title: Propofol: an immunomodulating agent.
abstract: Propofol (2,6-diisopropylphenol) is a potent intravenous hypnotic agent widely administered for induction and maintenance of anesthesia and for sedation in the intensive care unit. Propofol is insoluble in water and therefore is formulated in a lipid emulsion. In addition, a preservative (ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid [EDTA] or sodium metabisulfite) is added to retard bacterial growth. Propofol has antiinflammatory properties, decreasing production of proinflammatory cytokines, altering expression of nitric oxide, and inhibiting neutrophil function. Propofol also is a potent antioxidant. The added preservatives have biologic activity; EDTA has antiinflammatory properties, whereas metabisulfite may cause lipid peroxidation. The antiinflammatory and antioxidant properties of propofol may have beneficial effects in patients with sepsis and systemic inflammatory response syndrome.
authors.affiliation: Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19107, USA. pmarik@zbzoom.net
authors.forename: Paul E
authors.initials: PE
authors.lastname: Marik
mesh_terms: D018686:Anesthetics, Intravenous; D000975:Antioxidants / Q000737:chemistry / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002614:Chelating Agents / Q000494:pharmacology*; D002626:Chemistry, Pharmaceutical; D004492:Edetic Acid / Q000494:pharmacology*; D004655:Emulsions; D006801:Humans; D006993:Hypnotics and Sedatives; D007155:Immunologic Factors / Q000737:chemistry / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use; D015227:Lipid Peroxidation / Q000187:drug effects; D015742:Propofol / Q000737:chemistry / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use
chemical_list: D018686:Anesthetics, Intravenous; D000975:Antioxidants; D002614:Chelating Agents; D004655:Emulsions; D006993:Hypnotics and Sedatives; D007155:Immunologic Factors; D004492:Edetic Acid; D015742:Propofol