Inhibitory effect and mechanism of action of tanshinone IIA on human bladder cancer cell J82

Purpose: To investigate the therapeutic influence of tanshinone IIA on human bladder cancer cell J82, and the possible signal route involved. Methods: Cell proliferative potential was measured using MTT assay, while the expressions of associated genes were determined by quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) and immunoblot assays. Results: Tanshinone IIA decreased J82 cell survival rate by > 42 % and inactivated apoptosis by suppressing PI3K/AKT/mTOR signal route. Moreover, it decreased Bcl-2, but upregulated caspase and Bax (p < 0.05). Conclusion: The inhibitory effect of TIIA on human bladder cancer suggests that TIIA can be developed into an anti-tumor agent.