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Acta Pharmacologica Sinica logoLink to Acta Pharmacologica Sinica
. 2014 Oct 6;35(11):1463–1472. doi: 10.1038/aps.2014.97

Highly lipophilic 3-epi-betulinic acid derivatives as potent and selective TGR5 agonists with improved cellular efficacy

Xiao-yin Wang 1, Shu-yong Zhang 1, Jing Li 1, Hua-nan Liu 1, Xin Xie 1,*, Fa-jun Nan 1,*
PMCID: PMC4220082  PMID: 25283506

Abstract

Aim:

TGR5 is a G protein-coupled receptor that is expressed in intestinal L-cells and stimulates glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) secretion. TGR5 may represent a novel target for the treatment of metabolic disorder. Here, we sought to design and synthesize a series of TGR5 agonists derived from the natural product betulinic acid.

Methods:

A series of betulinic acid derivatives were designed and synthesized. A cAMP assay was established using a HEK293 cell line expressing human TGR5. Luciferase reporter assay was established using HEK293 cells transfected with plasmids encoding human FXR and luciferase reporter. A human intestinal L-cell line NCI-H716 was used to evaluate the effects of the betulinic acid derivatives on GLP-1 secretion in vitro.

Results:

Biological data revealed that the 3-α-OH triterpenoids consistently show increased potency for TGR5 compared to their 3-β-OH epimers. 3-OH esterification increased the lipophilicity and TGR5 activity of 3-α betulinic derivatives and enhanced the activity differences between 3-α and 3-β derivatives. The 3-α-acyloxy betulinic acids also exhibited a significant dose-dependent GLP-1 secretion effect.

Conclusion:

This study demonstrates that highly lipophilic 3-epi-betulinic acid derivatives can be potent and selective TGR5 agonists with improved cellular efficacy, and our research here provides a new strategy for the design and development of potent TGR5 agonists.

Keywords: TGR5, activator, betulinic acid derivatives, GLP-1, lipophilic, structure modifications

Introduction

G-protein coupled bile acid receptor 1 (GPBAR1, also known as TGR5) agonists have potential for the treatment of diabetes1,2,3. Bile acids (BAs), which are essential for dietary lipid absorption and cholesterol excretion, modulate the transcription of genes for enzymes and transport proteins through binding to the farnesoid X receptor (FXR)4. TGR5, which also functions as a bile acid receptor, has recently been identified as a mediator of several important metabolic processes in tissues including gallbladder, intestine, liver, brown adipose tissue and muscle6,7,8,9. Via TGR5 activation, BAs stimulate type 2 iodothyronine deiodinase activity, leading to increased mitochondrial function and thus energy expenditure10. BAs induce receptor internalization, activation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase, and intracellular cAMP production in TGR5-expressing HEK293 and CHO cells1. In enteroendocrine cells, TGR5 activation has been shown to promote the secretion of glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) and peptide YY (PYY)1. These findings indicate that TGR5 can transduce bile acid-induced signaling independently of nuclear receptor-mediated signaling. In animal models, treatment with TGR5 agonists induces GLP-1 secretion, which in turn induces insulin secretion, reduces blood glucose, increases basal energy expenditure and weight loss, and reduces blood lipid levels together with liver steatosis and fibrosis7. Therefore, TGR5 plays a critical role in vivo in the control of intestinal GLP-1 release and in the maintenance of glucose homeostasis. Pharmacological targeting of TGR5 may be a promising strategy for the treatment of diabetes and associated metabolic disorders.

Several TGR5 agonists have previously been reported, including synthetic small molecules as well as natural products and derivatives. Although some small molecule agonists such as compounds 1a12 and 1b13 (Figure 1) are usually more potent than bile acid derivatives, they generally suffer from undesired side effects. Most notable among these is an increase in gallbladder volume, as compound-induced TGR5 activation causes smooth muscle relaxation and promotes gallbladder filling14. These disadvantages have limited further development of the synthetic small molecule agonists of TGR5. Natural products and their derivatives (eg, cholic acid, 2a), in contrast, seem to have some advantages, even though they have less potency than synthetic ones. 6-Ethyl-23(S)-methyl cholic acid (S-EMCA, INT-777) (2b)15 is a particularly noteworthy derivative. It activates TGR5 with moderate potency (EC50=0.82 μmol/L) and shows a range of beneficial metabolic effects on transgenic mice, including resistance to weight gain and hepatic steatosis, preservation of liver and pancreatic function, and the maintenance of glucose homeostasis and insulin sensitivity7. Based on these precedents, we chose to focus on natural product agonists of TGR5 as our starting point.

Figure 1.

Figure 1

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Known TGR5 agonists and their EC50 values for hTGR5 and the design of 3-α-betulinic acid derivatives as TGR5 agonists.

Betulinic acid (3β), a triterpenoid extracted from white birch leaves, has been reported to be a selective TGR5 agonist with moderate potency (EC50=2.25 μmol/L) and antihyperglycemic effects17. Structural modifications of the betulinic scaffold have previously been reported; the most potent compound of the series was an epoxy derivative (4) with an EC50 of 47 nmol/L19. In an effort to discover more potent TGR5 agonists, we compared the structure of betulinic acid (3β) with compound 4 and noted the difference at the 3-position. Compound 4 and its analogues show a tolerance for an extra substituted group in the 3-α-face, and the introduction of certain small groups increases the affinity for TGR5 to varying degrees, whereas the same group in the 3-β-face decreases TGR5 activity20. We hypothesized that a small hydrophobic group in the 3-α-face may be critical for potent TGR5 activity. Accordingly, we rationally designed a series of 3-α-OH betulinic acid analogues as novel TGR5 agonists. As outlined in Figure 1, we designed betulinic derivatives focusing on structural variation of the C-3 hydroxyl group and the C-20 alkene.

