Comparative effects of vitamin C on the effects of local anesthetics ropivacaine, bupivacaine, and lidocaine on human chondrocytes, 2015

Topics: Chondrocytes; Vitamin C; Local anesthetics; Ropivacaine; Bupivacaine; Lidocaine

Authors: Jun Tian, Yan Li

Abstract

Background: Intra-articular injections of local anesthetics are commonly used to enhance post-operative analgesia following orthopedic surgery as arthroscopic surgeries. Nevertheless, recent reports of severe complications due to the use of intra-articular local anesthetic have raised concerns.

Objectives: The study aims to assess use of vitamin C in reducing adverse effects of the most commonly employed anesthetics – ropivacaine, bupivacaine and lidocaine – on human chondrocytes.

Methods: The chondrocyte viability following exposure to 0.5% bupivacaine or 0.75% ropivacaine or 1.0% lidocaine and/or vitamin C at doses 125, 250 and 500 μM was determined by LIVE/DEAD assay and annexin V staining. Expression levels of caspases 3 and 9 were assessed using antibodies by Western blotting. Flow cytometry was performed to analyze the generation of reactive oxygen species.

Results: On exposure to the local anesthetics, chondrotoxicity was found in the order ropivacaine

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