Propofol suppresses growth, migration and invasion of A549 cells by down-regulation of miR-372
Authors: Hai Sun
Dengyu Gao
Journal: BMC cancer (2018)
Discipline: CLINICAL MEDICINE
Keywords: Lung cancer; Propofol; Wnt/β-catenin pathway; mTOR signaling pathway; microRNA-372.
Affiliations: Department of Anesthesiology, China-Japan Union Hospital of Jilin University, No.126, Xiantai Street, Changchun, Jilin, 130033, China., Department of Anesthesiology, China-Japan Union Hospital of Jilin University, No.126, Xiantai Street, Changchun, Jilin, 130033, China. .

Abstract:  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. 

Retracted: No

PubPeer comments:
 This paper belongs to a set of over 400 papers (as per February 2020) that share very similar Western blots with tadpole-like shaped bands, the same background pattern, and striking similarities in title structures, paper layout, bar graph design, and - in a subset - flow cytometry panels. Despite these similarities, these papers are authored by researchers from different departments and institutes, with almost no overlap in authors. The list of these papers is available here: https: docs.google.com spreadsheets d 1KXqTAyl4j-jVorFPMD2XRpr76LcIKJ0CVyIvRj0exYQ edit?usp=sharing A more detailed description of this set of papers, suspected to all be generated by a common source, a paper mill , can be found here: * https: forbetterscience.com 2020 01 24 the-full-service-paper-mill-and-its-chinese-customers (January 2020) * https: scienceintegritydigest.com 2020 02 21 the-tadpole-paper-mill (February 2020) The same paper mill has been described in these papers: * Jana Christopher - Systematic fabrication of scientific images revealed - FEBS Letters (2018) - https: febs.onlinelibrary.wiley.com doi full 10.1002 1873-3468.13201 * Jennifer A Byrne and Jana Christopher - Digital magic, or the dark arts of the 21st centuryu2014how can journals and peer reviewers detect manuscripts and publications from paper mills? - FEBS Letters (2020) - https: febs.onlinelibrary.wiley.com doi full 10.1002 1873-3468.13747 , 
 China s Ministry of Science Technology weighed in, in [a report from May 2022] ,  Summary of the public notification of the results of the investigation and handling of medical research integrity cases in some universities (May 23, 2022) . This is Case 13. Thx Google Translate. Thirteen. The paper  Propofol suppresses growth, migration and invasion of A549 cells by down-regulation of miR-372 by Dengyu Gao as the corresponding author and Hai Sun as the first author of Sino-Japanese Friendship Hospital of Jilin University. After investigation, the paper has tampered with research data. Sun Hai (combined with the other 3 papers) will be dealt with as follows: notice of criticism, cancellation of application qualifications for scientific and technological planning projects (special projects, funds, etc.) for 8 years, cancellation of various awards and awards for 2 years, cancellation of positions, and promotion of professional titles. Apply for the qualification once, withhold the post allowance for 24 months, and prohibit participating in the qualification review of graduate student enrollment for 2 years; deal with Gao Dengyu as follows: report criticism, cancel the application qualification of science and technology plan projects (special projects, funds, etc.) for 5 years, and cancel various awards and evaluations Excellent qualifications for 2 years, cancellation of valid application qualifications for post and professional title promotion once, withholding post allowances for 12 months, and prohibiting participation in the qualification review for graduate enrollment for 1 year. ------------------------ The editors of BMC Cancer continue to stand by the paper. ,