Ivermectin Inhibits Bladder Cancer Cell Growth and Induces Oxidative Stress and DNA Damage

Background: Bladder cancer is the most common malignant tumor of the urinary system. Nevertheless, current therapies do not provide satisfactory results. It is imperative that novel strategies should be developed for treating bladder cancer. Objective: To evaluate the effect of a broad-spectrum anti-parasitic agent, Ivermectin, on bladder cancer cells in vitro and in vivo. Methods: CCK-8 and EdU incorporation assays were used to evaluate cell proliferation. Apoptosis was detected by flow cytometry, TUNEL assay, and western blotting. Flow cytometry and DCFH-DA assay were used to analyze the reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels. DNA damage was determined by Neutral COMET assay and γ H2AX expression. Proteins related to apoptosis and DNA damage pathways were determined by WB assay. Xenograft tumor models in nude mice were used to investigate the anti-cancer effect of Ivermectin in vivo. Results: Our study showed that in vitro and in vivo, Ivermectin inhibited the growth of bladder cancer cells. In addition, Ivermectin could induce apoptosis, ROS production, DNA damage, and activate ATM/P53 pathwayrelated proteins in bladder cancer cells. Conclusion: According to these findings, Ivermectin may be a potential therapeutic candidate against bladder cancer due to its significant anti-cancer effect.