OBJECTIVETo study the effect of chromomycin A(2) in inducing apoptosis of HepG2 cells and explore the molecular mechanism.

METHODSHepG2, MCF-7, A549, and 7901 cells were exposed to chromomycin A(2) and the changes in the cell viability were detected using MTT assay. The changes in the chromatins were observed with laser scanning confocal microscope after incubation of the cells with chromomycin A(2) (60 nmol/L) for 24 h. The changes in cell morphology were examined with a phase-contrast microscope, and the apoptotic cell populations, fluorescent intensity of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and mitochondrial membrane potential were determined using flow cytometry.

RESULTSChromomycin A(2) significantly inhibited the proliferation of the cells in a time- and dose-dependent manner, and caused changes in the cell morphology and cell apoptosis. Exposure of the cells to chromomycin A(2) resulted in chromatin condensation, ROS generation, and reduction of the mitochondrial membrane potential.

CONCLUSIONIncreased ROS and mitochondria damage may importantly contribute to chromomycin A(2)-induced apoptosis in HepG2 cells.