Conclusions
Our observation suggested that Berberine could inhibit the chemotherapy-induced repopulation of ovarian cancer cells by suppressing the AA pathway and phosphorylation of FAK. And these findings implicated a novel combined use of Berberine and chemotherapeutics, which might prevent ovarian cancer recurrence by abrogating early tumour repopulation.
Methods
The transwell system was used to mimic the co-culture of surviving ovarian cancer cells in the microenvironment of cytotoxic chemotherapy-treated dying cells. Tumour cell proliferation was observed by crystal violet staining. AA and PGE2 levels were measured by ELISA, and changes of protein expression were analysed by Western blot.
Results
Chemotherapy drug VP16 treatment triggered AA pathway, leading to the elevated PGE2 level, and ultimately enhanced the repopulation of ovarian cancer cells. Berberine can block the caspase 3-iPLA2 -AA-COX-2-PGE2 pathway by inhibiting the expression of iPLA2 and COX-2. Berberine can also reverse the increased phosphorylation of FAK caused by abnormal PGE2 level and thus reverse the repopulation of ovarian cancer cells after VP16 treatment. Conclusions: Our observation suggested that Berberine could inhibit the chemotherapy-induced repopulation of ovarian cancer cells by suppressing the AA pathway and phosphorylation of FAK. And these findings implicated a novel combined use of Berberine and chemotherapeutics, which might prevent ovarian cancer recurrence by abrogating early tumour repopulation.