Protective effects of propofol, ketamine, and their combination against H2O2-induced oxidative stress in A549 cells: an evaluation of metabolic activity and antioxidant defense

This study aimed to investigate the loss of cell viability and antioxidant effects of ketamine, propofol, and their combination, against hydrogen peroxide (H 2 O 2 )-induced oxidative stress in A549 cells. IC 50 values were determined by applying different concentrations of H 2 O 2 (100–2000 µM), propofol, ketamine, and a propofol-ketamine combination (10–2000 µg/mL). Cell viability was assessed using the MTT assay after 24 h. Based on the observed reduction in metabolic activity profiles, three specific concentrations (75, 125, 250 µg/mL) were selected to evaluate the antioxidant responses. The protein levels of lysed cells were determined, and malondialdehyde (MDA), total antioxidant status (TAS), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and total glutathione (tGSH) were measured. Treatment with propofol, ketamine, and their combination was associated with lower levels of the lipid peroxidation marker MDA and with higher levels of antioxidant parameters (TAS, SOD, tGSH) under H 2 O 2 -induced oxidative stress, as compared with H 2 O 2 -only controls. The propofol-ketamine combination showed enhanced effects compared to individual treatments by further modulating antioxidant properties in A549 cells, warranting further investigation into their potential supportive roles in lung cancer models.