Associations of 24 h urinary excretions of α- and γ-carboxyethyl hydroxychroman with plasma α- and γ-tocopherol and dietary vitamin E intake in older adults: the Lifelines-MINUTHE Study

BACKGROUND

Urinary metabolites of vitamin E, i.e., α- and γ-carboxyethyl hydroxychroman (α- and γ-CEHC), have gained increasing attention and have been proposed as novel biomarkers of vitamin E intake and status. However, there are insufficient data on the relationship of plasma α-tocopherol and γ-tocopherol and dietary vitamin E intake with 24 h urinary excretions of α- and γ-CEHC.

OBJECTIVES

We aimed to (1) investigate the associations of urinary α- and γ-CEHC/creatinine ratios and 24 h urinary excretions of α- and γ-CEHC with plasma α- and γ-tocopherol, respectively; (2) investigate the associations of urinary α- and γ-CEHC/creatinine ratios and 24 h urinary excretions of α- and γ-CEHC with dietary vitamin E intake, and we hypothesize that 24 h urinary excretions of α- and γ-CEHC will better correlate with vitamin E intake than urinary α- and γ-CEHC/creatinine ratios.

DESIGN

24 h Urine and plasma samples were collected from 1519 participants (60-75 years, male: 50%) included in the Lifelines-MINUTHE Study for the assessments of urinary α- and γ-CEHC/creatinine ratios and 24 h urinary excretions of α- and γ-CEHC, and plasma α- and γ-tocopherol. Among those participants, dietary vitamin E intake data from 387 participants were available from an externally validated Flower-Food Frequency Questionnaire (FFQ). The associations of plasma α- and γ-tocopherol, dietary vitamin E intake, with urinary α- and γ-CEHC were assessed using multivariate linear regressions.

RESULTS

24 h Urinary excretion of α-CEHC (median (IQR): 0.9 (0.3-2.4) µmol) was less than that of γ-CEHC (median (IQR): 1.5 (0.5-3.5) µmol). After adjustment for covariates, we found that 24 h urinary α-CEHC excretion and urinary α-CEHC/creatinine ratio were both positively associated with plasma α-tocopherol (std.beta: 0.06, p = 0.02; std.beta: 0.06, p = 0.01, respectively). Furthermore, the sum of 24 h urinary α- and γ-CEHC excretions was positively associated with dietary vitamin E intake (std.beta: 0.08; p = 0.03), whereas there was no relation between urinary α- and γ-CEHC/creatinine ratios and vitamin E intake. No association was observed neither between plasma α- and γ-tocopherol and dietary vitamin E intake, nor between urinary γ-CEHC and plasma γ-tocopherol.

CONCLUSION

Our study confirmed our hypothesis that 24 h urinary α- and γ-CEHC excretions would be a better marker for dietary vitamin E intake than urinary α- and γ-CEHC/creatinine ratios. Considering that both 24 h urinary α- and γ-CEHC excretions and α- and γ-CEHC/creatinine ratios were also associated with plasma α-tocopherol status, we suggest that 24 h urinary α- and γ-CEHC excretions could be used to assess overall vitamin E status.

Dietary vitamin E and tocopherol isoforms and incident chronic kidney disease: A 30-y follow-up study from young adulthood to midlife

BACKGROUND

The relationship of dietary vitamin E intake with incident chronic kidney disease (CKD) was not clear as yet. We aimed to examine the associations of dietary total vitamin E and tocopherol isoforms intakes with incident CKD in a 30-year follow-up study from young adulthood to midlife.

METHODS

A total of 4038 American adults aged 18-30 years and without reduced estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) were enrolled from Coronary Artery Risk Development in Young Adults study. Diet was evaluated by a validated dietary-history questionnaire at baseline, and after 7 and 20 years later. The study outcome was incident CKD, defined as an eGFR<60 mL/min/1.73 m² or a urinary albumin to creatinine ratio ≥30 mg/g.

RESULTS

During a 30-year follow-up, 642 (15.9%) participants developed incident CKD. Overall, there was a L-shaped relationship between dietary total vitamin E intake and incident CKD (P for non-linearity<0.001). When total vitamin E intake was assessed as quartiles, compared with those in the first quartile (<4.35 mg α-TE/1000 kcal), the adjusted HRs (95%CI) of incident CKD for participants in the fourth quartile (≥9.61 mg α-TE/1000 kcal) was 0.55 (0.40, 0.75). Moreover, higher intakes of beta-tocopherol and gamma-tocopherol were significantly associated with a lower incident CKD. Higher intake of delta-tocopherol was significantly related to a higher incident CKD. And there was no obvious association of alpha-tocopherol intake with incident CKD.

CONCLUSIONS

There were inverse associations of total vitamin E, beta-tocopherol and gamma-tocopherol intakes, a positive association of delta-tocopherol intake, and no obvious association of alpha-tocopherol intake, with incident CKD among American adults.

