Propofol Inhibits Lung Cancer A549 Cell Growth and Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition Process by Upregulation of MicroRNA-1284

Propofol inhibits colon cancer cell stemness and epithelial-mesenchymal transition by regulating SIRT1, Wnt/β-catenin and PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathways

BACKGROUND

Propofol is a common sedative-hypnotic drug used for general anesthesia. Recent studies have drawn attention to the antitumor effects of propofol, but the potential mechanism by which propofol suppresses colon cancer stemness and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) has not been fully elucidated.

METHODS

For the in vitro experiments, we used propofol to treat LOVO and SW480 cells and Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8) to detect proliferation. Self-renewal capacity, cell invasion and migration, flow cytometry analysis, qPCR and Western blotting were performed to detect the suppression of propofol to colon cancer cells and the underlying mechanism. Tumorigenicity and immunohistochemistry experiments were performed to confirm the role of propofol in vivo.

RESULT

We observed that propofol could suppressed stem cell-like characteristics and EMT-related behaviors, including self-renewal capacity, cell invasion and migration in colon cancer cells, and even suppressed tumorigenicity in vivo. Furthermore, investigations of the underlying mechanism revealed that propofol treatment downregulated SIRT1. SIRT1 overexpression or knockdown affected the stemness and EMT of colon cancer cells. Additionally, propofol reversed stemness and EMT in cells with overexpressing SIRT1 and subsequently inhibited the Wnt/β-catenin and PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathways. Wnt/β-catenin pathway inhibitor and PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway inhibitor blocked the propofol-induced reduction of sphere-formation and cell invasion-migration.

CONCLUSION

Propofol inhibits LOVO and SW480 cell stemness and EMT by regulating SIRT1 and the Wnt/β-catenin and PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathways. Our findings indicate that propofol inhibits SIRT1 in cancer and is advantageous in colon cancer surgical treatment of patients with high SIRT1 expression.

Optimization of a tri-drug treatment against lung cancer using orthogonal design in preclinical studies

A growing body of evidence suggests that anesthetics impact the outcome of patients with cancer after surgical intervention. However, the optimal dose and underlying mechanisms of co-administered anesthetics in lung tumor therapy have been poorly studied. Here, we aimed to investigate the role of combined anesthetics propofol, sufentanil, and rocuronium in treating lung cancer using an orthogonal experimental design and to explore the optimal combination of anesthetics. First, we evaluated the effects of the three anesthetics on the proliferation and invasion of A-549 cells using Cell Counting Kit 8 and Transwell migration and invasion assays. Subsequently, we applied the orthogonal experimental design (OED) method to screen the appropriate concentrations of the combined anesthetics with the most effective antitumor activity. We found that all three agents inhibited the proliferation of A-549 cells in a dose- and time-dependent manner when applied individually or in combination, with the highest differences in the magnitude of inhibition occurring 24 h after combined drug exposure. The optimal combination of the three anesthetics that achieved the strongest reduction in cell viability was 1.4 µmol/L propofol, 2 nmol/L sufentanil, and 7.83 µmol/L rocuronium. This optimal 3-drug combination produced a more beneficial result at 24 h than either single drug. Our results provide a theoretical basis for improving the efficacy of lung tumor treatment and optimizing anesthetic strategies.

Tumor Necrosis Factor Alpha: Implications of Anesthesia on Cancers

Cancer remains a major public health issue and a leading cause of death worldwide. Despite advancements in chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and immunotherapy, surgery is the mainstay of cancer treatment for solid tumors. However, tumor cells are known to disseminate into the vascular and lymphatic systems during surgical manipulation. Additionally, surgery-induced stress responses can produce an immunosuppressive environment that is favorable for cancer relapse. Up to 90% of cancer-related deaths are the result of metastatic disease after surgical resection. Emerging evidence shows that the interactions between tumor cells and the tumor microenvironment (TME) not only play decisive roles in tumor initiation, progression, and metastasis but also have profound effects on therapeutic efficacy. Tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), a pleiotropic cytokine contributing to both physiological and pathological processes, is one of the main mediators of inflammation-associated carcinogenesis in the TME. Because TNF-α signaling may modulate the course of cancer, it can be therapeutically targeted to ameliorate clinical outcomes. As the incidence of cancer continues to grow, approximately 80% of cancer patients require anesthesia during cancer care for diagnostic, therapeutic, or palliative procedures, and over 60% of cancer patients receive anesthesia for primary surgical resection. Numerous studies have demonstrated that perioperative management, including surgical manipulation, anesthetics/analgesics, and other supportive care, may alter the TME and cancer progression by affecting inflammatory or immune responses during cancer surgery, but the literature about the impact of anesthesia on the TNF-α production and cancer progression is limited. Therefore, this review summarizes the current knowledge of the implications of anesthesia on cancers from the insights of TNF-α release and provides future anesthetic strategies for improving oncological survival.

Transcriptome analysis reveals the differential inflammatory effects between propofol and sevoflurane during lung cancer resection: a randomized pilot study

BACKGROUND

Propofol and sevoflurane are two commonly used perioperative anesthetics. Some studies have found that these anesthetic drugs affect tumorigenesis. Previous studies have mostly focused on in vitro experiments, and the specimens collected were mainly peripheral body fluids, lacking direct evidence of the impact of anesthetic drugs on human tissues. This study aimed to elucidate the effects of propofol and sevoflurane on lung cancer using next-generation sequencing through an in vivo experiment.

METHODS

Patients were randomly assigned to a group receiving either propofol or sevoflurane during surgery. Then, the patients' tumor and paired normal samples were collected and sequenced by next-generation sequencing. Differentially expressed genes (DEG) were analyzed by two statistical models, followed by cluster analysis, PCA, Gene Ontology, and KEGG pathway analysis. Candidate genes were confirmed by qRT-PCR.

RESULTS

The demographic data of the two study groups were not statistically significant. Through single-factor model analysis, 810 DEG in the propofol group and 508 DEG in the sevoflurane group were obtained. To better reflect the differential effects between propofol and sevoflurane while reducing the false-positive DEG, we used multifactor model analysis, which resulted in 124 DEG. In PCA and cluster analysis, four groups (propofol cancer group, propofol normal group, sevoflurane cancer group, sevoflurane normal group) were separated adequately, indicating the accuracy of the analysis. We chose seven significant pathways (cellular response to interleukin-1, chemokine-mediated signaling pathway, chemokine signaling pathway, cytokine-cytokine receptor interaction, inflammatory response, immune response, and TNF signaling pathway) for downstream analysis. Based on the pathway analysis, three candidate genes (CXCR1, CXCL8, and TNFAIP3) were chosen, and their qRT-PCR results were consistent with the sequencing results.

