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Felgendreff P, Hosseiniasl SM, Felgendreff L, Amiot BP, Minshew A, Ahmadzada B, Qu Z, Wilken S, Arribas Gomez I, Nyberg SL, Cook CN. Comprehensive analysis of brain injury parameters in a preclinical porcine model of acute liver failure. Front Med (Lausanne) 2024; 11:1363979. [PMID: 38606159 PMCID: PMC11007081 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2024.1363979] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2023] [Accepted: 02/21/2024] [Indexed: 04/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Acute liver failure (ALF) is defined as acute loss of liver function leading to hepatic encephalopathy associated with a high risk of patient death. Brain injury markers in serum and tissue can help detect and monitor ALF-associated brain injury. This study compares different brain injury parameters in plasma and tissue along with the progression of ALF. Method ALF was induced by performing an 85% liver resection. Following the resection, animals were recovered and monitored for up to 48 h or until reaching the predefined endpoint of receiving standard medical therapy (SMT). Blood and serum samples were taken at Tbaseline, T24, and upon reaching the endpoint (Tend). Control animals were euthanized by exsanguination following plasma sampling. Postmortem brain tissue samples were collected from the frontal cortex (FCTx) and cerebellum (Cb) of all animals. Glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) and tau protein and mRNA levels were quantified using ELISA and qRT-PCR in all plasma and brain samples. Plasma neurofilament light (NFL) was also measured using ELISA. Results All ALF animals (n = 4) were euthanized upon showing signs of brain herniation. Evaluation of brain injury biomarkers revealed that GFAP was elevated in ALF animals at T24h and Tend, while Tau and NFL concentrations were unchanged. Moreover, plasma glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) levels were negatively correlated with total protein and positively correlated with both aspartate transaminase (AST) and alkaline phosphatase (AP). Additionally, lower GFAP and tau RNA expressions were observed in the FCTx of the ALF group but not in the CB tissue. Conclusion The current large animal study has identified a strong correlation between GFAP concentration in the blood and markers of ALF. Additionally, the protein and gene expression analyses in the FCTx revealed that this area appears to be susceptible, while the CB is protected from the detrimental impacts of ALF-associated brain swelling. These results warrant further studies to investigate the mechanisms behind this process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Philipp Felgendreff
- Department of Surgery, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, United States
- Department of General, Visceral, and Transplantation Surgery, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | | | - Lisa Felgendreff
- Department of Journalism and Communication Research, Hannover University of Music, Drama, and Media, Hanover, Germany
| | - Bruce P. Amiot
- Department of Surgery, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, United States
| | - Anna Minshew
- Department of Surgery, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, United States
| | | | - Zhi Qu
- Transplant Center, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Silvana Wilken
- Department of Surgery, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, United States
| | - Ines Arribas Gomez
- Department of Neuroscience, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL, United States
| | - Scott L. Nyberg
- Department of Surgery, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, United States
- William J. von Liebig Center for Transplantation and Clinical Regeneration, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, United States
| | - Casey N. Cook
- Department of Neuroscience, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL, United States
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Llansola M, Arenas YM, Sancho-Alonso M, Mincheva G, Palomares-Rodriguez A, Doverskog M, Izquierdo-Altarejos P, Felipo V. Neuroinflammation alters GABAergic neurotransmission in hyperammonemia and hepatic encephalopathy, leading to motor incoordination. Mechanisms and therapeutic implications. Front Pharmacol 2024; 15:1358323. [PMID: 38560359 PMCID: PMC10978603 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2024.1358323] [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: 12/19/2023] [Accepted: 02/29/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Enhanced GABAergic neurotransmission contributes to impairment of motor coordination and gait and of cognitive function in different pathologies, including hyperammonemia and hepatic encephalopathy. Neuroinflammation is a main contributor to enhancement of GABAergic neurotransmission through increased activation of different pathways. For example, enhanced activation of the TNFα-TNFR1-NF-κB-glutaminase-GAT3 pathway and the TNFα-TNFR1-S1PR2-CCL2-BDNF-TrkB pathway in cerebellum of hyperammonemic rats enhances GABAergic neurotransmission. This is mediated by mechanisms affecting GABA synthesizing enzymes GAD67 and GAD65, total and extracellular GABA levels, membrane expression of GABAA receptor subunits, of GABA transporters GAT1 and GAT three and of chloride co-transporters. Reducing neuroinflammation reverses these changes, normalizes GABAergic neurotransmission and restores motor coordination. There is an interplay between GABAergic neurotransmission and neuroinflammation, which modulate each other and altogether modulate motor coordination and cognitive function. In this way, neuroinflammation may be also reduced by reducing GABAergic neurotransmission, which may also improve cognitive and motor function in pathologies associated to neuroinflammation and enhanced GABAergic neurotransmission such as hyperammonemia, hepatic encephalopathy or Parkinson's disease. This provides therapeutic targets that may be modulated to improve cognitive and motor function and other alterations such as fatigue in a wide range of pathologies. As a proof of concept it has been shown that antagonists of GABAA receptors such as bicuculline reduces neuroinflammation and improves cognitive and motor function impairment in rat models of hyperammonemia and hepatic encephalopathy. Antagonists of GABAA receptors are not ideal therapeutic tools because they can induce secondary effects. As a more effective treatment to reduce GABAergic neurotransmission new compounds modulating it by other mechanisms are being developed. Golexanolone reduces GABAergic neurotransmission by reducing the potentiation of GABAA receptor activation by neurosteroids such as allopregnanolone. Golexanolone reduces neuroinflammation and GABAergic neurotransmission in animal models of hyperammonemia, hepatic encephalopathy and cholestasis and this is associated with improvement of fatigue, cognitive impairment and motor incoordination. This type of compounds may be useful therapeutic tools to improve cognitive and motor function in different pathologies associated with neuroinflammation and increased GABAergic neurotransmission.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta Llansola
- Laboratory of Neurobiology, Centro de Investigación Príncipe Felipe, Valencia, Spain
| | - Yaiza M. Arenas
- Laboratory of Neurobiology, Centro de Investigación Príncipe Felipe, Valencia, Spain
| | - María Sancho-Alonso
- Laboratory of Neurobiology, Centro de Investigación Príncipe Felipe, Valencia, Spain
| | - Gergana Mincheva
- Laboratory of Neurobiology, Centro de Investigación Príncipe Felipe, Valencia, Spain
| | | | | | | | - Vicente Felipo
- Laboratory of Neurobiology, Centro de Investigación Príncipe Felipe, Valencia, Spain
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Wang Y, Yang L, Shang Y, Huang Y, Ju C, Zheng H, Zhao W, Liu J. Identifying Minimal Hepatic Encephalopathy: A New Perspective from Magnetic Resonance Imaging. J Magn Reson Imaging 2023. [PMID: 38149764 DOI: 10.1002/jmri.29179] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2023] [Revised: 11/23/2023] [Accepted: 11/27/2023] [Indexed: 12/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Type C hepatic encephalopathy (HE) is a condition characterized by brain dysfunction caused by liver insufficiency and/or portal-systemic blood shunting, which manifests as a broad spectrum of neurological or psychiatric abnormalities, ranging from minimal HE (MHE), detectable only by neuropsychological or neurophysiological assessment, to coma. Though MHE is the subclinical phase of HE, it is highly prevalent in cirrhotic patients and strongly associated with poor quality of life, high risk of overt HE, and mortality. It is, therefore, critical to identify MHE at the earliest and timely intervene, thereby minimizing the subsequent complications and costs. However, proper and sensitive diagnosis of MHE is hampered by its unnoticeable symptoms and the absence of standard diagnostic criteria. A variety of neuropsychological or neurophysiological tests have been performed to diagnose MHE. However, these tests are nonspecific and susceptible to multiple factors (eg, aging, education), thereby limiting their application in clinical practice. Thus, developing an objective, effective, and noninvasive method is imperative to help detect MHE. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), a noninvasive technique which can produce many objective biomarkers by different imaging sequences (eg, Magnetic resonance spectroscopy, DWI, rs-MRI, and arterial spin labeling), has recently shown the ability to screen MHE from NHE (non-HE) patients accurately. As advanced MRI techniques continue to emerge, more minor changes in the brain could be captured, providing new means for early diagnosis and quantitative assessment of MHE. In addition, the advancement of artificial intelligence in medical imaging also presents the potential to mine more effective diagnostic biomarkers and further improves the predictive efficiency of MHE. Taken together, advanced MRI techniques may provide a new perspective for us to identify MHE in the future. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 3 TECHNICAL EFFICACY: Stage 2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yisong Wang
- Department of Radiology, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Longtao Yang
- Department of Radiology, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Youlan Shang
- Department of Radiology, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Yijie Huang
- Department of Radiology, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Chao Ju
- Department of Radiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, China
| | - Hairong Zheng
- Paul C. Lauterbur Research Center for Biomedical Imaging, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, China
| | - Wei Zhao
- Department of Radiology, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, China
- Paul C. Lauterbur Research Center for Biomedical Imaging, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, China
- Clinical Research Center for Medical Imaging in Hunan Province, Changsha, China
| | - Jun Liu
- Department of Radiology, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, China
- Clinical Research Center for Medical Imaging in Hunan Province, Changsha, China
- Department of Radiology Quality Control Center in Hunan Province, Changsha, China
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Bergaoui J, Latiri I, Chaouch H, Ben Abdallah J, Mrad S, Maatamri W, Letaief A, Ben Saad H. Evaluation of muscle strength and quality in North African patients with chronic hepatitis B: A pilot case control study. Libyan J Med 2023; 18:2204564. [PMID: 37096573 PMCID: PMC10132249 DOI: 10.1080/19932820.2023.2204564] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Early detection of alteration of muscle strength, quantity, and quality, and sarcopenia is useful in non-cirrhotic chronic hepatitis B (NC-CHB) patients. Studies, which explored the handgrip strength (HGS) are scarce with questionable results, and no previous case-control study explored the presence of sarcopenia.The aim of this study was to assess the muscle strength [i.e.; HGS absolute (HGSA), HGSA/body mass index (BMI)], muscle quantity [i.e.; appendicular skeletal muscle (ASM), ASM/height2, ASM/total body weight (TBW), ASM/BMI], and muscle quality [i.e.; HGSA/total muscle mass (TMM), HGSA/ASM] of NC-CHB patients.This was a case-control study. Cases (n = 26) were untreated NC-CHB patients, and controls (n = 28) were 'apparently' healthy participants. Muscle mass was estimated via the TMM (kg) and ASM (kg). Muscle strength was evaluated via the HGS data [i.e.; HGSA (kg), HGSA/BMI (m2)]. Six variants of HGSA were determined: highest values for the dominant and non-dominant hands, highest value between the two hands, averages of the three measurements for the two hands, and the average of the highest values of the two hands. Muscle quantity was expressed in three relative variants (ASM/height2, ASM/TBW, and ASM/BMI). Muscle quality was evaluated via relative HGS data adjusted by muscle mass (i.e.; HGSA/TMM, HGSA/ASM). Probable and confirmed sarcopenia were retained in front of low muscle strength, and low muscle strength and muscle quantity or quality, respectively.There were no significant differences between controls and NC-CHB patients in values of muscle i) Strength whatever the HGS' mode of expression (e.g.; HGSA/BMI: 1.59 ± 0.54 vs. 1.53 ± 0.54 m2, p = 0.622, respectively), ii) Quantity (e.g.; ASM/BMI: 0.79 ± 0.24 vs. 0.77 ± 0.23 m2, p = 0.883), and iii) Quality (e.g.; HGSA/ASM: 2.00 ± 0.25 vs. 2.01 ± 0.41, p = 0.952, respectively). One NC-CHB participant had a confirmed sarcopenia.To conclude, both controls and NC-CHB patients had similar HGS values. Only one NC-CHB patient had a confirmed sarcopenia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jihene Bergaoui
- Research laboratory "Heart Failure, LR12SP09", Hospital Farhat HACHED, Sousse, Tunisia
| | - Imed Latiri
- Research laboratory "Heart Failure, LR12SP09", Hospital Farhat HACHED, Sousse, Tunisia
- Faculty of Medicine of Sousse, Department of Physiology, Sousse University, Sousse, Tunisia
| | - Houda Chaouch
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Viral Hepatitis Research Unit (UR12SP35), Hospital Farhat HACHED, Sousse, Tunisia
| | - Jihene Ben Abdallah
- Biochemistry Research Laboratory (LR18ES47), Hospital Farhat HACHED, Sousse, Tunisia
| | - Sawssen Mrad
- Biochemistry Research Laboratory (LR18ES47), Hospital Farhat HACHED, Sousse, Tunisia
| | - Wided Maatamri
- Haematological laboratory, Hospital Farhat HACHED, Sousse, Tunisia
| | - Amel Letaief
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Viral Hepatitis Research Unit (UR12SP35), Hospital Farhat HACHED, Sousse, Tunisia
| | - Helmi Ben Saad
- Research laboratory "Heart Failure, LR12SP09", Hospital Farhat HACHED, Sousse, Tunisia
- Faculty of Medicine of Sousse, Department of Physiology, Sousse University, Sousse, Tunisia
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Calvo Córdoba A, García Cena CE, Montoliu C. Automatic Video-Oculography System for Detection of Minimal Hepatic Encephalopathy Using Machine Learning Tools. SENSORS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2023; 23:8073. [PMID: 37836903 PMCID: PMC10575013 DOI: 10.3390/s23198073] [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: 07/28/2023] [Revised: 09/18/2023] [Accepted: 09/21/2023] [Indexed: 10/15/2023]
Abstract
This article presents an automatic gaze-tracker system to assist in the detection of minimal hepatic encephalopathy by analyzing eye movements with machine learning tools. To record eye movements, we used video-oculography technology and developed automatic feature-extraction software as well as a machine learning algorithm to assist clinicians in the diagnosis. In order to validate the procedure, we selected a sample (n=47) of cirrhotic patients. Approximately half of them were diagnosed with minimal hepatic encephalopathy (MHE), a common neurological impairment in patients with liver disease. By using the actual gold standard, the Psychometric Hepatic Encephalopathy Score battery, PHES, patients were classified into two groups: cirrhotic patients with MHE and those without MHE. Eye movement tests were carried out on all participants. Using classical statistical concepts, we analyzed the significance of 150 eye movement features, and the most relevant (p-values ≤ 0.05) were selected for training machine learning algorithms. To summarize, while the PHES battery is a time-consuming exploration (between 25-40 min per patient), requiring expert training and not amenable to longitudinal analysis, the automatic video oculography is a simple test that takes between 7 and 10 min per patient and has a sensitivity and a specificity of 93%.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alberto Calvo Córdoba
- Escuela Técnica Superior de Ingenieros Industriales, Center for Automation and Robotics, UPM-CSIC, Universidad Politécnica de Madrid, José Gutiérrez Abascal St., 2, 28006 Madrid, Spain
| | - Cecilia E. García Cena
- Escuela Técnica Superior de Ingeniería y Diseño Industrial, Center for Automation and Robotics, UPM-CSIC, Universidad Politécnica de Madrid, Ronda de Valencia, 3, 28012 Madrid, Spain;
| | - Carmina Montoliu
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria-INCLIVA, 46010 Valencia, Spain;
- Servicio de Medicina Digestiva, Hospital Clínico de Valencia, 46010 Valencia, Spain
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6
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Zöllner HJ, Thiel TA, Füllenbach ND, Jördens MS, Ahn S, Wilms LM, Ljimani A, Häussinger D, Butz M, Wittsack HJ, Schnitzler A, Oeltzschner G. J-difference GABA-edited MRS reveals altered cerebello-thalamo-cortical metabolism in patients with hepatic encephalopathy. Metab Brain Dis 2023; 38:1221-1238. [PMID: 36729261 PMCID: PMC10897767 DOI: 10.1007/s11011-023-01174-x] [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: 09/30/2022] [Accepted: 01/17/2023] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
Hepatic encephalopathy (HE) is a common neurological manifestation of liver cirrhosis and is characterized by an increase of ammonia in the brain accompanied by a disrupted neurotransmitter balance, including the GABAergic and glutamatergic systems. The aim of this study is to investigate metabolic abnormalities in the cerebello-thalamo-cortical system of HE patients using GABA-edited MRS and links between metabolite levels, disease severity, critical flicker frequency (CFF), motor performance scores, and blood ammonia levels. GABA-edited MRS was performed in 35 participants (16 controls, 19 HE patients) on a clinical 3 T MRI system. MRS voxels were placed in the right cerebellum, left thalamus, and left motor cortex. Levels of GABA+ and of other metabolites of interest (glutamine, glutamate, myo-inositol, glutathione, total choline, total NAA, and total creatine) were assessed. Group differences in metabolite levels and associations with clinical metrics were tested. GABA+ levels were significantly increased in the cerebellum of patients with HE. GABA+ levels in the motor cortex were significantly decreased in HE patients, and correlated with the CFF (r = 0.73; p < .05) and motor performance scores (r = -0.65; p < .05). Well-established HE-typical metabolite patterns (increased glutamine, decreased myo-inositol and total choline) were confirmed in all three regions and were closely linked to clinical metrics. In summary, our findings provide further evidence for alterations in the GABAergic system in the cerebellum and motor cortex in HE. These changes were accompanied by characteristic patterns of osmolytes and oxidative stress markers in the cerebello-thalamo-cortical system. These metabolic disturbances are a likely contributor to HE motor symptoms in HE. In patients with hepatic encephalopathy, GABA+ levels in the cerebello-thalamo-cortical loop are significantly increased in the cerebellum and significantly decreased in the motor cortex. GABA+ levels in the motor cortex strongly correlate with critical flicker frequency (CFF) and motor performance score (pegboard test tPEG), but not blood ammonia levels (NH3).
