Do tocotrienols have potential as neuroprotective dietary factors?

α-Tocotrienol Protects Neurons by Preventing Tau Hyperphosphorylation via Inhibiting Microtubule Affinity-Regulating Kinase Activation

In the pathological process of Alzheimer's disease, neuronal cell death is closely related to the accumulation of reactive oxygen species. Our previous studies have found that oxidative stress can activate microtubule affinity-regulating kinases, resulting in elevated phosphorylation levels of tau protein specifically at the Ser262 residue in N1E-115 cells that have been subjected to exposure to hydrogen peroxide. This process may be one of the pathogenic mechanisms of Alzheimer's disease. Vitamin E is a fat-soluble, naturally occurring antioxidant that plays a crucial role in biological systems. This study aimed to examine the probable processes that contribute to the inhibiting effect on the abnormal phosphorylation of tau protein and the neuroprotective activity of a particular type of vitamin E, α-tocotrienol. The experimental analysis revealed that α-tocotrienol showed significant neuroprotective effects in the N1E-115 cell line. Our data further suggest that one of the mechanisms underlying the neuroprotective effects of α-tocotrienol may be through the inhibition of microtubule affinity-regulated kinase activation, which significantly reduces the oxidative stress-induced aberrant elevation of p-Tau (Ser262) levels. These results indicate that α-tocotrienol may represent an intriguing strategy for treating or preventing Alzheimer's disease.

Can vitamin E ester derivatives be excellent alternatives of vitamin E: state of art

Vitamin E (VE) is a natural antioxidant which is widely used in the food fields, while the shortcomings of easy oxidative inactivation and poor water solubility limit its application. Vitamin E esters' (VEEs) derivatives, such as vitamin E acetate (VEA), are more stable and easier to be absorbed while have similar biological activities and physiological functions compared with VE. In this systematic review, the digestion, absorption and physiological function of VEEs were summarized. To promote their further industrial applications, the synthesis strategies of VEEs were also summarized in-depth. In particular, as a new generation of green solvents, ionic liquids (ILs) have been widely used in enzymatic reactions due to the stabilization and activation of enzymes. Their applications in enzymatic synthesis of VEEs were summarized and discussed. Finally, several future perspectives for developing more efficiency strategies of VEEs synthesis, such as enzyme engineering and design of novel ILs, were also discussed.

Synthesis and biological studies of "Polycerasoidol" and "trans-δ-Tocotrienolic acid" derivatives as PPARα and/or PPARγ agonists

2-Prenylated benzopyrans represent a class of natural and synthetic compounds showing a wide range of significant activities. Polycerasoidol is a natural prenylated benzopyran isolated from the stem bark of Polyalthia cerasoides (Annonaceae) that exhibits dual PPARα/γ agonism and an anti-inflammatory effect by inhibiting mononuclear leukocyte adhesion to the dysfunctional endothelium. Herein, we report the synthesis of three new series of prenylated benzopyrans containing one (series 1), two (series 2, "polycerasoidol" analogs) and three (series 3, "trans-δ-tocotrienolic acid" analogs) isoprenoid units in the hydrocarbon side chain at the 2-position of the chroman-6-ol (6-hydroxy-dihydrobenzopyran) scaffold. Isoprenoid moieties were introduced through a Grignard reaction sequence, followed by Johnson-Claisen rearrangement and subsequent Wittig olefination. hPPAR transactivation activity and the structure activity relationships (SAR) of eleven novel synthesized 2-prenylated benzopyrans were explored. PPAR transactivation activity demonstrated that the seven-carbon side chain analogs (series 1) displayed selectivity for hPPARα, while the nine-carbon side chain analogs (polycerasoidol analogs, series 2) did so for hPPARγ. The side chain elongation to 11 or 13 carbons (series 3) resulted in weak dual PPARα/γ activation. Therefore, 2-prenylated benzopyrans of seven- and nine-carbon side chain (polycerasoidol analogs) are good lead compounds for developing useful candidates to prevent cardiovascular diseases associated with metabolic disorders.

Neuroinflammation and Modulation Role of Natural Products After Spinal Cord Injury

Spinal cord injury (SCI) is a severe traumatic injury of the central nervous system, characterized by neurological dysfunction and locomotor disability. Although the underlying pathological mechanism of SCI is complex and remains unclear, the important role of neuroinflammation has been gradually unveiled in recent years. The inflammation process after SCI involves disruption of the blood–spinal cord barrier (BSCB), activation of gliocytes, infiltration of peripheral macrophages, and feedback loops between different cells. Thus, our first aim is to illustrate pathogenesis, related cells and factors of neuroinflammation after SCI in this review. Due to the good bioactivity of natural products derived from plants and medicinal herbs, these widely exist as food, health-care products and drugs in our lives. In the inflammation after SCI, multiple natural products exert satisfactory effects. Therefore, the second aim of this review is to sum up the effects and mechanisms of 25 natural compounds and 7 extracts derived from plants or medicinal herbs on neuroinflammation after SCI. Clarification of the SCI inflammation mechanism and a summary of the related natural products is helpful for in-depth research and drug development.

