Propofol reduces lipopolysaccharide-induced, NADPH oxidase (NOX 2) mediated TNF- α and IL-6 production in macrophages

Tao Meng1, Jingya Yu2, Zhen Lei1

  • 1Department of Anesthesiology, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Shandong University, No. 107 Wen Hua Xi Road, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China.

Insights

Propofol reduces inflammatory responses in macrophages by inhibiting the lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) oxidase (NOX) pathway. This inhibition lessens the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), and interleukin-6 (IL-6).

Area of Science:

  • Immunology and Cell Biology
  • Pharmacology and Drug Action

Background:

  • Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) infection triggers reactive oxygen species (ROS) production via nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) oxidases (NOXs), particularly NOX2 in macrophages.
  • Propofol's immunomodulatory effects are known, but its impact on the LPS-induced NOX2/ROS/NF-κB pathway in macrophages remains uninvestigated.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the effect of propofol on the LPS-induced NOX2/ROS/NF-κB signaling pathway in murine macrophages.
  • To determine propofol's influence on inflammatory cytokine expression (IL-6, TNF-α) and NOX activity.

Main Methods:

  • Murine macrophage cell line RAW264.7 was pretreated with propofol and subsequently stimulated with LPS.
  • Assessed interleukin-6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) expression.
  • Measured reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, NOX activity, and expression of NOX subunits (gp91phox, p47phox).

Main Results:

  • Propofol significantly attenuated LPS-induced TNF-α and IL-6 expression.
  • LPS-stimulated phosphorylation of NF-κB and ROS generation were reduced by propofol.
  • Propofol decreased LPS-induced NOX activity and the expression of gp91phox and p47phox.

Conclusions:

  • Propofol modulates LPS signaling in macrophages.
  • It reduces NOX-mediated production of inflammatory cytokines TNF-α and IL-6.
  • This suggests a potential therapeutic role for propofol in managing LPS-induced inflammation.