Abstract: Objective To study the effect of chromomycin A2 in inducing apoptosis of HepG2 cells and explore the molecular
mechanism. Methods HepG2, MCF-7, A549, and 7901 cells were exposed to chromomycin A2 and the changes in the cell
viability were detected using MTT assay. The changes in the chromatins were observed with laser scanning confocal
microscope after incubation of the cells with chromomycin A2 (60 nmol/L) for 24 h. The changes in cell morphology were
examined with a phase-contrast microscope, and the apoptotic cell populations, fluorescent intensity of reactive oxygen
species (ROS) and mitochondrial membrane potential were determined using flow cytometry. Results Chromomycin A2
significantly inhibited the proliferation of the cells in a time- and dose-dependent manner, and caused changes in the cell
morphology and cell apoptosis. Exposure of the cells to chromomycin A2 resulted in chromatin condensation, ROS generation,
and reduction of the mitochondrial membrane potential. Conclusion Increased ROS and mitochondria damage may
importantly contribute to chromomycin A2-induced apoptosis in HepG2 cells.