1
|
Llansola M. Preface for the Vicente Felipo Honorary Issue of Neurochemical Research. Neurochem Res 2024; 49:1421-1426. [PMID: 38641758 DOI: 10.1007/s11064-024-04139-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/21/2024]
Affiliation(s)
- Marta Llansola
- Laboratory of Neurobiology, Principe Felipe Research Center, Valencia, Spain.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Tamnanloo F, Chen X, Oliveira MM, Tremblay M, Rose CF. Excessive intragastric alcohol administration exacerbates hepatic encephalopathy and provokes neuronal cell death in male rats with chronic liver disease. J Neurosci Res 2024; 102:e25337. [PMID: 38680084 DOI: 10.1002/jnr.25337] [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: 10/20/2023] [Revised: 03/11/2024] [Accepted: 04/07/2024] [Indexed: 05/01/2024]
Abstract
Hepatic encephalopathy (HE) is defined as decline in neurological function during chronic liver disease (CLD). Alcohol is a major etiological factor in the pathogenesis of fibrosis/cirrhosis and has also been documented to directly impact the brain. However, the role of alcohol in the development of HE in CLD remains unclear. Here, we investigated the impact of excessive alcohol administration on neurological deterioration in rats with CLD. Starting day 7 post-BDL surgery, rats were administered alcohol twice daily (51% v/v ethanol, 3 g/kg, via gavage) for 4 weeks. Motor coordination was assessed weekly using rotarod and anxiety-like behavior was evaluated with open field and elevated plus maze at 5 weeks. Upon sacrifice, brains were collected for western blot and immunohistochemical analyses to investigate neuronal integrity and oxidative stress status. Alcohol worsened motor coordination performance and increased anxiety-like behavior in BDL rats. Impairments were associated with decreased neuronal markers of NeuN and SMI311, increased apoptotic markers of cleaved/pro-caspase-3 and Bax/Bcl2, increased necroptosis markers of pRIP3 and pMLKL, decreased total antioxidant capacity (TAC), and increased 4-hydroxynonenal (4-HNE)modified proteins in the cerebellum of BDL-alcohol rats when compared to respective controls. Immunofluorescence confirmed the colocalization of cleaved caspase-3 and pMLKL in the granular neurons of the cerebellum of BDL-alcohol rats. Excessive alcohol consumption exacerbates HE which leads to associated apoptotic and necroptotic neuronal loss in the cerebellum of BDL-alcohol rats. Additionally, higher levels of 4-HNE and decreased TAC in the cerebellum of BDL-alcohol rats suggest oxidative stress is the triggering factor of apoptotic and necroptotic neuronal loss/injury.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Farzaneh Tamnanloo
- Hepato-Neuro Lab, CRCHUM, Montréal, Québec, Canada
- Medicine Department, Université de Montréal, Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - Xiaoru Chen
- Hepato-Neuro Lab, CRCHUM, Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | | | | | - Christopher F Rose
- Hepato-Neuro Lab, CRCHUM, Montréal, Québec, Canada
- Medicine Department, Université de Montréal, Montréal, Québec, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Ali SA, Datusalia AK. Protective effects of Tinospora cordifolia miers extract against hepatic and neurobehavioral deficits in thioacetamide-induced hepatic encephalopathy in rats via modulating hyperammonemia and glial cell activation. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2024; 323:117700. [PMID: 38176666 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2023.117700] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2023] [Revised: 12/17/2023] [Accepted: 12/30/2023] [Indexed: 01/06/2024]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Tinospora cordifolia (TC) a potential medicinal herb, has been ethnobotanically used as an eco-friendly supplement to manage various diseases, including cerebral fever. Earlier studies have shown that TC exhibits diverse beneficial effects, including hepatoprotective and neuroprotective effects. However, the effects of TC remain unexplored in animal models of encephalopathy including hepatic encephalopathy (HE). AIM OF THE STUDY To evaluate the effects of TC stem extract against thioacetamide (TAA)-induced behavioural and molecular alterations in HE rats. METHODS AND MATERIALS The extract was preliminarily screened through phytochemical and HR-LC/MS analysis. Animals were pre-treated with TC extract at doses 30 and 100 mg/kg, orally. Following 7 days of TC pre-treatment, HE was induced by administering TAA (300 mg/kg, i. p. thrice). Behavioural assessments were performed after 56 h of TAA first dose. The animals were then sacrificed to assess biochemical parameters in serum, liver and brain. Liver tissue was used for immunoblotting and histological studies to evaluate inflammatory and fibrotic signalling. Moreover, brain tissue was used to evaluate brain edema, activation of glial cells (GFAP, IBA-1) and NF-κB/NLRP3 downstream signalling via immunoblotting and immunohistochemical analysis in cortex and hippocampus. RESULTS The pre-treatment with TC extract effective mitigated TAA-induced behavioural alterations, lowered serum LFT (AST, ALT, ALP, bilirubin) and oxidative stress markers in liver and brain. TC treatment significantly modulated hyperammonemia, cerebral edema and preserved the integrity of BBB proteins in HE animals. TC treatment attenuated TAA-induced histological changes, tissue inflammation (pNF-κB (p65), TNF-α, NLRP3) and fibrosis (collagen, α-SMA) in liver. In addition, immunoblotting analysis revealed TC pre-treatment inhibited fibrotic proteins such as vimentin, TGF-β1 and pSmad2/3 in the liver. Our study further showed that TC treatment downregulated the expression of MAPK/NF-κB inflammatory signalling, as well as GFAP and IBA-1 (glial cell markers) in cortex and hippocampus of TAA-intoxicated rats. Additionally, TC-treated animals exhibited reduced expression of caspase3/9 and BAX induced by TAA. CONCLUSION This study revealed promising insights on the protective effects of TC against HE. The findings clearly demonstrated that the significant inhibition of MAPK/NF-κB signalling and glial cell activation could be responsible for the observed beneficial effects of TC in TAA-induced HE rats.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Syed Afroz Ali
- Laboratory of Molecular NeuroTherapeutics, Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, Raebareli, India
| | - Ashok Kumar Datusalia
- Laboratory of Molecular NeuroTherapeutics, Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, Raebareli, India; Department of Regulatory Toxicology, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, Raebareli, India.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
El-Mansoury B, Smimih K, El Khiat A, Draoui A, Aimrane A, Chatoui R, Ferssiwi A, Bitar A, Gamrani H, Jayakumar AR, El Hiba O. Short Working Memory Impairment Associated with Hippocampal Microglia Activation in Chronic Hepatic Encephalopathy. Metabolites 2024; 14:193. [PMID: 38668321 PMCID: PMC11052478 DOI: 10.3390/metabo14040193] [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: 10/29/2023] [Revised: 01/03/2024] [Accepted: 01/06/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Hepatic encephalopathy (HE) is a major neuropsychological condition that occursas a result of impaired liver function. It is frequently observed in patients with advanced liver disease or cirrhosis. Memory impairment is among the symptoms of HE; the pathophysiologic mechanism for this enervating condition remains unclear. However, it is possible that neuroinflammation may be involved, as recent studies have emphasized such phenomena. Therefore, the aim of the present study is to assess short working memory (SWM) and examine the involvement of microglia in a chronic model of HE. The study was carried out with male Wistar rats that were induced by repeated thioacetamide (TAA) administration (100 mg/kg i.p injection for 10 days). SWM function was assessed through Y-maze, T-Maze, and novel object recognition (NOR) tests, together with an immunofluorescence study of microglia activation within the hippocampal areas. Our data showed impaired SWM in TAA-treated rats that was associated with microglial activation in the three hippocampal regions, and which contributed to cognitive impairment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bilal El-Mansoury
- Laboratory of Anthropogenic, Biotechnology and Health, Nutritional Physiopathologies, Neurosciences and Toxicology Team, Faculty of Sciences, Chouaib Doukkali University, Av. Des Facultés, El Jadida 24000, Morocco; (B.E.-M.); (A.E.K.); (A.A.); (A.F.); (A.B.)
| | - Kamal Smimih
- Laboratory of Genie-Biology, Faculty of Sciences and Techniques, Sultan Moulay Slimane University, Beni Mellal 23000, Morocco; (K.S.); (R.C.)
| | - Abdelaati El Khiat
- Laboratory of Anthropogenic, Biotechnology and Health, Nutritional Physiopathologies, Neurosciences and Toxicology Team, Faculty of Sciences, Chouaib Doukkali University, Av. Des Facultés, El Jadida 24000, Morocco; (B.E.-M.); (A.E.K.); (A.A.); (A.F.); (A.B.)
- Higher Institute of Nursing Professions and Health Techniques, Ministry of Health, Ouarzazate 45000, Morocco
- Laboratory of Clinical and Experimental Neurosciences and Environment, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, Cadi Ayyad University, Marrakech 40000, Morocco
| | - Ahmed Draoui
- Laboratory of Clinical and Experimental Neurosciences and Environment, Faculty of Science Semlalia, Cadi Ayyad University, Marrakech 40000, Morocco; (A.D.); (H.G.)
| | - Abdelmohcine Aimrane
- Laboratory of Anthropogenic, Biotechnology and Health, Nutritional Physiopathologies, Neurosciences and Toxicology Team, Faculty of Sciences, Chouaib Doukkali University, Av. Des Facultés, El Jadida 24000, Morocco; (B.E.-M.); (A.E.K.); (A.A.); (A.F.); (A.B.)
| | - Redouane Chatoui
- Laboratory of Genie-Biology, Faculty of Sciences and Techniques, Sultan Moulay Slimane University, Beni Mellal 23000, Morocco; (K.S.); (R.C.)
| | - Abdesslam Ferssiwi
- Laboratory of Anthropogenic, Biotechnology and Health, Nutritional Physiopathologies, Neurosciences and Toxicology Team, Faculty of Sciences, Chouaib Doukkali University, Av. Des Facultés, El Jadida 24000, Morocco; (B.E.-M.); (A.E.K.); (A.A.); (A.F.); (A.B.)
| | - Abdelali Bitar
- Laboratory of Anthropogenic, Biotechnology and Health, Nutritional Physiopathologies, Neurosciences and Toxicology Team, Faculty of Sciences, Chouaib Doukkali University, Av. Des Facultés, El Jadida 24000, Morocco; (B.E.-M.); (A.E.K.); (A.A.); (A.F.); (A.B.)
| | - Halima Gamrani
- Laboratory of Clinical and Experimental Neurosciences and Environment, Faculty of Science Semlalia, Cadi Ayyad University, Marrakech 40000, Morocco; (A.D.); (H.G.)
| | | | - Omar El Hiba
- Laboratory of Anthropogenic, Biotechnology and Health, Nutritional Physiopathologies, Neurosciences and Toxicology Team, Faculty of Sciences, Chouaib Doukkali University, Av. Des Facultés, El Jadida 24000, Morocco; (B.E.-M.); (A.E.K.); (A.A.); (A.F.); (A.B.)
