Related Experiment Video
Updated: Apr 24, 2026
Induction of Invasive Transitional Cell Bladder Carcinoma in Immune Intact Human MUC1 Transgenic Mice: A Model for Immunotherapy Development
Published on: October 30, 2013
Potential therapeutic roles of tanshinone IIA in human bladder cancer cells
Sheng-Chun Chiu1, Sung-Ying Huang2, Shu-Fang Chang1
1Department of Research, Taichung Tzu Chi Hospital, Buddhist Tzu Chi Medical Foundation, No. 88, Section 1, Fengxing Road, Tanzi Dist., Taichung 427, Taiwan. fantac10@gmail.com.
Abstract:
Tanshinone IIA (Tan-IIA), one of the major lipophilic components isolated from the root of Salviae Miltiorrhizae, has been found to exhibit anticancer activity in various cancer cells. We have demonstrated that Tan-IIA induces apoptosis in several human cancer cells through caspase- and mitochondria-dependent pathways. Here we explored the anticancer effect of Tan-IIA in human bladder cancer cell lines. Our results showed that Tan-IIA caused bladder cancer cell death in a time- and dose-dependent manner. Tan-IIA induced apoptosis through the mitochondria-dependent pathway in these bladder cancer cells. Tan-IIA also suppressed the migration of bladder cancer cells as revealed by the wound healing and transwell assays. Finally, combination therapy of Tan-IIA with a lower dose of cisplatin successfully killed bladder cancer cells, suggesting that Tan-IIA can serve as a potential anti-cancer agent in bladder cancer.
Insights
Tanshinone IIA (Tan-IIA) induces apoptosis and suppresses migration in bladder cancer cells. Combination therapy with cisplatin enhances cell death, indicating Tan-IIA
Area of Science:
- Pharmacology
- Oncology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Tanshinone IIA (Tan-IIA), a lipophilic compound from Salviae Miltiorrhizae, exhibits anticancer properties.
- Previous studies show Tan-IIA induces apoptosis via caspase- and mitochondria-dependent pathways in various cancer cells.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the anticancer effects of Tan-IIA on human bladder cancer cell lines.
- To elucidate the mechanisms underlying Tan-IIA-induced apoptosis and migration inhibition in bladder cancer.
Main Methods:
- Exposure of human bladder cancer cells to varying concentrations and durations of Tan-IIA.
- Assessment of cell viability, apoptosis induction (mitochondria-dependent pathway).
- Evaluation of cell migration using wound healing and transwell assays.
- Combination therapy with Tan-IIA and cisplatin.
Main Results:
- Tan-IIA demonstrated time- and dose-dependent cytotoxicity in bladder cancer cells.
- Apoptosis was induced through the mitochondria-dependent pathway.
- Tan-IIA significantly suppressed bladder cancer cell migration.
- Combined treatment with Tan-IIA and cisplatin enhanced cancer cell killing.
Conclusions:
- Tan-IIA induces apoptosis and inhibits migration in human bladder cancer cells via the mitochondria-dependent pathway.
- Tan-IIA shows potential as an anticancer agent for bladder cancer.
- Combination therapy with Tan-IIA and cisplatin offers a promising strategy for bladder cancer treatment.
