [Accepted: 06/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The bile acid pool with its individual bile acids (BA) is modulated in the enterohepatic circulation by the liver as the primary site of synthesis, the motility of the gallbladder and of the intestinal tract, as well as by bacterial enzymes in the intestine. The nuclear receptor farnesoid X receptor (FXR) and Gpbar1 (TGR5) are important set screws in this process. Bile acids have a vasodilatory effect, at least according to in vitro studies. The present review examines the question of the extent to which the increase in bile acids in plasma could be responsible for the hyperdynamic circulatory disturbance of liver cirrhosis and whether modulation of the bile acid pool, for example, via administration of ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) or via modulation of the dysbiosis present in liver cirrhosis could influence the hemodynamic disorder of liver cirrhosis. According to our analysis, the evidence for this is limited. Long-term studies on this question are lacking.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tilman Sauerbruch
- Department of Internal Medicine I, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Martin Hennenberg
- Department of Urology I, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Jonel Trebicka
- Translational Hepatology, Medical Department, University of Frankfurt, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Ulrich Beuers
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, location AMC, Amsterdam, Netherlands
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Caraceni P, Abraldes JG, Ginès P, Newsome PN, Sarin SK. The search for disease-modifying agents in decompensated cirrhosis: From drug repurposing to drug discovery. J Hepatol 2021; 75 Suppl 1:S118-S134. [PMID: 34039483 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhep.2021.01.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2020] [Revised: 01/14/2021] [Accepted: 01/15/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Patients with decompensated cirrhosis are currently managed through targeted strategies aimed at preventing or treating specific complications. In contrast, a disease-modifying agent should, by definition, be aimed at globally addressing 'decompensated cirrhosis'. To be defined as a disease-modifying agent in decompensated cirrhosis, interventions need to demonstrate an unequivocal benefit on the course of disease in well-designed and adequately powered randomised clinical trials with hard endpoints (i.e. patient survival). These trials also need to define the target population, dosage and timing of administration, factors guiding treatment, temporary or permanent stopping rules, transferability to daily clinical practice, cost-effectiveness, and global treatment access. By eliminating the underlying cause of cirrhosis, aetiologic treatments can still influence the course of decompensated disease by halting or slowing down disease progression or even inducing reversion to the compensated state. In contrast, there remains an unmet clinical need for disease-modifying agents which can antagonise key pathophysiological mechanisms of decompensated cirrhosis, such as portal hypertension, gut translocation, circulatory dysfunction, systemic inflammation, and immunological dysfunction. However, in the last few years, the repurposing of "old drugs" that have already been prescribed for more limited indications in hepatology or for other diseases has provided a few candidates, including human albumin, statins, and poorly absorbable oral antibiotics, which are under further evaluation in large-scale randomised clinical trials. New disease-modifying agents are also expected to be identified in the next decade through the systematic repurposing of existing drugs and the development of novel molecules which are currently undergoing pre-clinical or early clinical testing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paolo Caraceni
- Division of Medical Semeiotics, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, Italy; Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences and Center for Biomedical Applied Research, Alma Mater Studiorum University of Bologna, Italy.
