Journal of Shandong University (Health Sciences) ›› 2019, Vol. 57 ›› Issue (9): 74-82.doi: 10.6040/j.issn.1671-7554.0.2018.1267

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Baicalein induces apoptosis of bladder cancer cells via inhibition of the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway

WANG Jian1,2, LI Jian1, WANG Yong2, ZHU Yaofeng2   

  1. 1. Department of Urology, Peoples Hospital of Laoling City, Laoling 253600, Shandong, China;
    2. Department of Urology, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan 250012, Shandong, China
  • Published:2022-09-27

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Abstract: Objective To explore the effects of baicalein on bladder cancer cells and the underlying mechanism. Methods Bladder cancer cells, T24 and 5637, were treated with baicalein(the treatment group)or dimethyl sulfoxide(the control group). The rate of cell proliferation and DNA replication were examined by 3-(4,5-dimethyl-2-thiazolyl)-2,5-diphenyl-2-H-tetrazolium bromide(MTT)assays and 5-Ethynyl-2'-deoxyuridine(EdU)incorporation assays. The migration and invasion of cancer cells were explored by Wound healing assays and transwell assay. The cell cycle and cell apoptosis were detected by flow cytometry. The protein levels of PI3K/AKT/mTOR, Bcl-2, Bax and so on were explored by Western blotting. The effects of baicalein on cell proliferation in vivo were explored by tumor formation on nude mice. Results The inhibition rate of baicalein on cell proliferation was above 80% in vitro and about 50% in vivo. Baicalein could interfere DNA replication and suppress the migration and invasion of bladder cancer cells. Baicalein could also induce G0/G1 phase arrest and apoptosis of bladder cancer cells. Treatment of baicalein down-regulated the expression of PI3K and inhibit the phosphorylation of AKT and mTOR, with an increase in Bax/Bcl-2 ratio. Conclusion Baicalein can inhibit cell proliferation, induce cell cycle arrest and apoptosis of bladder cancer cells via suppression of the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway.

Key words: Baicalein, Bladder cancer, B-cell lymphoma 2, PI3K/AKT/mTOR, Apoptosis

CLC Number: 

  • R737.14
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