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miR-124-3p Ameliorates Isoflurane-Induced Learning and Memory Impairment via Targeting STAT3 and Inhibiting
Fenghua Liu1, Fengyu Qiu1, Huayong Chen1
1Department of Anesthesiology, Yidu Central Hospital of Weifang, Weifang, China.
Introduction:
Substantial evidence has indicated that isoflurane leads to learning and memory impairment. This study was designed to investigate the potential role of microRNA-124-3p (miR-124-3p) in isoflurane-induced learning and memory impairment in rats.
Methods:
Spatial learning and memory of rats were estimated by the Morris water maze (MWM) test after the construction of isoflurane-treated models. qRT-PCR was performed to assess the expression levels of miR-124-3p. The levels of interleukin-1β, interleukin-6, and tumor necrosis factor-α in the hippocampal tissues were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The luciferase activity was determined by using a dual-luciferase reporter assay system.
Results:
The higher escape latency and lower time spent in the original quadrant were shown in isoflurane-treated rats compared with the control rats. Moreover, treatment with isoflurane could induce neuroinflammation, and miR-124-3p was poorly expressed in the hippocampal tissue of isoflurane-treated rats. Furthermore, STAT3 is a functional target of miR-124-3p, and inflammatory cytokine level was downregulated by miR-124-3p.
Discussion/Conclusion:
Combining the results of the current study demonstrates that miR-124-3p may have pivotal roles in improving isoflurane-induced learning and memory impairment via targeting STAT3 and inhibiting neuroinflammation.
Insights
MicroRNA-124-3p (miR-124-3p) may improve isoflurane-induced learning and memory deficits. This study found that miR-124-3p targets STAT3, reducing neuroinflammation in rats.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Isoflurane anesthesia is known to cause significant learning and memory impairment.
- MicroRNAs play crucial roles in regulating gene expression and cellular processes.
- Neuroinflammation is increasingly recognized as a key factor in cognitive dysfunction.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of microRNA-124-3p (miR-124-3p) in isoflurane-induced cognitive deficits in a rat model.
- To explore the underlying molecular mechanisms, including neuroinflammation and specific molecular targets.
Main Methods:
- Rats were treated with isoflurane to induce cognitive impairment models.
- Spatial learning and memory were assessed using the Morris water maze (MWM) test.
- Expression levels of miR-124-3p, inflammatory cytokines (IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α), and STAT3 were quantified using qRT-PCR, ELISA, and luciferase assays.
Main Results:
- Isoflurane exposure led to impaired spatial learning and memory in rats, evidenced by increased escape latency and reduced time in the target quadrant.
- Neuroinflammation was induced by isoflurane, accompanied by decreased hippocampal miR-124-3p expression.
- STAT3 was identified as a direct target of miR-124-3p, and miR-124-3p was found to downregulate inflammatory cytokine levels.
Conclusions:
- miR-124-3p plays a protective role against isoflurane-induced learning and memory impairment.
- Targeting STAT3 and inhibiting neuroinflammation are key mechanisms by which miR-124-3p exerts its beneficial effects.
- These findings suggest miR-124-3p as a potential therapeutic target for mitigating anesthetic-induced cognitive dysfunction.
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