Modulation of the metabiome by rifaximin in patients with cirrhosis and minimal hepatic encephalopathy.

ABSTRACT:

Unlabelled

Hepatic encephalopathy (HE) represents a dysfunctional gut-liver-brain axis in cirrhosis which can negatively impact outcomes. This altered gut-brain relationship has been treated using gut-selective antibiotics such as rifaximin, that improve cognitive function in HE, especially its subclinical form, minimal HE (MHE). However, the precise mechanism of the action of rifaximin in MHE is unclear. We hypothesized that modulation of gut microbiota and their end-products by rifaximin would affect the gut-brain axis and improve cognitive performance in cirrhosis. Aim To perform a systems biology analysis of the microbiome, metabolome and cognitive change after rifaximin in MHE.

Methods

Twenty cirrhotics with MHE underwent cognitive testing, endotoxin analysis, urine/ser

SUBMITTER: Bajaj JS 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3615021 | biostudies-literature | 2013

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature