Adaptation of SARS-CoV-2 in BALB/c mice for testing vaccine efficacy

The ongoing coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has prioritized the development of small-animal models for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). We adapted a clinical isolate of SARS-CoV-2 by serial passaging in the respiratory tract of aged BALB/c mice. The resulting mouse-adapted strain at passage 6 (called MASCp6) showed increased infectivity in mouse lung and led to interstitial pneumonia and inflammatory responses in both young and aged mice after intranasal inoculation. Deep sequencing revealed a panel of adaptive mutations potentially associated with the increased virulence. In particular, the N501Y mutation is located at the receptor binding domain (RBD) of the spike protein. The protective efficacy of a recombinant RBD vaccine candidate was validated by using this model. Thus, this mouse-adapted strain and associated challenge model should be of value in evaluating vaccines and antivirals against SARS-CoV-2.

New insights into the behavior of bovine serum albumin adsorbed onto carbon nanotubes: comprehensive spectroscopic studies

Bovine serum albumin (BSA) nonspecifically binds to well-dispersed multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs), forming a stable bioconjugate. After accounting for the inner filter effect, we found the fluorescence intensity of BSA was quenched by MWCNTs in static mode, which was authenticated by lifetime measurements and Stern-Volmer calculations. The thermodynamic parameters DeltaG(o), DeltaS(o), and DeltaH(o) were -9.67 x 10(3) + 2.48 x 10(3) ln lambda J x mol(-1), 41.0 - 0.828 ln lambda J x mol(-1) x K(-1), and 7.30 x 10(3) + 2.23 x 10(3) ln lambda J x mol(-1) (lambda < 1 x 10(-4)), respectively, which shows a spontaneous and electrostatic interaction. Scatchard analysis and UV-visible results provide statistical data concerning changes in the microenvironment of amide moieties in response to different doses of MWCNTs, revealing different behavior of the BSA molecules. The absorption spectra also show that the tertiary structure of the protein was partially destroyed. The content of secondary structure elements of BSA was changed by the tubes. This work elucidates the interaction mechanism of BSA and MWCNTs from a spectroscopic angle.

Binding of oxytetracycline to bovine serum albumin: spectroscopic and molecular modeling investigations

The residue of the widely used veterinary drug oxytetracycline (OTC) in the environment (e.g., animal food, soils, surface water, and groundwater) is potentially harmful. Knowledge of its binding to proteins contributes to the understanding of its toxicity in vivo. This work establishes the binding mode of OTC with bovine serum albumin (BSA) under physiological conditions by spectroscopic methods and molecular modeling techniques. The inner filter effect was eliminated to get accurate data (binding parameters). On the basis of the thermodynamic results and site marker competition experiments, it was considered that OTC binds to site II (subdomain IIIA) of BSA mainly by electrostatic interaction. Furthermore, using the BSA model established with CPHmodels, molecular docking and some other molecular modeling methods were applied to further define that OTC interacts with the Arg 433, Arg 436, Ala 429, and Pro 516 residues of BSA. In addition, UV-visible absorption, synchronous fluorescence, and circular dichroism (CD) results showed that the binding of OTC can cause conformational and some microenvironmental changes of BSA. The work provides accurate and full basic data for clarifying the binding mechanisms of OTC with BSA in vivo and is helpful for understanding its effect on protein function during its transportation and distribution in blood.

The interaction between Ag+ and bovine serum albumin: a spectroscopic investigation

By using spectroscopic methods, we probed the interaction of Ag(+) with bovine serum albumin (BSA) in an aqueous environment. Fluorescence of BSA quenched by Ag(+) is a dynamic quenching process. Two binding modes-a strong one at low concentration of Ag(+) and a weak one at high concentration were found. The association constant (K(A)) and the number of binding sites (n) were 4.88×10(3)M(-1) and 1.17 for strong binding, and 17.6M(-1) and 0.547 for weak binding at 293K. The results of thermodynamic parameters ΔH(θ), ΔG(θ) and ΔS(θ) for instinct binding modes at different temperatures indicated that the hydrogen bonding and van der Waals interaction play a major role for low Ag(+)/BSA ratio while electrostatic association for high Ag(+)/BSA ratio. Data of UV-Vis and Circular dichroism (CD) suggested that with the increasing amount of Ag(+), the secondary structure undergoes a decrease in α-helix and an increase in β content and the backbone of BSA experiences a micro-environmental alteration. Furthermore, the distance r between donor (Trp-212) and acceptor (Ag(+)) was evaluated to be 10nm according to nonradiative energy transfer theory.

Genetic diversity and evolutionary dynamics of Ebola virus in Sierra Leone

A novel Ebola virus (EBOV) first identified in March 2014 has infected more than 25,000 people in West Africa, resulting in more than 10,000 deaths. Preliminary analyses of genome sequences of 81 EBOV collected from March to June 2014 from Guinea and Sierra Leone suggest that the 2014 EBOV originated from an independent transmission event from its natural reservoir followed by sustained human-to-human infections. It has been reported that the EBOV genome variation might have an effect on the efficacy of sequence-based virus detection and candidate therapeutics. However, only limited viral information has been available since July 2014, when the outbreak entered a rapid growth phase. Here we describe 175 full-length EBOV genome sequences from five severely stricken districts in Sierra Leone from 28 September to 11 November 2014. We found that the 2014 EBOV has become more phylogenetically and genetically diverse from July to November 2014, characterized by the emergence of multiple novel lineages. The substitution rate for the 2014 EBOV was estimated to be 1.23 × 10(-3) substitutions per site per year (95% highest posterior density interval, 1.04 × 10(-3) to 1.41 × 10(-3) substitutions per site per year), approximating to that observed between previous EBOV outbreaks. The sharp increase in genetic diversity of the 2014 EBOV warrants extensive EBOV surveillance in Sierra Leone, Guinea and Liberia to better understand the viral evolution and transmission dynamics of the ongoing outbreak. These data will facilitate the international efforts to develop vaccines and therapeutics.

Stretchable ultrasonic transducer arrays for three-dimensional imaging on complex surfaces

Ultrasonic imaging has been implemented as a powerful tool for noninvasive subsurface inspections of both structural and biological media. Current ultrasound probes are rigid and bulky and cannot readily image through nonplanar three-dimensional (3D) surfaces. However, imaging through these complicated surfaces is vital because stress concentrations at geometrical discontinuities render these surfaces highly prone to defects. This study reports a stretchable ultrasound probe that can conform to and detect nonplanar complex surfaces. The probe consists of a 10 × 10 array of piezoelectric transducers that exploit an "island-bridge" layout with multilayer electrodes, encapsulated by thin and compliant silicone elastomers. The stretchable probe shows excellent electromechanical coupling, minimal cross-talk, and more than 50% stretchability. Its performance is demonstrated by reconstructing defects in 3D space with high spatial resolution through flat, concave, and convex surfaces. The results hold great implications for applications of ultrasound that require imaging through complex surfaces.

Characterization of complete genome sequence of the spring viremia of carp virus isolated from common carp (Cyprinus carpio) in China

The complete genome of spring viraemia of carp virus (SVCV) strain A-1 isolated from cultured common carp (Cyprinus carpio) in China was sequenced and characterized. Reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) derived clones were constructed and the DNA was sequenced. It showed that the entire genome of SVCV A-1 consists of 11,100 nucleotide base pairs, the predicted size of the viral RNA of rhabdoviruses. However, the additional insertions in bp 4633-4676 and bp 4684-4724 of SVCV A-1 were different from the other two published SVCV complete genomes. Five open reading frames (ORFs) of SVCV A-1 were identified and further confirmed by RT-PCR and DNA sequencing of their respective RT-PCR products. The 5 structural proteins encoded by the viral RNA were ordered 3'-N-P-M-G-L-5'. This is the first report of a complete genome sequence of SVCV isolated from cultured carp in China. Phylogenetic analysis indicates that SVCV A-1 is closely related to the members of the genus Vesiculovirus, family Rhabdoviridae.

Dynamic Forecasting of Zika Epidemics Using Google Trends

We developed a dynamic forecasting model for Zika virus (ZIKV), based on real-time online search data from Google Trends (GTs). It was designed to provide Zika virus disease (ZVD) surveillance and detection for Health Departments, and predictive numbers of infection cases, which would allow them sufficient time to implement interventions. In this study, we found a strong correlation between Zika-related GTs and the cumulative numbers of reported cases (confirmed, suspected and total cases; p<0.001). Then, we used the correlation data from Zika-related online search in GTs and ZIKV epidemics between 12 February and 20 October 2016 to construct an autoregressive integrated moving average (ARIMA) model (0, 1, 3) for the dynamic estimation of ZIKV outbreaks. The forecasting results indicated that the predicted data by ARIMA model, which used the online search data as the external regressor to enhance the forecasting model and assist the historical epidemic data in improving the quality of the predictions, are quite similar to the actual data during ZIKV epidemic early November 2016. Integer-valued autoregression provides a useful base predictive model for ZVD cases. This is enhanced by the incorporation of GTs data, confirming the prognostic utility of search query based surveillance. This accessible and flexible dynamic forecast model could be used in the monitoring of ZVD to provide advanced warning of future ZIKV outbreaks.

