Propofol attenuated the effect of TNF-α on occludin expression by inhibiting HIF-1α/VEGF/VEGFR-2/ERK signaling pathway in hCMEC/D3 cells
Abstract Purpose: The levels of tight junction proteins (TJs), especially occludin correlate with blood-brain barrier (BBB) disruption caused by central nervous system (CNS) inflammation during perioperative period. It has been reported that propofol, the most commonly used anesthetic, could inhibit inflammation response in CNS. In this study, we investigated the effects of TNF-α and propofol on occludin expression in human cerebral microvascular endothelial cell line, D3 clone (hCMEC/D3 cells), and explored the underlying mechanisms. Methods: The hCMEC/D3 cells were treated with propofol, followed by TNF-α. The expression and phosphorylation of Hif-1α, VEGF, VEGFR-2, ERK and occludin were measured by Western blot analysis. The in vitro cell viability of hCMEC/D3 cells was measured by cell counting kit-8. Results: TNF-α (10 ng/ml, 4 h) significantly decreased the expression of occludin, which was attenuated by propofol (25 μM). TNF-α induced Hif-1α/VEGF/VEGFR-2/ERK signaling pathway, while propofol could inhibit it. In addition, the inhibitors of Hif-1α, VEGF, VEGFR-2, and ERK could reduce the effect of TNF-α on occludin expression. Conclusion: TNF-α could decrease the expression of occludin via Hif-1α/VEGF/VEGFR-2/ERK signaling pathway, which was attenuated by propofol.