Shunaoxin dropping pill improves cognitive functions of rats with chronic cerebral hypoperfusion via the microbiota-gut-brain axis

Chronic cerebral hypoperfusion (CCH) is a major risk factor for cognitive decline and degenerative processes. Shunaoxin dropping pill (SNX) has been clinically used to treat cerebrovascular diseases. However, the effect and mechanism of SNX in treating CCH-induced cognitive impairment remain unclear. In this study, CCH was induced in rats using permanent bilateral common carotid artery ligation (2-VO). CCH rats were characterized by impaired spatial learning and memory ability, as well as increased oxidative stress and inflammation in the hippocampus. Additionally, CCH rats had reduced richness and biodiversity of fecal microbiota, which showed a strong correlation with altered serum metabolites. SNX significantly improved the cognitive impairment and restored the dysbiosis of fecal microbiota and serum metabolites in CCH rats. Notably, SNX did not prevent cognitive impairment in antibiotics-treated CCH rats. Our findings suggest that the microbiota-gut-brain axis is a promising therapeutic target for the treatment of CCH-induced cognitive impairment.