Figure 4. Upregulation of VEGF-A, MMP11 and TGF-β in ovarian cancer cells upon exposure to volatile anaesthetics.

SK-OV3 cells were treated with air (N₂), 2% isoflurane (Iso) or 3.6% sevoflurane or 10.3% desflurane for 2 hours, and then recovered in the normal cell incubator for up to 24 hours. CXCR2 siRNA or scrambled siRNA was administered 6 hours before the gas exposure. Expression of A. MMP-11 (red), C. VEGF-A (red) and E. TGF-β (red) was assessed with immunofluorescent staining (nuclei counter-stained with DAPI) at 24 hour after gas exposure. Statistical analysis of fluorescent intensity of B. MMP-11, D. VEGF-A, and F. TGF-β (n = 8). Data are expressed as mean ± SD. *p<0.05 and ***p<0.001. Scale bar: 50μm. NC: naïve control. Iso: isoflurane. Sevo: sevoflurane, Des: desflurane. Scr Si: Scrambled siRNA, C Si: CXCR2 SiRNA. #: comparison between air and anaesthetic treated cells, *comparison between scrambled siRNA and CXCR2 siRNA treated cells.