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Affiliation(s)
- Helge Jörn Zöllner
- Russell H. Morgan Department of Radiology and Radiological Science, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA.
- F. M. Kirby Research Center for Functional Brain Imaging, Kennedy Krieger Institute, Baltimore, MD, USA.
- Institute of Clinical Neuroscience and Medical Psychology, Medical Faculty, Heinrich-Heine-University Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany.
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, Medical Faculty, Heinrich-Heine-University Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany.
| | - Thomas A Thiel
- Institute of Clinical Neuroscience and Medical Psychology, Medical Faculty, Heinrich-Heine-University Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, Medical Faculty, Heinrich-Heine-University Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Nur-Deniz Füllenbach
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Infectiology, Medical Faculty, Heinrich-Heine-University Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Markus S Jördens
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Infectiology, Medical Faculty, Heinrich-Heine-University Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | | | - Lena M Wilms
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, Medical Faculty, Heinrich-Heine-University Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Alexandra Ljimani
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, Medical Faculty, Heinrich-Heine-University Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Dieter Häussinger
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Infectiology, Medical Faculty, Heinrich-Heine-University Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Markus Butz
- Institute of Clinical Neuroscience and Medical Psychology, Medical Faculty, Heinrich-Heine-University Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Hans-Jörg Wittsack
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, Medical Faculty, Heinrich-Heine-University Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Alfons Schnitzler
- Institute of Clinical Neuroscience and Medical Psychology, Medical Faculty, Heinrich-Heine-University Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Georg Oeltzschner
- Russell H. Morgan Department of Radiology and Radiological Science, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
- F. M. Kirby Research Center for Functional Brain Imaging, Kennedy Krieger Institute, Baltimore, MD, USA
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Sustained Hyperammonemia Activates NF-κB in Purkinje Neurons Through Activation of the TrkB-PI3K-AKT Pathway by Microglia-Derived BDNF in a Rat Model of Minimal Hepatic Encephalopathy. Mol Neurobiol 2023; 60:3071-3085. [PMID: 36790604 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-023-03264-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2022] [Accepted: 02/03/2023] [Indexed: 02/16/2023]
Abstract
Chronic hyperammonemia is a main contributor to the cognitive and motor impairment in patients with hepatic encephalopathy. Sustained hyperammonemia induces the TNFα expression in Purkinje neurons, mediated by NF-κB activation. The aims were the following: (1) to assess if enhanced TrkB activation by BDNF is responsible for enhanced NF-κB activation in Purkinje neurons in hyperammonemic rats, (2) to assess if this is associated with increased content of NF-κB modulated proteins such as TNFα, HMGB1, or glutaminase I, (3) to assess if these changes are due to enhanced activation of the TNFR1-S1PR2-CCR2-BDNF-TrkB pathway, (4) to analyze if increased activation of NF-κB is mediated by the PI3K-AKT pathway. It is shown that, in the cerebellum of hyperammonemic rats, increased BDNF levels enhance TrkB activation in Purkinje neurons leading to activation of PI3K, which enhances phosphorylation of AKT and of IκB, leading to increased nuclear translocation of NF-κB which enhances TNFα, HMGB1, and glutaminase I content. To assess if the changes are due to enhanced activation of the TNFR1-S1PR2-CCR2 pathway, we blocked TNFR1 with R7050, S1PR2 with JTE-013, and CCR2 with RS504393. These changes are reversed by blocking TrkB, PI3K, or the TNFR1-SP1PR2-CCL2-CCR2-BDNF-TrkB pathway at any step. In hyperammonemic rats, increased levels of BDNF enhance TrkB activation in Purkinje neurons, leading to activation of the PI3K-AKT-IκB-NF-κB pathway which increased the content of glutaminase I, HMGB1, and TNFα. Enhanced activation of this TrkB-PI3K-AKT-NF-κB pathway would contribute to impairing the function of Purkinje neurons and motor function in hyperammonemic rats and likely in cirrhotic patients with minimal or clinical hepatic encephalopathy.
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Casanova-Ferrer F, García-Cena CE, Gallego JJ, Fiorillo A, Urios A, Calvo-Córdoba A, Ballester MP, Ríos MP, Durbán L, Hidalgo MR, García F, Felipo V, Montoliu C. Minimal hepatic encephalopathy is associated to alterations in eye movements. Sci Rep 2022; 12:16837. [PMID: 36207472 PMCID: PMC9547018 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-21230-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2022] [Accepted: 09/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Minimal hepatic encephalopathy (MHE) is diagnosed using PHES battery, but other tests are more sensitive, and a simple tool for early MHE detection is required. Assessment of saccadic eye movements is useful for early detection of cognitive alterations in different pathologies. We characterized the alterations in saccadic eye movements in MHE patients, its relationship with cognitive alterations and its utility for MHE diagnosis. One-hundred and eighteen cirrhotic patients (86 without and 32 with MHE) and 35 controls performed PHES and Stroop test and an eye movements test battery by OSCANN system: visual saccades, antisaccades, memory-guided saccades, fixation test and smooth pursuit. We analyzed 177 parameters of eye movements, assessed their diagnostic capacity for MHE, and correlated with cognitive alterations. MHE patients showed alterations in 56 of the 177 variables of eye movements compared to NMHE patients. MHE patients showed longer latencies and worse performance in most eye movements tests, which correlated with mental processing speed and attention impairments. The best correlations found were for antisaccades and memory-guided saccades, and some parameters in these tests could be useful for discriminating MHE and NMHE patients. Eye movements analysis could be a new, rapid, reliable, objective, and reproducible tool for early diagnose MHE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Franc Casanova-Ferrer
- Fundación de Investigación Hospital Clínico Universitario de Valencia-INCLIVA, 46010, Valencia, Spain
| | - Cecilia E García-Cena
- Centre for Automation and Robotics, Universidad Politecnica de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Juan-Jose Gallego
- Fundación de Investigación Hospital Clínico Universitario de Valencia-INCLIVA, 46010, Valencia, Spain
| | - Alessandra Fiorillo
- Fundación de Investigación Hospital Clínico Universitario de Valencia-INCLIVA, 46010, Valencia, Spain
| | - Amparo Urios
- Fundación de Investigación Hospital Clínico Universitario de Valencia-INCLIVA, 46010, Valencia, Spain
| | - Alberto Calvo-Córdoba
- Centre for Automation and Robotics, Universidad Politecnica de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Maria-Pilar Ballester
- Fundación de Investigación Hospital Clínico Universitario de Valencia-INCLIVA, 46010, Valencia, Spain.,Servicio de Medicina Digestiva, Hospital Clínico Universitario de Valencia, 46010, Valencia, Spain
| | - María Pilar Ríos
- Servicio de Medicina Digestiva, Hospital Arnau de Vilanova, 46015, Valencia, Spain
| | - Lucía Durbán
- Servicio de Medicina Digestiva, Hospital Arnau de Vilanova, 46015, Valencia, Spain
| | - Marta R Hidalgo
- Bioinformatics and Biostatistics Unit, Centro Investigación Príncipe Felipe, 46012, Valencia, Spain
| | - Francisco García
- Bioinformatics and Biostatistics Unit, Centro Investigación Príncipe Felipe, 46012, Valencia, Spain
| | - Vicente Felipo
- Laboratory of Neurobiology, Centro Investigación Príncipe Felipe, 46012, Valencia, Spain
| | - Carmina Montoliu
- Fundación de Investigación Hospital Clínico Universitario de Valencia-INCLIVA, 46010, Valencia, Spain. .,Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Valencia/INCLIVA-Health Research Institute, Avda. Blasco Ibañez, 17, 46010, Valencia, Spain.
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9
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Arenas YM, Martínez-García M, Llansola M, Felipo V. Enhanced BDNF and TrkB Activation Enhance GABA Neurotransmission in Cerebellum in Hyperammonemia. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms231911770. [PMID: 36233065 PMCID: PMC9570361 DOI: 10.3390/ijms231911770] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2022] [Revised: 09/28/2022] [Accepted: 09/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Hyperammonemia is a main contributor to minimal hepatic encephalopathy (MHE) in cirrhotic patients. Hyperammonemic rats reproduce the motor incoordination of MHE patients, which is due to enhanced GABAergic neurotransmission in the cerebellum as a consequence of neuroinflammation. In hyperammonemic rats, neuroinflammation increases BDNF by activating the TNFR1–S1PR2–CCR2 pathway. (1) Identify mechanisms enhancing GABAergic neurotransmission in hyperammonemia; (2) assess the role of enhanced activation of TrkB; and (3) assess the role of the TNFR1–S1PR2–CCR2–BDNF pathway. In the cerebellum of hyperammonemic rats, increased BDNF levels enhance TrkB activation in Purkinje neurons, leading to increased GAD65, GAD67 and GABA levels. Enhanced TrkB activation also increases the membrane expression of the γ2, α2 and β3 subunits of GABAA receptors and of KCC2. Moreover, enhanced TrkB activation in activated astrocytes increases the membrane expression of GAT3 and NKCC1. These changes are reversed by blocking TrkB or the TNFR1–SP1PR2–CCL2–CCR2–BDNF–TrkB pathway. Hyperammonemia-induced neuroinflammation increases BDNF and TrkB activation, leading to increased synthesis and extracellular GABA, and the amount of GABAA receptors in the membrane and chloride gradient. These factors enhance GABAergic neurotransmission in the cerebellum. Blocking TrkB or the TNFR1–SP1PR2–CCL2–CCR2–BDNF–TrkB pathway would improve motor function in patients with hepatic encephalopathy and likely with other pathologies associated with neuroinflammation.
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Mincheva G, Gimenez-Garzo C, Izquierdo-Altarejos P, Martinez-Garcia M, Doverskog M, Blackburn TP, Hällgren A, Bäckström T, Llansola M, Felipo V. Golexanolone, a GABA A receptor modulating steroid antagonist, restores motor coordination and cognitive function in hyperammonemic rats by dual effects on peripheral inflammation and neuroinflammation. CNS Neurosci Ther 2022; 28:1861-1874. [PMID: 35880480 PMCID: PMC9532914 DOI: 10.1111/cns.13926] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2022] [Revised: 07/08/2022] [Accepted: 07/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Aims Hyperammonemic rats show peripheral inflammation, increased GABAergic neurotransmission and neuroinflammation in cerebellum and hippocampus which induce motor incoordination and cognitive impairment. Neuroinflammation enhances GABAergic neurotransmission in cerebellum by enhancing the TNFR1‐glutaminase‐GAT3 and TNFR1‐CCL2‐TrkB‐KCC2 pathways. Golexanolone reduces GABAA receptors potentiation by allopregnanolone. This work aimed to assess if treatment of hyperammonemic rats with golexanolone reduces peripheral inflammation and neuroinflammation and restores cognitive and motor function and to analyze underlying mechanisms. Methods Rats were treated with golexanolone and effects on peripheral inflammation, neuroinflammation, TNFR1‐glutaminase‐GAT3 and TNFR1‐CCL2‐TrkB‐KCC2 pathways, and cognitive and motor function were analyzed. Results Hyperammonemic rats show increased TNFα and reduced IL‐10 in plasma, microglia and astrocytes activation in cerebellum and hippocampus, and impaired motor coordination and spatial and short‐term memories. Treating hyperammonemic rats with golexanolone reversed changes in peripheral inflammation, microglia and astrocytes activation and restored motor coordination and spatial and short‐term memory. This was associated with reversal of the hyperammonemia‐enhanced activation in cerebellum of the TNFR1‐glutaminase‐GAT3 and TNFR1‐CCL2‐TrkB‐KCC2 pathways. Conclusion Reducing GABAA receptors activation with golexanolone reduces peripheral inflammation and neuroinflammation and improves cognitive and motor function in hyperammonemic rats. The effects identified would also occur in patients with hepatic encephalopathy and, likely, in other pathologies associated with neuroinflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gergana Mincheva
- Laboratory of Neurobiology, Centro de Investigación Príncipe Felipe, Valencia, Spain
| | - Carla Gimenez-Garzo
- Laboratory of Neurobiology, Centro de Investigación Príncipe Felipe, Valencia, Spain
| | | | - Mar Martinez-Garcia
- Laboratory of Neurobiology, Centro de Investigación Príncipe Felipe, Valencia, Spain
| | | | | | | | - Torbjörn Bäckström
- Umecrine Cognition AB, Solna, Sweden.,Umeå Neurosteroid Research Center, Clinical Sciences at Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
| | - Marta Llansola
- Laboratory of Neurobiology, Centro de Investigación Príncipe Felipe, Valencia, Spain
| | - Vicente Felipo
- Laboratory of Neurobiology, Centro de Investigación Príncipe Felipe, Valencia, Spain
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11
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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: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.0] [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.