Reduced infiltration of regulatory T cells in tumours from mice fed daily with gamma-tocotrienol supplementation

Gamma-tocotrienol (γT3) is an analogue of vitamin E with beneficial effects on the immune system, including immune-modulatory properties. This study reports the immune-modulatory effects of daily supplementation of γT3 on host T helper (Th) and T regulatory cell (Treg ) populations in a syngeneic mouse model of breast cancer. Female BALB/c mice were fed with either γT3 or vehicle (soy oil) for 2 weeks via oral gavage before they were inoculated with syngeneic 4T1 mouse mammary cancer cells (4T1 cells). Supplementation continued until the mice were euthanized. Mice (n = 6) were euthanized at specified time-points for various analysis (blood leucocyte, cytokine production and immunohistochemistry). Tumour volume was measured once every 7 days. Gene expression studies were carried out on tumour-specific T lymphocytes isolated from splenic cultures. Supplementation with γT3 increased CD4+ (p < 0.05), CD8+ (p < 0.05) T-cells and natural killer cells (p < 0.05) but suppressed Treg cells (p < 0.05) in peripheral blood when compared to animals fed with the vehicle. Higher interferon (IFN)-γ and lower transforming growth factor (TGF)-ꞵ levels were noted in the γT3 fed mice. Immunohistochemistry findings revealed higher infiltration of CD4+ cells, increased expression of interleukin-12 receptor-beta-2 (IL-12ꞵ2R), interleukin (IL)-24 and reduced expression of cells that express the forkhead box P3 (FoxP3) in tumours from the γT3-fed animals. Gene expression studies showed the down-regulation of seven prominent genes in splenic CD4+ T cells isolated from γT3-fed mice. Supplementation with γT3 from palm oil-induced T cell-dependent cell-mediated immune responses and suppressed T cells in the tumour microenvironment in a syngeneic mouse model of breast cancer.

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.

Enjoy Carefully: The Multifaceted Role of Vitamin E in Neuro-Nutrition

Vitamin E is often associated with health benefits, such as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and cholesterol-lowering effects. These properties make its supplementation a suitable therapeutic approach in neurodegenerative disorders, for example, Alzheimer’s or Parkinson’s disease. However, trials evaluating the effects of vitamin E supplementation are inconsistent. In randomized controlled trials, the observed associations often cannot be substantiated. This could be due to the wide variety of study designs regarding the dosage and duration of vitamin E supplementation. Furthermore, genetic variants can influence vitamin E uptake and/or metabolism, thereby distorting its overall effect. Recent studies also show adverse effects of vitamin E supplementation regarding Alzheimer’s disease due to the increased synthesis of amyloid β. These diverse effects may underline the inhomogeneous outcomes associated with its supplementation and argue for a more thoughtful usage of vitamin E. Specifically, the genetic and nutritional profile should be taken into consideration to identify suitable candidates who will benefit from supplementation. In this review, we will provide an overview of the current knowledge of vitamin E supplementation in neurodegenerative disease and give an outlook on individualized, sustainable neuro-nutrition, with a focus on vitamin E supplementation.

The distribution of phosphorus, carotenoids and tocochromanols in grains of four Chinese maize (Zea mays L.) varieties

Grains of three specialty maize varieties and one conventional maize variety cultivated in China were collected and dissected to obtain the germ, endosperm, and pericarp fraction, and the distribution pattern of phosphorus, carotenoids, and tocochromanols was determined. The results showed that phytochemical contents varied significantly among different maize fractions. The germ fraction accounted for 78.3 to 86.5% of the total phosphorus present in the maize kernels. Over 86.9% of carotenoids were located in the endosperm. Except for waxy maize, 64.5 to 74.8% of the tocochromanols were contributed by the germ. Considerable differences in phytochemical contents were observed between the genotypes. Waxy maize contained the highest content of tocopherols, tocotrienols and tocochromanols meanwhile waxy maize had the lowest carotenoid and phytate phosphorus content. High lysine maize contained the highest levels in carotenoids and lowest tocochromanols. Over all, total carotenoids were significantly inversely associated with total tocochromanols.

