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 G₂/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.