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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
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El Khiat A, El Hiba O, Tamegart L, Rais H, Fdil N, Sellami S, El Mokhtar MA, Gamrani H. Time dependent alteration of locomotor behavior in rat with acute liver failure induced cerebellar neuroinflammation and neuro-astroglial damage. J Chem Neuroanat 2021; 119:102055. [PMID: 34863855 DOI: 10.1016/j.jchemneu.2021.102055] [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: 09/16/2021] [Revised: 11/27/2021] [Accepted: 11/27/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Hepatic encephalopathy (HE) is a neurophysiological syndrome secondary to acute or chronic liver failure. Studies showed that HE patients exhibit a deficit in motor coordination, which may result from cerebellar functional impairment. The aim of this study is to assess the time-dependent alteration of locomotor behavior and the glial and neuronal alteration in rat with acute HE induced chemically. The study was carried out in male Sprague-Dawley rats with thioacetamide (TAA) induced acute liver failure at different stages 12 h, 24 h and 36 h. Hepatic and renal functions were assessed via various biochemical and histopathological examinations, while the cerebellum and the midbrain were examined using histology and immunohistochemistry for tyrosine hydroxylase (TH), cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) and glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP). We used as well, the open field test and the Rotarod test for assessing the locomotor activity and coordination. Our data showed a progressive loss of liver function and a progressive alteration in locomotor behavior and motor coordination in acute HE rats. In the cerebellum, we noted an increase in the degeneration of cerebellar Purkinje neurons parallel to increased COX-2 immunoreactivity together with astrocytic morphology and density changes. Likewise, in substantia nigra pars compacta, TH levels were reduced. We showed through the current study, a progressive deterioration in locomotor behavior in acute HE rats, as a result of Purkinje neurons death and a deficient dopaminergic neurotransmission, together with the morpho-functional astroglial modifications involving the oxidative stress and neuroinflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdelaati El Khiat
- Laboratory of Clinical and Experimental Neurosciences and Environment, faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, Cadi Ayyad University, 4000 Marrakech, Morocco; Higher Institute of Nursing Professions and Health Techniques, Ouarzazate, Morocco.
| | - Omar El Hiba
- Nutritional Physiopathologies and Toxicology Team, faculty of Sciences, Chouaib Doukkali University, El Jadida, Morocco.
| | - Lahcen Tamegart
- Laboratory of Clinical and Experimental Neurosciences and Environment, faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, Cadi Ayyad University, 4000 Marrakech, Morocco; Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Abdelmalek Essaadi University, Tetouan, Morocco
| | - Hanane Rais
- Laboratory of Morphosciences, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, Cadi Ayyad University, Morocco; Mohammed VI University Hospital, Marrakech, Morocco
| | - Naima Fdil
- Metabolics platform, Biochemistry Laboratory, Faculty of Medicine, Cadi Ayyad University, Sidi Abbad, BP 40000 Marrakech, Morocco
| | | | - Mohamed Ait El Mokhtar
- Laboratory of Biochemistry, Environment &Agri-food URAC 36, Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences and Techniques, Mohmmedia, Hassan II University of Casablanca, Morocco
| | - Halima Gamrani
- Laboratory of Clinical and Experimental Neurosciences and Environment, faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, Cadi Ayyad University, 4000 Marrakech, Morocco.
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Artificial Intelligence and Its Application to Minimal Hepatic Encephalopathy Diagnosis. J Pers Med 2021; 11:jpm11111090. [PMID: 34834442 PMCID: PMC8626051 DOI: 10.3390/jpm11111090] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2021] [Revised: 10/20/2021] [Accepted: 10/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatic encephalopathy (HE) is a brain dysfunction caused by liver insufficiency and/or portosystemic shunting. HE manifests as a spectrum of neurological or psychiatric abnormalities. Diagnosis of overt HE (OHE) is based on the typical clinical manifestation, but covert HE (CHE) has only very subtle clinical signs and minimal HE (MHE) is detected only by specialized time-consuming psychometric tests, for which there is still no universally accepted gold standard. Significant progress has been made in artificial intelligence and its application to medicine. In this review, we introduce how artificial intelligence has been used to diagnose minimal hepatic encephalopathy thus far, and we discuss its further potential in analyzing speech and handwriting data, which are probably the most accessible data for evaluating the cognitive state of the patient.
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Coubard OA, Ober KM, Gaumet M, Urbanski M, Amato JN, Chapron V, Weiss N, Kinugawa K, Weissenborn K, Thabut D. Standardization of the psychometric hepatic encephalopathy score in a French population. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0257136. [PMID: 34506569 PMCID: PMC8432843 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0257136] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2020] [Accepted: 08/24/2021] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
The Psychometric Hepatic Encephalopathy Score (PHES) has previously been standardized in thirteen countries on three continents, confirming its status of gold standard test to detect minimal hepatic encephalopathy (MHE). In the meantime, performance has also been shown to vary with variables such as age, education, and barely sex. The present study aimed at standardizing the PHES in a French population. One hundred and ninety-six French healthy participants completed a French version of the paper-and-pencil PHES, involving five tests and six measures. Importantly, the balance was perfect between all levels of the three controlled factors, which were sex, age (seven decade-levels from 20–29 to 80–89 years), and education (two levels below or above 12 years of education). Raw measures were transformed to fit the normal distribution. ANOVAs on transformed variables showed no effect of sex, but an effect of age on all measures, and of education on five measures. Multiple or simple regressions were completed to build up normograms. Thorough analysis of variability within each test failed to find outliers that may bias the results. Comparison between French and seminal German data showed that they highly fitted though cultural and cognitive style specificities could be observed. This is the first study to standardize the PHES in a French population and to extensively explore the effects of sex, age and education using perfectly balanced samples. Subtle differences between countries of the same continent emphasize the need to build up normative data in each country to get accurate PHES in patients.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Kinga M. Ober
- The Neuropsychological Laboratory, CNS-Fed, Paris, France
| | - Marie Gaumet
- The Neuropsychological Laboratory, CNS-Fed, Paris, France
| | - Marika Urbanski
- Service de Médecine et de Réadaptation Gériatrique et Neurologique, Hôpitaux de Saint-Maurice, Saint-Maurice, France
| | | | | | - Nicolas Weiss
- Department of Neurology & Institut de Cardiométabolisme et Nutrition, Neurological Intensive Care Unit, Groupe Hospitalier Pitié-Salpêtrière, AP-HP, Sorbonne Université, Paris, France
- Brain Liver Pitié-Salpêtrière (BLIPS) Study Group, Groupe Hospitalier Pitié-Salpêtrière, AP-HP, Sorbonne Université, Paris, France
- Centre de Recherche Saint-Antoine, UMR_S 938 INSERM-Sorbonne Université, Paris, France
| | - Kiyoka Kinugawa
- Functional Explorations and Sleep Investigation Unit for Older Patients, AP-HP, Ivry-sur-Seine, France
- Biological Adaptation and Aging, UMR 8256, CNRS-Sorbonne Université, Paris, France
| | | | - Dominique Thabut
- Brain Liver Pitié-Salpêtrière (BLIPS) Study Group, Groupe Hospitalier Pitié-Salpêtrière, AP-HP, Sorbonne Université, Paris, France
- Centre de Recherche Saint-Antoine, UMR_S 938 INSERM-Sorbonne Université, Paris, France
- Service d’Hépato-gastro-entérologie, Groupe Hospitalier Pitié-Salpêtrière, AP-HP, Sorbonne Université, Paris, France
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15
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Altered motor cortical plasticity in patients with hepatic encephalopathy: A paired associative stimulation study. Clin Neurophysiol 2021; 132:2332-2341. [PMID: 34454259 DOI: 10.1016/j.clinph.2021.07.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2020] [Revised: 06/29/2021] [Accepted: 07/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Hepatic encephalopathy (HE) is a potentially reversible brain dysfunction caused by liver failure. Altered synaptic plasticity is supposed to play a major role in the pathophysiology of HE. Here, we used paired associative stimulation with an inter-stimulus interval of 25 ms (PAS25), a transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) protocol, to test synaptic plasticity of the motor cortex in patients with manifest HE. METHODS 23 HE-patients and 23 healthy controls were enrolled in the study. Motor evoked potential (MEP) amplitudes were assessed as measure for cortical excitability. Time courses of MEP amplitude changes after the PAS25 intervention were compared between both groups. RESULTS MEP-amplitudes increased after PAS25 in the control group, indicating PAS25-induced synaptic plasticity in healthy controls, as expected. In contrast, MEP-amplitudes within the HE group did not change and were lower than in the control group, indicating no induction of plasticity. CONCLUSIONS Our study revealed reduced synaptic plasticity of the primary motor cortex in HE. SIGNIFICANCE Reduced synaptic plasticity in HE provides a link between pathological changes on the molecular level and early clinical symptoms of the disease. This decrease may be caused by disturbances in the glutamatergic neurotransmission due to the known hyperammonemia in HE patients.
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Balzano T, Leone P, Ivaylova G, Castro MC, Reyes L, Ramón C, Malaguarnera M, Llansola M, Felipo V. Rifaximin Prevents T-Lymphocytes and Macrophages Infiltration in Cerebellum and Restores Motor Incoordination in Rats with Mild Liver Damage. Biomedicines 2021; 9:biomedicines9081002. [PMID: 34440206 PMCID: PMC8393984 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines9081002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2021] [Revised: 08/02/2021] [Accepted: 08/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
In patients with liver cirrhosis, minimal hepatic encephalopathy (MHE) is triggered by a shift in peripheral inflammation, promoting lymphocyte infiltration into the brain. Rifaximin improves neurological function in MHE by normalizing peripheral inflammation. Patients who died with steatohepatitis showed T-lymphocyte infiltration and neuroinflammation in the cerebellum, suggesting that MHE may already occur in these patients. The aims of this work were to assess, in a rat model of mild liver damage similar to steatohepatitis, whether: (1) the rats show impaired motor coordination in the early phases of liver damage; (2) this is associated with changes in the immune system and infiltration of immune cells into the brain; and (3) rifaximin improves motor incoordination, associated with improved peripheral inflammation, reduced infiltration of immune cells and neuroinflammation in the cerebellum, and restoration of the alterations in neurotransmission. Liver damage was induced by carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) injection over four weeks. Peripheral inflammation, immune cell infiltration, neuroinflammation, and neurotransmission in the cerebellum and motor coordination were assessed. Mild liver damage induces neuroinflammation and altered neurotransmission in the cerebellum and motor incoordination. These alterations are associated with increased TNFa, CCL20, and CX3CL1 in plasma and cerebellum, IL-17 and IL-15 in plasma, and CCL2 in cerebellum. This promotes T-lymphocyte and macrophage infiltration in the cerebellum. Early treatment with rifaximin prevents the shift in peripheral inflammation, immune cell infiltration, neuroinflammation, and motor incoordination. This report provides new clues regarding the mechanisms of the beneficial effects of rifaximin, suggesting that early rifaximin treatment could prevent neurological impairment in patients with steatohepatitis.
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Giménez-Garzó C, Fiorillo A, Ballester-Ferré MP, Gallego JJ, Casanova-Ferrer F, Urios A, Benlloch S, Martí-Aguado D, San-Miguel T, Tosca J, Ríos MP, Montón C, Durbán L, Escudero-García D, Aparicio L, Felipo V, Montoliu C. A New Score Unveils a High Prevalence of Mild Cognitive Impairment in Patients with Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease. J Clin Med 2021; 10:2806. [PMID: 34202269 PMCID: PMC8268962 DOI: 10.3390/jcm10132806] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2021] [Revised: 06/21/2021] [Accepted: 06/24/2021] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) may show mild cognitive impairment (MCI). The neurological functions affected remain unclear. The aims were to: (1) Characterize the neuropsychological alterations in NAFLD patients; (2) assess the prevalence of impairment of neurological functions evaluated; (3) develop a new score for sensitive and rapid MCI detection in NAFLD; (4) assess differences in MCI features between patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver (NAFL) and nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH); and (5) compare neuropsychological alterations in NAFLD patients with cirrhotic patients with MCI. Fifty-nine NAFLD patients and 53 controls performed psychometric tests assessing different neurological functions: PHES (Psychometric Hepatic Encephalopathy Score) battery, d2, Stroop, Oral SDMT (Symbol Digit Modalities Test), Digit Span, number-letter test, and bimanual and visual-motor coordination tests. NAFLD patients show impairment in attention, mental concentration, psychomotor speed, cognitive flexibility, inhibitory mental control, and working memory. We developed a new, rapid, and sensitive score based on the most affected parameters in NAFLD patients, unveiling that 32% of NAFLD show MCI. Prevalence was similar in NAFL (36%) or NASH (27%) patients, but lower in NAFLD than in cirrhosis (65%). MCI prevalence is significant in NAFLD patients. Psychometric testing is warranted in these patients to unveil MCI and take appropriate measures to reverse and prevent its progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carla Giménez-Garzó
- Laboratory of Neurobiology, Centro Investigación Príncipe Felipe, 46012 Valencia, Spain; (C.G.-G.); (A.U.)
- Fundación Investigación Hospital Clínico, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria, INCLIVA, 46010 Valencia, Spain; (A.F.); (M.-P.B.-F.); (J.-J.G.); (F.C.-F.); (D.M.-A.); (J.T.); (C.M.); (D.E.-G.); (C.M.)
| | - Alessandra Fiorillo
- Fundación Investigación Hospital Clínico, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria, INCLIVA, 46010 Valencia, Spain; (A.F.); (M.-P.B.-F.); (J.-J.G.); (F.C.-F.); (D.M.-A.); (J.T.); (C.M.); (D.E.-G.); (C.M.)
| | - María-Pilar Ballester-Ferré
- Fundación Investigación Hospital Clínico, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria, INCLIVA, 46010 Valencia, Spain; (A.F.); (M.-P.B.-F.); (J.-J.G.); (F.C.-F.); (D.M.-A.); (J.T.); (C.M.); (D.E.-G.); (C.M.)
