# Biochemical impact of dexmedetomidine on inflammatory and stress markers in gastric cancer surgery: A meta-analysis

## TL;DR

This study finds that dexmedetomidine reduces inflammation and stress markers in gastric cancer surgery patients.

## Contribution

A meta-analysis showing dexmedetomidine's significant reduction of inflammatory and stress biomarkers in gastric cancer surgery.

## Key findings

- Dexmedetomidine significantly lowers IL-6, TNF-a, cortisol, epinephrine, and ACTH levels.
- It also reduces heart rate, mean arterial pressure, and adverse reactions during surgery.
- Findings suggest improved perioperative biochemical responses with dexmedetomidine use.

## Abstract

Dexmedetomidine, an a2-adrenergic agonist, has been reported to modulate inflammatory responses and neuroendocrine stress in surgical settings. This meta-analysis evaluated its effects on serum biochemical markers of inflammation and stress in patients undergoing gastric cancer surgery.

Literature was retrieved from PubMed, CNKI, Wanfang, and VIP databases. Studies comparing dexmedetomidine anesthesia with conventional regimens in gastric cancer surgery were included. RevMan 5.2 was used for meta-analysis. Outcome indicators included interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor-a (TNF-a), cortisol, epinephrine, adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), heart rate (HR), mean arterial pressure (MAP), and adverse events.

Fifteen studies were analyzed. Compared with controls, dexmedetomidine significantly reduced serum levels of IL-6, TNF-a, cortisol, epinephrine, and ACTH (all P < 0.00001). It also decreased HR, MAP visual analog scale (VAS) scores, and incidence of adverse reactions.

Dexmedetomidine anesthesia effectively reduces biochemical markers of inflammation and stress in gastric cancer surgery, suggesting its beneficial role in modulating perioperative biochemical responses.