Materials and methods

Chemistry

The synthesis of the first analogue, 3-α-OH-betulinic acid (3α) is outlined in Scheme 1. The carboxylic acid moiety of betulinic acid (3β) was first protected by heating to 60 °C in DMF with benzyl chloride and potassium carbonate, yielding carboxylate 5. The 3-OH in 5 was then inverted by a two-step sequence of oxidation (Dess-Martin periodinane)21 and CBS reduction (BH3-Me2S, (S)-CBS catalyst)22. 3-Epi benzyl-protected acid 7 was converted to analogue 3α by hydrogenolysis in the presence of palladium on a carbon catalyst (Pd-C)23.

Scheme 1.

Scheme 1

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Synthesis of 3α.

Betulinic acid derivatives bearing modification of the C-3 alcohol and C-20 alkene were synthesized using strategies similar to that shown in Scheme 1 (Scheme 2 and 3). For each substitution pattern, pairs of 3-α and 3-β epimers were synthesized to assess the influence of C-3 configuration on TGR5 activity. As shown in Scheme 2, compound 7 was divergently reacted with acetic anhydride in DCM in the presence of triethylamine and DMAP and then deprotected to provide 8α. Compounds 9α and 11α were obtained as shown in Scheme 3. Following reduction of the C20 alkene of betulinic acid to alkane 9β, the synthetic sequence from Scheme 1 was used to invert the 3-OH and obtain compound 10. Compound 10 was deprotected to provide 9α and reacted similarly to Scheme 2 to provide 11α.

Scheme 2.

Scheme 2

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Synthesis of 8α.

Scheme 3.

Scheme 3

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Synthesis of 9α/β and 11−15α/β.

Reagents and conditions

Scheme 1

(i) BnCl, K2CO3, DMF; (ii) DMP, DCM; (iii) BH3-Me2S, (S)-CBS, THF; (iv) H2, Pd-C, MeOH.

Scheme 2

(i) (CH3CO)2O, TEA, DMAP, DCM; (ii) H2, Pd-C, MeOH.

Scheme 3

(i) H2, Pd-C, MeOH; (ii) BnCl, K2CO3, DMF; (iii) DMP, DCM; (iv) (RCO)2O, TEA, DMAP, DCM; (v) H2, Pd-C, MeOH; (vi) BH3-Me2S, (S)-CBS, THF.

Biological experiments

Reagents and materials

Lithocholic acid (LCA) and dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) were purchased from Sigma (St Louis, MO, USA). Human embryonic kidney (HEK) 293 cells, human NCI-H716 cells and human hepatocytes (HepG2 cell line) were obtained from the American Type Culture Collection (Manassas, Virginia, USA). Oligonucleotides were synthesized by Shanghai Sangon Co Ltd (Shanghai, China). Human TGR5 plasmid was purchased from the UMR cDNA Resource Center (Rolla, MO, USA).

Plasmids

A cDNA encoding human FXR-LBD was amplified by RT-PCR from human liver total mRNA according to methods described by ThermoScriptTM RT-PCR System (Invitrogen, CA, USA). Briefly, the forward primer (5′-ACTGGATCCGTATGGGAATGTTGGCTGAATG-3′) and the reverse primer (5′-ATCGGTACCTCACTGCACGTCCCAGATT-3′) were used to amplify human FXR-LBD with the following regime: 30 cycles with denaturing at 94 °C for 30 s, annealing at 60 °C for 1 min, and extension at 72 °C for 1 min followed by a final extension at 72 °C for 10 min. The PCR product (FXR-LBD fragment) was then cloned into a pBind vector (Promega, Madison, WI, USA) and sequenced.

Cell culture and transient transfections

Human HepG2 and NCI-H716 cells were grown at 37 °C in RPMI-1640 medium (GIBCO, GrandIsland, NY, USA), and HEK293 cells were maintained in Dulbecco's modified Eagle's medium (DMEM) supplemented with 10% fetal bovine serum (FBS) and antibiotics (streptomycin/penicillin) in a humidified atmosphere containing 5% CO2. For transient transfection, approximately 1×106 cells were mixed with 2 to 4 μg plasmid in 200 μL transfection buffer, and electroporation was carried out with a Scientz-2C electroporation apparatus (Scientz Biotech, Ningbo, China). For the cyclic-AMP (cAMP) assay, transient transfection was performed using human TGR5 plasmid. For luciferase reporter gene assays, transient co-transfection was then performed using pGL4.31[luc2P/GAL4UAS/Hygro] and the GAL4-FXR chimera expression plasmid pBIND-FXR(LBD) by electroporation.

Cyclic-AMP (cAMP) assay

Cells were harvested with PBS and pelleted by centrifugation for 5 min at 1100 r/min. Then, the cells were re-suspended in an appropriate volume of assay buffer (PBS containing 500 μmol/L IBMX) to give a final cell count of 8×105 cells/mL. The cells were then plated into 384-well assay plates at 4000 cells/well in the volume of 5 μL. Another 5 μL buffer containing compounds at various concentrations was added to the assay plates and incubated for 1 h at room temperature. Intracellular cAMP measurement was carried with a Cisbio HTRF Dynamic 2 cAMP kit (Cat No 62AM4PEJ) and an EnVision multiplate reader according to the manufacturer's instructions.

Luciferase reporter gene assays

Cells expressing pGL4.31[luc2P/GAL4UAS/Hygro] Vector (Promega, Madison, WI, USA) and pBind-FXR were plated at a density of 10 000 cells per well in a 96-well plate. After 24 h of culture, compounds at various concentrations were added. DMSO (1%) was used as a negative control. GW4064 was used as positive control. Another 24 h later, luciferase activity was measured using the Steady-Glo® luciferase assay system (Promega, Madison, WI, USA) and an EnVision (PerkinElmer, Waltham, MA, USA) multiplate reader according to the manufacturer's instructions.

