Sevoflurane Triggers Glial Cell Damage Through BLACAT1/miR-361-3p Axis Resulting in Cognitive Impairment

To investigate the regulatory mechanism of BLACAT1 expression in sevoflurane (Sev)-induced neuronal cell injury. An in vitro model was created by treating microglial cell lines with 3% Sev. An in vivo model was created by administering 2.2% Sev gas inhalation to mice for three consecutive days. Learning and memory capacity was assessed using the Morris water maze test. Gene expression was detected via RT-qPCR, while cellular functional alterations were observed through CCK-8 assays and flow cytometry. ELISA monitored inflammatory cytokine levels, while assay kits assessed oxidative stress marker expression. Dual luciferase reporter assay and RNA immunoprecipitation validated gene-target relationships. Treatment with Sev increased BLACAT1 levels in microglia and mouse hippocampi, while reducing the expression of miR-361-3p. Transfection with si-BLACAT1 counteracted the inhibitory effects of Sev on cell proliferation while reducing inflammatory and oxidative stress levels. miR-361-3p was a downstream target of BLACAT1, with miR inhibitor counteracting si-BLACAT1's protective effects on damaged neurons. Furthermore, Sev treatment impaired learning and memory functions in the mouse hippocampus, as evidenced by prolonged escape latency and fewer platform crossings during the original platform phase. BLACAT1 participates in Sev-induced glial cell injury via miR-361-3p, leading to hippocampal cognitive dysfunction.

BLACAT1; miR‐361‐3p; microglia; neurotoxicity; sevoflurane.