Propofol upregulates ANGPTL4 gene and protein expression to inhibit biological behavior of colon cancer cells

Propofol, a clinically prevalent intravenous anesthetic, has garnered significant research interest in recent years due to its potential antitumor properties. This study examines whether propofol influences colon cancer cell behavior through modulation of ANGPTL4. In a murine intraperitoneal colon cancer model, propofol administration significantly suppressed tumor growth and reduced tumor mass. In vitro experiments demonstrated dose-dependent inhibition of colon cancer cell proliferation, migration, and invasion following propofol treatment. RNA sequencing revealed substantial upregulation of ANGPTL4 gene expression, while Western blot confirmed parallel upregulation of ANGPTL4 protein expression. Crucially, ANGPTL4 knockdown markedly attenuated propofol’s antitumor effects, indicating ANGPTL4-dependent mechanisms. Our results show that propofol suppresses colon cancer cell proliferation, migration, and invasion through upregulation of both ANGPTL4 gene and protein expression, thereby identifying a novel potential therapeutic target for colon cancer treatment.