| | - Juan G Abraldes
- Liver Unit, Division of Gastroenterology, University of Alberta, Canada
| | - Pere Ginès
- Hospital Clinic of Barcelona, University of Barcelona, IDIBAPS, CIBEReHD, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Phil N Newsome
- National Institute for Health Research Biomedical Research Centre at University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust and the University of Birmingham, UK; Centre for Liver and Gastrointestinal Research, Institute of Immunology and Immunotherapy, University of Birmingham, UK; Liver Unit, University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust, Birmingham, UK
| | - Shiv K Sarin
- Hepatology, Institute of Liver and Biliary Sciences (ILBS), New Delhi, India
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Nishimura N, Kaji K, Kitagawa K, Sawada Y, Furukawa M, Ozutsumi T, Fujinaga Y, Tsuji Y, Takaya H, Kawaratani H, Moriya K, Namisaki T, Akahane T, Fukui H, Yoshiji H. Intestinal Permeability Is a Mechanical Rheostat in the Pathogenesis of Liver Cirrhosis. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22136921. [PMID: 34203178 PMCID: PMC8267717 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22136921] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2021] [Revised: 06/22/2021] [Accepted: 06/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Recent studies have suggested that an alteration in the gut microbiota and their products, particularly endotoxins derived from Gram-negative bacteria, may play a major role in the pathogenesis of liver diseases. Gut dysbiosis caused by a high-fat diet and alcohol consumption induces increased intestinal permeability, which means higher translocation of bacteria and their products and components, including endotoxins, the so-called "leaky gut". Clinical studies have found that plasma endotoxin levels are elevated in patients with chronic liver diseases, including alcoholic liver disease and nonalcoholic liver disease. A decrease in commensal nonpathogenic bacteria including Ruminococaceae and Lactobacillus and an overgrowth of pathogenic bacteria such as Bacteroidaceae and Enterobacteriaceae are observed in cirrhotic patients. The decreased diversity of the gut microbiota in cirrhotic patients before liver transplantation is also related to a higher incidence of post-transplant infections and cognitive impairment. The exposure to endotoxins activates macrophages via Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4), leading to a greater production of proinflammatory cytokines and chemokines including tumor necrosis factor-alpha, interleukin (IL)-6, and IL-8, which play key roles in the progression of liver diseases. TLR4 is a major receptor activated by the binding of endotoxins in macrophages, and its downstream signal induces proinflammatory cytokines. The expression of TLR4 is also observed in nonimmune cells in the liver, such as hepatic stellate cells, which play a crucial role in the progression of liver fibrosis that develops into hepatocarcinogenesis, suggesting the importance of the interaction between endotoxemia and TLR4 signaling as a target for preventing liver disease progression. In this review, we summarize the findings for the role of gut-derived endotoxemia underlying the progression of liver pathogenesis.
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Bureau C, Thabut D, Jezequel C, Archambeaud I, D'Alteroche L, Dharancy S, Borentain P, Oberti F, Plessier A, De Ledinghen V, Ganne-Carrié N, Carbonell N, Rousseau V, Sommet A, Péron JM, Vinel JP. The Use of Rifaximin in the Prevention of Overt Hepatic Encephalopathy After Transjugular Intrahepatic Portosystemic Shunt : A Randomized Controlled Trial. Ann Intern Med 2021; 174:633-640. [PMID: 33524293 DOI: 10.7326/m20-0202] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The efficacy of rifaximin in the secondary prevention of overt hepatic encephalopathy (HE) is well documented, but its effectiveness in preventing a first episode in patients after transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) has not been established. OBJECTIVE To determine whether rifaximin prevents overt HE after TIPS compared with placebo. DESIGN Randomized, double-blind, multicenter, placebo-controlled trial. (ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT02016196). PARTICIPANTS 197 patients with cirrhosis undergoing TIPS for intractable ascites or prevention of variceal rebleeding. INTERVENTION Patients were randomly assigned to receive rifaximin (600 mg twice daily) or placebo, beginning 14 days before TIPS and continuing for 168 days after the procedure. MEASUREMENTS The primary efficacy end point was incidence of overt HE within 168 days after the TIPS procedure. RESULTS An episode of overt HE occurred in 34% (95% CI, 25% to 44%) of patients in the rifaximin group (n = 93) and 53% (CI, 43% to 63%) in the placebo group (n = 93) during the postprocedure period (odds ratio, 0.48 [CI, 0.27 to 0.87]). Neither the incidence of adverse events nor transplant-free survival was significantly different between the 2 groups. LIMITATIONS The study's conclusion applies mainly to patients with alcoholic cirrhosis, who made up the study population. The potential benefit of rifaximin 6 months after TIPS and beyond remains to be investigated. CONCLUSION In patients with cirrhosis treated with TIPS, rifaximin was well tolerated and reduced the risk for overt HE. Rifaximin should therefore be considered for prophylaxis of post-TIPS HE. PRIMARY FUNDING SOURCE French Public Health Ministry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christophe Bureau
- University Hospital of Toulouse and Toulouse III Paul Sabatier University, Toulouse, France (C.B., J.M.P., J.P.V.)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Frédéric Oberti
- Centre Hospitalier Universitaire d'Angers, Angers, France (F.O.)
