Liver Disease and Central Nervous System Dysfunction: Linking the Two - A Narrative Review

Introduction: Liver dysfunction can significantly impact the central nervous system (CNS), leading to neuropsychiatric complications such as hepatic encephalopathy (HE). HE, a potentially reversible condition, results from the accumulation of toxins, particularly ammonia, which a diseased liver fai...

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Main Authors: Maciej Tenderenda, Bartosz Buczkowski, Piotr Oleksy, Agnieszka Klecza, Aleksandra Broniak, Magdalena Reclik, Karol Zieliński, Aarushi Chourasia, Krzysztof Nowakowski, Martyna Chraścina
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Kazimierz Wielki University 2024-11-01
Series:Journal of Education, Health and Sport
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Online Access:https://apcz.umk.pl/JEHS/article/view/56180
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author Maciej Tenderenda
Bartosz Buczkowski
Piotr Oleksy
Agnieszka Klecza
Aleksandra Broniak
Magdalena Reclik
Karol Zieliński
Aarushi Chourasia
Krzysztof Nowakowski
Martyna Chraścina
author_facet Maciej Tenderenda
Bartosz Buczkowski
Piotr Oleksy
Agnieszka Klecza
Aleksandra Broniak
Magdalena Reclik
Karol Zieliński
Aarushi Chourasia
Krzysztof Nowakowski
Martyna Chraścina
author_sort Maciej Tenderenda
collection DOAJ
description Introduction: Liver dysfunction can significantly impact the central nervous system (CNS), leading to neuropsychiatric complications such as hepatic encephalopathy (HE). HE, a potentially reversible condition, results from the accumulation of toxins, particularly ammonia, which a diseased liver fails to detoxify, affecting brain function. It is commonly associated with chronic liver diseases like cirrhosis but can also occur acutely in cases of fulminant liver failure. Purpose of Research: This review aims to explore the mechanisms linking liver dysfunction to brain impairment in HE and to summarize recent findings on liver disease's effects on CNS dysfunction. Materials and Methods: The review synthesizes findings from 45 studies on HE pathogenesis and treatment, published between 2003 and 2024. These studies, sourced from PubMed and Scopus, focus on mechanisms including ammonia toxicity, neuroinflammation, oxidative stress, and neurotransmitter imbalance. Basic Results: HE pathogenesis is multifactorial, with systemic metabolic disturbances causing complex interactions among neurotoxic ammonia buildup, chronic neuroinflammation, oxidative stress, and neurotransmitter imbalances. Traditional therapies like lactulose and rifaximin primarily target ammonia reduction, while newer treatments, including ammonia scavengers, anti-inflammatory agents, and antioxidants, address specific pathogenic pathways. The gut-liver-brain axis, involving gut microbiota's role in CNS functioning, presents promising avenues for adjunctive treatment. Conclusions: Addressing HE requires a multifaceted approach, including ammonia reduction, inflammation control, and neurotransmitter balance restoration. Traditional therapies remain central to HE management, but emerging treatments and modulation of gut microbiota may enhance outcomes and improve quality of life for patients with liver disease-related brain dysfunction.
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spelling doaj-art-8c1d8781d60f484eaeb07797fc5a7c8d2025-08-20T02:48:30ZengKazimierz Wielki UniversityJournal of Education, Health and Sport2391-83062024-11-017510.12775/JEHS.2024.75.56180Liver Disease and Central Nervous System Dysfunction: Linking the Two - A Narrative ReviewMaciej Tenderenda0Bartosz Buczkowski1Piotr Oleksy2Agnieszka Klecza3Aleksandra Broniak4Magdalena Reclik5Karol Zieliński6Aarushi Chourasia7Krzysztof Nowakowski8Martyna Chraścina9Medical University of SilesiaMedical University of SilesiaMedical University of SilesiaMedical University of SilesiaMedical University of SilesiaMedical University of SilesiaMedical University of SilesiaMedical University of SilesiaCollegium Medicum of University of Warmia and Mazury in OlsztynMedical University of Silesia Introduction: Liver dysfunction can significantly impact the central nervous system (CNS), leading to neuropsychiatric complications such as hepatic encephalopathy (HE). HE, a potentially reversible condition, results from the accumulation of toxins, particularly ammonia, which a diseased liver fails to detoxify, affecting brain function. It is commonly associated with chronic liver diseases like cirrhosis but can also occur acutely in cases of fulminant liver failure. Purpose of Research: This review aims to explore the mechanisms linking liver dysfunction to brain impairment in HE and to summarize recent findings on liver disease's effects on CNS dysfunction. Materials and Methods: The review synthesizes findings from 45 studies on HE pathogenesis and treatment, published between 2003 and 2024. These studies, sourced from PubMed and Scopus, focus on mechanisms including ammonia toxicity, neuroinflammation, oxidative stress, and neurotransmitter imbalance. Basic Results: HE pathogenesis is multifactorial, with systemic metabolic disturbances causing complex interactions among neurotoxic ammonia buildup, chronic neuroinflammation, oxidative stress, and neurotransmitter imbalances. Traditional therapies like lactulose and rifaximin primarily target ammonia reduction, while newer treatments, including ammonia scavengers, anti-inflammatory agents, and antioxidants, address specific pathogenic pathways. The gut-liver-brain axis, involving gut microbiota's role in CNS functioning, presents promising avenues for adjunctive treatment. Conclusions: Addressing HE requires a multifaceted approach, including ammonia reduction, inflammation control, and neurotransmitter balance restoration. Traditional therapies remain central to HE management, but emerging treatments and modulation of gut microbiota may enhance outcomes and improve quality of life for patients with liver disease-related brain dysfunction. https://apcz.umk.pl/JEHS/article/view/56180Hepatic encephalopathyLiver diseaseNeuroinflammationAmmonia toxicityGut-liver-brain axis
spellingShingle Maciej Tenderenda
Bartosz Buczkowski
Piotr Oleksy
Agnieszka Klecza
Aleksandra Broniak
Magdalena Reclik
Karol Zieliński
Aarushi Chourasia
Krzysztof Nowakowski
Martyna Chraścina
Liver Disease and Central Nervous System Dysfunction: Linking the Two - A Narrative Review
Journal of Education, Health and Sport
Hepatic encephalopathy
Liver disease
Neuroinflammation
Ammonia toxicity
Gut-liver-brain axis
title Liver Disease and Central Nervous System Dysfunction: Linking the Two - A Narrative Review
title_full Liver Disease and Central Nervous System Dysfunction: Linking the Two - A Narrative Review
title_fullStr Liver Disease and Central Nervous System Dysfunction: Linking the Two - A Narrative Review
title_full_unstemmed Liver Disease and Central Nervous System Dysfunction: Linking the Two - A Narrative Review
title_short Liver Disease and Central Nervous System Dysfunction: Linking the Two - A Narrative Review
title_sort liver disease and central nervous system dysfunction linking the two a narrative review
topic Hepatic encephalopathy
Liver disease
Neuroinflammation
Ammonia toxicity
Gut-liver-brain axis
url https://apcz.umk.pl/JEHS/article/view/56180
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