Development of Maize Hybrids With Enhanced Vitamin-E, Vitamin-A, Lysine, and Tryptophan Through Molecular Breeding

Malnutrition is a widespread problem that affects human health, society, and the economy. Traditional maize that serves as an important source of human nutrition is deficient in vitamin-E, vitamin-A, lysine, and tryptophan. Here, favorable alleles of vte4 (α-tocopherol methyl transferase), crtRB1 (β-carotene hydroxylase), lcyE (lycopene ε-cyclase), and o2 (opaque2) genes were combined in parental lines of four popular hybrids using marker-assisted selection (MAS). BC₁F₁, BC₂F₁, and BC₂F₂ populations were genotyped using gene-based markers of vte4, crtRB1, lcyE, and o2. Background selection using 81-103 simple sequence repeats (SSRs) markers led to the recovery of recurrent parent genome (RPG) up to 95.45%. Alpha (α)-tocopherol was significantly enhanced among introgressed progenies (16.13 μg/g) as compared to original inbreds (7.90 μg/g). Provitamin-A (proA) (10.42 μg/g), lysine (0.352%), and tryptophan (0.086%) were also high in the introgressed progenies. The reconstituted hybrids showed a 2-fold enhancement in α-tocopherol (16.83 μg/g) over original hybrids (8.06 μg/g). Improved hybrids also possessed high proA (11.48 μg/g), lysine (0.367%), and tryptophan (0.084%) when compared with traditional hybrids. The reconstituted hybrids recorded the mean grain yield of 8,066 kg/ha, which was at par with original hybrids (mean: 7,846 kg/ha). The MAS-derived genotypes resembled their corresponding original hybrids for the majority of agronomic and yield-related traits, besides characteristics related to distinctness, uniformity, and stability (DUS). This is the first report for the development of maize with enhanced vitamin-E, vitamin-A, lysine, and tryptophan.

Engineering of a functional γ-tocopherol transfer protein

α-tocopherol transfer protein (TTP) was previously reported to self-aggregate into 24-meric spheres (α-TTP_S) and to possess transcytotic potency across mono-layers of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). In this work, we describe the characterisation of a functional TTP variant with its vitamer selectivity shifted towards γ-tocopherol. The shift was obtained by introducing an alanine to leucine substitution into the substrate-binding pocket at position 156 through site directed mutagenesis. We report here the X-ray crystal structure of the γ-tocopherol specific particle (γ-TTP_S) at 2.24 Å resolution. γ-TTP_S features full functionality compared to its α-tocopherol specific parent including self-aggregation potency and transcytotic activity in trans-well experiments using primary HUVEC cells. The impact of the A156L mutation on TTP function is quantified in vitro by measuring the affinity towards γ-tocopherol through micro-differential scanning calorimetry and by determining its ligand-transfer activity. Finally, cell culture experiments using adherently grown HUVEC cells indicate that the protomers of γ-TTP, in contrast to α-TTP, do not counteract cytokine-mediated inflammation at a transcriptional level. Our results suggest that the A156L substitution in TTP is fully functional and has the potential to pave the way for further experiments towards the understanding of α-tocopherol homeostasis in humans.

Ultrasound Assisted Cascade Extraction of Oil, Vitamin E, and Saccharides from Roselle (Hibiscus Sabdariffa L.) Seeds

Roselle seeds, a waste biomass of the roselle calyx processing industry, were utilized to recover valuable compounds of oil, vitamin E, and water-soluble saccharides. Firstly, ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE) and conventional stirring extraction were conducted for saccharide extraction, and the advantage of UAE was confirmed. Secondly, oil, vitamin E, and saccharides extracted from Vietnamese roselle seeds by UAE were analyzed for the first time. Oil of tri-, di-, and mono-glycerides, fatty acids of linoleic-, oleic-, palmitic-, and stearic-acids, vitamin E of γ- and α-tocopherol, and saccharides of sucrose, raffinose, stachyose, etc. were identified, and the amounts of these components were compared with those in other country's roselle seeds. Thirdly, cascade extraction of oil, vitamin E, and saccharides by UAE was investigated with solvents of hexane, hexane:ethyl acetate binary solvent, and water. The results indicated that the order of using solvents was very important for high and selective extraction: the best order to recover oil (almost 100%), vitamin E (95.7%), and saccharides (86.2%) was hexane, and then water.

Safety and Neuroprotective Efficacy of Palm Oil and Tocotrienol-Rich Fraction from Palm Oil: A Systematic Review

Background: Several natural products have been reported to elicit beneficial effects against neurodegenerative disorders due to their vitamin E contents. However, the neuroprotective efficacy of palm oil or its tocotrienol-rich fraction (TRF) from the pre-clinical cell and animal studies have not been systematically reviewed. Methods: The protocol for this systematic review was registered in “PROSPERO” (CRD42019150408). This review followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) guidelines. The Medical Subject Heading (MeSH) descriptors of PubMed with Boolean operators were used to construct keywords, including (“Palm Oil”[Mesh]) AND “Nervous System”[Mesh], (“Palm Oil”[Mesh]) AND “Neurodegenerative Diseases”[Mesh], (“Palm Oil”[Mesh]) AND “Brain”[Mesh], and (“Palm Oil”[Mesh]) AND “Cognition”[Mesh], to retrieve the pertinent records from PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science and ScienceDirect from 1990 to 2019, while bibliographies, ProQuest and Google Scholar were searched to ensure a comprehensive identification of relevant articles. Two independent investigators were involved at every stage of the systematic review, while discrepancies were resolved through discussion with a third investigator. Results: All of the 18 included studies in this review (10 animal and eight cell studies) showed that palm oil and TRF enhanced the cognitive performance of healthy animals. In diabetes-induced rats, TRF and α-tocotrienol enhanced cognitive function and exerted antioxidant, anti-apoptotic and anti-inflammatory activities, while in a transgenic Alzheimer’s disease (AD) animal model, TRF enhanced the cognitive function and reduced the deposition of β-amyloid by altering the expression of several genes related to AD and neuroprotection. In cell studies, simultaneous treatment with α-tocotrienols and neurotoxins improved the redox status in neuronal cells better than γ- and δ-tocotrienols. Both pre-treatment and post-treatment with α-tocotrienol relative to oxidative insults were able to enhance the survival of neuronal cells via increased antioxidant responses. Conclusions: Palm oil and its TRF enhanced the cognitive functions of healthy animals, while TRF and α-tocotrienol enhanced the cognitive performance with attenuation of oxidative stress, neuroinflammation and apoptosis in diabetes-induced or transgenic AD animal models. In cell studies, TRF and α-tocotrienol exerted prophylactic neuroprotective effects, while α-tocotrienol exerted therapeutic neuroprotective effects that were superior to those of γ- and δ-tocotrienol isomers.