| | | | | | - Nathalie Ganne-Carrié
- Hôpitaux Universitaires Paris Seine-Saint-Denis, Bondy, and Université Paris 13, Sorbonne Paris Cité et INSERM UMR 1162, Paris, France (N.G.)
| | | | | | - Agnès Sommet
- Toulouse University Hospital, Toulouse, France (V.R., A.S.)
| | - Jean Marie Péron
- University Hospital of Toulouse and Toulouse III Paul Sabatier University, Toulouse, France (C.B., J.M.P., J.P.V.)
| | - Jean Pierre Vinel
- University Hospital of Toulouse and Toulouse III Paul Sabatier University, Toulouse, France (C.B., J.M.P., J.P.V.)
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43
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Madsen M, Kimer N, Bendtsen F, Petersen AM. Fecal microbiota transplantation in hepatic encephalopathy: a systematic review. Scand J Gastroenterol 2021; 56:560-569. [PMID: 33840331 DOI: 10.1080/00365521.2021.1899277] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Hepatic encephalopathy (HE) is a reversible neurocognitive dysfunction that ranges in severity from subclinical alterations to coma. Patients with chronic liver disease are predisposed to HE due to metabolic failure and portosystemic shunting of toxins, of which ammonia is believed to be the main toxic chemical. Fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) may reduce ammonia synthesis by altering the gut microbiota composition to a taxon low in urease, diminish uptake of ammonia by reestablishing the integrity of the intestinal barrier and increase ammonia clearance by improving liver function. In this systematic review, we summarize the insights of the current literature examining FMT as a treatment for HE.PubMed and EMBASE were searched on 08 February 2021 using the MeSH terms 'fecal microbiota transplantation & hepatic encephalopathy' and the abbreviations 'FMT & HE'.Eight studies fulfilled our inclusion criteria, comprising two randomized clinical trials, three case reports and three rodent studies. Thirty-nine patients with HE were treated with FMT. Thirty-nine rodents received FMT in laboratory tests. FMT improved neurocognitive test results in four human studies and two rodent studies. Microbiota originating from donors was found in human recipients one year post-FMT. Readmission of patients was lower after treatment with FMT compared to standard of care.FMT may improve neurocognitive function and reduce serious adverse events in patients with HE, but the studies conducted so far have been small and their long-term follow-up is limited. Large-scale, randomized and controlled trials are needed to validate and help standardize the clinical application of FMT in cases of HE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mathias Madsen
- Gastro Unit, Medical Division, Hvidovre University Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Nina Kimer
- Gastro Unit, Medical Division, Hvidovre University Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark.,Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Basic Metabolic Research, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Flemming Bendtsen
- Gastro Unit, Medical Division, Hvidovre University Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Andreas Munk Petersen
- Gastro Unit, Medical Division, Hvidovre University Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark.,Department of Clinical Microbiology, Hvidovre University Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark
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44
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Liu J, Xu Y, Jiang B. Novel Insights Into Pathogenesis and Therapeutic Strategies of Hepatic Encephalopathy, From the Gut Microbiota Perspective. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2021; 11:586427. [PMID: 33692964 PMCID: PMC7937792 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2021.586427] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2020] [Accepted: 01/08/2021] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Since the 1950s, gradual changes in the gut microbiota of patients with hepatic encephalopathy have been observed. Previous research has indicated potential associations between the gut and brain, and the gut microbiota is becoming a hot topic in research on diseases of the nervous system. However, for the past few decades, studies of hepatic encephalopathy have been restricted to controlling the gut microbiota during macroscopic manipulation, such as probiotic intervention, while its clinical use remains controversial, and the cellular mechanisms underlying this condition are still poorly understood. This thesis seeks to comprehensively understand and explain the role of gut microbiota in hepatic encephalopathy as well as analyze the effects of intervention by regulating the gut microbiota. Evidence is presented that shows that dysbiosis of the gut microbiota is the primary pathological driver of hepatic encephalopathy and impacts pathologic progression via complex regulatory networks. As a result, suggestions were identified for future mechanistic research and improvements in therapeutic strategies for hepatic encephalopathy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiachen Liu
- Xiangya Medical College of Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Yantao Xu
- Xiangya Medical College of Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Bimei Jiang
- Department of Pathophysiology, Sepsis Translational Medicine Key Laboratory of Hunan Province, Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, China
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45
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Podymova SD. New approaches to the pathogenesis, clinic, and treatment of hepatic encephalopathy. TERAPEVT ARKH 2021; 93:236-242. [DOI: 10.26442/00403660.2021.02.200613] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2021] [Accepted: 04/06/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
This review article presents new approaches to the assessment of key pathogenesis factors, clinical features, and treatment of hepatic encephalopathy (HE) associated with liver cirrhosis. Various clinical variants of the course of HE in patients with cirrhosis of the liver areconsidered, which are important for the choice of treatment and prevention of repeated relapses of HE. Analyzed the ammonia hypothesis of pathogenesis and associated hyperammonemia, which is the basis of most modern treatment methods. These data on the activation of the adaptive pathway for removing ammonia in the form of glutamine are used in the further study of drugs that enhance the clearance of ammonia. The possibility of reducing GABA-ergic tone due to the effect of the antagonist on the neurosteroid site in the GABA receptor complex is emphasized.
