Neuroprotective Effects Against POCD by Photobiomodulation: Evidence from Assembly/Disassembly of the Cytoskeleton

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Medical Research

Background:

• Postoperative cognitive dysfunction (POCD) affects elderly patients after anesthesia and surgery, causing memory decline.
• POCD is linked to neuroinflammation and anesthetic agents, impacting patient recovery and potentially accelerating Alzheimer's disease.
• Cytokine inflammatory markers indicate neuroinflammation associated with POCD.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore the potential of Photobiomodulation (PBM) as a preconditioning treatment to prevent POCD.
• To investigate PBM's anti-inflammatory effects and its direct impact on neuronal microtubules.

Main Methods:

• Review of existing research on PBM, POCD, neuroinflammation, and anesthetic effects.
• Analysis of PBM's mechanism of action on neuronal varicosities and microtubule dynamics.
• Comparison of PBM's protective effects with established preconditioning treatments.

Main Results:

• PBM demonstrates anti-inflammatory properties, targeting conditions like neuroinflammation.
• PBM influences neuronal microtubules, inducing reversible varicosities that mimic neuroprotective mechanisms.
• These effects suggest PBM could offer neuroprotection against surgical and anesthetic insults.

Conclusions:

• Photobiomodulation presents a promising therapeutic strategy for preventing postoperative cognitive dysfunction.
• PBM's ability to reduce neuroinflammation and protect neurons warrants further investigation as a preconditioning treatment.
• The findings support PBM's potential to improve patient outcomes following surgery and anesthesia.