MicroRNA-21 regulates the proliferation and apoptosis of cervical cancer cells via tumor necrosis factor-α

The proliferation and apoptosis of tumor cells are regulated by a variety of microRNAs (miRs). miR-21 can inhibit the apoptosis of cancer cells in vitro. Tumor necrosis factor a (TNF-alpha) serves an important role in the induction of proliferation of cervical cancer cells. Previous studies have demonstrated that the expression level of miR-21 is associated with TNF-alpha expression in alveolar macrophages. However, to the best of our knowledge, whether miR-21 regulates TNF-alpha in cervical cells has not been reported. The present study was designed to investigate whether miR-21 regulates TNF-alpha expression, proliferation and apoptosis of cervical cancer cells. miR-21, miR-21 inhibitor and control miRNA were synthesized and transfected into HeLa cervical cancer cells. Reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction was used to measure the expression levels of miR-21 and TNF-alpha at the mRNA level. Western blotting was used to measure the expression levels of TNF-alpha at the protein level. MTT assay and Hoechest-33342 staining were used to measure the proliferation and apoptosis of HeLa cells. miR-21 was identified to upregulate the mRNA and protein expression levels of TNF-alpha. Furthermore, upregulation of TNF-alpha enhanced the proliferation capability of HeLa cells. Changes in the expression levels of miR-21 and TNF-alpha did not significantly affect the apoptosis of Hela cells. In conclusion, the present study demonstrated that miR-21 regulates the expression of TNF-alpha in HeLa cells. Additionally, the expression level of TNF-alpha was positively associated with the proliferation capability of Hela cells, but not apoptosis. Therefore, miR-21 regulates the proliferation of HeLa cells through regulation of TNF-alpha. These results provide novel potential therapeutic targets for the treatment of cervical cancer.