Synthesis and cytotoxicity of the conjugates of diterpenoid isosteviol and N-acetyl-D-glucosamine

Abstract

A series of conjugates of diterpenoid isosteviol (16-oxo-ent-beyeran-19-oic acid) and N-acetyl-D-glucosamine was synthesised and their cytotoxicity against several human cancer cell lines (M-Hela, MCF-7, Hep G2, Panc-1, PC-3), as well as normal human cell lines (WI-38, Chang liver) was assayed. Most of the conjugates were found to be cytotoxic against the mentioned cancer cell lines in the range of IC₅₀ values 13–89 µM. Two lead compounds 14a and 14b showed selective cytotoxicity against M-Hela (IC₅₀ 13 and 14 µM) that was two times as high as the cytotoxicity of the anti-cancer drug Tamoxifen in control (IC₅₀ 28 µM). It was found that cytotoxic activity of the lead compounds against M-Hela cells is due to induction of apoptosis.

Keywords:

• N-Acetyl-D-glucosamine
• isosteviol
• conjugates
• diterpenoids
• cytotoxicity

Acknowledgements

The authors gratefully acknowledge the Assigned Spectral-Analytical Center of FRC Kazan Scientific Center of RAS.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.