Akademik Veri Yönetim Sistemi
International Journal of Medical Biochemistry, cilt.8, sa.2, 2025 (Hakemli Dergi)
Objectives: Remifentanil, a fentanyl-derivative opioid analgesic acting as a μ-opioid receptor agonist, is a crucial drug in anesthesia due to its numerous benefits during surgical procedures. This study aimed to explore whether remifen-tanil effectively induced apoptosis in MCF-7 breast cancer cells via possible mechanisms. Methods: Flow cytometry was performed for Annexin V/7-aminoactinomycin (7-AAD) and DAPI staining, cell cycle assays, and to measure reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels. Immunoassays for lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and interleukin (IL)-6, as well as a chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) test, were also performed. Results: Remifentanil effectively suppressed cell proliferation and led to the induction of cell cycle arrest at the G1 phase in MCF-7 cells. Compared with the control group, MCF-7 cells treated with remifentanil had a higher apoptotic rate with nuclear fragmentation, increased LDH release, and lower IL-6 concentrations. Overgeneration of ROS and decreased angiogenic activity were also observed in remifentanil-treated MCF-7 cells. Conclusion: Remifentanil led to G1-phase arrest and apoptosis in MCF-7 cells. The mechanism of action of remifentanil likely involves the suppression of IL-6 production and angiogenesis, along with enhanced ROS levels and LDH gener-ation. This preliminary study highlighted the need for further experimental evidence from future research to clearly support the significant potential of remifentanil as an anticancer agent for breast cancer.