Propofol inhibits inflammatory response by regulating the miR-494/ Nrdp1 pathway in ICH mice model

Abstract Background: Propofol is an anesthetic agent with neuro-protective effect in neuronal injury. However, the mechanism of propofol in M1 macrophage polarization following ICH has not been well studied. Ubiquitination mediated M1/M2 macrophage polarization plays important roles in pathogenesis of immune disease. The experiment analyzed anti-inflammatory effects of propofol in macrophages following ICH. Methods: In the experiment, macrophages were administrated with erythrocyte lysates, and then miR-494, Nrdp1 and M1 related markers were analyzed. In addition, brain inflammatory response, brain edema, and neurological functions of ICH mice were also assessed. Results: We found that propofol decreased miR-494 levels while increased Nrdp1 levels in macrophages after ICH. We also demonstrated that miR-494 inhibited Nrdp1 expression by directly binding its 3′-untranslated region. MiR-494 attenuated Nrdp1 levels and downstream proinflammatory factors production. Upregulation of Nrdp1 in macrophages significantly decreased M1 macrophage polarization. Conclusion: Taken together, these results suggest that propofol can attenuate the neuroinflammatory response of macrophages after ICH through regulation of the miR-494/Nrdp1 pathway.