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

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 mu M. Two lead compounds 14a and 14b showed selective cytotoxicity against M-Hela (IC50 13 and 14 mu M) that was two times as high as the cytotoxicity of the anti-cancer drug Tamoxifen in control (IC50 28 mu M). It was found that cytotoxic activity of the lead compounds against M-Hela cells is due to induction of apoptosis.

Automated summary

Conjugates of diterpenoid isosteviol and N-acetyl-D-glucosamine were synthesized and found to exhibit cytotoxicity against several human cancer cell lines, with two compounds showing selective cytotoxicity against M-Hela cells through induction of apoptosis.