The Effects of Analgesics and Local Anesthetics on Gene Transcription Mediated by NFATc2 and Sp1 in Pancreatic Carcinoma

Abstract

Background/Aim: Recent research has identified the transcription factors NFATc2 and Sp1 as key regulators in the carcinogenesis of pancreatic carcinoma. This study aimed to examine the effect of clinically achievable dosages of analgesics including ketamine, s-ketamine, metamizole, and paracetamol as well as that of sufentanil, ropicavaine, and lidocaine on pancreatic carcinoma cells and the expression of NFATc2 and Sp1. Materials and Methods: The effects of analgesics on the expression of NFATc2 and Sp1 were investigated with immunoblotting. Cell proliferation was measured with the ELISA BrdU assay. Results: In PaTu8988t pancreatic carcinoma cells, 48 h stimulation with ketamine and s-ketamine significantly inhibited proliferation and decreased expression of NFATc2 in the nucleus. The addition of metamizole and lidocaine reduced proliferation of PaTu8988t cells after 48 h. Conclusion: New treatment concepts target specific signaling and transcription pathways. The extent to which drugs influence these mechanisms in pancreatic carcinoma cells needs to be investigated in future studies.