The aim of this study was to observe the inhibitory and therapeutic effects of small interfering RNA (siRNA) targeting Livin in EJ human bladder cancer cells. Specific siRNA targeting Livin was synthesized and transfected into EJ human bladder cancer cells treated or not treated with mitomycin-C (MMC). Livin mRNA and protein, as well as proliferation and apoptosis of EJ cells was examined with reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction, western blotting, Cell Counting Kit-8 assay and flow cytometry, respectively. The results indicated that the expression of Livin mRNA and protein in EJ cells was significantly decreased by siRNA Livin. The proliferation of EJ cells was significantly inhibited by treatment with MMC and transfection of siRNA Livin. The inhibition of cell proliferation by treatment with MMC was further enhanced by transfection of siRNA Livin. The apoptotic rate of cells transfected with siRNA Livin and treated with MMC was significantly higher than those cells receiving a single transfection of siRNA Livin and single treatment of MMC. In conclusion, the present study demonstrates that transfection of siRNA Livin induces growth suppression and apoptosis in EJ human bladder cancer cells, and increases the chemotherapeutic sensitivity of cells to MMC.
Keywords: RNA interference; bladder cancer; chemotherapeutic sensitivity; mitomycin-C; small interfering RNA.