Background: The activation of the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway has been proved to be associated with survival as well as proliferation of various tumour cells in multiple cancer types, including epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC).
Purpose: Moreover, the activation of the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway is the key mechanism responsible for higher invasiveness and migratory capacities of ovarian cancer cells. Furthermore, PI3K is crucial for activation of the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway; therefore, its inhibition might be an effective strategy against cancer.
Research design: The combination approach is now an established strategy against cancer. So, the present study evaluated molecular mechanics behind the synergistic effects of curcumin and resveratrol along with cisplatin treatment on inhibition of the PI3K pathway in ovarian cancer cells.
Results: The present study confirmed significant inhibition of the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway as observed by Matrigel invasion assay, Western blot expression of important molecular markers and apoptotic markers.
Conclusion: The present study concludes that the combination of curcumin and resveratrol significantly sensitized the EOC cells to cisplatin treatment, thereby inhibiting chemoresistance in ovarian cancer cells by significant inhibition of the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway.
Keywords: AKT; Ovarian cancer; cisplatin; curcumin; p13k; resveratrol.