Journal of Rafsanjan University of Medical Sciences

Background and Objective: Aloe-emodin is a Hydroxyanthraquinone that exists in Aloe Vera leaves and has been known to have anti-tumor effects. Various studies have mentioned the biological effects of Aloe Vera such as antiviral, antimicrobial and some hepato-protective effects. Recently its antitumor effects have attracted the attention of many researchers. Breast cancer is the most common malignancy in women, accounting for 30% of all female cancers and < 1% of all cancer cases in men. Breast cancer is also responsible for 15% of cancer deaths in women. The aim of the present study was to investigate the anti-cancer effects of aloe-emodin on human breast cancer MCF-7 cell line.

Materials and Methods: In this laboratory study MCF-7 cells were cultured in RPMI medium with 10% fetal bovine serum (FBS). The cytotoxic effect of different concentrations (5, 10, 25, 50, and 100 µM) of Aloe-emodinon cultured cells were evaluated by MTT assay at different times (24, 48, 72 h). Apoptosis and CD95 (Fas) expression were analyzed by flow-cytometry using an Annexin V-FITC/PI kit and Fas (CD95) kit according to the manufacturer’s protocol.

Results: Aloe-emodin decreases the viability of MCF-7 cell line in a time and dose dependent manner, so that the most effective concentration of this substance was 100µM and 72 h after treatment. According to the data of Fas (CD95) expression and Annexin-PI, the highest apoptosis induction rate was seen in 100µM and 72 h.

Conclusion: The findings of the present study indicated that Aloe-emodinhas has some antitumor effects and can be used in the treatment of breast cancer. However, further investigation of its cytotoxic effects against tumor cells, both in vitro and in vivo, is recommended.

Key words: Breast Cancer, Aloe-emodin, Apoptosis, MCF-7

Funding: This research was funded by Rafsanjan University of Medical Sciences.

Conflict of interest: None declared.

Ethical approval: The Ethics Committee of Rafsanjan University of Medical Sciences approved the study.

How to cite this article:  Hosseini J, Mahmoodi M, Hakhamaneshi M, Jalili A, Khoshdel A, Sheikhfathollahi M, Fakhari Sh, Hosseini-zijoud SM. Apoptosis Effects of Aloe-emodin against MCF-7 Cell Line J Rafsanjan Univ Med Sci 2014 13(1): 41-52. [Farsi]