CONCLUSIONS

Through RNA-seq analysis, the effects of propofol and sevoflurane during lung cancer resection were different, mainly in inflammatory-related pathways, which might be possibly by targeting CXCL8.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

Trial registry number was ChiCTR1900026213 .

An intravenous anesthetic drug-propofol, influences the biological characteristics of malignant tumors and reshapes the tumor microenvironment: A narrative literature review

Malignant tumors are the second leading cause of death worldwide. This is a public health concern that negatively impacts human health and poses a threat to the safety of life. Although there are several treatment approaches for malignant tumors, surgical resection remains the primary and direct treatment for malignant solid tumors. Anesthesia is an integral part of the operation process. Different anesthesia techniques and drugs have different effects on the operation and the postoperative prognosis. Propofol is an intravenous anesthetic that is commonly used in surgery. A substantial number of studies have shown that propofol participates in the pathophysiological process related to malignant tumors and affects the occurrence and development of malignant tumors, including anti-tumor effect, pro-tumor effect, and regulation of drug resistance. Propofol can also reshape the tumor microenvironment, including anti-angiogenesis, regulation of immunity, reduction of inflammation and remodeling of the extracellular matrix. Furthermore, most clinical studies have also indicated that propofol may contribute to a better postoperative outcome in some malignant tumor surgeries. Therefore, the author reviewed the chemical properties, pharmacokinetics, clinical application and limitations, mechanism of influencing the biological characteristics of malignant tumors and reshaping the tumor microenvironment, studies of propofol in animal tumor models and its relationship with postoperative prognosis of propofol in combination with the relevant literature in recent years, to lay a foundation for further study on the correlation between propofol and malignant tumor and provide theoretical guidance for the selection of anesthetics in malignant tumor surgery.

Anesthetic propofol enhances cisplatin-sensitivity of non-small cell lung cancer cells through N6-methyladenosine-dependently regulating the miR-486-5p/RAP1-NF-κB axis

BACKGROUND

Drug resistance is a considerable challenge for chemotherapy in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Propofol, a commonly used intravenous anesthetics, has been reported to suppress the malignancy of various cancers. However, the effects of propofol on cisplatin (DDP) sensitivity in NSCLC and its molecular mechanisms have not been clearly clarified yet, and the present study aimed to resolve this problem.

METHODS

NSCLC cells were co-treated with propofol and DDP, Cell Counting kit-8 assay, colony formation assay and flow cytometry were conducted to test the role of propofol in regulating DDP-resistance in NSCLC. Next, through conducting quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction, dual-luciferase gene reporter system and western blot, the responsible molecular axis in propofol regulating the DDP sensitivity in NSCLC was uncovered, and the function verification experiments were performed by transfection with the inhibitors or small interfering RNAs of those molecules.

RESULTS

Propofol suppressed cell viability, colony formation ability, tumorigenesis, and promoted cell apoptosis to enhance DDP-sensitivity in NSCLC in vitro and in vivo. Propofol increased miR-486-5p level in NSCLC cells and xenograft tumors tissues in a N6-methyladenosine (m6A)-dependent manner, thus inactivating the Ras-associated protein1 (RAP1)-NF-kappaB (NF-κB) axis. Propofol regulated the miR-486-5p/RAP1-NF-κB axis to improve DDP-sensitivity in NSCLC.

CONCLUSIONS

Taken together, this study firstly investigates the detailed molecular mechanisms by which propofol enhanced DDP-sensitivity in NSCLC cells, and a novel m6A-dependent miR-486-5p/RAP1-NF-κB axis is identified to be closely associated with the process.

Pancreatic Cancer and Microenvironments: Implications of Anesthesia

Simple Summary

Pancreatic cancer is a lethal malignant neoplasm with less than 10% 5-year relative survival after the initial diagnosis. Several factors may be related to the poor prognosis of pancreatic cancer, including the rapid tumor progression, increased metastatic propensity, insignificant symptoms, shortage of early diagnostic biomarkers, and its tendency toward resistance to both chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Pancreatic neoplastic cells interact intimately with a complicated microenvironment that can foster drug resistance, metastasis, or relapse in pancreatic cancer. In addition, evidence shows that perioperative factors, including surgical manipulation, anesthetics, or analgesics, might alter the tumor microenvironment and cancer progression. This review outlines the up-to-date knowledge of anesthesia implications in the pancreatic microenvironment and provides future anesthetic strategies for improving pancreatic cancer survival.

Abstract

Pancreatic malignancy is a lethal neoplasm, as well as one of the leading causes of cancer-associated mortality, having a 5-year overall survival rate of less than 10%. The average life expectancy of patients with advanced pancreatic cancer does not exceed six months. Although surgical excision is a favorable modality for long-term survival of pancreatic neoplasm, metastasis is initially identified in nearly 80% of the patients by the time of diagnosis, making the development of therapeutic policy for pancreatic cancer extremely daunting. Emerging evidence shows that pancreatic neoplastic cells interact intimately with a complicated microenvironment that can foster drug resistance, metastasis, or relapse in pancreatic cancer. As a result, the necessity of gaining further insight should be focused on the pancreatic microenvironment contributing to cancer progression. Numerous evidence reveals that perioperative factors, including surgical manipulation and anesthetics (e.g., propofol, volatile anesthetics, local anesthetics, epidural anesthesia/analgesia, midazolam), analgesics (e.g., opioids, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, tramadol), and anesthetic adjuvants (such as ketamine and dexmedetomidine), might alter the tumor microenvironment and cancer progression by affecting perioperative inflammatory or immune responses during cancer surgery. Therefore, the anesthesiologist plays an important role in perioperative management and may affect surgical outcomes. However, the literature on the impact of anesthesia on the pancreatic cancer microenvironment and progression is limited. This review summarizes the current knowledge of the implications of anesthesia in the pancreatic microenvironment and provides future anesthetic strategies for improving pancreatic cancer survival rates.

Propofol Prevents the Growth, Migration, Invasion, and Glycolysis of Colorectal Cancer Cells by Downregulating Lactate Dehydrogenase Both In Vitro and In Vivo

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most frequently diagnosed gastrointestinal malignancies worldwide and has high rates of morbidity and mortality. Propofol has been reported to have certain anticancer properties. However, the role and mechanism of propofol in CRC are not entirely clear. CRC cells were treated with propofol and/or LDH-overexpression plasmids, and a mouse xenograft model of CRC was also established and treated with propofol. Cell viability, migration, and invasion were evaluated by CCK-8, wound healing, and transwell assays; the expression of related proteins was confirmed by western blotting; indexes of the glycolytic pathway were analyzed using specialized kits; tumor growth in mice was measured; pathological tissue structure was assessed by H&E staining; and 8-OHDG expression was determined by an immunochemistry assay. Our results verified that propofol could effectively prevent the malignant behaviors of CRC cells by suppressing cell viability, migration, and invasion and accelerating apoptosis. We also discovered that propofol could attenuate the glycolytic pathway in CRC cells. Moreover, we proved that lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) was required for the inhibitory effects of propofol on the growth of CRC cells, including glycolysis in CRC cells. Furthermore, our results showed that propofol could not only significantly inhibit tumor growth and glycolysis, but also ameliorate the pathological structure of CRC tumors. The current results proved that propofol could attenuate the malignant progression of CRC by preventing LDH activity, suggesting that propofol might be an effective therapeutic agent for CRC.

