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Vitamin E and beta-carotene affect natural killer cell function.

M K Ashfaq1, H S Zuberi, M Anwar Waqar

  • 1Department of Biochemistry, Aga Khan University, Stadium Road, PO Box 3500, Karachi, Pakistan.

International Journal of Food Sciences and Nutrition
|March 29, 2001
PubMed
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Vitamin E boosts natural killer (NK) cell tumor-fighting activity in mice and humans. Beta-carotene enhances human NK cells but reduces murine NK cell function, indicating differential effects.

Area of Science:

  • Immunology
  • Nutrition
  • Oncology

Background:

  • Vitamin E and beta-carotene are known for their roles in immunoregulation and cancer prevention.
  • Natural killer (NK) cells are crucial for tumor surveillance in mammals.
  • Understanding how these nutrients affect NK cell function is vital for cancer research.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the impact of vitamin E and beta-carotene on NK cell activity.
  • To compare the effects of these compounds on murine and human NK cells.
  • To determine optimal dosages for potential therapeutic applications.

Main Methods:

  • NK cells (mouse splenocytes or human lymphocytes) were treated with vitamin E (alpha-tocopherol, tocotrienol, palm vitee) or beta-carotene.
  • Target lymphoma cells (YAC-1 or K-562) were labeled with sodium 51chromate.

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  • Tumorolytic activity was measured using the chromium release assay after a 4-hour incubation period.

    • Main Results:

    • Oral vitamin E (alpha-tocopherol) significantly increased NK cell activity in mice.
    • In vitro vitamin E treatment enhanced tumorolytic activity in both murine and human NK cells.
    • Beta-carotene increased human NK cell tumorolytic function but decreased it in murine NK cells.

    Conclusions:

    • Vitamin E, particularly alpha-tocopherol and tocotrienol, enhances NK cell tumoricidal activity.
    • Beta-carotene exhibits differential effects on NK cells, boosting human function while inhibiting murine function.
    • These findings suggest potential roles for vitamin E and beta-carotene in modulating immune surveillance against tumors.