The Role of Vitamin E in Thermal Burn Injuries, Infection, and Sepsis: A Review

Thermal burn injuries are still a serious public health concern in the United States, due to the initial insult and resulting comorbidities. Burned patients are increasingly susceptible to colonization by endogenous and exogenous microorganisms after having lost skin, which acts as the primary protective barrier to environmental contaminants. Furthermore, the onset of additional pathophysiologies, specifically sepsis, becomes more likely in burned patients compared to other injuries. Despite improvements in the early care of burn patients, infections, and sepsis, these pathophysiologies remain major causes of morbidity and mortality and warrant further investigation of potential therapies. Vitamin E may be one such therapy. We aimed to identify publications of studies that evaluated the effectiveness of vitamin E as it pertains to thermal burn injuries, infection, and sepsis. Several investigations ranging from in vitro bench work to clinical studies have examined the impact on, or influence of, vitamin E in vitro, in vivo, and in the clinical setting. To the benefit of subjects it has been shown that enteral or parenteral vitamin E supplementation can prevent, mitigate, and even reverse the effects of thermal burn injuries, infection, and sepsis. Therefore, a large-scale prospective observational study to assess the potential benefits of vitamin E supplementation in patients is warranted and could result in clinical care practice paradigm changes.

The bioactive constituents and antioxidant activities of ten selected Brazilian Cerrado fruits

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This is the first study of the bioactive compounds of Rollinia mucosa, Alibertia verrucosa, and Buchenavia tomentosa.

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Brazilian native fruits are essential food sources for local people and possibly viable raw materials for new products.

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Brazilian Fruits from Cerrado contain bioactive compounds with high antioxidant potential in vitro, comparable to other well-known fruits.

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Mirindiba (Buchenavia tomentosa) contains above-average levels of tocopherol, carotenoids, vitamin C and total phenolic.

This study measured the total levels of phenolic, anthocyanin, carotenoid, and tocopherol compounds, and vitamin C in ten fruits from the Brazilian Cerrado: araçá-boi, bacaba, bacupari, biribá, cajuí, curriola, marmelada-espinho, mirindiba, murici, and puçá-preto. Five extracts were prepared from each fruit using solvents with different polarities. The Trolox equivalent antioxidant activity, oxygen radical absorbance capacity, and inhibition of β-carotene bleaching were determined for each extract. Scott-Knott test and principal component analysis showed that the analyzed fruits were rich sources of different classes of bioactive compounds, with levels comparable to those in commonly consumed fruits such as guavas, and various berries and citrus fruits. To our knowledge, this is the first comprehensive study of the bioactive compounds and antioxidant activities of biribá, cajuí, marmelada-espinho, and mirindiba. Moreover, mirindiba was found to be a rich source of vitamin C and phenolics, with an average level of carotenoids and tocopherols.

Effect of microwave and hot air treatment on enzyme activity, oil fraction quality and antioxidant activity of wheat germ

The aim of this work was to study the effects of microwaves (MW) and hot air (HA) treatments on enzyme activities and quality parameters in wheat germ (WG). Both MW and HA were effective at inactivating lipases. MW treatment inactivated lipases more at lower temperatures (60 and 70 °C) than HA (150-200 °C). Peroxide values, acidity, and fatty acid profiles of WG oil remained unaltered after HA and MW treatments. Loss of α-tocopherol contents was observed following HA treatment, but total tocopherol content remained above 77% baselines values in all treated samples. The main antioxidant mechanism of WG extracts was associated with inactivation of radicals, rather than reducing capacity. MW treatment at 60 and 70 °C enhanced radical scavenging activity, while total polyphenol contents and reducing capacities were negatively affected. Therefore, MW treatment is a promising technology to stabilise WG, retaining quality and antioxidant activity.

Metabolomics changes after rTMS intervention reveal potential peripheral biomarkers in methamphetamine dependence

Methamphetamine is one of the most commonly used drugs around the world, leading to serious public health and psychiatric problems. Due to the lackness of objective laboratory evaluation indicators, the molecular mechanisms of methamphetamine dependence still remain unclear. Previous evidence demonstrated that repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) may be useful in treating drug addiction. The aim of this study was to identify and validate plasma metabolomics biomarkers in patients with methamphetamine use disorder before and after rTMS intervention. An untargeted gas chromatography-time-of-flight mass spectrometry (GC-TOFMS) based metabolomics approach was applied to characterize the metabolic profile of forty methamphetamine dependent subjects and thirty-eight healthy controls in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs). Patients were randomized to receive either rTMS or sham over the DLPFC for four weeks (20 daily sessions, 900 pulses per day). Cognitive function were assessed before and after rTMS intervention. Eight PBMC metabolites responsible for distinguishing real rTMS from sham treatment were identified. These metabolites were mainly involved in energy metabolism and oxidative stress. Compared with baseline, the expression of three metabolites was reversed after rTMS intervention: alpha-tocopherol, glyceric acid and fumaric acid. Changes of the alpha-tocopherol were associated with cognitive function improvement following rTMS. These findings suggest that energy metabolism and oxidative stress system may be associated with the effect of rTMS on cognitive function in methamphetamine dependence, and warrant further investigation.

