Effects of dexmedetomidine pretreatment on heme oxygenase-1 expression and oxidative stress during one-lung ventilation

Purpose: This study aimed to explore effects of dexmedetomidine pretreatment on heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) expression and oxidative stress during one-lung ventilation (OLV) in lung cancer patients. Methods: Fifty patients with lung carcinoma (ASA I-II, 40-65 years old, body mass index [BMI] < 30 kg/m²) undergoing pulmonary lobectomy were enrolled. They were divided randomly into two equal groups before anaesthesia induction to receive either intravenous injection of 1 μg/kg dexmedetomidine for 20 min (Dexmedetomidine) or not (Control). Results: The results showed no difference in heart rate (HR), mean arterial pressure (MAP) and bispectral index (BIS) between the two groups, as well as liquid intake and output volume (LIO), duration of OLV and time from surgery beginning to excision of pathological tissues (P > 0.05). Levels of tumor necrosis factor (TNF-α) and malondialdehyde (MDA) in Dexmedetomidine group were lower than that of Control at OLV 60 and 90 (P < 0.05). Superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity and the expression level of HO-1 were higher in Dexmedetomidine group than in Control (P < 0.05). Conclusions: Dexmedetomidine pretreatment could upregulated expression of HO-1 in lung tissue and reduce oxidative stress and inflammation during OLV. Thus dexmedetomidine played a role in protecting lung injury by promoting HO-1 expression.