(Poly)phenols, Carotenoids, and Tocochromanols in Corn (Zea mays L.) Kernels As Affected by Phosphate Fertilization and Sowing Time

Corn (Zea mays L.) growth and development is often limited by the availability of phosphate. We thus hypothesized that phosphate fertilization may increase the contents of (poly)phenols, carotenoids, and tocochromanols (vitamin E) in corn grains. Corn plants cultivated on a soil fertilized with 44 kg phosphorus/ha were compared to plants grown on soil with low plant-available phosphate (1.6 mg CAL-P/100 g of soil), each sown early (April) and late (May) in a randomized field experiment. HPLC-DAD-(HR)-ESI-MSⁿ revealed 19 soluble and 10 insoluble (poly)phenols, comprising phenolic acids, phenolic amines, diferulic, and triferulic acids in corn grains. Contents of individual (poly)phenols, carotenoids, and tocochromanols in whole grains were significantly (p < 0.05) increased by sowing time, but not by phosphate fertilization. In conclusion, low phosphate availability did not impair the biosynthesis of (poly)phenols, carotenoids, and tocochromanols in corn grains.

Bioactive Compounds: Natural Defense Against Cancer?

Cancer is a devastating disease that has claimed many lives. Natural bioactive agents from plants are gaining wide attention for their anticancer activities. Several studies have found that natural plant-based bioactive compounds can enhance the efficacy of chemotherapy, and in some cases ameliorate some of the side-effects of drugs used as chemotherapeutic agents. In this paper, we have reviewed the literature on the anticancer effects of four plant-based bioactive compounds namely, curcumin, myricetin, geraniin and tocotrienols (T3) to provide an overview on some of the key findings that are related to this effect. The molecular mechanisms through which the active compounds may exert their anticancer properties in cell and animal-based studies also discussed.

An allele of ZmPORB2 encoding a protochlorophyllide oxidoreductase promotes tocopherol accumulation in both leaves and kernels of maize

Phytol is one of the key precursors for tocopherol synthesis in plants, however, the underlying mechanisms concerning the accumulation of tocopherol remain poorly understood. In this study, qVE5, a major QTL affecting tocopherol accumulation in maize kernels was identified via a positional cloning approach. qVE5 encodes a protochlorophyllide oxidoreductase (ZmPORB2), which localizes to the chloroplast. Overexpression of ZmPORB2 increased tocopherol content in both leaves and kernels. Candidate gene association analysis identified a 5/8-bp insertion/deletion (InDel058) in the 5' untranslated region (UTR) as the causal polymorphism in affecting ZmPORB2 expression and being highly associated with tocopherol content. We showed that higher expression of ZmPORB2 correlated with more chlorophyll metabolites in the leaf following pollination. RNA-sequencing and metabolic analysis in near isogenic lines (NILs) support that ZmPORB2 participates in chlorophyll metabolism enabling the production of phytol, an important precursor of tocopherol. We also found that the tocopherol content in the kernel is mainly determined by the maternal genotype, a fact that was further confirmed by in vitro culture experiments. Finally, a PCR-based marker based on Indel058 was developed in order to facilitate the high tocopherol (vitamin E) maize breeding.