The interaction between 4-aminoantipyrine and bovine serum albumin: multiple spectroscopic and molecular docking investigations

4-Aminoantipyrine (AAP) is widely used in the pharmaceutical industry, in biochemical experiments and in environmental monitoring. AAP as an aromatic pollutant in the environment poses a great threat to human health. To evaluate the toxicity of AAP at the protein level, the effects of AAP on bovine serum albumin (BSA) were investigated by multiple spectroscopic techniques and molecular modeling. After the inner filter effect was eliminated, the experimental results showed that AAP effectively quenched the intrinsic fluorescence of BSA via static quenching. The number of binding sites, the binding constant, the thermodynamic parameters and binding subdomain were measured, and indicated that AAP could spontaneously bind with BSA on subdomain IIIA through electrostatic forces. Molecular docking results revealed that AAP interacted with the Glu 488 and Glu 502 residues of BSA. Furthermore, the conformation of BSA was demonstrably changed in the presence of AAP. The skeletal structure of BSA loosened, exposing internal hydrophobic aromatic ring amino acids and peptide strands to the solution.

PAX6 suppresses the invasiveness of glioblastoma cells and the expression of the matrix metalloproteinase-2 gene

Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is the most invasive brain tumor. We have previously reported that the transcription factor PAX6 suppresses the tumorigenecity of GBM cells. By an in vitro Matrigel invasion assay on two GBM cell lines stably transfected with wild-type and/or two mutant forms of PAX6, this study displays the first evidence that PAX6 inhibits the invasiveness of GBM cells and that the DNA-binding domain of PAX6 is required for this function. Using real-time quantitative reverse transcription-PCR (RT-PCR), gelatin zymography, and immunohistochemistry assays, the expression of the gene encoding matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP2) in GBM cell lines grown in vitro or in intracranial xenografts in nude mice was shown to be repressed by either stable or adenoviral-mediated overexpression of PAX6. Luciferase promoter assays revealed PAX6-mediated suppression of MMP2 promoter activity. Electrophoretic mobility shift assays showed direct binding of PAX6 to the MMP2 promoter. A significant reverse correlation (P < 0.05) occurred between PAX6 and MMP2 expression quantified by real-time quantitative RT-PCR in 41 GBMs, 43 anaplastic astrocytomas, and 7 adjacent normal tissues. Interestingly, the degree and significance of the reverse correlation increased after excluding astrocytomas, whereas it became insignificant after excluding GBMs. In GBM cells stably transfected with a dominant negative mutant PAX6 showing increased MMP2 expression and invasiveness, knock-down of MMP2 revealed that MMP2 is one of the PAX6 target genes mediating its suppression of invasion. Overall data delineated a mechanism for the suppressive function of PAX6 in GBM: suppression of cell invasion by repressing the expression of proinvasive genes such as MMP2.

WASF3 regulates miR-200 inactivation by ZEB1 through suppression of KISS1 leading to increased invasiveness in breast cancer cells

The WASF3 gene promotes invasion and metastasis in breast cancer cells which have undergone epithelial-to-mesenchyme transition (EMT). Overexpression of WASF3 in cells that do not show EMT increases their invasion potential as a result of increased ZEB1/2 levels which specifically suppress the anti-invasion chromosome 1 miR-200a/ 200b/429 cluster. ZEB1/2 upregulation by WASF3 results from downregulation of KISS1, leading to release of inhibition of NFκB by IκBα. We further show that ZEB1 expression is regulated by the NFκB transcription factor. Knockdown of WASF3 in breast cancer cells leads to reduced ZEB1 levels and increased miR-200 and E-cadherin levels, resulting in loss of invasion potential. The central regulation of this interactive pathway by WASF3 accounts for the increased invasion associated with increased WASF3 expression seen in aggressive breast cancer cells. WASF3, therefore, is a potential target to suppress invasion and metastasis in breast cancer cells.

