Effects of Propofol-remifentanil on Apoptotic Molecules, Plasma CXCL10, and CXCL13 in Pancreatic Cancer Patients

This study aimed to investigate whether propofol-remifentanil anesthesia offers superior perioperative outcomes compared to propofol-fentanyl in pancreatic cancer surgery patients, with a focus on its effects on apoptotic molecules, plasma CXCL10/CXCL13 levels, and postoperative recovery. A total of 150 pancreatic cancer patients were divided into 2 cohorts receiving either propofol-fentanyl (control group, n=75) or propofol-remifentanil (study group, n=75) anesthesia. We measured perioperative hemodynamics (cardiac index [CI], mean arterial pressure [MAP], heart rate [HR]), T-cell subsets, postoperative recovery indices (eye-opening time, extubation time, spontaneous respiration recovery time), sedation and analgesia levels (via Ramsay sedation score [RSS] and visual analog scale [VAS]), plasma CXCL10/CXCL13 levels, and apoptosis-related proteins (Survivin, Bax, Caspase-4, Bcl-2) using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs). Adverse reactions were also recorded. The study group exhibited significant advantages in hemodynamic stability and immune preservation. Despite similar baseline cardiovascular parameters, the remifentanil group maintained better CI, MAP, and HR stability during and after surgery. Flow cytometry analysis revealed better preservation of T-cell immunity (CD4+, CD3+, CD4+/CD8+ T cells) at 24 hours post-surgery. The intervention group also demonstrated accelerated postoperative recovery with significantly reduced emergence times (eye-opening, extubation, spontaneous respiration). Notably, the study group had more favorable inflammatory profiles (lower CXCL10/CXCL13 levels) and enhanced apoptotic responses (modulated Bax, Caspase-4, Survivin, and Bcl-2 expression). Clinical outcomes were superior in the study group, with significantly fewer adverse events (2 vs. 9 patients). Propofol-remifentanil anesthesia provides effective sedation and analgesia in pancreatic cancer surgery, modulates key biological pathways related to apoptosis and inflammation, and improves postoperative recovery. These findings suggest that the choice of anesthesia regimen may have significant implications for perioperative outcomes and potentially long-term prognosis in pancreatic cancer patients. Future research should further explore the underlying mechanisms and long-term clinical benefits of this anesthesia strategy.