Metabolism of natural forms of vitamin E and biological actions of vitamin E metabolites

Natural forms of vitamin E comprise four tocopherols and four tocotrienols. During the last twenty years, there have been breakthroughs in our understanding of vitamin E metabolism and biological activities of vitamin E metabolites. Research has established that tocopherols and tocotrienols are metabolized via ω-hydroxylase (CYP4F2)-initiated side chain oxidation to form 13'-hydroxychromanol and 13'-carobyxychromanol (13'-COOH). 13'-COOHs are further metabolized via β-oxidation and sulfation to intermediate carboxychromanols, terminal metabolite carboxyethyl-hydroxychroman (CEHC), and sulfated analogs. Animal and human studies show that γ-, δ-tocopherol and tocotrienols are more extensively metabolized than α-tocopherol (αT), as indicated by higher formation of CEHCs and 13'-COOHs from non-αT forms than those from αT. 13'-COOHs are shown to be inhibitors of cyclooxygenase-1/-2 and 5-lipoxygenase and much stronger than CEHCs for these activities. 13'-COOHs inhibit cancer cell growth, modulate cellular lipids and activate peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ and pregnane X receptor. Consistent with mechanistic findings, αT-13'-COOH or δTE-13'-COOH, respective metabolites of αT or δ-tocotrienol, show anti-inflammatory and cancer-preventive effects, modulates the gut microbiota and prevents β-amyloid formation in mice. Therefore, 13'-COOHs are a new class of bioactive compounds with anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer activities and potentially capable of modulating lipid and drug metabolism. Based on the existing evidence, this author proposes that metabolites may contribute to disease-preventing effects of γ-, δ-tocopherol and tocotrienols. The role of metabolites in αT's actions may be somewhat limited considering controlled metabolism of αT because of its association with tocopherol-transport protein and less catabolism by CYP4F2 than other vitamin E forms.

Study on the antioxidative mechanism of tocopherol loaded ethyl cellulose particles in thermal-oxidized soybean oil

Our previous study proposed preparation method of tocopherol (Toc) loaded ethyl cellulose (EC) particles as antioxidant due to instability of Toc under high temperature. The present study aimed to explore the antioxidant mechanism of loaded particles. Results showed that loaded particles prepared by EC of different viscosities (EC9, EC70, EC200) had antioxidative effect, and the antioxidant activity increased with EC viscosity. Fourier transform infrared analysis demonstrated that the interaction between EC and tocopherol was mainly hydrogen bond. Loaded particles retained effectively the thermal degradation of Toc and thus enhanced the antioxidant activity. Further investigation into thermal oxidation of EC inferred the possible antioxidative mechanism included two aspects. One was that Toc was fixed in the network structure of loaded particles formed by EC to provide a barrier for avoiding degradation. Another was that EC and Toc acted on different stages of lipid oxidation, playing the antioxidative effect together.

Effect of fruit shading and cold storage on tocopherol biosynthesis and its involvement in the susceptibility of Star Ruby grapefruit to chilling injury

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Tocopherol content in the flavedo of grapefruit increase during fruit maturation.

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TAT1 and genes of the tocopherol-core pathway are up-regulated during fruit maturation.

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Light avoidance reduces γ-tocopherol and expression of GGDR and tocopherol-core pathway genes.

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Cold up-regulated genes involved in precursors supply but repressed those of the core pathway.

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Changes in tocopherols during storage appears to be cold-mediated and not related to CI tolerance.

The aim of this study was to investigate the role of tocopherols in the susceptibility of Star Ruby grapefruit to postharvest chilling injury (CI). Fruit exposed to normal sunlight (NC, non-covered) and deprived of light (C, covered) in the last stages of development were used. Tocopherol contents increased in the flavedo of both NC and C fruit during development, concomitantly with the up-regulation of TAT1 and most genes of the tocopherol-core pathway. Fruit shading reduced total contents by repressing γ-tocopherol accumulation, associated to a down-regulation of GGDR and VTE1 and, to a lesser extent, of VTE2, VTE3a and VTE4. During cold storage, total and α-tocopherol contents increased in NC and C fruit, and no direct relationship between tocopherol accumulation and CI tolerance was found. Cold stress up-regulated most genes involved in the synthesis of tocopherol precursors and down-regulated those of the tocopherol-core pathway, but changes seemed to be cold-mediated and not related to CI development.

