Allometric relationships between the pharmacokinetics of propofol in rats, children and adults

AIMS: Allometric equations have proven useful for the extrapolation of animal data to determine pharmacokinetic parameters in man. It has been proposed that these equations are also applicable over the human size range including the paediatric population. The aim of this work was to study the relationship between various pharmacokinetic parameters for propofol and body weight using data from rats, children and adults. Furthermore, the utility of allometric scaling is evaluated by the prediction of propofol concentrations in humans based on data obtained in the rat. METHODS: The relationship between the pharmacokinetic parameters of propofol obtained in rats, children and adults was analyzed by plotting the logarithmically transformed parameters against the corresponding logarithmically transformed body weights. In addition, based on allometric equations, pharmacokinetic parameters obtained in rats were scaled to humans. These parameters were used to simulate propofol concentrations in long-term sedated critically ill patients using NONMEM. Simulated concentrations were then compared with actually observed concentrations in humans. RESULTS: The relationship between pharmacokinetic parameters of propofol from rats, children and adults was in good agreement with those from the literature on allometric modelling. For clearance, intercompartmental clearance, central volume of distribution and peripheral volume of distribution, the power parameters were 0.78, 0.73, 0.98 and 1.1, respectively, and r2 values for the linear correlations were 0.990, 0.983, 0.977 and 0.994, respectively. On the basis of data obtained after a single bolus injection in the rat, adequate predictions of propofol concentrations in critically ill patients can be made using allometric equations, despite the long-term nature of the use of the drug, the large number of infusion changes per day and/or differences in state of health and age. CONCLUSIONS: For propofol, allometric scaling has proved to be valuable for cross species extrapolation. Furthermore, the use of the allometric equation between adults and children seems to be an adequate tool for the development of rational dosing schemes for children of varying body weights, and requires further study.     

Changes in effective and lethal doses of intravenous anesthetics and lidocaine when used in combination in mice

We studied the interactions between a local anesthetic agent, lidocaine, and two general anesthetic drugs, propofol and ketamine, in mice. We used two end points: hypnosis, reflected by loss of the righting reflex, and death. The ED50 for hypnosis and the LD50 were determined for each drug separately, and a dose-response curve was prepared for each drug, using combinations of propofol-lidocane and ketamine-lidocaine at three different dose ratios. Probit and isobolographic analyses revealed supra-additive (synergistic) interactions between lidocaine and each of the other anesthetic agents regarding both the effective dose and the lethal dose. No significant difference was found between propofol and ketamine regarding the supraadditive effect.     

Spectral frequency index monitoring during propofol-remifentanil and propofol-alfentanil total intravenous anaesthesia

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to evaluate the usefulness of spectral frequency index (SFx) monitoring to assess the depth of anaesthesia during propofol-opioid total intravenous anaesthesia (TIVA). METHODS: Thirty-three patients scheduled for laparoscopic cholecystectomy under propofol TIVA were prospectively and randomly allocated to receive either remifentanil (bolus of 1.0 microg/kg, followed by continuous infusion from 0.25 to 0.05 microg/kg/min) [n = 18] or alfentanil (bolus of 10 microg/kg, followed by continuous infusion from 2.0 to 0.5 microg/kg/min) [n = 15]. EEG activity was monitored to achieve the desired depth of anaesthesia, and intravenous propofol was titrated to keep the SFx at 70-80%. The remifentanil and alfentanil groups were compared in relation to the plasma propofol concentration required for an adequate level of hypnosis during maintenance of anaesthesia, Pearson correlation coefficient for the relationship between the plasma propofol concentration and SFx values, recovery parameters, and recall of events during anaesthesia. RESULTS: The study groups were comparable with regard to demographic characteristics, type and duration of surgery, and time to resumption of spontaneous ventilation. No evidence of explicit recall was noted. The mean plasma propofol concentration required for an adequate level of hypnosis during maintenance of anaesthesia was significantly higher in the alfentanil group (3.20 microg/mL) compared with the remifentanil group (2.17 microg/L) [p < 0.05]. In both groups, the Pearson correlation coefficient test showed a linear correlation between SFx values and propofol concentration in the studied propofol concentration range. The mean time to orientation for name and place was significantly shorter (p < 0.05), the mean propofol concentration at orientation for name and place and at the resumption of spontaneous ventilation timepoints was significantly lower (both p < 0.01), and the mean SFx value at resumption of spontaneous ventilation timepoint was significantly higher (p < 0.01) in the remifentanil group. CONCLUSIONS: As SFx is linearly related to plasma propofol concentration, this index may be used to measure anaesthetic effect during propofol anaesthesia. The results of this clinical trial are consistent with a previous computer-simulated opioid-propofol model with regard to intraoperative and recovery variables, although the recovery occurred at different propofol concentration and SFx values.     

