Objective:To address how genistein sensitizes the chemotherapy-resistant ovarian carcinoma cells and promotes apoptosis in the respect of cell cycle and the regulation of survivin expression in the process.Methods:Ovarian SKOV-3 carcinoma cell line was treated with genistein or cisplatin either alone or in combination.Cell viability was showed by MTT method.Cell cycle and apoptosis were detected by flow cytometry.Survivin mRNA and protein were revealed by RT-PCR and immunocytochemistry

respectively.Results:Genistein could reduce the cell viability in a dose-dependent manner

while cisplatin did so at a much higher level.In contrast

if the two agents were treated in combination

half growth inhibition（IC50） value for cisplatin was reduced remarkably and the effect was synergistic as analyzed by isobologram.In particular

the reduced cell viability was exhibited by a switch in cell cycle progression

as the cells were arrested in G2/M phase and the G0/G1 phase-fraction was significantly decreased.The reduced cell viability appeared to involve apoptosis

based on our results from flow cytometry and Hoechst 33258 staining.In the meanwhile

genistein performed the inhibitory effect on cisplatin-induced survivin expression.Conclusion:Genistein can sensitize ovarian carcinoma cells to cisplatin therapy with the inhibition of survivin expression as the potential mechanism.