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Chrysophanol Induces Cell Death and Inhibits Invasiveness through Alteration of Calcium Levels in HepG2 Human Liver
Shu-Chao Chen1, Qiao-Wen Chen2,3, Chih-Yuan Ko4
1Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Quanzhou, Fujian Province, 362000, China.
Objective:
To investigate the effect of chrysophanol, a phytochemical derived from Radix et Rhizoma Rhei on HepG2 liver cancer cells.
Methods:
HepG2 cell line was treated with different concentrations chrysophanol (0-100 μmol/L) for 24 h. The cell counting kit 8 assay was employed to assess cell viability. Intracellular calcium levels were examined using Fluo-4 AM and Mag-fluo-4 AM staining, followed by flow cytometry analysis. Mitochondrial membrane potential was measured with JC-1 assay kit. Additionally, the expressions of key proteins such as p-JNK, Bax, cytochrome c (Cyt C), cleaved caspase-3 (cCaspase-3), and caspase-8 were analyzed by Western blot. The inhibitory effects of chrysophanol on the invasion of cells were determined using a Transwell assay. Analysis of invasiveness was conducted by wound healing assay.
Results:
Chrysophanol significantly reduced the proliferation of HepG2 liver cancer cells by affecting intracellular calcium distribution, diminishing mitochondrial membrane potential, and enhancing the expressions of p-JNK, Bax, Cyt C, cCaspase-3, and caspase-8 in the groups treated with 75 or 100 μmol/L chrysophanol compared to the control group (P<0.05). Additionally, 75 and 100 μmol/L chrysophanol exhibited inhibitory effects on cell migration and wound healing.
Conclusion:
Chrysophanol demonstrates potential against HepG2 liver cancer cells, suggesting its potential use as a therapeutic agent for liver cancer treatment.
