Effects of Emodin on Expressions of AIF and EndoG in Human Hepatoma Cell Lines HepG2

Objective: To study the effects of emodin on the expression and nuclear translocation of AIF and EndoG in human hepatoma cell HepG2 and explore its mechanism in inducing apoptosis. Methods: The human hepatoma cells HepG2 cultured in vitro were divided into 4 groups: blank control group, Caspase inhibitor group, Emodin group and Emodin combined with Caspase inhibitor group. The expression of AIF and EndoG in endochylema and nucleus were detected by Western Blotting, respectively. Results: The protein expression of AIF and EndoG in Emodin group and Emodin combined with Caspase inhibitor group were higher than that in blank control group and Caspase inhibitor group (P0.01), and that in Emodin combined with Caspase inhibitor group was the highest expression. Conclusions: Emodin can up-regulate the protein expression and translocation of AIF and EndoG in human hepatoma cell HepG2, Emodin can induce apoptosis through Caspase-independent pathway.