Effect of naringin and cisplatin combination on cell viability and cell death in bladder cancer cells

Bladder cancer is a prevalent malignancy characterized by high recurrence rates and limited therapeutic options, particularly due to resistance and toxicity associated with cisplatin therapy. Bladder cancer remains a significant global health concern, and while cisplatin is a cornerstone of treatment, its efficacy is often limited by resistance and toxicity. Therefore, there is a critical need for novel agents that can enhance cisplatin's effects while mitigating its drawbacks. This study investigates the potential of naringin, a natural flavonoid, to exhibit antiproliferative and proapoptotic effects in human bladder cancer cell lines (HTB-9 and HT-1376), both as a monotherapy and in combination with cisplatin. Cytotoxicity was assessed via the MTT ((3-(4,5-dimetiltiazol-2-il)-2,5 difeniltetrazoliumbromid) assay, and apoptosis was evaluated using Annexin V/PI staining and caspase 3/7 activation assays. Results demonstrated that naringin reduced cell viability in a dose-dependent manner in both cell lines. When combined with cisplatin, naringin significantly enhanced the antiproliferative and pro-apoptotic effects compared to either treatment alone. Caspase 3/7 activity was markedly elevated in the combination groups, indicating an amplified apoptotic response. These findings suggest that naringin can potentiate cisplatin’s efficacy and could serve as a promising adjunctive therapy in bladder cancer treatment. Further studies are warranted to explore the underlying mechanisms and potential clinical applications of naringin in enhancing cisplatin-based chemotherapy.