Frontiers in Physiology最新文献

{"title":"Unveiling the placental bacterial microbiota: implications for maternal and infant health.","authors":"Zhuojun Xie, Zhongsheng Chen, Yang Chai, Wang Yao, Guangyu Ma","doi":"10.3389/fphys.2025.1544216","DOIUrl":"10.3389/fphys.2025.1544216","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>The human placenta is a unique organ that forms under specific physiological conditions and plays a crucial role in nutrient and metabolite exchange between the mother and fetus. Research on the placenta is important for understanding maternal-fetal diseases. Traditionally, the placenta was considered \"sterile,\" but advancements in detection techniques have revealed the presence of a low level of microorganisms. This discovery challenges the traditional notion that the uterine placenta is sterile. The revelation of this truth marks a significant breakthrough in medical research, prompting more researchers to focus on this vital organ, the placenta. Placental microbial communities may originate from the oral, vaginal, and intestinal microbiota of expectant mothers. These microorganisms may reach the maternal-fetal interface, collectively shaping the placental microbiota and contributing to the composition of normal placental microbial communities. Abnormal placental microbial communities may be associated with some pregnancy complications and fetal developmental issues such as preterm birth, gestational hypertension, fetal growth restriction, and gestational diabetes mellitus. Intervention strategies targeting microbial communities, which include modulation of placental microbiota composition or function, such as probiotics, may help prevent or treat complications related to abnormal placental microbiota during pregnancy.</p>","PeriodicalId":12477,"journal":{"name":"Frontiers in Physiology","volume":"16 ","pages":"1544216"},"PeriodicalIF":3.2,"publicationDate":"2025-03-14","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11949977/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143751975","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Time courses for pulmonary oxygen uptake and cardiovascular responses are similar during apnea in resting humans.","authors":"Johan P A Andersson, Tim Bacanovic, Philip Chen, Angelica Lodin-Sundström, Amitava Halder, Gustav Persson, Mats H Linér, Bodil Sjögreen","doi":"10.3389/fphys.2025.1524237","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3389/fphys.2025.1524237","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>The pulmonary oxygen uptake is reduced during apnea, compared to eupneic baseline, preserving the pulmonary oxygen store. This study elucidates the time course for this reduction, comparing it to the time course for apnea-induced cardiovascular responses.</p><p><strong>Methods and results: </strong>Experiments involved two groups, performing apneas during rest, both without and with cold-water face immersion (A and AFI). The first group (n = 18) performed A and AFI of gradually increasing durations (from 15 to 120 s, order unknown to participant), allowing analysis of the time course for apneic pulmonary gas exchange. The second group (n = 18) performed A and AFI of identical durations (mean: 137 s), allowing analysis of cardiovascular and respiratory responses. The time course for pulmonary oxygen uptake was similar to the time courses for heart rate and cardiac output, i.e., following a brief increase from eupneic baseline during the initial 15 s of A and AFI, the oxygen uptake was gradually reduced during apnea, reaching a sub-eupneic level from 30 s of apnea and onwards. Changes were augmented during AFI compared to A. Observations confirmed that cardiovascular responses to apnea, including a reduced cardiac output, reduced peripheral blood flow, and most likely a peripheralization of blood volume, preserved the pulmonary oxygen store, while the peripheral venous oxygen stores were depleted to a greater extent.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>We conclude that the central, pulmonary oxygen store is preserved with augmented cardiovascular responses to apnea, at the expense of peripheral venous oxygen stores, with a time course similar to that of the cardiovascular responses.</p>","PeriodicalId":12477,"journal":{"name":"Frontiers in Physiology","volume":"16 ","pages":"1524237"},"PeriodicalIF":3.2,"publicationDate":"2025-03-13","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11965896/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143779650","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Artificial intelligence optimizes the standardized diagnosis and treatment of chronic sinusitis.","authors":"Yang-Yang Liu, Shao-Peng Jiang, Ying-Bin Wang","doi":"10.3389/fphys.2025.1522090","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3389/fphys.2025.1522090","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Standardised management of chronic sinusitis (CRS) is a challenging but vital area of research. Not only is accurate diagnosis and individualised treatment plans required, but post-treatment chronic disease management is also indispensable. With the development of artificial intelligence (AI), more \"AI + medical\" application models are emerging. Many AI-assisted systems have been applied to the diagnosis and treatment of CRS, providing valuable solutions for clinical practice.