TIPE2 knockdown exacerbates isoflurane-induced postoperative cognitive impairment in mice by inducing activation of STAT3 and NF-κB signaling pathways.

Objective: Anesthetic exposure causes learning and memory impairment, the mechanisms of which remain unknown. It has been reported that tumor necrosis factor-α-inducer protein 8-like 2 (TIPE2) is a newly discovered immune negative regulator that is essential for maintaining immune homeostasis. This study aimed to examine the role of TIPE2 in isoflurane-induced postoperative cognitive decline (POCD).

Methods: An AAV empty vector and AAV shTIPE2 vector for the knockdown of TIPE2 were injected into the dorsal hippocampus of mice. Mice were continuously exposed to 1.5% isoflurane followed by abdominal exploration. Behavioral tests including the open field test and fear conditioning test were performed on the third and fourth day post-operation. Apoptosis was detected by terminal deoxynucleotidyl-transferase-mediated dUTP nick end labeling staining. The kits were used to detect the activity of antioxidant enzymes. Inflammatory cytokine levels were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) and nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) signaling pathway activities were detected by western blotting.

Results: TIPE2 expression increased after isoflurane anesthesia and surgery. TIPE2 deficiency aggravated cognitive impairment in mice and further caused apoptosis and oxidative stress in hippocampal neurons. TIPE2 deficiency induced microglial activation and increased secretion of proinflammatory cytokines. In addition, TIPE2 deficiency promoted STAT3 and NF-κB signaling activation induced by isoflurane anesthesia and after surgery.

Conclusion: TIPE2 may play a neuroprotective role in POCD by regulating STAT3 and NF-κB pathways.