New 4-methylidene sterols from the marine sponge Theonella swinhoei

Fitoterapia. 2018 Jun:127:279-285. doi: 10.1016/j.fitote.2018.03.006. Epub 2018 Mar 11.

Abstract

A series of 4-methylidene sterols including three new compounds 1-3, were isolated from the marine sponge Theonella swinhoei. The structures of new compounds were determined on the basis of spectroscopic analyses. Compounds 3, 5, and 6 showed cytotoxicities against U937, MCF-7, and PC-9 cancer cells with IC50 in the range of 1.6-8.8 μM. The new compound 3 exhibited remarkable proapoptotic activity in breast cancer cells. Mechanically, 3 significantly triggered reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation resulting in apoptosis and DNA damage in breast cancer cells.

Keywords: 4-Methylidene sterol; Antitumor; ROS; Theonella swinhoei.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Antineoplastic Agents / isolation & purification*
  • Apoptosis / drug effects
  • Breast Neoplasms / drug therapy
  • Humans
  • MCF-7 Cells
  • Molecular Structure
  • Reactive Oxygen Species / metabolism
  • Sterols / isolation & purification*
  • Theonella / chemistry*

Substances

  • Antineoplastic Agents
  • Reactive Oxygen Species
  • Sterols