The Mechanism of Propofol on Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC) through Modulating Mesenchymal Transition (EMT)

Background: Intensive investigations have focused on the effect of propofol on the malignant behaviours of cancer cells. However, much is still unknown about the effect of propofol on non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Here we aimed to investigate the effect of propofol on NSCLC with cancer stem-like cells (CSCs) A549. Methods: CCK-8 assays, flow cytometry, and transwell assay were used to assess the changes in the proliferation, migration, and invasion in A549 treated with propofol. By detecting hallmarks of mesenchymal transition (EMT), the mechanism of the effect of propofol on A549 was assessed. Results: In A549, propofol exposure promoted cell proliferation, while inhibiting migration and invasion. By activating EMT using TGF-β pretreatment, propofol treatment downregulated hallmarks of EMT and led to inactivation of EMT. Conclusion: Modulation of self-renewal capacity of CSCs by anesthetics may affect cancer malignant behaviors following surgery. The employment of propofol not only exerts inhibitory effects on cancer cells but also on CSCs in non-small cell lung cancer.