In vitro effect of combined hybrid molecules from vitamin E analogues and betulinic acid on macrophage activity.

Macrophage activity was studied after treatment with hybrid molecules obtained by condensation of terpenic acid residues (betulinic and betulonic acids) and α-tocopherol analogues (α-tocopherol hemisuccinate and Trolox acid). As distinct from betulinic acid and α-tocopherol hemisuccinate, hybrid molecules did not exhibit cytotoxicity in relation to mouse peritoneal macrophages in the MTT test. Test substances inhibited the production of NO by mouse peritoneal macrophages. However, hybrid molecules had no effect on activity of macrophage arginase. Our results indicate that new molecules have anti-inflammatory activity. It can be hypothesized that these substances have immunomodulatory properties.