Sodium butyrate inhibits migration and induces AMPK-mTOR pathway-dependent autophagy and ROS-mediated apoptosis via the miR-139-5p/Bmi-1 axis in human bladder cancer cells.

Bladder cancer is one of the most frequently occurring malignant tumors in the urinary system. Sodium butyrate (NaB) is a histone deacetylase inhibitor and exerts remarkable antitumor effects in various cancer cells. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) and autophagy play crucial roles in cancer occurrence and development. In the present study, we evaluated the anticancer effects, including cell migration inhibition and the apoptotic effects of NaB in human bladder cancer cells. Furthermore, we found that NaB inhibited migration and induced AMPK/mTOR pathway-activated autophagy and reactive oxygen species (ROS) overproduction via the miR-139-5p/Bmi-1 axis. In addition, we found that ROS overproduction contributed to NaB-induced caspase-dependent apoptosis and autophagy. The interplay between autophagy and apoptosis in NaB treatment was clarified. Our findings provide a further understanding of EMT reversion, apoptosis and autophagy induced by antitumor drugs and a novel perspective and alternative strategy for bladder cancer chemotherapy.