TNFα Antagonists Preventing Post-Operative Cognitive Dysfunction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Cognitive decline following surgery or other inflammatory triggers is a significant issue, with post-operative cognitive dysfunction (POCD) being a common complication that can lead to long-term cognitive impairment and increased morbidity and mortality, especially in elderly patients.
Innovation Solution
Administering a therapeutically effective amount of a Tumour Necrosis Factor alpha (TNFα) antagonist to patients before, during, or after a planned inflammatory trigger, such as surgery, to prevent or reduce cognitive decline.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If surgery or other inflammatory triggers are performed, then necessary medical treatment is provided, but cognitive decline and post-operative cognitive dysfunction occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary anti-action by administering TNFα antagonists before the inflammatory trigger (surgery) to prevent cognitive decline. The antagonist is given prior to the surgical procedure to block TNFα signaling pathways before they can cause neuroinflammation and cognitive dysfunction, thereby preventing the harmful effect before it occurs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses TNFα antagonists as an intermediary substance that blocks the harmful signaling between the inflammatory response and the brain. The antagonist acts as a mediator that interferes with TNFα binding to its receptors, preventing the transmission of pro-inflammatory signals to the central nervous system that would otherwise cause cognitive decline.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If TNFα antagonists are administered to prevent cognitive decline, then cognitive function is protected, but additional medication and treatment complexity are introduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by using TNFα antagonists that serve multiple functions: they block TNFα signaling to prevent neuroinflammation, reduce cognitive decline, and can be administered through existing pharmaceutical routes. The same drug class used for other inflammatory conditions is repurposed for cognitive protection, reducing the need for entirely new treatment modalities.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If TNFα signaling is blocked to prevent neuroinflammation, then cognitive decline is reduced, but the inflammatory response necessary for recovery may be suppressed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by selectively blocking TNFα signaling in the central nervous system while allowing peripheral inflammatory responses to proceed. The TNFα antagonist achieves differential effects: it protects the brain from neuroinflammation and cognitive decline while permitting the peripheral inflammatory response necessary for surgical wound healing and recovery to occur normally.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides method, uses and agents for preventing or reducing cognitive decline in a patient following a planned inflammatory trigger. Such planned inflammatory trigger can be a surgical procedure or chemotherapy. The invention further provides methods, uses and agents for reducing cognitive decline in a patient with a cognitive disorder, wherein said patient has been exposed to an inflammatory trigger. Pharmaceutical compositions and kits are also provided.