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Mosso J, Briand G, Pierzchala K, Simicic D, Sierra A, Abdollahzadeh A, Jelescu IO, Cudalbu C. Diffusion of brain metabolites highlights altered brain microstructure in type C hepatic encephalopathy: a 9.4 T preliminary study. Front Neurosci 2024; 18:1344076. [PMID: 38572151 PMCID: PMC10987698 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2024.1344076] [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: 11/24/2023] [Accepted: 02/19/2024] [Indexed: 04/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Type C hepatic encephalopathy (HE) is a decompensating event of chronic liver disease leading to severe motor and cognitive impairment. The progression of type C HE is associated with changes in brain metabolite concentrations measured by 1H magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS), most noticeably a strong increase in glutamine to detoxify brain ammonia. In addition, alterations of brain cellular architecture have been measured ex vivo by histology in a rat model of type C HE. The aim of this study was to assess the potential of diffusion-weighted MRS (dMRS) for probing these cellular shape alterations in vivo by monitoring the diffusion properties of the major brain metabolites. Methods The bile duct-ligated (BDL) rat model of type C HE was used. Five animals were scanned before surgery and 6- to 7-week post-BDL surgery, with each animal being used as its own control. 1H-MRS was performed in the hippocampus (SPECIAL, TE = 2.8 ms) and dMRS in a voxel encompassing the entire brain (DW-STEAM, TE = 15 ms, diffusion time = 120 ms, maximum b-value = 25 ms/μm2) on a 9.4 T scanner. The in vivo MRS acquisitions were further validated with histological measures (immunohistochemistry, Golgi-Cox, electron microscopy). Results The characteristic 1H-MRS pattern of type C HE, i.e., a gradual increase of brain glutamine and a decrease of the main organic osmolytes, was observed in the hippocampus of BDL rats. Overall increased metabolite diffusivities (apparent diffusion coefficient and intra-stick diffusivity-Callaghan's model, significant for glutamine, myo-inositol, and taurine) and decreased kurtosis coefficients were observed in BDL rats compared to control, highlighting the presence of osmotic stress and possibly of astrocytic and neuronal alterations. These results were consistent with the microstructure depicted by histology and represented by a decline in dendritic spines density in neurons, a shortening and decreased number of astrocytic processes, and extracellular edema. Discussion dMRS enables non-invasive and longitudinal monitoring of the diffusion behavior of brain metabolites, reflecting in the present study the globally altered brain microstructure in BDL rats, as confirmed ex vivo by histology. These findings give new insights into metabolic and microstructural abnormalities associated with high brain glutamine and its consequences in type C HE.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jessie Mosso
- CIBM Center for Biomedical Imaging, Lausanne, Switzerland
- Animal Imaging and Technology, École polytechnique fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Guillaume Briand
- CIBM Center for Biomedical Imaging, Lausanne, Switzerland
- Animal Imaging and Technology, École polytechnique fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Katarzyna Pierzchala
- CIBM Center for Biomedical Imaging, Lausanne, Switzerland
- Animal Imaging and Technology, École polytechnique fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Dunja Simicic
- CIBM Center for Biomedical Imaging, Lausanne, Switzerland
- Animal Imaging and Technology, École polytechnique fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Alejandra Sierra
- A.I. Virtanen Institute for Molecular Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Ali Abdollahzadeh
- Center for Biomedical Imaging, Department of Radiology, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, United States
| | - Ileana O. Jelescu
- Department of Radiology, Lausanne University Hospital (CHUV), Lausanne, Switzerland
- Faculty of Biology and Medicine, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Cristina Cudalbu
- CIBM Center for Biomedical Imaging, Lausanne, Switzerland
- Animal Imaging and Technology, École polytechnique fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), Lausanne, Switzerland
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
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.
Collapse
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.
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Arenas YM, Izquierdo-Altarejos P, Martinez-García M, Giménez-Garzó C, Mincheva G, Doverskog M, Jones DEJ, Balzano T, Llansola M, Felipo V. Golexanolone improves fatigue, motor incoordination and gait and memory in rats with bile duct ligation. Liver Int 2024; 44:433-445. [PMID: 38010893 DOI: 10.1111/liv.15782] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2023] [Revised: 09/11/2023] [Accepted: 10/23/2023] [Indexed: 11/29/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Many patients with the chronic cholestatic liver disease primary biliary cholangitis (PBC) show fatigue and cognitive impairment that reduces their quality of life. Likewise, rats with bile duct ligation (BDL) are a model of cholestatic liver disease. Current PBC treatments do not improve symptomatic alterations such as fatigue or cognitive impairment and new, more effective treatments are therefore required. Golexanolone reduces the potentiation of GABAA receptors activation by neurosteroids. Golexanolone reduces peripheral inflammation and neuroinflammation and improves cognitive and motor function in rats with chronic hyperammonemia. The aims of the present study were to assess if golexanolone treatment improves fatigue and cognitive and motor function in cholestatic BDL rats and if this is associated with improvement of peripheral inflammation, neuroinflammation, and GABAergic neurotransmission in the cerebellum. METHODS Rats were subjected to bile duct ligation. One week after surgery, oral golexanolone was administered daily to BDL and sham-operated controls. Fatigue was analysed in the treadmill, motor coordination in the motorater, locomotor gait in the Catwalk, and short-term memory in the Y-maze. We also analysed peripheral inflammation, neuroinflammation, and GABAergic neurotransmission markers by immunohistochemistry and Western blot. RESULTS BDL induces fatigue, impairs memory and motor coordination, and alters locomotor gait in cholestatic rats. Golexanolone improves these alterations, and this was associated with improvement of peripheral inflammation, neuroinflammation, and GABAergic neurotransmission in the cerebellum. CONCLUSION Golexanolone may have beneficial effects to treat fatigue, and motor and cognitive impairment in patients with the chronic cholestatic liver disease PBC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yaiza M Arenas
- Laboratory of Neurobiology, Centro de Investigación Príncipe Felipe, Valencia, Spain
| | | | - Mar Martinez-García
- Laboratory of Neurobiology, Centro de Investigación Príncipe Felipe, Valencia, Spain
| | - Carla Giménez-Garzó
- Laboratory of Neurobiology, Centro de Investigación Príncipe Felipe, Valencia, Spain
| | - Gergana Mincheva
- Laboratory of Neurobiology, Centro de Investigación Príncipe Felipe, Valencia, Spain
| | | | - David E J Jones
- Translational and Clinical Research Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, UK
- Freeman Hospital, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, UK
| | - Tiziano Balzano
- Centro Integral de Neurociencias, Hospital Universitario Puerta del Sur CINAC, Madrid, Spain
| | - Marta Llansola
- Laboratory of Neurobiology, Centro de Investigación Príncipe Felipe, Valencia, Spain
| | - Vicente Felipo
- Laboratory of Neurobiology, Centro de Investigación Príncipe Felipe, Valencia, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Orzeł-Gajowik K, Milewski K, Zielińska M. miRNA-ome plasma analysis unveils changes in blood-brain barrier integrity associated with acute liver failure in rats. Fluids Barriers CNS 2023; 20:92. [PMID: 38066639 PMCID: PMC10709860 DOI: 10.1186/s12987-023-00484-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2023] [Accepted: 10/30/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hepatic encephalopathy (HE) symptoms associated with liver insufficiency are linked to the neurotoxic effects of ammonia and other toxic metabolites reaching the brain via the blood-brain barrier (BBB), further aggravated by the inflammatory response. Cumulative evidence documents that the non-coding single-stranded RNAs, micro RNAs (miRs) control the BBB functioning. However, miRs' involvement in BBB breakdown in HE is still underexplored. Here, we hypothesized that in rats with acute liver failure (ALF) or rats subjected to hyperammonemia, altered circulating miRs affect BBB composing proteins. METHODS Transmission electron microscopy was employed to delineate structural alterations of the BBB in rats with ALF (thioacetamide (TAA) intraperitoneal (ip.) administration) or hyperammonemia (ammonium acetate (OA) ip. administration). The BBB permeability was determined with Evans blue dye and sodium fluorescein assay. Plasma MiRs were profiled by Next Generation Sequencing (NGS), followed by in silico analysis. Selected miRs, verified by qRT-PCR, were examined in cultured rat brain endothelial cells. Targeted protein alterations were elucidated with immunofluorescence, western blotting, and, after selected miR mimics transfection, through an in vitro resistance measurement. RESULTS Changes in BBB structure and increased permeability were observed in the prefrontal cortex of TAA rats but not in the brains of OA rats. The NGS results revealed divergently changed miRNA-ome in the plasma of both rat models. The in silico analysis led to the selection of miR-122-5p and miR-183-5p with their target genes occludin and integrin β1, respectively, as potential contributors to BBB alterations. Both proteins were reduced in isolated brain vessels and cortical homogenates in TAA rats. We documented in cultured primary brain endothelial cells that ammonia alone and, in combination with TNFα increases the relative expression of NGS-selected miRs with a less pronounced effect of TNFα when added alone. The in vitro study also confirmed miR-122-5p-dependent decrease in occludin and miR-183-5p-related reduction in integrin β1 expression. CONCLUSION This work identified, to our knowledge for the first time, potential functional links between alterations in miRs residing in brain endothelium and BBB dysfunction in ALF.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Karolina Orzeł-Gajowik
- Department of Neurotoxicology, Mossakowski Medical Research Institute, Polish Academy of Sciences, Pawińskiego St. 5, 02-106, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Krzysztof Milewski
- Department of Neurotoxicology, Mossakowski Medical Research Institute, Polish Academy of Sciences, Pawińskiego St. 5, 02-106, Warsaw, Poland
- Laboratory of Cellular Metabolism, Nencki Institute of Experimental Biology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Pasteura St. 3, 02-093, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Magdalena Zielińska
- Department of Neurotoxicology, Mossakowski Medical Research Institute, Polish Academy of Sciences, Pawińskiego St. 5, 02-106, Warsaw, Poland.
