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Updated: Nov 25, 2025
An In Vitro Batch-culture Model to Estimate the Effects of Interventional Regimens on Human Fecal Microbiota
Published on: July 31, 2019
Effects of continuous intravenous infusion of propofol on intestinal flora in rats
Nana Guo1, Zhongjie Zhang2, Ci Han3
1Department of Critical Care Medicine, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Harbin, China.
Abstract:
Under normal circumstances, the gut microbiota, host, and external environment establish a dynamic ecological balance and maintain human health. Once this balance is broken, the intestinal flora dysregulation will form, manifested by changes in the diversity, richness, proportion, location and biological characteristics of the gut microbiota. The hypothesis that propofol alters gut microbes was tested in a rat model with continuous intravenous infusion of propofol. Eight male wistar rats underwent tail vein puncture and catheterization respectively, and were continuously pumped with propofol for 3 h. Feces were collected from each rat before and on the 1 st, 3rd, 7th and 14th days after intervention. Finally, the effect of continuous intravenous infusion of propofol on the intestinal flora of rats was analyzed by high-throughput 16S rRNA gene amplification sequencing. Through high-throughput 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing analysis, we found that continuous intravenous infusion of propofol had little effect on intestinal flora in rats. Analysis of Alpha (shannon diversity index) showed that group A-7 was different from group P and group A-1 (P = 0.034), and recovered on the 14th day. Although the species diversity analysis showed a significant difference among the five groups (P = 0.049), the distribution of most fecal samples in the PCoA showed a clustered distribution, indicating similarity. In addition, no significant difference was found in the statistical KEGG difference pathway through LEfSe analysis.
Insights
Propofol infusion showed minimal impact on rat gut microbes, with only minor temporary changes in diversity observed. Intestinal flora largely returned to normal within 14 days post-infusion.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Gastroenterology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- The gut microbiota plays a crucial role in maintaining host health.
- Dysregulation of intestinal flora can lead to various health issues.
- Propofol is a widely used anesthetic agent, but its effects on gut microbiota are not fully understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of continuous intravenous propofol infusion on the gut microbiota in a rat model.
- To determine if propofol alters the diversity, richness, and composition of intestinal flora.
Main Methods:
- Eight male Wistar rats received continuous intravenous propofol infusion for 3 hours.
- Fecal samples were collected before and on days 1, 3, 7, and 14 after propofol administration.
- High-throughput 16S rRNA gene sequencing was used to analyze the gut microbiota composition and diversity.
Main Results:
- Continuous propofol infusion had minimal overall effect on the rat intestinal flora.
- Alpha diversity (Shannon index) showed a significant difference at day 7 but recovered by day 14.
- Species diversity analysis indicated a significant difference among groups, yet PCoA plots showed sample clustering, suggesting overall similarity.
Conclusions:
- Continuous intravenous propofol infusion appears to have a limited and transient impact on the gut microbiota in rats.
- Further research is needed to fully elucidate the long-term effects and clinical implications of propofol on the gut microbiome.
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