Effect of Betulinic Acid on GPX4 and SLC7A11 Gene Expression in Renal Cell Carcinoma Cell Line

Yıl 2026, Cilt: 8 Sayı: 1, 28 - 35, 28.02.2026

Leyla Acar İlvan , Sibel Kuraş , Merve Nur Ataş , Hayriye Arzu Ergen

https://doi.org/10.52827/hititmedj.1730449

https://izlik.org/JA32PC97EW

Öz

Aim: Renal carcinoma is the predominant form of kidney cancer, with its frequency rising in recent years; thus, the advancement of novel therapeutic strategies is crucial due to its resistance to therapy in advanced stages. Currently, investigations into the anticancer effects of natural substances are increasing. Betulinic acid is a lupan-type pentacyclic triterpenoid molecule found in various plants that is notable for its apoptotic and antioxidant properties. This study aimed to examine the effect of betulinic acid on the expression levels of the glutathione peroxidase 4 and solute carrier family 7 member 11 genes related to glutathione metabolism in the renal cell carcinoma cell line CAKI-2 and the healthy cell line MRC-5.
Material and Methods: Expression analysis of GPX4 and SLC7A11 genes was performed by quantitative real time-polymerase chain reaction. The glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate dehydrogenase gene was used as housekeeping gene.
Results: A significant increase in solute carrier family 7 member 11 (p=0.014) and glutathione peroxidase 4 (p=0.049) gene expression levels were observed due to 25µM betulinic acid treatment.
Conclusion: Our findings suggest that betulinic acid may play a role in renal cell carcinoma line, especially through the glutathione mechanism.

Anahtar Kelimeler

Renal cell carcinoma , betulinic acid , glutathione metabolism , GPX4 , SLC7A11

Etik Beyan

Çalışmada bir insan ya da hayvan örneği kullanılmadığından etik kurul onayına gerek bulunmamaktadır.

Betülinik Asidin Renal Hücreli Karsinom Hücre Hattında GPX4 ve SLC7A11 Gen Ekspresyonu Üzerine Etkisi

https://izlik.org/JA32PC97EW

Öz

Aim: Renal carcinoma is the predominant form of kidney cancer, with its frequency rising in recent years; thus, the advancement of novel therapeutic strategies is crucial due to its resistance to therapy in advanced stages. Currently, investigations into the anticancer effects of natural substances are increasing. Betulinic acid is a lupan-type pentacyclic triterpenoid molecule found in various plants that is notable for its apoptotic and antioxidant properties. This study aimed to examine the effect of betulinic acid on the expression levels of the glutathione peroxidase 4 and solute carrier family 7 member 11 genes related to glutathione metabolism in the renal cell carcinoma cell line CAKI-2 and the healthy cell line MRC-5.
Material and Methods: Expression analysis of GPX4 and SLC7A11 genes was performed by quantitative real time-polymerase chain reaction. The glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate dehydrogenase gene was used as housekeeping gene.
Results: A significant increase in solute carrier family 7 member 11 (p=0.014) and glutathione peroxidase 4 (p=0.049) gene expression levels were observed due to 25µM betulinic acid treatment.
Conclusion: Our findings suggest that betulinic acid may play a role in renal cell carcinoma line, especially through the glutathione mechanism.

Anahtar Kelimeler

Renal cell carcinoma , betulinic acid , glutathione metabolism , GPX4 , SLC7A11

Kaynakça

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