AUTHOR=Meier Angela , Chien Jason , Hobohm Laura , Patras Kathryn Ann , Nizet Victor , Corriden Ross 

TITLE=Inhibition of Human Neutrophil Extracellular Trap (NET) Production by Propofol and Lipid Emulsion

JOURNAL=Frontiers in Pharmacology

VOLUME=Volume 10 - 2019

YEAR=2019

URL=https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/pharmacology/articles/10.3389/fphar.2019.00323

DOI=10.3389/fphar.2019.00323

ISSN=1663-9812

ABSTRACT=Uncontrolled bacteremia takes more human lives than any cancer. Neutrophil granulocytes are essential in containing and killing bacteria, and their repertoire includes producing Neutrophil Extracellular Traps (NETs), DNA-based net-like structures with antimicrobial activity. In sepsis, however, NETs  are also known to worsen disseminated coagulation, promote venous thrombosis and are associated with worse outcomes in infections. Here, we describe how physiologic concentrations of the commonly used sedative propofol impair NET production by human neutrophils. Drugs commonly administered in the ICU may impact the inflammatory response to either worsen or improve clinical outcomes and may therefore be considered for additional therapeutic effects if clinical studies confirm such findings.