Cytotoxicity of trichothecenes to human solid tumor cells in vitro

The trichothecenes are sesquiterpenoid mycotoxins characterized by the 12,13-epoxytrichothec-9-ene ring system. We have tested cytotoxicity of several naturally-occurring or synthesized trichothecenes against human solid tumor cell lines. Among them, trichothecin (I) and 4-beta-Acetoxy-12,13-epoxytrichothec-9-ene (trichodermin, II) exhibited highly cytotoxic activities. 4-beta-Hydroxy-12,13-epoxytrichothec-9-ene (trichodermol, III) and 4-beta-Methoxy-12,13-epoxytrichothec-9-ene (IV) had mild cytotoxicities. But 12,13-Epoxytrichothec-9-ene-4-one (V) and 4-alpha-Hydroxy-12,13-epoxytrichothec-9-ene(VI) had no cytotoxicities up to 10 mu g/ml. And in the tested cell lines, HCT15 colon cancer cell line was the most sensitive to all tested trichothecenes.