GLP-1 secretion assay

Two days before the experiments, 1.5×105 NCI-H716 cells were seeded in 384-well culture plates coated with Matrigel. On the day of the experiment, cells were incubated for 2 h at 37 °C with the different effectors or with DMSO. Supernatants were collected and frozen at −80 °C for subsequent analysis. Biologically active GLP-1 (7–36) was measured as described by the Active GLP-1 assay kit (HTRF, 62GLPPEK).

Results and discussion

Betulinic acid (3β) and its 3-epi analogue (3α) were evaluated for their ability to activate TGR5 and FXR using a cyclic-AMP (cAMP) assay and a reporter assay, respectively (Table 1); INT-777 was used as a reference control. 3α showed slightly increased potency for TGR5 compared to 3β, and both compounds displayed good efficacy and excellent selectivity for TGR5 over FXR. These initial findings encouraged us to synthesize and evaluate further 3-α-triterpenoid analogues.

Table 1. TGR5 and FXR activities of triterpenoids. Data are presented as mean±SEM (n=3).

Name TGR5
 FXR
EC50/nmol·L−1 Efficacy EC50/nmol·L−1
GW4064 – – 48.82±0.4
INT-777 395.1±125.6 100.0±0.7 NR
3α 1914±473.3 95.27±0.7 NR
3β 3214±385.6 83.15±4.0 NR
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EC50 and efficacy generated from human TGR5-based cAMP assay or human FXR-based reporter assay. NR=No response at concentrations up to 100 μmol/L.

8α/β, 9α/β, and 11α/β were again evaluated for their ability to activate TGR5 and FXR (Table 2). The 3-α-OH derivatives consistently showed increased potency for TGR5 compared to their 3-β-OH epimers. All the analogues lacked FXR activity. Interestingly, acetylation at the 3 position markedly increased their potency as TGR5 agonists while preserving their selectivity for TGR5 over FXR. Note the difference between the hydroxyl analogues 9α and 9β, which showed similar activity, and the acetoxy analogues 11α and 11β, which showed different total activity. In particular, 11α showed an EC50 of 237 nmol/L, which is more potent than INT-777.

Table 2. TGR5 and FXR activities of triterpenoids. Data are presented as mean±SEM (n=3).

Name TGR5
 FXR
EC50/nmol·L−1 Efficacy EC50/nmol·L−1
GW4064 – – 48.82±0.4
INT-777 469.0±94.3 100.0±0.7 NR
8α 577.4±86.3 89.77±1.2 NR
8β 7082±453.6 87.67±1.3 NR
9α 3190±443.8 90.19±1.3 NR
9β 3979±994.1 93.04±0.8 NR
11α 237.8±73.6 91.63±0.4 NR
11β 1867±432.9 84.03±1.5 NR
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EC50 and efficacy generated from human TGR5-based cAMP assay or human FXR-based reporter assay. NR=No response at concentrations up to 100 μmol/L.

As shown in Table 3, esterification at C-3 increased potency for TGR5 compared to betulinic acid while retaining selectivity for TGR5 over FXR. The results from these α/β pairs compared to 11α/β indicate a lipophilic effect on the difference in activity between the two isomeric 3-ester derivatives. Whereas compounds 12α–14α have EC50s of several hundred nanomolar, their 3-β-epimers are inactive at concentrations up to 100 μmol/L. Notice compound 15α, which showed an EC50 of 477.7 nmol/L but reduced efficacy (38%) compared to 12α, 13α, and 14α. That indicates a tolerance for small groups in the 3 position, whereas a large group will cause a loss of activity. Taken together, these data reveal that a free hydroxyl at the 3-α-face, although important, is not indispensable for TGR5 activity, and small lipophilic groups at the 3-α-face may contribute further hydrophobic attraction and increase the potency. This finding improves our knowledge of TGR5 and is in partial accordance with the structure activity relationship (SAR) described by Saladin's team17,18.

Table 3. TGR5 and FXR activities of triterpenoids. Data are presented as mean±SEM (n=3).

Name TGR5
 FXR
EC50/nmol·L−1 Efficacy EC50/nmol·L−1
GW4064 – – 48.82±0.4
INT-777 469.0±94.3 100.0±0.7 NR
12α 313.4±102.9 89.49±0.7 NR
12β NR 0 NR
13α 455.7±148.6 88.50±0.8 NR
13β NR 0 NR
14α 303.8±85.9 91.39±0.6 NR
14β NR 0 NR
15α 477.7±84.9 32.89±2.9 NR
15β NR 0 NR
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EC50 and efficacy generated from human TGR5-based cAMP assay or human FXR-based reporter assay. NR=No response at concentrations up to 100 μmol/L.

In light of the excellent in vitro activity of the 3-α-betulinic derivatives and their good selectivity for TGR5 over FXR, compounds 12α/β, 13α/β, and 14α/β were tested in an in vitro GLP-1 secretion assay (Figure 2). We hypothesized their activity would be sufficient to activate TGR5 in the intestine, increasing GLP-1 secretion and lowering blood glucose levels. Compounds 12α, 13α, and 14α, which have 3-α-acyloxy groups, significantly induced the release of GLP-1, whereas their 3-β-acyloxy counterparts showed no activity at the same concentration. These results correlate well with the cell-based agonistic activities shown in Table 3.

Figure 2.