Effects of Anesthesia and Anesthetic Techniques on Metastasis of Lung Cancers: A Narrative Review

Purpose

Tumor recurrence and metastasis are essential for the mortality and morbidity of cancer. Surgical resection of solid tumors is the conventional treatment approach for malignant tumors. However, even after undergoing radical surgery, certain patients develop local or distant metastasis, which may contribute to treatment failure. Anesthesia and anesthetic techniques are widely used in the perioperative period. Emerging evidence indicates that anesthetics influence tumor recurrence and metastasis. Therefore, the current review summarizes the effects of anesthesia and anesthetic techniques on tumor recurrence and lung metastasis.

Methods

Relevant literature was retrieved from the following databases: Medline/PubMed, CNKI and Wanfang. A total of 109 articles were selected and analyzed in this research.

Results

(1) A variety of intravenous anesthetics may affect metastasis or tumor growth, though the evidence is contradictory and inconsistent, and the clinical data are still inconclusive. (2) Volatile anesthetics have proinflammatory effects and may have direct and indirect effects on the survival of cancer cells. (3) Although the relevant clinical data are limited, there is strong evidence in vitro that local anesthetics have a protective effect on cancer recurrence. (4) No mode of anesthesia has been determined to be beneficial to patients with cancer, but clinical studies are currently recommended for anesthesia modality and composite use.

Conclusion

Available data suggest that anesthesia and anesthetic techniques might play an important role in tumor progression and lung metastasis, the understanding of which will help in designing more effective management of the tumor and attaining fewer side effects.

Impact of anesthetics on oncogenic signaling network: a review on propofol and isoflurane

Propofol as an intravenous anesthetic and isoflurane as an inhalational/volatile anesthetic continue to be an important part of surgical anesthetic interventions worldwide. The impact of these anesthetics on tumor progression, immune modulation, and survival rates of cancer patients has been widely investigated. Although most of the preclinical studies have provided a beneficial effect of propofol over isoflurane or other volatile anesthetics, several investigations have shown contradictory results, which warrant more preclinical and clinical studies. Propofol mostly exhibits antitumor properties, whereas isoflurane being a cost-effective anesthetic is frequently used. However, isoflurane has been also reported with protumorigenic activity. This review provides an overall perspective on the network of signaling pathways that may modulate several steps of tumor progression from inflammation, immunomodulation, epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) to invasion, metastasis, angiogenesis, and cancer stemness and extracellular vesicles along with chemotherapeutic applications and clinical status of these anesthetics. A clear understanding of the mechanistic viewpoints of these anesthetics may pave the way for more prospective clinical trials with the ultimate goal of obtaining a safe and optimal anesthetic intervention that would prevent cancer recurrence and may influence better postoperative survival.

Targeting miRNAs with anesthetics in cancer: Current understanding and future perspectives

Anesthetics are extensively used during cancer surgeries. The progression of cancer can be influenced by perioperative events such as exposure to general or local anesthesia. However, whether they inhibit cancer or act as a causative factor for metastasis and exert deleterious effects on cancer growth differs based on the type of cancer and the therapy administration. Recent experimental data suggested that many of the most commonly used anesthetics in surgical oncology, whether general or local agents, can alter gene expression and cause epigenetic changes via modulating miRNAs. miRNAs are single-stranded non-coding RNAs that regulate gene expression at various levels, and their dysregulation contributes to the pathogenesis of cancers. However, anesthetics via regulating miRNAs can concurrently target several effectors of cellular signaling pathways involved in cell differentiation, proliferation, and viability. This review summarized the current research about the effects of different anesthetics in regulating cancer, with a particular emphasis on the role of miRNAs. A significant number of studies conducted in this area of research illuminate the effects of anesthetics on the regulation of miRNA expression; therefore, we hope that a thorough understanding of the underlying mechanisms involved in the regulation of miRNA in the context of anesthesia-induced cancer regulation could help to define optimal anesthetic regimens and provide better perspectives for further studies.

Propofol modulates the proliferation, invasion and migration of bladder cancer cells through the miR‑145‑5p/TOP2A axis

Propofol‑based anesthesia has been reported to reduce the recurrence and metastasis of a number of cancer types following surgical resection. However, the effects of propofol in bladder cancer (BC) are yet to be fully elucidated. The aim of the present study was to investigate the functions of propofol in BC and their underlying mechanisms. In the study, the expression of microRNA (miR)‑145‑5p in BC tissues and cell lines was evaluated using reverse transcription‑quantitative PCR, and the effects of propofol on BC cells were determined using cell viability, wound healing and Transwell cell invasion assays, bioinformatics analysis, western blotting, immunohistochemistry and in vivo tumor xenograft models. It was found that propofol significantly suppressed the proliferation, migration and invasion of BC cells in vitro. In addition, propofol induced miR‑145‑5p expression in a time‑dependent manner, and miR‑145‑5p knockdown attenuated the inhibitory effects of propofol on the proliferation, migration and invasion of BC cells. Topoisomerase II α (TOP2A) was a direct target of miR‑145‑5p, and silencing TOP2A reversed the effects of miR‑145‑5p knockdown in propofol‑treated cells. Furthermore, propofol suppressed tumor xenograft growth, which was partially attenuated by miR‑145‑5p knockdown. The present study provided novel insight into the advantages of surgical intervention with propofol anesthesia in patients with BC.

Anti-tumor Activity of Propofol: A Focus on MicroRNAs

BACKGROUND

MicroRNAs are endogenous, short, non-coding RNAs with the length as low as 20 to 25 nucleotides. These RNAs are able to negatively affect the gene expression at the post-transcriptional level. It has been demonstrated that microRNAs play a significant role in cell proliferation, cell migration, cell death, cell differentiation, infection, immune response, and metabolism. Besides, the dysfunction of microRNAs has been observed in a variety of cancers. So, modulation of microRNAs is of interest in the treatment of disorders.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of the current review is to investigate the modulatory effect of propofol on microRNAs in cancer therapy.