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Tamnanloo F, Ochoa-Sanchez R, Oliveira MM, Lima C, Lépine M, Dubois K, Bosoi C, Tremblay M, Sleno L, Rose CF. Multiple ammonia-induced episodes of hepatic encephalopathy provoke neuronal cell loss in bile-duct ligated rats. JHEP Rep 2023; 5:100904. [PMID: 37942225 PMCID: PMC10628859 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhepr.2023.100904] [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] [Received: 03/05/2023] [Revised: 07/25/2023] [Accepted: 08/31/2023] [Indexed: 11/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Background & Aims Hepatic encephalopathy (HE) is defined as a reversible syndrome and therefore should resolve following liver transplantation (LT). However, neurological complications have been reported in up to 47% of LT recipients, which have been documented to be associated with a history of overt HE pre-LT. We hypothesise that multiple episodes of HE lead to permanent cell injury and exacerbate neurological dysfunction. Our goal was to evaluate the impact of cumulative HE episodes on neurological status and brain integrity in rats with chronic liver disease. Methods Episodes of overt HE (loss of righting reflex) were induced following injection of ammonium acetate in bile duct ligation (BDL) rats (BDL-Ammonia) every 4 days starting at week 3 post-BDL. Neurobehaviour was evaluated after the last episode. Upon sacrifice, plasma ammonia, systemic oxidative stress, and inflammation markers were assessed. Neuronal markers including neuron-specific nuclear antigen and SMI311 (anti-neurofilament marker) and apoptotic markers (cleaved caspase-3, Bax, and Bcl2) were measured. Total antioxidant capacity, oxidative stress marker (4-hydroxynonenal), and proinflammatory cytokines (tumour necrosis factor-alpha and interleukin-1β) were measured in brain (hippocampus, frontal cortex, and cerebellum). Proteomic analysis was conducted in the hippocampus. Results In hippocampus of BDL-Ammonia rats, cleaved caspase-3 and Bax/Bcl2 ratio were significantly increased, whereas NeuN and SMI311 were significantly decreased compared with BDL-Vehicle rats. Higher levels of oxidative stress-induced post-translational modified proteins were found in hippocampus of BDL-Ammonia group which were associated with a lower total antioxidant capacity. Conclusions Ammonia-induced episodes of overt HE caused neuronal cell injury/death in BDL rats. These results suggest that multiple bouts of HE can be detrimental on the integrity of the brain, translating to irreversibility and hence neurological complications post-LT. Impact and implications Hepatic encephalopathy (HE) is defined as a reversible neuropsychiatric syndrome resolving following liver transplantation (LT); however, ∼47% of patients demonstrate neurological impairments after LT, which are associated with a previous history of overt HE pre-LT. Our study indicates that multiple episodes of overt HE can cause permanent neuronal damage which may lead to neurological complications after LT. Nevertheless, preventing the occurrence of overt HE episodes is critical for reducing the risk of irreversible neuronal injury in patients with cirrhosis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Farzaneh Tamnanloo
- Hepato-Neuro Lab, CRCHUM, Montréal, Canada
- Medicine Department, Université de Montréal, Montréal, Canada
| | | | | | - Carina Lima
- Chemistry Department/CERMO-FC, Université du Québec à Montréal, Montréal, Canada
| | - Maggy Lépine
- Chemistry Department/CERMO-FC, Université du Québec à Montréal, Montréal, Canada
| | | | | | | | - Lekha Sleno
- Chemistry Department/CERMO-FC, Université du Québec à Montréal, Montréal, Canada
| | - Christopher F. Rose
- Hepato-Neuro Lab, CRCHUM, Montréal, Canada
- Medicine Department, Université de Montréal, Montréal, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Ommati MM, Mobasheri A, Niknahad H, Rezaei M, Alidaee S, Arjmand A, Mazloomi S, Abdoli N, Sadeghian I, Sabouri S, Saeed M, Mousavi K, Najibi A, Heidari R. Low-dose ketamine improves animals' locomotor activity and decreases brain oxidative stress and inflammation in ammonia-induced neurotoxicity. J Biochem Mol Toxicol 2023; 37:e23468. [PMID: 37491939 DOI: 10.1002/jbt.23468] [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: 09/04/2022] [Revised: 06/10/2023] [Accepted: 07/08/2023] [Indexed: 07/27/2023]
Abstract
Ammonium ion (NH4 + ) is the major suspected molecule responsible for neurological complications of hepatic encephalopathy (HE). No specific pharmacological action for NH4 + -induced brain injury exists so far. Excitotoxicity is a well-known phenomenon in the brain of hyperammonemic cases. The hyperactivation of the N-Methyl- d-aspartate (NMDA) receptors by agents such as glutamate, an NH4 + metabolite, could cause excitotoxicity. Excitotoxicity is connected with events such as oxidative stress and neuroinflammation. Hence, utilizing NMDA receptor antagonists could prevent neurological complications of NH4 + neurotoxicity. In the current study, C57BL6/J mice received acetaminophen (APAP; 800 mg/kg, i.p) to induce HE. Hyperammonemic animals were treated with ketamine (0.25, 0.5, and 1 mg/kg, s.c) as an NMDA receptor antagonist. Animals' brain and plasma levels of NH4 + were dramatically high, and animals' locomotor activities were disturbed. Moreover, several markers of oxidative stress were significantly increased in the brain. A significant increase in brain tissue levels of TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1β was also detected in hyperammonemic animals. It was found that ketamine significantly normalized animals' locomotor activity, improved biomarkers of oxidative stress, and decreased proinflammatory cytokines. The effects of ketamine on oxidative stress biomarkers and inflammation seem to play a key role in its neuroprotective mechanisms in the current study.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Mehdi Ommati
- College of Life Sciences, Shanxi Agricultural University, Taigu, Shanxi, China
- Henan Key Laboratory of Environmental and Animal Product Safety, College of Animal Science and Technology, Henan University of Science and Technology, Luoyang, Henan, China
| | - Ali Mobasheri
- Research Unit of Medical Imaging, Physics, and Technology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland
- Departments of Orthopedics, Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
- Department of Regenerative Medicine, State Research Institute Centre for Innovative Medicine, Vilnius, Lithuania
| | - Hossein Niknahad
- Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Pharmacy, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Mohammad Rezaei
- Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Pharmacy, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Sepideh Alidaee
- Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Pharmacy, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Abdollah Arjmand
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Sahra Mazloomi
- Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Pharmacy, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Narges Abdoli
- Food and Drug Administration, Iran Ministry of Health and Medical Education, Tehran, Iran
| | - Issa Sadeghian
- Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
- Biotechnology Incubator, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Samira Sabouri
- Henan Key Laboratory of Environmental and Animal Product Safety, College of Animal Science and Technology, Henan University of Science and Technology, Luoyang, Henan, China
| | - Mohsen Saeed
- Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Pharmacy, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Khadijeh Mousavi
- Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Asma Najibi
- Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Reza Heidari
- Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Ocaña-Sánchez MF, Soto-Ojeda GA, Cocotle-Ronzón Y, Soria-Fregozo C, Sánchez-Medina A, García-Rodríguez RV, Rodríguez-Landa JF, Corro-Méndez EJ, Hernández-Lozano M. Flaxseed Oil ( Linum usitatissimum) Prevents Cognitive and Motor Damage in Rats with Hyperammonemia. Nutrients 2023; 15:4550. [PMID: 37960203 PMCID: PMC10647672 DOI: 10.3390/nu15214550] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2023] [Revised: 10/25/2023] [Accepted: 10/25/2023] [Indexed: 11/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Hyperammonemia is characterized by the excessive accumulation of ammonia in the body as a result of the loss of liver detoxification, leading to the development of hepatic encephalopathy (HE). These metabolic alterations carry cognitive and motor deficits and cause neuronal damage, with no effective treatment at present. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the effect of two subacute oral administrations of flaxseed oil (0.26 and 0.52 mL/kg) on short- and long-term memory, visuospatial memory, locomotor activity, motor coordination, and the neuronal morphology of the prefrontal cortex (PFC) via tests on Wistar rats with hyperammonemia. The goal was to identify its role in the regulation of cerebral edema, without liver damage causing cerebral failure. In contrast with an ammonium-rich diet, flaxseed oil and normal foods did not cause cognitive impairment or motor alterations, as evidenced in the short-term and visuospatial memory tests. Furthermore, the flaxseed oil treatment maintained a regular neuronal morphology of the prefrontal cortex, which represents a neuroprotective effect. We conclude that the oral administration of flaxseed oil prevents cognitive and motor impairments as well as neuronal alterations in rats with hyperammonemia, which supports the potential use of this oil to ameliorate the changes that occur in hepatic encephalopathy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marcos F. Ocaña-Sánchez
- Programa de Doctorado en Ciencias Biomédicas, Centro de Investigaciones Biomédicas, Universidad Veracruzana, Xalapa 91190, Mexico
- Facultad de Química Farmacéutica Biológica, Universidad Veracruzana, Xalapa 91090, Mexico; (G.A.S.-O.); (Y.C.-R.)
| | - Gabriel A. Soto-Ojeda
- Facultad de Química Farmacéutica Biológica, Universidad Veracruzana, Xalapa 91090, Mexico; (G.A.S.-O.); (Y.C.-R.)
| | - Yolanda Cocotle-Ronzón
- Facultad de Química Farmacéutica Biológica, Universidad Veracruzana, Xalapa 91090, Mexico; (G.A.S.-O.); (Y.C.-R.)
| | - Cesar Soria-Fregozo
- Laboratorio Ciencias Biomédicas/área Histología y Psicobiología, Departamento de Ciencias de la Tierra y de la Vida, Centro Universitario de los Lagos, Universidad de Guadalajara, Lagos de Moreno 47460, Mexico;
| | - Alberto Sánchez-Medina
- Instituto de Química Aplicada, Universidad Veracruzana, Xalapa 91190, Mexico; (A.S.-M.); (R.V.G.-R.)
| | - Rosa V. García-Rodríguez
- Instituto de Química Aplicada, Universidad Veracruzana, Xalapa 91190, Mexico; (A.S.-M.); (R.V.G.-R.)
| | | | - Erick J. Corro-Méndez
- Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas y Agropecuarias, Universidad Veracruzana, Amatlán 94945, Mexico;
| | - Minerva Hernández-Lozano
- Facultad de Química Farmacéutica Biológica, Universidad Veracruzana, Xalapa 91090, Mexico; (G.A.S.-O.); (Y.C.-R.)
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Niknahad H, Mobasheri A, Arjmand A, Rafiei E, Alidaee S, Razavi H, Bagheri S, Rezaei H, Sabouri S, Najibi A, Khodaei F, Kashani SMA, Ommati MM, Heidari R. Hepatic encephalopathy complications are diminished by piracetam via the interaction between mitochondrial function, oxidative stress, inflammatory response, and locomotor activity. Heliyon 2023; 9:e20557. [PMID: 37810869 PMCID: PMC10551565 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e20557] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2023] [Revised: 09/01/2023] [Accepted: 09/28/2023] [Indexed: 10/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Background of the study: Hepatic encephalopathy (HE) is a complication in which brain ammonia (NH4+) levels reach critically high concentrations because of liver failure. HE could lead to a range of neurological complications from locomotor and behavioral disturbances to coma. Several tactics have been established for subsiding blood and brain NH4+. However, there is no precise intervention to mitigate the direct neurological complications of NH4+. Purpose It has been found that oxidative stress, mitochondrial damage, and neuro-inflammation play a fundamental role in NH4+ neurotoxicity. Piracetam is a drug used clinically in neurological complications such as stroke and head trauma. Piracetam could significantly diminish oxidative stress and improve brain mitochondrial function. Research methods In the current study, piracetam (100 and 500 mg/kg, oral) was used in a mice model of HE induced by thioacetamide (TA, 800 mg/kg, single dose, i.p). Results Significant disturbances in animals' locomotor activity, along with increased oxidative stress biomarkers, including reactive oxygen species formation, protein carbonylation, lipid peroxidation, depleted tissue glutathione, and decreased antioxidant capacity, were evident in the brain of TA-treated mice. Meanwhile, mitochondrial permeabilization, mitochondrial depolarization, suppression of dehydrogenases activity, and decreased ATP levels were found in the brain of the TA group. The level of pro-inflammatory cytokines was also significantly high in the brain of HE animals. Conclusion It was found that piracetam significantly enhanced mice's locomotor activity, blunted oxidative stress biomarkers, decreased inflammatory cytokines, and improved mitochondrial indices in hyperammonemic mice. These data suggest piracetam as a neuroprotective agent which could be repurposed for the management of HE.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hossein Niknahad
- Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Pharmacy, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Ali Mobasheri
- Research Unit of Medical Imaging, Physics, And Technology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oulu, FI-90014, Oulu, Finland
- University Medical Center Utrecht, Departments of Orthopedics Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, 3508, GA, Utrecht, the Netherlands
- Department of Regenerative Medicine, State Research Institute Centre for Innovative Medicine, LT-08406, Vilnius, Lithuania
| | - Abdollah Arjmand
- Department of Toxicology and Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Elahe Rafiei
- Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Sepideh Alidaee
- Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Hadi Razavi
- Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Pharmacy, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Sara Bagheri
- Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Heresh Rezaei
- Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Pharmacy, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Samira Sabouri
- Shanxi Key Laboratory of Ecological, Animal Sciences, And Environmental Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Shanxi Agricultural University, Taigu, Shanxi, 030801, China
| | - Asma Najibi
- Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Pharmacy, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Forouzan Khodaei
- Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Seyyed Mohammad Amin Kashani
- Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Pharmacy, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Mohammad Mehdi Ommati
- Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
- Shanxi Key Laboratory of Ecological, Animal Sciences, And Environmental Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Shanxi Agricultural University, Taigu, Shanxi, 030801, China
