Figure 2. KCNQ1OT1 overexpression reversed the effects of sevoflurane (SEVO) on hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) progression. Huh7 and Hep3B cells were transfected with KCNQ1OT1 or negative control (NC) and then stimulated with 4% SEVO for 48 h. A, KCNQ1OT1 expression was detected by qRT-PCR assay in HCC tumor tissues (n=30) and SEVO-treated HCC tumor tissues (n=30). Data are reported as median and interquartile range. *P<0.05 (Kruskal-Wallis). B and C, KCNQ1OT1 expression was detected by qRT-PCR assay (n=3). D and E, Cell proliferation ability was measured by MTT assay (n=3). F, Cell apoptosis rate was examined by flow cytometry (n=3). G and H, Transwell assay was employed to investigate cell migration and invasion (n=3). I and J, Western blot assay was carried out to measure the levels of cell apoptosis-related proteins (Bcl-2, Bax, and Cleaved-casp-3) (n=3). Data are reported as means±SD. *P<0.05 (Student's t-test or ANOVA).