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Vagus Nerve Stimulation as a Tool to Induce Plasticity in Pathways Relevant for Extinction Learning

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Vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) preventing postoperative cognitive dysfunction (POCD): two potential mechanisms in

Zi-Feng Xie^1,2,3, Sheng-Yu Wang^1,4, Yuan Gao^2,3

¹Department of Anesthesiology, The First Central Hospital of Baoding, Northern Great Wall Street 320#, Baoding, 071000, Hebei, China.

Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry

|August 14, 2024

Summary

Vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) may improve cognitive function in patients with postoperative cognitive dysfunction (POCD). This study explored VNS

Keywords:

Cognitive function Epigenetics Inflammatory microenvironment POCD VNS

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Area of Science:

Neuroscience
Medical Research
Pharmacology

Background:

Postoperative cognitive dysfunction (POCD) affects numerous patients, leading to cognitive impairment and poor clinical outcomes.
Vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) modulates vagus nerve activity and has shown promise in treating various mental disorders.
Previous studies suggest VNS can enhance cognition in POCD models.

Purpose of the Study:

To elucidate the mechanisms by which VNS improves cognitive function in POCD.
To investigate the roles of the inflammatory microenvironment and epigenetics in VNS-mediated cognitive enhancement.
To provide theoretical support for VNS as a potential therapeutic strategy for POCD.

Main Methods:

Utilized a POCD model to assess the effects of VNS on cognitive function.
Examined the impact of VNS on the inflammatory microenvironment.
Investigated the epigenetic modifications associated with VNS treatment in POCD.

Main Results:

VNS demonstrated a significant enhancement of cognitive function in the POCD model.
Evidence suggests VNS influences the inflammatory milieu relevant to cognitive function.
Epigenetic alterations were observed, potentially mediating VNS's cognitive benefits.

Conclusions:

VNS is a potential therapeutic approach for enhancing cognitive function in POCD.
The mechanisms involve modulation of the inflammatory microenvironment and epigenetic changes.
Further research supports VNS as a feasible treatment for cognitive impairment post-surgery.