Influence of body fat on the onset of vecuronium induced neuromuscular blockade

The onset time of vecuronium, a muscle relaxant, was measured after a bolus intravenous injection of 0.15 mg kg(-1) of vecuronium into 40 surgical patients aged 59-64 years. The onset time was then compared between male and female patients and the relationship between onset time and body fat (% of body weight) was analyzed. Arterial plasma concentrations of vecuronium were measured at 75, 195, and 375 sec after administration of vecuronium to 8 patients. The female patients (n = 23) showed a shorter onset time and more body fat than the male patients (n = 17). The onset time significantly decreased with increasing body fat in both groups. When only females with body fat of less than 30% (n = 10) were compared with the male group (all male patients had body fat of less than 30%), the body fat, onset time, and regression lines between the onset time and the body fat did not differ significantly. Except in the patient with the highest body fat, plasma concentrations at 195 and 375 sec significantly increased with increasing body fat. We concluded that the higher body fat in females is largely responsible for the faster onset of vecuronium action in females. A smaller distribution volume of vecuronium may also be one of the reasons for the faster onset of vecuronium in females.     

丙泊酚长链脂肪乳和中／长链脂肪乳注射液对肝脏能量代谢的影响

目的：观察丙泊酚长链脂肪乳注射液（LCT ）和丙泊酚中／长链脂肪乳注射液（MCT／LCT ）短时间恒速输注对肝脏能量代谢的影响。方法选择年龄为18～50岁,术前 ASA分级Ⅰ～Ⅱ级的20例择期手术病人,随机分为2组,每组10例,分别行丙泊酚长链脂肪乳注射液4 mg · kg-1· h-1维持麻醉（L组）、丙泊酚中／长链脂肪乳注射液4 mg · kg-1· h-1维持麻醉（M组）。在气管插管后（T1）、维持输注丙泊酚麻醉2 h后（T 2）,各取静脉血检测乙酰乙酸、β-羟丁酸值,计算血酮体比率（乙酰乙酸／β-羟丁酸）。结果 T1、T2时点两组乙酰乙酸、β-羟丁酸和血酮体比率之间比较,差异均无统计学意义（P＞0．05）。结论丙泊酚长链脂肪乳注射液和丙泊酚中／长链脂肪乳注射液短时间持续输注对肝脏能量代谢没有明显的影响。     

年龄 性别 体重指数 饮食结构与血脂的关系

目的了解年龄、性别、体重指数、饮食结构与血脂的关系。方法用随机抽样方法,抽取开封市20岁以上居民2734人,进行问卷调查并检测血脂水平。结果血清总胆固醇(TC)、甘油三酯(TG)和低密度脂蛋白胆固醇(LDLc)随年龄而增高,但男女之间增高幅度并不平行;高密度脂蛋白胆固醇(HDLc)随年龄变化不明显。血清TC、TG、LDLc随体重指数(BMI)增长而升高,HDLc随BMI增长而下降;血脂水平的变化与饮食结构的改变有关。结论摄取平衡饮食,建立良好的生活和饮食习惯,坚持体育锻炼,以降低高脂血症的发生率,预防心脑血管疾病的发生。     