Vitamin E research: Past, now and future

The early history of vitamin E from its discovery by Herbert M. Evans and Katharine J. S. Bishop in 1922 up to its chemical synthesis by Paul Karrer and coworkers in 1938 and the development of the concept that vitamin E acts as an antioxidant in vivo are recalled. Some more recent results shedding doubt on this hypothesis are reviewed. They comprise influence of vitamin E on enzyme activities, signaling cascades, gene expression and bio-membrane structure. The overall conclusion is that our knowledge of the vitamin's mechanism of action still remains fragmentary. The metabolism of tocopherols and tocotrienols is presented and discussed in respect to bioactivity of the metabolites, interference with drug metabolism and the future design of clinical trials. Some strategies are recommended how to reach the final goal: the identification of the primary vitamin E target(s) and the analysis of the downstream events up to the physiological phenomena.

Different functions of vitamin E homologues in the various types of cell death induced by oxysterols

24(S)-Hydroxycholesterol (24S-OHC) and 25-hydroxycholesterol (25-OHC) are produced by cholesterol 24-hydroxylase and cholesterol 25-hydroxylase, respectively. The purpose of the present study was to determine the type of cell death induced by these oxysterols in neuronal cells, hepatic cells, and keratinocytes, and to elucidate the inhibitory effect of vitamin E homologues on various types of cell death. In human neuronal cells (SH-SY5Y cells), 24S-OHC and 25-OHC caused a cell death that was independent of caspase activation. We reported previously that the esterification of 24S-OHC by acyl-CoA:cholesterol acyltransferase 1 (ACAT1) and the resulting formation of a lipid droplet (LD)-like structure are responsible for the 24S-OHC-induced neuronal cell death. Here, we found that 25-OHC also induced ACAT1-mediated 25-OHC esterification and LD formation in neuronal cells. 25-OHC-induced cell death was inhibited by α-tocopherol (α-Toc) but not by α-tocotrienol (α-Toc3), as observed for 24S-OHC-induced cell death in SH-SY5Y cells. In human hepatic cells (HepG2 cells), these oxysterols caused a cell death that was caspase- and oxysterol-esterification-independent. This cell death was suppressed by both α-Toc and α-Toc3, suggesting the involvement of free-radical-mediated lipid peroxidation in the cell death induced by these oxysterols in hepatic cells. In human keratinocytes (HaCaT cells), these oxysterols caused a caspase-dependent but oxysterol-esterification-independent cell death that was inhibited by α-Toc but not by α-Toc3. These results suggest that α-Toc and α-Toc3 act as radical-scavenging antioxidants against oxysterol-induced cell death in the same way in hepatic cells, whereas their behavior is different in inhibition of cell death in neuronal cells and keratinocytes. Collectively, these results demonstrated that 24S-OHC and 25-OHC induced the same type of cell death in each of the cell types examined, and that α-Toc and α-Toc3 exerted different effects, depending on the type of cell death.

Diverse cytoprotective actions of vitamin E isoforms- role as peroxyl radical scavengers and complementary functions with selenoproteins

Vitamin E, a generic term for tocopherol (T) and tocotrienol (T3), is one of the most potent lipid-soluble antioxidants in the body. It is classified into T and T3 based on the difference in the side chain structure. T and T3 have four isoforms: α-, β-, γ-, and δ, which have different chroman rings. Both T and T3 exhibit a similar ability to scavenge free radicals, and the extent of this ability depends on the difference in the chroman structure. However, they display unique cytoprotective activities in cultured cells depending on the difference in the side chain structure. The cytoprotective effects of vitamin E have received much attention in the prevention of ferroptosis, which is a distinct form of cell death involving iron-dependent lipid peroxidation. This review focuses on the cytoprotective actions of vitamin E isoforms against oxidative stress, particularly the difference between T and T3 and its relation to cellular uptake and distribution. Moreover, the molecular mechanism for cytoprotection of vitamin E oxidation products is explained, and the complementary role of vitamin E and selenoproteins to prevent lipid peroxidation and ferroptosis is described. Furthermore, the evaluation of vitamin E's radical scavenging activity in vivo using oxidative stress markers is discussed, particularly based on kinetic data and the physiological molar ratio of vitamin E to substrates, and the limited role of vitamin E as a peroxyl radical scavenger is described. The future directions and unresolved issues related to vitamin E and lipid peroxidation are also discussed.

