Synthetic betulin derivatives inhibit growth of glioma cells in Vitro

Abstract

Background/Aim: Glioma is the most malignant tumour of the human brain still lacking effective treatment modalities. Betulin, a pentacyclic triterpene abundantly found in the birch bark, has been shown to demonstrate interesting anticancer activity towards many cancer cells. We determined the effects of acetylenic synthetic betulin derivatives (ASBDs) as anti-tumour agents on glioma cells in vitro. Materials and Methods: T98G and C6 glioma cell viability and proliferation were determined by MTT (3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide) assay and BrdU (bromo deoxyuridine) test, respectively. Cell-cycle progression and induction of apoptosis were investigated with flow cytometry. Results: ASBDs significantly decreased glioma cell viability/survival and inhibited proliferation in a dose-dependent manner in vitro. Moreover, ASBDs were more cytotoxic than clinically used chemotherapeutics – temozolomide and cisplatin. Conclusion: ASBDs may be considered for further study as potent anti-tumour agents in glioma treatment.