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46
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Henkel S, Vetterly C, Squires R, McKiernan P, Squires J. Pharmacological management of portal hypertension and its complications in children: lessons from adults and opportunities for the future. Expert Opin Pharmacother 2020; 22:291-304. [PMID: 33074032 DOI: 10.1080/14656566.2020.1825685] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Portal hypertension (PHT) and its complications in children are thought to be distinct from adult PHT in several areas, including the underlying bio-physiology of a child in which PHT develops, but also because of the pediatric-specific etiologies that drive disease progression. And yet pharmacologic approaches to PHT in children are mainly based on adult data, modified for pediatric practice. This reality has been driven by a lack of data specific to children. AREAS COVERED The authors discuss current therapeutic approaches to PHT in children, including management of acute gastrointestinal variceal bleed, pharmacotherapy in prophylaxis, and established and emerging therapies to combat systemic co-morbidities that result from PHT. The few areas where pediatric-specific data exist are highlighted and the many gaps in knowledge that remain unresolved are underscored. EXPERT OPINION Despite decades of experience, optimal management of pediatric PHT remains undefined. In large part, this can be directly linked to a lack of basic understanding related to the unique pathophysiology and natural history that defines PHT in children. As a result, meaningful research into the utility and effectiveness of pharmacotherapy in children with PHT remains in its infancy. Large, multi-center, prospective studies will be needed to begin to establish an infrastructure on which a pediatric-specific research agenda can be built.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Henkel
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, UPMC Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh , Pittsburgh, PA
| | - Carol Vetterly
- Department of Pharmacy, UPMC Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh, University of Pittsburgh School of Pharmacy , Pittsburgh, PA
| | - Robert Squires
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, UPMC Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh , Pittsburgh, PA
| | - Patrick McKiernan
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, UPMC Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh , Pittsburgh, PA
| | - James Squires
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, UPMC Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh , Pittsburgh, PA
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47
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Bajic D, Niemann A, Hillmer AK, Mejias-Luque R, Bluemel S, Docampo M, Funk MC, Tonin E, Boutros M, Schnabl B, Busch DH, Miki T, Schmid RM, van den Brink MRM, Gerhard M, Stein-Thoeringer CK. Gut Microbiota-Derived Propionate Regulates the Expression of Reg3 Mucosal Lectins and Ameliorates Experimental Colitis in Mice. J Crohns Colitis 2020; 14:1462-1472. [PMID: 32227170 PMCID: PMC8921751 DOI: 10.1093/ecco-jcc/jjaa065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Regenerating islet-derived protein type 3 [Reg3] lectins are antimicrobial peptides at mucosal surfaces of the gut, whose expression is regulated by pathogenic gut microbes via interleukin-22- or Toll-like receptor signalling. In addition to antimicrobial effects, tissue protection is hypothesized, but has been poorly investigated in the gut. METHODS We applied antibiotic-induced microbiota perturbations, gnotobiotic approaches and a dextran-sodium sulfate [DSS] colitis model to assess microbial Reg3 regulation in the intestines and its role in colitis. We also used an intestinal organoid model to investigate this axis in vitro. RESULTS First, we studied whether gut commensals are involved in Reg3 expression in mice, and found that antibiotic-mediated reduction of Clostridia downregulated intestinal Reg3B. A loss in Clostridia was accompanied by a significant reduction of short-chain fatty acids [SCFAs], and knock-out [KO] mice for SCFA receptors GPR43 and GPR109 expressed less intestinal Reg3B/-G. Propionate was found to induce Reg3 in intestinal organoids and in gnotobiotic mice colonized with a defined, SCFA-producing microbiota. Investigating the role of Reg3B as a protective factor in colitis, we found that Reg3B-KO mice display increased inflammation and less crypt proliferation in the DSS colitis model. Propionate decreased colitis and increased proliferation. Treatment of organoids exposed to DSS with Reg3B or propionate reversed the chemical injury with a loss of expression of the stem-cell marker Lgr5 and Olfm4. CONCLUSIONS Our results suggest that Clostridia can regulate Reg3-associated epithelial homeostasis through propionate signalling. We also provide evidence that the Reg3-propionate axis may be an important mediator of gut epithelial regeneration in colitis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danica Bajic
- Klinik für Innere Medizin II, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Techn. Univ. Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Adrian Niemann
- Klinik für Innere Medizin II, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Techn. Univ. Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Anna-Katharina Hillmer
- Klinik für Innere Medizin II, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Techn. Univ. Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Raquel Mejias-Luque
