Effects of Vitamin E and D on the Stiffness of MCF-7

Abstract

Abstract Background Several investigations have demonstrated that vitamins can be used to treat or prevent cancer by altering actin filaments, inhibiting cell migration and cancer cell proliferation. Vitamins D and E are fat-soluble. This research aims to determine the short-term impact of vitamin D and E on the mechanical characteristics of breast cancer cells before comparing them with normal breast cells. Method Atomic force microscopy (AFM) was used to examine the deformation of MCF-10 normal breast cells, MCF-7 breast cancer cells, and MCF-7 breast cancer cells treated with 0.03 µM vitamin D and 16 µM vitamin E solution. Young's modulus was calculated employing the Hertz model to determine cell stiffness. Results The Young's modulus of vitamin D-treated cancer cells (585.8 Pa) was substantially similar to that of normal cells (455.6 Pa). Nevertheless, vitamin E treatment had no effect on Young's modulus of cancer cells, which remained remarkably similar to that of untreated cancer cells (216.6 and 203.4 Pa, respectively). Conclusion Despite vitamin E, vitamin D enhances the stiffness of tumor cells and puts their mechanical characteristics similar to normal cells by interfering with actin filaments and cell skeletons, which may inhibit tumor cell migration. According to these findings, Vitamin D appears to be an effective drug for cancer treatment.