Effect of gemsitabin and polydatin on oxidative stress and inflammation in human pancreatic cancer (PANC-1) cells

It is observed that drug resistance develops over time against gemcitabine (GEM) used in pancreatic cancers. There is a need to identify agents that can sensitize tumors to treatment by using them together with GEM. Therefore, we investigated the effect of polydatin (PD), which has a wide variety of pharmacological properties, together with GEM on human pancreatic cancer cells (PANC-1). GEM, PD and their combinations were given to PANC-1 to evaluate cytotoxicity, inflammation and oxidative stress parameters. MTT test for cytotoxicity, real-time PCR for COX-2 and IL-8 expressions and colorimetric methods were used determination for reduced glutathione (GSH), lipid peroxidation (LP) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx). When polydatin was given together with GEM (72nd hour), it showed a synergistic effect with GEM and increased its cytotoxicity. COX-2 and IL-8 expression levels were significantly increased in low-dose GEM and PD combinations compared to GEM alone groups. When GEM was given to PANC-1 alone, it increased oxidative stress by increasing LP level, decreasing GSH level and suppressing GPx activity. It was observed that the oxidative stress induced by GEM decreased in low-dose PD combinations, but this decrease disappeared in high-dose PD combinations.