Effect of propofol on generation of inflammatory mediator of monocytes

Yun Nie1, Yan-Xi Lu1, Li-Hong Lv1

  • 1Operating Room, First People's Hospital of Ji'nan, Shandong 250011, China.

Abstract

Insights

Propofol effectively inhibits the expression of inflammatory mediators like interleukin-6 (IL-6), interleukin-8 (IL-8), and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) in monocytes stimulated by lipopolysaccharide (LPS). This suggests propofol

Area of Science:

  • Immunology
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) is a potent stimulator of inflammatory responses in monocytes.
  • Interleukin-6 (IL-6), IL-8, and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) are key pro-inflammatory cytokines involved in immune responses.
  • Propofol is a widely used anesthetic agent with potential immunomodulatory effects.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the impact of varying propofol concentrations on the expression of IL-6, IL-8, and TNF-α in LPS-stimulated mouse primary monocytes and human monocytic cell lines.
  • To elucidate the molecular mechanisms underlying propofol's effect on inflammatory mediator secretion.

Main Methods:

  • Primary monocytes were isolated from mouse spleen and stimulated with LPS (0-500 ng/mL for 24 hours).
  • Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to quantify IL-6, IL-8, and TNF-α concentrations.
  • THP-1 cells were treated with LPS and varying concentrations of propofol (1-100 μg/mL) to assess effects on cytokine secretion and signaling pathways (Toll-like receptor and NF-κB).

Main Results:

  • LPS stimulation led to significant increases in TNF-α (3863 ± 153 pg/mL at 12h), IL-6 (5627 ± 330 pg/mL at 24h), and IL-8 (1626 ± 200 pg/mL at 24h).
  • Propofol treatment significantly inhibited LPS-induced expression of IL-6, IL-8, and TNF-α.
  • A concentration of 50 μg/mL propofol markedly reduced the levels of these pro-inflammatory cytokines (P < 0.01).

Conclusions:

  • Propofol demonstrates significant anti-inflammatory properties by suppressing the release of key cytokines.
  • The mechanism involves the inhibition of Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR-4) and NF-κB signaling pathways.
  • This inhibition ultimately reduces the activation of p38 and the subsequent production of pro-inflammatory cytokines.