The protective effects of propofol and citicoline combination in experimental head injury in rats

Lipid peroxidation (LP) is an important factor in tissue damage following head injury. Reactive oxygen radicals which damage cellular components play an important role in ischemic or hypoxic tissue. They initiate the lipid peroxidation process after head trauma. However, antioxidant agents may protect brain tissue against oxidative damage

39 male Swiss Albino rats (200-250 g) were used in this experimental study. These animals were divided into 3 groups: 1) control group, 2) propofol group (100 mg/kg) and, 3) citicoline (250 mg/kg) and propofol (100 mg/kg) combination group. Oxidant effect in brain tissue content was assessed by measuring the Malonyldialdehyde (MDA), Superoxide Dismutase (SOD) and Gluthatione Peroxidase (GPx) activities.

There was no statistically meaningful difference among the groups regarding GPx levels. MDA levels were significantly lower in the citicoline and combination group than those of the control group. As for the levels of SOD, there was an increase both in the propofol and combination groups.

Atherapeutic benefit of the propofol and citicolin combination in head trauma has not been previously demonstrated. We examined the possible potential protective effect of propofol and citicolin against oxidative damage in experimental head trauma in the present study.