Figure 2

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GLP-1 release by NCI-H716 cells. GLP-1 release into NCI-H716 cell culture supernatant was investigated after an incubation period of 2 h at 37 °C. The concentration of GLP-1 was determined by Active GLP-1 assay kit. INT-777 (1 μmol/L) and phorbol-12-myristate-13-acetate (PMA, 1 μmol/L) were used as positive controls. Data are presented as the mean±SEM (n=3). bP<0.05, cP<0.01 vs DMSO control.

As mentioned before, TGR5 is distributed in many tissues such as gallbladder, intestine, liver, brown adipose tissue and muscle6,7,8,9. Activation of TGR5 in the intestines stimulates GLP-1 secretion and lowers blood glucose levels. Activation of TGR5 in other tissues, however, can lead to undesired side effects. In the gallbladder, TGR5 activation causes smooth muscle relaxation and promotes gallbladder filling24,25. Gallbladder toxicity has been reported for many TGR5 agonists due to high exposure to bile. Toxicity to the cardiovascular system caused by hERG inhibition of TGR5 agonists has also been reported26,27. Accordingly, an ideal therapy should stimulate GLP-1 secretion in the intestine only and should have low systemic exposure to prevent the activation of TGR5 in other tissues. In fact, two isoxazolecarboxamide TGR5 agonists have demonstrated that systemic exposure is not necessary to achieve the desired effect of stimulating GLP-1 secretion in vivo24. Previous studies have shown that triterpenoids often have poor solubility and poor absorption in the gastrointestinal tract, leading to low plasma exposure28,29. This may reduce the activation of TGR5 in gallbladder and other tissues caused by high plasma exposure, thereby reducing the side effects. As shown by the clogP values in Table 4 (calculated by ChemDraw), the acyloxy-betulinic derivatives generally have higher lipophilicity than betulinic acid and compound 4, which may further lower their bioavailability and systemic exposure. Researchers at Lilly have found that drugs for GPCRs (lipid GPCRs) have higher clogP values and properties opposite to Lipinski's “rule of five.” Drugs with high MW and clogP seem to have more affinity for GPCRs and may cause fewer side effects30. Therefore, the present acyloxy betulinic derivatives may activate intestinal TGR5 while minimizing side effects due to systemic exposure.

Table 4. clogP of derivatives.

Name clogP Name clogP
INT-777 3.003 4 5.496
3α 4.926 3β 4.926
8α 5.834 8β 5.834
9α 5.410 9β 5.410
11α 6.318 11β 6.318
12α 6.847 12β 6.847
13α 7.376 13β 7.376
14α 6.902 14β 6.902
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clogP values are calculated by ChemDraw 2010.

We next evaluated the preliminary pharmacokinetic profile of compound 12α with the aim of gaining insights into the efficiency of its oral absorption and intestinal stability. After oral gavage administration of 12α (10 mg/kg) to rats, the concentration of 12α in plasma and in urine was below 5 ng/mL and 1 ng/mL, respectively, and an average of 85% of compound 12α can be recovered from stool. These results are in line with our expectations, that our compounds have low plasma exposure and are mostly located in the intestine.

Conclusion

In conclusion, we have described the synthesis and biological evaluation of a series of 3-α and 3-β-triterpenoid derivatives as TGR5 agonists. The biological data reveal that the 3-α-OH triterpenoids consistently show increased potency for TGR5 compared to their 3-β-OH epimers. Esterification of 3-OH produces compounds with increased potency for TGR5 while retaining selectivity for TGR5 over FXR. The difference in TGR5 activity between the two isomeric 3-ester derivatives was also higher. An in vitro GLP-1 secretion study indicated that compound 13α dose-dependently induces the release of GLP-1. Further studies and additional pharmacokinetic evaluation are now underway, and the results will be reported in due course.

Experimental section

General methods

NMR spectra were obtained with a Varian Mercury-VX300 spectrometer, and the chemical shifts are reported in parts per million (ppm). The abbreviations used are as follows: s, singlet; bs, broad singlet; d, doublet; dd, double doublet; m, multiplet. Flash chromatography was performed using silica gel zcx-11 (0.050–0.075 mm). TLC was carried out on pre-coated TLC plates with silica gel HSGF 254. Spots were visualized by staining and warming with phosphomolybdate reagent (5% solution in EtOH). All reactions were carried out under a nitrogen atmosphere. MS data were obtained with a MICROMASS Q-Tof UltimaTM spectrometer.

Benzyl 3(β)-hydroxylup-20(29)-en-28-oate (5)

3β (4 g, 8.76 mmol) was dissolved in DMF (50 mL) and K2CO3 (2.4 g, 17.37 mmol) was added to the reaction mixture followed by benzyl chloride (1.2 mL, 10.52 mmol). The reaction mixture was stirred at 50 °C overnight. The mixture was cooled to room temperature, slowly diluted with H2O (100 mL) and extracted with EtOAc (2×100 mL). The combined organic layers were washed with H2O (2×150 mL), brine (150 mL), dried over Na2SO4 and evaporated under reduced pressure to obtain the desired compound 5 (4.62 g, 8.46 mmol, 97%) as a white solid, which was used for the next step without further purification. 1H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl3) δ 7.34 (m, 5H), 5.09 (d, 1H, J=11.7 Hz), 5.17 (d, 1H, J=11.7 Hz), 4.75 (s, 1H), 4.62 (s, 1H), 3.21–3.15 (m, 1H), 2.92–2.80 (m, 1H), 2.10–1.90 (m, 2H), 1.87–1.69 (m, 2H), 1.64 (s, 3H), 1.64–0.96 (m, other aliphatic ring protons), 1.04 (s, 3H), 1.00 (s, 3H), 0.94 (s, 3H), 0.91 (s, 3H), 0.87 (s, 3H), 0.84 (s, 3H).