</p><p><strong>Objective: </strong>This study summarises the research progress of various AI-assisted systems applied to the clinical diagnosis and treatment of CRS, focusing on their role in imaging and pathological diagnosis and prognostic prediction and treatment.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>We used PubMed, Web of Science, and other Internet search engines with \"artificial intelligence\"、\"machine learning\" and \"chronic sinusitis\" as the keywords to conduct a literature search for studies from the last 7 years. We included literature eligible for AI application to CRS diagnosis and treatment in our study, excluded literature outside this scope, and categorized it according to its clinical application to CRS diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis prediction. We provide an overview and summary of current advances in AI to optimize the diagnosis and treatment of CRS, as well as difficulties and challenges in promoting standardization of clinical diagnosis and treatment in this area.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Through applications in CRS imaging and pathology diagnosis, personalised medicine and prognosis prediction, AI can significantly reduce turnaround times, lower diagnostic costs and accurately predict disease outcomes. However, a number of challenges remain. These include a lack of AI product standards, standardised data, difficulties in collaboration between different healthcare providers, and the non-interpretability of AI systems. There may also be data privacy issues involved. Therefore, more research and improvements are needed to realise the full potential of AI in the diagnosis and treatment of CRS.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Our findings inform the clinical diagnosis and treatment of CRS and the development of AI-assisted clinical diagnosis and treatment systems. We provide recommendations for AI to drive standardisation of CRS diagnosis and treatment.</p>","PeriodicalId":12477,"journal":{"name":"Frontiers in Physiology","volume":"16 ","pages":"1522090"},"PeriodicalIF":3.2,"publicationDate":"2025-03-13","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11966420/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143779489","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Detecting muscle fatigue during lower limb isometric contractions tasks: a machine learning approach.","authors":"Jiaqi Sun, Cheng Zhang, Guangda Liu, Wenjie Cui, Yubing Sun, Chunyan Zhang","doi":"10.3389/fphys.2025.1547257","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3389/fphys.2025.1547257","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Muscle fatigue represents a primary manifestation of exercise-induced fatigue. Electromyography (EMG) serves as an effective tool for monitoring muscle activity, with EMG signal analysis playing a crucial role in assessing muscle fatigue. This paper introduces a machine learning approach to classify EMG signals for the automatic detection of muscle fatigue.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Ten adult participants performed isometric contractions of lower limb muscles. The EMG signals were decomposed into multiple intrinsic mode functions (IMFs) using improved complementary ensemble empirical mode decomposition adaptive noise (ICEEMDAN). Time-domain, frequency-domain, time-frequency domain, and nonlinear features associated with muscle fatigue during isometric contraction were analyzed through EMG signals. Dimensionality reduction was achieved using t-distributed stochastic neighbor embedding (t-SNE), followed by machine learning-based classification of fatigue levels.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The findings indicated that EMG signal characteristics changed significantly with increasing fatigue. The combination of support vector machines (SVM) and ICEEMDAN achieved an impressive accuracy of 99.8%.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>The classification performance of this study surpasses that of existing state-of-the-art methods for detecting exercise-induced fatigue. Therefore, the proposed strategy is both valid and effective for supporting the detection of muscle fatigue in training, rehabilitation, and occupational settings.