Identification and expression analysis of alpha tocopherol transfer protein in chickens fed diets containing different concentrations of alpha-tocopherol

Among the eight forms of vitamin E, the liver preferentially releases α-tocopherol into the circulation and it is distributed to the non-liver tissues. In the hepatocytes, alpha tocopherol transfer protein (TTPA) specifically recognizes α-tocopherol with 2R-configuration and facilitates its intracellular transfer. The identification and characterization of TTPA expression have not been demonstrated in avian species. Therefore, the objectives of this study were to identify avian TTPAs, to compare the sequence conservation, phylogenetic relationship, protein interactions, and disease associations of chicken TTPA with those of human and vertebrate TTPA, and to characterize the tissue expression of the TTPA gene in chickens fed diets supplemented with different amounts of α-tocopherol. Our results suggest that the chicken TTPA was highly conserved with the human and vertebrate TTPA, and consisted of a cellular retinaldehyde binding protein and TRIO guanine exchange factor (CRAL_TRIO) domain. Feeding diets supplemented with increasing amounts of α-tocopherol (25 IU/Kg, 50 IU/Kg, or 100 IU/Kg) to broiler chickens had no effects on growth performance compared with feeding basal diets containing no supplemental α-tocopherol. The expression of TTPA gene was detected high in the liver of chickens in response to dietary α-tocopherol concentrations, whereas its expression was very low or undetectable in the non-liver tissues. In conclusion, the chicken TTPA protein sequence is highly conserved with other avian and vertebrate TTPA protein sequences. The higher expression of TTPA gene in the chicken liver in response to dietary α-tocopherol concentrations may suggest its crucial role in transporting α-tocopherol in the chicken liver.

α-Tocopherol transfer protein does not regulate the cellular uptake and intracellular distribution of α- and γ-tocopherols and -tocotrienols in cultured liver cells

Liver cells express a cytosolic α-tocopherol transfer protein (αTTP) with high binding affinity for α-tocopherol (αT) and much lower affinities for the non-αT congeners. The role of αTTP in the intracellular distribution of the different vitamin E forms is currently unknown. We therefore investigated the intracellular localization of αT, γ-tocopherol (γT), α-tocotrienol (αT3), and γ-tocotrienol (γT3) in cultured hepatic cells with and without stable expression of αTTP. We first determined cellular uptake of the four congeners and found the methylation of the chromanol ring and saturation of the sidechain to be important factors, with tocotrienols being taken up more efficiently than tocopherols and the γ-congeners more than the α-congeners, irrespective of the expression of αTTP. This, however, could perhaps also be due to an observed higher stability of tocotrienols, compared to tocopherols, in culture media rather than a higher absorption. We then incubated HepG2 cells and αTTP-expressing HepG2 cells with αT, γT, αT3, or γT3, isolated organelle fractions by density gradient centrifugation, and determined the concentrations of the congeners in the subcellular fractions. All four congeners were primarily associated with the lysosomes, endoplasmic reticulum, and plasma membrane, whereas only αT correlated with mitochondria. Neither the chromanol ring methylation or sidechain saturation, nor the expression of αTTP were important factors for the intracellular distribution of vitamin E. In conclusion, αTTP does not appear to regulate the uptake and intracellular localization of different vitamin E congeners in cultured liver cells.

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We studied how αTTP affects intracellular distribution of αT, γT, αT3, γT3 in HepG2 cells.

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All congeners associated with lysosomes, endoplasmic reticulum and the plasma membrane.

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Only αT significantly correlated with mitochondria.

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Neither the chemical structure, nor αTTP were important for intracellular localization.

Tocotrienol-Rich Fraction Modulates Amyloid Pathology and Improves Cognitive Function in AβPP/PS1 Mice

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is the most common cause of dementia. The cardinal neuropathological characteristic of AD is the accumulation of amyloid-β (Aβ) into extracellular plaques that ultimately disrupt neuronal function and lead to neurodegeneration. One possible therapeutic strategy therefore is to prevent Aβ aggregation. Previous studies have suggested that vitamin E analogs slow AD progression in humans. In the present study, we investigated the effects of the tocotrienol-rich fraction (TRF), a mixture of vitamin E analogs from palm oil, on amyloid pathology in vitro and in vivo. TRF treatment dose-dependently inhibited the formation of Aβ fibrils and Aβ oligomers in vitro. Moreover, daily TRF supplementation to AβPPswe/PS1dE9 double transgenic mice for 10 months attenuated Aβ immunoreactive depositions and thioflavin-S-positive fibrillar type plaques in the brain, and eventually improved cognitive function in the novel object recognition test compared with control AβPPswe/PS1dE9 mice. The present result indicates that TRF reduced amyloid pathology and improved cognitive functions, and suggests that TRF is a potential therapeutic agent for AD.

Association of Circulating Vitamin E (α- and γ-Tocopherol) Levels with Gallstone Disease

In addition to well-established risk factors like older age, female gender, and adiposity, oxidative stress may play a role in the pathophysiology of gallstone disease. Since vitamin E exerts important anti-oxidative functions, we hypothesized that circulating vitamin E levels might be inversely associated with prevalence of gallstone disease. In a cross-sectional study, we measured plasma levels of α- and γ-tocopherol using high performance liquid chromatography in a community-based sample (582 individuals; median age 62 years; 38.5% women). Gallstone disease status was assessed by ultrasound. Multivariable-adjusted logistic regression models were used to estimate the association of circulating α- and γ-tocopherol/cholesterol ratio levels with prevalent gallstone disease. Lower probabilities of having gallstone disease were observed in the top (compared to the bottom) tertile of the plasma α-tocopherol/cholesterol ratio in multivariable-adjusted models (OR (Odds Ratio): 0.31; 95% CI (Confidence Interval): 0.13–0.76). A lower probability of having gallstone disease was also observed for the γ-tocopherol/cholesterol ratio, though the association did not reach statistical significance (OR: 0.77; 95% CI: 0.35–1.69 for 3rd vs 1st tertile). In conclusion, our observations are consistent with the concept that higher vitamin E levels might protect from gallstone disease, a premise that needs to be further addressed in longitudinal studies.