- Servicio de Medicina Digestiva, Hospital Clínico Valencia, 46010 Valencia, Spain
| | - Juan-José Gallego
- Fundación Investigación Hospital Clínico, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria, INCLIVA, 46010 Valencia, Spain; (A.F.); (M.-P.B.-F.); (J.-J.G.); (F.C.-F.); (D.M.-A.); (J.T.); (C.M.); (D.E.-G.); (C.M.)
| | - Franc Casanova-Ferrer
- Fundación Investigación Hospital Clínico, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria, INCLIVA, 46010 Valencia, Spain; (A.F.); (M.-P.B.-F.); (J.-J.G.); (F.C.-F.); (D.M.-A.); (J.T.); (C.M.); (D.E.-G.); (C.M.)
| | - Amparo Urios
- Laboratory of Neurobiology, Centro Investigación Príncipe Felipe, 46012 Valencia, Spain; (C.G.-G.); (A.U.)
- Fundación Investigación Hospital Clínico, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria, INCLIVA, 46010 Valencia, Spain; (A.F.); (M.-P.B.-F.); (J.-J.G.); (F.C.-F.); (D.M.-A.); (J.T.); (C.M.); (D.E.-G.); (C.M.)
| | - Salvador Benlloch
- Servicio de Digestivo, Hospital Arnau de Vilanova, 46015 Valencia, Spain; (S.B.); (M.-P.R.); (L.D.)
- CIBERehd, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - David Martí-Aguado
- Fundación Investigación Hospital Clínico, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria, INCLIVA, 46010 Valencia, Spain; (A.F.); (M.-P.B.-F.); (J.-J.G.); (F.C.-F.); (D.M.-A.); (J.T.); (C.M.); (D.E.-G.); (C.M.)
- Servicio de Medicina Digestiva, Hospital Clínico Valencia, 46010 Valencia, Spain
| | - Teresa San-Miguel
- Departamento de Patología, Universidad Valencia, 46010 Valencia, Spain;
| | - Joan Tosca
- Fundación Investigación Hospital Clínico, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria, INCLIVA, 46010 Valencia, Spain; (A.F.); (M.-P.B.-F.); (J.-J.G.); (F.C.-F.); (D.M.-A.); (J.T.); (C.M.); (D.E.-G.); (C.M.)
- Servicio de Medicina Digestiva, Hospital Clínico Valencia, 46010 Valencia, Spain
| | - María-Pilar Ríos
- Servicio de Digestivo, Hospital Arnau de Vilanova, 46015 Valencia, Spain; (S.B.); (M.-P.R.); (L.D.)
| | - Cristina Montón
- Fundación Investigación Hospital Clínico, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria, INCLIVA, 46010 Valencia, Spain; (A.F.); (M.-P.B.-F.); (J.-J.G.); (F.C.-F.); (D.M.-A.); (J.T.); (C.M.); (D.E.-G.); (C.M.)
- Servicio de Medicina Digestiva, Hospital Clínico Valencia, 46010 Valencia, Spain
| | - Lucía Durbán
- Servicio de Digestivo, Hospital Arnau de Vilanova, 46015 Valencia, Spain; (S.B.); (M.-P.R.); (L.D.)
| | - Desamparados Escudero-García
- Fundación Investigación Hospital Clínico, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria, INCLIVA, 46010 Valencia, Spain; (A.F.); (M.-P.B.-F.); (J.-J.G.); (F.C.-F.); (D.M.-A.); (J.T.); (C.M.); (D.E.-G.); (C.M.)
- Servicio de Medicina Digestiva, Hospital Clínico Valencia, 46010 Valencia, Spain
- Departamento de Medicina, Universidad Valencia, 46010 Valencia, Spain
| | - Luis Aparicio
- Departamento de Anatomía y Embriología, Universidad Valencia, 46010 Valencia, Spain;
| | - Vicente Felipo
- Laboratory of Neurobiology, Centro Investigación Príncipe Felipe, 46012 Valencia, Spain; (C.G.-G.); (A.U.)
| | - Carmina Montoliu
- Fundación Investigación Hospital Clínico, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria, INCLIVA, 46010 Valencia, Spain; (A.F.); (M.-P.B.-F.); (J.-J.G.); (F.C.-F.); (D.M.-A.); (J.T.); (C.M.); (D.E.-G.); (C.M.)
- Departamento de Patología, Universidad Valencia, 46010 Valencia, Spain;
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Häussinger D, Butz M, Schnitzler A, Görg B. Pathomechanisms in hepatic encephalopathy. Biol Chem 2021; 402:1087-1102. [PMID: 34049427 DOI: 10.1515/hsz-2021-0168] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2021] [Accepted: 05/12/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Hepatic encephalopathy (HE) is a frequent neuropsychiatric complication in patients with acute or chronic liver failure. Symptoms of HE in particular include disturbances of sensory and motor functions and cognition. HE is triggered by heterogeneous factors such as ammonia being a main toxin, benzodiazepines, proinflammatory cytokines and hyponatremia. HE in patients with liver cirrhosis is triggered by a low-grade cerebral edema and cerebral oxidative/nitrosative stress which bring about a number of functionally relevant alterations including posttranslational protein modifications, oxidation of RNA, gene expression changes and senescence. These alterations are suggested to impair astrocyte/neuronal functions and communication. On the system level, a global slowing of oscillatory brain activity and networks can be observed paralleling behavioral perceptual and motor impairments. Moreover, these changes are related to increased cerebral ammonia, alterations in neurometabolite and neurotransmitter concentrations and cortical excitability in HE patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dieter Häussinger
- Clinic for Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Infectious Diseases, Heinrich Heine University, Moorenstr. 5, D-40225 Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Markus Butz
- Department of Neurology/Institute of Clinical Neuroscience and Medical Psychology, Medical Faculty, Heinrich Heine University, Moorenstr. 5, D-40225 Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Alfons Schnitzler
- Department of Neurology/Institute of Clinical Neuroscience and Medical Psychology, Medical Faculty, Heinrich Heine University, Moorenstr. 5, D-40225 Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Boris Görg
- Clinic for Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Infectious Diseases, Heinrich Heine University, Moorenstr. 5, D-40225 Düsseldorf, Germany
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Rega D, Aiko M, Peñaranda N, Urios A, Gallego JJ, Giménez-Garzó C, Casanova F, Fiorillo A, Cabrera-Pastor A, San-Miguel T, Ipiens C, Escudero-García D, Tosca J, Montón C, Ballester MP, Ballester J, Aparicio L, Ríos MP, Durbán L, Mir A, Kosenko E, Cases P, Felipo V, Montoliu C. Patients with Minimal Hepatic Encephalopathy Show Altered Thermal Sensitivity and Autonomic Function. J Clin Med 2021; 10:jcm10020239. [PMID: 33440769 PMCID: PMC7826803 DOI: 10.3390/jcm10020239] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2020] [Revised: 12/30/2020] [Accepted: 01/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Cirrhotic patients may experience alterations in the peripheral nervous system and in somatosensory perception. Impairment of the somatosensory system could contribute to cognitive and motor alterations characteristic of minimal hepatic encephalopathy (MHE), which affects up to 40% of cirrhotic patients. We assessed the relationship between MHE and alterations in thermal, vibration, and/or heat pain sensitivity in 58 cirrhotic patients (38 without and 20 with MHE according to Psychometric Hepatic Encephalopathy Score) and 39 controls. All participants underwent attention and coordination tests, a nerve conduction study, autonomic function testing, and evaluation of sensory thresholds (vibration, cooling, and heat pain detection) by electromyography and quantitative sensory testing. The detection thresholds for cold and heat pain on the foot were higher in patients with, than those without MHE. This hyposensitivity was correlated with attention deficits. Reaction times in the foot were longer in patients with, than without MHE. Patients with normal sural nerve amplitude showed altered thermal sensitivity and autonomic function, with stronger alterations in patients with, than in those without MHE. MHE patients show a general decrease in cognitive and sensory abilities. Small fibers of the autonomic nervous system and thermal sensitivity are altered early on in MHE, before large sensory fibers. Quantitative sensory testing could be used as a marker of MHE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dalia Rega
- INCLIVA, Health Research Institute, 46010 Valencia, Spain (A.U.); (J.-J.G.); (F.C.); (A.F.); (A.C.-P.); (M.-P.B.)
| | - Mika Aiko
- Servicio de Neurofisiología, Hospital Clínico de Valencia, 46010 Valencia, Spain; (M.A.); (N.P.); (C.I.); (P.C.)
| | - Nicolás Peñaranda
- Servicio de Neurofisiología, Hospital Clínico de Valencia, 46010 Valencia, Spain; (M.A.); (N.P.); (C.I.); (P.C.)
| | - Amparo Urios
- INCLIVA, Health Research Institute, 46010 Valencia, Spain (A.U.); (J.-J.G.); (F.C.); (A.F.); (A.C.-P.); (M.-P.B.)
| | - Juan-José Gallego
- INCLIVA, Health Research Institute, 46010 Valencia, Spain (A.U.); (J.-J.G.); (F.C.); (A.F.); (A.C.-P.); (M.-P.B.)
| | - Carla Giménez-Garzó
- Laboratorio de Neurobiología. Centro Investigación Príncipe Felipe, 46012 Valencia, Spain; (C.G.-G.); (V.F.)
| | - Franc Casanova
- INCLIVA, Health Research Institute, 46010 Valencia, Spain (A.U.); (J.-J.G.); (F.C.); (A.F.); (A.C.-P.); (M.-P.B.)
| | - Alessandra Fiorillo
- INCLIVA, Health Research Institute, 46010 Valencia, Spain (A.U.); (J.-J.G.); (F.C.); (A.F.); (A.C.-P.); (M.-P.B.)
| | - Andrea Cabrera-Pastor
- INCLIVA, Health Research Institute, 46010 Valencia, Spain (A.U.); (J.-J.G.); (F.C.); (A.F.); (A.C.-P.); (M.-P.B.)
| | - Teresa San-Miguel
- Departamento de Patología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Valencia, 46010 Valencia, Spain;
| | - Cristina Ipiens
- Servicio de Neurofisiología, Hospital Clínico de Valencia, 46010 Valencia, Spain; (M.A.); (N.P.); (C.I.); (P.C.)
| | - Desamparados Escudero-García
- Servicio de Medicina Digestiva, Hospital Clinico de Valencia, 46010 Valencia, Spain; (D.E.-G.); (J.T.); (C.M.); (J.B.)
- Departamento de Medicina, Universidad de Valencia, 46010 Valencia, Spain;
| | - Joan Tosca
- Servicio de Medicina Digestiva, Hospital Clinico de Valencia, 46010 Valencia, Spain; (D.E.-G.); (J.T.); (C.M.); (J.B.)
| | - Cristina Montón
- Servicio de Medicina Digestiva, Hospital Clinico de Valencia, 46010 Valencia, Spain; (D.E.-G.); (J.T.); (C.M.); (J.B.)
| | - María-Pilar Ballester
- INCLIVA, Health Research Institute, 46010 Valencia, Spain (A.U.); (J.-J.G.); (F.C.); (A.F.); (A.C.-P.); (M.-P.B.)
- Servicio de Medicina Digestiva, Hospital Clinico de Valencia, 46010 Valencia, Spain; (D.E.-G.); (J.T.); (C.M.); (J.B.)
| | - José Ballester
- Servicio de Medicina Digestiva, Hospital Clinico de Valencia, 46010 Valencia, Spain; (D.E.-G.); (J.T.); (C.M.); (J.B.)
| | - Luis Aparicio
- Departamento de Anatomía y Embriología, Universidad Valencia, 46010 Valencia, Spain;
| | - María-Pilar Ríos
- Servicio de Digestivo, Hospital Arnau de Vilanova, 46015 Valencia, Spain; (M.-P.R.); (L.D.)
| | - Lucía Durbán
- Servicio de Digestivo, Hospital Arnau de Vilanova, 46015 Valencia, Spain; (M.-P.R.); (L.D.)
| | - Amparo Mir
- Departamento de Medicina, Universidad de Valencia, 46010 Valencia, Spain;
| | - Elena Kosenko
- Institute of Theoretical and Experimental Biophysics of Russian Academy of Sciences, 142290 Pushchino, Russia;
| | - Paula Cases
- Servicio de Neurofisiología, Hospital Clínico de Valencia, 46010 Valencia, Spain; (M.A.); (N.P.); (C.I.); (P.C.)
| | - Vicente Felipo
- Laboratorio de Neurobiología. Centro Investigación Príncipe Felipe, 46012 Valencia, Spain; (C.G.-G.); (V.F.)
| | - Carmina Montoliu
- INCLIVA, Health Research Institute, 46010 Valencia, Spain (A.U.); (J.-J.G.); (F.C.); (A.F.); (A.C.-P.); (M.-P.B.)
