The effects of dexamethasone on the proliferation and apoptosis of human ovarian cancer cells induced by paclitaxel

Abstract

Background: Dexamethasone (DEX) has been routinely used as a pre-treatment in the clinical application of paclitaxel (PTX) to treat ovarian cancer. However, PTX-induced apoptosis might be inhibited by DEX. This study was undertaken to investigate the effects of DEX on the apoptosis induced by PTX. Methods: Both of SKOV-3 and HO-8910 human ovarian cancer cells were divided into four groups: (1) untreated (Con); (2) treated with DEX (0.1 μM) alone; (3) treated with PTX (50 nM); and (4) pre-treated with DEX (0.1 μM), and 24 h later, treated with PTX (DEX + PTX). Cell proliferation was determined by the 3-(4,5)-dimethylthiahiazo (−z-y1)-3,5-di-phenytetrazoliumromide (MTT) dye uptake method, while cell apoptosis was analyzed by propidium iodide (PI) staining and flow cytometry. Then, reverse transcription polymerase chain reactions (RT-PCRs) were applied to semi-quantitative analysis, followed by western blot analysis. Statistical analysis was performed, with Fisher's least significant difference test.

Drug–Drug Interactions Involving Dexamethasone in Clinical Practice: Myth or Reality?

“…The exact mechanism of such DDI is unknown, as albendazole pharmacokinetics parameters are increased in the presence of concomitant dexamethasone treatment [90]. In an in vivo model of human ovarian carcinoma xenocraft on nude mice, a premedication with dexamethasone reduced the inhibitory effect of paclitaxel, another taxane family antitumor agent, on tumor growth by approximately 20% [91]. In a model of rheumatoid arthritis, a synergistic effect was observed between tofacitinib and dexamethasone, on paw growth with a 0.76 interaction factor [92].…”

Retraction Note: The effects of dexamethasone on the proliferation and apoptosis of human ovarian cancer cells induced by paclitaxel

“…The Publisher and Editor regretfully retract this article [ 1 ] because the peer-review process was inappropriately influenced and compromised. As a result, the scientific integrity of the article cannot be guaranteed.…”