The Effect of 3-O-Acetyl-Beta-Boswellic Acid on Interleukin-6 Gene Expression in the Human Glioblastoma Cell Line

Frankincense is a gum resin of Boswellia trees genus that has been favored in the Iranian traditional medicine for its anti-inflammatory and anti-tumor properties. Glioblastoma is one of the most malignant adult cancers that is resistant to radiation therapy and chemotherapy. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of an active ingredient of frankincense, 3-O-acetyl-beta-boswellic acid, on interleukin-6 expression in human glioblastoma cell line. Human glioblastoma cell line was obtained from cell bank of Pasteur Institute of Iran, and treated with different concentrations of 3-O-acetyl-beta-boswellic acid for 24 hours. The effect on cell survival was evaluated using MTT assay, and half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) was calculated as well. Cultured cells were treated with concentrations of 5, 15, and 25 μM of 3-O-acetyl-beta-boswellic acid. RNA was extracted and converted to complementary DNA (cDNA), and used for interleukin-6 expression studies via real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR). IC50 was calculated as 39.88 μM. 3-O-acetyl-beta-boswellic acid at concentrations of 5, 15, and 25 μM significantly reduced the expression of interleukin-6 in a dose-dependent manner (P < 0.05). The results of this study indicate anti-inflammatory and anti-tumor effects of 3-O-acetyl-beta-boswellic acid by decreasing the expression of interleukin-6 in the inflammatory environment of glioblastoma tumor cells. Therefore, it can be considered as a beneficial ingredient in the treatment of glioblastoma.