- Departamento de Patología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Valencia, 46010 Valencia, Spain;
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +34-963-864-381
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Colognesi M, Gabbia D, De Martin S. Depression and Cognitive Impairment-Extrahepatic Manifestations of NAFLD and NASH. Biomedicines 2020; 8:E229. [PMID: 32708059 PMCID: PMC7400092 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines8070229] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2020] [Revised: 07/13/2020] [Accepted: 07/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and its complication non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) are important causes of liver disease worldwide. Recently, a significant association between these hepatic diseases and different central nervous system (CNS) disorders has been observed in an increasing number of patients. NAFLD-related CNS dysfunctions include cognitive impairment, hippocampal-dependent memory impairment, and mood imbalances (in particular, depression and anxiety). This review aims at summarizing the main correlations observed between NAFLD development and these CNS dysfunctions, focusing on the studies investigating the mechanism(s) involved in this association. Growing evidences point at cerebrovascular alteration, neuroinflammation, and brain insulin resistance as NAFLD/NASH-related CNS manifestations. Since the pharmacological options available for the management of these conditions are still limited, further studies are needed to unravel the mechanism(s) of NAFLD/NASH and their central manifestations and identify effective pharmacological targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martina Colognesi
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, University of Padova, L.go Meneghetti 2, 35131 Padova, Italy
| | - Daniela Gabbia
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, University of Padova, L.go Meneghetti 2, 35131 Padova, Italy
| | - Sara De Martin
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, University of Padova, L.go Meneghetti 2, 35131 Padova, Italy
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Balzano T, Arenas YM, Dadsetan S, Forteza J, Gil-Perotin S, Cubas-Nuñez L, Casanova B, Gracià F, Varela-Andrés N, Montoliu C, Llansola M, Felipo V. Sustained hyperammonemia induces TNF-a IN Purkinje neurons by activating the TNFR1-NF-κB pathway. J Neuroinflammation 2020; 17:70. [PMID: 32087723 PMCID: PMC7035786 DOI: 10.1186/s12974-020-01746-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2019] [Accepted: 02/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Patients with liver cirrhosis may develop hepatic encephalopathy. Rats with chronic hyperammonemia exhibit neurological alterations mediated by peripheral inflammation and neuroinflammation. Motor incoordination is due to increased TNF-a levels and activation of its receptor TNFR1 in the cerebellum. The aims were to assess (a) whether peripheral inflammation is responsible for TNF-a induction in hyperammonemic rats, (b) the cell type(s) in which TNF-a is increased, (c) whether this increase is associated with increased nuclear NF-κB and TNFR1 activation, (d) the time course of TNF-a induction, and (e) if TNF-a is induced in the Purkinje neurons of patients who die with liver cirrhosis. Methods We analyzed the level of TNF-a mRNA and NF-κB in microglia, astrocytes, and Purkinje neurons in the cerebellum after 1, 2, and 4 weeks of hyperammonemia. We assessed whether preventing peripheral inflammation by administering an anti-TNF-a antibody prevents TNF-a induction. We tested whether TNF-a induction is reversed by R7050, which inhibits the TNFR1-NF-κB pathway, in ex vivo cerebellar slices. Results Hyperammonemia induced microglial and astrocyte activation at 1 week. This was followed by TNF-a induction in both glial cell types at 2 weeks and in Purkinje neurons at 4 weeks. The level of TNF-a mRNA increased in parallel with the TNF-a protein level, indicating that TNF-a was synthesized in Purkinje cells. This increase was associated with increased NF-κB nuclear translocation. The nuclear translocation of NF-κB and the increase in TNF-a were reversed by R7050, indicating that they were mediated by the activation of TNFR1. Preventing peripheral inflammation with an anti-TNF-a antibody prevents TNF-a induction. Conclusion Sustained (4 weeks) but not short-term hyperammonemia induces TNF-a in Purkinje neurons in rats. This is mediated by peripheral inflammation. TNF-a is also increased in the Purkinje neurons of patients who die with liver cirrhosis. The results suggest that hyperammonemia induces TNF-a in glial cells and that TNF-a released by glial cells activates TNFR1 in Purkinje neurons, leading to NF-κB nuclear translocation and the induction of TNF-a expression, which may contribute to the neurological alterations observed in hyperammonemia and hepatic encephalopathy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tiziano Balzano
- Laboratory of Neurobiology, Centro Investigación Príncipe Felipe, Eduardo Primo-Yufera 3, 46012, Valencia, Spain
| | - Yaiza M Arenas
- Laboratory of Neurobiology, Centro Investigación Príncipe Felipe, Eduardo Primo-Yufera 3, 46012, Valencia, Spain
| | - Sherry Dadsetan
- Laboratory of Neurobiology, Centro Investigación Príncipe Felipe, Eduardo Primo-Yufera 3, 46012, Valencia, Spain
| | - Jerónimo Forteza
- Instituto Valenciano de Patología, Unidad Mixta de Patología Molecular, Centro Investigación Príncipe Felipe/Universidad Católica de Valencia, Valencia, Spain
| | - Sara Gil-Perotin
- Multiple Sclerosis and Neuroimmunology Research Group, Fundación para la Investigación La Fe, Valencia, Spain
| | - Laura Cubas-Nuñez
- Multiple Sclerosis and Neuroimmunology Research Group, Fundación para la Investigación La Fe, Valencia, Spain
| | - Bonaventura Casanova
- Multiple Sclerosis and Neuroimmunology Research Group, Fundación para la Investigación La Fe, Valencia, Spain
| | - Francisco Gracià
- Laboratory of Neurobiology, Centro Investigación Príncipe Felipe, Eduardo Primo-Yufera 3, 46012, Valencia, Spain
| | - Natalia Varela-Andrés
- Laboratory of Neurobiology, Centro Investigación Príncipe Felipe, Eduardo Primo-Yufera 3, 46012, Valencia, Spain
| | - Carmina Montoliu
- Instituto de Investigacion Sanitaria INCLIVA, Hospital Clinico de Valencia, Valencia, Spain
| | - Marta Llansola
- Laboratory of Neurobiology, Centro Investigación Príncipe Felipe, Eduardo Primo-Yufera 3, 46012, Valencia, Spain
| | - Vicente Felipo
- Laboratory of Neurobiology, Centro Investigación Príncipe Felipe, Eduardo Primo-Yufera 3, 46012, Valencia, Spain.
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Luo M, Ma P, Li L, Cao WK. Advances in psychometric tests for screening minimal hepatic encephalopathy: From paper-and-pencil to computer-aided assessment. TURKISH JOURNAL OF GASTROENTEROLOGY 2020; 30:398-407. [PMID: 31060994 DOI: 10.5152/tjg.2019.18226] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Minimal hepatic encephalopathy (MHE) is a major neuropsychiatric complication of liver cirrhosis and portosystemic shunting. Although MHE produces a spectrum of cognitive impairments in the domains of short-term attention, working memory, and executive function, it generally does not present with obvious clinical manifestation on conventional assessments. Paper-and-pencil psychometric tests, such as the psychometric hepatic encephalopathy score and the repeatable battery for the assessment of neuropsychological status, are recommended to diagnose MHE. However, these tests are neither rapid nor convenient to use in practice. To facilitate repeated testing in clinic and follow-up, computer-aided psychometric tests, such as the scan test, Cognitive Drug Research assessment battery, inhibitory control test, EncephalApp Stroop App, and critical flicker frequency, have been used to screen for MHE among patients with liver cirrhosis. The aim of this review was to describe the progression from the utility of paper-and-pencil to computer-aided psychometric tests for MHE screening in clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ming Luo
- Department of Gastroenterology, Ningxia People's Hospital, Ningxia, China
| | - Ping Ma
- Department of Hepatology, Tianjin Second People's Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Lei Li
- Department of Hepatology, Tianjin Second People's Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Wu-Kui Cao
- Tianjin Liver Disease Institute, Tianjin Second People's Hospital, Tianjin, China
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Groiss SJ, Butz M, Baumgarten TJ, Füllenbach ND, Häussinger D, Schnitzler A. GABA-ergic tone hypothesis in hepatic encephalopathy – Revisited. Clin Neurophysiol 2019; 130:911-916. [DOI: 10.1016/j.clinph.2019.03.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2017] [Revised: 02/27/2019] [Accepted: 03/22/2019] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
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Altered cognitive control network is related to psychometric and biochemical profiles in covert hepatic encephalopathy. Sci Rep 2019; 9:6580. [PMID: 31036843 PMCID: PMC6488566 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-42957-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2018] [Accepted: 02/26/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The cognitive control network (CCN) is a network responsible for multiple executive functions, which are impaired in covert hepatic encephalopathy (CHE). We aimed to use functional connectivity (FC) magnetic resonance imaging to test the hypothesis that CHE manifested with disconnection within the CCN, which is associated with impaired neuropsychiatric and biochemical profiles. CHE was detected with abnormally low psychometric hepatic encephalopathy scores (PHES) (total cut-off score <−4). Two seeds in the dorsal anterior cingulate cortex (dACC) and the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) were used to calculate the FC map within the CCN. Pearson correlation analysis was performed between the CCN and psychometric, biochemical profiles including ammonia, Interleukin (IL)-6, and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α. Eighteen CHE, 36 non-HE (NHE) cirrhotic patients and 36 controls were studied. Significant differences in FC were noted among groups, which revealed CHE patients had a lower FC in the bilateral lateral occipital cortex (seed in the bilateral dACC) and in the right lateral occipital and precuneus cortices (seed in the left DLPFC) (P < 0.05, corrected) compared with NHE. Progressively decreased FC in the left precentral gyrus within the CCN was noted from control, NHE to CHE. PHES positively and biochemistry negatively correlated with FC in the CCN. In conclusion, CHE patients showed aberrant FC within the CCN which is correlated with both cognitive dysfunction and biochemical profiles. Ammonia and pro-inflammatory cytokines may contribute to the occurrence of aberrant connectivity. Impaired FC within the CCN may serve as a complementary biomarker for CHE.
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Zöllner HJ, Butz M, Jördens M, Füllenbach ND, Häussinger D, Schmitt B, Wittsack HJ, Schnitzler A. Chemical exchange saturation transfer imaging in hepatic encephalopathy. NEUROIMAGE-CLINICAL 2019; 22:101743. [PMID: 30856541 PMCID: PMC6411782 DOI: 10.1016/j.nicl.2019.101743] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2018] [Revised: 02/04/2019] [Accepted: 03/02/2019] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Hepatic encephalopathy (HE) is a common complication in liver cirrhosis and associated with an invasion of ammonia into the brain through the blood-brain barrier. Resulting higher ammonia concentrations in the brain are suggested to lead to a dose-dependent gradual increase of HE severity and an associated impairment of brain function. Amide proton transfer-weighted (APTw) chemical exchange saturation transfer (CEST) imaging has been found to be sensitive to ammonia concentration. The aim of this work was to study APTw CEST imaging in patients with HE and to investigate the relationship between disease severity, critical flicker frequency (CFF), psychometric test scores, blood ammonia, and APTw signals in different brain regions. Whole-brain APTw CEST images were acquired in 34 participants (14 controls, 20 patients (10 minimal HE, 10 manifest HE)) on a 3 T clinical MRI system accompanied by T1 mapping and structural images. T1 normalized magnetization transfer ratio asymmetry analysis was performed around 3 ppm after B0 and B1 correction to create APTw images. All APTw images were spatially normalized into a cohort space to allow direct comparison. APTw images in 6 brain regions (cerebellum, occipital cortex, putamen, thalamus, caudate, white matter) were tested for group differences as well as the link to CFF, psychometric test scores, and blood ammonia. A decrease in APTw intensities was found in the cerebellum and the occipital cortex of manifest HE patients. In addition, APTw intensities in the cerebellum correlated positively with several psychometric scores, such as the fine motor performance scores MLS1 for hand steadiness / tremor (r = 0.466; p = .044) and WRT2 for motor reaction time (r = 0.523; p = .022). Moreover, a negative correlation between APTw intensities and blood ammonia was found for the cerebellum (r = −0.615; p = .007) and the occipital cortex (r = −0.478; p = .045). An increase of APTw intensities was observed in the putamen of patients with minimal HE and correlated negatively with the CFF (r = −0.423; p = .013). Our findings demonstrate that HE is associated with regional differential alterations in APTw signals. These variations are most likely a consequence of hyperammonemia or hepatocerebral degeneration processes, and develop in parallel with disease severity. Ammonia is suggested to play a key role in the emergence of HE. Increase of ammonia in HE patients might be studied with APTw CEST. HE leads to regionally decreasing APTw CEST signal. APTw CEST correlates with blood ammonia levels and psychometric test scores. APTw CEST is possibly linked to hyperammonemia or hepatocerebral degeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helge Jörn Zöllner
- Institute of Clinical Neuroscience and Medical Psychology, Medical Faculty, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Germany; Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, Medical Faculty, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Germany.
| | - Markus Butz
- Institute of Clinical Neuroscience and Medical Psychology, Medical Faculty, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Markus Jördens
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Infectiology, Medical Faculty, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Nur-Deniz Füllenbach
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Infectiology, Medical Faculty, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Dieter Häussinger
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Infectiology, Medical Faculty, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Benjamin Schmitt
- Siemens Ltd. Australia, Healthcare Sector, 160 Herring Road, Macquarie Park, NSW 2113,Australia
| | - Hans-Jörg Wittsack
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, Medical Faculty, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Alfons Schnitzler
- Institute of Clinical Neuroscience and Medical Psychology, Medical Faculty, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Germany
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Zhan C, Chen HJ, Gao YQ, Zou TX. Functional Network-Based Statistics Reveal Abnormal Resting-State Functional Connectivity in Minimal Hepatic Encephalopathy. Front Neurol 2019; 10:33. [PMID: 30761070 PMCID: PMC6362410 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2019.00033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2018] [Accepted: 01/10/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose: Whole-brain functional network analysis is an emerging methodology for exploring the mechanisms underlying hepatic encephalopathy (HE). This study aimed to identify the brain subnetwork that is significantly altered within the functional connectome in minimal HE (MHE), the earliest stage of HE. Materials and Methods: The study enrolled 19 cirrhotic patients with MHE and 19 controls who underwent the resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging and cognitive assessment based on the Psychometric Hepatic Encephalopathy Score (PHES). A whole-brain functional connectivity (FC) matrix was calculated for each subject. Then, network-based statistical analyses of the functional connectome were used to perform group comparisons, and correlation analyses were conducted to identify the relationships between FC alterations and cognitive performance. Results: MHE patients showed significant reduction of positive FC within a subnetwork that predominantly involved the regions of the default-mode network, such as the bilateral posterior cingulate gyrus, bilateral medial prefrontal cortex, bilateral hippocampus and parahippocampal gyrus, bilateral angular gyrus, and left lateral temporal cortex. Meanwhile, MHE patients showed significant reduction of negative FC between default-mode network regions (such as the bilateral posterior cingulate gyrus, medial prefrontal cortex, and angular gyrus) and the regions involved in the somatosensory network (i.e., bilateral precentral and postcentral gyri) and the language network (i.e., the bilateral Rolandic operculum). The correlations of FC within the default-mode subnetwork and PHES results were noted. Conclusion: Default-mode network dysfunction may be one of the core issues in the pathophysiology of MHE. Our findings support the notion that HE is a neurological disease related to intrinsic brain network disruption.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chuanyin Zhan
- Department of Radiology, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fuzhou, China
| | - Hua-Jun Chen
- Department of Radiology, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fuzhou, China
| | - Yong-Qing Gao
- Department of Radiology, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fuzhou, China
| | - Tian-Xiu Zou
- Department of Radiology, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fuzhou, China
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Balzano T, Forteza J, Borreda I, Molina P, Giner J, Leone P, Urios A, Montoliu C, Felipo V. Histological Features of Cerebellar Neuropathology in Patients With Alcoholic and Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis. J Neuropathol Exp Neurol 2018; 77:837-845. [DOI: 10.1093/jnen/nly061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Tiziano Balzano
- Laboratory of Neurobiology, Centro Investigación Príncipe Felipe de Valencia, Spain
| | - Jerónimo Forteza
- Instituto Valenciano de Patología, Unidad Mixta de Patología Molecular. Centro Investigación Príncipe Felipe/Universidad Católica, Valencia, Spain
| | - Irene Borreda
- Instituto Valenciano de Patología, Unidad Mixta de Patología Molecular. Centro Investigación Príncipe Felipe/Universidad Católica, Valencia, Spain
| | - Pilar Molina
- Instituto de Medicina Legal y Ciencias Forenses, Valencia, Spain
- Departamento de Patología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Valencia, Spain
| | - Juan Giner
- Instituto de Medicina Legal y Ciencias Forenses, Valencia, Spain
| | - Paola Leone
- Laboratory of Neurobiology, Centro Investigación Príncipe Felipe de Valencia, Spain
| | - Amparo Urios
- Laboratory of Neurobiology, Centro Investigación Príncipe Felipe de Valencia, Spain
| | - Carmina Montoliu
- Departamento de Patología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Valencia, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria-INCLIVA, Valencia, Spain
| | - Vicente Felipo
- Laboratory of Neurobiology, Centro Investigación Príncipe Felipe de Valencia, Spain
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28
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Balzano T, Forteza J, Molina P, Giner J, Monzó A, Sancho-Jiménez J, Urios A, Montoliu C, Felipo V. The Cerebellum of Patients with Steatohepatitis Shows Lymphocyte Infiltration, Microglial Activation and Loss of Purkinje and Granular Neurons. Sci Rep 2018; 8:3004. [PMID: 29445232 PMCID: PMC5813099 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-21399-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2017] [Accepted: 02/05/2018] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Peripheral inflammation contributes to minimal hepatic encephalopathy in chronic liver diseases, which could be mediated by neuroinflammation. Neuroinflammation in cerebellum of patients with chronic liver diseases has not been studied in detail. Our aim was to analyze in cerebellum of patients with different grades of liver disease, from mild steatohepatitis to cirrhosis and hepatic encephalopathy: (a) neuronal density in Purkinje and granular layers; (b) microglial activation; (c) astrocyte activation; (d) peripheral lymphocytes infiltration; (e) subtypes of lymphocytes infiltrated. Steatohepatitis was classified as SH1, SH2 and SH3. Patients with SH1 show Th17 and Tfh lymphocytes infiltration in the meninges, microglia activation in the molecular layer and loss of 16 ± 4% of Purkinje and 19 ± 2% of granular neurons. White matter remains unaffected. With the progression of liver disease to worse stages (SH2, SH3, cirrhosis) activation of microglia and astrocytes extends to white matter, Bergman glia is damaged in the molecular layer and there is a further loss of Purkinje neurons. The results reported show that neuroinflammation in cerebellum occurs at early stages of liver disease, even before reaching cirrhosis. Neuroinflammation occurs earlier in the molecular layer than in white matter, and is associated with infiltration of peripheral Th17 and Tfh lymphocytes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tiziano Balzano
- Laboratory of Neurobiology, Centro Investigación Príncipe Felipe, Valencia, Spain
| | - Jerónimo Forteza
- Instituto Valenciano de Patología, Unidad Mixta de Patología Molecular. CIPF/Universidad Católica, Valencia, Spain
| | - Pilar Molina
- Instituto de Medicina Legal y Ciencias Forenses, Valencia, Spain.,Departamento de Patología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Valencia, Valencia, Spain
| | - Juan Giner
- Instituto de Medicina Legal y Ciencias Forenses, Valencia, Spain
| | - Ana Monzó
- Instituto de Medicina Legal y Ciencias Forenses, Valencia, Spain
| | | | - Amparo Urios
- Laboratory of Neurobiology, Centro Investigación Príncipe Felipe, Valencia, Spain
| | - Carmina Montoliu
- Departamento de Patología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Valencia, Valencia, Spain.,Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria-INCLIVA, Valencia, Spain
| | - Vicente Felipo
- Laboratory of Neurobiology, Centro Investigación Príncipe Felipe, Valencia, Spain.
