Anthraquinone derivatives induce G2/M cell cycle arrest and apoptosis in NTUB1 cells

Thirteen anthraquinone derivatives 5-17 including two 3-(3-alkylaminopropoxy)-9,10-anthraquinone derivatives 5 and 6 and eleven 1-hydroxy-3-(3-alkylaminopropoxy)-9,10-anthraquinone derivatives 7-17 were synthesized. Compound 9 induced up-regulation of cyclin B1and p21 expressions. Biological results suggested that the induction of G2/M arrest, apoptosis, and cell death by 9 may associate with increased expression of p21 and cyclinB1, elevation of Bax and p53 levels, and generation of ROS in the cell.