In vitro Study of Radiosensitivity Effects of Galbanic Acid on Ovarian Tumor Cells (OVCAR-3 Cell Line)

Abstract

Background and aims: Radiotherapy ranks among the most important procedures in ovarian cancer therapy. However, radioresistance is becoming more prevalent and is one of the main causes of poor clinical outcomes. To overcome this problem, radiosensitizers may be used. The present study aimed to evaluate the radiosensitizing properties of galbanic acid (GBA) on ovarian cancer cells in vitro. Materials and methods: OVCAR-3 cells, an ovarian cancer cell line, were treated with increasing concentrations of GBA (5, 10, 20, and 40 μg/mL) for 24, 48, and 72 h to determine its half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50). Cell viability was assessed by alamar Blue assay. The cells treated with 10 μg/mL GBA for 24 h were exposed to increasing doses of radiation (1, 2, and 4 Gy) and the survival fraction was investigated by clonogenic assay. Results: Assessment of cell viability indicated that GBA caused toxicity in a dose-dependent manner. Additionally, GBA pretreatment significantly improved the radiosensitivity of the cells, and survival fraction data indicated synergy between GBA and radiation. Conclusion: Taken together, the current findings highlight GBA as a potent radiosensitizing agent; however, further research is required to determine the molecular mechanisms of the observed effect both in vitro and in vivo. It is also suggested that the radiosensitization effect of GBA on other cell types should be studied in the future.