Complement Receptor C5aR1 Inhibition Reduces Pyroptosis in hDPP4-Transgenic Mice Infected with MERS-CoV

Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) is a highly pathogenic virus with a crude mortality rate of ~35%. Previously, we established a human DPP4 transgenic (hDPP4-Tg) mouse model in which we studied complement overactivation-induced immunopathogenesis. Here, to better understand the pathogenesis of MERS-CoV, we studied the role of pyroptosis in THP-1 cells and hDPP4 Tg mice with MERS-CoV infection. We found that MERS-CoV infection induced pyroptosis and over-activation of complement in human macrophages. The hDPP4-Tg mice infected with MERS-CoV overexpressed caspase-1 in the spleen and showed high IL-1β levels in serum, suggesting that pyroptosis occurred after infection. However, when the C5a-C5aR1 axis was blocked by an anti-C5aR1 antibody (Ab), expression of caspase-1 and IL-1β fell. These data indicate that MERS-CoV infection induces overactivation of complement, which may contribute to pyroptosis and inflammation. Pyroptosis and inflammation were suppressed by inhibiting C5aR1. These results will further our understanding of the pathogenesis of MERS-CoV infection.

Excision repair at the level of the nucleotide in the Saccharomyces cerevisiae MFA2 gene: mapping of where enhanced repair in the transcribed strand begins or ends and identification of only a partial rad16 requisite for repairing upstream control sequences

We wished to determine where transcription enhanced nucleotide excision repair begins and ends for a Saccharomyces cerevisiae gene transcribed by RNA polymerase II, and to examine the role of the RAD16 gene in repairing upstream, non-transcribed control sequences of such a gene. To do so, we developed a method to study the repair of UV induced cyclobutane pyrimidine dimers (CPDs) at the level of the nucleotide in the control and coding sequences of the MFA2 gene. This gene is active in haploid a mating type cells but inactive in alpha cells: its regulation is mediated by changes in chromatin structure. DNA from UV irradiated cells was cut with a CPD-specific endonuclease, restricted and selected strands of the MFA2 gene separated from genomic DNA prior to end-labelling and resolution on a sequencing gel. We confirmed repair trends seen using Southern blotting to examine kilobase size fragments, but were additionally able to elucidate subtle differences in repairing portions of the transcribed strand (TS) of MFA2. Enhanced repair of the TS when the gene is active, began well before the start of transcription. Clearly, enhanced repair in this region cannot be due to mRNA synthesis. The repair of CPDs is even further enhanced in the transcribed portion of the TS, and returns to a basal level after the termination of transcription. The approach also revealed that RAD16 has a role in the repair of the TS when MFA2 is active. Removal of CPDs from the TS control region was impaired but not totally defective in a rad16 a mutant. Repair from the TS coding sequence also has a Rad16 component, but a lesser one than for the upstream control sequences, and this was more marked for the sequences towards the end of the transcribed region. The system developed permits further dissection of the relationships between DNA repair, chromatin structure and transcription at the MFA2 locus.

Capacity and potential mechanisms of Cd(II) adsorption from aqueous solution by blue algae-derived biochars

The removal of potentially toxic metals by biochars is currently a popular and salutary method. In this study, we combined the advantages of blue algae (Microcystic) and pyrolysis technology to produce a late-model biochar. Moreover, the adsorption capacity and potential mechanisms of blue algae-derived biochars for the removal of cadmium (Cd) from aqueous solution were evaluated in comparison with the adsorption capacity and potential mechanisms of corn straw-derived biochar (CSBC) and rice husk-derived biochar (RHBC). Batch adsorption experiments were used to explore the adsorption performance of biochars, and a wide range of characterization techniques were employed: scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy and zeta potential analysis. The results showed that the adsorption isotherms could be described well by the Langmuir model and that the pseudo-second-order model fit the Cd(II) adsorption kinetics best, indicating that the process was monolayer and controlled by chemisorption. Moreover, the Cd(II) removal capacity of optimal blue algae-derived biochar (BC600-2) (135.7 mg g^-1) was 85.9% and 66.9% higher than the removal capacity of CSBC and RHBC, respectively. In addition, the results of the characterization methods showed that precipitation with minerals was the primary mechanism, accounting for 68.7-89.5% of the capacity. Overall, blue algae-derived biochars, as a product from freshwater biowaste, may be a novel and potentially valuable adsorbent for Cd(II) removal.