METHODS

This review was performed at PubMed, SCOPUS and Web of Science data-bases using keywords "propofol', "microRNA", "cancer therapy", "propofol + microRNA" and "propofol + miR".

RESULTS

It was found that propofol dually down-regulates/upregulates microRNAs to exert its antitumor activity. In terms of oncogenesis microRNAs, propofol exert an inhibitory effect, while propofol significantly enhances the expression of oncosuppressor microRNAs.

CONCLUSION

It seems that propofol is a potential modulator of microRNAs and this capability can be used in the treatment of various cancers.

Effects of propofol on the proliferation and migration of liver cancer cells

Liver cancer is a malignant cancer with worldwide prevalence. It has been reported that cancer cells are usually exposed to a hypoxic microenvironment, which is associated with a poor prognosis in patients with cancer. Propofol is an intravenous anesthetic that is widely used in cancer surgery. The present study aimed to determine the effects of propofol stimulation on the viability, proliferation and migration of liver cancer cells under normoxia and cobalt chloride (CoCl₂)-induced hypoxia. Under normoxia, HepG2 and HCCLM3 cells were randomly divided into six groups as follows: i) Control group; ii) 10 µM propofol group; iii) 25 µM propofol group; iv) 50 µM propofol group; v) 100 µM propofol group; and vi) DMSO group. Cell viability and proliferation were analyzed using Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8) and 5-ethynyl-2'-deoxyuridine (EdU) assays, respectively, following 24 or 48 h of propofol treatment. In addition, wound healing and Transwell migration assays were used to determine the changes in cell migration. Under CoCl₂-induced hypoxia, the protein levels of hypoxia inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α) of HepG2 cells were analyzed using western blotting. Subsequently, CCK-8 and wound healing assays were used to determine the effect of propofol on cell viability and migration. The results of the present study revealed that propofol stimulation had no significant effect on the viability, proliferation and migration of HepG2 and HCCLM3 cells under normoxia. The protein levels of HIF-1α were significantly upregulated following the treatment with 200 µM CoCl₂ for 12 h. However, no significant differences were found in the viability and migration of HepG2 cells following the stimulation with propofol in the presence of CoCl₂. In conclusion, the findings of the present study revealed that propofol exerted no effect on the viability, proliferation and migration of HepG2 and HCCLM3 cells under normoxic and hypoxic conditions.

Propofol inhibits the proliferation, migration, invasion and epithelial to mesenchymal transition of renal cell carcinoma cells by regulating microRNA-363/Snail1

OBJECTIVE

Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is one of the most common and life-threatening cancers in the world. Accumulating evidence suggest propofol inhibits the initiation and development of cancers. The main focus of the study was to explore the effect of propofol on RCC and its mechanism of action.

METHODS

In this study, different doses of propofol were used to treat human RCC cell lines i.e., OSRC-2 and SW839. Western blot and trans-well assays were used for the evaluation of RCC cell invasion, proliferation, migration, and transition of epithelial to mesenchymal (EMT). RCC cells following 5 μmol/L propofol treatment for 24 h were applied in the subsequent experiments. Expression of MicroRNAs-363 (miR-363) in cells with or without propofol treatment were analyzed. The expression of Snail1, Vimentin, N-cadherin, and E-cadherin in RCC cells was measured, and then the effect of loss-of-function of miR-363 and gain-of-function of Snail on RCC cells were analyzed. The targeted relationship between miR-363 and Snail1 was investigated using luciferase assay and RIP, RNA pull down.

RESULTS

Propofol reduced the migration, proliferation, invasion and EMT of RCC cells in a dose-dependent way. Propofol elevated miR-363 expression but reduced Snail1 expression, and it reduced Vimentin and N-cadherin but increased E-cadherin expression in RCC cells. miR-363 directly bounds to Snail1. miR-363 inhibition or Snail1 promotion reversed propofol-inhibited malignant behaviors of RCC cells.

CONCLUSION

Our study found that propofol could inhibit invasion, migration, proliferation and EMT of RCC cells by promoting miR-363 expression and suppressing Snail1 expression.

Propofol inhibits proliferation, migration, invasion and promotes apoptosis by regulating HOST2/JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathway in ovarian cancer cells

We aimed to investigate the effect of propofol on the growth of human ovarian cancer cells ES2 and OVCAR-3 in vitro by regulating long non-coding RNA HOST2 (human ovarian cancer-specific transcript 2) and the inhibition of JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathway. In the present study, ES-2 and OVCAR-3 cells were firstly treated with different concentrations of propofol (0, 1, 5 and 10 μg/ml). The expression of HOST2 in ES-2 and OVCAR-3 cells were detected by quantitative reverse transcription-PCR (qRT-PCR). Then, the expression of HOST2 was changed by transfection of HOST2 overexpression plasmid into ES-2 and OVCAR-3 cells. Cell proliferation, migration, invasion and apoptosis were performed using CCK-8, wound-healing, Transwell assays and Flow Cytometry. Western blot analysis was performed to detect the expressions of apoptosis-associated proteins and JAK2/STAT3 pathway-related proteins. Results showed that cell viability and intracellular HOST2 expression in ES-2 and OVCAR-3 cells were decreased gradually with the increase of propofol concentration in a dose-dependent manner. Compared with the propofol group, overexpression of HOST2 significantly promoted the cell proliferation, migration, invasion and inhibited apoptosis, and ameliorated the inhibitory effect of propofol on the growth of tumor cells. Western blot analysis showed that compared with propofol group, the expression of Bcl-2 was significantly increased whereas Bax and the ratio of Cleaved caspase3/caspase3 were significantly decreased in pcDNA-HOST2 group. In addition, overexpression of HOST2 significantly enhanced the phosphorylation level of JAK2 and STAT3, and reduced the suppressive effect of propofol on JAK2/STAT3 signaling. Our results illustrated that propofol could significantly inhibit the proliferation, migration, invasion and induce apoptosis of ES-2 and OVCAR-3 cells by downregulating HOST2. The regulation mechanism may be achieved by inhibiting the activation of JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathway.

Current Understanding on Perioperative Management in Lung Cancer: Implications for Anesthetic Considerations

Narcotic drugs are often used to treat perioperative pain for patients with lung cancer. However, anesthetic management and narcotic substance use may have significant impacts on patients with lung cancer, including anti-cancer or promoting cancer effects. In this study, we summarize the effects of anesthetic management and its related substances on lung cancer. An evidence-based review of the influence of anesthetic techniques and narcotic substances used on lung cancer was performed. The effects of perioperative pain management and the method of choosing anesthesia for patients with lung cancer were explored. Different management techniques of anesthesia have been indicated to suppress both cell-mediated immunity and humoral immunity and have effects on the recurrence and metastasis of lung cancer. Evidence suggests that the effects of narcotic substances used on lung cancer were still inconsistent. However, the mechanisms by which anesthetics and analgesics inhibit the tumor are complicated. Perioperative management leads to decreased immunity in patients with lung cancer, which to some extent contributes to recurrence and metastasis. Various narcotic substances used may modulate signal pathways, including the mitochondrial pathway, and appear to exert different effects on the recurrence and metastasis of lung cancer. The anesthesiologists should consider these effects on perioperative management with lung cancer.

