Neuroimmune reactivity marker expression in rodent models of chemotherapy-induced cognitive impairment: A systematic scoping review

Abstract

Background: Chemotherapy-induced cognitive impairment (CICI) is a debilitating side effect arising from chemotherapy treatments. The condition is characterised by a range of cognitive deficits including impairment to memory, attention, and concentration. Whilst the underlying mechanisms that contribute to CICI remain unclear, neuroinflammation has been suggested as one key contributor.

Method: A comprehensive systematic search of EMBASE and Medline via PubMed was conducted to identify studies on neuroimmune reactivity marker expression changes and resulting cognitive changes in preclinical rodent models of CICI.

Results: A total of twenty studies met the eligibility criteria and were included in the scoping review. There was significant heterogeneity in the methodology employed in the included studies. Our findings demonstrate that widespread changes in cytokines, chemokines, microglia reactivity, and astrocyte reactivity are observed in CICI in the brain regions expected to be affected, given the nature of the cognitive impairment observed in CICI.

Conclusions: Although there was considerable heterogeneity in study design that made comparisons between studies difficult, our findings suggest that neuroinflammation commonly occurs in CICI preclinical rodent models and shows an association with cognitive impairment.

Keywords: Astrocyte; CICI; Chemobrain; Chemokine; Chemotherapy; Cognitive impairment; Cytokine; Microglia; Neuroimmune.