丙泊酚与异氟烷在平衡麻醉中的剂量-效应关系研究

目的 研究丙泊酚与异氟烷在平衡麻醉中的剂量-效应关系.方法 择期平衡麻醉30例,以丙泊酚1.5 mg/ks、维库溴铵0.12 mg/ks、芬太尼2～4 μg/kg诱导气管插管,以维库溴铵1.2μg?kg-1?min-1、芬太尼2μg?kg-1?h-1持续恒速泵入维持麻醉(直至手术结束前20 min).逐渐减小异氟烷浓度、增加丙泊酚剂量,使各平衡点的BIS值始终维持于50～60之间,记录各平衡点的异氟烷浓度/丙泊酚泵注剂量(并利用SPSS软件绘制散点图)、平均动脉压(MAP)(mm Hg)、心率等.结果 丙泊酚剂量、异氟烷浓度问的关系符合指数曲线模型,其曲线方程式为Y=102.991×exp(-1.4456x),判定系数R2=0.784;丙泊酚最大剂量与异氟烷最大浓度间的比值为54/1.当仅依靠异氟烷吸入维持BIS值于50～60时,MAP较基础值下降明显(P<0.05),随着异氟烷吸入浓度的下降、丙泊酚泵注剂量的增加,各平衡点的MAP、心率渐呈上升趋势,但与麻醉前相比,差异无统计学意义(P>0.05).结论 当BIS维持于50～60时,丙泊酚剂量与异氟烷浓度之间符合指数曲线模型,合理应用丙泊酚可有效降低异氟烷的循环抑制作用.     

Propofol

The hypnotic agent propofol has pharmacokinetic characteristics that allow for rapid onset and offset of drug effect and fast elimination from the body. Elderly patients show a greater sensitivity to the hypnotic effect of propofol. The drug is extensively metabolized in the liver through the cytochrome P450 system and glucuronidation, with potential for drug interaction. Propofol does not cause significant inotropic depression at clinically relevant concentrations. But in vitro, propofol impairs isotonic relaxation of the heart and decreases free cytosolic Ca(2+) concentrations in myocardial cells. In animal models, the cardioprotective effects of propofol derive in part from its antioxidant and free radical scavenging properties. Propofol decreases cerebral blood flow and cerebral metabolic rate dose-dependently. The neuroprotective effect of propofol in animal models is attributed to its antioxidant property, the potentiation of gamma-aminobutyric acid type A (GABA(A))-mediated inhibition of synaptic transmission, and the inhibition of glutamate release. Subhypnotic doses of propofol induce sedative, amnestic, and anxiolytic effects in a dose-dependent fashion. Propofol impairs ventilation with a considerable effect on the control of ventilation and central chemoreceptor sensitivity. Propofol reduces the ventilatory response to hypercapnia and the ventilatory adaptation to hypoxia, even at subanesthetic doses. The drug potentiates hypoxic pulmonary vasoconstriction, an effect caused by inhibition of K(+) (ATP)-mediated pulmonary vasodilatation. Most of the pharmacological actions of propofol result from interaction with the GABA(A) receptor or with calcium channels. Propofol prolongs inhibitory postsynaptic currents mediated by GABA(A) receptors, indicating that its effects are associated with enhanced inhibitory synaptic transmission, but propofol also influences presynaptic mechanisms of GABAergic transmission. Propofol modulates various aspects of the host's inflammatory response. It decreases secretion of proinflammatory cytokines, alters the expression of nitric oxide, impairs monocyte and neutrophil functions, and has potent, dose-dependent radical scavenging activity similar to the endogenous antioxidant vitamin E.     

Defining depth of anesthesia

In this chapter, drawn largely from the synthesis of material that we first presented in the sixth edition of Miller's Anesthesia, Chap 31 (Stanski and Shafer 2005; used by permission of the publisher), we have defined anesthetic depth as the probability of non-response to stimulation, calibrated against the strength of the stimulus, the difficulty of suppressing the response, and the drug-induced probability of non-responsiveness at defined effect site concentrations. This definition requires measurement of multiple different stimuli and responses at well-defined drug concentrations. There is no one stimulus and response measurement that will capture depth of anesthesia in a clinically or scientifically meaningful manner. The "clinical art" of anesthesia requires calibration of these observations of stimuli and responses (verbal responses, movement, tachycardia) against the dose and concentration of anesthetic drugs used to reduce the probability of response, constantly adjusting the administered dose to achieve the desired anesthetic depth. In our definition of "depth of anesthesia" we define the need for two components to create the anesthetic state: hypnosis created with drugs such as propofol or the inhalational anesthetics and analgesia created with the opioids or nitrous oxide. We demonstrate the scientific evidence that profound degrees of hypnosis in the absence of analgesia will not prevent the hemodynamic responses to profoundly noxious stimuli. Also, profound degrees of analgesia do not guarantee unconsciousness. However, the combination of hypnosis and analgesia suppresses hemodynamic response to noxious stimuli and guarantees unconsciousness.     

