Propofol protects against oxidative-stress-induced COS-7 cell apoptosis by inducing autophagy

Background In oxidative stress, reactive oxygen species (ROS) production contributes to cellular dysfunction and initiates the apoptotic cascade. Autophagy is considered the mechanism that decreases ROS concentration and oxidative damage. Propofol shows antioxidant properties, but the mechanisms underlying the effect of propofol preconditioning (PPC) on oxidative injury remain unclear. Therefore, we investigated whether PPC protects against cell damage from hydrogen peroxide (H2O2)-induced oxidative stress and influences cellular autophagy.