Cytotoxic Effect of Emodin on Growth of SKBR3 Breast Cancer Cells

Abstract

Background: The poor prognosis of breast cancer is due to its resistance to the conventional treatments. Therefore, researchers are studying about herbs which have anticancer effects. Emodin is a hydroxy-anthraquinone that is found in many medicinal plants and has biological and anticancer effects. According to previous studies, it inhibited the growth of cancer cells by apoptosis. Objectives: In this study, we aimed to determine the effect(s) of emodin on growth and proliferation of SKBR3 cancer cells. Methods: SKBR3 cells were cultivated for 24 hours. Then different concentrations of emodin (0, 10, 25 and 50 µM) were added to the test wells and incubated for 24, 48 and 72 hours. Cell viability was examined by MTT assay after 24, 48 and 72 hours. Apoptosis was determined in cells treated with emodin (0, 10, 25 and 50 µM) using flow cytometric assay. Alterations in expression of apoptotic-related genes (Caspase 3, 8, 9, Bcl2 and Bax) were determined by real time PCR. Caspase 3 activity was measured using a colorimetric assay. Results: Emodin had inhibitory effects on the proliferation of SKBR3 cells with IC50 value of 25 µM. Emodin induced apoptosis and increased the mRNA expression of Caspase 3, 8, 9 and Bax and decreased the mRNA expression of Bcl2 in SKBR3 cells. It also increased the activity of Caspase 3. Conclusions: Emodin had an inhibitory effect on the growth of SKBR3 cell line in a dose and time dependent manner. This study indicated that emodin induces apoptosis in SKBR3 cells through the alterations of the expression of apoptosis-related genes and increases the activity of Caspase 3.