Berberine alleviates postoperative cognitive dysfunction by suppressing neuroinflammation in aged mice

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Pharmacology
• Gerontology

Background:

• Postoperative cognitive dysfunction (POCD) is a significant clinical concern, particularly in elderly patients.
• Neuroinflammation is increasingly recognized as a critical factor in the development of POCD.
• Berberine, a natural isoquinoline alkaloid, possesses known anti-inflammatory properties.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the potential of berberine in ameliorating surgery-induced cognitive impairment in aged mice.
• To explore the underlying mechanisms involving neuroinflammation suppression by berberine.

Main Methods:

• Aged male mice underwent exploratory laparotomy under isoflurane anesthesia to model surgical stress.
• Mice were treated with berberine (10mg/kg) or vehicle intraperitoneally.
• Cognitive function was assessed using behavioral tests, and neuroinflammation markers (IBA1, TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6) were measured in brain tissues and BV2 cell cultures stimulated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS).

Main Results:

• Surgery significantly impaired contextual fear memory and increased neuroinflammation markers (IBA1, TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6) in the prefrontal cortex and hippocampus at 24 hours post-surgery.
• Berberine treatment rescued surgery-induced cognitive deficits and reduced neuroinflammation.
• In vitro, berberine suppressed LPS-induced production of TNF-α and IL-1β in BV2 cells.

Conclusions:

• Berberine demonstrates therapeutic potential in mitigating postoperative cognitive dysfunction in aged mice.
• The beneficial effects of berberine are associated with the suppression of neuroinflammation.
• These findings suggest berberine as a promising candidate for preventing or treating POCD.