Anesthetics and tau protein: animal model studies

Recent studies have suggested that general anesthesia may initiate or accelerate cognitive impairment and Alzheimer's disease (AD). To understand the possible underlying mechanisms, several studies have been carried out in animal models. In this review, we first briefly discuss the mechanisms leading to neurodegeneration and cognitive impairment in AD, with an emphasis on tau abnormalities in this pathological process. Subsequently, we review the role of anesthesia in inducing tau abnormalities and the possible mechanisms. Recent studies suggest that anesthesia may accelerate the development of AD by promoting abnormal hyperphosphorylation of tau. Further studies are certainly needed to understand the molecular mechanism by which anesthesia may initiate or accelerate cognitive impairment and AD. An understanding of the mechanism will help develop strategies for preventing or eliminating this adverse effect of anesthesia.