| The lack of an effective early detection test and the limited efficacy of current available therapies make ovarian cancer (OVCA) a fatal malignancy of women. To develop an early detection test and targeted antitumor therapy, the molecular architecture of OVCA development and progression needs to be identified. Glucose-regulated protein 78 (GRP78) has been implicated in tumor progression in several malignancies. However, the expression and role of GRP78 in OVCA progression are unknown. The goal of this study was to determine whether expression of GRP78 is associated with OVCA development and progression in a laying hen model of spontaneous OVCA. This study showed that GRP78 was expressed by ovarian epithelium and its expression increased significantly as the tumor developed and progressed. This study also examined the effects of dietary supplementation of Ashwagandha (ASH) on the expression of GRP78 in OVCA. The results showed that supplementation of ASH decreased the expression of GRP78. In conclusion, GRP78 can be a target for early detection and prevention of OVCA. Dietary supplementation of ASH, which has the ability to suppress the expression of GRP78, may be a good dietary approach toward treatment of OVCA. This study will provide a foundation for clinical studies. |
