Dexmedetomidine ameliorates diabetic intestinal injury by promoting the polarization of M2 macrophages through the MMP23B pathway

Figure 10  Dexmedetomidine induces mitochondrial impairment in Caco-2 cells in vitro. A-M: During inflammation, mitochondrial oxidative energy metabolism plays a pivotal role in maintaining the integrity of the gut epithelial barrier. We investigated the potential effects of dexmedetomidine on high glucose-induced mitochondrial dysfunction in Caco-2 cells. Comparative analysis revealed that dexmedetomidine treatment, as opposed to high glucose treatment alone, substantially reduced mitochondrial dysfunction, manifested through reduced levels of JC-1 monomers and enhanced ΔΨm. ^aP < 0.05, ^cP < 0.001. HG: High glucose; DEX: Dexmedetomidine; PBS: Phosphate buffer saline; GM: GM6001.