Effect of hydrogen on postoperative cognitive function in aged mice

Abstract

Objective To evaluate the effect of hydrogen on the postoperative cognitive function in aged mice. Methods Sixty aged male Kunming mice, aged 12-14 months, weighing 35-45 g, were assigned into 3 groups(n=20 each)using a random number table: sham operation group(group Sham), partial hepatectomy group(group PH)and partial hepatectomy plus hydrogen-enriched saline group(group PH-H). On preoperative day 3, during operation and on postoperative day 3, hydrogen-enriched saline 10 ml/kg was intraperitoneally injected once a day in group PH-H, and the equal volume of normal saline was intraperitoneally injected once a day in S and PH groups. The spatial probe test was performed on postoperative day 7 to evaluate the cognitive function. Ten mice were selected on postoperative days 3 and 7(after the end of the spatial probe test), and blood samples were collected for determination of serum tumor necrosis factor-alpha(TNF-α), interleukin-1beta(IL-1β)and high-mobility group box 1 protein(HMGB1)concentrations by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.The animals were sacrificed after blood sampling, brains were removed and hippocampi were isolated for detection of the expression of TNF-α, IL-1β and HMGB1 by Western blot. Results Compared with group S, the percentage of time of staying at the target quadrant and the number of crossing the platform within 1 min were significantly decreased, the serum concentrations of TNF-α, IL-1β and HMGB1 were increased, and the expression of hippocampal TNF-α, IL-1β and HMGB1 was up-regulated in group PH(P 0.05). Compared with group PH, the percentage of time of staying at the target quadrant and the number of crossing the platform within 1 min were significantly increased, the serum concentrations of TNF-α, IL-1β and HMGB1 were decreased, and the expression of hippocampal TNF-α, IL-1β and HMGB1 was down-regulated in group PH-H(P<0.05). Conclusion Hydrogen can improve the postoperative cognitive function in aged mice. Key words: Hydrogen; Postoperative complications; Cognition disorders; Aged