Histone lactylation protects against sevoflurane-induced cognitive impairment by regulating YTHDF3/PRDX3 mediated

Yang Zhang1, Xiaowen Meng2, Weiming Zhao2

  • 1Department of Anesthesiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou 215006 Jiangsu Province, PR China; Institute of Anesthesiology, Soochow University, Suzhou 215006 Jiangsu Province, PR China; Department of Anesthesiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical University, Bengbu 233004 Anhui Province, PR China.

Abstract

Insights

Sevoflurane exposure impairs neonatal cognition by increasing microglial pyroptosis. Histone lactylation protects against this by regulating YTHDF3/PRDX3 pathways, mitigating neuroinflammation and cognitive deficits.

Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Molecular Biology
  • Anesthesiology

Background:

  • Sevoflurane (SEV) is a common anesthetic linked to neonatal cognitive impairment.
  • The precise mechanisms behind SEV-induced cognitive dysfunction remain unclear.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the role of histone lactylation and YTHDF3 in SEV-induced cognitive impairment in neonatal mice.
  • To elucidate the molecular pathways, including microglial pyroptosis, involved in SEV neurotoxicity.

Main Methods:

  • Neonatal mice and BV-2 microglial cells were exposed to sevoflurane.
  • Cognitive function was assessed using behavioral tests (Morris water maze, novel object recognition).
  • Molecular analyses included western blot, RT-PCR, immunofluorescence, flow cytometry, and transmission electron microscopy to evaluate histone lactylation, YTHDF3 expression, pyroptosis, and inflammation.

Main Results:

  • SEV exposure impaired cognitive function and reduced histone lactylation and YTHDF3 expression in neonatal mice.
  • SEV increased microglial pyroptosis and inflammation, linked to decreased histone lactylation and YTHDF3.
  • Histone lactylation regulates YTHDF3, influencing PRDX3 translation and NLRP3 inflammasome activation, thereby controlling pyroptosis.

Conclusions:

  • Histone lactylation mitigates SEV-induced cognitive impairment in neonates by inhibiting YTHDF3/PRDX3-mediated microglial pyroptosis.
  • This study reveals a novel molecular mechanism for SEV neurotoxicity, highlighting histone lactylation as a potential therapeutic target.

Related Concept Videos