3-O-Acetyloleanolic acid exhibits anti-angiogenic effects and induces apoptosis in human umbilical vein endothelial cells.

3-O-Acetyloleanolic acid, a pentacyclic triterpenoid isolated from cowpea seeds, inhibited proliferation, migration and tube formation of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) in a dose-dependent manner. HUVECs. The induced apoptosis was characterized by detection of cell surface annexin V and sub-G1 populations. The number of cells immunostained with annexin V-fluorescein isothiocyanate increased after treatment with 3-O-acetyloleanolic acid. The sub-G1 cell populations were also increased in treated HUVECs. 3-O-Acetyloleanolic acid induced activation of caspase 3, a critical mediator of apoptosis signaling. It also significantly inhibited angiogenesis in an in vivo Matrigel plug assay. 3-O-Acetyloleanolic acid thus exhibits anti-angiogenic effects and induces apoptosis in HUVECs and the results suggest that it has a potential use for suppression of the tumor growth stimulated by angiogenesis.