Electroacupuncture alleviates cognitive dysfunction and neuronal pyroptosis in septic mice

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Immunology
• Pharmacology

Background:

• Sepsis, characterized by organ dysfunction from infection, frequently leads to cognitive impairment, impacting patient quality of life.
• Pyroptosis, a pro-inflammatory cell death pathway, is implicated in sepsis-associated cognitive dysfunction.
• Electroacupuncture (EA) has shown potential neuroprotective effects in various conditions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the therapeutic effect of electroacupuncture (EA) on cognitive dysfunction in a mouse model of sepsis.
• To explore the impact of EA on neuronal pyroptosis in the hippocampus of septic mice.

Main Methods:

• Sepsis was induced using cecal ligation and puncture (CLP) surgery in mice.
• Mice received EA treatment at the ST36 acupoint for three consecutive days post-surgery.
• Cognitive function was assessed using the Morris water maze; neuronal integrity and pyroptosis markers (NLRP1, caspase-1, GSDMD) were analyzed via microscopy, TUNEL staining, Western blotting, and ELISA.

Main Results:

• EA treatment significantly improved 7-day survival rates and cognitive performance in septic mice compared to the CLP group.
• EA mitigated hippocampal CA1 neuronal membrane damage and reduced neuronal mortality.
• Expression levels of NLRP1, caspase-1, and GSDMD were significantly downregulated following EA treatment.

Conclusions:

• Electroacupuncture demonstrates efficacy in alleviating cognitive dysfunction associated with sepsis.
• EA treatment suppresses neuronal pyroptosis in the hippocampus of septic mice, suggesting a key mechanism of action.