Emodin leads to death of cervical cancer cells by induction of a mitotic catastrophe. - GreenMedInfo Summary
Emodin Induces Death in Human Cervical Cancer Cells Through Mitotic Catastrophe.
Anticancer Res. 2019 Feb ;39(2):679-686. PMID: 30711945
Wojciech Trybus
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 G/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.
