Propofol inhibits cell proliferation and invasion in rheumatoid arthritis fibroblast-like synoviocytes via the nuclear factor-κB pathway.

Propofol is an anesthetic drug commonly used in the clinical practice. The aim of this study is to explore the effect of propofol on the aggressive behaviors of rheumatoid arthritis fibroblast-like synoviocytes (RA-FLSs). Propofol treatment for 48 or 72 h significantly inhibited the viability of RA-FLSs, but a 24-h treatment did not produce cytotoxic effects. Propofol exposure for 48 h led to reduction of proliferation and induction of apoptosis in RA-FLSs, which was coupled with increased Bax and decreased Bcl-2 and survivin levels. Additionally, treatment with propofol for 24 h significantly suppressed the migration and invasion of RA-FLSs. Mechanistically, propofol inhibited nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) activity. Overexpression of constitutively active NF-κB p65 reversed the inhibitory effects of propofol on RA-FLSs. Taken together, propofol exerts anti-proliferative and anti-invasive effects on RA-FLSs via the NF-κB pathway and may have therapeutic potential in treatment of RA.