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

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.