Apoptosis-inducing activity of lipid derivatives of gallic acid

Gallic acid derivatives with a lipophilic group (hydrogenated farnesyl gall ate, lauryl gallate, gallic acid laurylamide and cholesteryl gallate) were examined for their ability to induce apoptosis in human monoblastic leukemi a U937 cells. Farnesyl ester derivative is the most potent apoptosis induce r among the compounds examined, The results suggest that lipid derivatives can augment the apoptosis-inducing activity of gallic acid depending on the structure. These findings will provide useful information in developing an ti-cancer agents.