Sex- and brain region-specific 1H MRS neurometabolic profiles in young rats with hepatic encephalopathy

Motivation: The lack of preclinical studies on potential sex-differences in the pathophysiology of hepatic encephalopathy (HE) prevents a comprehensive understanding of the disease. Goal(s): To study the effect of sex on the neurometabolic profiles measured with 1H MRS. Approach: We compared 1H MRS metabolite concentrations in the hippocampus and striatum of young male versus female rats with HE. Results: We observed overall stronger neurometabolic effects of the disease on male versus female HE rats, including weight loss and decrease in brain antioxydants levels (Asc, GSH), likely hampering the capacity of male animals to counteract oxidative stress, important player in the pathophysiology of HE. Impact: Sex-differences, often overlooked in preclinical studies, investigated here showed distinct 1H MRS neurometabolic profiles in female versus male rats with hepatic encephalopathy (HE), opening a new window of investigation for patients with HE.