Novel Ziyuglycoside II derivatives inhibit MCF-7 cell proliferation via inducing apoptosis and autophagy

A series of novel ziyuglycoside II derivatives were synthesized based on the classical 1,2,3-triazole moiety. Among the tested derivatives (Z-1 - Z-15), the compound Z-15 demonstrated the most potent antiproliferative effect on K562, MCF-7 and MV411 cell lines. Moreover, Z-15 did not show obvious cytotoxicity on MCF-10A cell, a human normal mammary epithelial cell. The cell colony formation assay showed that, compared to ziyuglycoside II and 5-fluorouracil, Z-15 could inhibit cell proliferation more robustly. Wound healing assays indicated that Z-15 could significantly inhibit MCF-7 cell migration. Further mechanistic research revealed that Z-15 induced mitochondrial-mediated apoptosis and autophagy in MCF-7 cell line in a dose-dependent manner.