- Henan Key Laboratory of Environmental and Animal Product Safety, College of Animal Science and Technology, Henan University of Science and Technology, Luoyang, 471000, Henan, China
| | - Reza Heidari
- Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Cheon SY, Kim MY, Kim J, Kim EJ, Kam EH, Cho I, Koo BN, Kim SY. Hyperammonemia induces microglial NLRP3 inflammasome activation via mitochondrial oxidative stress in hepatic encephalopathy. Biomed J 2023; 46:100593. [PMID: 37059364 PMCID: PMC10498413 DOI: 10.1016/j.bj.2023.04.001] [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: 01/08/2023] [Revised: 03/10/2023] [Accepted: 04/04/2023] [Indexed: 04/16/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The role of nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain-like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome in the pathogenesis of hepatic encephalopathy (HE) is unclear. Mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (mtROS) is a signal for NLRP3 inflammasome activation. Therefore, we aimed to determine whether mtROS-dependent NLRP3 inflammasome activation is involved in HE, using in vivo and in vitro models. METHODS Bile duct ligation (BDL) in C57/BL6 mice was used as an in vivo HE model. NLRP3 activation was assessed in the hippocampus. Immunofluorescence staining was performed to determine the cellular source of NLRP3 in the hippocampal tissue. For the in vitro experiment, BV-2 microglial cells were primed with lipopolysaccharide (LPS), followed by ammonia treatment. NLRP3 activation and mitochondrial dysfunction were measured. Mito-TEMPO was used to suppress mtROS production. RESULTS BDL mice showed cognitive impairment with hyperammonemia. Both the priming and activation steps of NLRP3 inflammasome activation were processed in the hippocampus of BDL mice. Moreover, intracellular ROS levels increased in the hippocampus, and NLRP3 was mainly expressed in the microglia of the hippocampus. In LPS-primed BV-2 cells, ammonia treatment induced NLRP3 inflammasome activation and pyroptosis, with elevation of mtROS and altered mitochondrial membrane potential. Pretreatment with Mito-TEMPO suppressed mtROS production and the subsequent NLRP3 inflammasome activation and pyroptosis under LPS and ammonia treatment in BV-2 cells. CONCLUSIONS Hyperammonemia in HE may be involved in mtROS overproduction and subsequent NLRP3 inflammasome activation. Further studies using NLRP3-specific inhibitor or NLRP3 knockout mice are needed to elucidate the important role of NLRP3 inflammasome in HE development.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- So Yeong Cheon
- Department of Biotechnology, College of Biomedical & Health Science, Konkuk University, Chungju, Republic of Korea
| | - Min-Yu Kim
- Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, Anesthesia and Pain Research Institute, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Jeongmin Kim
- Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, Anesthesia and Pain Research Institute, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Eun Jung Kim
- Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, Anesthesia and Pain Research Institute, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Eun Hee Kam
- Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, Anesthesia and Pain Research Institute, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Inja Cho
- Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, Anesthesia and Pain Research Institute, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Bon-Nyeo Koo
- Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, Anesthesia and Pain Research Institute, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
| | - So Yeon Kim
- Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, Anesthesia and Pain Research Institute, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Simicic D, Rackayova V, Braissant O, Toso C, Oldani G, Sessa D, McLin VA, Cudalbu C. Neurometabolic changes in a rat pup model of type C hepatic encephalopathy depend on age at liver disease onset. Metab Brain Dis 2023; 38:1999-2012. [PMID: 37148431 PMCID: PMC10348928 DOI: 10.1007/s11011-023-01210-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2022] [Accepted: 04/02/2023] [Indexed: 05/08/2023]
Abstract
Chronic liver disease (CLD) is a serious condition where various toxins present in the blood affect the brain leading to type C hepatic encephalopathy (HE). Both adults and children are impacted, while children may display unique vulnerabilities depending on the affected window of brain development.We aimed to use the advantages of high field proton Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy (1H MRS) to study longitudinally the neurometabolic and behavioural effects of Bile Duct Ligation (animal model of CLD-induced type C HE) on rats at post-natal day 15 (p15) to get closer to neonatal onset liver disease. Furthermore, we compared two sets of animals (p15 and p21-previously published) to evaluate whether the brain responds differently to CLD according to age onset.We showed for the first time that when CLD was acquired at p15, the rats presented the typical signs of CLD, i.e. rise in plasma bilirubin and ammonium, and developed the characteristic brain metabolic changes associated with type C HE (e.g. glutamine increase and osmolytes decrease). When compared to rats that acquired CLD at p21, p15 rats did not show any significant difference in plasma biochemistry, but displayed a delayed increase in brain glutamine and decrease in total-choline. The changes in neurotransmitters were milder than in p21 rats. Moreover, p15 rats showed an earlier increase in brain lactate and a different antioxidant response. These findings offer tentative pointers as to which neurodevelopmental processes may be impacted and raise the question of whether similar changes might exist in humans but are missed owing to 1H MRS methodological limitations in field strength of clinical magnet.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dunja Simicic
- CIBM Center for Biomedical Imaging, Lausanne, Switzerland.
- Animal Imaging and Technology, Ecole Polytechnique Federale de Lausanne (EPFL), Lausanne, Switzerland.
| | - Veronika Rackayova
- CIBM Center for Biomedical Imaging, Lausanne, Switzerland
- Animal Imaging and Technology, Ecole Polytechnique Federale de Lausanne (EPFL), Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Olivier Braissant
- Service of Clinical Chemistry, Lausanne University Hospital and University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Christian Toso
- Division of Abdominal and Transplantation Surgery, Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Geneva University Hospitals, Geneva, Switzerland
- Faculty of Medicine, Hepato-pancreato-biliary Centre, Geneva University Hospitals, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Graziano Oldani
- Division of Abdominal and Transplantation Surgery, Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Geneva University Hospitals, Geneva, Switzerland
- Faculty of Medicine, Hepato-pancreato-biliary Centre, Geneva University Hospitals, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Dario Sessa
- Swiss Pediatric Liver Center, Department of Pediatrics, Gynecology and Obstetrics, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Valérie A McLin
- Swiss Pediatric Liver Center, Department of Pediatrics, Gynecology and Obstetrics, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Cristina Cudalbu
- CIBM Center for Biomedical Imaging, Lausanne, Switzerland.
- Animal Imaging and Technology, Ecole Polytechnique Federale de Lausanne (EPFL), Lausanne, Switzerland.
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Claeys W, Van Hoecke L, Lernout H, De Nolf C, Van Imschoot G, Van Wonterghem E, Verhaege D, Castelein J, Geerts A, Van Steenkiste C, Vandenbroucke RE. Experimental hepatic encephalopathy causes early but sustained glial transcriptional changes. J Neuroinflammation 2023; 20:130. [PMID: 37248507 DOI: 10.1186/s12974-023-02814-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2023] [Accepted: 05/21/2023] [Indexed: 05/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatic encephalopathy (HE) is a common complication of liver cirrhosis, associated with high morbidity and mortality, for which no brain-targeted therapies exist at present. The interplay between hyperammonemia and inflammation is thought to drive HE development. As such, astrocytes, the most important ammonia-metabolizing cells in the brain, and microglia, the main immunomodulatory cells in the brain, have been heavily implicated in HE development. As insight into cellular perturbations driving brain pathology remains largely elusive, we aimed to investigate cell-type specific transcriptomic changes in the HE brain. In the recently established mouse bile duct ligation (BDL) model of HE, we performed RNA-Seq of sorted astrocytes and microglia at 14 and 28 days after induction. This revealed a marked transcriptional response in both cell types which was most pronounced in microglia. In both cell types, pathways related to inflammation and hypoxia, mechanisms commonly implicated in HE, were enriched. Additionally, astrocytes exhibited increased corticoid receptor and oxidative stress signaling, whereas microglial transcriptome changes were linked to immune cell attraction. Accordingly, both monocytes and neutrophils accumulated in the BDL mouse brain. Time-dependent changes were limited in both cell types, suggesting early establishment of a pathological phenotype. While HE is often considered a unique form of encephalopathy, astrocytic and microglial transcriptomes showed significant overlap with previously established gene expression signatures in other neuroinflammatory diseases like septic encephalopathy and stroke, suggesting common pathophysiological mechanisms. Our dataset identifies key molecular mechanisms involved in preclinical HE and provides a valuable resource for development of novel glial-directed therapeutic strategies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wouter Claeys
- Hepatology Research Unit, Department of Internal Medicine and Paediatrics, Ghent University, 9000, Ghent, Belgium
- Liver Research Center Ghent, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent University, 9000, Ghent, Belgium
- Barriers in Inflammation, VIB Center for Inflammation Research, VIB, Technologiepark-Zwijnaarde 71, 9052, Ghent, Belgium
- Department of Biomedical Molecular Biology, Ghent University, 9000, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Lien Van Hoecke
- Barriers in Inflammation, VIB Center for Inflammation Research, VIB, Technologiepark-Zwijnaarde 71, 9052, Ghent, Belgium
- Department of Biomedical Molecular Biology, Ghent University, 9000, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Hannah Lernout
- Barriers in Inflammation, VIB Center for Inflammation Research, VIB, Technologiepark-Zwijnaarde 71, 9052, Ghent, Belgium
- IBD Research Unit, Department of Internal Medicine and Paediatrics, Ghent University, 9000, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Clint De Nolf
- Barriers in Inflammation, VIB Center for Inflammation Research, VIB, Technologiepark-Zwijnaarde 71, 9052, Ghent, Belgium
- Department of Biomedical Molecular Biology, Ghent University, 9000, Ghent, Belgium
- Department of Internal Medicine and Paediatrics, Ghent University, 9000, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Griet Van Imschoot
- Barriers in Inflammation, VIB Center for Inflammation Research, VIB, Technologiepark-Zwijnaarde 71, 9052, Ghent, Belgium
- Department of Biomedical Molecular Biology, Ghent University, 9000, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Elien Van Wonterghem
- Barriers in Inflammation, VIB Center for Inflammation Research, VIB, Technologiepark-Zwijnaarde 71, 9052, Ghent, Belgium
- Department of Biomedical Molecular Biology, Ghent University, 9000, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Daan Verhaege
- Barriers in Inflammation, VIB Center for Inflammation Research, VIB, Technologiepark-Zwijnaarde 71, 9052, Ghent, Belgium
- Department of Biomedical Molecular Biology, Ghent University, 9000, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Jonas Castelein
- Barriers in Inflammation, VIB Center for Inflammation Research, VIB, Technologiepark-Zwijnaarde 71, 9052, Ghent, Belgium
- Department of Biomedical Molecular Biology, Ghent University, 9000, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Anja Geerts
- Hepatology Research Unit, Department of Internal Medicine and Paediatrics, Ghent University, 9000, Ghent, Belgium
- Liver Research Center Ghent, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent University, 9000, Ghent, Belgium
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Christophe Van Steenkiste
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Antwerp University, Antwerp, Belgium
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Maria Middelares Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Roosmarijn E Vandenbroucke
- Barriers in Inflammation, VIB Center for Inflammation Research, VIB, Technologiepark-Zwijnaarde 71, 9052, Ghent, Belgium.
- Department of Biomedical Molecular Biology, Ghent University, 9000, Ghent, Belgium.
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Du Y, Wang M, Xu J, Zhong R, Jia J, Huang J, Yao C, Huang L, Huang G, Ke X, Wang H, Fu L. Investigation of therapeutic effects of rhubarb decoction retention enema on minimal hepatic encephalopathy in rats based on 16S rDNA gene sequencing and bile acid metabolomics. J Pharm Biomed Anal 2023; 230:115392. [PMID: 37059036 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpba.2023.115392] [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: 12/22/2022] [Revised: 04/06/2023] [Accepted: 04/09/2023] [Indexed: 04/16/2023]
Abstract
Minimal hepatic encephalopathy (MHE) is an early stage of hepatic encephalopathy (HE), with high incidence and a high rate of clinically missed diagnosis. Early diagnosis of MHE and effective clinical intervention are of great importance. Rhubarb decoction (RD)-induced retention enema can effectively improve the cognitive function of patients with MHE, whereas disturbances in the enterohepatic circulation of bile acid (BAs) can induce MHE. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying the therapeutic effects of RD have not been examined from the perspective of intestinal microbiota and bile metabolomics. In this study, we investigated the effects of RD-induced retention enema on intestinal microbiota and bile metabolites in rats with CCl4- and TAA-induced MHE. RD-induced retention enema significantly improved liver function, reduced blood ammonia levels, alleviated cerebral oedema and restored cognitive function in rats with MHE. In addition, it increased the abundance of intestinal microbes; partially reversed the disorder in the composition of intestinal microbiota, including the Bifidobacterium and Bacteroides genera; and regulated BA metabolism, such as taurine combined with increased BA synthesis. In conclusion, this study highlights the potential importance of BA enterohepatic circulation for RD to improve cognitive function in MHE rats, providing a new perspective on the mechanism of this herb. The findings of this study will facilitate experimental research on RD and help to develop RD-based strategies for clinical application.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yuanqin Du
- Guangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanning, China
| | - Meng Wang
- Department of Spleen and Stomach Liver Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Xianhu District, Nanning, China.
