Betulinic acid: a new cytotoxic compound against malignant head and neck cancer cells
D Thurnher, D Turhani, M Pelzmann… - Head & Neck …, 2003 - Wiley Online Library
D Thurnher, D Turhani, M Pelzmann, B Wannemacher, B Knerer, M Formanek, V Wacheck…
Head & Neck: Journal for the Sciences and Specialties of the Head …, 2003•Wiley Online LibraryBackground. A new compound, betulinic acid, has been found to be cytotoxic against a
variety of tumor cells originating from the neural crest. Its efficacy against head and neck
squamous cellular carcinoma cell lines has so far not been tested. Methods. Cell numbers
were assayed by automated counting; caspase activation and programmed cell death were
determined using an antibody specific for an apoptosis‐associated epitope in epithelial
cells. The expression pattern of Bcl‐2 family members was assessed by Western blotting …
variety of tumor cells originating from the neural crest. Its efficacy against head and neck
squamous cellular carcinoma cell lines has so far not been tested. Methods. Cell numbers
were assayed by automated counting; caspase activation and programmed cell death were
determined using an antibody specific for an apoptosis‐associated epitope in epithelial
cells. The expression pattern of Bcl‐2 family members was assessed by Western blotting …
Background
A new compound, betulinic acid, has been found to be cytotoxic against a variety of tumor cells originating from the neural crest. Its efficacy against head and neck squamous cellular carcinoma cell lines has so far not been tested.
Methods
Cell numbers were assayed by automated counting; caspase activation and programmed cell death were determined using an antibody specific for an apoptosis‐associated epitope in epithelial cells. The expression pattern of Bcl‐2 family members was assessed by Western blotting.
Results
In two HNSCC cell lines betulinic acid induced apoptosis, which was characterized by a dose‐dependent reduction in cell numbers, emergence of apoptotic cells, and an increase in caspase activity. Western blot analysis of the expression of various Bcl‐2 family members in betulinic acid–treated cells showed, surprisingly, a suppression of the expression of the proapoptotic protein Bax but no changes in Mcl‐1 or Bcl‐2 expression.
Conclusion
These data clearly demonstrate for the first time that betulinic acid has apoptotic activity against HNSCC cells. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck 25: 732–740, 2003
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