ABSTRACT
Objective To investigate the growth inhibition and apoptosis induction effect of vitamin E succinate on MCF-7 human breast cancer cells and to analyze the modulation of Fas expression in this process. (Methods) Estrogen receptor positive MCF-7 human breast cancer cells were treated with VES for 12h, 24h and 48h. The concentrations of VES were 5?g/mL, 10?g/mL and 20?g/mL. The inhibitory effect was measured with MTT method and the cell cycle and cell surface Fas expression were analyzed with flow (cytometry). Fas protein level was detected by Western blotting assay. Results VES had significant inhibitory effect on the growth of MCF-7 human breast cancer cells and the effect was dependently related to time and dosage. The apoptotic rate rose from 1.2% to 11.2%,16.4%, 41.2%,after treated with VES for 48h at the concentrations of 5?g/mL,10?g/mL,20?g/mL respectively. Fas protein level and cell (surface) Fas expression in cancer cells increased after the administration of VES. Conclusions VES had (significant) growth inhibition and apoptosis induction effect on MCF-7 estrogen receptor positive breast cancer cells. The mechanism was related to Fas upregulation on the surface of cancer cells.