Fig. 1

Schematic representation of underlying mechanisms of sepsis-related brain injuries. Inflammation caused by sepsis affects a wide range of processes. In the short term, it induces dysfunction of endothelial cells (EC) leading to blood–brain barrier (BBB) leakage. Proinflammatory cytokines can lead to BBB leakage and contribute to hypoperfusion. Hypoperfusion and dysfunction of coagulation induce ischemia/hypoxia and microhemorrhage. These factors ultimately lead to changes in the white matter in the brain. Sepsis-related inflammation may have a long-term effect. Sepsis may lead to amyloid β (Aβ) and tau protein in the brain. Ultimately, these processes lead to cognitive impairment