Propofol suppresses lung cancer tumorigenesis by modulating the circ-ERBB2/miR-7-5p/FOXM1 axis

BACKGROUND

Propofol is a commonly used anesthetic for cancer surgery. Previous studies have shown that propofol has an anticancer role in various cancers, including lung cancer. This study aimed to investigate the role of propofol in lung cancer and its underlying mechanism.

METHODS

Cell proliferation was determined by cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) and colony formation assays. Flow cytometry and transwell assays were used to detect cell apoptosis and invasion, respectively. Glycolysis was evaluated by detecting glucose consumption, lactate production and ATP/ADP ratios. The levels of circular RNA erb-b2 receptor tyrosine kinase 2 (circ-ERBB2), microRNA-7-5p (miR-7-5p) and forkhead box M1 (FOXM1) were tested by quantitative real-time PCR and Western blot. The binding relationship between miR-7-5p and circ-ERBB2/FOXM1 was verified by dual-luciferase reporter assay. Moreover, in vivo experiments were performed by establishing a mouse xenograft model.

RESULTS

Propofol suppressed cell proliferation, invasion and glycolysis and expedited apoptosis in lung cancer cells. Circ-ERBB2 and FOXM1 were upregulated, while miR-7-5p was decreased in lung cancer tissues and cells. Propofol suppressed lung cancer cell progression by regulating circ-ERBB2. Additionally, miR-7-5p directly interacted with circ-ERBB2 and FOXM1. Also, propofol played an antitumor role in lung cancer via modulating miR-7-5p or FOXM1. Moreover, circ-ERBB2 knockdown enhanced the suppressive effect of propofol on tumor growth in vivo.

CONCLUSIONS

Propofol inhibited lung cancer progression via mediating circ-ERBB2/miR-7-5p/FOXM1 axis, which might provide an effective therapeutic target for lung cancer therapy.

Antioxidant Effect of Propofol in Gliomas and Its Association With Divalent Metal Transporter 1

Background

Oxidative stress enhances tumor invasion and metastasis in brain cancer. The activation of divalent metal transporter 1 (DMT1), which is regulated by glutamate receptors, can result in the increase of oxidative stress and risk of cancer development. Propofol, an anesthetic with antioxidant capacity, has been shown to decrease oxidative stress in several different types of cancer. However, the underlying mechanism remains unclear. Therefore, the present study aimed to elucidate the mechanism underlying the suppression of oxidative stress in glioma cells by propofol. It was hypothesized that propofol may inhibit oxidative stress in gliomas via suppressing Ca²⁺-permeable α-amino-3-hydroxyl-5-methylisoxazole-4-propionic acid (AMPA) receptor (CPAR)-DMT1 signaling.

Methods

Male Wistar rats with C6 gliomas, which were established by intracranial injection of C6 glioma cells, were either treated with propofol or not for 6 h before being sacrificed. The levels of AMPA receptor subunit GluR2 and DMT1 protein expression were assessed using western blotting. The association between CPARs and DMT1 was confirmed in vitro using the AMPA receptor activator (R, S)-AMPA. Glutathione and reactive oxygen species assay kits were used to evaluate tumor oxidative stress. The effect of propofol on glioma proliferation was evaluated by determining tumor weight, cell cycles and a growth curve.

Results

Propofol infusion at either 20 or 40 mg/kg^-1/h^-1 increased GluR2 levels and downregulated DMT1 expression as well as glutathione content markedly in the periphery compared with that in the glioma core. The in vitro results revealed that (R, S)-AMPA increased DMT1 expression and reactive oxygen species levels, which were partly reversed by propofol treatment.

Conclusion

Propofol regulated DMT1 expression by modulating CPARs, resulting in the inhibition of tumor oxidative stress and glioma growth. The present study provides evidence for optimizing the selection of anesthetic drugs in perioperative management and prognosis of patients with glioma.

Demethylation of HACE1 gene promoter by propofol promotes autophagy of human A549 cells

Propofol (2,6-diisopropylphenol) is one of the most commonly used intravenous anesthetics and possesses a number of non-anesthetic effects, including antitumor function. The aim of the present study was to elucidate the antitumor molecular mechanism of propofol on A549 and H1299 cells. A549 and H1299 cells were treated in the presence or absence of different concentrations (0, 60 or 120 µmol) of propofol for different durations (0, 24, 48 or 72 h), and proliferation was detected by MTT and colony formation assays; the protein levels of optineurin (OPTN) ubiquitination, HECT domain and ankyrin repeat containing E3 ubiquitin protein ligase 1 (HACE1), methyl-CpG binding domain protein 3 (MBD3) and Microtubule-associated protein 1A/1B-light chain 3 were detected by immunoblotting or quantitative (q)PCR; the methylation state of the HACE1 gene promoter was detected by bisulfite DNA sequencing; and binding of MBD3 on HACE1 gene promoter was detected by chromatin immunoprecipitation-qPCR. Propofol inhibited proliferation of A549 and H1299 cells and promoted HACE1-OPTN axis-mediated selective autophagy activity by increasing the protein expression levels of HACE1 via demethylating its promoter region. Furthermore, propofol promoted expression levels of MBD3 and binding to the -1,000 to -1 bp (transcription start site) region of HACE1 gene promoter. MBD3-knockdown experiments indicated that propofol inhibited proliferation of A549 cells in a MBD3-dependent manner. Thus, the findings of the present study provided a potential antitumor molecular mechanism mediated by propofol.

