Yuxi Zhou, Xin Wang, Wen Yin, Yan Li, Yunlu Guo, Chen Chen, Johannes Boltze, Arthur Liesz, Tim Sparwasser, Daxiang Wen, Weifeng Yu, and Peiying Li

Here we explore the regulatory mechanisms of microglia‐mediated cytotoxic CD8⁺ T‐cell infiltration in the white matter injury of perioperative stroke (PIS). We found surgery aggravated white matter injury and deteriorated sensorimotor deficits up to 28 days following PIS. The PIS mice exhibited significantly increased activation of peripheral and central CD8⁺ T cells, while significantly reduced numbers of mature oligodendrocytes compared to IS mice. Neutralizing CD8⁺ T cells partly reversed the aggravated demyelination following PIS. Pharmacological blockage or genetic deletion of receptor‐interacting protein kinase 1 (RIPK1) activity could alleviate CD8⁺ T‐cell infiltration and demyelination in PIS mice. Surgery exacerbates demyelination and worsens neurological function by promoting infiltration of CD8⁺ T cells and microglia necroptosis, suggesting that modulating interactions of CD8⁺ T cells and microglia could be a novel therapeutic target of long‐term neurological deficits of PIS.. CNS Neuroscience and Therapeutics. July 2024

The association between air pollutant exposure and cerebral small vessel disease imaging markers with modifying effects of PRS-defined genetic susceptibility

Studies have highlighted a possible link between air pollution and cerebral small vessel disease (CSVD) imaging markers. However, the exact association and effects of polygenic risk score (PRS) defined genetic susceptibility remains unclear. This cross-sectional study used data from the UK Biobank. Participants aged 40–69 years were recruited between the year 2006 and 2010. The annual average concentrations of NO_X, NO₂, PM_2.5, PM_2.5–10, PM_2.5 absorbance, and PM₁₀, were estimated, and joint exposure to multiple air pollutants was reflected in the air pollution index (APEX). Air pollutant exposure was classified into the low (T1), intermediate (T2), and high (T3) tertiles.. Our study demonstrated that air pollutant exposure may be associated with CSVD imaging markers, with females being more susceptible, and that PRS-defined genetic susceptibility may modify the associations of air pollutants.

Toxicology and Environmental Safety. June 2024