Cytotoxicity and apoptosis induction of new naphthoquinone-like derivative TEISHNZ on human nasopharyngeal cancer cell

Objective To explore the cytotoxicity on eight kinds of human cancer cell lines and apoptosis induction on human nasopharyngeal cancer cells(CNE_2) of a new semi-synthesized naphthoquinone derivative(2,3,11-triethanesulfanyl-6-isohexenylnaphthazarin,TEISHNZ).Methods Inhibition of TEISHNZ on eight kinds of human cancer cell lines proliferation was assayed using MTT method.The cytotoxicity was evaluated using IC_(50) value.Apoptosis induction and effect on cell cycle distribution of TEISHNZ on human nasopharyngeal cancer cells were assayed by Flow Cytometry(FCM).Results Under the 0.78—25 μg/mL of concentrations,TEISHNZ had markedly proliferated inhibition on human cancer cell lines.The IC_(50) values of TEISHNZ on CNE_2,GLC-82,Bel-7402,K562,HeLa,MGC-803,MDA453,and KB cells were 3.96,2.48,5.13,1.92,4.54,5.88,1.35,and 3.44 μg/mL,respectively.The IC_(50) values were less than 6 μg/mL.CNE_2 cells were treated respectively for 48 h by TEISHNZ(1.56,(3.12),and 6.25 μg/mL) and then the CNE_2 cells were detected by FCM.The result showed sub-G peak,the apoptotic rates were(3.9%),10.8%,and 28.1%,respectively,and apoptotic rates of control group was 2.2%,apoptosis induction of TEISHNZ on CNE_2 cell was in a concentration dependent manner,cell cycle analysis indicated that CNE_2 cells were blocked in G_2/M phase.After treatment with TEISHNZ(6.25 μg/mL) for 12,24,36,and 48 h,CEN_2 cell apoptotic rates were 4.5%,27.2%,48.2%,and 24.9%,respectively,and apoptotic rate of control group was 1.0%.The apoptotic rates increased with longing of treatment time,before CNE_2 cells of treatment for 36 h,CNE_2 cells,were blocked in S and G_2/M phase,after treatment for 48 h,CNE_2 cells blocked in G_2/M phase.Conclusion TEISHNZ against various human carcinoma cells shows marked cytotoxicity and could induce cell apoptosis,and cell cycle arrest at S phase and(or) G_2/M phase.