Propofol has a chemical structure similar to that of phenol-based free radical scavengers such as vitamin E, and reduces free radicals. This Propofol antioxidant may directly intervene at the critical phase of reperfusion injury by reducing free radicals, Ca 2+ influx and neutrophil activity.
Oxygen leads to the formation of free oxygen radicals which react with polyunsaturated fatty acids of cell membranes resulting in disruption of cell membranes. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are central to cardiac ischaemic and reperfusion injury. They contribute to myocardial stunning, infarction and apoptosis, and possibly to the genesis of arrhythmias.
This propofol antioxidant acts as a scavenger of ROS to protect the heart from the effects of ischaemia and reperfusion. Propofol attenuates free-radical-mediated lipid peroxidation and systemic inflammation in patients with impaired myocardial function undergoing CABG.
Propofol antioxidant attenuates oxidant-induced ALI.