Chrysophanol Induces Cell Death and Inhibits Invasiveness through Alteration of Calcium Levels in HepG2 Human Liver Cancer Cells.
10.1007/s11655-024-3817-2
- Author:
Shu-Chao CHEN
1
;
Qiao-Wen CHEN
2
;
Chih-Yuan KO
3
Author Information
1. Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Quanzhou, Fujian Province, 362000, China.
2. Department of Clinical Nutrition, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Quanzhou, Fujian Province, 362000, China.
3. Department of Clinical Nutrition, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Quanzhou, Fujian Province, 362000, China. yuanmomoko@gmail.com.
- Publication Type:Journal Article
- Keywords:
Radix et Rhizoma Rhei;
Chinese medicine;
apoptosis;
calcium;
chrysophanol;
liver cancer;
mitochondrial membrane potential
- MeSH:
Humans;
Calcium/metabolism*;
Hep G2 Cells;
Liver Neoplasms/metabolism*;
Neoplasm Invasiveness;
Membrane Potential, Mitochondrial/drug effects*;
Anthraquinones/pharmacology*;
Cell Proliferation/drug effects*;
Cell Death/drug effects*;
Apoptosis/drug effects*;
Cell Movement/drug effects*;
Cell Survival/drug effects*
- From:
Chinese journal of integrative medicine
2025;31(5):434-440
- CountryChina
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
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.
