Induction of Mitotic Catastrophe in Human Cervical Cancer Cells After Administration of Aloe-emodin.

BACKGROUND

Aloe-emodin is an anthraquinone with potential pharmacological properties, including numerous antitumor properties. The purpose of the study was to determine whether aloe-emodin induces mitotic death in cervical cancer cells.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Analysis of morphological changes as surrogate mitotic death indicators in HeLa cells was carried out using optical, fluorescence and electron microscopy. Viability was determined by 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2-5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide reduction assay. Cell-cycle analysis was performed using flow cytometry.

RESULTS

Aloe-emodin increased the number of multinucleate cells, giant and micronuclear cells. There was a concentration-dependent decrease in the mitotic index with a predominance of cells in the metaphase of the mitotic process and inhibition of division in the G/M phase of the cell cycle. The presence of cells with abnormal mitosis and cells with injury to the division spindle was also demonstrated.

CONCLUSION

Aloe-emodin induces mitotic catastrophe in cervical cancer cells.