Endothelial-cell inflammation and damage by reactive oxygen species are prevented by propofol via ABCA1-mediated cholesterol efflux

Background: Cholesterol efflux efficiency, reactive oxygen species, and inflammation are closely related to cardiovascular diseases. Our aim was to investigate the effect of propofol on cholesterol-loaded rat aortic endothelial cells after high-density lipoprotein treatment in vitro. Methods and Results: The results showed that propofol promoted cholesterol efflux and ameliorated inflammation and reactive oxygen species overproduction according to the analysis of p65 nuclear translocation and a 2',7'-dichlorofluorescin diacetate assay, respectively. Conclusions: These results provide a possible explanation for the anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and cholesterol efflux-promoting effects of propofol on rat aortic endothelial cells after incubation with high-density lipoprotein.