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Isolation of Cortical Microglia with Preserved Immunophenotype and Functionality From Murine Neonates
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C8-ceramide modulates microglia BDNF expression to alleviate postoperative cognition dysfunction via PKCδ/NF-κB

Guangqian Li1, Yuhao Wang2,3, Lei Qian1

  • 1Department of Anesthesiology, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, #32 West Second Section, First-Ring Road, Chengdu, 610072, People's Republic of China.

Experimental Brain Research
|May 15, 2024
PubMed

Insights

C8-ceramide enhances brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) expression in microglia, offering a potential treatment for postoperative cognitive dysfunction (POCD). This drug improved cognitive function in mice by targeting the PKCδ/NF-κB pathway.

Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Immunology
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Postoperative cognitive dysfunction (POCD) is a significant complication following general anesthesia, impacting patient recovery.
  • Activated microglia and their inflammatory cytokine secretions play a key role in POCD pathogenesis.
  • Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) exhibits anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective properties, making it a target for POCD treatment.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the regulatory effect of C8-ceramide on BDNF expression in microglia.
  • To assess the therapeutic potential of C8-ceramide in a mouse model of POCD.
  • To elucidate the molecular mechanism underlying C8-ceramide's effects on POCD.

Main Methods:

  • Primary microglia were treated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and C8-ceramide in vitro.
  • A mouse model of POCD was established using carotid artery exposure.
  • Cognitive function and the PKCδ/NF-κB signaling pathway were analyzed in treated mice.

Main Results:

  • C8-ceramide upregulated BDNF mRNA expression in LPS-stimulated primary microglia.
  • C8-ceramide treatment significantly improved cognitive deficits in mice with POCD.
  • The drug enhanced cognitive function through the PKCδ/NF-κB signaling pathway.

Conclusions:

  • C8-ceramide stimulates microglia to increase BDNF expression, counteracting POCD.
  • This study identifies a novel molecular mechanism involving PKCδ/NF-κB signaling in C8-ceramide's therapeutic effects.
  • C8-ceramide presents a promising new clinical strategy for treating postoperative cognitive dysfunction.
Keywords:
BDNFC8-ceramideMicrogliaPKCδ/NF-κB signaling pathwayPOCD

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