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Giménez-Garzó C, Garcés JJ, Urios A, Mangas-Losada A, García-García R, González-López O, Giner-Durán R, Escudero-García D, Serra MA, Soria E, Felipo V, Montoliu C. The PHES battery does not detect all cirrhotic patients with early neurological deficits, which are different in different patients. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0171211. [PMID: 28146589 PMCID: PMC5287470 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0171211] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2016] [Accepted: 01/18/2017] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background and aims The psychometric hepatic encephalopathy score (PHES) is the “gold standard” for minimal hepatic encephalopathy (MHE) diagnosis. Some reports suggest that some cirrhotic patients “without” MHE according to PHES show neurological deficits and other reports that neurological alterations are not homogeneous in all cirrhotic patients. This work aimed to assess whether: 1) a relevant proportion of cirrhotic patients show neurological deficits not detected by PHES; 2) cirrhotic patients with mild neurological deficits are a homogeneous population or may be classified in sub-groups according to specific deficits. Methods Cirrhotic patients “without” (n = 56) or “with” MHE (n = 41) according to PHES and controls (n = 52) performed psychometric tests assessing attention, concentration, mental processing speed, working memory and bimanual and visuomotor coordination. Heterogeneity of neurological alterations was analysed using Hierarchical Clustering Analysis. Results PHES classified as “with” MHE 42% of patients. Around 40% of patients “without” MHE according to PHES fail two psychometric tests. Oral SDMT, d2, bimanual and visuo-motor coordination tests are failed by 54, 51, 51 and 43% of patients, respectively. The earliest neurological alterations are different for different patients. Hierarchical clustering analysis shows that patients “without” MHE according to PHES may be classified in clusters according to the tests failed. In some patients coordination impairment appear before cognitive impairment while in others concentration and attention deficits appear before. Conclusions PHES is not sensitive enough to detect early neurological alterations in a relevant proportion of cirrhotic patients. Oral SDMT, d2 and bimanual and visuo-motor coordination tests are more sensitive. The earliest neurological alterations are different in different cirrhotic patients. These data also have relevant clinical implications. Patients classified as “without MHE” by PHES belonging to clusters 3 and 4 in our study have a high risk of suffering clinical complications, including overt HE and must be diagnosed and clinically followed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carla Giménez-Garzó
- Laboratorio de Neurobiología, Centro Investigación Príncipe Felipe de Valencia, Valencia, Spain
| | - Juan José Garcés
- IDAL, Intelligent Data Analysis Laboratory, Escuela Técnica Superior de Ingeniería, Valencia, Spain
| | - Amparo Urios
- Laboratorio de Neurobiología, Centro Investigación Príncipe Felipe de Valencia, Valencia, Spain
- Fundación Investigación Hospital Clínico de Valencia. Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria-INCLIVA, Valencia, Spain
| | - Alba Mangas-Losada
- Fundación Investigación Hospital Clínico de Valencia. Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria-INCLIVA, Valencia, Spain
| | - Raquel García-García
- Laboratorio de Neurobiología, Centro Investigación Príncipe Felipe de Valencia, Valencia, Spain
| | | | | | - Desamparados Escudero-García
- Unidad de Digestivo, Hospital Clínico de Valencia, Departamento de Medicina, Universidad de Valencia, Valencia, Spain
| | - Miguel Angel Serra
- Unidad de Digestivo, Hospital Clínico de Valencia, Departamento de Medicina, Universidad de Valencia, Valencia, Spain
| | - Emilio Soria
- IDAL, Intelligent Data Analysis Laboratory, Escuela Técnica Superior de Ingeniería, Valencia, Spain
| | - Vicente Felipo
- Laboratorio de Neurobiología, Centro Investigación Príncipe Felipe de Valencia, Valencia, Spain
- * E-mail:
| | - Carmina Montoliu
- Fundación Investigación Hospital Clínico de Valencia. Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria-INCLIVA, Valencia, Spain
- Departamento de Patología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Valencia, Valencia, Spain
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Karababa A, Groos-Sahr K, Albrecht U, Keitel V, Shafigullina A, Görg B, Häussinger D. Ammonia Attenuates LPS-Induced Upregulation of Pro-Inflammatory Cytokine mRNA in Co-Cultured Astrocytes and Microglia. Neurochem Res 2016; 42:737-749. [PMID: 27655254 DOI: 10.1007/s11064-016-2060-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2016] [Revised: 09/03/2016] [Accepted: 09/08/2016] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Hepatic encephalopathy (HE) is associated with cerebral microglia activation. Ammonia, a major toxin of HE, activates microglia in vitro but does not trigger pro-inflammatory cytokine synthesis. In the present study we analysed effects of ammonia on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced upregulation of microglia activation and cytokine mRNA as well as on cytokine secretion in mono-cultured microglia and co-cultured astrocytes and microglia. In mono-cultured microglia LPS (100 ng/ml, 18 h) strongly elevated mRNA levels of the microglia activation marker CD14 and the pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-1α/β, IL-6 and TNF-α. NH4Cl (5 mmol/l) had no effect on LPS-induced upregulation of CD14, IL-1α/β and IL-6 mRNA but enhanced LPS-induced upregulation of TNF-α mRNA in mono-cultured microglia. In co-cultured astrocytes and microglia, however, LPS-induced upregulation of IL-1α/β, TNF-α, IL-6, CD14 but not of IL-10, IL-12A/B or TGFβ1-3 mRNA was attenuated by NH4Cl. LPS-induced upregulation of IL-1α/β, IL-6 and TNF-α was also diminished by the TGR5-ligands allopregnanolone and taurolithocholic acid in mono-cultured microglia. NH4Cl also attenuated LPS-induced release of MCP-1, IL-6 and IL-10 in mono-cultured microglia. mRNA level of surrogate marker for microglia activation (CD14) and for the anti-inflammatory M2-type microglia (CD163, CXCL1, CXCL2) were also elevated in post mortem brain tissue taken from the fusiforme gyrus of patients with liver cirrhosis and HE. The findings suggest that ammonia attenuates LPS-induced microglia reactivity in an astrocyte-dependent way. One may speculate that these anti-inflammatory effects of ammonia may be triggered by neurosteroids derived from astrocytes and may account for absence of microglia reactivity in cerebral cortex of cirrhotic patients with HE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ayse Karababa
- Clinic for Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Infectious Diseases, Heinrich-Heine-University, Moorenstrasse 5, D-40225, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Katerina Groos-Sahr
- Clinic for Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Infectious Diseases, Heinrich-Heine-University, Moorenstrasse 5, D-40225, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Ute Albrecht
- Clinic for Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Infectious Diseases, Heinrich-Heine-University, Moorenstrasse 5, D-40225, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Verena Keitel
- Clinic for Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Infectious Diseases, Heinrich-Heine-University, Moorenstrasse 5, D-40225, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Aygul Shafigullina
- Clinic for Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Infectious Diseases, Heinrich-Heine-University, Moorenstrasse 5, D-40225, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Boris Görg
- Clinic for Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Infectious Diseases, Heinrich-Heine-University, Moorenstrasse 5, D-40225, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Dieter Häussinger
- Clinic for Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Infectious Diseases, Heinrich-Heine-University, Moorenstrasse 5, D-40225, Düsseldorf, Germany.
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Golaszewski S, Langthaler PB, Schwenker K, Florea C, Christova M, Brigo F, Trinka E, Nardone R. Abnormal cortical synaptic plasticity in minimal hepatic encephalopathy. Brain Res Bull 2016; 125:200-4. [DOI: 10.1016/j.brainresbull.2016.07.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2016] [Revised: 07/23/2016] [Accepted: 07/25/2016] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
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32
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Aberrant Resting-State Functional Connectivity Density in Patients with Hepatitis B Virus-Related Cirrhosis. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2016; 2016:4168512. [PMID: 27403426 PMCID: PMC4923523 DOI: 10.1155/2016/4168512] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2016] [Accepted: 05/18/2016] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
There is increasing evidence that cirrhosis may affect functional connectivity among various brain regions in patients prior to onset of overt hepatic encephalopathy (HE). However, most investigators have focused mainly on alterations in functional connectivity strengths, and the changes in functional connectivity density (FCD) are largely unknown. Here, we investigated alterations in resting-state FCD in patients with hepatitis B virus-related cirrhosis (HBV-RC) without overt HE. Totally, 31 patients with HBV-RC without overt HE and 30 age- and sex-matched healthy controls underwent resting-state functional MRI examinations. FCD mapping was employed to compute local and global FCD maps. Then, short-range and long-range FCD values were calculated and voxel-based comparisons were performed between the two groups. The HBV-RC group showed significant decreases in FCD, including decreased short-range FCDs in the bilateral middle cingulum gyrus/precuneus, the bilateral cuneus, and the left lingual gyrus/inferior occipital gyrus and decreased long-range FCD in the bilateral cuneus/precuneus. In addition, the decreased long-range FCD in the bilateral cuneus/precuneus in the HBV-RC group was related to performance on the psychometric hepatic encephalopathy score (PHES) test. These findings suggest aberrant functional connectivity density in cirrhotic patients prior to overt HE onset, which may provide better insight into understanding the pathophysiological mechanisms underlying the cirrhotic-related cognitive impairment.
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33
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Oeltzschner G, Butz M, Wickrath F, Wittsack HJ, Schnitzler A. Covert hepatic encephalopathy: elevated total glutathione and absence of brain water content changes. Metab Brain Dis 2016; 31:517-27. [PMID: 26563124 DOI: 10.1007/s11011-015-9760-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2015] [Accepted: 11/06/2015] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
Recent pathophysiological models suggest that oxidative stress and hyperammonemia lead to a mild brain oedema in hepatic encephalopathy (HE). Glutathione (GSx) is a major cellular antioxidant and known to be involved in the interception of both. The aim of this work was to study total glutathione levels in covert HE (minimal HE and HE grade 1) and to investigate their relationship with local brain water content, levels of glutamine (Gln), myo-inositol (mI), neurotransmitter levels, critical flicker frequency (CFF), and blood ammonia. Proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy ((1)H MRS) data were analysed from visual and sensorimotor cortices of thirty patients with covert HE and 16 age-matched healthy controls. Total glutathione levels (GSx/Cr) were quantified with respect to creatine. Furthermore, quantitative MRI brain water content measures were evaluated. Data were tested for links with the CFF and blood ammonia. GSx/Cr was elevated in the visual (mHE) and sensorimotor (mHE, HE 1) MRS volumes and correlated with blood ammonia levels (both P < 0.001). It was further linked to Gln/Cr and mI/Cr (P < 0.01 in visual, P < 0.001 in sensorimotor) and to GABA/Cr (P < 0.01 in visual). Visual GSx/Cr correlated with brain water content in the thalamus, nucleus caudatus, and visual cortex (P < 0.01). Brain water measures did neither show group effects nor correlations with CFF or blood ammonia. Elevated total glutathione levels in covert HE (< HE 2) correlate with blood ammonia and may be a regional-specific reaction to hyperammonemia and oxidative stress. Brain water content is locally linked to visual glutathione levels, but appears not to be associated with changes of clinical parameters. This might suggest that cerebral oedema is only marginally responsible for the symptoms of covert HE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Georg Oeltzschner
- Institute of Clinical Neuroscience and Medical Psychology, Medical Faculty, Heinrich-Heine-University Düsseldorf, Universitätsstr. 1, D-40225, Düsseldorf, Germany.
