Introduction: Bladder cancer is one of the most common cancers worldwide, with the highest incidence in industrialised countries. In spite of major advances in cancer chemotherapy, effective responses have been obtained only in a small proportion of bladder cancer patients. Transitional cell carcinoma (TCC) cells are epithelial-like adherent cells originally established from primary bladder carcinoma. In present study, a synthetic benzo[d]imidazole derivative was evaluated for its possible cytotoxic effects on TCC cells using MTT assay. Methods: 2-(4-chlorophenyl)-1H-benzo[d]imidazole was produced by the reaction of ortho-phenylenediamine with various aldehydes. In order to investigate the cytotoxicity of this synthetic compound, TCC cells were treated with increased concentrations of 2-(4-chlorophenyl)-1H-benzo[d]imidazole. (10, 20, 40, 80 and 160 g/mL) for 24, 48 and 72 hours. To have a better evaluation of each treatment, the viability of each group was compared with its relevant control that contains equal amounts of DMSO. Results: Analysis of cell survival showed that the half maximal inhibitory concentrations (IC50) of 2-(4-chlorophenyl)-1H-benzo[d]imidazole on TCC cells was 150 μg/mL after 24 and 48 hours and 130 μg/mL after 72 hours of its administration. Microscopic observations also revealed that the morphology of cells was changed to spherical forms with granulated cytoplasm. Conclusions: Here, we showed that 2-(4-chlorophenyl)-1H-benzo[d]imidazole induces its toxic effects on TCC cells at 130 g/mL after 72 hours. Since changes in the chemical structure of this benzo[d]imidazole derivative may improve its cytotoxicity or specificity on variouse cell types, it could be considered as a toxic compound for future in vitro and in vivo studies.

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