Vitamin E inhibits experimental carcinogenesis and tumour angiogenesis.
In an experiment in which vitamin E inhibited carcinogenesis, it was found that tumour angiogenesis and tumour growth-factor alpha (TGF alpha) expression were also inhibited. Forty male golden hamsters were divided into four equal groups. Group 1 animals had the left buccal pouches painted three times weekly with 7,12-dimethylbenz(a)anthracene (DMBA) for 14 weeks. Group 2 animals had the same procedure of DMBA applications but also received alpha tocopherol. Groups 3 and 4 were vitamin E and untreated controls. Angiogenesis was studied with factor 8-related antigen (F8-RA) which identifies endothelial cells. TGF alpha was studied with the appropriate antibody. Staining was effected by the standard avidin-biotin horseradish peroxidase system. Mean tumour volume was significantly lower in the DMBA-vitamin E group compared to the tumour control group. Angiogenesis was significantly inhibited in the DMBA-vitamin E group and TGF alpha expression was also inhibited. It is suggested that inhibition of tumour angiogenesis by vitamin E may be an additional mechanism for the anticancer action of vitamin E.
Shklar
G
G
Department of Oral Medicine and Diagnostic Sciences, Harvard School of Dental Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts 021151, USA.
Schwartz
J L
JL
D015127:9,10-Dimethyl-1,2-benzanthracene; D000818:Animals; D002471:Cell Transformation, Neoplastic / Q000187:drug effects*; D006224:Cricetinae; D004354:Drug Screening Assays, Antitumor; D007124:Immunoenzyme Techniques; D008297:Male; D008647:Mesocricetus; D009374:Neoplasms, Experimental / Q000098:blood supply / Q000473:pathology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D009389:Neovascularization, Pathologic / Q000473:pathology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D016211:Transforming Growth Factor alpha / Q000378:metabolism; D014810:Vitamin E / Q000627:therapeutic use*
D016211:Transforming Growth Factor alpha; D014810:Vitamin E; D015127:9,10-Dimethyl-1,2-benzanthracene