The therapeutic potential of brazilin in bladder cancer: inhibition of DNA topoisomerase I and tumor growth suppression.

This study aims to investigate the therapeutic effects of brazilin in the treatment of bladder cancer through the inhibition of DNA topoisomerase I (Topo 1) and to explore its underlying mechanisms. In vitro experiments were conducted using bladder cancer T24 cell line and in vivo experiments were performed using a bladder cancer mouse model. The effects of brazilin on cell proliferation, apoptosis, and DNA damage were evaluated. RT-qPCR and Western Blot analyses were used to assess the expression of Topo 1 mRNA and protein after treatment with brazilin. Additionally, tumor growth inhibition and potential side effects were evaluated in the animal model. Brazilin significantly inhibited bladder cancer cell proliferation and induced apoptosis and DNA damage in vitro. The expression of Topo 1 was downregulated at both the mRNA and protein levels, suggesting that brazilin exerts its effects by inhibiting Topo 1 activity. In vivo, brazilin markedly suppressed tumor growth in the bladder cancer mouse model, with no significant toxic effects observed. Brazilin shows potential as a therapeutic agent for bladder cancer by inhibiting Topo 1 activity, leading to suppressed tumor growth and cellular damage.  This study provides experimental evidence supporting the potential use of brazilin as a novel anticancer drug for bladder cancer treatment.