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

Abstract

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.