Mechanisms of Perioperative Systemic Inflammation in the Development of PND in Cirrhotic Patients

Chronic Liver Disease (CLD) is associated with significant cognitive dysfunction, including hepatic encephalopathy (HE), which is driven by systemic inflammation and blood-brain barrier (BBB) disruption. Perioperative Neurocognitive Disorders (PND), comprising postoperative delirium (POD) and postoperative cognitive dysfunction (POCD), further exacerbate these impairments, particularly in cirrhotic patients undergoing major surgery. However, the mechanisms linking systemic inflammation, BBB dysfunction, and PND remain poorly understood. This study aimed to investigate perioperative cognitive changes and inflammatory markers in cirrhotic and non-cirrhotic patients undergoing major abdominal surgery, and to explore the effects of cirrhosis and surgical intervention on central nervous system inflammation and cognitive dysfunction using a rat model. The investigators conducted a prospective study on cirrhotic and non-cirrhotic patients undergoing major abdominal surgery. Perioperative cognitive function was assessed using validated tools, and inflammatory markers were analyzed using Olink Target protein detection and bioinformatics approaches. Additionally, the investigators established a cirrhosis model using bile duct ligation (CBDL) in rats, followed by exploratory laparotomy to evaluate behavioral performance, BBB integrity and levels of inflammatory cytokines in serum and brain tissue.

Inclusion criteria

• Age: 18-80 years
• Patients with or without liver cirrhosis scheduled for upper abdominal surgery due to various clinical indications
• Ability to comply with the study protocol and provide informed consent

Exclusion criteria

• Comorbid severe cardiac, pulmonary, or renal diseases
• Patients with mental status incompatible with study participation, including:

• Psychiatric disorders
• Inability to communicate clearly
• Any condition preventing effective communication or cooperation