Different forms of vitamin E and metabolite 13'-carboxychromanols inhibit cyclooxygenase-1 and its catalyzed thromboxane in platelets, and tocotrienols and 13'-carboxychromanols are competitive inhibitors of 5-lipoxygenase

Cyclooxygenase (COX-1 and COX-2)- and 5-lipoxygenase (5-LOX)-catalyzed biosynthesis of eicosanoids play important roles in inflammation and chronic diseases. The vitamin E family has four tocopherols and tocotrienols. We have shown that the metabolites of δ-tocopherol (δT) and δ-tocotrienol (δTE), i.e., δT-13'-carboxychromanol (COOH) and δTE-13'-COOH, respectively, inhibit COX-1/-2 and 5-LOX activity, but the nature of how they inhibit 5-LOX is not clear. Further, the impact of tocopherols and tocotrienols on COX-1/-2 or 5-LOX activity has not been fully delineated. In this study, we found that tocopherols and tocotrienols inhibited human recombinant COX-1 with IC50s of 1-12 µM, and suppressed COX-1-mediated formation of thromboxane in collagen-stimulated rat's platelets with IC50s of 8-50 µM. None of the vitamin E forms directly inhibited COX-2 activity. 13'-COOHs inhibited COX-1 and COX-2 enzyme activity with IC50s of 3-4 and 4-10 µM, respectively, blocked thromboxane formation in collagen- and ionophore-stimulated rats' platelets with IC50s of 1.5-2.5 µM, and also inhibited COX-2-mediated prostaglandins in stimulated cells. Using enzyme kinetics, we observed that δT-13'-COOH, δTE-13'-COOH and δTE competitively inhibited 5-LOX activity with Ki of 1.6, 0.8 and 2.2 µM, respectively. These compounds decreased leukotriene B₄ from stimulated neutrophil-like cells without affecting translocation of 5-LOX from cytosol to the nucleus. Our study reveals inhibitory effects of vitamin E forms and 13'-COOHs on COX-1 activity and thromboxane formation in platelets, and elucidates mechanisms underlying their inhibition of 5-LOX. These observations are useful for understanding the role of these compounds in disease prevention and therapy.

Overexpression of 4-hydroxyphenylpyruvate dioxygenase (IbHPPD) increases abiotic stress tolerance in transgenic sweetpotato plants

Tocopherols are lipid-soluble compounds regarded as vitamin E compounds and they function as antioxidants in scavenging lipid peroxyl radicals and quenching reactive oxygen species (ROS). In our previous studies, we isolated five tocopherol biosynthesis genes from sweetpotato (Ipomoea batatas [L.] Lam) plants including 4-hydroxyphenylpyruvate dioxygenase (IbHPPD). HPPD is the first regulatory enzyme in vitamin E biosynthesis and serves to catalyze in the first steps α-tocopherol and plastoquinone biosynthesis by converting 4-hydroxyphenylpyruvate (HPP) to homogentisic acid (HGA). In this study, we generated transgenic sweetpotato plants overexpressing IbHPPD under the control of cauliflower mosaic virus (CaMV) 35S promoter (referred to as HP plants) via Agrobacterium-mediated transformation to understand the function of IbHPPD in sweetpotato. Three transgenic lines (HP3, HP14 and HP15) with high transcript levels of IbHPPD were selected for further characterization. Compared with non-transgenic (NT) plants, HP plants exhibited enhanced tolerance to multiple environmental stresses, including salt, drought, and oxidative stresses. In addition, HP plants showed increased tolerance to the herbicide sulcotrione, which is involved in the inhibition of the HPPD. Interestingly, after stress treatments, HP plants also showed higher abscisic acid (ABA) contents than NT plants. Under dehydrated condition, HP plants displayed an elevated α-tocopherol content to 19-27% in leaves compared with NT plants. These results indicate that increased abiotic stress tolerance in HP plants is related to inducing enhancement of α-tocopherol and ABA contents.

The effect of α-tocopherol, α- and γ-tocotrienols on amyloid-β aggregation and disaggregation in vitro

One of the neuropathological hallmarks of Alzheimer's disease (AD)-causing neurodegeneration and consequent memory deterioration, and eventually, cognitive decline-is amyloid-β (Aβ) aggregation forming amyloid plaques. Our previous study showed the potential of a tocotrienol-rich fraction-a mixture of naturally occurring of vitamin E analogs-to inhibit Aβ aggregation and restore cognitive function in an AD mouse model. The current study examined the effect of three vitamin E analogs-α-tocopherol (α-TOC), α-tocotrienol (α-T3), and γ-tocotrienol (γ-T3)-on Aβ aggregation, disaggregation, and oligomerization in vitro. Thioflavin T (ThT) assay showed α-T3 reduced Aβ aggregation at 10 μM concentration. Furthermore, both α-T3 and γ-T3 demonstrated Aβ disaggregation, as shown by the reduction of ThT fluorescence. However, α-TOC showed no significant effect. We confirmed the results for ThT assays with scanning electron microscopy imaging. Further investigation in photo-induced cross-linking of unmodified protein assay indicated a reduction in Aβ oligomerization by γ-T3. The present study thus revealed the individual effect of each tocotrienol analog in reducing Aβ aggregation and oligomerization as well as disaggregating preformed fibrils.

