Propofol inhibits lipopolysaccharide-induced lung epithelial cell injury by reducing hypoxia-inducible factor-1α expression

C. H. Yeh, W. Cho, E. C. So, C. C. Chu, M. C. Lin, J. J. Wang, Chung-Hsi Hsing

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58 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Background. Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) may activate hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF)-1α, which up-regulates cytokine expression and the lethality of LPS-induced shock. We investigated the effect of propofol on HIF-1α expression and acute lung injury in LPS-treated mice. Methods. A series of both positive and negative control experiments were performed. We injected BALB/C mice with propofol or vehicle i.p. immediately and 12 h after an LPS challenge. After 24 h, we examined the lung wet/dry weight ratio, neutrophil infiltration, and HIF-1α mRNA expression and inflammatory cytokines in the lung tissue. Survival was determined for 48 h after LPS injection. In vitro, we determined the responses of A549 cells, with and without HIF-1α silenced, to treatment with LPS alone and LPS plus propofol. Results. Propofol prolonged survival and attenuated acute lung injury and decreased the expression of HIF-1α, interleukin (IL)-6, keratinocyte-derived chemokine, and tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) in the lungs of endotoxaemic mice. In HIF-1α knockdown-A549 cells, LPS-induced TNF-α, IL-6, and the pro-apoptotic gene, BNIP3 expression and apoptosis were reduced. Propofol, but not an inhibitor of nuclear factor κB, reduced HIF-1α expression in LPS-stimulated A549 cells. Propofol also down-regulated, in A549 cells, the expression of IL-6, IL-8, and TNF-α, Bcl-2/adenovirus E1B 19 kDa interacting protein 3 (BNIP3), and apoptosis. Conclusions. Propofol reduces apoptosis in LPS-stimulated lung epithelial cells by decreasing HIF-1α, BNIP3, and cytokine production. Using propofol to inhibit HIF-1α expression may protect against the acute lung injury caused by LPS-induced sepsis.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)590-599
Number of pages10
JournalBritish Journal of Anaesthesia
Volume106
Issue number4
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Apr 2011

Keywords

  • acute lung injury
  • cytokines
  • hypoxia-inducible factor-1α
  • propofol
  • sepsis

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine

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