The Effect of Propofol on the Hippocampus in Chronic Cerebral Hypoxia in a Rat Model Through Klotho Regulation

Abstract

Background/aim: Chronic cerebral hypoxia often leads to brain damage and inflammation. Propofol is suggested to have neuroprotective effects under anaesthesia.

Materials and methods: This study used rat models with carotid artery coarctation or closure. Four groups of rats were compared: a control group, a propofol-treated group, a group with bilateral common carotid artery blockage (BCAO), and a BCAO group treated with propofol post-surgery.

Results: The Morris water maze test indicated cognitive impairment in BCAO rats, which also showed hippocampal structure changes, oxidative stress markers alteration, and reduced Klotho expression. Propofol treatment post-BCAO surgery improved these outcomes, suggesting its potential in mitigating chronic cerebral hypoxia effects.

Conclusion: Propofol may increase klotho levels and reduce apoptosis and inflammation linked to oxidative stress in cognitively impaired mice.

Keywords: Chronic cerebral hypoxia; Klotho; oxidative stress; propofol.