Propofol infusion syndrome mechanism involves which cellular process?

Propofol infusion syndrome mechanism involves which cellular process?

• A. Stimulation of glycolysis and fatty acid synthesis
• B. Inhibition of glycolysis alone
• C. Increases mitochondrial biogenesis
• D. Inhibits oxidative phosphorylation and fatty acid metabolism

Answer: (D)

Propofol infusion syndrome stems from mitochondrial energy failure caused by propofol. It inhibits oxidative phosphorylation, lowering ATP production, and it also disrupts fatty acid metabolism, especially beta-oxidation, so fatty acids can’t be efficiently used as fuel. In high-energy-demand tissues like heart and skeletal muscle, this double hit creates an energy crisis that leads to organ dysfunction (cardiac failure, muscle breakdown, metabolic acidosis). Because oxidative phosphorylation is impaired, cells rely more on glycolysis, which increases lactate and acidosis. The lipid infusion from propofol can worsen the problem by delivering fatty acids that can’t be effectively oxidized under this dysfunction. Hence, the mechanism fits inhibition of oxidative phosphorylation and fatty acid metabolism.

Propofol infusion syndrome stems from mitochondrial energy failure caused by propofol. It inhibits oxidative phosphorylation, lowering ATP production, and it also disrupts fatty acid metabolism, especially beta-oxidation, so fatty acids can’t be efficiently used as fuel. In high-energy-demand tissues like heart and skeletal muscle, this double hit creates an energy crisis that leads to organ dysfunction (cardiac failure, muscle breakdown, metabolic acidosis). Because oxidative phosphorylation is impaired, cells rely more on glycolysis, which increases lactate and acidosis. The lipid infusion from propofol can worsen the problem by delivering fatty acids that can’t be effectively oxidized under this dysfunction. Hence, the mechanism fits inhibition of oxidative phosphorylation and fatty acid metabolism.