[Effective molecular form of alpha-tocopheryl succinate in inducing apoptosis of SGC-7901 cells]
Hong-wei Li1, Lan Zhao, Kun Wu
1School of Public Health, Harbin Medical University, Harbin 150001, China.
Objective:
In order to explore the effective molecular form of alpha-tocopherol succinate (alpha-TOS) in inducing apoptosis of human gastric cancer SGC-7901 cell.
Methods:
Apoptosis was detected by DAPI staining and DNA ladder, prior to the treatment of cells with alpha-TOS (5 microg/ml, 10 microg/ml and 20 microg/ml) for 48h, alpha-tocopherol (alpha-TOH) (20 microg/ml) and ethanol 1 microl/ml as control groups. HPLC was also used to examine alpha-TOS and alpha-TOH in the cells as well as culture medium.
Results:
The observation of DAPI showed that the chromatin in karyon of SGC-7901 cells in the 10 microg/ml and 20 microg/ml groups was concentrated with karyopyknosis and karyorrhexis, which were not found in other groups. Typical DNA ladders were obvious in the cells post-administration of alpha-TOS at concentrations 10 microg/ml and 20 microg/ml. It was alpha-TOS not its hydrolyzed product alpha-TOH that was screened out by HPLC in cells and culture medium.
Conclusion:
alpha-TOS was capable of inducting the apoptosis of SGC-7901 cells in its intact form and was independent of alpha-TOH.
Insights
Alpha-tocopherol succinate (alpha-TOS) effectively induces apoptosis in human gastric cancer cells. This anti-cancer effect is mediated by the intact alpha-TOS molecule, not its metabolite alpha-tocopherol (alpha-TOH).
Area of Science:
- Molecular Biology
- Cancer Research
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Gastric cancer remains a significant global health challenge.
- Identifying novel therapeutic agents for gastric cancer is crucial.
- Alpha-tocopherol succinate (alpha-TOS) has shown potential anti-cancer properties.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the effective molecular form of alpha-tocopherol succinate (alpha-TOS) in inducing apoptosis.
- To investigate the role of alpha-TOS versus its metabolite alpha-tocopherol (alpha-TOH) in cancer cell death.
Main Methods:
- Human gastric cancer SGC-7901 cells were treated with varying concentrations of alpha-TOS.
- Apoptosis was assessed using DAPI staining and DNA ladder assays.
- High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) was employed to quantify alpha-TOS and alpha-TOH.
Main Results:
- DAPI staining revealed chromatin condensation, karyopyknosis, and karyorrhexis in cells treated with 10 and 20 microg/ml alpha-TOS.
- DNA laddering, a hallmark of apoptosis, was evident at these concentrations.
- HPLC confirmed that intact alpha-TOS, not alpha-TOH, was present in cells and culture medium.
Conclusions:
- Alpha-tocopherol succinate (alpha-TOS) induces apoptosis in SGC-7901 gastric cancer cells in its intact molecular form.
- The apoptotic effect is independent of its hydrolyzed product, alpha-tocopherol (alpha-TOH).
- This suggests alpha-TOS as a potential therapeutic agent for gastric cancer.
