Metformin combined with p38 MAPK inhibitor improves cisplatin sensitivity in cisplatin-resistant ovarian cancer

The aim of the present study was to determine the effects of metformin, combined with a p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) inhibitor, on the sensitivity of cisplatin-resistant ovarian cancer to cisplatin. The expression and distribution of phosphorylated p38 MAPK (P-p38 MAPK) was confirmed in drug-resistant and primary ovarian cancer tissues by immunohistochemistry and western blotting. A bromodeoxyuridine ELISA kit was used to analyze the effects of metformin, SB203580, a p38 MAPK inhibitor, and metformin combined with SB203580, on the cell proliferation of SKOV3/DDP cisplatin-resistant ovarian cancer cells. The protein expression of P-p38 MAPK was significantly higher in cisplatin-resistant ovarian cancer, as compared with the primary ovarian cancer tissues. Metformin combined with SB203580 significantly enhanced the sensitivity of SKOV3/DDP cells to cisplatin. In conclusion, the p38 MAPK signaling pathway may be associated with cisplatin-resistant ovarian cancer. Metformin, combined with the p38 MAPK inhibitor, significantly increased the sensitivity of SKOV3/DDP cells to cisplatin treatment.