Work

Betulin Is a Potent Anti-Tumor Agent that Is Enhanced by Cholesterol

Year: 2009

Type: article

Abstract: Betulinic Acid (BetA) and its derivatives have been extensively studied in the past for their anti-tumor effects, but relatively little is known about its precursor Betulin (BE). We found that BE induces apoptosis utilizing a similar mechanism as BetA and is prevented by cyclosporin A (CsA). BE induces cell death more rapidly as compared to BetA, but to achieve similar amounts of cell death a considerably higher concentration of BE is needed. Interestingly, we observed that cholesterol sensitized cells to BE-induced apoptosis, while there was no effect of cholesterol when combined with BetA. Despite the significantly enhanced cytotoxicity, the mode of cell death was not changed as CsA completely abrogated cell death. These results indicate that BE has potent anti-tumor activity especially in combination with cholesterol.

Source: PLoS ONE

DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0005361

Authors: Franziska B. Mullauer, Jan H. Kessler, Jan Paul Medema

Institutions: Amsterdam UMC Location University of Amsterdam, Leiden University Medical Center

Language: English

Topic: Natural product bioactivities and synthesis

Subfield: Organic Chemistry

Field: Chemistry

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $2,382