Cipepofol inhibits the proliferation, migration and invasion of breast cancer cells by inducing ferroptosis.

Breast cancer is one of the most common malignant tumors in women. Optimizing perioperative anesthesia management contributes to reducing the risk of breast cancer recurrence and improving patient prognosis. The effects of Cipepofol on the proliferation, invasion/migration ability, and cell cycle of MDA-MB-231 cells were determined by CCK-8 assay, colony formation assay, transwell assay, wound healing assay, and flow cytometry. Results showed that Cipepofol effectively inhibited the viability of MDA-MB-231 cells in a dose-dependent manner. Moreover, it suppressed cell proliferation, invasion, and migration abilities, while inducing S-phase arrest. Subsequently, the regulatory role of Cipepofol in ferroptosis was evaluated through FerroOrange staining, JC-1 staining, and Western blot. It was revealed that Cipepofol promoted the accumulation of Fe2+ and lipid peroxides by reducing the GSH/GSSG ratio and upregulating the expression of ASCL4 and TFRC. In addition, a xenograft mouse model was established, and the anti-breast cancer activity of Cipepofol in vivo was further assessed via immunohistochemistry. Animal experiments demonstrated that Cipepofol also dose-dependently inhibited tumor growth in vivo, reduced serum GSH levels and Ki67 expression, increased MDA levels, and modulated ferroptosis markers in tumors. In conclusion, cipepofol can inhibit the proliferation, invasion, and migration of breast cancer by inducing ferroptosis, and it may act as an anesthesia drug option during the perioperative period.