Effect of fat tissue volume on the distribution kinetics of biperiden as a function of age in rats

The relationship between the volume of fat tissue and variations in the time course of plasma biperiden concentration in rats has been examined in three different groups (4-, 10-, and 50-week-old rats). The plasma concentrations at 24 hr after iv injection of 3.2 mg/kg varied between 0.8 ng/ml (4-week-old rats) and 5.0 ng/ml (50-week-old rats). The rank order of the steady state distribution volume of biperiden was: 50-week-old rats greater than 10-week-old rats greater than 4-week-old rats. The fat volume of the whole body, extracted from the dried carcass with ether, varied between 42 g/kg (4-week-old rats) and 167 g/kg (50-week-old rats). There was a good correlation between the steady state distribution volume of biperiden per lean mass body weight and the fat volume per lean mass body weight (r = 0.987). The fat/plasma concentration ratios at 8 hr after the iv injection varied between 600 (4-week-old rats) and 200 (50-week-old rats), whereas the brain/plasma concentration ratios were identical to those at steady state among the three groups. The time courses of biperiden concentration in plasma, brain, and fat were simulated using a physiological pharmacokinetic model. There was reasonable agreement between the model predictions and the observed data, suggesting that the change in the fat volume is a dominant determinant of the distribution volume of biperiden in rats. Age-related changes in tissue and plasma concentrations are discussed in relation to the clinical usefulness of the blood level monitoring.     

Increased responsiveness to ethanol with advancing age in rats

Male CD strain rats of three different ages (young—5 months; middle—15; old—27 months) were tested for their responsiveness to doses of ethanol sufficient to produce hypothermia or hypnosis. Comparison dosages of ethanol across age groups were based upon the estimated equivalent dilution of the drug into the body water compartments of subjects. In the hypnosis study, there were no statistically significant differences among the groups with regard to the time elapsed until the righting reflex was lost or in total sleep time. However, old animals recovered the righting reflex in the presence of lower blood ethanol concentrations than those observed for young and middle animals, suggesting a greater sensitivity of target tissues to the hypnotic effects of ethanol in old rats. The responsiveness of old rats to the hypothermic effect of ethanol was greater than that of younger rats only when the experiment was conducted at an ambient room temperature of 10°C.     

Free and bound propofol concentrations in human cerebrospinal fluid

AIMS: The aim of this study was to define the relationship between unbound propofol concentrations in plasma and total drug concentrations in human cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), and to determine whether propofol exists in the CSF in bound form. METHODS: Forty-three patients (divided into three groups) scheduled for elective intracranial procedures and anaesthetized by propofol target control infusion (TCI) were studied. Blood and CSF samples (taken from the radial artery, and the intraventricular drainage, respectively) from group I (17 patients) were used to investigate the relationship between unbound propofol concentration in plasma and total concentration of the drug in CSF. CSF samples taken from group II (18 patients) were used to confirm the presence of the bound form of propofol in this fluid. The CSF and blood samples taken from group III (eight patients) were used to monitor the course of free and bound CSF propofol concentrations during anaesthesia. RESULTS: For group I patients the mean (and 95% confidence interval) total plasma propofol concentration was 6113 (4971, 7255) ng ml(-1), the mean free propofol concentration in plasma was 63 (42, 84) ng ml(-1), and the mean total propofol concentration in CSF was 96 (76, 116) ng ml(-1) (P < 0.05 for the difference between the last two values). For group II patients the fraction of free propofol in CSF was 31 (26, 37)%. For group III patients the fraction of free propofol in CSF during TCI was almost constant (about 36%). CONCLUSIONS: The unbound propofol concentration in plasma was not equal to its total concentration in CSF and cannot be directly related to the drug concentration in the brain. Binding of propofol to components of the CSF may be an additional mechanism regulating the transport of the drug from blood into CSF.     

