ZLN005 Reduces Neuroinflammation and Improves Mitochondrial Function in Mice with Perioperative Neurocognitive Disorders

Background: The decrease expression of PGC-1α contributes to perioperative neurocognitive disorders (PND). This study aimed to investigate the effects of the PGC-1α agonist ZLN005 in preventing PND and to explore the potential mechanism. Methods: C57BL/6 mice were randomly divided into four groups: the control group (Group C), the surgery group (Group S), the surgery and ZLN005 (5 mg/(kg⋅d)) group (Group L), and the surgery and ZLN005 (7.5 mg/(kg⋅d)) group (Group H). Except for Group C, the other three groups received intraperitoneal injections of vehicle or ZLN005 once a day from 3 days before surgery to 3 days after surgery. The open field test, novel object recognition test and fear conditioning test were performed to measure anxiety behaviors, locomotor activity and memory. The levels of IL-6 and IL-1β were measured at 24 hours after surgery. ATP and ROS levels were measured at 3 days post-surgery. PGC-1α, NRF-1, Atp5d, Atp5k and Cox5a were measured at one day or three days post-surgery. Results: ZLN005 treatment improved the cognitive function of mice in Group L and Group H compared with Group S. The expression of IL-6 and IL-1β in the hippocampus of the S group was increased after surgery, and ZLN005 reduced the expression of IL-6 and IL-1β in the hippocampus of mice one day after surgery. There were parallel decreases in the expression of PGC-1α/NRF-1 and mitochondrial function in the hippocampus of the Group S mice compared with the Group C mice. The expression of PGC-1α/NRF-1 and mitochondrial function were upregulated after ZLN005 treatment. Conclusion: Neuroinflammation and mitochondrial damage are involved in the occurrence of PND. ZLN005 activates PGC-1α to increase the expression of mitochondrial proteins, improve mitochondrial function, and ultimately ameliorate the cognitive status of mice after surgery.