[Pentoxifylline and tocopherol - The importance in the treatment of osteoradionecrosis - Literature review and case report]

Osteoradionecrosis (ORN) is a serious complication after radiotherapy for head and neck cancer and is a challenging condition for both the therapist and the patient because of its difficult treatment. Different non-invasive approaches have been published for the treatment of low-grade ORN cases without establishing a standard regimen for treatment. Based on the approach of ORN pathogenesis, the so-called radiatio-induced fibroathrophic process (RIF), a new treatment concept with pentoxifylline and tocopherol (PENTO) has been published. The results of PENTO therapy seem promising as a conservative treatment approach for mild ORN or as an alternative when surgical intervention is not possible or desired. The present study summarizes the current state of the literature and shows the effectiveness of PENTO therapy based on a case report.

Dietary carnosic acid and seleno-compounds change concentrations of fatty acids, cholesterol, tocopherols and malondialdehyde in fat and heart of lambs

The aim of the current study was to evaluate the impact of carnosic acid (CA), selenised yeast (^YSe) and selenate (^VISe) supplemented to diets, including fish oil (FO) and rapeseed oil (RO), on the content of fatty acids, total cholesterol (TCh), tocopherols and malondialdehyde in the fat located between the thigh muscles and the heart in lambs. Twenty-four male Corriedale lambs were divided into 4 groups of 6 animals. Animals were fed a diet with FO and RO (the control diet) or experimental diets containing RO, FO and CA with/without Se (as ^YSe or ^VISe). The experimental diets without/with ^YSe or ^VISe changed concentrations of fatty acids in the fat and heart compared to the control. All experimental diets increased the levels of c11c14C20:2, c5c8c11c14C20:4, c5c8c11c14c17C20:5 and the sums of long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LPUFA) and conjugated linoleic acid isomers in the fat compared to the control. The experimental diet containing ^YSe or ^VISe increased the content of Se, TCh, c11c14C20:2, c8c11c14C20:3, c5c8c11c14C20:4, c5c8c11c14c17C20:5, c7c10c13c16c19C22:5, c4c7c10c13c16c19C22:6 and the concentration sum of n-3LPUFA, n-6LPUFA and tocopherols in the heart in comparison with the control diet and the diet containing only CA. Experimental diets reduced the concentration of malondialdehyde in the fat and heart in comparison with the control diet. Our dietary intervention has great potential for future practical and commercial implementations.

Pecan-enriched diets decrease postprandial lipid peroxidation and increase total antioxidant capacity in adults at-risk for cardiovascular disease

Pecans are a rich source of antioxidants, but the effect of regular consumption on post-meal responses is unknown. The objective of this study was to examine the impact of daily pecan consumption for 8 weeks on fasting and postprandial lipid peroxidation, total antioxidant capacity (TAC), and tocopherols in adults at higher risk for cardiovascular disease (CVD) (hypercholesterolemia or elevated adiposity). We hypothesized that daily pecan consumption would result in increased fasting γ-tocopherol, increased fasting and postprandial TAC, and decreased fasting and postprandial lipid peroxidation. This was a randomized, parallel, controlled trial with 3 treatments: two pecan groups and a nut free control (n = 16). The ADD group (n = 15) consumed pecans as part of a free-living diet, and the SUB group (n = 16) substituted the pecans for isocaloric foods from their habitual diet. At the pre- and post-intervention, a high saturated fat breakfast shake was consumed with postprandial blood draws over 2h. In the ADD and SUB groups, postprandial lipid peroxidation was suppressed (iAUC: 0.9 ± 1.3 to -2.9 ± 2.0 and 4.5 ± 1.7 to 0.7 ± 1.1 µM/2h, respectively; P <0.05) and TAC was elevated (iAUC: -240.8 ± 110.2 to 130.9 ± 131.7 and -227.6 ± 131.2 to 208.7 ± 145.7 µM Trolox Equivalents/2h, respectively; P <0.01) from pre- to post-intervention. Furthermore, there was an increase in γ-tocopherol from pre- to post-intervention within the ADD (1.4 ± 0.1 to 1.8 ± 0.1 µg/mL; P <0.001) and SUB groups (1.8 ± 0.2 to 2.1 ± 0.2 µg/mL; P <0.05). There were no changes in any variable within the control group. These findings suggest that daily pecan consumption protects against oxidative stress that occurs following a high-fat meal in adults at risk for CVD.

