A recent study looked at hepatic encephalopathy (HE), a neurological disorder resulting from liver dysfunction, its underlying factors, causes, and current treatments. HE is characterized by elevated ammonia levels, abnormal brain activity (EEG), and various underlying factors such as toxin accumulation and metabolic imbalances due to liver failure. While the precise cause remains unclear, ammonia poisoning and oxidative/nitrosative stress are primary theories. Current treatments primarily target ammonia reduction, but research highlights potential avenues like addressing oxidative stress, abnormal brain oscillations, and cellular mechanisms involving autophagy, mitochondrial function, inflammation, and aging.
Reference: Lu K. Cellular Pathogenesis of Hepatic Encephalopathy: An Update. Biomolecules. 2023 Feb 19;13(2):396. doi: 10.3390/biom13020396. PMID: 36830765; PMCID: PMC9953810.