Benzyl 3-carbonylup-20(29)-en-28-oate (6)

To a solution of compound 5 (4.62 g, 8.46 mmol) in DCM (100 mL) Dess-Martin Periodinane (4.3 g, 10.15 mmol) was added slowly at 0°C. The mixture was stirred at room temperature overnight. The suspension was filtered and the filtrate was concentrated and purified by flash chromatography using 5% EtOAc in petroleum ether to yield 4.39 g (8.06 mmol, 95%) of 6 as a white pure solid. 1H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl3) δ 7.34 (m, 5H), 5.09 (d, 1 H, J=11.7 Hz), 5.17 (d, 1 H, J=11.7 Hz), 4.75 (s, 1H), 4.62 (s, 1H), 2.92–2.80 (m, 1H), 2.49–2.39 (m, 2H), 2.10–2.04 (m, 2H), 1.92–1.80 (m, 2H), 1.78–1.68 (m, 2H), 1.65 (s, 3H), 1.50–1.16 (m, other aliphatic ring protons), 1.04 (s, 3H), 1.00 (s, 3H), 0.94 (s, 3H), 0.91 (s, 3H), 0.87 (s, 3H), 0.84 (s, 3H).

Benzyl 3(α)-hydroxylup-20(29)-en-28-oate (7)

To a solution of compound 6 (1.58 g, 2.90 mmol) and (S)-(–)-2-methyl-CBS-oxazaborolidine (80 mg, 0.29 mmol) in dry THF (50 mL) a solution of BH3-Me2S (0.32 mL, 10 mol/L in THF) was added dropwise at room temperature under nitrogen atmosphere. After 10 min, MeOH was added to quench the reaction, and the reaction mixture was concentrated and purified by flash chromatography using 5% EtOAc in petroleum ether to yield 790 mg (1.45 mmol, 50%) of 7 as a white pure solid. 1H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl3) δ 7.34 (m, 5H), 5.09 (d, 1H, J=11.7 Hz), 5.17 (d, 1H, J=11.7 Hz), 4.73 (s, 1H), 4.60 (s, 1H), 3.39 (s, 1H), 3.02–2.96 (m, 1H), 2.28–2.16 (m, 2H), 1.98–1.95 (m, 2H), 1.68 (s, 3H), 1.64-0.96 (m, other aliphatic ring protons), 1.04 (s, 3H), 1.00 (s, 3H), 0.94 (s, 3H), 0.91 (s, 3H), 0.87 (s, 3H), 0.84 (s, 3H).

3-Epi-betulinic acid (3α)

To a stirred solution of 7 (100 mg, 0.18 mmol) in a mixture of EA/MeOH (1/4 mL), Pd/C (10 mg) was added at room temperature under nitrogen atmosphere. The nitrogen atmosphere was replaced by an H2 atmosphere. The reaction mixture was stirred for 1 h at room temperature, then N2 was replaced, and it was filtered through Celite and washed with DCM. The residue was purified by flash chromatography using 10% EtOAc in petroleum ether to yield 78 mg (0.17 mmol, 94%) of 3α as a white pure solid. 1H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl3) δ 4.73 (s, 1H), 4.60 (s, 1H), 3.39 (s, 1H), 3.02–2.96 (m, 1H), 2.28–2.16 (m, 2H), 1.98–1.95 (m, 2H), 1.68 (s, 3H), 1.64–0.96 (m, other aliphatic ring protons), 1.04 (s, 3H), 1.00 (s, 3H), 0.94 (s, 3H), 0.91 (s, 3H), 0.87 (s, 3H), 0.84 (s, 3H). 13C NMR (75 MHz, CD3OD+CDCl3) δ 179.34, 150.89, 109.51, 76.14, 56.43, 50.45, 49.41, 44.40, 42.66, 41.02, 38.46, 38.32, 37.64, 37.40, 34.45, 33.44, 32.44, 30.75, 29.89, 28.26, 27.17, 25.73, 22.97, 22.20, 20.95, 19.30, 18.37, 16.01, 14.67, 14.63. HRMS, calcd. (M+H+) m/e457.3682, observed 457.3501.

Benzyl 3(α)-acetoxylup-20(29)-en-28-oate

To a stirred solution of 7 (107 mg, 0.20 mmol), TEA (82 μL, 0.60 mmol) and DMAP (10 mg, 0.08 mmol) in dry DCM (10 mL) acetic anhydride (57 μL, 0.60 mmol) was added dropwise at 0 °C. Then, the reaction mixture was allowed to stir at room temperature overnight. The mixture was concentrated and diluted with H2O (20 mL) and extracted with EtOAc (2×10 mL). The combined organic layers were washed with H2O (2×20 mL), brine (20 mL), and dried over Na2SO4. The mixture was cooled to room temperature, slowly diluted with H2O (100 mL) and extracted with EtOAc (2×100 mL). The combined organic layers were washed with H2O (2×150 mL), brine (150 mL), dried over Na2SO4 and concentrated. The residue was purified by flash chromatography using 5% EtOAc in petroleum ether to yield 77 mg (0.13 mmol, 65%) of product as a white pure solid. 1H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl3) δ 7.34 (m, 5H), 5.09 (d, 1H, J=11.7 Hz), 5.17 (d, 1H, J=11.7 Hz), 4.62 (s, 1H), 2.84–2.20 (m, 4H), 2.08 (s, 3H), 1.98–1.15 (m, other aliphatic ring protons), 1.01 (s, 3H), 0.94 (s, 3H), 0.92 (s, 3H), 0.85 (s, 3H), 0.83 (s, 3H), 0.76 (s, 3H), 0.74 (s, 3H).

