Positive Health Online

Abstract

BARNETT and co-workers, Department of Surgery, Southern Illinois University School of Medicine, Springfield 62794, USA, find that vitamin E succinate inhibits liver metastases of colon cancer .

Background

Vitamin E Succinate (VES) shows promise as an anti-cancer nutrient . It is thought to promote the dormancy of colon tumours and inhibit liver metastases .

Methodology

The effect of VES on colon cancer cells was measured both in vitro (in cultured colon cancer cells) and in vivo in an animal model. Cellular proliferation and apoptosis were measured . Correlation coefficients and independent t-tests were used for statistical analysis.

Results

VES significantly and specifically inhibited cell proliferation and promoted apoptosis of cancer cells in vitro. A reduction of liver metastases by 40% was found in vivo . Tumour cell apoptosis was significant, as was the inhibition of cell proliferation in vivo .

Conclusion

This is the first report of VES inhibition of colon cancer tumour metastases . VES inhibits the growth of colon cancer cells in vitro and in vivo. The mechanism of VES anti-tumour action appears to involve promotion of tumour cell apoptosis and inhibition of tumour cell proliferation . Further studies of Vitamin E Succinate as an agent to promote dormancy of colon cancer and prevent liver metastases are supported.

References

Barnett KT, Fokum FD, Malafa MP. Vitamin E succinate inhibits colon cancer liver metastases. The Journal of Surgical Research 106 (2): 292-298, Aug 2002.