The analysis of osteosarcopenia as a risk factor for fractures, mortality, and falls

Osteosarcopenia is defined as the concomitant occurrence of sarcopenia and osteoporosis/osteopenia. This study aimed to clarify whether osteosarcopenia implies a greater risk of fractures, mortality, and falls and to draw attention to osteosarcopenia.

INTRODUCTION

Osteosarcopenia, which is characterized by the co-existence of osteoporosis/osteopenia and sarcopenia, is one of the most challenging geriatric syndromes. However, the association between osteosarcopenia and the risk of falls, fractures, disability, and mortality is controversial.

METHODS

We searched PubMed, Embase, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, from their inception to March 18, 2021, for cohort studies on the relationship between osteosarcopenia and fractures, falls, and mortality. Two reviewers independently extracted data and assessed study quality. A pooled analysis was performed to calculate odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) using fixed or random-effects models.

RESULTS

Eight cohort studies including 19,836 participants showed that osteosarcopenia significantly increased the risk of fracture (OR 2.46, 95% CI 1.83-3.30, P_{heterogeneity} = 0.006, I² = 63.0%), three cohort studies involving 2601 participants indicated that osteosarcopenia significantly increased the risk of mortality (OR 1.66, 95% CI 1.23-2.26, P_{heterogeneity} = 0.214, I² = 35.2%), and three cohort studies involving 3144 participants indicated that osteosarcopenia significantly increased the risk of falls (OR 1.62, 95% CI 1.28-2.04, P_{heterogeneity} = 0.219, I² = 34.1%). No publication bias existed among the studies regarding the association between osteosarcopenia and fractures. The findings were robust according to the subgroup and sensitivity analyses.

CONCLUSIONS

This pooled analysis demonstrated that osteosarcopenia significantly increased the risk of fractures, falls, and mortality, thus highlighting its relevance in daily life. Therefore, we suggest that elderly persons should be aware of the risks associated with osteosarcopenia.

Inhibition of eIF2α dephosphorylation enhances TRAIL-induced apoptosis in hepatoma cells

Tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL) is an inducer of cancer cell death that holds promise in cancer therapy. Cancer cells are more susceptible than normal cells to the cell-death-inducing effects of TRAIL. However, a variety of cancer cells are resistant to TRAIL through complex mechanisms. Here, we investigate the effects of inhibition of eukaryotic initiation factor 2 subunit α (eIF2α) dephosphorylation on TRAIL-induced apoptosis in hepatoma cells. Treatment of hepatoma cells with salubrinal, an inhibitor of eIF2α dephosphorylation, enhances TRAIL-induced eIF2α phosphorylation, CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein homologous protein (CHOP) expression and caspase activation. Salubrinal enhances TRAIL-induced apoptosis, which could be abrogated by caspase inhibitor. Overexpression of phosphomimetic eIF2α (S51D) enhances TRAIL-induced CHOP expression, caspase 7 and PARP cleavage and apoptosis. By contrast, overexpression of phosphodeficient eIF2α (S51A) abrogates the stimulation of TRAIL-induced apoptosis by salubrinal. Moreover, knockdown of growth arrest and DNA damage-inducible protein 34 (GADD34), which recruits protein phosphatase 1 to dephosphorylate eIF2α, enhances TRAIL-induced eIF2α phosphorylation, CHOP expression, caspase activation and apoptosis. Furthermore, the sensitization of hepatoma cells to TRAIL by salubrinal is dependent on CHOP. Knockdown of CHOP abrogates the stimulation of TRAIL-induced caspase activation and apoptosis by salubrinal. Combination of salubrinal and TRAIL leads to increased expression of Bim, a CHOP-regulated proapoptotic protein. Bim knockdown blunts the stimulatory effect of salubrinal on TRAIL-induced apoptosis. Collectively, these findings suggest that inhibition of eIF2α dephosphorylation may lead to synthetic lethality in TRAIL-treated hepatoma cells.

Hydrogen peroxide in exhaled breath condensate in patients with asthma: a promising biomarker?

BACKGROUND

The measurement of hydrogen peroxide (H(2)O(2)) in exhaled breath condensate (EBC) has been proposed as a noninvasive way of monitoring airway inflammation. However, results from individual studies on EBC H(2)O(2) evaluation of asthma are conflicting. The purpose of this study was to explore whether EBC H(2)O(2) is elevated in people with asthma and whether it reflects disease severity and disease control or responds to corticosteroid treatment.