Tocopherols, Tocomonoenols, and Tocotrienols in Oils of Costa Rican Palm Fruits: A Comparison between Six Varieties and Chemical versus Mechanical Extraction

Palm oil is one of the richest sources of tocotrienols and may contain other non-tocopherol vitamin E congeners. The vitamin E profiles of fully ripened fruit mesocarp of three Elaeis guineensis, two Elaeis oleifera, and one hybrid O × G palm fruit genotypes from Costa Rica were analyzed by high-performance liquid chromatography with fluorescence detection and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry after mechanical extraction by a screw press and chemical extraction with hexane. γ-Tocotrienol, α-tocotrienol, and α-tocopherol were the most abundant tocochromanols, while other tocopherols (β-tocopherol, γ-tocopherol, and δ-tocopherol) and α-tocomonoenol were detected at minor concentrations. Significant differences in vitamin E profiles between genotypes were observed, and the variety E. oleifera Quepos (CB9204) had by far the highest content of total tocotrienols (890 μg/g of oil) and total vitamin E (892 μg/g of oil). Chemical extraction with hexane afforded up to 2.5-fold higher vitamin E yields than screw press extraction. α-Tocomonoenol co-eluted with γ-tocopherol in reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography analyses and is a possible source of error in the quantification of γ-tocopherol in foods.

Tocotrienol alleviates inflammation and oxidative stress in a rat model of spinal cord injury via suppression of transforming growth factor-β

In recent years accumulating evidence has indicated that tocotrienol exhibits an oxidation resistance function, decreased cholesterol function, inhibits cancer function and has unique physiological functions, including anti-inflammatory, anti-apoptotic and anti-oxidative properties. The present study investigated the effect of tocotrienols on spinal cord injury (SCI) by evaluating oxidative stress, inflammation and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) in rats. A rat model of SCI was induced by operation. SCI rats were treated with 120 mg/kg/day tocotrienol once a day for eight consecutive weeks. Functional recovery following SCI was measured by using the Basso Beattie Bresnahan (BBB) locomotor rating scale. Then the volume of spinal cord contusions was measured following induction of SCI in the rats. In SCI rats, serum malondialdehyde, superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase, nuclear factor-κB p65 unit, tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin (IL)-1β and IL-6 levels were analyzed using respective commercial immunoassay kits. Firstly, iNOS, transforming growth factor (TGF)-β, collagen type IV and fibronectin protein expression levels, in addition to iNOS activity and plasma nitric oxide (NO) production in SCI rats was analyzed using western blot analysis, commercial kits and Griess reagent, respectively. Tocotrienol treatment elevated BBB scores and contused volume in the SCI rats. Tocotrienol protected against SCI with reduced oxidative stress and inflammation, and inhibited iNOS protein expression iNOS activity and plasma NO production in rats. In addition, treatment with tocotrienols suppressed TGF-β, collagen type IV and fibronectin protein expression levels in SCI rats. These results suggest that tocotrienols protect SCI, and suppress oxidative stress, inflammation and iNOS in this model of SCI through TGF-β, collagen type IV and fibronectin signaling pathways.

Achiote (Bixa orellana L.): a natural source of pigment and vitamin E

Commercialization of agricultural products, including seeds and its derived products, represents an important economic source for developing countries. Natural colorants obtained from the seeds of achiote plant (annatto) have been used since pre-Hispanic times. Also, production of this crop has been important for Mayan cuisine. Annual world production of achiote seeds is approximately 14,500 tons (dry weight). Two thirds of the production is commercialized as dried seeds and the rest as colorant. Latin America produces 60% of the total world production, followed by Africa (27%) and Asia (12%). The main producers in Latin America are Peru, Brazil and Mexico. The purpose of the present paper is to review the most recent literature on Bixa orellana L. focusing on bixin, norbixin, tocotrienols and tocopherols biosynthesis, use and industrial applications of annatto extracts, as well as its nutraceutical potential and its benefits for human health.