| | - Jian Xu
- Guangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanning, China
| | - Ruixi Zhong
- Guangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanning, China
| | - Juhong Jia
- Guangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanning, China
| | - Jingjing Huang
- Department of Spleen and Stomach Liver Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Xianhu District, Nanning, China; Guangxi Key Laboratory of Translational Medicine of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Nanning, China.
| | - Chun Yao
- Guangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanning, China
| | | | - Guochu Huang
- Department of Spleen and Stomach Liver Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Xianhu District, Nanning, China
| | - Xuan Ke
- Guangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanning, China
| | - Han Wang
- Guangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanning, China
| | - Lei Fu
- Guangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanning, China
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Granados-Fuentes D, Cho K, Patti GJ, Costa R, Herzog ED, Montagnese S. Hyperammonaemia disrupts daily rhythms reversibly by elevating glutamate in the central circadian pacemaker. Liver Int 2023; 43:673-683. [PMID: 36367321 PMCID: PMC9974605 DOI: 10.1111/liv.15476] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2022] [Revised: 10/21/2022] [Accepted: 11/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
Patients with cirrhosis exhibit features of circadian disruption. Hyperammonaemia has been suggested to impair both homeostatic and circadian sleep regulation. Here, we tested if hyperammonaemia directly disrupts circadian rhythm generation in the central pacemaker, the suprachiasmatic nuclei (SCN) of the hypothalamus. Wheel-running activity was recorded from mice fed with a hyperammonaemic or normal diet for ~35 days in a 12:12 light-dark (LD) cycle followed by ~15 days in constant darkness (DD). The expression of the clock protein PERIOD2 (PER2) was recorded from SCN explants before, during and after ammonia exposure, ±glutamate receptor antagonists. In LD, hyperammonaemic mice advanced their daily activity onset time by ~1 h (16.8 ± 0.3 vs. 18.1 ± 0.04 h, p = .009) and decreased their total activity, concentrating it during the first half of the night. In DD, hyperammonaemia reduced the amplitude of daily activity (551.5 ± 27.7 vs. 724.9 ± 59 counts, p = .007), with no changes in circadian period. Ammonia (≥0.01 mM) rapidly and significantly reduced PER2 amplitude, and slightly increased circadian period. The decrease in PER2 amplitude correlated with decreased synchrony among circadian cells in the SCN and increased extracellular glutamate, which was rescued by AMPA glutamate receptor antagonists. These data suggest that hyperammonaemia affects circadian regulation of rest-activity behaviour by increasing extracellular glutamate in the SCN.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Kevin Cho
- Center for Metabolomics and Isotope Tracing, Washington University in St. Louis, USA
| | - Gary J. Patti
- Center for Metabolomics and Isotope Tracing, Washington University in St. Louis, USA
| | - Rodolfo Costa
- Department of Biology, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
- Institute of Neuroscience, National Research Council of Italy (CNR), Padova, Italy
- Chronobiology Section, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Surrey, Guildford, UK
| | - Erik D. Herzog
- Biology Department, Washington University in St. Louis, USA
| | - Sara Montagnese
- Chronobiology Section, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Surrey, Guildford, UK
- Department of Medicine, University of Padova, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Zhou Z, Li K, Guo J, Wang Y, Wei Y, Duan J, Chen M, Shi L, Hu W. Green Tea Catechin EGCG Ameliorates Thioacetamide-Induced Hepatic Encephalopathy in Rats via Modulation of the Microbiota-Gut-Liver Axis. Mol Nutr Food Res 2022; 67:e2200821. [PMID: 36573265 DOI: 10.1002/mnfr.202200821] [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: 11/23/2022] [Revised: 11/23/2022] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
SCOPE Existing research suggests that (-)-epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG), which is a natural tea catechin active substance, can protect against liver injury. However, its mechanism for hepatic encephalopathy (HE) treatment is still unclear. In this study, the role of EGCG in the amelioration of HE rats and the effect on the microbiota-gut-liver axis are mainly analyzed. METHODS AND RESULTS Thioacetamide (TAA) is employed to induce the HE model in rats. The results of open field test show that EGCG restores locomotor activity and exploratory behavior. Histological and biochemical results demonstrate that EGCG ameliorates brain and liver damage, decreases the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines, and increases the activity of antioxidant enzymes. Meanwhile, EGCG modulates the Nrf2 pathway and TLR4/NF-κB pathway to mitigate TAA-induced oxidative stress and inflammatory responses. Immunohistochemistry reveals protection of the intestinal barrier by EGCG upregulating the expression of occludin and zonula occludens-1. Furthermore, serum levels of ammonia and LPS are reduced. 16S rRNA analysis shows that EGCG treatment increases the abundance of beneficial bacteria (e.g., Bifidobacterium, Lactobacillus, and Limosilactobacillus). CONCLUSION The above results reveal that EGCG has anti-oxidative stress and anti-inflammatory effects, and ameliorates the condition through the microbiota-gut-liver axis, with potential for the treatment of HE.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zhengming Zhou
- Department of Nutrition and Food Hygiene, West China School of Public Health and West China Fourth Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610041, China
| | - Ke Li
- Department of Clinical Nutrition, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610041, China
| | - Jiankui Guo
- Department of Nutrition and Food Hygiene, West China School of Public Health and West China Fourth Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610041, China
| | - Yunfeng Wang
- Department of Nutrition and Food Hygiene, West China School of Public Health and West China Fourth Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610041, China
| | - Yaoyao Wei
- Department of Nutrition and Food Hygiene, West China School of Public Health and West China Fourth Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610041, China
| | - Juan Duan
- Department of Nutrition and Food Hygiene, West China School of Public Health and West China Fourth Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610041, China
| | - Muxi Chen
- Department of Clinical Nutrition, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610041, China
| | - Lei Shi
- Department of Clinical Nutrition, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610041, China
| | - Wen Hu
- Department of Clinical Nutrition, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610041, China
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Pichon C, Nachit M, Gillard J, Vande Velde G, Lanthier N, Leclercq IA. Impact of L-ornithine L-aspartate on non-alcoholic steatohepatitis-associated hyperammonemia and muscle alterations. Front Nutr 2022; 9:1051157. [PMID: 36466421 PMCID: PMC9709200 DOI: 10.3389/fnut.2022.1051157] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2022] [Accepted: 10/31/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) is the most common chronic liver disease in the world. Progression toward non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is associated with alterations of skeletal muscle. One plausible mechanism for altered muscle compartment in liver disease is changes in ammonia metabolism. In the present study, we explored the hypothesis that NASH-associated hyperammonemia drives muscle changes as well as liver disease progression. MATERIALS AND METHODS In Alms1-mutant mice (foz/foz) fed a 60% fat diet (HFD) for 12 weeks; we investigated hepatic and muscular ammonia detoxification efficiency. We then tested the effect of an 8 week-long supplementation with L-ornithine L-aspartate (LOLA), a known ammonia-lowering treatment, given after either 4 or 12 weeks of HFD for a preventive or a curative intervention, respectively. We monitored body composition, liver and muscle state by micro computed tomography (micro-CT) as well as muscle strength by four-limb grip test. RESULTS According to previous studies, 12 weeks of HFD induced NASH in all foz/foz mice. Increase of hepatic ammonia production and alterations of urea cycle efficiency were observed, leading to hyperammonemia. Concomitantly mice developed marked myosteatosis. First signs of myopenia occurred after 20 weeks of diet. Early LOLA treatment given during NASH development, but not its administration in a curative regimen, efficiently prevented myosteatosis and muscle quality, but barely impacted liver disease or, surprisingly, ammonia detoxification. CONCLUSION Our study confirms the perturbation of hepatic ammonia detoxification pathways in NASH. Results from the interventional experiments suggest a direct beneficial impact of LOLA on skeletal muscle during NASH development, though it does not improve ammonia metabolism or liver disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Camille Pichon
- Laboratory of Hepato-Gastroenterology (GAEN), Institut de Recherche Expérimentale et Clinique, Université catholique de Louvain, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Maxime Nachit
- Laboratory of Hepato-Gastroenterology (GAEN), Institut de Recherche Expérimentale et Clinique, Université catholique de Louvain, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Justine Gillard
- Laboratory of Hepato-Gastroenterology (GAEN), Institut de Recherche Expérimentale et Clinique, Université catholique de Louvain, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Greetje Vande Velde
- Department of Imaging and Pathology, Molecular Small Animal Imaging Center, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Nicolas Lanthier
- Laboratory of Hepato-Gastroenterology (GAEN), Institut de Recherche Expérimentale et Clinique, Université catholique de Louvain, Brussels, Belgium
- Service d’Hépato-Gastroentérologie, Cliniques universitaires Saint-Luc, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Isabelle A. Leclercq
- Laboratory of Hepato-Gastroenterology (GAEN), Institut de Recherche Expérimentale et Clinique, Université catholique de Louvain, Brussels, Belgium
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Mahmoud MS, El-Kott AF, AlGwaiz HIM, Fathy SM. Protective effect of Moringa oleifera Lam. leaf extract against oxidative stress, inflammation, depression, and apoptosis in a mouse model of hepatic encephalopathy. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2022; 29:83783-83796. [PMID: 35771324 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-022-21453-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2022] [Accepted: 06/10/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
The present study aimed to assess the antioxidative, anti-inflammatory, antiapoptotic, and anti-depression impacts of Moringa oleifera Lam. leaf ethanolic extract (MOLE) in the hippocampus and cerebral cortex of CCl4-induced hepatic encephalopathy mouse model. High-performance liquid chromatography was used to detect marker compounds: rutin and β-sitosterol. Animals were divided into four groups: vehicle group, CCl4-treated group, MOLE-treated group, and (CCl4 + MOLE) group treated with MOLE for 14 days before CCl4-induced neurotoxicity. MOLE decreased alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, corticosterone, and ammonia levels in serum and improved the antioxidant status of CCl4-treated mice in the hippocampus and cerebral cortex. It reduced the expression of toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4), TLR2, myeloid differentiation primary response 88 (MYD88), and nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) genes and the protein levels of the pro-inflammatory cytokines. MOLE also attenuated apoptosis, as revealed by the reduced expression of caspase3, and prevented histological deterioration. Furthermore, MOLE attenuated CCl4-induced anxiety and depression-like behavioral changes. Collectively, MOLE modulates neuroinflammation, oxidative stress, TLR4/2-MyD88/NF-κB signaling, and apoptosis in the hippocampus and cerebral cortex of the hepatic encephalopathy experimental model.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mohammed S Mahmoud
- Zoology Department, Faculty of Science, Fayoum University, Fayoum, 63514, Egypt.
| | - Attalla F El-Kott
- Department of Biology, College of Science, King Khalid University, Abha, 61421, Saudi Arabia
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Damanhour University, Damanhour, 22511, Egypt
| | - Hussah I M AlGwaiz
- Department of Biology, College of Science, Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University, 11474, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Samah M Fathy
- Zoology Department, Faculty of Science, Fayoum University, Fayoum, 63514, Egypt
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
A mouse model of hepatic encephalopathy: bile duct ligation induces brain ammonia overload, glial cell activation and neuroinflammation. Sci Rep 2022; 12:17558. [PMID: 36266427 PMCID: PMC9585018 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-22423-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2022] [Accepted: 10/14/2022] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatic encephalopathy (HE) is a common complication of chronic liver disease, characterized by an altered mental state and hyperammonemia. Insight into the brain pathophysiology of HE is limited due to a paucity of well-characterized HE models beyond the rat bile duct ligation (BDL) model. Here, we assess the presence of HE characteristics in the mouse BDL model. We show that BDL in C57Bl/6j mice induces motor dysfunction, progressive liver fibrosis, liver function failure and hyperammonemia, all hallmarks of HE. Swiss mice however fail to replicate the same phenotype, underscoring the importance of careful strain selection. Next, in-depth characterisation of metabolic disturbances in the cerebrospinal fluid of BDL mice shows glutamine accumulation and transient decreases in taurine and choline, indicative of brain ammonia overload. Moreover, mouse BDL induces glial cell dysfunction, namely microglial morphological changes with neuroinflammation and astrocyte reactivity with blood-brain barrier (BBB) disruption. Finally, we identify putative novel mechanisms involved in central HE pathophysiology, like bile acid accumulation and tryptophan-kynurenine pathway alterations. Our study provides the first comprehensive evaluation of a mouse model of HE in chronic liver disease. Additionally, this study further underscores the importance of neuroinflammation in the central effects of chronic liver disease.
