Ovarian cancer progression is often driven by lysophosphatidic acid (LPA), a lipid signaling molecule enriched in the ascitic fluid of patients. LPA promotes cancer cell migration and resistance to platinum-based chemotherapy, partly by inhibiting autophagy—a cellular degradation process with tumor-suppressive roles.

In this study, we investigated the effects of resveratrol, a natural polyphenol, on LPA-induced changes in ovarian cancer cells. We found that resveratrol can restore autophagic activity that is otherwise suppressed by LPA. This restoration is mediated through reactivation of the Hedgehog signaling pathway, which is downregulated by LPA.

Mechanistically, resveratrol increases expression of Hedgehog pathway components (e.g., PTCH1, GLI1), boosts levels of autophagy markers (LC3-II), and enhances lysosomal function—collectively re-establishing effective autophagic flux.

Functionally, resveratrol:

• Reduces LPA-induced cell migration
• Sensitizes ovarian cancer cells to cisplatin
• Counters key pro-tumorigenic effects of LPA.

These findings suggest that resveratrol could serve as a supportive therapeutic agent in ovarian cancer by reactivating autophagy and overcoming chemotherapy resistance.

Link to the original article: https://www.mdpi.com/1362996