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, Medical Faculty, Heinrich-Heine-University Düsseldorf, D-40225, Düsseldorf, Germany.
| | - Markus Butz
- Institute of Clinical Neuroscience and Medical Psychology, Medical Faculty, Heinrich-Heine-University Düsseldorf, Universitätsstr. 1, D-40225, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Frithjof Wickrath
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, Medical Faculty, Heinrich-Heine-University Düsseldorf, D-40225, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Hans-Jörg Wittsack
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, Medical Faculty, Heinrich-Heine-University Düsseldorf, D-40225, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Alfons Schnitzler
- Institute of Clinical Neuroscience and Medical Psychology, Medical Faculty, Heinrich-Heine-University Düsseldorf, Universitätsstr. 1, D-40225, Düsseldorf, Germany
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Methawasin K, Chonmaitree P, Wongjitrat C, Rattanamongkolgul S, Asawavichienjinda T. Movement Disorders in Non-Wilsonian Hepatic Cirrhotic Patients: The Subgroup Analysis of Various Phenotypes and Associated Risk Factors. J Mov Disord 2016; 9:104-13. [PMID: 27020458 PMCID: PMC4886199 DOI: 10.14802/jmd.15047] [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: 10/07/2015] [Revised: 01/01/2016] [Accepted: 02/22/2016] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective The aim of this subgroup analysis was to identify the risk factors associated with the development of various movement disorder phenotypes. Methods Eighty-three non-Wilsonian cirrhotic patients with abnormal movements were allocated into the following groups: intention tremor, bradykinesia, Parkinsonism, and abnormal ocular movements. These movement types were considered the primary outcomes as there was a sufficient sample size. Researchers took into consideration the gender, etiologies of cirrhosis, cirrhosis-related complications, hepatic encephalopathy, medical illness, and some neurological deficits as potential factors associated with these movement disorders. Results The male gender (p = 0.002) and alcoholic cirrhosis (p = 0.005) were significant factors for the prevalence of intention tremors. In bradykinesia, hepatic encephalopathy was highly statistically significant (p < 0.001), and females more commonly developed bradykinesia (p = 0.04). The Parkinsonism features in this study were confounded by hyperlipidemia (p = 0.04) and motor or sensory deficits (p = 0.02). Jerky pursuits and a horizontal nystagmus were detected. Jerky pursuits were significantly related to hepatic encephalopathy (p = 0.003) and bradykinesia, but there were no factors associated with the prevalence of nystagmus other than an intention tremor. Conclusions The association of alcoholic cirrhosis with the development of intention tremor indicates that the persistent cerebellar malfunction in cirrhotic patients is due to alcohol toxicity. The slowness of finger tapping and jerky pursuit eye movements are significantly associated with hepatic encephalopathy. Thus, further studies are needed to evaluate the diagnostic value of these two signs for an early detection of mild hepatic encephalopathy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kulthida Methawasin
- Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Srinakharinwirot University, Ongkharak, Nakhon Nayok, Thailand
| | - Piyanant Chonmaitree
- Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Srinakharinwirot University, Ongkharak, Nakhon Nayok, Thailand
| | - Chatchawan Wongjitrat
- Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Srinakharinwirot University, Ongkharak, Nakhon Nayok, Thailand
| | - Suthee Rattanamongkolgul
- Department of Preventive and Community Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Srinakharinwirot University, Ongkharak, Nakhon Nayok, Thailand
| | - Thanin Asawavichienjinda
- Epidemiology Division, Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
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35
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Ammonia-induced miRNA expression changes in cultured rat astrocytes. Sci Rep 2016; 6:18493. [PMID: 26755400 PMCID: PMC4709596 DOI: 10.1038/srep18493] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2015] [Accepted: 11/19/2015] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatic encephalopathy is a neuropsychiatric syndrome evolving from cerebral osmotic disturbances and oxidative/nitrosative stress. Ammonia, the main toxin of hepatic encephalopathy, triggers astrocyte senescence in an oxidative stress-dependent way. As miRNAs are critically involved in cell cycle regulation and their expression may be regulated by oxidative stress, we analysed, whether astrocyte senescence is a consequence of ammonia-induced miRNA expression changes. Using a combined miRNA and gene microarray approach, 43 miRNA species which were downregulated and 142 genes which were upregulated by NH4Cl (5 mmol/l, 48 h) in cultured rat astrocytes were found. Ammonia-induced miRNA and gene expression changes were validated by qPCR and 43 potential miRNA target genes, including HO-1, were identified by matching upregulated mRNA species with predicted targets of miRNA species downregulated by ammonia. Inhibition of HO-1 targeting miRNAs which were downregulated by NH4Cl strongly upregulated HO-1 mRNA and protein levels and inhibited astrocyte proliferation in a HO-1-dependent way. Preventing ammonia-induced upregulation of HO-1 by taurine (5 mmol/l) as well as blocking HO-1 activity by tin-protoporphyrine IX fully prevented ammonia-induced proliferation inhibition and senescence. The data suggest that ammonia induces astrocyte senescence through NADPH oxidase-dependent downregulation of HO-1 targeting miRNAs and concomitant upregulation of HO-1 at both mRNA and protein level.
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36
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Role of local and distant functional connectivity density in the development of minimal hepatic encephalopathy. Sci Rep 2015; 5:13720. [PMID: 26329994 PMCID: PMC4556960 DOI: 10.1038/srep13720] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2015] [Accepted: 07/27/2015] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The progression of functional connectivity (FC) patterns from non-hepatic encephalopathy (non-HE) to minimal HE (MHE) is not well known. This resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (rs-fMRI) study investigated the evolution of intrinsic FC patterns from non-HE to MHE. A total of 103 cirrhotic patients (MHE, n = 34 and non-HE, n = 69) and 103 healthy controls underwent rs-fMRI scanning. Maps of distant and local FC density (dFCD and lFCD, respectively) were compared among MHE, non-HE, and healthy control groups. Decreased lFCD in anterior cingulate cortex, pre- and postcentral gyri, cuneus, lingual gyrus, and putamen was observed in both MHE and non-HE patients relative to controls. There was no difference in lFCD between MHE and non-HE groups. The latter showed decreased dFCD in inferior parietal lobule, cuneus, and medial frontal cortex relative to controls; however, MHE patients showed decreased dFCD in frontal and parietal cortices as well as increased dFCD in thalamus and caudate head relative to control and non-HE groups. Abnormal FCD values in some regions correlated with MHE patients’ neuropsychological performance. In conclusion, lFCD and dFCD were perturbed in MHE. Impaired dFCD in regions within the cortico-striato-thalamic circuit may be more closely associated with the development of MHE.
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Méndez-López M, Méndez M, Arias J, Arias JL. Effects of a high protein diet on cognition and brain metabolism in cirrhotic rats. Physiol Behav 2015; 149:220-8. [PMID: 26048304 DOI: 10.1016/j.physbeh.2015.05.038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2015] [Revised: 05/28/2015] [Accepted: 05/29/2015] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Hepatic encephalopathy (HE) is a neurological complication observed in patients with liver disease. Patients who suffer from HE present neuropsychiatric, neuromuscular and behavioral symptoms. Animal models proposed to study HE resulting from cirrhosis mimic the clinical characteristics of cirrhosis and portal hypertension, and require the administration of hepatotoxins such as thioacetamide (TAA). The aim of this study was to assess the effects of a high protein diet on motor function, anxiety and memory processes in a model of cirrhosis induced by TAA administration. In addition, we used cytochrome c-oxidase (COx) histochemistry to assess the metabolic activity of the limbic system regions. Male rats were distributed into groups: control, animals with cirrhosis, Control rats receiving a high protein diet, and animals with cirrhosis receiving a high protein diet. Results showed preserved motor function and normal anxiety levels in all the groups. The animals with cirrhosis showed an impairment in active avoidance behavior and spatial memory, regardless of the diet they received. However, the animals with cirrhosis and a high protein diet showed longer escape latencies on the spatial memory task. The model of cirrhosis presented an under-activation of the dentate gyrus and CA3 hippocampal subfields and the medial part of the medial mammillary nucleus. The results suggest that a high protein intake worsens spatial memory deficits shown by the TAA-induced model of cirrhosis. However, high protein ingestion has no influence on the COx hypoactivity associated with the model.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Méndez-López
- Department of Psychology, University of Zaragoza, Campus Ciudad Escolar s/n., 44003 Teruel, Spain.
| | - M Méndez
- Laboratory of Neuroscience, Department of Psychology, Instituto de Neurociencias del Principado de Asturias (INEUROPA), University of Oviedo, Plaza Feijóo s/n., 33003 Oviedo, Spain.
| | - J Arias
- Faculty of Medicine, Complutense University of Madrid, Ciudad Universitaria s/n., 28040 Madrid, Spain.
| | - J L Arias
- Laboratory of Neuroscience, Department of Psychology, Instituto de Neurociencias del Principado de Asturias (INEUROPA), University of Oviedo, Plaza Feijóo s/n., 33003 Oviedo, Spain.
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Hyperammonemia in gene-targeted mice lacking functional hepatic glutamine synthetase. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2015; 112:5521-6. [PMID: 25870278 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1423968112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Urea cycle defects and acute or chronic liver failure are linked to systemic hyperammonemia and often result in cerebral dysfunction and encephalopathy. Although an important role of the liver in ammonia metabolism is widely accepted, the role of ammonia metabolizing pathways in the liver for maintenance of whole-body ammonia homeostasis in vivo remains ill-defined. Here, we show by generation of liver-specific Gln synthetase (GS)-deficient mice that GS in the liver is critically involved in systemic ammonia homeostasis in vivo. Hepatic deletion of GS triggered systemic hyperammonemia, which was associated with cerebral oxidative stress as indicated by increased levels of oxidized RNA and enhanced protein Tyr nitration. Liver-specific GS-deficient mice showed increased locomotion, impaired fear memory, and a slightly reduced life span. In conclusion, the present observations highlight the importance of hepatic GS for maintenance of ammonia homeostasis and establish the liver-specific GS KO mouse as a model with which to study effects of chronic hyperammonemia.
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Felipo V, Urios A, Giménez-Garzó C, Cauli O, Andrés-Costa MJ, González O, Serra MA, Sánchez-González J, Aliaga R, Giner-Durán R, Belloch V, Montoliu C. Non invasive blood flow measurement in cerebellum detects minimal hepatic encephalopathy earlier than psychometric tests. World J Gastroenterol 2014; 20:11815-11825. [PMID: 25206287 PMCID: PMC4155373 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v20.i33.11815] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2013] [Revised: 01/23/2014] [Accepted: 05/19/2014] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
AIM: To assess whether non invasive blood flow measurement by arterial spin labeling in several brain regions detects minimal hepatic encephalopathy.
METHODS: Blood flow (BF) was analyzed by arterial spin labeling (ASL) in different brain areas of 14 controls, 24 cirrhotic patients without and 16 cirrhotic patients with minimal hepatic encephalopathy (MHE). Images were collected using a 3 Tesla MR scanner (Achieva 3T-TX, Philips, Netherlands). Pulsed ASL was performed. Patients showing MHE were detected using the battery Psychometric Hepatic Encephalopathy Score (PHES) consisting of five tests. Different cognitive and motor functions were also assessed: alterations in selective attention were evaluated using the Stroop test. Patients and controls also performed visuo-motor and bimanual coordination tests. Several biochemical parameters were measured: serum pro-inflammatory interleukins (IL-6 and IL-18), 3-nitrotyrosine, cGMP and nitrates+nitrites in plasma, and blood ammonia. Bivariate correlations were evaluated.
RESULTS: In patients with MHE, BF was increased in cerebellar hemisphere (P = 0.03) and vermis (P = 0.012) and reduced in occipital lobe (P = 0.017). BF in cerebellar hemisphere was also increased in patients without MHE (P = 0.02). Bimanual coordination was impaired in patients without MHE (P = 0.05) and much more in patients with MHE (P < 0.0001). Visuo-motor coordination was impaired only in patients with MHE (P < 0.0001). Attention was slightly affected in patients without MHE and more strongly in patients with MHE (P < 0.0001). BF in cerebellar hemisphere and vermis correlated with performance in most tests of PHES [(number connection tests A (NCT-A), B (NCT-B)and line tracing test] and in the congruent task of Stroop test. BF in frontal lobe correlated with NCT-A. Performance in bimanual and visuomotor coordination tests correlated only with BF in cerebellar hemisphere. BF in occipital lobe correlates with performance in the PHES battery and with CFF. BF in cerebellar hemisphere correlates with plasma cGMP and nitric oxide (NO) metabolites. BF in vermis cerebellar also correlates with NO metabolites and with 3-nitrotyrosine. IL-18 in plasma correlates with BF in thalamus and occipital lobe.
CONCLUSION: Non invasive BF determination in cerebellum using ASL may detect MHE earlier than the PHES. Altered NO-cGMP pathway seems to be associated to altered BF in cerebellum.
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Qi R, Zhang LJ, Xu Q, Liang X, Luo S, Zhang Z, Huang W, Zheng L, Lu GM. Abnormal functional connectivity within the default mode network in patients with HBV-related cirrhosis without hepatic encephalopathy revealed by resting-state functional MRI. Brain Res 2014; 1576:73-80. [PMID: 24907446 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2014.05.044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2014] [Revised: 05/26/2014] [Accepted: 05/28/2014] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
By means of "task free" resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (rs-fMRI), abnormal functional connectivity (FC) of the default mode network (DMN) in cirrhotic patients with hepatic encephalopathy (HE) has been reported; however, little is known about the changes of DMN in cirrhotic patients without overt or minimal HE. The aim of this study was to investigate whether there was a disruption of the FC within the DMN in patients with hepatitis B virus (HBV)-related cirrhosis without any signs of HE. Fifty one patients with HBV-related cirrhosis without HE and 61 age- and gender-matched healthy controls underwent the rs-fMRI. Seed-based region-to-region FC was used to analyze the connectivity between each pair of regions within the DMN, including posterior cingulate cortex (PCC), medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC), hippocampal formation (HF), inferior parietal cortex (IPC), and medial temporal lobe (MTL). Pearson correlation analysis was performed between the abnormal FC strength within the DMN and venous blood ammonia levels in patients. Compared with the controls, patients with HBV-related cirrhosis without HE demonstrated significantly decreased region-to-region FC between the mPFC and bilateral MTL, right HF, and left IPC, as well as between the right MTL and left IPC, right HF, and PCC. A significant negative relationship was observed between blood ammonia levels and connectivity strength between the mPFC and left IPC in patients. These results suggest that patients with HBV-related cirrhosis without HE had disrupted functional connectivty within the DMN, even before the appearance of minimal HE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rongfeng Qi
- Department of Medical Imaging, Jinling Hospital, Clinical School of Medical College, Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210002, China
| | - Long Jiang Zhang
- Department of Medical Imaging, Jinling Hospital, Clinical School of Medical College, Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210002, China
| | - Qiang Xu
- Department of Medical Imaging, Jinling Hospital, Clinical School of Medical College, Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210002, China
| | - Xue Liang
- Department of Medical Imaging, Jinling Hospital, Clinical School of Medical College, Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210002, China
| | - Song Luo
- Department of Medical Imaging, Jinling Hospital, Clinical School of Medical College, Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210002, China
| | - Zhiqiang Zhang
- Department of Medical Imaging, Jinling Hospital, Clinical School of Medical College, Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210002, China
| | - Wei Huang
- Department of Medical Imaging, Jinling Hospital, Clinical School of Medical College, Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210002, China.
| | - Ling Zheng
- Department of Medical Imaging, Jinling Hospital, Clinical School of Medical College, Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210002, China.