Collapse
|
22
|
Qi W, Ge Y, Wang X, Li Z, Li X, Wang N, He H, Luo X, Ma W, Chen L, Liu Y, Zhang T. Ameliorative Effect of Chitosan Oligosaccharides on Hepatic Encephalopathy by Reshaping Gut Microbiota and Gut-Liver Axis. JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURAL AND FOOD CHEMISTRY 2022; 70:13186-13199. [PMID: 36194761 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jafc.2c01330] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
This study investigated the influence of chitosan oligosaccharides (COSs) on a thioacetamide-induced hepatic encephalopathy (HE) Wistar rat model. COS treatment statistically reduced the false neurotransmitters and blood ammonia in HE rats, along with the suppression of oxidative stress and inflammation. The disbalanced gut microbiota was detected in HE rats by 16S rDNA sequencing, but the abundance alterations of some intestinal bacteria at either the phylum or genus level were at least partly restored by COS treatment. According to metabolomics analysis of rat feces, six metabolism pathways with the greatest response to HE were screened, several of which were remarkably reversed by COS. The altered metabolites might serve as a bridge for the alleviated HE rats treated with COS and the enhanced intestinal bacterial structure. This study provides novel guidance to develop novel food or dietary supplements to improve HE diseases due to the potential beneficial effect of COS on gut-liver axis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wei Qi
- Key Laboratory of Industrial Fermentation Microbiology, Ministry of Education, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Industrial Microbiology, The College of Biotechnology, Tianjin University of Science and Technology, Tianjin 300457, P. R. China
| | - Yanyan Ge
- Key Laboratory of Industrial Fermentation Microbiology, Ministry of Education, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Industrial Microbiology, The College of Biotechnology, Tianjin University of Science and Technology, Tianjin 300457, P. R. China
| | - Xinyue Wang
- Key Laboratory of Industrial Fermentation Microbiology, Ministry of Education, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Industrial Microbiology, The College of Biotechnology, Tianjin University of Science and Technology, Tianjin 300457, P. R. China
| | - Zihan Li
- Key Laboratory of Industrial Fermentation Microbiology, Ministry of Education, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Industrial Microbiology, The College of Biotechnology, Tianjin University of Science and Technology, Tianjin 300457, P. R. China
| | - Xiaoxue Li
- Key Laboratory of Industrial Fermentation Microbiology, Ministry of Education, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Industrial Microbiology, The College of Biotechnology, Tianjin University of Science and Technology, Tianjin 300457, P. R. China
| | - Nan Wang
- Key Laboratory of Industrial Fermentation Microbiology, Ministry of Education, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Industrial Microbiology, The College of Biotechnology, Tianjin University of Science and Technology, Tianjin 300457, P. R. China
| | - Hongpeng He
- Key Laboratory of Industrial Fermentation Microbiology, Ministry of Education, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Industrial Microbiology, The College of Biotechnology, Tianjin University of Science and Technology, Tianjin 300457, P. R. China
| | - Xuegang Luo
- Key Laboratory of Industrial Fermentation Microbiology, Ministry of Education, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Industrial Microbiology, The College of Biotechnology, Tianjin University of Science and Technology, Tianjin 300457, P. R. China
| | - Wenjian Ma
- Key Laboratory of Industrial Fermentation Microbiology, Ministry of Education, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Industrial Microbiology, The College of Biotechnology, Tianjin University of Science and Technology, Tianjin 300457, P. R. China
| | - Liehuan Chen
- New Youlan Healthy Technology Co., Ltd., Guangzhou 510530, Guangdong, P. R. China
| | - Yihan Liu
- Key Laboratory of Industrial Fermentation Microbiology, Ministry of Education, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Industrial Microbiology, The College of Biotechnology, Tianjin University of Science and Technology, Tianjin 300457, P. R. China
| | - Tongcun Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Industrial Fermentation Microbiology, Ministry of Education, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Industrial Microbiology, The College of Biotechnology, Tianjin University of Science and Technology, Tianjin 300457, P. R. China
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Moya M, Escudero B, Gómez-Blázquez E, Rebolledo-Poves AB, López-Gallardo M, Guerrero C, Marco EM, Orio L. Upregulation of TLR4/MyD88 pathway in alcohol-induced Wernicke’s encephalopathy: Findings in preclinical models and in a postmortem human case. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:866574. [PMID: 36225571 PMCID: PMC9549119 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.866574] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2022] [Accepted: 07/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Wernicke’s encephalopathy (WE) is a neurologic disease caused by vitamin B1 or thiamine deficiency (TD), being the alcohol use disorder its main risk factor. WE patients present limiting motor, cognitive, and emotional alterations related to a selective cerebral vulnerability. Neuroinflammation has been proposed to be one of the phenomena that contribute to brain damage. Our previous studies provide evidence for the involvement of the innate immune receptor Toll-like (TLR)4 in the inflammatory response induced in the frontal cortex and cerebellum in TD animal models (animals fed with TD diet [TDD] and receiving pyrithiamine). Nevertheless, the effects of the combination of chronic alcohol consumption and TD on TLR4 and their specific contribution to the pathogenesis of WE are currently unknown. In addition, no studies on TLR4 have been conducted on WE patients since brains from these patients are difficult to achieve. Here, we used rat models of chronic alcohol (CA; 9 months of forced consumption of 20% (w/v) alcohol), TD hit (TDD + daily 0.25 mg/kg i.p. pyrithiamine during 12 days), or combined treatment (CA + TDD) to check the activation of the proinflammatory TLR4/MyD88 pathway and related markers in the frontal cortex and the cerebellum. In addition, we characterized for the first time the TLR4 and its coreceptor MyD88 signature, along with other markers of this proinflammatory signaling such as phospo-NFκB p65 and IκBα, in the postmortem human frontal cortex and cerebellum (gray and white matter) of an alcohol-induced WE patient, comparing it with negative (no disease) and positive (aged brain with Alzheimer’s disease) control subjects for neuroinflammation. We found an increase in the cortical TLR4 and its adaptor molecule MyD88, together with an upregulation of the proinflammatory signaling molecules p-NF-ĸB and IĸBα in the CA + TDD animal model. In the patient diagnosed with alcohol-induced WE, we observed cortical and cerebellar upregulation of the TLR4/MyD88 pathway. Hence, our findings provide evidence, both in the animal model and the human postmortem brain, of the upregulation of the TLR4/MyD88 proinflammatory pathway in alcohol consumption–related WE.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marta Moya
- Department of Psychobiology and Methods in Behavioral Science, Faculty of Psychology, Complutense University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Berta Escudero
- Department of Psychobiology and Methods in Behavioral Science, Faculty of Psychology, Complutense University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | | | | | | | - Carmen Guerrero
- Biobanco of Hospital Universitario Fundación Alcorcón, Alcorcón, Spain
| | - Eva M. Marco
- Department of Genetics, Physiology and Microbiology, Faculty of Biology, Complutense University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Laura Orio
- Department of Psychobiology and Methods in Behavioral Science, Faculty of Psychology, Complutense University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain
- Research Network in Primary Care in Addictions (Red de Investigación en Atención Primaria en Adicciones), Riapad, Spain
- *Correspondence: Laura Orio,
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Sahin B, Karabulut S, Filiz AK, Özkaraca M, Gezer A, Akpulat HA, Ataseven H. Galium aparine L. protects against acetaminophen-induced hepatotoxicity in rats. Chem Biol Interact 2022; 366:110119. [PMID: 36029804 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbi.2022.110119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2022] [Revised: 08/08/2022] [Accepted: 08/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
The toxicity of acetaminophen (N-acetyl-para-aminophenol (APAP)) is the most frequent cause of drug-induced liver damage. Galium aparine L. (GA) is traditionally used to treat jaundice. We aimed to investigate the hepatoprotective potential of GA in the APAP-induced hepatic encephalopathy (HE) rat model. Qualitative phytochemical characterization of GA was performed by LC/Q-TOF/MS analysis. Wistar rats were pretreated with GA (250 and 500 mg/kg b.wt. per oral) for five days. On the 6th day, the rats were exposed to APAP (1500 mg/kg b.wt. oral gavage) and behavioral tests (open field and passive avoidance tests) were applied on the 7th and 8th days. The animals were killed, and biochemical and histopathological parameters were assessed in blood and hepatic specimens. GA pretreated rats exhibited a significant reduction in APAP-induced liver damage, evidenced by the reduction in liver necrosis and alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and bilirubin (BIL). GA demonstrated an anxiolytic effect, as seen in the acquisition trial and grooming behavior. The short-term memory performances of animals were not changed in all groups, suggesting that APAP intoxication did not affect hippocampal function. These results show that GA extract markedly exerts hepatoprotective activity, while its effect on hepatic encephalopathy was limited.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bilal Sahin
- Department of Medical Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Sivas Cumhuriyet University, Sivas, Turkey
| | - Sebahattin Karabulut
- Department of Medical Services and Techniques, Vocational School of Health Services, Sivas Cumhuriyet University, Sivas, Turkey.
| | - Ahmet Kemal Filiz
- Department of Medical Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Sivas Cumhuriyet University, Sivas, Turkey
| | - Mustafa Özkaraca
- Department of Veterinary Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Sivas Cumhuriyet University, Sivas, Turkey
| | - Arzu Gezer
- Department of Health Care Services, Vocational School of Health Services, Atatürk University, Erzurum, Turkey
| | | | - Hilmi Ataseven
- Department of Internal Medicine, Discipline of Gastroenterology, Faculty of Medicine, Sivas Cumhuriyet University, Sivas, Turkey
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Tsai CY, Wu JCC, Wu CJ, Chan SHH. Protective role of VEGF/VEGFR2 signaling against high fatality associated with hepatic encephalopathy via sustaining mitochondrial bioenergetics functions. J Biomed Sci 2022; 29:47. [PMID: 35786324 PMCID: PMC9251935 DOI: 10.1186/s12929-022-00831-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2022] [Accepted: 06/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The lack of better understanding of the pathophysiology and cellular mechanisms associated with high mortality seen in hepatic encephalopathy (HE), a neurological complication arising from acute hepatic failure, remains a challenging medical issue. Clinical reports showed that the degree of baroreflex dysregulation is related to the severity of HE. Furthermore, mitochondrial dysfunction in the rostral ventrolateral medulla (RVLM), a key component of the baroreflex loop that maintains blood pressure and sympathetic vasomotor tone, is known to underpin impairment of baroreflex. Realizing that in addition to angiogenic and vasculogenic effects, by acting on its key receptor (VEGFR2), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) elicits neuroprotection via maintenance of mitochondrial function, the guiding hypothesis of the present study is that the VEGF/VEGFR2 signaling plays a protective role against mitochondrial dysfunction in the RVLM to ameliorate baroreflex dysregulation that underpins the high fatality associated with HE. Methods Physiological, pharmacological and biochemical investigations were carried out in proof-of-concept experiments using an in vitro model of HE that involved incubation of cultured mouse hippocampal neurons with ammonium chloride. This was followed by corroboratory experiments employing a mouse model of HE, in which adult male C57BL/6 mice and VEGFR2 wild-type and heterozygous mice received an intraperitoneal injection of azoxymethane, a toxin used to induce acute hepatic failure. Results We demonstrated that VEGFR2 is present in cultured neurons, and observed that whereas recombinant VEGF protein maintained cell viability, gene-knockdown of vegfr2 enhanced the reduction of cell viability in our in vitro model of HE. In our in vivo model of HE, we found that VEGFR2 heterozygous mice exhibited shorter survival rate and time when compared to wild-type mice. In C57BL/6 mice, there was a progressive reduction in VEGFR2 mRNA and protein expression, mitochondrial membrane potential and ATP levels, alongside augmentation of apoptotic cell death in the RVLM, accompanied by a decrease in baroreflex-mediated sympathetic vasomotor tone and hypotension. Immunoneutralization of VEGF exacerbated all those biochemical and physiological events. Conclusions Our results suggest that, acting via VEGFR2, the endogenous VEGF plays a protective role against high fatality associated with HE by amelioration of the dysregulated baroreflex-mediated sympathetic vasomotor tone through sustaining mitochondrial bioenergetics functions and eliciting antiapoptotic action in the RVLM. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12929-022-00831-0.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ching-Yi Tsai
- Institute for Translational Research in Biomedicine, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Kaohsiung, Taiwan.
