Xenon attenuated neonatal lipopolysaccharide exposure induced neuronal necroptosis and subsequently improved cognition in juvenile rats

Xenon gas as a potential treatment for opioid use disorder, alcohol use disorder, and related disorders

Xenon gas is considered to be a safe anesthetic and imaging agent. Research on its other potentially beneficial effects suggests that xenon may have broad efficacy for treating health disorders. A number of reviews on xenon applications have been published, but none have focused on substance use disorders. Accordingly, we review xenon effects and targets relevant to the treatment of substance use disorders, with a focus on opioid use disorder and alcohol use disorder. We report that xenon inhaled at subsedative concentrations inhibits conditioned memory reconsolidation and opioid withdrawal symptoms. We review work by others reporting on the antidepressant, anxiolytic, and analgesic properties of xenon, which could diminish negative affective states and pain. We discuss research supporting the possibility that xenon could prevent analgesic- or stress-induced opioid tolerance and, by so doing could reduce the risk of developing opioid use disorder. The rapid kinetics, favorable safety and side effect profiles, and multitargeting capability of xenon suggest that it could be used as an ambulatory on-demand treatment to rapidly attenuate maladaptive memory, physical and affective withdrawal symptoms, and pain drivers of substance use disorders when they occur. Xenon may also have human immunodeficiency virus and oncology applications because its effects relevant to substance use disorders could be exploited to target human immunodeficiency virus reservoirs, human immunodeficiency virus protein-induced abnormalities, and cancers. Although xenon is expensive, low concentrations exert beneficial effects, and gas separation, recovery, and recycling advancements will lower xenon costs, increasing the economic feasibility of its therapeutic use. More research is needed to better understand the remarkable repertoire of effects of xenon and its potential therapeutic applications.

The role of programmed cell death in organ dysfunction induced by opportunistic pathogens

Sepsis is a life-threatening condition resulting from pathogen infection and characterized by organ dysfunction. Programmed cell death (PCD) during sepsis has been associated with the development of multiple organ dysfunction syndrome (MODS), impacting various physiological systems including respiratory, cardiovascular, renal, neurological, hematological, hepatic, and intestinal systems. It is well-established that pathogen infections lead to immune dysregulation, which subsequently contributes to MODS in sepsis. However, recent evidence suggests that sepsis-related opportunistic pathogens can directly induce organ failure by promoting PCD in parenchymal cells of each affected organ. This study provides an overview of PCD in damaged organ and the induction of PCD in host parenchymal cells by opportunistic pathogens, proposing innovative strategies for preventing organ failure in sepsis.

IL-1β, the first piece to the puzzle of sepsis-related cognitive impairment?

Sepsis is a leading cause of death resulting from an uncontrolled inflammatory response to an infectious agent. Multiple organ injuries, including brain injuries, are common in sepsis. The underlying mechanism of sepsis-associated encephalopathy (SAE), which is associated with neuroinflammation, is not yet fully understood. Recent studies suggest that the release of interleukin-1β (IL-1β) following activation of microglial cells plays a crucial role in the development of long-lasting neuroinflammation after the initial sepsis episode. This review provides a comprehensive analysis of the recent literature on the molecular signaling pathways involved in microglial cell activation and interleukin-1β release. It also explores the physiological and pathophysiological role of IL-1β in cognitive function, with a particular focus on its contribution to long-lasting neuroinflammation after sepsis. The findings from this review may assist healthcare providers in developing novel interventions against SAE.

Involvement of IL-1β-Mediated Necroptosis in Neurodevelopment Impairment after Neonatal Sepsis in Rats

The mechanism of long-term cognitive impairment after neonatal sepsis remains poorly understood, although long-lasting neuroinflammation has been considered the primary contributor. Necroptosis is actively involved in the inflammatory process, and in this study, we aimed to determine whether neonatal sepsis-induced long-term cognitive impairment was associated with activation of necroptosis. Rat pups on postnatal day 3 (P3) received intraperitoneal injections of lipopolysaccharide (LPS, 1 mg/kg) to induce neonatal sepsis. Intracerebroventricular injection of IL-1β-siRNA and necrostatin-1 (NEC1) were performed to block the production of IL-1β and activation of necroptosis in the brain, respectively. The Morris water maze task and fear conditioning test were performed on P28-P32 and P34-P35, respectively. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), quantitative real-time PCR (RT-PCR), and Western blotting were used to examine the expression levels of proinflammatory cytokines and necroptosis-associated proteins, such as receptor-interacting protein 1 (RIP1) and receptor-interacting protein 3 (RIP3). Sustained elevation of IL-1β level was observed in the brain after initial neonatal sepsis, which would last for at least 32 days. Sustained necroptosis activation was also observed in the brain. Knockdown of IL-1β expression in the brain alleviated necroptosis and improved long-term cognitive function. Direct inhibition of necroptosis also improved neurodevelopment and cognitive performance. This research indicated that sustained activation of necroptosis via IL-1β contributed to long-term cognitive dysfunction after neonatal sepsis.

Acute and long-term cognitive impairment following sepsis: mechanism and prevention

INTRODUCTION

Sepsis is a severe host response to infection, which induces both acute and long-term cognitive impairment. Despite its high incidence following sepsis, the underlying mechanisms remain elusive and effective treatments are not available clinically.

AREA COVERED

This review focuses on elucidating the pathological mechanisms underlying cognitive impairment following sepsis. Specifically, the authors discuss the role of systemic inflammation response, blood-brain barrier disruption, neuroinflammation, mitochondrial dysfunction, neuronal dysfunction, and Aβ accumulation and tau phosphorylation in cognitive impairment after sepsis. Additionally, they review current strategies to ameliorate cognitive impairment.

EXPERT OPINION

Potential interventions to reduce cognitive impairment after sepsis include earlier diagnosis and effective infection control, hemodynamic homeostasis, and adequate brain perfusion. Furthermore, interventions to reduce inflammatory response, reactive oxygen species, blood-brain barrier disruption, mitochondrial dysfunction, neuronal injury or death could be beneficial. Implementing strategies to minimize delirium, sleep disturbance, stress factors, and immobility are also recommended. Furthermore, avoiding neurotoxins and implementing early rehabilitation may also be important for preventing cognitive impairment after sepsis.