Research Progress on the Integrative Effects of Gut Microbiota in Mediating Postoperative Delirium

doi:10.3870/j.issn.1672-0741.26.03.019

Abstract

Abstract: Postoperative delirium （POD） is a common neurocognitive disorder in elderly patients after surgery, and its pathogenesis has not yet been fully elucidated. Evidence suggests that POD does not result from a single pathological pathway, but rather from the combined effects of a vulnerable brain predisposed to the condition and perioperative stress. The gut microbiota may be involved in this process and contribute to the onset and progression of POD through multilayered mechanisms. Based on a synthesis of current experimental and clinical evidence, this review proposes that the gut microbiota plays an integrative role in POD, participating in its development through mechanisms involving inflammation, barrier dysfunction, gut microbiota-derived metabolites, neurotransmitters, and vagal reflex pathways. This review also discusses the potential translational value of gut microbiota-targeted strategies for preventing and early intervention for POD. The aim is to provide new insights for developing mechanism-oriented, individualized perioperative management strategies.

Key words: postoperative delirium, gut microbiota, microbiota-gut-brain axis

CLC Number:

R619

Liu Qiurong, Wang Xuan, Zhang Jie. Research Progress on the Integrative Effects of Gut Microbiota in Mediating Postoperative Delirium[J]. Acta Medicinae Universitatis Scientiae et Technologiae Huazhong, 2026, 55(5): 735-741.

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