| | - Jacqueline C C Wu
- Institute for Translational Research in Biomedicine, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Chiung-Ju Wu
- Institute for Translational Research in Biomedicine, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Samuel H H Chan
- Institute for Translational Research in Biomedicine, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Häussinger D, Dhiman RK, Felipo V, Görg B, Jalan R, Kircheis G, Merli M, Montagnese S, Romero-Gomez M, Schnitzler A, Taylor-Robinson SD, Vilstrup H. Hepatic encephalopathy. Nat Rev Dis Primers 2022; 8:43. [PMID: 35739133 DOI: 10.1038/s41572-022-00366-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/12/2022] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
Hepatic encephalopathy (HE) is a prognostically relevant neuropsychiatric syndrome that occurs in the course of acute or chronic liver disease. Besides ascites and variceal bleeding, it is the most serious complication of decompensated liver cirrhosis. Ammonia and inflammation are major triggers for the appearance of HE, which in patients with liver cirrhosis involves pathophysiologically low-grade cerebral oedema with oxidative/nitrosative stress, inflammation and disturbances of oscillatory networks in the brain. Severity classification and diagnostic approaches regarding mild forms of HE are still a matter of debate. Current medical treatment predominantly involves lactulose and rifaximin following rigorous treatment of so-called known HE precipitating factors. New treatments based on an improved pathophysiological understanding are emerging.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dieter Häussinger
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Infectious Diseases, Medical Faculty and University Hospital Düsseldorf, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany.
| | - Radha K Dhiman
- Department of Hepatology, Sanjay Gandhi Postgraduate Institute of Medical Sciences, Lucknow, (Uttar Pradesh), India
| | - Vicente Felipo
- Laboratory of Neurobiology, Centro de Investigación Principe Felipe, Valencia, Spain
| | - Boris Görg
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Infectious Diseases, Medical Faculty and University Hospital Düsseldorf, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Rajiv Jalan
- Liver Failure Group ILDH, Division of Medicine, UCL Medical School, Royal Free Campus, London, UK.,European Foundation for the Study of Chronic Liver Failure, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Gerald Kircheis
- Department of Gastroenterology, Diabetology and Hepatology, University Hospital Brandenburg an der Havel, Brandenburg Medical School, Brandenburg an der Havel, Germany
| | - Manuela Merli
- Department of Translational and Precision Medicine, Universita' degli Studi di Roma - Sapienza, Roma, Italy
| | | | - Manuel Romero-Gomez
- UCM Digestive Diseases, Virgen del Rocío University Hospital, Institute of Biomedicine of Seville (HUVR/CSIC/US), University of Seville, Seville, Spain
| | - Alfons Schnitzler
- Institute of Clinical Neuroscience and Medical Psychology, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Simon D Taylor-Robinson
- Department of Surgery and Cancer, St. Mary's Hospital Campus, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Hendrik Vilstrup
- Department of Hepatology and Gastroenterology, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Pierzchala K, Simicic D, Sienkiewicz A, Sessa D, Mitrea S, Braissant O, McLin VA, Gruetter R, Cudalbu C. Central nervous system and systemic oxidative stress interplay with inflammation in a bile duct ligation rat model of type C hepatic encephalopathy. Free Radic Biol Med 2022; 178:295-307. [PMID: 34890769 DOI: 10.1016/j.freeradbiomed.2021.12.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2021] [Revised: 11/12/2021] [Accepted: 12/06/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The role and coexistence of oxidative stress (OS) and inflammation in type C hepatic encephalopathy (C HE) is a subject of intense debate. Under normal conditions the physiological levels of intracellular reactive oxygen species are controlled by the counteracting antioxidant response to maintain redox homeostasis. Our previous in-vivo1H-MRS studies revealed the longitudinal impairment of the antioxidant system (ascorbate) in a bile-duct ligation (BDL) rat model of type C HE. Therefore, the aim of this work was to examine the course of central nervous system (CNS) OS and systemic OS, as well as to check for their co-existence with inflammation in the BDL rat model of type C HE. To this end, we implemented a multidisciplinary approach, including ex-vivo and in-vitro electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy (EPR) spin-trapping, which was combined with UV-Vis spectroscopy, and histological assessments. We hypothesized that OS and inflammation act synergistically in the pathophysiology of type C HE. Our findings point to an increased CNS- and systemic-OS and inflammation over the course of type C HE progression. In particular, an increase in the CNS OS was observed as early as 2-weeks post-BDL, while the systemic OS became significant at week 6 post-BDL. The CNS EPR measurements were further validated by a substantial accumulation of 8-Oxo-2'-deoxyguanosine (Oxo-8-dG), a marker of oxidative DNA/RNA modifications on immunohistochemistry (IHC). Using IHC, we also detected increased synthesis of antioxidants, glutathione peroxidase 1 (GPX-1) and superoxide dismutases (i.e.Cu/ZnSOD (SOD1) and MnSOD (SOD2)), along with proinflammatory cytokine interleukin-6 (IL-6) in the brains of BDL rats. The presence of systemic inflammation was observed already at 2-weeks post-surgery. Thus, these results suggest that CNS OS is an early event in type C HE rat model, which seems to precede systemic OS. Finally, our results suggest that the increase in CNS OS is due to enhanced formation of intra- and extra-cellular ROS rather than due to reduced antioxidant capacity, and that OS in parallel with inflammation plays a significant role in type C HE.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- K Pierzchala
- Center for Biomedical Imaging, EPFL, Lausanne, Switzerland; Animal Imaging and Technology, Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland; Laboratory of Functional and Metabolic Imaging, EPFL, Lausanne, Switzerland.
| | - D Simicic
- Center for Biomedical Imaging, EPFL, Lausanne, Switzerland; Animal Imaging and Technology, Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland; Laboratory of Functional and Metabolic Imaging, EPFL, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - A Sienkiewicz
- Laboratory for Quantum Magnetism, Institute of Physics, EPFL, Lausanne, Switzerland; ADSresonances Sàrl, Préverenges, Switzerland
| | - D Sessa
- Swiss Pediatric Liver Center, Department of Pediatrics, Gynecology and Obstetrics, University Hospitals Geneva and University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - S Mitrea
- Center for Biomedical Imaging, EPFL, Lausanne, Switzerland; Animal Imaging and Technology, Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - O Braissant
- Service of Clinical Chemistry, Lausanne University Hospital and University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - V A McLin
- Swiss Pediatric Liver Center, Department of Pediatrics, Gynecology and Obstetrics, University Hospitals Geneva and University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - R Gruetter
- Center for Biomedical Imaging, EPFL, Lausanne, Switzerland; Laboratory of Functional and Metabolic Imaging, EPFL, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - C Cudalbu
- Center for Biomedical Imaging, EPFL, Lausanne, Switzerland; Animal Imaging and Technology, Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Dose-Dependent Relationship between Protection of Thioacetamide-Induced Acute Liver Injury and Hyperammonemia and Concentration of Lactobacillus salivarius Li01 in Mice. Microbiol Spectr 2021; 9:e0184721. [PMID: 34937168 PMCID: PMC8694139 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.01847-21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Recently, probiotics have been widely used as an adjuvant therapy to cure, prevent, or improve certain diseases. However, no research has been carried out into the dose of probiotics, especially the maximum dose. Therefore, the effective and safe dosage of probiotics needs to be studied. Recently, L. Yang, X. Bian, W. Wu, L. Lv, et al. (Microb Biotechnol 13:1860–1876, 2020, https://doi.org/10.1111/1751-7915.13629) discovered that Lactobacillus salivarius Li01 had a protective effect on thioacetamide-induced acute liver injury and hyperammonemia, and a fixed concentration (3 × 109 CFU/mL) of L. salivarius Li01 was applied in their study. However, the most effective treatment concentration of L. salivarius Li01 remains unknown. Therefore, four concentration gradients of L. salivarius Li01 suspension were prepared for groups of mice to have different levels of bacterial colonization by gavage. Then, acute liver injury and hyperammonemia were induced via thioacetamide administration. By observation and detection, an inverted U-shaped protective effect from L. salivarius Li01 existed in thioacetamide-induced acute liver injury and hyperammonemia. Of note, significant deterioration was confirmed within the group that was orally administered with an excessive concentration of L. salivarius Li01 suspension, and this was attributed to endotoxemia that resulted from compromised immunity, a damaged intestinal barrier, and bacterial translocation. IMPORTANCE This research investigated the relationship between the concentration of Lactobacillus salivarius Li01 and its impact on mice that had a thioacetamide-induced acute liver injury and hyperammonemia. These findings could provide new insights into the effective, proper, and safe use of probiotics.
Collapse
|
29
|
Claeys W, Van Hoecke L, Lefere S, Geerts A, Verhelst X, Van Vlierberghe H, Degroote H, Devisscher L, Vandenbroucke RE, Van Steenkiste C. The neurogliovascular unit in hepatic encephalopathy. JHEP Rep 2021; 3:100352. [PMID: 34611619 PMCID: PMC8476774 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhepr.2021.100352] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2021] [Revised: 07/14/2021] [Accepted: 07/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatic encephalopathy (HE) is a neurological complication of hepatic dysfunction and portosystemic shunting. It is highly prevalent in patients with cirrhosis and is associated with poor outcomes. New insights into the role of peripheral origins in HE have led to the development of innovative treatment strategies like faecal microbiota transplantation. However, this broadening of view has not been applied fully to perturbations in the central nervous system. The old paradigm that HE is the clinical manifestation of ammonia-induced astrocyte dysfunction and its secondary neuronal consequences requires updating. In this review, we will use the holistic concept of the neurogliovascular unit to describe central nervous system disturbances in HE, an approach that has proven instrumental in other neurological disorders. We will describe HE as a global dysfunction of the neurogliovascular unit, where blood flow and nutrient supply to the brain, as well as the function of the blood-brain barrier, are impaired. This leads to an accumulation of neurotoxic substances, chief among them ammonia and inflammatory mediators, causing dysfunction of astrocytes and microglia. Finally, glymphatic dysfunction impairs the clearance of these neurotoxins, further aggravating their effect on the brain. Taking a broader view of central nervous system alterations in liver disease could serve as the basis for further research into the specific brain pathophysiology of HE, as well as the development of therapeutic strategies specifically aimed at counteracting the often irreversible central nervous system damage seen in these patients.
