Gynecologic Research: New Diagnostic and Therapeutic Approaches

A special issue of Biomedicines (ISSN 2227-9059). This special issue belongs to the section "Molecular and Translational Medicine".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 31 October 2026 | Viewed by 722

Editors


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Guest Editor
1st Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, “Papageorgiou” Hospital, 56429 Thessaloniki, Greece
Interests: gynecology; obstetrics; ovarian cancer

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
1st Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, “Papageorgiou” Hospital, 56429 Thessaloniki, Greece
Interests: gynecological cancer; ovarian cancer

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

This Special Issue will focus on advancing diagnostic and therapeutic strategies in gynecologic health, addressing both benign and malignant conditions affecting the female reproductive system. We invite the submission of original research, reviews, and clinical studies that explore innovative diagnostic tools—such as novel biomarkers, imaging technologies, and molecular profiling—that enable the earlier and more accurate detection of gynecologic diseases. Additionally, this Special Issue will highlight emerging therapeutic approaches, including targeted therapies, immunotherapies, minimally invasive surgical techniques, and personalized treatment protocols. Topics of interest span endometrial, ovarian, cervical, and vulvar disorders, as well as fertility preservation, menopause management, and gynecologic oncology. By integrating translational and clinical perspectives, this Special Issue aims to foster interdisciplinary dialogue and contribute to improved patient outcomes in gynecologic care worldwide.

Dr. Dimitrios Zouzoulas
Dr. Dimitrios Tsolakidis
Guest Editors

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Keywords

  • precision gynecology
  • liquid biopsy in gynecologic oncology
  • fertility preservation
  • gynecologic cancers
  • pelvic disorders
  • hormonal therapies

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Published Papers (1 paper)

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Research

25 pages, 10839 KB  
Article
Synergistic Effects of Doxorubicin and Quercetin on ROS-Associated Apoptosis and EGFR/FOXP3 Modulation in OVCAR3 Cells
by Elif Ozan, Mehmet Cudi Tuncer and İlhan Özdemir
Biomedicines 2026, 14(6), 1248; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomedicines14061248 - 30 May 2026
Viewed by 471
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Combination strategies involving natural compounds are increasingly being evaluated to improve the efficacy and safety of conventional chemotherapeutic agents. Quercetin (Q), a bioactive flavonoid, has been reported to regulate oxidative stress and apoptosis-associated signaling pathways. This study investigated whether Q enhances [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: Combination strategies involving natural compounds are increasingly being evaluated to improve the efficacy and safety of conventional chemotherapeutic agents. Quercetin (Q), a bioactive flavonoid, has been reported to regulate oxidative stress and apoptosis-associated signaling pathways. This study investigated whether Q enhances doxorubicin (DOX)-mediated cytotoxicity in OVCAR3 ovarian cancer cells, with particular emphasis on apoptosis, oxidative stress, and EGFR/FOXP3 signaling, while also assessing relative toxicity in HaCaT non-tumoral keratinocytes. Methods: Cell viability was determined using the MTT assay, and drug interactions were assessed according to the Combination Index (CI) method. Apoptosis was evaluated by Annexin V/PI flow cytometry. Caspase-3 and caspase-9 activities were measured using colorimetric assays. Intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) production was analyzed using the DCFH-DA assay. EGFR and FOXP3 gene expression levels were quantified by qRT-PCR, whereas caspase-9 protein expression was assessed immunocytochemically. Results: The DOX+Q combination produced synergistic cytotoxic effects in OVCAR3 cells (CI < 1). Compared with OVCAR3 cells, HaCaT cells displayed higher IC50 values following DOX treatment (7.03 µM vs. 1.42 µM) and Q treatment (183.92 µM vs. 35.94 µM), indicating relatively lower treatment sensitivity and suggesting a potentially favorable selectivity tendency; however, these findings should be regarded as preliminary. Flow cytometric findings demonstrated markedly increased proportions of both early and late apoptotic cells following combination treatment. Caspase-3 and caspase-9 activities were significantly elevated after combined exposure (p < 0.01). ROS production increased substantially in response to DOX+Q treatment, corresponding to an approximately 6.82-fold elevation relative to the control group. qRT-PCR analysis demonstrated reduced EGFR and FOXP3 mRNA expression levels in the combination-treated group. Immunocytochemical evaluation additionally revealed stronger caspase-9 staining intensity in treated OVCAR3 cells. Conclusions: These findings suggest that Q may potentiate DOX-induced cytotoxicity through mechanisms associated with enhanced oxidative stress, activation of apoptotic pathways, and modulation of proliferative signaling. The comparatively lower sensitivity observed in HaCaT cells may indicate a possible selectivity tendency; however, these observations remain preliminary and require further validation through in vivo and translational studies. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Gynecologic Research: New Diagnostic and Therapeutic Approaches)
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