OBJECTIVE: To probe into the effects of ropivacaine on the proliferation

apoptosis

invasion

migration and the Ras homolog gene family member A（RhoA）/Rho-associated coiled-coil protein kinase 1（ROCK1） signaling pathway in glioma U251 cells. METHODS: Glioma U251 cells were divided into negative control group

positive control group

and ropivacaine low

medium and high dose groups. The negative control group was cultured normally without treatment

the positive control group was given 10 μg/L of cis-platinum

the ropivacaine low

medium and high dose groups were respectively given 25 mg/L

50 mg/L and 100 mg/L of ropivacaine. After 48 h of culture

the cell proliferation rate

apoptosis rate

cell invasion number and migration distance were detected by tetramethylthiazole blue method

flow cytometry

Transwell and scratch method

the expression of RhoA

ROCK1 and matrix metalloproteinase 2（MMP-2） protein were detected by Western blotting. RESULTS: Compared with the negative control group

the proliferation rate was decreased

the invasion number decreased

the migration distance was shortened

the expression of RhoA

ROCK1 and MMP-2 protein decreased

the apoptosis rate increased in the positive control and each dose group of ropivacain

with statistically significant differences（P<0.05）

and the ropivacaine was dose-dependent. Compared with the positive control group

the proliferation rate and the cell invasion number increased

the migration distance was prolonged

the expression of RhoA

ROCK1 and MMP-2 proteins increased

the apoptosis rate decreased in each dose group of ropivacaine

with statistically significant differences（P<0.05）. CONCLUSIONS: Ropivacaine can inhibit the proliferation

invasion and migration of glioma U251 cells

promote the apoptosis of glioma U251 cells

and the mechanism may be related to the inhibition of RhoA/ROCK1 pathway expression.