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The Pharmabiotic Approach to Treat Hyperammonemia
Jing Liu1, Enkhchimeg Lkhagva2, Hea-Jong Chung3
1Department of Biomedical Sciences and Institute for Medical Science, Chonbuk National University Medical School, Jeonju, Chonbuk 54907, Korea. 2011liujing88@gmail.com.
Nutrients
|February 1, 2018
Summary
Hyperammonemia, a toxic buildup of ammonia, causes central nervous system dysfunction. Modifying gut microbiota offers a promising new treatment strategy for hyperammonemia and related conditions.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Microbiology
- Neuroscience
Background:
- Ammonia is a toxic metabolic waste product of amino acid catabolism.
- The liver normally resolves ammonia via the urea cycle.
- Liver dysfunction leads to hyperammonemia, causing severe central nervous system (CNS) issues like brain edema and coma.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the significance of hyperammonemia and associated diseases.
- To evaluate current hyperammonemia treatments and their limitations.
- To explore the potential of gut microbiota modulation for treating hyperammonemia.
Main Methods:
- Literature review on ammonia metabolism and transport.
- Analysis of current hyperammonemia treatment efficacy.
- Exploration of gut microbiota's role in ammonia homeostasis.
Main Results:
- Current hyperammonemia treatments (antibiotics, lactulose) are often ineffective and have side effects.
- Modulating gut microbiota presents a potential therapeutic avenue.
- Targeting intestinal ammonia removal via microbiota is an attractive strategy.
Conclusions:
- Hyperammonemia poses significant health risks due to CNS dysfunction.
- Novel therapeutic strategies are needed beyond current treatments.
- Gut microbiota modulation, termed pharmabiotics, shows promise for managing hyperammonemia.
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