Beneficial effects of propofol and silymarin on the liver: Silymarin lowers the hyperlipidemia induced by propofol

Silymarin is utilized in the treatment of liver conditions primarily because of its antioxidant properties and its ability to lower blood lipid levels. Propofol, an anesthetic and antioxidant, is harmful to patients with hyperlipidemia. The aim of this study was to investigate the beneficial effects of silymarin and propofol on liver enzymes and blood indices. We also studied the impacts of propofol and silymarin on propofol-induced hyperlipidemia in male Wistar rats.

The rats were divided into four groups: 1) controls; 2) silymarin; 3) propofol; and, 4) combined propofol and silymarin. On the 22nd day after the treatments, all rats were anesthetized, and their blood samples were collected to estimate the levels of AST, ALT, ALP, LDH, TG, TC, LDL-C, and HDL-C. After being sacrificed, the liver was removed from each rat to determine the levels of MDA, GPx, GSH, and CAT. Moreover, histopathological examinations were performed on all liver samples.

Silymarin and propofol, used either separately or in combination, had a favorable effect on the indicators of oxidative stress and the liver’s antioxidant markers. The propofol treatment alone significantly increased the blood lipid parameters. The administration of Silymarin had a modulating effect on propofol-induced hyperlipidemia in rats.

Propofol and silymarin had favorable effects on the liver; however, propofol increased the blood lipids due to its lipid structure, which is a warning for patients with hyperlipidemia. In this regard, silymarin may be considered a protective option, making it a potential treatment for patients experiencing hyperlipidemia induced by propofol.