Tropical grass and legume pastures may alter lamb meat physical and chemical characteristics

The present study assessed the influence of the type of the tropical pastures on lamb body weight (BW) gain and meat quality. Fifty-four lambs were allocated to three grazing pastures: (1) AG - Aruana grass (Panicum maximum cv. IZ-5); (2) PP - pigeon pea legume (Cajanus cajan cv. Anão); and (3) CS - contiguous swards, half of the paddock with AG and half with PP. After 92 days of grazing, the lambs were slaughtered. Carcasses were evaluated and the longissimus muscle was collected to determine color, lipid profile, tocopherol concentrations, and lipid oxidation. Although the pastures present differences in the characteristics of nutritional quality, the animals did not show difference in BW gain. The results show that all forage presented similar concentration of alpha-tocopherol (137 ± 14.37 mg kg^-1 of fresh matter), whereas total and condensed tannin contents were greater in PP, intermediate in CS, and the lowest in AG treatment (P = 0.0001). Meat α-tocopherol content was similar among treatments (P = 0.1392), with an average concentration close to the optimal level to reduce the meat oxidation. Meat from AG treatment had 45 and 25% lower n-6/n-3 ratio than meat from PP and CS treatments, respectively. The legume increases the unsaturated fatty acids and the grass can reduce the n6/n3 ratio. The level of condensed tannin concentration did show to have important effect on meat characteristics. Both tropical pastures studied can provide a high amount of alpha-tocopherol, generating a great potential to increase the concentration of this antioxidant in lamb's meat.

Increased anxiety-like behaviour is an early symptom of vitamin E deficiency that is suppressed by adrenalectomy in rats

We previously reported that dietary vitamin E deficiency increased anxiety-like behaviour in rats exposed to social isolation. Here, we performed a detailed investigation of this phenomenon and its underlying mechanism. First, we fed Wistar rats with a vitamin E-free diet for 3 d, 1 week or 2 weeks and found an increase in anxiety-like behaviour after 1 and 2 weeks of vitamin E deficiency based on behavioural indicators. Next, we examined the effect of a control diet (150 mg all-racemic α-tocopheryl acetate/kg) on anxiety-like behaviours in rats that received a 4-week vitamin E-free diet. We found that increased anxiety-like behaviour was reversed to control levels after refeeding vitamin E for 7 d but not for 1 or 3 d. Further, anxiety-like behaviour increased or decreased gradually based on the amount of vitamin E intake; however, it had a quicker progression than physical symptoms of vitamin E deficiency. Moreover, rats fed with excess vitamin E (500 mg all-racemic α-tocopherol/kg diet) showed less anxiety-like behaviour than control rats, indicating that vitamin E supplementation is effective for preventing anxiety increase under social isolation stress. Since plasma corticosterone levels were higher in vitamin E-deficient rats, we investigated the effect of adrenalectomy on anxiety-like behaviour and found that adrenal hormones played an essential role in the increased anxiety-like behaviour induced by vitamin E deficiency. In conclusion, increased anxiety-like behaviour is a symptom that emerges earlier than physical vitamin E deficiency and is caused by adrenal hormone-dependent mechanisms.

Vitamin E Derivative with Modified Side Chain Induced Apoptosis by Modulating the Cellular Lipids and Membrane Dynamics in MCF7 Cells

The vitamin E derivative with side chain modification (TC6OAc) has been shown to possess anticancer activity in our earlier in vivo studies. It was hypothesized that, as Vitamin E (VE) and VE derivative are fat soluble lipophilic molecules, they exert their function by modulating the lipid metabolism and related pathways. This study aimed to evaluate the cellular impact of this VE derivative (2,5,7,8-Tetramethyl-2-(4'-Methyl-3'-Pentenyl)-6-Acetoxy Chromane-TC6OH), using α-tocopherol as a reference compound throughout the experiments. Their effects on the cellular metabolism, the biophysical properties of cellular lipids and the functional characteristics of cells were monitored in human estrogen receptor (ER) positive breast cancer cells. It has been documented that TC6OH treatment induces tumor cell apoptosis by dissipating the mitochondrial membrane potential, modulating the lipid, transportation and degradation as well as downregulating certain anti-apoptotic and growth factor related proteins. Due to resistance of ER positive cells to the established therapies, the findings of this study are of translational value.

Effects of Dietary Education Program for the Japan Diet on Cholesterol Efflux Capacity: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Aim: Improving cholesterol efflux capacity (CEC) of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) has been regarded as a novel target for preventing cardiovascular disease. HDL reportedly has antioxidant properties which may contribute to its functions. We investigated changes in CEC with intake of the Japan Diet (JD) recommended by the Japan Atherosclerosis Society and the relationship of these changes to serum antioxidant concentrations.

Methods: A randomized parallel controlled clinical trial on JD intake was performed in Japanese patients with dyslipidemia. Ninety-eight participants were randomly divided into the JD (n=49) or the partial JD (PJD) (n=49) group. Nutrition education, based on each diet at baseline and at 3 months, was provided and the participants were followed up for 6 months.

