ABSTRACT
Abstract Background: Postoperative cognitive dysfunction is widely recognized as severe postoperative central nervous dysfunction and has a significant impact on the 'patient's physical and mental health. Methods: Postoperative models of tibial fracture in aged rats were established, including the control group, model group, CCL11 protein injection group, and saline injection group. Morris water maze test was used to detect the behavioral characteristics of rats. Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay was used or determine the content of CCL11 and CXCL10. Immunofluorescence staining was used to detect the distribution of CD14+CD163+macro-phages in colon tissues and CD11b+CCR3+microglia cells in hippocampal tissues. Western blot analyzed NOX1 and STAT3 expression in hippocampus tissues. Results: Water maze test results confirmed severe cognitive impairment in CCL11 rats. The content of CCL11 and CXCL10 in the CCL11 group was much higher than that of the model group. The distribution of macrophage and microglia cells in the CCL11 model group was greater than that in the model group and the saline group. The expression of NOX1 and STAT3 in the CCL11 group was higher compared with the model group. Conclusion: Abnormal macrophage function and excessive CCL11 secretion were observed in the rats with lower limb fractures after surgery. Postoperative central inflammation in rats with lower limb fracture induced postoperative cognitive dysfunction through the gut-brain axis molecular mechanism.