- Institute for Medical Microbiology, Immunology and Hygiene, Techn. Univ. Munich, Munich, Germany
- University Hospital Zurich, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Sena Bluemel
- UC San Diego School of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology, San Diego, USA
- University Hospital Zurich, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Melissa Docampo
- Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, Immunology Program, New York, USA
| | - Maja C Funk
- Division Signaling and Functional Genomics, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) and Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Elena Tonin
- Division Signaling and Functional Genomics, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) and Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Michael Boutros
- Division Signaling and Functional Genomics, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) and Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Bernd Schnabl
- UC San Diego School of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology, San Diego, USA
| | - Dirk H Busch
- Institute for Medical Microbiology, Immunology and Hygiene, Techn. Univ. Munich, Munich, Germany
- German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), Partner Site Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Tsuyoshi Miki
- Department of Microbiology, School of Pharmacy, Kitasato University, Japan
| | - Roland M Schmid
- Klinik für Innere Medizin II, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Techn. Univ. Munich, Munich, Germany
| | | | - Markus Gerhard
- Institute for Medical Microbiology, Immunology and Hygiene, Techn. Univ. Munich, Munich, Germany
- German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), Partner Site Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Christoph K Stein-Thoeringer
- Klinik für Innere Medizin II, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Techn. Univ. Munich, Munich, Germany
- Division Microbiome and Cancer, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
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48
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Woodhouse C, Singanayagam A, Patel VC. Modulating the gut-liver axis and the pivotal role of the faecal microbiome in cirrhosis. Clin Med (Lond) 2020; 20:493-500. [PMID: 32934044 DOI: 10.7861/clinmed.2020-0676] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Cirrhosis is associated with intestinal dysbiosis, with specific alterations in the gut microbiota linked to particular aetiologies and manifestations of the disease. We review the role of the gut microbiome and the importance of the intestinal barrier in cirrhosis, provide an overview of the terminology and techniques relevant to this emerging area, and discuss the latest developments in therapies targeting the gut-liver axis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charlotte Woodhouse
- King's College London, London, UK and King's College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Arjuna Singanayagam
- St George's University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK and senior clinical lecturer, St George's University of London, London, UK
| | - Vishal C Patel
- King's College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK, honorary senior lecturer, King's College London, London, UK and principal investigator, Institute of Hepatology, Foundation for Liver Research, London, UK
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49
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Pretreatment with zinc protects Kupffer cells following administration of microbial products. Biomed Pharmacother 2020; 127:110208. [PMID: 32417689 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2020.110208] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2020] [Revised: 04/26/2020] [Accepted: 04/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Systemic inflammation and severe fibrosis can reduce serum zinc levels, while zinc supplementation is reported to improve the prognosis of patients with chronic liver disease (CLD). OBJECTIVES We aimed to investigate the clinical application of serum zinc in patients with CLD and the anti-infective mechanism of zinc supplementation. METHODS Based on the serum zinc level, 149 CLD patients were divided into 3 groups and their clinical parameters were compared. In in-vitro experiments, microbial isolates derived from patients were used to stimulate human liver non-parenchymal cells, and the zinc sulfate solution was added in certain experiments. The effect of zinc was compared by LDH and thromboxane A2 levels in the cell supernatant. RESULT Compared with other groups, patients with low serum zinc levels had significantly higher C-reactive protein (CRP), total bilirubin, INR, creatinine, and MELD scores, while albumin and GOT levels were reduced. Only CRP and albumin were significantly correlated with serum zinc in both low and normal-zinc groups. Bacterial isolates significantly increased LDH levels in Kupffer cells (KCs) and stellate cells but had no effect on sinusoidal endothelial cells, whereas zinc pretreatment protected KCs but not stellate cells. Thromboxane A2 secreted by KCs can also be induced by bacterial stimulation, accompanied by increased gene expression of Myd88, MAPK and NF-kB, while zinc pretreatment can attenuate that. CONCLUSION Serum zinc levels can be used to estimate infection and liver fibrosis in CLD patients. As a new antibacterial weapon, zinc supplementation acts on KCs through Myd88-MAPK related pathways.
