Effect of diallyl trisulfide on human ovarian cancer SKOV- 3/DDP cell apoptosis
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Updated: May 3, 2026

Assessing Cell Viability and Death in 3D Spheroid Cultures of Cancer Cells
Published on: June 16, 2019
Hui-Fang Wan1, Le-Han Yu, Jin-Lan Wu
1Department of Medical Experiment Teaching, Nan Chang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
Aim:
To investigate the effects of diallyl trisulfide (DT) on apoptosis of cisplatin (DDP)-resistant human epithelial ovarian cancer SKOV-3 cells (SKOV-3/DDP), and the role of p53 upregulated modulator of apoptosis (PUMA).
Methods:
SKOV-3/DDP cells were randomly divided into control, DT, DPP and DPP+DT groups, which were treated with DT or combined DT and DDP. All cells were incubated for 48 h. and apoptosis rates were assessed by flow cytometry. mRNA and protein expression of PUMA, Bax and Bcl-2 was determined by RT-PCR and Western blot assays, respectively.
Results:
Compared with control group, the apoptosis rates of SKOV-3/DDP cells in DT groups were obviously increased, with dose-dependence (P < 0.05), the mRNA and protein expressions of PUMA, Bax also being up-regulated (P < 0.05), while those of Bcl-2 were down-regulated (P < 0.05). Compared with DT groups, the apoptosis rate in the DDP+DT group was significantly increased (P < 0.05). After knockdown of PUMA with specific siRNA, the apoptosis rate of SKOV-3/DDP cells was obviously decreased (P < 0.05).
Conclusion:
DT can promote the apoptosis of SKOV-3/DDP cells with PUMA playing a critical role.
Insights
Diallyl trisulfide (DT) enhances apoptosis in cisplatin-resistant ovarian cancer cells by upregulating PUMA. This suggests DT as a potential therapeutic agent for overcoming drug resistance.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Molecular Biology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Cisplatin-resistant ovarian cancer poses a significant clinical challenge.
- Identifying novel therapeutic strategies to overcome drug resistance is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of diallyl trisulfide (DT) on apoptosis in cisplatin-resistant human epithelial ovarian cancer SKOV-3 cells (SKOV-3/DDP).
- To elucidate the role of p53 upregulated modulator of apoptosis (PUMA) in DT-induced apoptosis.
Main Methods:
- SKOV-3/DDP cells were treated with DT, cisplatin (DDP), or a combination.
- Apoptosis rates were assessed by flow cytometry.
- mRNA and protein expression of PUMA, Bax, and Bcl-2 were analyzed using RT-PCR and Western blot.
Main Results:
- DT significantly increased apoptosis rates in SKOV-3/DDP cells in a dose-dependent manner.
- DT treatment upregulated PUMA and Bax expression while downregulating Bcl-2.
- Combined DDP and DT treatment further enhanced apoptosis.
- Knockdown of PUMA reduced DT-induced apoptosis.
Conclusions:
- Diallyl trisulfide (DT) effectively promotes apoptosis in cisplatin-resistant ovarian cancer cells.
- PUMA plays a critical role in mediating the pro-apoptotic effects of DT.

