Synthesis and biological evaluation of nitric oxide-releasing derivatives of oleanolic acid as inhibitors of HepG2 cell apoptosis

A total of 106 nitric oxide-releasing derivatives of oleanolic acid were synthesized and their effects on the inhibition of anti-Fas-mediated HepG2 cell apoptosis were evaluated in vitro. Several compounds inhibited anti-Fas-mediated HepG2 cell apoptosis in a dose-dependent manner. Within this series of compounds, 8b is the most potent inhibitor. The development of new NO-releasing derivatives of oleanolic acid may aid in the design of NO-based medicines for the intervention of human liver inflammatory diseases.