Collapse
Key Words
- ABC, ATP-binding cassette
- ACLF, acute-on-chronic liver failure
- AD, acute decompensation
- ALF, acute liver failure
- AOM, azoxymethane
- AQP4, aquaporin 4
- Acute Liver Failure
- Ammonia
- BBB, blood-brain barrier
- BCRP, breast cancer resistance protein
- BDL, bile duct ligation
- Blood-brain barrier
- Brain edema
- CCL, chemokine ligand
- CCR, C-C chemokine receptor
- CE, cerebral oedema
- CLD, chronic liver disease
- CLDN, claudin
- CNS, central nervous system
- CSF, cerebrospinal fluid
- Cirrhosis
- Energy metabolism
- GS, glutamine synthetase
- Glymphatic system
- HE, hepatic encephalopathy
- HO-1, heme oxygenase 1
- IL-, interleukin
- MMP-9, matrix metalloproteinase 9
- MRP, multidrug resistance associated protein
- NGVU
- NGVU, neurogliovascular unit
- NKCC1, Na-K-2Cl cotransporter 1
- Neuroinflammation
- OCLN, occludin
- ONS, oxidative and nitrosative stress
- Oxidative stress
- P-gp, P-glycoprotein
- PCA, portacaval anastomosis
- PSS, portosystemic shunt
- S1PR2, sphingosine-1-phosphate receptor 2
- SUR1, sulfonylurea receptor 1
- Systemic inflammation
- TAA, thioacetamide
- TGFβ, transforming growth factor beta
- TJ, tight junction
- TNF, tumour necrosis factor
- TNFR1, tumour necrosis factor receptor 1
- ZO, zonula occludens
- mPT, mitochondrial pore transition
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wouter Claeys
- Hepatology Research Unit, Department of Internal Medicine and Paediatrics, Liver Research Center Ghent, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
- Barriers in Inflammation, VIB Center for Inflammation Research, Ghent, Belgium
- Department of Biomedical Molecular Biology, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Lien Van Hoecke
- Barriers in Inflammation, VIB Center for Inflammation Research, Ghent, Belgium
- Department of Biomedical Molecular Biology, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Sander Lefere
- Hepatology Research Unit, Department of Internal Medicine and Paediatrics, Liver Research Center Ghent, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
- Gut-Liver Immunopharmacology Unit, Department of Basic and Applied Medical Sciences; Liver Research Center Ghent; Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Anja Geerts
- Hepatology Research Unit, Department of Internal Medicine and Paediatrics, Liver Research Center Ghent, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Xavier Verhelst
- Hepatology Research Unit, Department of Internal Medicine and Paediatrics, Liver Research Center Ghent, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Hans Van Vlierberghe
- Hepatology Research Unit, Department of Internal Medicine and Paediatrics, Liver Research Center Ghent, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Helena Degroote
- Hepatology Research Unit, Department of Internal Medicine and Paediatrics, Liver Research Center Ghent, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Lindsey Devisscher
- Gut-Liver Immunopharmacology Unit, Department of Basic and Applied Medical Sciences; Liver Research Center Ghent; Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Roosmarijn E. Vandenbroucke
- Barriers in Inflammation, VIB Center for Inflammation Research, Ghent, Belgium
- Department of Biomedical Molecular Biology, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Christophe Van Steenkiste
- Antwerp University, Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Antwerp, Belgium
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Maria Middelares Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
Zheng X, Yang H, Qin L, Wang S, Xie L, Yang L, Kong W, Zhu L, Liu L, Liu X. Bile Duct Ligation Upregulates Expression and Function of L-Amino Acid Transporter 1 at Blood-Brain Barrier of Rats via Activation of Aryl Hydrocarbon Receptor by Bilirubin. Biomedicines 2021; 9:biomedicines9101320. [PMID: 34680437 PMCID: PMC8533316 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines9101320] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2021] [Revised: 09/14/2021] [Accepted: 09/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Liver failure is associated with increased levels of brain aromatic amino acids (AAAs), whose transport across the blood–brain barrier (BBB) is mainly mediated by L-amino acid transporter 1 (LAT1). We aimed to investigate whether liver failure induced by bile duct ligation (BDL) increases levels of brain AAAs by affecting the expression and function of LAT1. The LAT1 function was assessed using the brain distribution of gabapentin. It was found that BDL significantly increased levels of gabapentin, phenylalanine, and tryptophan in the cortex, hippocampus, and striatum of rats, and upregulated the expression of total LAT1 protein in hippocampus and striatum as well as cortex membrane LAT1 protein. HCMEC/D3 served as in vitro BBB model, and the data showed that both the serum of BDL rats and bilirubin induced LAT1 expression and function, while bilirubin oxidase almost abolished the upregulation of LAT1 protein by bilirubin and the serum of BDL rats. The enhanced function and expression of LAT1 were also observed in the hippocampus and striatum of hyperbilirubinemia rats. Both aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) antagonist α-naphthoflavone and AhR silencing obviously attenuated the upregulation of LAT1 protein by bilirubin or omeprazole. This study provides the first evidence that BDL upregulates LAT1 at the rat BBB, attributed to the activation of AhR by the increased plasma bilirubin. The results highlight the mechanisms causing BDL-increased levels of brain AAAs and their physiological significance.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Li Liu
- Correspondence: (L.L.); (X.L.); Tel.: +86-025-8327-1006 (X.L.)
| | - Xiaodong Liu
- Correspondence: (L.L.); (X.L.); Tel.: +86-025-8327-1006 (X.L.)
| |
Collapse
|
31
|
Kreisel W, Lazaro A, Trebicka J, Grosse Perdekamp M, Schmitt-Graeff A, Deibert P. Cyclic GMP in Liver Cirrhosis-Role in Pathophysiology of Portal Hypertension and Therapeutic Implications. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:10372. [PMID: 34638713 PMCID: PMC8508925 DOI: 10.3390/ijms221910372] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2021] [Revised: 09/20/2021] [Accepted: 09/21/2021] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
The NO-cGMP signal transduction pathway plays a crucial role in tone regulation in hepatic sinusoids and peripheral blood vessels. In a cirrhotic liver, the key enzymes endothelial NO synthase (eNOS), soluble guanylate cyclase (sGC), and phosphodiesterase-5 (PDE-5) are overexpressed, leading to decreased cyclic guanosine-monophosphate (cGMP). This results in constriction of hepatic sinusoids, contributing about 30% of portal pressure. In contrast, in peripheral arteries, dilation prevails with excess cGMP due to low PDE-5. Both effects eventually lead to circulatory dysfunction in progressed liver cirrhosis. The conventional view of portal hypertension (PH) pathophysiology has been described using the "NO-paradox", referring to reduced NO availability inside the liver and elevated NO production in the peripheral systemic circulation. However, recent data suggest that an altered availability of cGMP could better elucidate the contrasting findings of intrahepatic vasoconstriction and peripheral systemic vasodilation than mere focus on NO availability. Preclinical and clinical data have demonstrated that targeting the NO-cGMP pathway in liver cirrhosis using PDE-5 inhibitors or sGC stimulators/activators decreases intrahepatic resistance through dilation of sinusoids, lowering portal pressure, and increasing portal venous blood flow. These results suggest further clinical applications in liver cirrhosis. Targeting the NO-cGMP system plays a role in possible reversal of liver fibrosis or cirrhosis. PDE-5 inhibitors may have therapeutic potential for hepatic encephalopathy. Serum/plasma levels of cGMP can be used as a non-invasive marker of clinically significant portal hypertension. This manuscript reviews new data about the role of the NO-cGMP signal transduction system in pathophysiology of cirrhotic portal hypertension and provides perspective for further studies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wolfgang Kreisel
- Department of Medicine II, Gastroenterology, Hepatology, Endocrinology, and Infectious Diseases, Faculty of Medicine, Medical Center, University of Freiburg, 79106 Freiburg, Germany
| | - Adhara Lazaro
- Institute for Exercise and Occupational Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Medical Center, University of Freiburg, 79106 Freiburg, Germany; (A.L.); (P.D.)
| | - Jonel Trebicka
- Translational Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine I, Goethe University Clinic Frankfurt, 60590 Frankfurt, Germany;
| | - Markus Grosse Perdekamp
- Institute of Forensic Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Medical Center, University of Freiburg, 79106 Freiburg, Germany;
| | | | - Peter Deibert
- Institute for Exercise and Occupational Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Medical Center, University of Freiburg, 79106 Freiburg, Germany; (A.L.); (P.D.)
| |
Collapse
|
32
|
Zhang Y, Kang JD, Zhao D, Ghosh SS, Wang Y, Tai Y, Gonzalez-Maeso J, Sikaroodi M, Gillevet PM, Lippman HR, Hylemon PB, Zhou H, Bajaj JS. Hepatic Branch Vagotomy Modulates the Gut-Liver-Brain Axis in Murine Cirrhosis. Front Physiol 2021; 12:702646. [PMID: 34248683 PMCID: PMC8268007 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2021.702646] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2021] [Accepted: 06/02/2021] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cirrhosis and hepatic encephalopathy (HE) are linked with an altered gut-liver-brain axis, however, the relative contribution of hepatic vagal innervation is unclear. We aimed to determine the impact of hepatic vagotomy on the gut microbiome, brain, and liver in murine cirrhosis. METHODS 10-15-week-old male C57BL/6 mice with and without hepatic vagotomy underwent carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) gavage for 8 weeks. Frontal cortex [inflammation, glial/microglial activation, BDNF (brain-derived neurotrophic factor)], liver [histology including inflammation and steatosis, fatty acid synthesis (sterol-responsive binding protein-1) SREBP-1, insulin-induced gene-2 (Insig2) and BDNF], and colonic mucosal microbiota (16srRNA microbial sequencing) were evaluated on sacrifice. Conventional mice with and without cirrhosis were compared to vagotomized counterparts. RESULTS Conventional control vs. cirrhosis: Cirrhosis resulted in dysbiosis, hepatic/neuro-inflammation with glial/microglial activation, and low brain BDNF vs. controls. Conventional control vs. vagotomy controls: Vagotomized control mice had a lower colonic dysbiosis than conventional mice but the rest of the hepatic/brain parameters were similar. Conventional cirrhosis vs. vagotomized cirrhosis: After vagotomy + cirrhosis, we found lower dysbiosis but continuing neuroinflammation in the absence of glial/microglial activation vs. conventional cirrhosis. Vagotomy + Cirrhosis groups showed higher hepatic steatosis due to higher SREBP1 and low Insig2 protein and altered activation of key genes involved in hepatic lipid metabolism and inflammation. BDNF levels in the brain were higher but low in the liver in vagotomy + cirrhosis, likely a protective mechanism. CONCLUSIONS Hepatic vagal innervation affects the gut microbial composition, hepatic inflammation and steatosis, and cortical inflammation and BDNF expression and could be a critical modulator of the gut-liver-brain axis with consequences for HE development.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yuan Zhang
- Division of Microbiology and Immunology, Central Virginia Veterans Health Care System, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, United States
| | - Jason D. Kang
- Division of Microbiology and Immunology, Central Virginia Veterans Health Care System, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, United States
| | - Derrick Zhao
- Division of Microbiology and Immunology, Central Virginia Veterans Health Care System, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, United States
| | - Siddartha S. Ghosh
- Division of Nephrology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, United States
| | - Yanyan Wang
- Division of Microbiology and Immunology, Central Virginia Veterans Health Care System, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, United States
| | - Yunling Tai
- Division of Microbiology and Immunology, Central Virginia Veterans Health Care System, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, United States
| | - Javier Gonzalez-Maeso
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, United States
| | - Masoumeh Sikaroodi
- Microbiome Analysis Center, George Mason University, Manassas, VA, United States
| | - Patrick M. Gillevet
- Microbiome Analysis Center, George Mason University, Manassas, VA, United States
| | - H. Robert Lippman
- Department of Pathology, Central Virginia Veterans Health Care System, Richmond, VA, United States
| | - Phillip B. Hylemon
- Division of Microbiology and Immunology, Central Virginia Veterans Health Care System, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, United States
| | - Huiping Zhou
- Division of Microbiology and Immunology, Central Virginia Veterans Health Care System, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, United States
| | - Jasmohan S. Bajaj
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition, Central Virginia Veterans Health Care System, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, United States
| |
Collapse
|