Work

Comparing the Effects of Propofol and Thiopental on Human Renal HEK-293 Cells With a Focus on Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) Production, Cytotoxicity, and Apoptosis: Insights Into Dose-Dependent Toxicity

Year: 2024

Type: article

Abstract: OBJECTIVES: Propofol and thiopental are widely used as hypnotic, sedative, antiepileptic, and analgesic agents in general anesthesia and intensive care; however, their side effects remain unknown. They are used for long periods and at high doses for sedation in total intravenous anesthesia (TIVA) and intensive care units. Long-term and high-dose use of these drugs can lead to accumulation in plasma and tissues, resulting in high drug concentrations and increasing the risk of potential toxicity (e.g., nephrotoxicity). In our study, the cytotoxic and apoptotic effects of propofol and thiopental on kidney cells (HEK-293) and their effects on the formation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) when used in high doses were investigated and compared in vitro. MATERIALS AND METHODS: ) of each drug in HEK-293 cells was determined using the 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide method. The apoptotic effects were assessed at two different doses of each drug using the annexin V method. Morphological examinations were conducted using the acridine orange/ethidium bromide method, and intracellular ROS levels were determined by flow cytometry. RESULTS: values of propofol and thiopental for HEK-293 cells were 206.59 μg/ml and 109.68 μg/ml, respectively. Compared to the control group, thiopental at ≥25 μg/ml and propofol at ≥50 μg/ml exhibited cytotoxicity. Additionally, propofol exhibited significantly lower cytotoxic effects than thiopental did. CONCLUSION: Our study showed that both propofol and thiopental exerted significant cytotoxic effects on HEK-293 cells at concentrations exceeding clinical levels, primarily by increasing intracellular ROS levels and inducing apoptosis. Future research in this area will deepen our understanding of these mechanisms and improve patient safety in clinical anesthesia practice.

Source: Cureus

DOI: 10.7759/cureus.74120

Authors: Veli Fahri Pehlivan, Basak Pehlivan, Erdogan Duran, İsmail Koyuncu

Institution: Harran University

Language: English

Topic: Anesthesia and Sedative Agents

Subfield: Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: diamond

OpenAlex ID: W4404603652