Propofol‑induced miR‑125a‑5p inhibits the proliferation and metastasis of ovarian cancer by suppressing LIN28B

Propofol, a commonly used intravenous anesthetic agent during surgery, has relatively widespread pharmacological actions. Previous studies have reported that propofol may act as an antitumor drug in several cancer types, such as pancreatic cancer, lung cancer and gastric cancer. However, the underlying mechanism in ovarian cancer remain unknown. Therefore, the present study investigated the pharmacological effect of propofol on microRNAs (miRNAs) in ovarian cancer treatment. Propofol (1, 5 or 10 µg/ml) was used to treat A2780 and SKOV3 ovarian cancer cells for 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5 days. The MTT assay was used to detect cell viability, while wound healing and Transwell assays were utilized to assess the invasive and migratory abilities. The bioinformatics prediction approach identified differentially expressed miRNAs (miRs) that were used in Gene Ontology, Gene Set Enrichment Analysis and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes analyses. The expression levels of miR‑125a‑5p and lin‑28 homolog B (LIN28B) were evaluated by reverse transcription‑quantitative PCR (RT‑qPCR). A luciferase assay was performed to identify the relationship between miR‑125a‑5p and LIN28B. Western blotting was conducted to measure the protein expression of LIN28B. It was demonstrated that propofol significantly upregulated miR‑125a‑5p to exert its antitumor activity. RT‑qPCR results suggested that propofol could upregulate miR‑125a‑5p and LIN28B expression levels in ovarian cancer cell lines. Western blot analysis also indicated that propofol could enhance the expression of LIN28B in ovarian cancer cell lines. The luciferase assay identified that miR‑125a‑5p could directly inhibit the expression of LIN28B to suppress proliferation and metastasis in ovarian cancer. In conclusion, these results suggested that propofol inhibited ovarian cancer proliferation and metastasis by enhancing miR‑125a‑5p, which targets LIN28B.

Effects of propofol on the development of cancer in humans

Cancer is one of most the significant threats to human health worldwide, and the primary method of treating solid tumours is surgery. Propofol, one of the most widely used intravenous anaesthetics in surgery, was found to be involved in many cancer‐related pathophysiology processes, mainly including anti‐tumour and minor cancer‐promoting effects in various types of cancer. An increasing number of studies have identified that propofol plays a role in cancer by regulating the expression of multiple signalling pathways, downstream molecules, microRNAs and long non‐coding RNAs. Emerging evidence has indicated that propofol can enhance the anti‐tumour effect of chemotherapeutic drugs or some small molecular compounds. Additionally, in vivo animal models have shown that propofol inhibits tumour growth and metastasis. Furthermore, most clinical trials indicate that propofol is associated with better survival outcomes in cancer patients after surgery. Propofol use is encouraged in cancers that appear to have a better prognosis after its use during surgery. We hope that future large and prospective multicenter studies will provide more precise answers to guide the choice of anaesthetics during cancer surgery.

Anesthetic propofol epigenetically regulates breast cancer trastuzumab resistance through IL-6/miR-149-5p axis

Propofol, a common intravenous anesthetic, has been found to exert anti-cancer effects with inhibition of cancer cell proliferation, migration and invasion. We tested its possible action against HER2-overexpressing breast cancer cells that developed resistance against trastuzumab. Cell viability assay, ELISA for cytokines, mammosphere formation, quantitative RT-PCR for EMT/IL-6-targeting miRNAs and the in vivo experimental pulmonary metastasis model were performed to understand the epigenetic action of propofol. Propofol sensitized HER2 overexpressing cells to trastuzumab but such action was even more pronounced in resistant cells. Increased cytokines IL-6 as well as IL-8 were released by resistant cells, along with increased mammospheres and induction of EMT, all of which was inhibited by propofol. IL-6 targeting tumor suppressor miR-149-5p was found to be the novel miRNA that was up-regulated by propofol, resulting in the observed effects on cell viability, IL-6 production, mammospheres generation as well as EMT induction. Further, antagonizing miR-149-5p attenuated the propofol effects confirming the epigenetic activity of propofol through miR-149-5p regulation. Finally, in vivo validation in an experimental metastasis model conformed an inhibitory action of propofol against experimental lung metastasis and the essential mechanistic role of miR-149-5p/IL-6 loop. These results present a novel role of general anesthetic propofol against resistant breast cancer cells and the underlying epigenetic regulation of a tumor suppressor miRNA.

Propofol suppresses the progression of non‑small cell lung cancer via downregulation of the miR‑21‑5p/MAPK10 axis

Non‑small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) accounts for >80% of lung cancer cases and is the leading cause of cancer‑associated mortality worldwide. Propofol is an anesthetic drug frequently used during tumor resection. It is also known to exert inhibitory effects on cancer. Although the role of propofol in NSCLC has been reported, its underlying mechanisms remain unknown. The present study aimed therefore to investigate the mechanisms of propofol action on NSCLC. Starbase V3.0 project was used to analyze the expression levels of microRNA‑21‑5p (miR‑21‑5p) and mitogen‑activated protein kinase 10 (MAPK10) in NSCLC and adjacent normal tissues from patients with NSCLC and the association between miR‑21‑5p and MAPK10 expression level in NSCLC tissues. The correlation between MAPK10 expression and disease‑free survival (DFS) in patients with NSCLC was analyzed using GEPIA software version 1.0. miR‑21‑5p and MAPK10 expression in tumor and adjacent normal tissues from patients with NSCLC was evaluated by reverse transcription‑quantitative (RT‑q) PCR and western blotting. Cell viability and apoptosis were assessed by using Cell Counting Kit‑8 assay and flow cytometry, respectively. The interaction between miR‑21‑5p and MAPK10 was predicted by TargetScan/miRanda and verified by dual luciferase assay. The regulatory effect of propofol on miR‑21‑5p and MAPK10 expression in NSCLC cell lines was examined by RT‑qPCR and western blotting. Starbase V3.0 project and the results of the present study indicated that tumor tissues presented a significantly lower MAPK10 level and a higher miR‑21‑5p level compared with the normal samples, and that miR‑21‑5p expression was negatively correlated with MAPK10 expression in the tumor tissues of patients with NSCLC. Furthermore, miR‑21‑5p targeted the 3'‑untranslated region of MAPK10. In addition, compared with BEAS‑2B cells, a higher miR‑21‑5p and a lower MAPK10 expression was observed in the NSCLC cell lines A549 and H1299, which was reversed by propofol. The overexpression of miR‑21‑5p abrogated the effects of propofol on A549 and H1299 cell viability and apoptosis by targeting MAPK10. Taken together, these findings demonstrated that propofol inhibited the viability and promoted the apoptosis of NSCLC cells by downregulating the miR‑21‑5p/MAPK10 axis.

