Vitamin E succinate inhibits NF‐κB and prevents the development of a metastatic phenotype in prostate cancer cells: Implications for chemoprevention

BACKGROUND: NF-kappaB and AP-1 transcriptional factors contribute to the development and progression of prostate malignancy by regulating the expression of genes involved in proliferation, apoptosis, angiogenesis, and metastasis. METHODS: NF-kappaB and AP-1 activities were examined by TransAm assay. Cytokines levels were assessed by ELISA. ICAM-1 and gp130 expression was examined by flow cytometry. Cell adhesion was examined by the ability of cells to adhere to fibronectin-coated plates. Cell viability was determined by propidium iodide staining. RESULTS: Treatment with alpha-tocopherol succinate (VES) inhibits NF-kappaB but augments AP-1 activity, reduces expression of IL-6, IL-8, and VEGF, suppresses cell adhesion, ICAM-1 and gp130 expression in androgen-independent PC-3, DU-145, and CA-HPV-10 cells. VES supplementation also decreases the expression of anti-apoptotic XIAP and Bcl-X(L) proteins and sensitizes androgen-dependent LNCaP cells to androgen deprivation. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings propose a potential mechanism of VES-mediated anti-tumor activity and support the role of vitamin E analogs as potential chemopreventative agents against prostate cancer.