</p>","PeriodicalId":12477,"journal":{"name":"Frontiers in Physiology","volume":"16 ","pages":"1547257"},"PeriodicalIF":3.2,"publicationDate":"2025-03-13","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11965937/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143779607","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Calibration of ventilation/perfusion match in electrical impedance tomography: a novel method based on arterial blood pressure.","authors":"Tixin Han, Yangchun Qin, Zhibo Zhao, Bin Yang, Xuechao Liu, Lei Li, Ziyu Wei, Liping Wei, Yifan Liu, Feng Fu","doi":"10.3389/fphys.2025.1545652","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3389/fphys.2025.1545652","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>Electrical impedance tomography (EIT) enables non-invasive, continuous, bedside evaluation of ventilation/perfusion (V/Q) match. To avoid the presence of invasive monitoring for cardiac output in relative V/Q ratio calculation, we proposed a novel calibration method based on arterial blood pressure to optimize EIT V/Q match assessments.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>We involved 12 mechanically ventilated piglets in three experimental phases: baseline, pulmonary embolism, and atelectasis. After a thorough measurement of EIT signals, arterial blood pressure, cardiac output, and additional physiological parameters, EIT V/Q match was evaluated using existing area limited method (ALM), cardiac output calibrated method (COCM), and our proposed novel blood pressure calibrated method (BPCM). Finally, V_D/V_T and P/F ratio were calculated and correlated with V/Q match indicators derived from COCM and BPCM.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Arterial blood pressure waveform integration demonstrated strong correlation with cardiac output (<i>R</i> ² = 0.80, p < 0.001), validating its utility for cardiac output estimation and V/Q match calibration. Both COCM and BPCM provided enhanced V/Q match region segmentation compared to ALM, yielding comprehensive diagnostic information with statistically significant differences across all three states (p < 0.05). COCM demonstrates a slightly higher correlation compared to BPCM (r = -0.63 vs. -0.52) between low ventilation index (LVI) and V_D/V_T, while BPCM demonstrates a slightly higher correlation compared to COCM (r = 0.49 vs. 0.44) between low perfusion index (LQI) and P/F ratio.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>This study described a novel calibration method for calculating corrected EIT-based V/Q match that utilized arterial blood pressure. Our method exhibited comparable capability in distinguishing V/Q mismatch areas compared to conventional cardiac output-based calibration techniques. With clinical data to establish a linear regression model, our method will ultimately enable us to calculate calibrated EIT V/Q match without cardiac output monitoring.</p>","PeriodicalId":12477,"journal":{"name":"Frontiers in Physiology","volume":"16 ","pages":"1545652"},"PeriodicalIF":3.2,"publicationDate":"2025-03-13","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11966062/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143779605","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"ECG electrode localization using 3D visual reconstruction.","authors":"Ayoub El Ghebouli, Amaël Mombereau, Michel Haïssaguerre, Rémi Dubois, Laura R Bear","doi":"10.3389/fphys.2025.1504319","DOIUrl":"10.3389/fphys.2025.1504319","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Body surface potential maps (BSPMs) derived from multi-channel ECG recordings enable the detection and diagnosis of electrophysiological phenomena beyond the standard 12-lead ECG. In this work, we developed two AI-based methods for the automatic detection of location of the electrodes used for BSPM: a rapid method using a specialized 3D Depth Sensing (DS) camera and a slower method that can use any 2D camera. Both methods were validated on a phantom model and in 7 healthy volunteers. With the phantom model, both 3D DS camera and 2D camera method achieved an average localization error less than 2 mm when compared to CT-scan or an Electromagnetic Tracking System (ETS). With healthy volunteers, the 3D camera yielded average 3D Euclidean distances ranging from 2.61 ± 1.2 mm to 5.78 ± 3.09 mm depending on the patient, similar to that seen with 2D camera (ranging from 2.45 ± 1.32 mm to 5.88 ± 2.73 mm). These results demonstrate high accuracy and provide practical alternatives to traditional imaging techniques, potentially enhancing the interest of BSPMs in a clinical setting.