A combination of doxorubicin and celastrol had a more potent effect on apoptosis induction and modulation of mRNA and protein levels of key apoptotic mediators, including Bax, Bcl-2, caspase-3, cytochrome c, and p53.<h4>Conclusion</h4>Overall, this study revealed that doxorubicin and celastrol could significantly potentiate doxorubicin-mediated apoptosis in osteosarcoma cells. Here, TP53 is linked to osteosarcoma.