6-Gingerol Promotes Apoptosis of Cancer Cells in Ovary Through the Activation of the Signaling Pathway for miR-506/Gli3

Abstract

Abstract Background: It has been found using gingerol homologs that ginger plant rhizomes can potentially guarantee human health, which includes preventing and treating cancer. Here, we investigated 6-Gingerol’s anticancer activities and its mechanisms of action in cancer cells. Methods: We used MTT assays to measure cell growth, flow cytometry to assess the proliferation, cytotoxicity, and cycle progression of cells, and western blotting to evaluate cyclin expression. Results: In vitro, ovarian cancer cells underwent apoptosis following 6-Gingerol. 6-Gingerol suppressed GLI3 expression without affecting Bax, Bcl2, or Bcl-XL. We observed low miR-506 expression in ovarian cancer tissues, while 6-Gingerol significantly promotedits expression. miR-506 directly suppress GLI3 expression and caused apoptosis in SKOV3 cells. Conclusions: Our results indicate that miR-5066-Gingerol upregulation could induce cancer cell apoptosis in the ovary. This study provides evidence supporting 6-Gingerol-based therapy for ovarian malignancy.