Vitamin E: Emerging aspects and new directions

The discovery of vitamin E will have its 100th anniversary in 2022, but we still have more questions than answers regarding the biological functions and the essentiality of vitamin E for human health. Discovered as a factor essential for rat fertility and soon after characterized for its properties of fat-soluble antioxidant, vitamin E was identified to have signaling and gene regulation effects in the 1980s. In the same years the cytochrome P-450 dependent metabolism of vitamin E was characterized and a first series of studies on short-chain carboxyethyl metabolites in the 1990s paved the way to the hypothesis of a biological role for this metabolism alternative to vitamin E catabolism. In the last decade other physiological metabolites of vitamin E have been identified, such as α-tocopheryl phosphate and the long-chain metabolites formed by the ω-hydroxylase activity of cytochrome P-450. Recent findings are consistent with gene regulation and homeostatic roles of these metabolites in different experimental models, such as inflammatory, neuronal and hepatic cells, and in vivo in animal models of acute inflammation. Molecular mechanisms underlying these responses are under investigation in several laboratories and side-glances to research on other fat soluble vitamins may help to move faster in this direction. Other emerging aspects presented in this review paper include novel insights on the mechanisms of reduction of the cardiovascular risk, immunomodulation and antiallergic effects, neuroprotection properties in models of glutamate excitotoxicity and spino-cerebellar damage, hepatoprotection and prevention of liver toxicity by different causes and even therapeutic applications in non-alcoholic steatohepatitis. We here discuss these topics with the aim of stimulating the interest of the scientific community and further research activities that may help to celebrate this anniversary of vitamin E with an in-depth knowledge of its action as vitamin.

The long chain α-tocopherol metabolite α-13'-COOH and γ-tocotrienol induce P-glycoprotein expression and activity by activation of the pregnane X receptor in the intestinal cell line LS 180

SCOPE

Members of the vitamin E family or their metabolites may induce the xenobiotic transporter P-glycoprotein (P-gp), which can limit the bioavailability of drugs and phytochemicals. This study aimed to investigate if α- and γ-tocopherol, α- and γ-tocotrienol, the long chain metabolite α-tocopherol-13'-COOH, the short chain metabolites α- and γ-carboxyethylhydroxychromanol and plastochromanol-8 activate the pregnane X receptor (PXR) and thereby modulate P-gp expression and/or activity.

METHODS AND RESULTS

P-gp protein expression and activity were studied in LS 180 cells incubated with the respective test compound for 48 h. Furthermore, we determined if the compounds activate PXR in LS 180 cells, as PXR regulates P-gp expression. Neither P-gp protein expression and activity, nor PXR activity were influenced by α-tocopherol, γ-tocopherol and plastochromanol-8. α-Tocotrienol activated PXR in the reporter gene assay but did not induce protein expression or activity of P-gp. γ-Tocotrienol and α-13'-COOH activated PXR and induced protein expression and transporter activity of P-gp.

CONCLUSION

Because the induction of P-gp in the intestine may limit the systemic bioavailability of its substrates, the concurrent intake of drugs and γ-tocotrienol and, if ever applicable, α-13'-COOH should be avoided.

Tocotrienols, health and ageing: A systematic review

OBJECTIVES

A systematic review of studies was undertaken to evaluate the potential effect of intake of tocotrienols or circulating levels of tocotrienols on parameters associated with successful ageing, specifically in relation to cognitive function, osteoporosis and DNA damage.

METHODS

Following PRISMA guidelines a systematic review of epidemiological observational studies and clinical trials was undertaken. Inclusion criteria included all English language publications in the databases PubMed and Scopus, through to the end of July 2016.

RESULTS

Evidence from prospective and case-control studies suggested that increased blood levels of tocotrienols were associated with favorable cognitive function outcomes. A clinical trial of tocotrienol supplementation for 6 months suggested a beneficial effect of intake on DNA damage rates, but only in elderly people. Regarding osteoporosis, only in vitro studies with cultures of human bone cells were identified, and these demonstrated significant inhibition of osteoclast activity and promotion of osteoblast activity.

CONCLUSIONS

Research in middle-aged and elderly humans suggests that tocotrienols have a potential beneficial anti-ageing action with respect to cognitive impairment and DNA damage. Clinical trials are required to elucidate these effects.

Vitamin E family: Role in the pathogenesis and treatment of Alzheimer's disease

Introduction

Vitamin E family, composed by tocopherols and tocotrienols, is a group of compounds with neuroprotective properties. The exact role in the pathogenesis and the benefit of vitamin E as treatment for Alzheimer's disease (AD) are still under debate.

Methods

A literature search in PubMed, Medline, and Cochrane databases has been carried out. All types of studies, from bench and animal models to clinical, were included.

Results

High plasma vitamin E levels are associated with better cognitive performance, even if clear evidence of their ability to prevent or delay cognitive decline in AD is still lacking. Each vitamin E form is functionally unique and shows specific biological functions. Tocotrienols seem to have superior antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties compared with tocopherols.

Discussion

The benefit of vitamin E as a treatment for AD is still under debate, mainly because of the inconsistent findings from observational studies and the methodological limitations of clinical trials.

