Study on the mechanism of nursing intervention based on environmental enrichment on cognitive function in ischemic stroke rats†

Wu, Qing; Li, Yang; Du, Pei-Pei; Chen, Yan

doi:10.2478/fon-2025-0034

Abstract

Objective

Investigating the effects and molecular mechanisms of nursing interventions based on environmental enrichment on cognitive function in ischemic stroke rats.

Methods

A total of 30 Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats belonging to the same batch were randomly divided into 3 groups (n = 10) using a random number table: Sham Surgery Control Group (Sham), Ischemia-Reperfusion (I/R) Group, and Ischemia-Reperfusion Group with Environmental Enrichment Intervention (I/R + EEI). The expression levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) protein in the hippocampus region were measured and compared among different groups.

Results

Compared with the Sham group, the I/R group showed significantly reduced learning and memory abilities, with notably lower BDNF levels (P < 0.05). Compared to the I/R group, the I/R + EEI group exhibited significantly improved learning and memory abilities as well as increased BDNF protein levels (P < 0.05).

Conclusions

Abnormal BDNF protein secretion may be the molecular mechanism of cognitive dysfunction due to hippocampal neuronal damage in ischemia-reperfusion, and modifying this neurotransmitter’s secretion can effectively improve cognitive function in ischemia-reperfusion rats.

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