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Fibrinogen contributes to myelin deficit and cognitive impairment in aged mice after anesthesia and surgery

  • 0Department of Anesthesiology, The Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Hebei, China.
Journal of Cerebral Blood Flow and Metabolism : Official Journal of the International Society of Cerebral Blood Flow and Metabolism +

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August 7, 2025

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August 7, 2025

View abstract on PubMed

Summary

This summary is machine-generated.

Fibrinogen in the brain after surgery causes myelin loss and cognitive issues in aged mice. Reducing fibrinogen levels reversed these effects, highlighting its role in perioperative neurocognitive disorder (PND).

Area Of Science

  • Neuroscience
  • Gerontology
  • Anesthesiology

Background

  • Perioperative neurocognitive disorder (PND) is a frequent complication after anesthesia and surgery, particularly in older adults.
  • Fibrinogen's role in neurodegenerative disease suggests a potential link to PND pathogenesis.

Purpose Of The Study

  • To investigate if fibrinogen contributes to myelin deficits and cognitive impairment in aged mice following anesthesia and surgery.
  • To explore fibrinogen's impact on the central nervous system (CNS) and its potential as a therapeutic target for PND.

Main Methods

  • Established a PND model in aged mice (17-month-old C57BL/6) using abdominal surgery.
  • Assessed cognitive function and locomotion via behavioral tests.
  • Utilized in vivo two-photon microscopy, immunostaining, electron microscopy, western blotting, and RT-qPCR to analyze CNS fibrinogen deposition, myelin integrity, oligodendrocyte status, and inflammation.

Main Results

  • Anesthesia and surgery led to blood-brain barrier disruption and perivascular fibrinogen accumulation in the CNS.
  • Fibrinogen deposition correlated with oligodendrocyte loss, reduced myelin sheath density, and behavioral abnormalities indicative of cognitive impairment.
  • Fibrinogen depletion significantly reversed the myelin deficits and cognitive dysfunction observed in the PND model.

Conclusions

  • Fibrinogen deposition in the CNS is a key factor in the early development of PND.
  • Targeting fibrinogen may offer a therapeutic strategy to mitigate myelin damage and cognitive decline associated with anesthesia and surgery in elderly patients.

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