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50
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Yuan Y, Wang X, Xu X, Liu Y, Li C, Yang M, Yang Y, Ma Z. Evaluation of a Dual-Acting Antibacterial Agent, TNP-2092, on Gut Microbiota and Potential Application in the Treatment of Gastrointestinal and Liver Disorders. ACS Infect Dis 2020; 6:820-831. [PMID: 31849218 DOI: 10.1021/acsinfecdis.9b00374] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
TNP-2092 is a unique multitargeting drug conjugate with extremely low propensity for development of resistance. The in vitro activity of TNP-2092 against a panel of urease-producing bacteria was similar to that of rifaximin, a locally acting antibiotic approved for the treatment of hepatic encephalopathy, irritable bowel syndrome with diarrhea, and traveler's diarrhea. When given orally, TNP-2092 exhibited low absorption and the majority of compound was recovered in feces as parent. The impact of oral TNP-2092 on gut microbiota was investigated in rats. TNP-2092 was administered to rats by oral gavage for 7 days. Feces samples were collected and analyzed by 16S rRNA sequencing. Although the total amount of bacterial load appeared relatively unchanged before, during, and after treatment, significant changes in the relative abundance of certain gut bacteria at family and genus levels were observed. Some of the changes are known to be associated with improvement of symptoms associated with liver cirrhosis and hepatic encephalopathy. The observed effects of TNP-2092 on gut microbiota in rats were similar to those of rifaximin. In vivo, TNP-2092 demonstrated potent efficacy in a mouse Clostridium difficile infection model, superior to metronidazole and vancomycin, with no relapse observed after treatment. TNP-2092 is currently in clinical development for the treatment of symptoms associated with gastrointestinal and liver disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Yuan
- TenNor Therapeutics Limited, 218 Xinghu Street, Suzhou Industrial Park, Suzhou 215123, China
| | - Xiaomei Wang
- TenNor Therapeutics Limited, 218 Xinghu Street, Suzhou Industrial Park, Suzhou 215123, China
| | - Xiangyi Xu
- TenNor Therapeutics Limited, 218 Xinghu Street, Suzhou Industrial Park, Suzhou 215123, China
| | - Yu Liu
- TenNor Therapeutics Limited, 218 Xinghu Street, Suzhou Industrial Park, Suzhou 215123, China
| | - Cancan Li
- WuXi AppTec (Shanghai) Co., Ltd., 288 Fute Zhong Road, Waigaoqiao, China (Shanghai) Pilot Free Trade Zone, Shanghai 200131, China
| | - Meng Yang
- WuXi AppTec (Shanghai) Co., Ltd., 288 Fute Zhong Road, Waigaoqiao, China (Shanghai) Pilot Free Trade Zone, Shanghai 200131, China
| | - Yiqing Yang
- BGI Genomics, BGI Park, No.21 Hongan 3rd Street, Yantian District, Shenzhen 518083, China
| | - Zhenkun Ma
- TenNor Therapeutics Limited, 218 Xinghu Street, Suzhou Industrial Park, Suzhou 215123, China
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