Altered Mitochondrial Dynamics Contributes to Propofol-induced Cell Death in Human Stem Cell-derived Neurons.

Background: Studies in developing animals have shown that anesthetic agents can lead to neuronal cell death and learning disabilities when administered early in life. Development of human embryonic stem cell-derived neurons has provided a valuable tool for understanding the effects of anesthetics on developing human neurons. Unbalanced mitochondrial fusion and fission lead to various pathological conditions including neurodegeneration.

Up-regulation of microRNA-21 mediates isoflurane-induced protection of cardiomyocytes.

Background: Anesthetic cardioprotection reduces myocardial infarct size after ischemia-reperfusion injury. Currently, the role of microRNA in this process remains unknown. MicroRNAs are short, noncoding nucleotide sequences that negatively regulate gene expression through degradation or suppression of messenger RNA.

Down-regulation of microRNA-21 is involved in the propofol-induced neurotoxicity observed in human stem cell-derived neurons.

Background: Recent studies in various animal models have suggested that anesthetics such as propofol, when administered early in life, can lead to neurotoxicity. These studies have raised significant safety concerns regarding the use of anesthetics in the pediatric population and highlight the need for a better model to study anesthetic-induced neurotoxicity in humans. Human embryonic stem cells are capable of differentiating into any cell type and represent a promising model to study mechanisms governing anesthetic-induced neurotoxicity.