Neuropsychiatric sequelae after liver transplantation and their possible mechanism via the microbiota-gut-liver-brain axis

Patients after liver transplantation are often impacted by mental and even neuropsychiatric disorders, including depression, sleep disorders, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder. Neuropsychiatric sequelae have an adverse impact on rehabilitation and can even incapacitate people, reducing their quality of life. Despite screening tools and effective treatments, neuropsychiatric sequelae after liver transplantation (NSALT) have not been fully diagnosed and treated. Current research suggests that NSALT may be partly related to intestinal microbial variation, but the detailed mechanism remains unclear. In this review, we describe the clinical and diagnostic features, prevalence, prediction, clinical course and outcome, management, and treatment of NSALT; we also summarize their mechanisms through the microbiota-gut-liver-brain axis. Finally, we propose to improve NSALT on the basis of adjusting the gastrointestinal flora, immune inflammation or vagus nerve (VN), providing a novel strategy for clinical prevention and treatment.

Automated summary

Patients who have undergone liver transplantation often experience mental and neuropsychiatric disorders, such as depression, sleep disorders, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder. These disorders have a negative impact on rehabilitation and can impair individuals, reducing their quality of life. Although there are screening tools and effective treatments, the neuropsychiatric sequelae after liver transplantation (NSALT) have not been fully diagnosed and treated. Recent research suggests that NSALT may be partially related to changes in intestinal microbiota, but the detailed mechanism is still unclear. In this review, we discuss the clinical features, diagnosis, prevalence, prediction, clinical course and outcome, management, and treatment of NSALT, as well as summarize the mechanisms through the microbiota-gut-liver-brain axis. Finally, we propose improving NSALT by adjusting the gastrointestinal flora, immune inflammation, or vagus nerve (VN), offering a novel strategy for clinical prevention and treatment.