Miaoning Gu

Sevoflurane inhibits invasion and migration of lung cancer cells by inactivating the p38 MAPK signaling pathway.

PurposeSevoflurane is used widely during lung cancer surgery. However, the effect of sevoflurane on the invasion and migration of lung carcinoma cells remains unclear. The aims of this study were to explore the role of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-2 and MMP-9 in the effect of sevofluane on the invasion and the role of fascin and ezrin on the effect of sevofluane on the migration of human lung adenocarcinoma A549 cells. We also investigated whether sevoflurane regulates the expression of these molecules through the p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathway.MethodsThe invasion of cells was evaluated using the Transwell invasion assay, and the migration of cells was determined using the wound healing assay. The expression of MMP-2, MMP-9, ezrin, fascin, and phospho-p38 MAPK in cells was determined by western blotting.ResultsA significant inhibition of cell invasion and migration was found in A549 cells which had been treated with sevoflurane. The data also revealed that sevoflurane could decrease the phosphorylation level of p38 MAPK, which is involved in the downregulation of MMP-2, MMP-9, fascin, and ezrin expression, accompanied by a concomitant inhibition of the invasion and migration of A549 cells. SB203580, a p38 MAPK inhibitor, augmented the downregulation of the expression of these proteins.ConclusionThe anti-invasion effect of sevoflurane on A549 cells was associated with a downregulation of both MMP-2 and MMP-9 expression, while the anti-migration effect was associated with a downregulation of both fascin and ezrin expression. These effects could occur partly as a result of inactivation of the p38 MAPK signaling pathway.

Is NT-pro-BNP predictive of atrial fibrillation in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass surgery?

I am very glad to see that Dr Shih et al. reportedmy case of haemomediastinum caused by a ruptured bronchial artery aneurysm [1]. This is one of the bronchial arterial embolisation cases that I performed during October 2006. However, I have to point out a misinterpretation of Fig. 1 of this article [1]. The location the arrow is pointing to is actually the superior vena cava (SVC) with streak artefacts due to highly concentrated contrast injection from the right arm. If we trace that vein carefully upwards, we can see that the noncontrasted blood from the left brachiocephalic vein is draining into this SVC. The small bronchial artery is a branch from the descending thoracic aorta. The bronchial arterial aneurysm is actually showed as a small dot located anterior to the thoracic vertebra in Fig. 1. The angiogram in Fig. 2 will prove that the aneurysm is truly lying anterior to the spine. Due to the rules of ‘Letter to the Editor’, I cannot explain it out in an image or figure with legend; however, the reader may contact me if they want any further explanations and/or would like to see images of the case.

WITHDRAWN: Propofol reduces MMPs expression by inhibiting PI3K/AKT activity in human HepG2 cells

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Reasons elevated B-type natriuretic peptide levels are associated with adverse outcome in patients undergoing cardiac surgery.

2. Smaka TJ, Cobas M, Velazquez OC, et al: Perioperative management of endovascular abdominal aortic aneurysm repair: Update 2010. J Cardiothorac Vasc Anesth 25:166-176, 2011 3. Scurr JR, Brennan JA, Gilling-Smith GL, et al: Fenestrated endovascular repair for juxtarenal aortic aneurysm. Br J Surg 95:326-332, 2008 4. Gabrielli L, Baudo A, Molinari A, et al: Early complications in endovascular treatment of abdominal aortic aneurysm. Acta Chir Belg 104:519-526, 2004