Re-Sensitization of Resistant Ovarian Cancer SKOV3/CDDP Cells to Cisplatin by Curcumin Pre-Treatment.

A major challenging problem facing effective ovarian cancer therapy is cisplatin resistance. Re-sensitization of cisplatin-resistant ovarian cancer cells to cisplatin (CDDP) has become a critical issue. Curcumin (CUR), the most abundant dietary polyphenolic curcuminoids derived from turmeric (), has achieved previously significant anti-cancer effects against human ovarian adenocarcinoma SKOV-3/CDDP cisplatin-resistant cells by inhibition the gene expression of the antioxidant enzymes (, , , and ), transcription factor and signaling pathway (//).

Potentiation of Cisplatin Cytotoxicity in Resistant Ovarian Cancer SKOV3/Cisplatin Cells by Quercetin Pre-Treatment.

Previously, we demonstrated that the overexpression of antioxidant enzymes (, , , , and ), transcription factor , and the signaling pathway () contribute to the cisplatin resistance of SKOV-3/CDDP ovarian cells, and treatment with quercetin (QU) alone has been shown to inhibit the expression of these genes. The aim of this study was to expand the previous data by examining the efficiency of reversing cisplatin resistance and investigating the underlying mechanism of pre-treatment with QU followed by cisplatin in the same ovarian cancer cells. The pre-incubation of SKOV-3/CDDP cells with quercetin at an optimum dose prior to treatment with cisplatin exhibited a significant cytotoxic effect.

Synthetic Pathways and the Therapeutic Potential of Quercetin and Curcumin.

Polyphenols are considered popular ingredients in the pharmaceutical and medical fields due to their preventive and therapeutic properties. However, the potential effects and mechanisms of action of individual polyphenols remain largely unknown. Herein, we analyzed recent data on the synthetic pathways, features, and similarity of the properties of quercetin, as the most famous flavonoid, and curcumin, a representative of curcuminoids that despite their anti-oxidant activity, also have a pro-oxidant effect, depending on the concentration and the cellular environment.

The Thioredoxin System of Mammalian Cells and Its Modulators.

Oxidative stress involves the increased production and accumulation of free radicals, peroxides, and other metabolites that are collectively termed reactive oxygen species (ROS), which are produced as by-products of aerobic respiration. ROS play a significant role in cell homeostasis through redox signaling and are capable of eliciting damage to macromolecules. Multiple antioxidant defense systems have evolved to prevent dangerous ROS accumulation in the body, with the glutathione and thioredoxin/thioredoxin reductase (Trx/TrxR) systems being the most important.