Study on cytotoxicity and structure–activity relationship of HL-7702 cell exposed to naphthoquinones

The acute cytotoxicities of six naphthoquinone compounds, including Atovaquone, Buparvaquone, Menadione, 2-acetoxy-1,4-naphthoquinone and 2-ethoxy-1,4-naphthoquinone, to HL-7702 cells were determined. The results showed that the toxicities of these naphthoquinones were characterized by a steep response pattern except for 2-hydroxy-1,4-naphthoquinone. Meanwhile, the cellular injuries were unrecoverable. Several molecular descriptors, such as the octanol–water partition coefficients (Log P), diameter (Dia) and topological index (TIndx), played an important role in the toxicity of naphthoquinones to HL-7702 cell. Our results provide a foundation for further investigation using 3D-QSAR and HQSAR to evaluate the aquatic ecological risk and the possible mechanisms of toxicity of naphthoquinones.

► The first study to research the toxicity mechanics of naphthoquinone on HL-7702 cell.
► All naphthoquinones were characterized by a steep response pattern except 2-hydroxy-1,4-naphthoquinone.
► The cellular viabilities were still declined after recovered 24 h.
► Log P, Dia and TIndx played an important role in the toxicity of naphthoquinones to HL-7702 cell.