Network Analysis of Ropivacaine Effects on Mesenchymal Stem Cells Gene Expression Change

Abstract

Background: Ropivacaine, as a local anesthetic drug, has several effects on cellular functions. Objectives: This study aims to identify the main molecular targets of ropivacaine in mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) using protein-protein interaction (PPI) network analysis. Methods: Gene expression data were derived from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database and analyzed using the GEO2R program. The significantly differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were examined through PPI network analysis and gene ontology evaluation to identify key genes and affected biological processes. Results: Nine central genes (COL3A1, LGALS3, HGF, MMP12, TGFBI, IL1R1, HSD11B1, GRN, and CTSA) were identified, and the “Cholesterol biosynthetic process” emerged as a main biological process cluster affected by ropivacaine treatment. Conclusions: Ropivacaine affects the essential functions of the treated cells, ranging from proliferation to cell metabolism. It can be suggested that more investigations are needed to explore the safe application of ropivacaine in local anesthesia.