Overexpression of SESN1 improves mitochondrial damage and mitophagy, a potential therapeutic strategy for cognitive dysfunction after anaesthesia

Abstract Postoperative cognitive dysfunction (POCD) is a prevalent central nervous system complication predominantly observed in elderly patients. Sevoflurane, a general anaesthetic agent, has been implicated in the development of POCD, yet the underlying regulatory mechanisms potentially involving Sestrin1 (SESN1), a stress‐responsive protein that plays a critical role in cellular homeostasis and protection against stress‐induced damage, including oxidative stress and DNA damage, remain elusive. This study endeavoured to elucidate the impact of SESN1 on sevoflurane‐induced cognitive impairment in rats. Employing a model in which SESN1 was transfected into SD male rats and cognitive dysfunction was induced by sevoflurane. The Morris Water Maze test was used for behavioural evaluation, Enzyme‐Linked Immunosorbent Assay, Western blotting and immunofluorescence were applied to assess the influence of SESN1 on the inflammatory response and mitophagy in the rat hippocampus. The study further aimed to uncover the putative mechanism by which SESN1, through SIRT1, might modulate cognitive function. Concurrently, levels of malondialdehyde, superoxide dismutase and mitochondrially produced ATP within the rat hippocampus were quantified. Experimental outcomes suggested that SESN1 overexpression significantly mitigated the deleterious effects of sevoflurane anaesthesia, ameliorated neuroinflammation and inflammasome activation, modified mitochondrial function and facilitated mitophagy. Additionally, SESN1, via the activation of SIRT1, may suppress inflammasome activation and mitochondrial dysfunction. Collectively, these findings underscore SESN1's integral role in counteracting sevoflurane‐induced cognitive impairment, impeding inflammasome activation, enhancing mitochondrial function and fostering mitophagy, which appear to be intricately linked to SESN1‐mediated SIRT1 activation. SESN1 is a novel therapeutic target for POCD, potentially advancing neuroprotective strategies in clinical settings.