Cytotoxicity of liposomal α-tocopheryl succinate towards hamster cheek pouch carcinoma (HCPC-1) cells in culture

There is compelling evidence for the cancer chemopreventive effects of vitamin E and related compounds. Of all the vitamin E derivatives that have been investigated to date, vitamin E acid succinate is the most effective anti-cancer agent. This report describes the preparation and testing of liposomal formulation of mono α-tocopheryl ester of succinic acid (α-TOS) for cytotoxicity against hamster cheek pouch carcinoma cell line (HCPC-1). Small unilamellar vesicles (SUV) of phosphatidylcholine incorporating 70 μM α-TOS were superior to α-TOS alone or SUV without incorporated α-TOS, as inducers of apoptosis in HCPC-1 cells. Liposomal α-TOS perturbed the lipid structure in cells, promoted apoptosis, and decreased cell viability. The mechanism of action of α-TOS appears to involve membrane damage and induction of ceramide mediated apoptosis.