Ursolic acid promotes the apoptosis of cervical cancer cells by regulating endoplasmic reticulum stress

Abstract

AIM: Ursolic acid is a triterpenoid common in plants and exhibits anti-carcinogenic activity. This study aimed to reveal the role of endoplasmic reticulum stress in cervical cancer cell apoptosis promoted by ursolic acid. METHODS: HeLa cells were treated with ursolic acid or/and 4-phenylbutyric acid. The viability and apoptosis of HeLa cells were evaluated by MTT assay and flow cytometry, respectively. RESULTS: Ursolic acid decreased HeLa cell viability in a time- and dose- dependent manner, and induced HeLa cell apoptosis in a dose-dependent manner. Moreover, ursolic acid increased the expression of C/EBP homologous protein and glucose-regulated protein 78 at protein levels, while 4-phenylbutyric acid antagonized the apoptosis of HeLa cells induced by ursolic acid. CONCLUSION: Ursolic acid inhibits the viability and promotes the apoptosis of HeLa cells. Endoplasmic reticulum stress may mediate the apoptosis of cervical cancer cells stimulated by ursolic acid.