Effect of Propofol Induction on Antioxidant Defense System, Cytokines, and CD4+and CD8+T Cells in Cats

We investigated the effects of propofol on the antioxidant defense mechanisms, pro and anti-inflammatory cytokine expressions and specific defense processes in the study since these parameters play a significant role in postoperative complications, regulation of immune reactions, and wound healing. Twenty male cats were included in the study, anesthesia protocol was induced by IV administration of 6 mg/kg of propofol. Blood samples were harvested right before (T0) and fifteen minutes after (T1) propofol injection. Serum malondialdehyde (MDA), catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), IL-4, IL-8, TNF-a, IL-113, and IFN-y levels; the number of CD4+, CD8+ T cells and CD4/CD8 ratio in peripheral blood were determined. Propofol reduced the serum MDA and GSH-Px, while CAT and SOD levels remained unchanged. Furthermore, propofol did not impact serum IL-8, TNF-a, and IL-113 levels. Contrastingly, IFN-y level tended to elevate, and serum IL-4 level was significantly increased. On the other hand, the CD8+ T cell population was significantly decreased, while the number of CD4+ T cells and the CD4/CD8 ratio were unaffected. Briefly, propofol did not adversely affect oxidative defense mechanisms, proinflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokine cascade, and cell mediated immunity. Considering the insufficiency of cats' hepatic drug metabolism, we may conclude that propofol is a safe product regarding the investigated parameters.