Electroacupuncture pretreatment preserves telomerase reverse transcriptase function and alleviates postoperative cognitive dysfunction by suppressing oxidative stress and neuroinflammation in aged mice

Abstract

Our findings underscore the significance of TERT function preservation in alleviating surgery-induced oxidative stress and neuroinflammation in aged mice. A novel neuroprotective mechanism of EA stimulation is highlighted, whereby modulation of TERT and telomerase activity reduces oxidative damage and neuroinflammation. Consequently, maintaining TERT function via EA treatment could serve as an effective strategy for managing POCD in elderly patients.