Lower levels of oxidative DNA damage and apoptosis in lymphocytes from patients undergoing surgery with propofol anesthesia

Abstract

Propofol, which is widely used as an intravenous anesthetic, has a phenolic structure similar to that of α-tocopherol with antioxidant properties that could prevent genotoxicity and cytotoxicity in lymphocytes of anesthetized patients. The aims of this study were to evaluate oxidative DNA damage and apoptosis in lymphocytes and the expression of DNA repair genes in blood cells from patients undergoing elective surgery under anesthesia with propofol. Twenty healthy adults of both genders (18-50 years old) who were scheduled for otorhinological surgery were enrolled in this study. Blood samples were collected before anesthesia induction (T₁-baseline), 120 min after anesthesia induction (T₂), and on the first postoperative day (T₃). Oxidative DNA damage in peripheral lymphocytes was assessed using the comet assay. Lymphocytes were phenotyped as T helper or cytotoxic T cells, and apoptosis was evaluated using flow cytometry. The expression of DNA repair genes (hOGG1 and XRCC1) was assessed by quantitative polymerase chain reaction. A reduction in the level of oxidized purines in DNA (P < 0.01) was observed 120 min after anesthesia induction, and reduced apoptosis of T helper cells was observed 120 min after anesthesia induction and on the first postoperative day. Down-regulation of hOGG1 and XRCC1 gene expression was observed on the first postoperative day. In conclusion, patients undergoing non-invasive surgery under propofol anesthesia presented lower levels of oxidized purines and apoptosis of T helper lymphocytes. Furthermore, anesthesia with propofol did not directly influence the expression of the DNA repair genes hOGG1 and XRCC1 in blood cells.

Isoflurane and Propofol Contribute to Increasing the Antioxidant Status of Patients During Minor Elective Surgery

“…In relation to genetic damage, propofol prevented DNA cleavage in peroxynitrite injury in primary astroglial cell cultures. 6 Although we have already observed a reduction of genetic lesions evaluated by formamidopyrimidine DNA glycosylase (FPG) sites during propofol anesthesia, 44 we did not detect a decrease in oxidized DNA using OGG1 when total IV anesthesia with propofol was administered. This could be explained by different types of oxidative damage recognized by OGG1 or FPG repair enzyme.…”

“… 18 , 45 In a previous study, we reported a decrease of hydrogen peroxide-induced genotoxicity in lymphocytes as well as a reduction of apoptotic T helper cells collected from patients during surgical procedures with propofol anesthesia. 44 …”

High concentrations of waste anesthetic gases induce genetic damage and inflammation in physicians exposed for three years: A cross‐sectional study

“…Genetic damage evaluation (basal DNA damage and oxidized bases) was conducted in lymphocytes that were isolated from freshly collected blood, and the comet assay was performed according to previously described protocols. 20,21 Briefly, cells were added to low-melting-point agarose at 37°C and set on slides, and the agarose was allowed to solidify. The slides were then im- The MN assay was performed on buccal epithelial cells that were collected by rubbing the inside of the subject's cheeks with a spatula, which was then placed in a tube containing PBS.…”

Propofol promotes apoptosis and suppresses the HOTAIR-mediated mTOR/p70S6K signaling pathway in melanoma cells

“…Furthermore, small doses of propofol can be directly used to treat nausea and vomiting following surgery. Propofol can adjust the activity of cytotoxic T lymphocytes to increase their antitumor activity and immune regulation (12). In the present study, the anticancer effects of propofol on cell apoptosis of melanoma cells were investigated, and the underlying mechanism was investigated.…”