Assessment of Anticancer Effect of Anthraquinones on Human Colorectal and Breast Cancer Cells

Cisplatin (Cis) is extensively utilized as an anticancer agent against various types of cancers, including liver, breast, colorectal, and pancreatic cancers. Nevertheless, its application is constrained by its associated side effects including lack of selectivity and DNA damage of both cancerous and healthy cells. This study aimed to investigate the therapeutic impact of anthraquinones (Ant) extracted from Rhubarb officinale against colorectal cancer CaCO2 and breast cancer MCF7 cells. The cells were divided into: untreated control group, Ant-treated group, Cis-treated group and Ant+Cis-treated group. Treatment with Ant and/or Cis triggered MCF7 and CaCO2 apoptosis as revealed by a significant increase in caspase-3 activity, Bax gene expression and a significant reduction in Bcl2 expression. This treatment also downregulated TNFα, VEGF, MMP9 expression while upregulated TIMP1 expression. Regarding the oxidative stress, combined therapy increased the activities of the antioxidant enzymes (SOD, CAT, GPX) and the expression of NrF2 and HO-1. The study concludes that combination of Ants and Cis effectively enhances cisplatin-antitumor efficacy while reducing its chemotherapy-induced toxicity and maintaining safety.