Abstract: Objective To study the effect of Brucea javanica oil emulsion on apoptosis of bladder cancer J82 cells and the possible mechanism.Methods Brucea javanica oil emulsion of different concentrations (0.5～4.0 ml/L) was added to the bladder cancer J82 cell cultured in vitro.After 24 h, the proliferation of J82 cells was measured by methyl thiazole tetrazolium (MTT) assay, cell apoptosis was detected by morphological observation and flow cytometer analysis, and caspase-3 activity was assessed using a caspase-3 kit. Results 0.5～4.0 ml/L Brucea javanica oil emulsion inhibited J82 cell proliferation in a dose-dependant manner.2.0 ml/L Brucea javanica oil emulsion induced typical apoptosis 24 h after incubation. The caspase-3 activity of 2.0 ml/L Brucea javanica oil emulsion group was higher than those of control group or Brucea javanica oil emulsion plus Ac-DEVD-CHO group. Conclusion Brucea javanica oil emulsion induces J82 cell apoptosis, and this effect includes activation of caspase-3.

Key words: Brucea javanica, bladder neoplasm, apoptosis, caspase-3