</p>","PeriodicalId":12477,"journal":{"name":"Frontiers in Physiology","volume":"16 ","pages":"1504319"},"PeriodicalIF":3.2,"publicationDate":"2025-03-12","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11936951/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143718362","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Multimodal diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease based on resting-state electroencephalography and structural magnetic resonance imaging.","authors":"Junxiu Liu, Shangxiao Wu, Qiang Fu, Xiwen Luo, Yuling Luo, Sheng Qin, Yiting Huang, Zhaohui Chen","doi":"10.3389/fphys.2025.1515881","DOIUrl":"10.3389/fphys.2025.1515881","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Multimodal diagnostic methods for Alzheimer's disease (AD) have demonstrated remarkable performance. However, the inclusion of electroencephalography (EEG) in such multimodal studies has been relatively limited. Moreover, most multimodal studies on AD use convolutional neural networks (CNNs) to extract features from different modalities and perform fusion classification. Regrettably, this approach often lacks collaboration and fails to effectively enhance the representation ability of features. To address this issue and explore the collaborative relationship among multimodal EEG, this paper proposes a multimodal AD diagnosis model based on resting-state EEG and structural magnetic resonance imaging (sMRI). Specifically, this work designs corresponding feature extraction models for EEG and sMRI modalities to enhance the capability of extracting modality-specific features. Additionally, a multimodal joint attention mechanism (MJA) is developed to address the issue of independent modalities. The MJA promotes cooperation and collaboration between the two modalities, thereby enhancing the representation ability of multimodal fusion. Furthermore, a random forest classifier is introduced to enhance the classification ability. The diagnostic accuracy of the proposed model can achieve 94.7%, marking a noteworthy accomplishment. This research stands as the inaugural exploration into the amalgamation of deep learning and EEG multimodality for AD diagnosis. Concurrently, this work strives to bolster the use of EEG in multimodal AD research, thereby positioning itself as a hopeful prospect for future advancements in AD diagnosis.</p>","PeriodicalId":12477,"journal":{"name":"Frontiers in Physiology","volume":"16 ","pages":"1515881"},"PeriodicalIF":3.2,"publicationDate":"2025-03-12","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11937600/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143718417","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Circadian system coordination: new perspectives beyond classical models.","authors":"Ovidiu Constantin Baltatu, Luciana Aparecida Campos, José Cipolla-Neto","doi":"10.3389/fphys.2025.1553736","DOIUrl":"10.3389/fphys.2025.1553736","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>This review examines novel interaction mechanisms contributing to the robustness of circadian rhythms, focusing on enhanced communication between the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) and peripheral clocks. While classical models explain biological clocks through molecular interactions and biochemical signaling, they incompletely account for several key features: precision maintenance despite cellular noise, rapid system-wide synchronization, and temperature compensation. We propose that the SCN, acting as a central hub, may utilize non-classical mechanisms to maintain robust synchronization of peripheral clocks, contributing to biological timekeeping stability. The clinical implications of this model are significant, potentially offering new approaches for treating circadian-related disorders through quantum-based interventions. Recent advances in quantum biosensors and diagnostic tools show promise for early detection and monitoring of circadian disruptions, while quantum-based therapeutic strategies may provide novel treatments for conditions ranging from sleep disorders to metabolic syndromes.</p><p><strong>Aim of review: </strong>To evaluate classical models of circadian rhythm robustness and propose a novel synchronization model incorporating quantum mechanical principles, supported by recent advances in quantum biology and chronobiology, with emphasis on potential clinical applications.</p><p><strong>Key scientific concepts: </strong>Recent research in quantum biology suggests potential mechanisms for enhanced circadian system coordination. The proposed model explores how quantum effects, including entanglement and coherence, may facilitate rapid system-wide synchronization and temporal coherence across tissues. These mechanisms could explain features not fully addressed by classical models: precision maintenance in noisy cellular environments, rapid resynchronization following environmental changes, temperature compensation of circadian periods, and sensitivity to weak electromagnetic fields. The framework integrates established chronobiology with quantum biological principles to explain system-wide temporal coordination and suggests new therapeutic approaches for circadian-related disorders.