Bruceine D Sensitizes Human Ovarian Cancer Cells to Paclitaxel Through JNK and STAT3 Signal Regulation

Abstract

AbstractExploring novel regimens is essential to ensure the efficacy of paclitaxel-based chemotherapy in epithelial ovarian cancer. Brucea javanica (L.) Merr., Simaroubaceae, oil emulsion benefits the patients who received sequential chemotherapy, and bruceine D is identified as the major active tetracyclic quassinoid. On this premise, we explored the potential effects and related molecular mechanisms of bruceine D on epithelial ovarian cancer cells. Our study indicated an inhibitory effect of bruceine D treatment in epithelial ovarian cancer cells. Increased cell apoptosis and cancer stem cell elimination were observed with combined treatment of bruceine D and paclitaxel in ovarian cancer cells. Mechanism study indicated that JNK and STAT3 signaling regulation contributed to the synergistic effects of bruceine D in paclitaxel-based chemotherapy. Our study revealed a synergistic effect of bruceine D in paclitaxel-based chemotherapy. Our investigation provided a valuable strategy to enhance the efficiency of chemotherapy in ovarian cancer. Graphical abstract