Propofol Improves Sensitivity of Lung Cancer Cells to Cisplatin and Its Mechanism

BACKGROUND Cisplatin (cis-diamminedichloroplatinum, DDP) resistance is identified as the primary obstacle during lung cancer treatment, while DDP resistance is exist extensively. This report was to investigate the roles of propofol in lung cancer cells tolerance to DDP and the potential mechanisms. MATERIAL AND METHODS A549 and A549/DDP cells were treated with DDP for 48 hours, and cell proliferation suppression rate was detected by MTT (thiazolyl blue tetrazolium bromide) assay and half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC₅₀) of DDP to lung cancer cells was calculated. Besides, cell proliferation and apoptosis were determined by MTT assay and flow cytometry assay respectively in propofol-treated A549/DDP and A549 cells. Furthermore, we performed MTT assay to determine the influence of propofol on the sensitivity of lung cancer cells to DDP. RESULTS The results demonstrated that the IC₅₀ of DDP to A549 cells was lower than that in A549/DDP cells. Propofol dramatically inhibited cell proliferation and promoted cell apoptosis of A549/DDP and A549 cells. In addition, propofol significantly improved the anti-proliferative impact of DDP in A549/DDP and A549 cells, and the value of IC₅₀ for DDP in the A549/DDP and A549 cells were decreased after propofol treatment compare to the control group. Moreover, propofol inhibited the Wnt/ß-catenin pathway in a dose-dependent manner in both A549/DDP and A549 cells. CONCLUSIONS Our report indicated that propofol could control lung cancer cell proliferation and apoptosis, and stimulated the suppression function of DDP on lung cancer cell multiplication via the Wnt/ß-catenin signaling pathway, and also provided a new treatment for DDP tolerance to cure lung cancer in clinical.

Propofol Reduces Epithelial to Mesenchymal Transition, Invasion and Migration of Gastric Cancer Cells through the MicroRNA-195-5p/Snail Axis

BACKGROUND Gastric cancer (GC) is a life-threating malignancy worldwide. Accumulating studies suggest propofol has anti-tumor functions in addition to the anesthetic effect. This study aimed to figure out the effects of propofol treatment in GC development. MATERIAL AND METHODS Human GC SGC-7901 and NCI-N87 cells were treated with different doses of propofol. Then the invasion and migration of GC cells was measured. SGC-7901 cells following 10 μM propofol treatment were applied in the following experiments. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) with differential expression in cells with or without propofol treatment were analyzed. Expression of miR-195-5p, Snail, vimentin and E-cadherin in SGC-7901 cells was measured, and then loss-of-function of miR-195-5p and gain-of-function of Snail were performed. Target relation between miR-195-5p and Snail was confirmed using luciferase assay. Xenograft tumor was induced in nude mice to identify the effect of propofol on GC in vivo. RESULTS Propofol reduced epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT), invasion and migration of GC cells in a dose-dependent manner. Propofol elevated miR-195-5p expression but reduced Snail expression, and it reduced vimentin but increased E-cadherin expression in SGC-7901 cells. miR-195-5p directly bound to Snail. miR-195-5p inhibition or Snail promotion reversed propofol-inhibited malignant behaviors of SGC-7901 cells. In vitro results were reproduced in in vivo experiments. CONCLUSIONS Our study found that propofol could inhibit EMT, invasion, and migration of GC cells by promoting miR-195-5p expression and suppressing Snail expression. This study may provide novel insights in GC treatment.

Recent updates on true potential of an anesthetic agent as a regulator of cell signaling pathways and non-coding RNAs in different cancers: Focusing on the brighter side of propofol

There has always been a quest to search for synthetic and natural compounds having premium pharmacological properties and minimum off-target and/or side effects. Therefore, in accordance with this approach, scientists have given special attention to the molecules having remarkable ability to target oncogenic protein network, restore drug sensitivity and induce apoptosis in cancer cells. The mechanisms through which general anesthetics modulated wide-ranging deregulated cell signaling pathways and non-coding RNAs remained unclear. However, rapidly accumulating experimentally verified evidence has started to resolve this long-standing mystery and a knowledge about these important molecular targets has surfaced and how these drugs act at the molecular level is becoming more understandable. In this review we have given special attention to available evidence related to ability of propofol to modulate Wnt/β-catenin, JAK/STAT and mTOR-driven pathway. Excitingly, great strides have been made in sharpening our concepts related to potential of propofol to modulate non-coding RNAs in different cancers. Collectively, these latest findings offer interesting, unexplored opportunities to target deregulated signaling pathways to induce apoptosis in drug-resistant cancers.

Impact of Anesthetics, Analgesics, and Perioperative Blood Transfusion in Pediatric Cancer Patients: A Comprehensive Review of the Literature

Cancer is the leading cause of death by disease in developed countries. Children and adolescents with cancer need surgical interventions (ie, biopsy or major surgery) to diagnose, treat, or palliate their malignancies. Surgery is a period of high vulnerability because it stimulates the release of inflammatory mediators, catecholamines, and angiogenesis activators, which coincides with a period of immunosuppression. Thus, during and after surgery, dormant tumors or micrometastasis (ie, minimal residual disease) can grow and become clinically relevant metastasis. Anesthetics (ie, volatile agents, dexmedetomidine, and ketamine) and analgesics (ie, opioids) may also contribute to the growth of minimal residual disease or disease progression. For instance, volatile anesthetics have been implicated in immunosuppression and direct stimulation of cancer cell survival and proliferation. Contrarily, propofol has shown in vitro anticancer effects. In addition, perioperative blood transfusions are not uncommon in children undergoing cancer surgery. In adults, an association between perioperative blood transfusions and cancer progression has been described for some malignancies. Transfusion-related immunomodulation is one of the mechanisms by which blood transfusions can promote cancer progression. Other mechanisms include inflammation and the infusion of growth factors. In the present review, we discuss different aspects of tumorigenesis, metastasis, angiogenesis, the immune system, and the current studies about the impact of anesthetics, analgesics, and perioperative blood transfusions on pediatric cancer progression.

Propofol Suppresses Proliferation, Migration, Invasion And Promotes Apoptosis By Upregulating microRNA-140-5p In Gastric Cancer Cells

Purpose

This study aimed to investigate the anti-tumor effect of propofol on gastric cancer (GC) and its underlying mechanisms.

Patients and methods

SGC-7901 and MKN45 cells were transfected and divided into the following groups: Control group, Propofol group, Propofol+miR-140-5p inhibitor group and miR-140-5p inhibitor group. Moreover, cell proliferation, apoptosis, migration and invasion of SGC-7901 and MKN45 cells were evaluated by BrdU incorporation assay, Annexin V-FITC/PI double staining assay, wound healing assay and transwell assay, respectively. The mRNA expressions of matrix metalloproteinase 2 (MMP-2) and MMP-9 were detected by qRT-PCR. Cleaved caspase-3, Bcl-2, MMP-2 and MMP-9 expressions were detected by Western blot.

Results

Propofol inhibited cell proliferation, migration and invasion, but promoted cell apoptosis in SGC-7901 and MKN45 cells. Propofol also elevated the expression of miR-140-5p. Suppression of miR-140-5p could reverse the effects of propofol on the biological behavior of SGC-7901 and MKN45 cells. Meanwhile, propofol treatment increased the expression of cleaved caspase-3 but decreased Bcl-2, MMP-2 and MMP-9 in SGC-7901 and MKN45 cells. The expression of cleaved caspase-3 was downregulated while Bcl-2, MMP-2 and MMP-9 were upregulated by miR-140-5p suppression.