Results: Mean CEC was 1.05 in total and correlated positively with HDL-cholesterol (p＜0.001) at baseline. CEC did not change while oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC) was decreased in both groups (p＜0.001). Although serum total carotenoid increased in both groups, serum α-tocopherol decreased in the JD group as compared to the PJD group (p＜0.05). CEC correlated positively with HDL ORAC at baseline (p=0.021) and with serum total carotenoid at 3 and 6 months (p=0.005, 0.035). Changes in CEC correlated positively with changes in HDL ORAC at 3 months and serum total tocopherol at 3 and 6 months (p＜0.001).

Conclusion: CEC was not changed by JD education in Japanese patients with dyslipidemia who already had normal CEC at baseline. CEC was suggested to be positively associated with serum α- and γ-tocopherol and HDL ORAC.

Arginine-tocopherol bioconjugated lipid vesicles for selective pTRAIL delivery and subsequent apoptosis induction in glioblastoma cells

The incorporation of specific therapeutic gene into glioblastoma offers potent therapeutic strategy to treat the disease. Non-viral gene delivery vectors are of particular interest due to their tuneable transfection efficiency and easy scale-up. Herein, we demonstrate successful delivery of plasmid encoding tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (pTRAIL) using arginine-conjugated tocopherol lipid (AT) nanovesicles into glioblastoma cell lines. Another cationic lipid, glycine-conjugated tocopherol lipid (GT) having glycine in the head group region is also synthesized as a control lipid. Both lipid-derived liposomes effectively condensed the pDNA and the corresponding biomacromolecular assemblies (lipoplexes) are efficiently transfected into different cell lines. AT-based liposomes exhibit higher transfection efficacy in various cell lines, particularly selective in glioma cell lines. At an optimized N/P ratio, both the liposomal formulations show low cytotoxicity. AT-based lipoplexes have superior cellular uptake in U87 than the control lipid GT. The expression of TRAIL protein regulated death receptor and apoptosis signaling pathway is assayed by western blot using transfection of AT-based/pTRAIL into U87 cell lines. Induction of apoptosis in U87 cells exposed to AT-based/pTRAIL plasmid is evaluated by MTT assay as well as Annexin V-propidium iodide dual-staining assay. All results indicate that the developed AT-based/pTRAIL system offers a potentially safe and efficient therapeutic strategy for glioblastoma gene therapy.

Dehiscence and prolonged storage of 'Kerman' Pistachios: Effects on morphometry and nutraceutical value

'Kerman' pistachios (KP; Pistacia vera L.) are an important crop for several countries but their commercial value is diminished by their shell dehiscence status and prolonged storage in popular marketplaces. The aim was to evaluate the independent/synergistic effect of prolonged storage (1-4 year) and dehiscence status (split/unsplit) on KP's morphometry and chemical composition. Whole nut's and kernel's length, width, thickness, surface area, and volume were more affected by dehiscence (split > unsplit; p ≤ 0.01) than storage time; Kernel's mass, macronutrient composition and tocopherols (T)/tocotrienols (T3) were not much affected by dehiscence but time-trend correlations were observed with macronutrient composition (split/unsplit; ρ = - 0.57-0.42) and T + T3 (unsplit; ρ = 0.81). Specific/total fatty acids were affected by a complex dehiscence × storage time interaction, and they linearly correlated with certain morphometric characteristics (r ≥ 0.6). Shell dehiscence status more than prolonged storage substantially modifies KP's quality.

In vitro genotoxicity assessment of functional ingredients: DHA, rutin and α-tocopherol

The in vitro genotoxicity of three compounds widely used as functional ingredients, docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), rutin and α-tocopherol, was assessed. A miniaturized version of the Ames test in Salmonella typhimurium TA97a, TA98, TA100, TA102, and TA1535 strains (following the principles of OECD 471), and the in vitro micronucleus test in TK6 cells (OECD 487) were performed. This strategy is recommended by the European Food Safety Authority for the in vitro genotoxicity assessment of food and feed. In addition, this approach was complemented with the in vitro standard and enzyme-modified comet assay (S9-/S9+) using hOGG1, EndoIII and hAAG in order to assess potential premutagenic lesions in TK6 cells. Rutin showed an equivocal response in the in vitro micronucleus test and also was a potent Salmonella typhimurium revertant inductor in the Ames test. DHA showed equivocal results in the in vitro micronucleus test. In this regard, DHA and rutin seemed to interact with the DNA at a chromosomal level, but rutin is also capable of producing frameshift mutations. No genotoxicity was observed in cells treated with α-tocopherol. This article complements the evidence already available about the genotoxicity of these compounds. However, more studies are needed in order to elucidate the consequences of their use as functional ingredients in human health.