Hepatic encephalopathy (HE) is a potentially reversible neuropsychiatric syndrome characterized by changes in cognitive function, behavior and personality of patients with chronic liver disease or cirrhosis. Increased concentration of ammonia is the main precipitant of encephalopathy and brain astrocytes are the main affected cells in the neuropathology of this disease. The toxicity of ammonia together with the neutrophil dysfunction and oxidative stress and inflammation secondary to infection, result in a progressive decline in quality of life and an increased risk of accidents for patients with this disease.