靶控输注丙泊酚对七氟醚最低肺泡有效浓度的影响

目的比较不同剂量丙泊酚靶控输注对七氟醚最低肺泡有效浓度（MAC）的影响。方法选取本院2010年10月～2012年10月妇科腹腔镜择期手术的患者85例,按照丙泊酚靶控浓度随机分为a、b、c、d、e5个实验小组,5个分组中丙泊酚血浆浓度分别是1.0、1.5、2.0、2.5μg/ml以及单纯吸入七氟醚e组,每组各17例。研究不同血浆浓度丙泊酚对七氟醚MAC的影响与两者之间的相互关系,探讨两者配伍的合理使用方案。结果 5组中T1～T4时刻,七氟醚MAC值比较,e组对应各时刻七氟醚MAC值明显较低（P〈0.01）;d组与其他组比较,血管活性药物及阿托品使用量及其次数较少,七氟醚MAC值的降低与丙泊酚血浆浓度的升高之间呈线性关系。结论靶控输注丙泊酚血浆浓度和七氟醚的MAC值之间的反相关关系,有利于临床上利用该关系检测和诊断,不同靶浓度的丙泊酚对七氟醚MAC的影响不同,血浆浓度逐渐增高,七氟醚MAC逐渐降低。     

Increased plasma levels of zinc in obese adult females on a weight-loss program based on a hypocaloric balanced diet

Zinc is required for many biological functions including DNA synthesis, cell division, gene expression and the activity of various enzymes in humans and animals. Zinc concentrations in the plasma and erythrocytes are lower and urinary zinc excretion and serum insulin levels are higher in subjects with obesity. The effects of a weight-loss program based on a hypocaloric balanced diet were investigated on 23 obese females, who had a body mass index of more than 25.0 and had dieted for 6 months at the Nutrition Clinic, Institute of Nutrition Sciences, Kagawa Nutrition University, Tokyo, Japan. The subjects ranged in age from 29 to 76 (54.3 +/- 13.0) years old. The hypocaloric balanced diet significantly reduced the body weight, body mass index, body fat percentage and amount of body fat with a slight lowering of blood pressure and plasma levels of triglyceride. Interestingly, the plasma concentrations of zinc were markedly enhanced at the end of the program.     

Effect of short-term cigarette smoke exposure on body weight, appetite and brain neuropeptide Y in mice.

Although nicotinic receptors have been demonstrated in hypothalamic appetite-regulating areas and nicotine administration alters food intake and body weight in both animals and humans, the mechanisms underlying the effects of smoking on appetite circuits remain unclear. Conflicting effects of nicotine on the major orexigenic peptide, neuropeptide Y (NPY), have been observed in the brain, but the effects of smoking are unknown. Thus, we aimed to investigate how cigarette smoking affects body weight, food intake, plasma leptin concentration, hypothalamic NPY peptide, adipose mass and mRNA expression of uncoupling proteins (UCP), and tumor necrosis factor (TNF) alpha. Balb/C mice (8 weeks) were exposed to cigarette smoke (three cigarettes, three times a day for 4 consecutive days) or sham exposed. Body weight and food intake were recorded. Plasma leptin and brain NPY were measured by radioimmunoassay. UCPs and TNF alpha mRNA were measured by real-time PCR. Food intake dropped significantly from the first day of smoking, and weight loss became evident within 2 days. Brown fat and retroperitoneal white fat masses were significantly reduced, and plasma leptin concentration was decreased by 34%, in line with the decreased fat mass. NPY concentrations in hypothalamic subregions were similar between two groups. UCP1 mRNA was decreased in white fat and UCP3 mRNA increased in brown fat in smoking group. Short-term cigarette smoke exposure led to reduced body weight, food intake, and fat mass. The reduction in plasma leptin concentration may have been too modest to increase NPY production; alternatively, change in NPY or its function might have been offset by nicotine or other elements in cigarette smoke.     

Pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of propofol in patients undergoing abdominal aortic surgery

Available propofol pharmacokinetic protocols for target-controlled infusion (TCI) were obtained from healthy individuals. However, the disposition as well as the response to a given drug may be altered in clinical conditions. The aim of the study was to examine population pharmacokinetics (PK) and pharmacodynamics (PD) of propofol during total intravenous anesthesia (propofol/fentanyl) monitored by bispectral index (BIS) in patients scheduled for abdominal aortic surgery. Population nonlinear mixed-effect modeling was done with Nonmem. Data were obtained from ten male patients. The TCI system (Diprifusor) was used to administer propofol. The BIS index served to monitor the depth of anesthesia. The propofol dosing was adjusted to keep BIS level between 40 and 60. A two-compartment model was used to describe propofol PK. The typical values of the central and peripheral volume of distribution, and the metabolic and inter-compartmental clearance were V(C) = 24.7 l, V(T) = 112 l, Cl = 2.64 l/min and Q = 0.989 l/min. Delay of the anesthetic effect, with respect to plasma concentrations, was described by the effect compartment with the rate constant for the distribution to the effector compartment equal to 0.240 min(-1). The BIS index was linked to the effect site concentrations through a sigmoidal E(max) model with EC(50) = 2.19 mg/l. The body weight, age, blood pressure and gender were not identified as statistically significant covariates for all PK/PD parameters. The population PK/PD model was successfully developed to describe the time course and variability of propofol concentration and BIS index in patients undergoing surgery.     

The pharmacokinetics of propofol in ICU patients undergoing long‐term sedation

The aim of this study was to characterize the pharmacokinetics (PK) of propofol in ICU patients undergoing long‐term sedation and to assess the influence of routinely collected covariates on the PK parameters. Propofol concentration–time profiles were collected from 29 patients. Non‐linear mixed‐effects modelling in NONMEM 7.2 was used to analyse the observed data. The propofol pharmacokinetics was best described with a three‐compartment disposition model. Non‐parametric bootstrap and a visual predictive check were used to evaluate the adequacy of the developed model to describe the observations. The typical value of the propofol clearance (1.46 l/min) approximated the hepatic blood flow. The volume of distribution at steady state was high and was equal to 955.1 l, which is consistent with other studies involving propofol in ICU patients. There was no statistically significant covariate relationship between PK parameters and opioid type, SOFA score on the day of admission, APACHE II, predicted death rate, reason for ICU admission (sepsis, trauma or surgery), gender, body weight, age, infusion duration and C‐reactive protein concentration. The population PK model was developed successfully to describe the time‐course of propofol concentration in ICU patients undergoing prolonged sedation. Despite a very heterogeneous group of patients, consistent PK profiles were observed. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Bisphenol A regulation of testicular endocrine function in male rats is affected by diet

There is concern that early-life exposure to bisphenol A (BPA) may alter developmental programming and predispose individuals to obesity and reproductive anomalies. The present study was designed to determine if a high fat diet at sexual maturation moderates testicular toxicity occasioned by exposure to BPA during reproductive development. Therefore, male rats were exposed to BPA by maternal gavage (0, 2.5 or 25 μg/kg body weight/day) from gestational day 12 to postnatal day 21. At weaning, control and BPA-exposed animals were placed on a regular normal fat diet (NFD) until 70 days of age when they were continued on the NFD or were maintained on a high fat diet (HFD) until euthanasia at 98 days. Adult male rats maintained on HFD were generally heavier than NFD animals due to greater energy intake but energy intake per unit body weight gain was similar in all animals. However, perinatal exposure to BPA decreased (P < 0.05) serum adiponectin as well as adiponectin and AdipoR2 protein expression levels in Leydig cells. Importantly, the combination of BPA exposure and HFD consumption promoted lipid peroxidation evidenced by elevated serum thiobarbituric acid reactive substances and glutathione concentrations. These findings imply that interaction between BPA and HFD potentially causes testicular dysfunction to a greater degree than would be due to BPA exposure or HFD consumption. Given the relationship that exists between energy homeostasis and reproductive activity, additional studies are warranted to investigate the consequences of BPA-diet interactions on testicular function.