AUTHOR=Zhang Jingyu , Chen Shuangli , Hu Xiyou , Huang Lihong , Loh PeiYong , Yuan Xinru , Liu Zhen , Lian Jinyu , Geng Lianqi , Chen Zelin , Guo Yi , Chen Bo TITLE=The role of the peripheral system dysfunction in the pathogenesis of sepsis-associated encephalopathy JOURNAL=Frontiers in Microbiology VOLUME=15 YEAR=2024 URL=https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/microbiology/articles/10.3389/fmicb.2024.1337994 DOI=10.3389/fmicb.2024.1337994 ISSN=1664-302X ABSTRACT=

Sepsis is a condition that greatly impacts the brain, leading to neurological dysfunction and heightened mortality rates, making it one of the primary organs affected. Injury to the central nervous system can be attributed to dysfunction of various organs throughout the entire body and imbalances within the peripheral immune system. Furthermore, central nervous system injury can create a vicious circle with infection-induced peripheral immune disorders. We collate the pathogenesis of septic encephalopathy, which involves microglial activation, programmed cell death, mitochondrial dysfunction, endoplasmic reticulum stress, neurotransmitter imbalance, and blood–brain barrier disruption. We also spotlight the effects of intestinal flora and its metabolites, enterocyte-derived exosomes, cholinergic anti-inflammatory pathway, peripheral T cells and their cytokines on septic encephalopathy.