Methyl protodioscin(NSC-698790) is a furostanol bisglycoside with antitumor properties; shows to reduce proliferation, cause cell cycle arrest. IC50 value: Target: in vitro: MPD showed growth inhibitory effects in A549 cells in a dose- and time-dependent manner. The significant G2/M cell cycle arrest and apoptotic effect were also seen in A549 cells treated with MPD. MPD-induced apoptosis was accompanied by a significant reduction of mitochondrial membrane potential, release of mitochondrial cytochrome c to cytosol, activation of caspase-3, downregulation of Bcl-2, p-Bad, and upregulation of Bax [1]. In THP-1 macrophages, MPD increases levels of ABCA1 mRNA and protein in dose- and time-dependent manners, and apoA-1-mediated cholesterol efflux. MPD also decreases the gene expressions of HMGCR, FAS and ACC for cholesterol and fatty acid synthesis [2].

• [1]. Bai Y, et al. Methyl protodioscin induces G2/M cell cycle arrest and apoptosis in A549 human lung cancer cells. Pharmacogn Mag. 2014 Jul;10(39):318-24.

  [2]. Ma W, et al. Methyl protodioscin increases ABCA1 expression and cholesterol efflux while inhibiting gene expressions for synthesis of cholesterol and triglycerides by suppressing SREBP transcription and microRNA 33a/b levels. Atherosclerosis. 2015 Apr;239