Synthesis, cytotoxicity and liposome preparation of 28-acetylenic betulin derivatives

Several novel betulin derivatives were prepared and evaluated for their antitumor activity. 3-O-acetylbetulinic aldehyde served as an ideal starting material for the synthesis of 28-acetylenic derivatives. These compounds were further transformed into pyrazoles and 1,2,3-triazoles. Also, the synthesis of 3-amino substituted butenolides was carried out. The compounds were screened for their antitumor activity in a panel of 15 human Cancer cell lines in a sulforhodamine B (SRB) assay. Several compounds showed a noteworthy antitumor activity. In addition, the possibility of encapsulation into liposomes was examined, thereby resulting in an increased cytotoxicity. The results from a trypan-blue test and from DNA laddering provided evidence for an apoptotic cell death.