Cognitive decline occurs as a consequence of surgery, which brings about alterations in the structure and function of the central nervous system. The extent of cognitive decline is linked to neuroinflammation, 9,17and it is crucial to understand the precise molecular mechanisms and discover logical and efficient approaches for treatment. In this current investigation, we observed cognitive impairment and decreased ability to learn and remember in mice following the surgical procedure. The primary molecular mechanisms implicated are neuroinflammation and the presence of oxidative stress.
NBP is commonly utilized in the management of ischemic stroke.18–20 Numerous investigations have demonstrated that NBP possesses notable neuroprotective properties in cerebral ischemia, potentially because of its capacity to diminish cerebral oedema, thus impeding oxidative stress and diminishing neuronal demise and inflammation.21–23NBP has also been documented to enhance cognitive function in Alzheimer's disease and cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury.24–28Furthermore, prior research has indicated that NBP ameliorates cognitive function in Alzheimer's disease and cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury. 6,29–31Furthermore, prior research has indicated that NBP effectively mitigates cognitive impairments in mice, as demonstrated by shorter escape latencies and increased plateau crossings, which is consistent with our current study findings.
The brain's hippocampus, which is divided into three regions known as CA1, CA3, and the dentate gyrus (DG), plays a crucial role in brain function. The CA1 area of the hippocampus plays a role in controlling short-term memory, learning, executive function, and attention. 22,32Cognitive deficits are linked to structural alterations in neurons. 33,34To investigate this, we specifically examined the hippocampus and observed neuronal destruction, as well as mitochondrial and Golgi damage in mice with POCD using electron microscopy. However, the administration of NBP improved the neuronal changes in the hippocampus.
Deficits in cognitive function are linked to neuroinflammation and oxidative stress, which are connected to many neurological disorders.4,35–42A neuroinflammatory response, characterized by microglial activation, increased expression of inflammatory factors and apoptotic proteins, and decreased expression of anti-apoptotic proteins, was observed following surgical stimulation. Oxidative stress is known to cause oxidative damage to biological macromolecules. Elevated MDA is regarded as a distinctive indicator of lipid peroxidation in the presence of oxidative harm. Impairment of antioxidant defense mechanisms like SOD is additionally a contributing element in the occurrence of oxidative harm.43–45Earlier investigations have demonstrated that NBP mitigates the deterioration of cognitive abilities induced by neuroinflammation through its inhibition in rats with diabetes.35Nevertheless, the previous studies have not provided a comprehensive explanation of the potential mechanisms through which NBP enhances postoperative cognitive dysfunction. Our hypothesis is that neuroinflammation and oxidative stress could potentially serve as the primary molecular mechanisms underlying POCD, and we propose that NBP treatment has the potential to mitigate the occurrence of POCD. During this investigation, it was discovered that performing surgery for tibial fractures with isoflurane anesthesia led to the occurrence of neuroinflammation and oxidative stress. Additionally, there was an activation of microglial cells, an elevation in inflammatory substances, apoptotic proteins, and lipid peroxides, as well as a reduction in anti-apoptotic proteins and antioxidant enzymes.
Importantly, NBP was able to reverse these changes. The findings indicate that NBP could have a substantial impact on the development and advancement of postoperative cognitive dysfunction through its ability to suppress neuroinflammation and oxidative stress.
Cognitive decline can be delayed or stopped by stimulating neurotrophic factors, which are crucial in neurogenesis, as neurogenic dysfunction is seen as a significant cause of cognitive impairment.46 In our present investigation, it was observed that POCD inhibited the expression of BDNF in the hippocampus, while NBP reversed this alteration. BDNF, a crucial neurotrophic factor, plays a significant role in enhancing synapse formation and cognitive function.35,47This indicates that NBP might relieve neuroinflammation in the hippocampus of POCD mice through the BDNF/TrkB signaling pathway.
While the beneficial role of NBP in POCD progression is clearly explained by these findings, the specific targets of NBP are still unknown. The permeability of the blood-brain barrier (BBB) becoming higher is a significant neurovascular complication of T2D that has a negative impact on the balance and operation of the central nervous system.48,49 Dysfunction of the BBB might be a crucial initiator for the intricate series of molecular occurrences during POCD. According to earlier research, NBP has been found to be effective in restoring the permeability of the BBB following traumatic brain injury and cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury. 50–55This suggests that the BBB could be a crucial focus for NBP in the context of POCD. To understand the various potential molecular mechanisms, further research is required to uncover their anti-inflammatory and angiogenic effects.
To summarize, our research demonstrates that NBP has significant neuroprotective benefits by restoring hippocampal structure, decreasing neuronal cell death, and alleviating cognitive decline in POCD. Research has indicated that the suppression of oxidative stress and neuroinflammation plays a crucial role in how NBP functions in POCD. Hence, these discoveries propose that NBP could serve as a promising remedy for managing POCD.