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Published on: October 23, 2017
Emodin Induces Death in Human Cervical Cancer Cells Through Mitotic Catastrophe
Wojciech Trybus1, Teodora Król2, Ewa Trybus2
1Department of Cell Biology and Electron Microscopy, Institute of Biology, The Jan Kochanowski University, Kielce, Poland wojciech.trybus@ujk.edu.pl.
Background:
Anthraquinones, including emodin, are compounds with numerous pharmacological properties, including anticancer properties. The aim of this study experiment was to examine the effect of emodin, a natural compound present in the roots and rhizomes of Rheum palmatum, on the induction of mitotic catastrophe in cervical cancer cells.
Material And Methods:
HeLa celIs were treated with different emodin concentrations for 48 h, and cell growth was measured with 3-(4-,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolyl. The cell-cycle distribution and the level of apoptosis were determined by means of flow cytometry, using annexin V-fluorescein isothiocyanate staining and propidium iodide. Morphological changes in the mitotic apparatus were evaluated using optical and confocal microscopy techniques.
Results:
Emodin induced an increase in the number of polymorphonuclear cells, giant cells, cells with micronuclei, cells with abnormal mitosis and damaged spindle. The reorganization of F-actin depended on the concentration of emodin. With the increase in emodin concentration, inhibition of mitotic activity was demonstrated, which was manifested by a decrease in the mitotic index, mainly in metaphase of the mitotic process and an increase in the number of cells inhibited in the G2/M phase. At the same time, an increase in the number of apoptotic cells was found.
Conclusion:
Emodin leads to death of cervical cancer cells by induction of a mitotic catastrophe.
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