Network Biology Approaches to Uncover Therapeutic Targets Associated with Molecular Signaling Pathways from circRNA in Postoperative Cognitive Dysfunction Pathogenesis

Integrative analysis of circRNA networks in postoperative cognitive dysfunction

OBJECTIVE

In the quest to decipher the molecular intricacies of Postoperative Cognitive Dysfunction (POCD), this study focused on circular RNA (circRNA) and their regulatory networks.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Analyzing the Gene Expression Omnibus Series (GSE) 147277 dataset, we pinpointed 10 differentially expressed circRNAs linked to POCD.

RESULTS

The ensuing competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) network, featuring pivotal players like Homo sapiens(hsa)_circ_0003424 and hsa-miR-193b-5p, provided a comprehensive understanding of the molecular players at play in POCD.

CONCLUSION

Additionally, the Protein-Protein Interaction (PPI) network spotlighted 10 core Hub genes, including phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN) and signal transducer and activator of transcription 3(STAT3), shedding light on potential therapeutic targets.

Epigenetic Mechanisms of Postoperative Cognitive Impairment Induced by Anesthesia and Neuroinflammation

Cognitive impairment after surgery is a common problem, affects mainly the elderly, and can be divided into postoperative delirium and postoperative cognitive dysfunction. Both phenomena are accompanied by neuroinflammation; however, the precise molecular mechanisms underlying cognitive impairment after anesthesia are not yet fully understood. Anesthesiological drugs can have a longer-term influence on protein transcription, thus, epigenetics is a possible mechanism that impacts on cognitive function. Epigenetic mechanisms may be responsible for long-lasting effects and may implicate novel therapeutic approaches. Hence, we here summarize the existing literature connecting postoperative cognitive impairment to anesthesia. It becomes clear that anesthetics alter the expression of DNA and histone modifying enzymes, which, in turn, affect epigenetic markers, such as methylation, histone acetylation and histone methylation on inflammatory genes (e.g., TNF-alpha, IL-6 or IL1 beta) and genes which are responsible for neuronal development (such as brain-derived neurotrophic factor). Neuroinflammation is generally increased after anesthesia and neuronal growth decreased. All these changes can induce cognitive impairment. The inhibition of histone deacetylase especially alleviates cognitive impairment after surgery and might be a novel therapeutic option for treatment. However, further research with human subjects is necessary because most findings are from animal models.