Screening of differentially expressed miRNAs in tensile strain‑treated HepG2 cells by miRNA microarray analysis.

Cirrhosis and portal hypertension are associated with an increased risk of developing liver cancer. However, it is unknown how changes in the cellular mechanical microenvironment induced by portal hypertension affect the occurrence and development of liver cancer. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of tensile strain on the proliferation of a human liver cancer cell line (HepG2 cells) using methods such as flow cytometry, Cell Counting Kit‑8 and 5‑bromodeoxyuridine assays, and to examine the changes in microRNA (miRNA/miR) expression using microarray, reverse transcription‑quantitative (RT‑q)PCR and bioinformatics analyses.

Identification and integrative analysis of microRNAs and mRNAs involved in proliferation and invasion of pressure‑treated human liver cancer cell lines.

Mechanical pressure may contribute to the development of cancer; however, there is currently no evidence regarding the effect of mechanical pressure on liver cancer. In the present study, 2‑ and 3‑dimensional pressure‑loading systems were used to exert pressure on HepG2 and Huh‑7 cell lines. Cell proliferation and flow cytometry analyses were undertaken to observe the proliferative ability of pressure‑loaded cells.

Pressure suppresses hepatocellular glycogen synthesis through activating the p53/Pten pathway.

Portal hypertension is the primary cause of complications in patients with chronic liver diseases, and markedly impacts metabolism within the nervous system. Until recently, the role of portal hypertension in hepatocellular metabolism was unclear. The present study demonstrated that an increase in extracellular pressure significantly decreased hepatocellular glycogen concentrations in HepG2 and HL‑7702 cells.