To evaluate the relationship between the mechanism underlying propofol-induced inhibition of migration of human breast cancer cells and glycolysis.

Human breast cancer cell line MDA-MB-231 cells were inoculated in 12-well culture plates at a density of 3×10⁵ cells/well.After being cultured for 24 h, the cells were divided into 2 groups(n=12 each)by using a random number table: control group(group C)and propofol group(group P). Propofol at the final concentration of 5 μg/ml was added to the culture medium in group P, and the equal volume of phosphate buffer solution was added to the culture medium in group C. At 6 h of incubation, the culture media were changed to the common culture media containing no drugs, and the cells were then incubated for another 24 h. The culture media were collected for determination of glucose concentrations(by oxidase method)and lactate concentrations(by chemical colorimetry). Glucose consumption and lactate production were calculated according to glucose and lactate concentrations.Cells were collected, the expression of lactate dehydrogenase A was detected by Western blot, and the migration of cells was determined by cell scratch test.

Compared with group C, the consumption of glucose and production of lactate were significantly decreased, the expression of lactate dehydrogenase A was down-regulated, and the migration rate was decreased in group P(P<0.05).

The mechanism by which propofol inhibits migration of human breast cancer cells may be associated with inhibition of glycolysis.

Propofol; Neoplasm metastasis; Glycolysis