α-Tocopheryl succinate induces apoptosis in erbB2-expressing breast cancer cell via NF-κB pathway.

Aim: to study the molecular mechanisms underlying α-tocopheryl succinate (α-TOS)-induced apoptosis in erbB2-positive breast cancer cells and to determine whether α-TOS and the human recombinant TNF-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (hrTRAIL) act synergically to induce cell death of erbB2-expressing breast cancer cells.

Methods: the annexin V binding method was used to measure apoptosis induced by α-TOS and/or hrTRAIL. RT-PCR and Western blotting were performed to detect gene and protein expression. A colorimetric assay was performed to detect caspase activity. The TransAM(TM) NF-κB p65 kit was used to assess NF-κB activation.

Results: α-TOS (100 μmol/L) significantly inhibited NF-κB nuclear translocation in erbB2-expressing breast cancer cells; this inhibition is expected to result in the inactivation of NF-κB. α-TOS (50 and 100 μmol/L) inhibited the expression of Flice-like inhibitory protein (FLIP) and cellular inhibitor of apoptosis protein 1 (c-IAP1) in erbB2-positive cells. α-TOS (100 μmol/L) inhibited Akt activation and augmented the activity of caspase 3 and caspase 8 in breast cancer cells expressing erbB2. α-TOS (50 μmol/L) and hrTRAIL (30 mg/mL) acted synergically to induce apoptosis in breast cancer cells. α-TOS also decreased the hrTRAIL-induced transient activation of NF-κB .

Conclusion: our results suggest that α-TOS mediates the apoptosis of erbB2-positive breast cancer cells and acts synergically with hrTRAIL via the NF-κB pathway.