METHODS

Studies were identified by searching PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Database, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL), and www.controlled-trials.com for relevant reports published before September 2010. Observational studies comparing levels of EBC H(2)O(2) between patients with asthma who were nonsmokers and healthy subjects were included. Data were independently extracted by two investigators and analyzed using Stata 10.0 software.

RESULTS

Eight studies (involving 728 participants) were included. EBC H(2)O(2) concentrations were significantly higher in patients with asthma who were nonsmokers compared with healthy subjects, and higher values of EBC H(2)O(2) were observed at each level of asthma, classified either by severity or control level, and the values were negatively correlated with FEV(1). In addition, EBC H(2)O(2) concentrations were lower in patients with asthma treated with corticosteroids than in patients with asthma not treated with corticosteroids.

CONCLUSIONS

H(2)O(2) might be a promising biomarker for guiding asthma treatment. However, further investigation is needed to establish its role.

Highly monodisperse Cu3Mo2O9 micropompons with excellent performance in photocatalysis, photocurrent response and lithium storage

The as-obtained highly monodisperse Cu₃Mo₂O₉ micropompons present excellent performance in photocatalysis, photocurrent response and lithium storage.

Sputum myeloperoxidase in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

Background

Airway inflammation, especially neutrophilic airway inflammation, is a cardinal pathophysiologic feature in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients. The ideal biomarkers characterizing the inflammation might have important potential clinical applications in disease assessment and therapeutic intervention. Sputum myeloperoxidase (MPO) is recognized as a marker of neutrophil activity. The purpose of this meta-analysis is to determine whether sputum MPO levels could reflect disease status or be regulated by regular medications for COPD.

Methods

Studies were identified by searching PubMed, Embase, the Cochrane Database, CINAHL and http://www.controlled-trials.com for relevant reports published before September 2012. Observational studies comparing sputum MPO in COPD patients and healthy subjects or asthmatics, or within the COPD group, and studies comparing sputum MPO before and after treatment were all included. Data were independently extracted by two investigators and analyzed using STATA 10.0 software.

Results

A total of 24 studies were included in the meta-analysis. Sputum MPO levels were increased in stable COPD patients when compared with normal controls, and this increase was especially pronounced during exacerbations as compared with MPO levels during the stable state. Theophylline treatment was able to reduce MPO levels in COPD patients, while glucocorticoid treatment failed to achieve the same result.

Conclusion

Sputum MPO might be a promising biomarker for guiding COPD management; however, further investigations are needed to confirm this.

Propofol inhibits invasion and growth of ovarian cancer cells via regulating miR-9/NF-κB signal

Propofol is one of the most commonly used intravenous anesthetic agents during cancer resection surgery. A previous study has found that propofol can inhibit invasion and induce apoptosis of ovarian cancer cells. However, the underlying mechanisms are not known. miR-9 has been reported to be little expressed in ovarian cancer cells, which has been related to a poor prognosis in patients with ovarian cancer. Studies have also demonstrated that propofol could induce microRNAs expression and suppress NF-κB activation in some situations. In the present study, we assessed whether propofol inhibits invasion and induces apoptosis of ovarian cancer cells by miR-9/NF-κB signaling. Ovarian cancer ES-2 cells were transfected with anti-miR-9 or p65 cDNA or p65 siRNA for 24 h, after which the cells were treated with different concentrations of propofol (1, 5, and 10 μg/mL) for 24 h. Cell growth and apoptosis were detected using MTT assay and flow cytometry analysis. Cell migration and invasion were detected using Transwell and Wound-healing assay. Western blot and electrophoretic mobility shift assay were used to detect different protein expression and NF-κB activity. Propofol inhibited cell growth and invasion, and induced cell apoptosis in a dose-dependent manner, which was accompanied by miR-9 activation and NF-κB inactivation. Knockdown of miR-9 abrogated propofol-induced NF-κB activation and MMP-9 expression, reversed propofol-induced cell death and invasion of ES-2 cells. Knockdown of p65 inhibited NF-κB activation rescued the miR-9-induced down-regulation of MMP-9. In addition, overexpression of p65 by p65 cDNA transfection increased propofol-induced NF-κB activation and reversed propofol-induced down-regulation of MMP-9. Propofol upregulates miR-9 expression and inhibits NF-κB activation and its downstream MMP-9 expression, leading to the inhibition of cell growth and invasion of ES-2 cells.