</p>","PeriodicalId":12477,"journal":{"name":"Frontiers in Physiology","volume":"16 ","pages":"1553736"},"PeriodicalIF":3.2,"publicationDate":"2025-03-12","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11936781/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143718304","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Does functional strength training program improve ice speed and agility in young elite ice hockey players? Functional strength training's impact on hockey performance.","authors":"Anna Bieniec, Małgorzata Grabara","doi":"10.3389/fphys.2025.1448495","DOIUrl":"10.3389/fphys.2025.1448495","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Purpose: </strong>The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of a functional strength training (FST) program on ice speed and agility in young elite male ice hockey players.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Forty-three ice hockey players, aged 15-18 years participated in the study. The athletes were randomly assigned to either a functional strength training group (FSTG), which completed an additional FST program consisting of two 60-min training sessions per week, or a control group (CG), which participated in other team games and swimming sessions, each lasting 60 min. Ice skating speed was assessed using the professional Smart Speed measurement system in forward and backward skating tests over 5, 15, and 30 m, as well as in an agility test.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The intervention elicited significant performance improvements in ice skating speed and agility in the FSTG compared to the CG. Significant time × group interactions were observed in the 5-m (p = 0.041, <i>η</i> _<i>p</i> ² = 0.098), 15-m (p = 0.047, <i>η</i> _<i>p</i> ² = 0.093), and 30-m (p = 0.011, <i>η</i> _<i>p</i> ² = 0.149) forward skating tests, highlighting differential responses between groups. Post hoc analysis confirmed significant improvements in the FSTG, particularly in the 15-m and 30-m tests, where post-test results were superior to those of the CG. No significant effects were found for the backward skating tests. Regarding agility, a significant main effect of time (p = 0.023, <i>η</i> _<i>p</i> ² = 0.12) and group (p = 0.001, <i>η</i> _<i>p</i> ² = 0.226) was detected. In the full speed test, only a group effect (p = 0.026, <i>η</i> _<i>p</i> ² = 0.116) was observed, with no significant time × group interaction or time effects.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>These results underscore the effectiveness of FST in enhancing forward skating speed and agility.</p>","PeriodicalId":12477,"journal":{"name":"Frontiers in Physiology","volume":"16 ","pages":"1448495"},"PeriodicalIF":3.2,"publicationDate":"2025-03-12","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11936901/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143718352","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Study on the mechanism of Dexmedetomidine's effect on postoperative cognitive dysfunction in elderly people.","authors":"Yuanbin Cai, Fan Yu, Wei Wu, Wurong Chen","doi":"10.3389/fphys.2025.1508661","DOIUrl":"10.3389/fphys.2025.1508661","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Postoperative cognitive dysfunction (POCD) is a common complication among elderly patients following surgical procedures, significantly impairing postoperative recovery and quality of life. The selection and dosage of intraoperative anaesthetic drugs are frequently implicated as contributing factors in the development of POCD. In recent years, dexmedetomidine (DEX), a novel α2-adrenoceptor agonist, has been increasingly utilized in surgical anaesthesia for elderly patients, showing potential as both a preventive and therapeutic agent for POCD. This paper provides a comprehensive review of current research on the mechanisms by which DEX affects POCD in the elderly. Additionally, it explores DEX's mechanisms of action in the context of neuroprotection, anti-inflammation, antioxidative stress, and the regulation of apoptosis, autophagy, and analgesia. The objective is to provide reliable theoretical support and a reference point for the clinical application of DEX in POCD among the elderly, thereby promoting its broader use in clinical practice to improve outcomes and enhance quality of life.</p>","PeriodicalId":12477,"journal":{"name":"Frontiers in Physiology","volume":"16 ","pages":"1508661"},"PeriodicalIF":3.2,"publicationDate":"2025-03-12","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11936804/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143718427","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}