Positive Health Online

Abstract

MALAFA and NEITZEL, Department of Surgery, Southern Illinois University School of Medicine, Springfield, Illinois 62794, USA, mmalafa@siumed.edu investigated vitamin E succinate and breast cancer tumour dormancy.

Background

Vitamin E succinate (VES) is the most potent antitumour analog of vitamin E. Despite many reports of VES's antitumour activity in vitro, there is little information about its antitumour effects in vivo.

Methodology

The effect of VES on the growth of human breast cancer cells in vitro and in vivo was investigated.

Results

VES decreased cell viability in MDA-MB-231 and MCF-7 human breast cancer cells . Although VES increased apoptosis (programmed cell death) in MDA-MB-231 cells, it had no effect on apoptosis in MCF-7 cells. The inhibitory effect of VES on cell growth was specific for the intact molecule because a markedly reduced effect was noted when either vitamin E or succinic acid was administered alone. VES inhibited the growth of MDA-MB-231 cells in nude mice. Also, VES was found to inhibit vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) gene expression in MDA-MB-231 cells.

Conclusion

VES inhibits the growth of breast cancer cells in vitro and in vivo . This is the first report of VES inhibition of established tumour growth in vivo. The mechanism of VES's in vivo effects may involve inhibition of tumour angiogenesis since VES inhibits VEGF gene expression.

References

Malafa MP and Neitzel LT. Vitamin E succinate promotes breast cancer tumour dormancy. Journal of Surgical Research 93 (1): 163-70. Sep 2000.