3(α)-Acetoxylup-20(29)-en-28-oic acid (8α)

Prepared by deprotection of benzyl 3(α)-acetoxylup-20(29)-en-28-oate as previously described for 3α. Yield: 94%. 1H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl3) δ 4.73 (s, 1H), 4.60 (s, 1H+1H), 3.04–2.96 (m, 1H), 2.29–2.12 (m, 2H), 2.07 (s, 3H), 1.98–1.82 (m, 2H), 1.68 (s, 3H), 1.64–0.96 (m, other aliphatic ring protons), 1.04 (s, 3H), 1.00 (s, 3H), 0.94 (s, 3H), 0.91 (s, 3H), 0.87 (s, 3H), 0.84 (s, 3H). 13C NMR (75 MHz, CDCl3) δ 171.15, 150.61, 109.90, 78.62, 56.66, 50.44, 49.48, 47.14, 44.40, 42.72, 41.07, 38.62, 37.42, 36.88, 34.29, 34.09, 32.41, 30.81, 29.93, 28.05, 25.68, 23.23, 23.10, 21.91, 21.63, 20.89, 19.62, 18.30, 16.26, 16.12, 15.15, 14.89. HRMS, calcd. (M+K+) m/e 537.3346, observed 537.3909.

3(β)-Acetoxylup-20(29)-en-28-oic acid (8β)

Prepared as previously described for 8α. Yield: 36% (three steps). 1H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl3) δ 4.73 (s, 1H), 4.47 (t, 1H, J=7.5 Hz), 3.04-2.96 (m, 1H), 2.29–2.12 (m, 2H), 2.04 (s, 3H), 1.98–1.90 (m, 2H), 1.69 (s, 3H), 1.64–0.96 (m, other aliphatic ring protons), 0.97 (s, 3H), 0.92 (s, 3H), 0.84 (s, 3H), 0.82 (s, 3H), 0.77 (s, 3H), 0.74 (s, 3H). 13C NMR (75 MHz, CDCl3) δ 171.36, 150.60, 109.97, 81.20, 55.61, 50.58, 49.47, 47.17, 42.46, 40.89, 38.59, 38.01, 37.63, 37.31, 34.45, 32.39, 31.85, 30.78, 29.91, 28.17, 25.64, 21.57, 21.06, 20.90, 19.57, 18.37, 16.69, 16.40, 16.26, 15.15, 14.88, 14.80. HRMS, calcd. (M+K+) m/e537.3346, observed 537.3892.

3(β)-Hydroxylupan-28-oic acid (9β)

To a stirred solution of 3β (1.2 g, 2.63 mmol) in a mixture of EA/MeOH (10/40 mL), Pd/C (150 mg) was added at room temperature under nitrogen atmosphere. The nitrogen atmosphere was replaced by an H2 atmosphere. The reaction mixture was stirred for 2 d at room temperature; then, the N2 was replaced, and it was filtered through Celite and washed with DCM. The residue was purified by flash chromatography using 10% EtOAc in petroleum ether to yield 1.04 g (2.27 mmol, 86%) of 9β as a white pure solid. 1H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl3) δ 3.13 (t, 1H, J=9.0, 6.9 Hz), 2.28–2.16 (m, 2H), 1.98–1.78 (m, 4H), 1.64–0.96 (m, other aliphatic ring protons), 0.96 (s, 3H), 0.93 (s, 3H), 0.92 (s, 3H), 0.90 (s, 3H), 0.89 (s, 3H), 0.87 (s, 3H), 0.78 (s, 3H). 13C NMR (75 MHz, CDCl3) δ 179.42, 78.80, 56.72, 55.44, 50.40, 49.11, 48.76, 48.54, 44.27, 42.64, 40.75, 38.85, 38.24, 37.52, 37.18, 34.49, 32.24, 29.78, 29.72, 27.87, 27.04, 26.97, 22.88, 22.76, 20.99, 18.35, 16.03, 15.90, 15.34, 14.59. HRMS, calcd. (M+H+) m/e 459.3838, observed 459.3510.

3(α)-Hydroxylupan-28-oic acid (9α)

Prepared as previously described for 3α and 9β. Yield: 49.9% (five steps). 1H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl3) δ 3.39 (s, 1H), 2.28-2.16 (m, 2H), 1.98–1.78 (m, 4H), 1.64–0.96 (m, other aliphatic ring protons), 0.96 (s, 3H), 0.93 (s, 3H), 0.92 (s, 3H), 0.90 (s, 3H), 0.89 (s, 3H), 0.87 (s, 3H), 0.78 (s, 3H). 13C NMR (75 MHz, CDCl3+CD3OD) δ 179.68, 76.17, 56.86, 50.21, 49.10, 48.87, 44.38, 42.81, 41.03, 38.31, 37.64, 37.58, 37.38, 34.45, 33.43, 32.34, 29.89, 29.78, 28.28, 27.16, 25.40, 23.00, 22.88, 22.23, 20.95, 18.38, 15.99 (2*C), 14.70, 14.66. HRMS, calcd. (M+H+) m/e 459.3838, observed 459.3513.

3(α)-Acetoxylupan-28-oic acid (11α)

Prepared as previously described for 8α and 9α. Yield: 32.4% (six steps). 1H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl3) δ 4.62 (s, 1H), 2.84-2.20 (m, 4H), 2.08 (s, 3H), 1.98-1.15 (m, other aliphatic ring protons), 1.01 (s, 3H), 0.94 (s, 3H), 0.92 (s, 3H), 0.85 (s, 3H), 0.83 (s, 3H), 0.76 (s, 3H), 0.74 (s, 3H). 13C NMR (75 MHz, CDCl3) δ 182.57, 171.05, 78.60, 57.08, 50.44, 50.27, 49.00, 44.41, 42.90, 41.11, 38.48, 37.64, 37.41, 36.89, 34.40, 34.12, 32.32, 29.94 (2*C), 28.02, 27.10, 23.19, 23.10, 22.97, 21.92, 21.59, 20.93, 18.32, 16.30, 16.07, 15.06, 14.87. HRMS, calcd. (M+H+) m/e 501.3944, observed 501.3761.

