Fig. 7: Molecular model depicting the mechanism of hsa-miR-7704 exacerbation of HE through inhibition of B. longum.

Faecal hsa-miR-7704 enriched in patients with HE inhibits the growth and adhesion of B. longum by suppressing proB. Reduction of acetate results in overactivation of microglia and hyperammonaemia, thus inhibiting neuronal activity and aggravating HE.