Effects of propofol on mammalian central and peripheral circadian clocks

Abstract Background Circadian rhythm has a significant correlation with the occurrence and development of many diseases. Studies have shown that the anesthetic agent propofol can alter the rhythms of body temperature and activity in rats. Methods U2OS cells and ex vivo liver tissue were treated with different concentration of propofol, followed by recording the oscillation of the circadian clock. And two month-old mice were exposed to propofol (10mg/kg and 20mg/kg) or vehicle, detecting the expression of the clock genes. Results The results showed that propofol reduced the amplitude and lengthened the period of Per2 oscillation. Treatment with 10 mg/kg propofol significantly increased the expression of D-box binding PAR BZIP transcription factor (Dbp) and clock circadian regulator (Clock) in the liver. Treatment with 20 mg/kg propofol significantly decreased expression of cryptochrome circadian regulator 1 (Cry1), Dbp, nuclear receptor subfamily 1 group D member 1 (Nr1d1) and Clock and significantly increased the hypoxia signaling pathway genes hypoxia inducible factor 1 subunit alpha (Hif-1α), Egl-9 family hypoxia inducible factors Egln1, Egln2 and Egln3 in the hypothalamus. Conclusion The above results indicate that the general anesthetic propofol can change the circadian clock of ex vivo and in vivo mammalian liver tissues.