3(β)-Acetoxylupan-28-oic acid (11β)

Prepared as previously described for 8β and 9β. Yield: 34.6% (four steps). 1H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl3) δ 4.47 (t, 1H, J=9.0 Hz), 2.28–2.14 (m, 4H), 2.03 (s, 3H), 1.89–1.12 (m, other aliphatic ring protons), 0.94 (s, 3H), 0.91 (s, 3H), 0.85 (s, 3H), 0.83 (s, 3H), 0.82 (s, 3H), 0.76 (s, 3H), 0.73 (s, 3H). 13C NMR (75 MHz, CDCl3) δ 183.24, 171.30, 81.20, 57.08, 55.59, 50.37, 48.98, 44.41, 42.76, 40.91, 38.59, 38.49, 38.01, 37.63, 37.31, 34.52, 32.29, 29.93 (2*C), 28.17, 27.05, 23.90, 23.20, 22.97, 21.51, 21.10, 18.38, 16.68, 16.34, 16.31, 14.89, 14.79. HRMS, calcd. (M+H+) m/e 501.3944, observed 501.3754.

3(α)-Propionyloxylupan-28-oic acid (12α)

Prepared as previously described for 11α and 9α. Yield: 22.5% (six steps). 1H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl3) δ 4.62 (s, 1H), 2.36 (q, 2H), 2.28–2.15 (m, 4H), 1.91–1.83 (m, 4H), 1.69–1.10 (m, other aliphatic ring protons), 1.16 (t, 3H, J=6.0 Hz), 1.00 (s, 3H), 0.94 (s, 3H), 0.87 (s, 3H), 0.85 (s, 3H), 0.83 (s, 3H), 0.77 (s, 3H), 0.74 (s, 3H). 13C NMR (75 MHz, CDCl3) δ 182.67, 174.27, 78.31, 57.08, 50.53, 50.31, 49.00, 44.41, 42.86, 41.10, 38.48, 37.64, 37.40, 36.97, 34.43, 34.16, 32.32, 29.94, 28.70, 28.35, 28.08, 27.10, 23.20, 23.11, 22.97, 21.91, 20.92, 18.32, 16.30, 16.08, 15.01, 14.88, 9.66. HRMS, calcd. (M+Na+) m/e 537.3920, observed 537.3904.

3(β)-Propionyloxylupan-28-oic acid (12β)

Prepared as previously described for 11β and 9β. Yield: 69.5% (four steps). 1H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl3) δ 4.47 (t, 1H, J=7.5 Hz), 2.32 (q, 2H), 2.30–2.14 (m, 4H), 1.90–1.77 (m, 4H), 1.69–1.10 (m, other aliphatic ring protons), 1.13 (t, 3H, J=6.0 Hz), 0.94 (s, 3H), 0.91 (s, 3H), 0.85 (s, 3H), 0.83 (s, 3H), 0.78 (s, 3H), 0.76 (s, 3H), 0.74 (s, 3H). 13C NMR (75 MHz, CDCl3) δ 183.36, 174.60, 80.87, 57.08, 55.58, 50.35, 48.97, 44.40, 42.76, 40.90, 38.56, 38.49, 38.10, 37.63, 37.31, 34.50, 32.28, 29.94 (2*C), 28.31, 28.18, 27.06, 23.93, 23.22, 22.97, 21.09, 18.37, 16.74, 16.35, 16.31, 14.90, 14.81, 9.58. HRMS, calcd. (M+Na+) m/e 537.3920, observed 537.3926.

3(α)-Butyryloxylupan-28-oic acid (13α)

Prepared as previously described for 11α and 9α. Yield: 47.9% (six steps). 1H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl3) δ 4.61 (s, 1H), 2.30 (t, 2H, J=7.5 Hz), 2.28–2.15 (m, 4H), 1.98–1.15 (m, other aliphatic ring protons), 0.94 (s, 3H), 0.91 (s, 3H), 0.90 (t, 3H, J=6.0 Hz), 0.85 (s, 3H), 0.83 (s, 3H), 0.82 (s, 3H), 0.75 (s, 3H), 0.73 (s, 3H). 13C NMR (75 MHz, CDCl3) δ 183.02, 173.83, 80.86, 57.06, 50.39, 48.92, 47.30, 44.35, 42.76, 40.92, 38.57, 38.03, 37.61, 36.96, 32.29, 31.66, 29.91, 29.71, 28.14, 27.07, 25.37, 23.92, 22.82, 21.09, 19.09, 18.83, 18.38, 17.63, 16.74, 16.30, 14.10, 13.98, 12.35, 11.93. HRMS, calcd. (M+Na+) m/e 551.4076, observed 551.3588.

3(β)-Butyryloxylupan-28-oic acid (13β)

Prepared as previously described for 11β and 9β. Yield: 74.5% (four steps). 1H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl3) δ 4.48 (t, 1H, J=7.5 Hz), 2.28(t, 2H, J=7.5 Hz), 2.30–2.15 (m, 4H), 1.90–1.07 (m, other aliphatic ring protons), 0.94 (s, 3H), 0.91 (s, 3H), 0.90 (t, 3H, J=6.0 Hz), 0.85 (s, 3H), 0.83 (s, 3H), 0.82 (s, 3H), 0.75 (s, 3H), 0.73 (s, 3H). 13C NMR (75 MHz, CDCl3) δ 183.12, 173.85, 80.88, 57.08, 55.61, 50.41, 48.93, 47.31, 44.36, 42.78, 40.94, 38.59, 38.43, 38.05, 37.63, 37.30, 36.99, 34.53, 32.24, 31.66, 29.72, 28.16, 27.09, 25.38, 23.94, 23.18, 22.83, 21.11, 18.85, 18.39, 16.76, 16.32, 14.11, 11.95. HRMS, calcd. (M+Na+) m/e 551.4076, observed 551.3555.

