Piperlongumine induces ROS accumulation to reverse resistance of 5-FU in human colorectal cancer via targeting TrxR.

Resistance is a major concern for colorectal cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy. Piperlongumine (PL) has been proven to effectively reverse drug resistance in several types of cancers; however, the mechanisms associated with the reversal effect and the targets of PL in cancer drug resistance are still unclear. In this research, the reversal effects and associated mechanisms of PL in 5-Fluorouracil (5-FU) resistance colorectal cancer were investigated both in vitro and in vivo.