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Exploring the mechanisms by which common inhalational anesthetics influence malignant tumor metastasis: A data mining
Yiyu Chen1, Wenlan Ouyang1, Hu Lv1
1Department of Anesthesiology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai 200032, China.
Abstract:
Surgery remains the primary treatment for solid malignant tumors, but controlling postoperative tumor recurrence and metastasis continues to be a major challenge. Understanding the factors that influence tumor recurrence and metastasis after surgery, as well as the underlying biological mechanisms, is critical. Previous studies suggest that anesthetic agents may increase the risk of tumor recurrence and metastasis in patients with cancer, but the mechanisms underlying these findings remain unclear. In this study, we utilized toxicogenomics and comparative toxicogenomic databases to analyze data and explore the potential mechanisms by which three commonly used inhalational anesthetics-sevoflurane, isoflurane, and halothane-might promote malignant tumor metastasis. The results identified 18 genes that may be associated with tumor metastasis. Functional enrichment analysis revealed that these anesthetics could influence tumor cell migration by activating signaling pathways such as the IL-17 and tumor necrosis factor signaling pathways, thereby potentially inducing tumor metastasis. Moreover, by constructing a TF-mRNA network, we predicted several transcription factors that might play key roles in anesthetic-induced tumor metastasis. The analysis revealed a total of 87 regulatory relationships between transcription factors and mRNA. These findings offer new insights for future in vivo or in vitro studies and contribute to a better understanding of the relationship between inhalational anesthetics and tumor metastasis, providing valuable reference points for clinical decision-making. The results of this study also provide a reference for the determination of subsequent clinical treatment targets. Hence, future laboratory studies should prioritize investigating the specific genes and common mechanisms identified in this study.
Insights
Common anesthetics like sevoflurane may promote cancer metastasis by affecting cell migration pathways. This study identified key genes and pathways involved, offering insights for future cancer treatment strategies.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Anesthesiology
- Toxicogenomics
Background:
- Postoperative tumor recurrence and metastasis remain significant challenges in cancer surgery.
- The potential role of anesthetic agents in promoting tumor metastasis requires further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the mechanisms by which sevoflurane, isoflurane, and halothane may promote malignant tumor metastasis.
- To identify genes, signaling pathways, and transcription factors involved in anesthetic-induced tumor metastasis.
Main Methods:
- Utilized toxicogenomics and comparative toxicogenomic databases for data analysis.
- Performed functional enrichment analysis and constructed a transcription factor-mRNA network.
Main Results:
- Identified 18 genes potentially associated with tumor metastasis.
- Revealed that anesthetics may activate IL-17 and tumor necrosis factor signaling pathways, influencing tumor cell migration.
- Predicted 87 regulatory relationships between transcription factors and mRNA in anesthetic-induced metastasis.
Conclusions:
- Inhalational anesthetics may promote tumor metastasis through specific gene and pathway activation.
- Findings provide insights into anesthetic-cancer interactions and potential clinical treatment targets.
- Highlights the need for further in vivo and in vitro studies to validate these mechanisms.
