microRNA-148a-3p enhances the effects of sevoflurane on hepatocellular carcinoma cell progression via ROCK1 repression

Background: Sevoflurane (SEVO) inactivates the aggressiveness of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cells by mediating microRNAs (miRNAs). Hence, we delved into the functional role of miR-148a-3p mediated by SEVO in HCC. Methods: Liver cells (L02) and HCC cells (HCCLM3 and Huh7) were exposed to SEVO to detect cell viability in HCC. HCCLM3 and Huh7 cells were treated with restored miR-148a-3p or depleted Rho-associated protein kinase 1 (ROCK1) to elucidate their roles in HCC cells' biological characteristics. HCCLM3 and Huh7 cells were treated with SEVO, and/or vectors that changed miR-148a-3p or ROCK1 expression to identify their combined functions in HCC cell progression. Tumor xenograft in nude mice was performed to determine growth ability of tumor. The target relationship between miR-148a-3p and ROCK1 was verified. Results: SEVO inhibited proliferation, invasion and migration and enhanced apoptosis of HCCLM3 and Huh7 cells. MiR-148a-3p up-regulation or ROCK1 down-regulation inhibited HCCLM3 and Huh7 cell progression. ROCK1 was determined to be target gene of miR-148a-3p. Down-regulating miR-148a-3p or overexpressing ROCK1 mitigated cell aggressiveness inhibition caused by SEVO. Conclusion: Our study elucidates that microRNA-148a-3p enhances the effects of sevoflurane on inhibiting proliferation, invasion and migration and enhancing apoptosis of HCC cells through suppression of ROCK1.

Automated summary

Sevoflurane inhibits proliferation, invasion, and migration while enhancing apoptosis of HCCLM3 and Huh7 cells by regulating miR-148a-3p. Up-regulation of miR-148a-3p or down-regulation of ROCK1 also inhibits cell progression in a similar manner.