Evaluation of Anti-Cancer Effects of Alcoholic Extract of Ginger on SORT1 Gene Expression and Viability of the A2780s Ovarian Cancer Cell Line

Abstract

Aims: Ovarian cancer is the most common fatal malignancy of the female genital tract and is often at an advanced stage when diagnosed. Ginger is one of the most well-known medicinal plants with antioxidant and anti-cancer properties. SORT1 gene is overexpressed in ovarian cancer cell lines. The present study evaluates the anti-cancer effects of ginger extract on SORT1 gene expression and viability of the A2780s ovarian cancer cell line. Methods & Materials: The viability percentage of the A2780s ovarian cancer cells with ginger extract at concentrations of 40, 60, 80, and 100 μg/mL compared to the control group was evaluated by the Neubauer slide method for 24 hours, and IC50 of the ginger extract was determined within 24 hours. Then, the viability percentage of the cells with 60 μg/mL of ginger extract was investigated at 24, 48, and 72 hours. After treating cells with ginger extract, the cells’ RNA was extracted at 24 and 48 hours, then cDNA was synthesized. Finally, the expression of the SORT1 gene was evaluated compared to the GAPDH gene (reference gene) using real-time PCR. Findings: Ginger extract in a dose- and time-dependent manner inhibited the viability of ovarian cancer cells. The ginger extract reduced SORT1 gene expression in A2780s cells. Conclusion: The ginger extract has significant inhibitory activity against A2780s ovarian cancer cells. Therefore, with further research, this compound can be used to develop ovarian anti-cancer drugs.