Role of AMPK and PPARα in the anti-skin cancer effects of ursolic acid.

The phytonutrient ursolic acid (UA), present in apples, rosemary, and other plant sources, has anti-cancer properties in a number of systems, including skin cancers. However, few reports have examined upstream mechanisms by which UA may prevent or treat cancer. Recent reports have indicated UA induces death of cancer cell lines via AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), an energy-sensing kinase which possesses both pro-metabolic and anti-cancer effects.

Resveratrol and P-glycoprotein inhibitors enhance the anti-skin cancer effects of ursolic acid.

Unlabelled: Ursolic acid, present in apples, rosemary, and other sources, is known to inhibit tumor formation and tumor cell viability in multiple systems, including skin. However, various cancers are resistant to ursolic acid treatment. Herein, skin carcinoma cells (Ca3/7) as compared with skin papilloma cells (MT1/2) displayed more resistance to ursolic acid-induced cytotoxicity.