BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to explore the potential genes and transcription factors involved in postoperative cognitive dysfunction (POCD) via bioinformatics analysis.

MATERIAL AND METHODS: GSE95070 miRNA expression profiles were downloaded from Gene Expression Omnibus database, which included five hippocampal tissues from POCD mice and controls. Moreover, the differentially expressed miRNAs (DEMs) between the two groups were identified. In addition, the target genes of DEMs were predicted using Targetscan 7.1, followed by protein-protein interaction (PPI) network construction, functional enrichment analysis, pathway analysis, and prediction of transcription factors (TFs) targeting the potential targets.

RESULTS: A total of eight DEMs were obtained, and 823 target genes were predicted, including 170 POCD-associated genes. Furthermore, potential key genes in the network were remarkably enriched in focal adhesion, protein digestion and absorption, ECM-receptor interaction, and Wnt and MAPK signaling pathways.

CONCLUSIONS: Most potential target genes were involved in the regulation of TFs, including LEF1, SP1, and AP4, which may exert strong impact on the development of POCD.

Keywords: Biological Ontologies, Cognitive Dissonance, Transcription, Genetic