3(α)-Cyclopropyl formyloxylupan-28-oic acid (14α)

Prepared as previously described for 11α and 9α. Yield: 26.5% (six steps). 1H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl3) δ 4.61 (s, 1H), 2.28–2.15 (m, 1H+2H), 1.91–1.83 (m, 4H), 1.69–1.15 (m, other aliphatic ring protons), 1.00 (s, 3H), 0.94 (s, 3H), 0.87 (s, 3H), 0.85 (s, 3H), 0.83 (s, 3H), 0.77 (s, 3H), 0.74 (s, 3H). 13C NMR (75 MHz, CDCl3) δ 182.95, 174.56, 78.35, 57.10, 50.61, 50.35, 49.00, 44.41, 42.85, 41.10, 38.48, 37.65, 37.39, 37.05, 34.46, 34.22, 32.33, 29.94 (2*C), 28.08, 27.10, 23.20, 23.07, 22.97, 21.91, 20.93, 18.31, 16.31, 16.09, 15.01, 14.88, 13.57, 8.43, 8.29. HRMS, calcd. (M+Na+) m/e 549.3920, observed 549.3902.

3(β)-Cyclopropyl formyloxylupan-28-oic acid (14β)

Prepared as previously described for 11β and 9β. Yield: 49.2% (four steps). 1H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl3) δ 4.46 (t, 1H, J=7.5 Hz), 2.28–2.15 (m, 1H+2H), 1.90–1.79 (m, 4H), 1.69–1.15 (m, other aliphatic ring protons), 0.95 (s, 3H), 0.92 (s, 3H), 0.85 (s, 3H), 0.83 (s, 3H), 0.78 (s, 3H), 0.76 (s, 3H), 0.74 (s, 3H). 13C NMR (75 MHz, CDCl3) δ 182.64, 174.85, 80.91, 57.06, 55.61, 50.36, 48.97, 44.40, 42.78, 40.91, 38.57, 38.48, 38.16, 37.62, 37.31, 34.52, 32.28, 29.93 (2*C), 28.17, 27.06, 23.91, 23.21, 22.96, 21.09, 18.37, 16.75, 16.34, 16.30, 14.90, 14.81, 13.53, 8.38, 8.34. HRMS, calcd. (M+Na+) m/e 549.3920, observed 549.4020.

3(α)-Hexanoyloxylupan-28-oic acid (15α)

Prepared as previously described for 11α and 9α. Yield: 78.3% (six steps). 1H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl3) δ 4.60 (s, 1H), 2.30 (t, 2H, J=7.5 Hz), 2.28–2.15 (m, 4H), 1.98–1.15 (m, other aliphatic ring protons), 0.94 (s, 3H), 0.91 (s, 3H), 0.90 (t, 3H, J=6.0 Hz), 0.85 (s, 3H), 0.83 (s, 3H), 0.82 (s, 3H), 0.75 (s, 3H), 0.73 (s, 3H). 13C NMR (75 MHz, CDCl3) δ 183.69, 173.71, 80.89, 57.08, 50.52, 48.94, 45.83, 44.36, 42.80, 42.73, 41.07, 40.89, 38.41, 38.01, 37.35, 36.89, 34.98, 32.45, 32.14, 31.91, 31.56, 29.93, 29.76, 29.47, 28.12, 27.55, 27.08, 25.05, 22.85, 21.87, 20.90, 18.30, 16.16, 14.85, 14.27, 14.13. HRMS, calcd. (M+K+) m/e 595.4132, observed 595.3814.

3(β)-Hexanoyloxylupan-28-oic acid (15β)

Prepared as previously described for 11β and 9β. Yield: 56.5% (four steps). 1H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl3) δ4.48 (t, 1H, J=7.5 Hz), 2.28(t, 2H, J=7.5 Hz), 2.30–2.15 (m, 4H), 1.90–1.07 (m, other aliphatic ring protons), 0.94 (s, 3H), 0.91 (s, 3H), 0.90 (t, 3H, J=6.0 Hz), 0.85 (s, 3H), 0.83 (s, 3H), 0.82 (s, 3H), 0.75 (s, 3H), 0.73 (s, 3H). 13C NMR (75 MHz, CDCl3) δ 182.71, 177.86, 80.82, 57.06, 55.61, 50.37, 48.98, 44.41, 42.78, 40.92, 38.58, 38.49, 38.06, 37.63, 37.32, 35.03, 34.53, 32.28, 31.81, 31.56, 29.93, 28.18, 25.05, 23.94, 22.95, 22.87, 22.53, 21.10, 18.38, 16.99, 16.75, 16.33, 14.88, 14.32, 14.12, 11.64. HRMS, calcd. (M+Na+) m/e 579.4384, observed 579.3664.

Author contribution

Fa-jun NAN and Xin XIE designed the research; Xiao-yin WANG, Shu-yong ZHANG, Jing LI, and Hua-nan LIU performed the research; all authors analyzed the data; Xiao-yin WANG wrote the paper.

Acknowledgments

This work was supported by grants from the National Science and Technology Major Projects for Major New Drugs Innovation and Development (No 2012ZX09304011, 2013ZX09507001, 2012ZX09301001-005), National Basic Research Program of China (973 Program) (No 2014CB541906) and the National Natural Science Foundation of China (No 30725049, 81202341).

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