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Neuroprotective effect of miR-212-5p on isoflurane-induced cognitive dysfunction by inhibiting neuroinflammation
Jiguo Si1, Yanwu Jin2, Min Cui3
1Department of Anesthesiology, Zibo Central Hospital, Zibo, Shandong, P. R. China.
Background:
Isoflurane is a commonly used inhalation anesthetic in the clinic, which can induce cognitive dysfunction and neuroinflammation. miR-212-5p has been demonstrated to be involved in the neuronal system and play vital roles in memory formation. Its function in the learning and memory impairment and neuroinflammation induced by isoflurane was investigated in this study.
Methods:
Cognitive dysfunction rat models were established by 3% isoflurane inhalation. The neurological function was evaluated by the modified Neurological Severity Scale. The learning and memory ability of rats was assessed by the Morris water maze test. The expression level of miR-212-5p was analyzed by RT-qPCR, and the protein levels of proinflammatory cytokines were detected by ELISA.
Results:
Isoflurane induced cognitive dysfunction in rats with the neurological scores and the escape latency increased, and time spent in the target quadrant decreased. The protein levels of IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α were increased in isoflurane treated rats. miR-212-5p was downregulated in cognitive impairment rats. The upregulation of miR-212-5p by the agomir injection decreased the neurological scores of rats and increased the learning and memory ability of impaired rats. Moreover, the neuroinflammation was inhibited by the overexpression of miR-212-5p.
Conclusion:
miR-212-5p showed a neuroprotective effect in isoflurane-induced cognitive dysfunction rats by inhibiting neuroinflammation.
Insights
Isoflurane anesthesia impairs cognition and increases neuroinflammation. Upregulating microRNA-212-5p (miR-212-5p) protected against isoflurane-induced learning deficits and reduced inflammation in rats.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Molecular Biology
- Anesthesiology
Background:
- Isoflurane anesthesia is widely used but can cause cognitive dysfunction and neuroinflammation.
- MicroRNA-212-5p (miR-212-5p) is implicated in neuronal function and memory formation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of miR-212-5p in isoflurane-induced learning and memory impairment.
- To explore the effect of miR-212-5p on neuroinflammation.
Main Methods:
- Rat models of cognitive dysfunction were induced by isoflurane inhalation.
- Neurological function, learning, and memory were assessed using standardized tests.
- miR-212-5p expression and pro-inflammatory cytokine levels were quantified.
Main Results:
- Isoflurane exposure worsened neurological scores and impaired learning and memory.
- Pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α) increased, while miR-212-5p expression decreased.
- Upregulating miR-212-5p ameliorated cognitive deficits and reduced neuroinflammation.
Conclusions:
- miR-212-5p demonstrates a neuroprotective effect against isoflurane-induced cognitive dysfunction.
- Inhibition of neuroinflammation by miR-212-5p is a key mechanism underlying its protective action.

