Soloxolone Methyl Induces Apoptosis in Mammospheres

Breast cancer is one of the most common cancers in women, and it is also one of the main causes of cancer-related death. There is a need for new treatment approaches and drugs for breast cancer. There are many studies that show the high potential of triterpene compounds and their semi-synthetic derivatives as anticancer agents due to their ability to induce apoptosis and suppress tumorigenesis. In this study, the cytotoxic and apoptotic effects of Soloxolone methyl, a semi-synthetic derivative of 18βH-glycyrrhetinic acid, were investigated in human breast cancer cell line (T-47D) and cell population rich in cancer stem cell population (Cancer cells with CD44+/CD24- antigen) obtained from breast cancer cells. The growth inhibitory effects of Soloxolone methyl were determined using ATP assay. Fluorescent staining, caspase-cleaved cytokeratin 18, and flow cytometry analysis were used to determine the mode of the cell death. In addition, apoptosis at protein levels was investigated by Western Blotting technique. In conclusion, Soloxolone methyl was found to be cytotoxic by inducing apoptosis in both T-47D cells and cell population rich in cancer stem cell population derived from breast cancer cells.