Genistein and Cisplatin, Alone and in Combination, Suppress Growth of Human <i>Ovarian carcinoma </i>Cell Line SKOV<sub>3</sub>

Abstract

Recent studies have shown that Genistein can obviously suppress growth of gynecologic carcinoma. In this study we examined whether Genistein and Cisplatin, alone and in combination, exhibited a inhibitory effect on the growth of ovarian carcinoma. SKOV3 cells were treated with 20µM Genistein, 20µM Cisplatin and combination group (G+C) for 24 to 72 hours, antiproliferative effect was tested by MTT method. Apoptosis was evaluated using flow cytometry and transmission electron microscopy. Then the transplanted xenografts were treated with Genistein and Cisplatin, the tumor volume and tumor weight were measured, HE staining were performed for morphologic observation. A time and dose-dependent growth inhibition was observed. When treated the cells with 20µM Genistein, 20µMCisplatin and combination group (G+C), compared with the control group, the growth of cells in different treatment group was inhibited, while the combination of Genistein and Cisplatin showed significant inhibition effect than single agent. When Genistein (0.4mg/kg, s.c.) treated the transplanted xenograft in vivo, the tumor volume and tumor weight decreased, T/C ratio (mean volume of treated group/mean volume of control group) also was reduced compared to untreated group, and extensive necrotic areas in the tumor treated with Genistein and Cisplatin appeared in HE section. A weight loss of nude mice after treatment with Genistein was not significant as compared with the control group. And when treated with Genistein (0.4mg/kg, s.c.) and Cisplatin (4mg/kg, i.v.), it showed a synergistic effect. Genistein and Cisplatin, alone and in combination, suppress cell growth. The combination of Genistein and Cisplatin, as compared to single treated group, caused a synergistic increase in antiproliferative effect on SKOV3 cells. The implication for treatment of ovarian cancer may be combination of Genistein and Cisplatin. Further studies are needed to supply more evidence.