title: Emodin induces apoptosis through caspase 3-dependent pathway in HK-2 cells.
abstract: Emodin (1,3,8-trihydroxy-6-methylanthraquinone) is a major constituent of rhubarb. Although it has been claimed to have a wild spectrum of therapeutic value, its side effects, especially in human kidney cells have not been well characterized. In the present study, we treated human proximal tubular epithelial cell line HK-2 cells with emodin in vitro and evaluated its toxic effects with cell viability, cell cycle phases and induction of apoptosis/necrosis and activity of caspase 3. The proliferation of HK-2 cells was inhibited by emodin in a dose- and time-dependent manner. Cell cycle analysis revealed that HK-2 cells were locked in G1 phase by emodin as for 12h. Apoptosis was supported by the Annexin V/propidium iodide (PI) assay and the occurrence of a sub-G1 peak. Emodin caused an increase in caspase 3-like activities and a caspase 3 inhibitor, Ac-DEVD-CHO, attenuated the apoptosis. These results suggested that HK-2 cells are sensitive to emodin-induced cytotoxic effects, which are mediated through the induction of apoptosis in caspase 3-dependent pathway.
authors.affiliation: Jiangsu Center for Drug Screening, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China.
authors.forename: Cuifen
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Wang
authors.forename: Xudong
authors.initials: X
authors.lastname: Wu
authors.forename: Min
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Chen
authors.forename: Weigang
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Duan
authors.forename: Lixin
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Sun
authors.forename: Ming
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Yan
authors.forename: Luyong
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Zhang
mesh_terms: D017209:Apoptosis / Q000187:drug effects*; D053148:Caspase 3 / Q000096:biosynthesis*; D061945:Caspase Inhibitors; D002453:Cell Cycle / Q000187:drug effects; D002460:Cell Line; D002470:Cell Survival / Q000187:drug effects; D015853:Cysteine Proteinase Inhibitors / Q000494:pharmacology; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D004642:Emodin / Q000633:toxicity*; D004789:Enzyme Activation / Q000187:drug effects; D004791:Enzyme Inhibitors / Q000633:toxicity*; D004848:Epithelium / Q000187:drug effects / Q000201:enzymology / Q000648:ultrastructure; D006801:Humans; D007687:Kidney Tubules, Proximal / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000201:enzymology / Q000473:pathology; D046529:Microscopy, Electron, Transmission; D009842:Oligopeptides / Q000494:pharmacology
chemical_list: D061945:Caspase Inhibitors; D015853:Cysteine Proteinase Inhibitors; D004791:Enzyme Inhibitors; D009842:Oligopeptides; C099158:acetyl-aspartyl-glutamyl-valyl-aspartal; D053148:Caspase 3; D004642:Emodin