Therapeutic effects of recombinant human brain natriuretic peptide on sepsis-associated encephalopathy in mice

There is little information in the sepsis treatment guidelines on the prevention and treatment of cognitive dysfunction after sepsis. This study aimed to explore whether Recombinant human brain natriuretic peptide (rhBNP) has protective effects against sepsis-associated encephalopathy (SAE) in a mouse model. The results showed that 50 μg/kg of rhBNP significantly improved the 14-day survival of cecal ligation and puncture (CLP)-induced septic mice and mitigated cognitive dysfunction and anxiety. Fourteen days after CLP surgery, septic mice showed increased BBB permeability and neuronal apoptosis. rhBNP treatment significantly reduced pathological changes in the brain of CLP mice. Meanwhile, rhBNP therapy also reduced the level of inflammatory cytokines in the hippocampus, possibly via inhibiting the TLR4-NF-κB pathway. These results indicate that rhBNP may be a promising drug for the treatment of SAE.