Anticancer mechanisms of vitamin E succinate

Abstract

Vitamin E succinate (RRR-α-tocopheryl succinate, VES) is an ester derivative of vitamin E. Roles of vitamin E (α-tocopherol) family in cancer prevention and therapy have been investigated since 1960s'. Experimental evidences indicated that VES is one of the most effective anticancer compounds of the vitamin E family. VES can effectively inhibit many kinds of tumors without toxic effects on normal cells and tissues. This article reviewed the anticancer mechanisms of VES in the following four aspects: 1) the molecular structure, chemical property and carrier of VES; 2) the mechanisms of VES in inhibiting cancer cell proliferation; 3) the mechanisms of VES-induced apoptosis of cancer cells; 4) the mechanisms of VES in preventing tumor metastasis. Investigation on the anticancer mechanisms of VES would help find new targets and develop new effective and safe drugs for cancer prevention and treatment.