ZL11n is a novel nitric oxide-releasing derivative of farnesylthiosalicylic acid that induces apoptosis in human hepatoma HepG2 cells via MAPK/mitochondrial pathways

► ZL11n is a novel nitric oxide-releasing derivative of farnesylthiosalicylic acid that induces significant apoptosis in human hepatoma cells but not normal hepatocytes. ► ZL11n induced apoptosis by the co-operation of mitochondrial apoptotic pathway activated by NO and MAPKs signaling pathway triggered by JNK or ERK. ► In vivo study also indicated ZL11n could significantly reduced tumor volumes and tumor weight in H22 murine solid tumor model.