Conclusion

Propofol could inhibit cell proliferation, migration and invasion, as well as promote cell apoptosis by upregulating miR-140-5p in gastric cancer cells.

RETRACTED: Propofol suppresses proliferation and migration of papillary thyroid cancer cells by down-regulation of lncRNA ANRIL

This article has been retracted: please see Elsevier Policy on Article Withdrawal (http://www.elsevier.com/locate/withdrawalpolicy). This article has been retracted at the request of the Editor-in-Chief as there are concerns about the reliability of the results included in the article. The journal was initially contacted by the corresponding author to request the retraction of the article. Given the comments of Dr Elisabeth Bik https://scienceintegritydigest.com/2020/02/21/the-tadpole-paper-mill/ regarding this article, the journal requested the author to provide the raw data. However, the author was not able to fulfil this request.

Propofol suppresses growth, migration and invasion of A549 cells by down-regulation of miR-372

BACKGROUND

Propofol, a commonly used intravenous anesthetic during cancer resection surgery, has been found to exhibit tumor inhibitory effects in vitro and in vivo. The role of propofol in lung cancer has been previously reported, whereas its action mechanism remains unclear. This study further investigated the effects of propofol on lung cancer A549 cell growth, migration and invasion, as well as the underlying mechanisms.

METHODS

Cell viability, proliferation, migration, invasion and apoptosis were assessed by CCK-8 assay, BrdU assay, two chamber transwell assay and flow cytometry, respectively. The regulatory effect of propofol on microRNA-372 (miR-372) expression in A549 cells was analyzed by qRT-PCR. Cell transfection was used to change the expression of miR-372. The protein expression of key factors involving in cell proliferation, apoptosis, migration and invasion, as well as Wnt/β-catenin and mTOR pathways were analyzed by western blotting.

RESULTS

Propofol inhibited lung cancer A549 cell viability, proliferation, migration, and invasion, but promoted cell apoptosis. Moreover, miR-372 was down-regulated in propofol-treated A549 cells. Overexpression of miR-372 abrogated the effects of propofol on proliferation, migration, invasion and apoptosis of A549 cells. Knockdown of miR-372 had opposite effects. Furthermore, propofol suppressed Wnt/β-catenin and mTOR signaling pathways by down-regulating miR-372.

CONCLUSION

Propofol inhibits growth, migration and invasion of lung cancer A549 cells at least in part by down-regulating miR-372 and then inactivating Wnt/β-catenin and mTOR pathways.

MicroRNA-150-5p affects cell proliferation, apoptosis, and EMT by regulation of the BRAFV600E mutation in papillary thyroid cancer cells

Papillary thyroid cancer (PTC) is the most common endocrine malignancy. Studies have confirmed an association between microRNA (miRNA) and the BRAF^V600E mutation in various cellular biological processes of PTC. This study aimed to clarify the potential relationship between miR-150-5p and the BRAF^V600E mutation in PTC. Human PTC cell lines B-CPAP and TPC-1 were transfected with the miR-150-5p mimic, an inhibitor, and the corresponding controls. Then, cell proliferation, viability, and apoptosis were detected by bromodeoxyuridine, trypan blue exclusion, and flow cytometry assays. The expressions of the main factors of cell cycle, epithelial mesenchymal transition (EMT), and DNA mismatch repair were examined by Western blot analysis and a real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Additionally, pc-BRAF^V600E was transfected into B-CPAP and TPC-1 cells to determine the relationship between miR-150-5p and BRAF^V600E . In addition, the methyl ethyl ketone (MEK)/extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) signal pathway was examined using Western blot analysis. Overexpression of miR-150-5p promoted cell proliferation and viability, inhibited apoptosis, and upregulated cell cycle factor expressions at 50 passages of B-CPAP and TPC-1 cells after transfection. Overexpression of miR-150-5p led to an obvious decrease in E-cadherin expression, but enhanced N-cadherin, Slug and Vimentin, ZEB1, and Snail expression. Moreover, overexpression of miR-150-5p markedly suppressed POLD3, MSH2, and MSH3 expression. Furthermore, BRAF^V600E overexpression increased the expression level of miR-150-5p in TPC cells, and overexpression of telomerase reverse transcriptase further enhanced the promoting effect of BRAF^V600E on miR-150-5p expression in B-CPAP and TPC-1 cells. Finally, BRAF^V600E overexpression activated the MEK/ERK signal pathway in B-CPAP and TPC-1 cells. These data indicated that miR-150-5p promoted cell proliferation, suppressed apoptosis, and accelerated the EMT process by regulation of the BRAF^V600E mutation. Our findings will help elucidate the pathogenesis of PTC and identify biomarkers.

Propofol attenuates mast cell degranulation via inhibiting the miR-221/PI3K/Akt/Ca2+ pathway

The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of propofol on immunoglobulin (Ig)E-activated mast cell degranulation and explore the underlying mechanisms responsible. RBL-2H3 cells were treated with propofol for at a variety of concentrations and different amounts of time. Cell viability was assessed using an MTT assay and microRNA (miR)-221 expression was quantified using reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction. RBL-2H3 cells were transfected with miR-221 mimic or a negative control and degranulation, including the release of β-hexosaminidase and histamine, was evaluated using an ELISA kit. The effect of miR-221 overexpression on the phosphorylation of protein kinase B (Akt) was detected using western blotting and extracellular Ca²⁺ influx was measured via afura-2 assay. The phosphoinositide 3-kinase(PI3K) inhibitor LY294002 was used to investigate the association between PI3K/Akt signaling and Ca²⁺ influx in the presence of propofol. The results demonstrated that propofol treatment suppressed RBL-2H3 cell proliferation in a dose- and time-dependent manner. Propofol inhibited miR-221 expression in a dose-dependent manner compared with the control group; however, the inhibitive effect was significantly abrogated following transfection with miR-221 mimics. Furthermore, β-hexosaminidase and histamine release, PI3K/Akt signaling and Ca²⁺ influx were decreased following propofol application. miR-221 overexpression markedly ameliorated the suppressive effect of propofol. Treatment with LY294002 reversed the propofol-induced decrement of Ca²⁺ influx on IgE-mediated RBL-2H3 cells, suggesting an association between PI3K/Akt signaling and Ca²⁺ influx. In conclusion, the results of the present study suggest that propofol treatment attenuates mast cell degranulation via inhibiting the miR-221/PI3K/Akt/Ca²⁺ pathway. These results indicate that propofol may have a potential therapeutic effect as a treatment for allergic diseases.