Physcion, a naturally occurring anthraquinone derivative, induces apoptosis and autophagy in human nasopharyngeal carcinoma.

ABSTRACT:

Aim

Physcion is a major bioactive ingredient in the traditional Chinese medicine Radix et Rhizoma Rhei, which has an anthraquinone chemical structure and exhibits a variety of pharmacological activities including laxative, hepatoprotective, anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial and anti-proliferative effects. In this study we investigated the effect of physcion on human nasopharyngeal carcinoma in vitro and in vivo, as well as the mechanisms underlying the anti-tumor action.

Methods

The nasopharyngeal carcinoma cell line CNE2 was treated with physcion, and cell viability was detected using MTT and colony formation assays. Flow cytometry was used to assess the cell cycle arrest, mitochondrial membrane potential loss, apoptosis, autophagy and intracellular ROS generation. Apoptoti

SUBMITTER: Pang MJ 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5260837 | biostudies-literature | 2016 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature