# Exploring the correlation between Drp1 protein and the neurotoxicity of propofol

## TL;DR

This paper explores how Drp1 protein is linked to the brain-damaging effects of the anesthetic propofol, focusing on mitochondrial changes.

## Contribution

The study systematically reviews Drp1's role in propofol-induced neurotoxicity across multiple species and organ systems.

## Key findings

- Drp1 is a key regulator of mitochondrial fission linked to propofol-induced neurotoxicity.
- Abnormal Drp1 activity correlates with mitochondrial fragmentation in multiple organs affected by propofol.
- The findings suggest Drp1 could be a target for detecting and preventing propofol neurotoxicity.

## Abstract

Neurotoxicity is a common toxic reaction associated with the use of the anesthetic drug propofol. With the widespread use of propofol, the issue of neurotoxicity has garnered significant attention. Mitochondria are the energy metabolism centers of cells and play a crucial role in biological processes such as cell growth and development, invasion and metastasis, division and differentiation, and apoptosis. Dynamin-related protein 1 (Drp1) is a key regulator of mitochondrial fission that can modulate the dynamic balance of mitochondria and plays an important role in maintaining mitochondrial morphology and function. The abnormal expression of Drp1 is closely related to the occurrence and development of various pathological conditions. Through a systematic review of multi-species animal and cellular studies, we elucidated the correlation between Drp1 and propofol-induced neurotoxicity. By analyzing Drp1-mediated mitochondrial fragmentation across different organ systems, this work provides crucial theoretical foundations for developing Drp1-targeted strategies in propofol neurotoxicity detection, prevention, and pharmacological intervention.

Illustration of mitochondrial balance and the effect of propofol. Two scales show balance and imbalance in mitochondrial fusion and fission. Propofol triggers Drp1, leading to excessive fission, depicted as damaging the brain, liver, heart, and kidneys, indicated by an arrow and a red star.

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