Emodin induces osteosarcoma cell apoptosis by promoting ATM protein cleavage

Abstract

Purpose: To investigate the effect of emodin on osteosarcoma cell proliferation and apoptosis. Methods: The osteosarcoma cell proliferation ability was determined by CCK-8, apoptosis level and cell cycle were determined via flow cytometry. Honechst staining was used to determine the ratio of nuclear pyknosis, Western blotting was used to determine the expression of AKT, p-AKT and caspase-3 precursor protein in each group of osteosarcoma cells. Results: Emodin significantly inhibited the MG-63 cell proliferation and promoted the apoptosis of osteosarcoma cells in a dose-dependent manner (p < 0.05). It further blocked osteosarcoma cells in G1/G0 phase and decreased the expression of AKT, p-AKT, and caspase-3 (p < 0.05). Conclusion: Emodin inhibits osteosarcoma cell growth by inhibiting ATM protein cleavage. There is a need to carry out further investigation of the effect of emodin on osteosarcoma cells using animal models in order to ascertain its potential in the management of osteosarcoma.