Sevoflurane induced hippocampal neuron cell injury via the miR-132-5p/BDNF axis and further caused cognitive impairment in rats

Background: Sevoflurane (Sevo) could cause cognitive dysfunction in patients. MiR-132-5p is associated with nervous system functions. Therefore, this study explored the role of miR-132-5p in Sevo-induced cognitive impairment. This study aimed to provide useful information on preventing Sevo-induced cognitive impairment.

Methods: Sprague-Dawley rats and HT22 cells were involved in this study. A Sevo-treated rat model was constructed by making the rat inhale 2 % Sevo for 5 h. A Morris water maze (MWM) assay was conducted to assess the cognitive ability of rats. The qRT-PCR was used to measure miRNA and gene expression. Western Blot was used to measure protein expression. The oxidative stress status was measured using antioxidant activity assay. The flow cytometry was applied for the cell Apoptosis assay. The mechanism was investigated using dual luciferase reporter assay.

Results: Sevo impaired the cognitive function of rats. Sevo-treatment upregulated miR-132-5p in rat hippocampal tissues, and miR-132-5p further downregulated BDNF. MiR-132-5p mediated the effect of Sevo on rat cognitive functions. MiR-132-5p affected rat cognitive functions by downregulating BDNF. In hippocampal neuron cells, Sevo-treatment upregulated miR-132-5p, and miR-132-5p downregulated BDNF. MiR-132-5p mediated the disrupting effect of Sevo on hippocampal neuron cells. MiR-132-5p caused hippocampal neuron cell damage by downregulating BDNF.

Conclusion: Sevo could induce rat cognitive impairments. Sevo-treatment upregulated miR-132-5p and miR-132-5p could downregulate BDNF expression in hippocampal tissues and neuron cells. MiR-132-5p mediated the disrupting effect of Sevo on hippocampal neuron cells and cognitive functions. MiR-132-5p caused hippocampal neuron cell injury and cognitive dysfunction by downregulating BDNF.

BDNF; Cognitive impairment; Hippocampus; Sevoflurane; miR-132-5p.