Apoptosis-inducing activity of lipid derivatives of gallic acid.

Gallic acid derivatives with a lipophilic group (hydrogenated farnesyl gallate, lauryl gallate, gallic acid laurylamide and cholesteryl gallate) were examined for their ability to induce apoptosis in human monoblastic leukemia U937 cells. Farnesyl ester derivative is the most potent apoptosis inducer among the compounds examined. The results suggest that lipid derivatives can augment the apoptosis-inducing activity of gallic acid depending on the structure. These findings will provide useful information in developing anti-cancer agents.