| | - Guang Ming Lu
- Department of Medical Imaging, Jinling Hospital, Clinical School of Medical College, Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210002, China
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Butz M, May ES, Häussinger D, Schnitzler A. The slowed brain: Cortical oscillatory activity in hepatic encephalopathy. Arch Biochem Biophys 2013; 536:197-203. [DOI: 10.1016/j.abb.2013.04.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2013] [Revised: 04/04/2013] [Accepted: 04/08/2013] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
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Chepkova AN, Sergeeva OA, Haas HL. Alterations of corticostriatal plasticity by ammonium and rescue by green tea polyphenols. Arch Biochem Biophys 2013; 536:176-82. [DOI: 10.1016/j.abb.2013.02.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2012] [Revised: 01/31/2013] [Accepted: 02/05/2013] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
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El Hiba O, Gamrani H, Chatoui H, Ahboucha S. Loss of tyrosine hydroxylase expression within the nigro-striato-cortical pathways in the cirrhotic rat: the possible restorative effect of the neurosteroid dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate. Acta Histochem 2013; 115:637-45. [PMID: 23453752 DOI: 10.1016/j.acthis.2013.01.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2012] [Revised: 01/21/2013] [Accepted: 01/23/2013] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Hepatic encephalopathy (HE) is a neuropsychiatric disorder occurring as a consequence of both acute and chronic liver failure. Advanced HE is generally accompanied with extrapyramidal symptoms including rigidity and tremor, which may reflect alterations of the dopaminergic system. Recently we reported a beneficial effect of the neuroactive steroid dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEAS) in cirrhotic rats, however the mechanisms of such an effect by DHEAS were not addressed. In the present study, we describe the changes of the dopaminergic system occurring in the cirrhotic rats and concomitantly we investigated the effect of DHEAS on this system in Sprague-Dawley rats using the expression of tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) as a neuronal marker. Rats were submitted to bile duct ligation (BDL) surgery and TH immunohistochemistry was assessed in the Substantia nigra pars compacta (SNc), striatum, ventral tegmental area (VTA) and the cortex. TH immunoreactivity showed a significant diminution in both SNc and VTA concomitantly with the cortical and the striatal outputs in the BDL rats vs. controls. Three daily injections of 5mg/kg of DHEAS to BDL rats significantly normalized TH expression decrease in both SNc and VTA as well as dopaminergic projections to the striatum and the cortex of BDL rats. The present data support an involvement of the dopaminergic system in mild HE and a possible beneficial effect of the neurosteroid DHEAS as a potential pharmacological treatment of mild HE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Omar El Hiba
- Neurosciences, Pharmacology and Environment Unit, Faculty of Sciences Semlalia, Cadi University Ayyad, Marrakesh, Morocco
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Sergeeva OA. GABAergic transmission in hepatic encephalopathy. Arch Biochem Biophys 2013; 536:122-30. [PMID: 23624382 DOI: 10.1016/j.abb.2013.04.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2013] [Revised: 04/08/2013] [Accepted: 04/09/2013] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Hepatic encephalopathy (HE)(1) is a neuropsychiatric disorder caused by chronic or acute liver failure. Nearly thirty years ago a hypothesis was formulated explaining the neuropathology of HE by increased GABAergic tone. Recent progress in the GABAA-receptor (GABAAR) molecular pharmacology and biochemistry as well as the physiology of GABAergic transmission provided better understanding of GABA's role in health and disease. A detailed analysis of neuronal populations and their GABAergic afferents affected in HE is still missing. The slow progress in understanding the pathology of GABAergic transmission in HE is due to the high complexity of brain circuitries controlled by multiple types of GABAergic interneurons and the large variety of GABAAR, which are differently affected by pathological conditions and not yet fully identified. The mechanisms of action of the GABAAR agonist taurine, allosteric positive modulators (inhibitory neurosteroids, anaesthetics, benzodiazepines and histamine) and inhibitors of the GABAAR (excitatory neurosteroids, Ro15-4513) are discussed with respect to HE pathophysiology. Perspectives for GABAergic drugs in the symptomatic treatment of HE are suggested.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olga A Sergeeva
- Department of Neurophysiology, Medical Faculty, Heinrich-Heine-University, D-40225 Düsseldorf, Germany.
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Cirrhosis-related Parkinsonism: prevalence, mechanisms and response to treatments. J Hepatol 2013; 58:698-705. [PMID: 23220368 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhep.2012.11.043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2012] [Revised: 11/22/2012] [Accepted: 11/24/2012] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS Extrapyramidal and cerebellar symptoms belong to the most prominent features of episodic hepatic encephalopathy, and usually decrease upon ammonia-lowering therapy. Rapidly progressing parkinsonian symptoms, which are unresponsive to treatment of hepatic encephalopathy, indicate cirrhosis-related Parkinsonism. This study aims at analyzing the prevalence of cirrhosis-related Parkinsonism in patients with liver cirrhosis, and to study the functional status of the striatal dopaminergic system in these patients. METHODS 214 patients with liver cirrhosis who were consecutively seen at the out-patient clinic for liver transplant candidates and/or at the transplantation wards at Hannover Medical School, between August 1, 2008 and March 31, 2011, underwent a standardized neurological examination while on the waiting list or immediately after liver transplantation. Single photon emission computer tomography (SPECT) using (123)I-beta-CIT, for the evaluation of the striatal dopamine transporter function, and (123)I-IBZM for the evaluation of the striatal dopamine D2 receptor availability, was performed in 6 patients with cirrhosis-related Parkinsonism. RESULTS Cirrhosis-related Parkinsonism was diagnosed in 9 of 214 patients (4.2%). SPECT revealed significantly decreased dopamine receptor availability in 5 of 6 patients studied, and significantly decreased dopamine transporter availability in 3. Levodopa improved motor dysfunction in two of four patients treated, although only temporarily. Incomplete recovery was observed in two patients after liver transplantation. CONCLUSIONS Cirrhosis-related Parkinsonism is more frequent than presumed. The presented data suggest pre- and postsynaptic alteration of striatal dopaminergic neurotransmission as a possible cause of cirrhosis-related Parkinsonism and reveal the limited effects of dopaminergic therapy.
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Palomero-Gallagher N, Zilles K. Neurotransmitter receptor alterations in hepatic encephalopathy: a review. Arch Biochem Biophys 2013; 536:109-21. [PMID: 23466244 DOI: 10.1016/j.abb.2013.02.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2013] [Revised: 02/18/2013] [Accepted: 02/19/2013] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Hepatic encephalopathy (HE), a complex neuropsychiatric syndrome with symptoms ranging from subtle neuropsychiatric and motor disturbances to deep coma and death, is thought to be a clinical manifestation of a low-grade cerebral oedema associated with an altered neuron-astrocyte crosstalk and exacerbated by hyperammonemia and oxidative stress. These events are tightly coupled with alterations in neurotransmission, either in a causal or a causative manner, resulting in a net increase of inhibitory neurotransmission. Therefore, research focussed mainly on the potential role of γ-aminobutyric acid-(GABA) or glutamate-mediated neurotransmission in the pathophysiology of HE, though roles for other neurotransmitters (e.g. serotonin, dopamine, adenosine and histamine) or for neurosteroids or endogenous benzodiazepines have also been suggested. Therefore, we here review HE-related alterations in neurotransmission, focussing on changes in the levels of classical neurotransmitters and the neuromodulator adenosine, variations in the activity and/or concentrations of key enzymes involved in their metabolism, as well as in the densities of their receptors.
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Qi R, Zhang LJ, Zhong J, Zhang Z, Ni L, Zheng G, Lu GM. Disrupted thalamic resting-state functional connectivity in patients with minimal hepatic encephalopathy. Eur J Radiol 2013; 82:850-6. [PMID: 23332976 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejrad.2012.12.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2012] [Revised: 11/29/2012] [Accepted: 12/21/2012] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Little is known about the role of thalamus in the pathophysiology of minimal hepatic encephalopathy (MHE). The purpose of this study was to investigate whether the thalamic functional connectivity was disrupted in cirrhotic patients with MHE by using resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (rs-fMRI). MATERIALS AND METHODS Twenty seven MHE patients and twenty seven age- and gender- matched healthy controls participated in the rs-fMRI scans. The functional connectivity of 11 thalamic nuclei were characterized by using a standard seed-based whole-brain correlation method and compared between MHE patients and healthy controls. Pearson correlation analysis was performed between the thalamic functional connectivity and venous blood ammonia levels/neuropsychological tests scores of patients. RESULTS The ventral anterior nucleus (VAN) and the ventral posterior medial nucleus (VPMN) in each side of thalamus showed abnormal functional connectivities in MHE. Compared with healthy controls, MHE patients demonstrated significant decreased functional connectivity between the right/left VAN and the bilateral putamen/pallidum, inferior frontal gyri, insula, supplementary motor area, right middle frontal gyrus, medial frontal gyrus. In addition, MHE patients showed significantly decreased functional connectivity with the right/left VPMN in the bilateral middle temporal gyri (MTG), temporal lobe, and right superior temporal gyrus. The venous blood ammonia levels of MHE patients negatively correlated with the functional connectivity between the VAN and the insula. Number connecting test scores showed negative correlation with the functional connectivity between the VAN and the insula, and between the VPMN and the MTG. CONCLUSION MHE patients had disrupted thalamic functional connectivity, which mainly located in the bilateral ventral anterior nuclei and ventral posterior medial nuclei. The decreased connectivity between thalamus and many cortices, and basal ganglia indicated reduced integrity of thalamic RSN in MHE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rongfeng Qi
- Department of Medical Imaging, Jinling Hospital, Clinical School of Medical College, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210002, China
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Felipo V, Ordoño JF, Urios A, El Mlili N, Giménez-Garzó C, Aguado C, González-Lopez O, Giner-Duran R, Serra MA, Wassel A, Rodrigo JM, Salazar J, Montoliu C. Patients with minimal hepatic encephalopathy show impaired mismatch negativity correlating with reduced performance in attention tests. Hepatology 2012; 55:530-9. [PMID: 21953369 DOI: 10.1002/hep.24704] [Citation(s) in RCA: 76] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
UNLABELLED Attention deficit is an early event in the cognitive impairment of patients with minimal hepatic encephalopathy (MHE). The underlying mechanisms remain unclear. Mismatch negativity (MMN) is an auditory event-related potential that reflects an attentional trigger. Patients with schizophrenia show impaired attention and cognitive function, which are reflected in altered MMN. We hypothesized that patients with MHE, similarly to those with schizophrenia, should show MMN alterations related with attention deficits. The aims of this work were to assess whether (1) MMN is altered in cirrhotic patients with MHE, compared to those without MHE, (2) MMN changes in parallel with performance in attention tests and/or MHE in a longitudinal study, and (3) MMN predicts performance in attention tests and/or in the Psychometric Hepatic Encephalopathy Score (PHES). We performed MMN analysis as well as attention and coordination tests in 34 control subjects and in 37 patients with liver cirrhosis without MHE and 23 with MHE. Patients with MHE show reduced performance in selective and sustained attention tests and in visuomotor and bimanual coordination tests. The MMN wave area was reduced in patients with MHE, but not in those without MHE. In the longitudinal study, MMN area improved in parallel with performance in attention tests and PHES in 4 patients and worsened in parallel in another 4. Logistic regression analyses showed that MMN area predicts performance in attention tests and in PHES, but not in other tests or critical flicker frequency. Receiver operating characteristic curve analyses showed that MMN area predicts attention deficits in the number connection tests A and B, Stroop tasks, and MHE, with sensitivities of 75%-90% and specificities of 76%-83%. CONCLUSION MMN area is useful to diagnose attention deficits and MHE in patients with liver cirrhosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vicente Felipo
- Laboratory of Neurobiology, Centro Investigación Príncipe Felipe, Valencia, Spain
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Wilkinson DJ, Smeeton NJ, Castle PC, Watt PW. Absence of neuropsychological impairment in hyperammonaemia in healthy young adults; possible synergism in development of hepatic encephalopathy (HE) symptoms? Metab Brain Dis 2011; 26:203-12. [PMID: 21773808 DOI: 10.1007/s11011-011-9251-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2011] [Accepted: 07/04/2011] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
The aetiology of minimal hepatic encephalopathy (mHE) remains unclear. It is generally accepted that hyperammonaemia plays a major role, however there are a multitude of metabolic perturbations present. To determine the contribution of hyperammonaemia to mHE symptom development, ten healthy males (Age:25 ± 5 yrs, BM:76.3 ± 7.1 kg, Height:178.6 ± 4.5 cm, mean ± SD) received two 4 h intravenous infusions of either a 2% ammonium chloride solution (AMM) or a placebo (PLA;0.9% sodium chloride) using a double blind cross-over design. Sensations of fatigue were measured at baseline, 2 and 4 h using the Multidimensional Fatigue Symptom Inventory-Short Form (MFSI-SF) questionnaire. Learning & memory, motor control and cognition were assessed using Rey's Auditory Verbal Learning Test (AVL), Continuous Compensatory Tracking (COMPTRACK) Task and Inhibitory Control Test (ICT) respectively. Arterialised venous blood samples were collected every hour, and analysed for ammonia concentration. There was a significantly higher plasma ammonia concentration in the AMM trial than the PLA trial at every time point during the infusion, peaking at 2 h (57 ± 4 μmol/L PLA, 225 ± 14 μmol/L AMM; p < 0.05). At 2 h there were significantly higher sensations of general fatigue (Z = -2.527, p = 0.008, 2 tailed) and physical fatigue (Z = -2.156, p = 0.027, 2 tailed), and lower sensations of vigour (Z = -2.456, p = 0.012, 2 tailed) for the AMM trial. There were no significant effects on the performance of the psychological tasks. These results demonstrate that hyperammonaemia in the absence of other complications induces significant sensations of fatigue but does not cause the typically observed performance impairment in individuals with mHE. Supporting the hypothesis for synergism between ammonia and other co-factors in mHE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel J Wilkinson
- Department of Sport and Exercise Science, Chelsea School, University of Brighton, 30 Carlisle Road, Eastbourne BN20 7SN, UK.
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Montgomery JY, Bajaj JS. Advances in the evaluation and management of minimal hepatic encephalopathy. Curr Gastroenterol Rep 2011; 13:26-33. [PMID: 20924726 DOI: 10.1007/s11894-010-0150-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/30/2023]
Abstract
Minimal hepatic encephalopathy (MHE) is a neurocognitive disorder that affects up to 80% of cirrhotic patients. Similar to overt hepatic encephalopathy, ammonia and oxidative stress play key roles in the pathogenesis of MHE. However, MHE is characterized by subtle deficits and psychomotor abnormalities that can only be elicited by specialized psychometric tests. Although no gold standard exists for the diagnosis, MHE remains an important entity for clinicians to recognize because of its negative impact on a patient's health-related quality of life and association with driving impairment and vehicle accidents. MHE has also been associated with an increased rate in the development of overt hepatic encephalopathy and increased mortality; therefore, identification and treatment should not be delayed. Treatment to date has been focused on reducing serum ammonia levels with agents such as lactulose, probiotics, and synbiotics. MHE is a real and growing problem that is epidemic in cirrhosis, and increasing awareness of this condition is necessary for adequate management of these patients.
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