摘要Objective::To investigate the radio-sensitizing effect of salicylic acid (SA) on human cervical cancer cells and its potential molecular mechanism.Methods::Cervical cancer cells were treated with SA and ionizing radiation. The expression of γ-H2AX was evaluated by immunofluorescence (IF) assay. Cell cycle and apoptosis were analyzed by flow cytometry. Western blot was performed to detect the protein level of AMPK/TSC2/mTOR pathway.Results::SA inhibited basal proliferation of cervical cancer cells in a dose and time dependent manner. In addition, SA increased radiation-induced DNA damage, promoted apoptosis, triggered a redistribution of cell cycle from G 2-M phase to G 1-S phase of cervical cancer cells, and hence increased cell sensitivity to radiation. Moreover, SA treatment elevated the expression levels of p-AMPKα( t =3.996, P < 0.05) and p-TSC2( t =5.308, P < 0.05), whereas the level of p-mTOR ( t =10.160, P < 0.05) was significantly decreased. Conclusion::SA enhances the radiosensitivity of cervical cancer cells by targeting AMPK/TSC2/mTOR signaling pathway, and might serve as a promising therapeutic strategy to improve the efficacy of radiotherapy for cervical cancer.