Fraxetin inhibits proliferation and induces apoptosis of bladder cancer through the Akt pathway in vitro and in vivo

Abstract Fraxetin, a natural compound extracted from the Chinese herb Cortex Fraxini , is reported to boast extensive antitumor properties in various cancers. However, whether fraxetin exhibited an anticancer effect on bladder cancer remains unknown. In this study, cell counting kit‐8 was utilized to detect cell viability. Flow cytometry analysis was performed for cell apoptosis analysis. Western blot analysis and real‐time PCR were used to ascertain gene expression analysis. A mouse bladder cancer xenograft model was established and subjected to fraxetin treatment. Fraxetin reduced the viability of bladder cancer cells, induced apoptosis in vitro, and inhibited the growth of bladder cancer in vivo. Fraxetin inhibited the Akt pathway in J82 cells. In conclusion, the growth inhibitory properties of fraxetin against bladder cancer may be mediated via an Akt inhibitory effect and cell apoptosis promotion.