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A Mouse Model of Orthopedic Surgery to Study Postoperative Cognitive Dysfunction and Tissue Regeneration
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Acute pre-operative ibuprofen improves cognition in a rat model for postoperative cognitive dysfunction
Klaske Oberman1, Iris Hovens1, Jacco de Haan2
1Department of Neurobiology, GELIFES, University of Groningen, Nijenborgh 7, 9747, AG, Groningen, The Netherlands.
Journal of Neuroinflammation
|July 9, 2021
Summary
Pre-operative ibuprofen improved short-term memory and neurogenesis in rats after surgery. However, the benefits were not linked to reduced inflammation, suggesting other mechanisms may be involved.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Pharmacology
- Gerontology
Background:
- Postoperative cognitive dysfunction (POCD) is linked to inflammation.
- Pre-operative anti-inflammatory treatment is hypothesized to prevent POCD.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effect of pre-operative ibuprofen on POCD in a rat model.
- To assess ibuprofen's impact on neuroinflammation, neurogenesis, and cognitive function.
Main Methods:
- Male Wistar rats (young and aged) received ibuprofen or placebo before surgery.
- Cognitive function was assessed using behavioral tests (open field, recognition, Morris water maze).
- Neuroinflammation, neurogenesis, plasma cytokines, and gut microbiome were analyzed.
Main Results:
- Ibuprofen enhanced short-term spatial memory and hippocampal neurogenesis.
- Increased hippocampal microglia activity was observed.
- No significant changes in plasma cytokines or gut microbiome were found; VEGF and IFABP levels were altered.
- Long-term memory was not significantly improved.
Conclusions:
- Pre-operative ibuprofen improved specific memory functions and neurogenesis post-surgery.
- The benefits may not stem from anti-inflammatory effects.
- Further research is needed on gut and blood-brain barrier integrity.
- Effects were observed in aged rats, suggesting potential benefits for elderly individuals.