The effect of conjugated linoleic acid supplements on oxidative and antioxidative status of dairy cows

Dairy cows develop frequently negative energy balance around parturition and in early lactation, resulting in excessive mobilization of body fat and subsequently in increased risk of ketosis and other diseases. Dietary conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) supplements are used in dairy cows mainly for their depressing effect on milk fat content, but are also proposed to have antioxidative properties. As negative energy balance is associated with oxidative stress, which is also assumed to contribute to disease development, the present study was conducted to examine effects of CLA on oxidative and antioxidative status of lactating dairy cows. German Holstein cows (primiparous n=13, multiparous n=32) were divided into 3 dietary treatment groups receiving 100g/d of control fat supplement, containing 87% stearic acid (CON; n=14), 50g/d of control fat supplement and 50g/d of CLA supplement (CLA 50; n=15), or 100g/d of CLA supplement (CLA 100; n=16). The CLA supplement was lipid-encapsulated and contained 12% of trans-10,cis-12 CLA and cis-9,trans-11 CLA each. Supplementation took place between d1 and 182 postpartum; d 182 until 252 postpartum served as a depletion period. Blood was sampled at d -21, 1, 21, 70, 105, 140, 182, 224, and 252 relative to calving. The antioxidative status was determined using the ferric-reducing ability of plasma, α-tocopherol, α-tocopherol-to-cholesterol mass ratio, and retinol. For determination of oxidative status concentrations of hydroperoxides, thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances (TBARS), N'-formylkynurenine, and bityrosine were measured. Mixed models of fixed and random effects with repeated measures were used to evaluate period 1 (d -21 to 140) and 2 (d182-252) separately. Cows showed increased oxidative stress and lipid peroxidation during the periparturient period in terms of increased serum concentrations of hydroperoxides and TBARS, which decreased throughout lactation. During period 1, the supplemented cows had lower TBARS concentrations, which was not detectable in period 2. The other determined parameters were not affected by CLA supplementation. The obtained results show that dietary CLA supplementation in the chosen dosage, formulation, and application period had a marginal antioxidative effect in terms of lipid peroxidation in lactating dairy cows.

Normal phase HPLC-based activity profiling of non-polar crude plant extracts - acetylcholinesterase inhibiting guttiferones from Montrouziera cauliflora as a case study

The study describes bioactive compounds as inhibitors of acetylcholinesterase (AChE), from the stem bark extract of Montrouziera cauliflora, selected among 19 dichloromethane extracts from Clusiaceae species. Our work focused on the development of an original normal phase HPLC microfractionation strategy to rapidly assess highly active zones from this crude active non-polar plant extract. Two different microfraction collection methods were evaluated for the assessment of the AChE inhibition. Two guttiferones and a tocotrienol were directly isolated among five compounds identified off-line by NMR after upscaling the fractionation and their AChE inhibition was evaluated. The strengths and weaknesses of the two microfractionation collection methods for HPLC-AChE activity-based profiling are discussed.

Profiling of Nutritional and Health-Related Compounds in Oat Varieties

The use of oats in the human diet has decreased over the past 70 years. This is an unfortunate development from the perspective of human health because oats have a high nutritional value and contain many compounds, including β-glucan, polyphenols, vitamins, and unsaturated fatty acids that are able to maintain or may even improve consumer’s health. In addition, oats fit into a gluten-free diet of celiac disease patients because they lack the T-cell stimulating epitopes from wheat, rye, and barley. We focused on the presence of health-related compounds in oats and how their levels vary among varieties in response to the type of soil. Ten oat varieties were grown in the Netherlands in sandy and clay soil and were analyzed for the presence and concentration of healthy compounds (β-glucan, fatty acids, vitamin E, and antioxidant activity), avenin composition, total protein and starch content, and agronomical characteristics. Principal component analysis showed that genetic background influenced the levels of all analyzed components. Protein, starch, β-glucan, and antioxidants were also affected by the type of soil. The obtained results showed that this kind of analysis can be used to profile oat varieties in general and enables the selection of specific varieties with specific compound characteristics.

Anti-inflammatory γ- and δ-tocotrienols improve cardiovascular, liver and metabolic function in diet-induced obese rats

PURPOSE

This study tested the hypothesis that γ- and δ-tocotrienols are more effective than α-tocotrienol and α-tocopherol in attenuating the signs of diet-induced metabolic syndrome in rats.

METHODS

Five groups of rats were fed a corn starch-rich (C) diet containing 68 % carbohydrates as polysaccharides, while the other five groups were fed a diet (H) high in simple carbohydrates (fructose and sucrose in food, 25 % fructose in drinking water, total 68 %) and fats (beef tallow, total 24 %) for 16 weeks. Separate groups from each diet were supplemented with either α-, γ-, δ-tocotrienol or α-tocopherol (85 mg/kg/day) for the final 8 of the 16 weeks.

RESULTS

H rats developed visceral obesity, hypertension, insulin resistance, cardiovascular remodelling and fatty liver. α-Tocopherol, α-, γ- and δ-tocotrienols reduced collagen deposition and inflammatory cell infiltration in the heart. Only γ- and δ-tocotrienols improved cardiovascular function and normalised systolic blood pressure compared to H rats. Further, δ-tocotrienol improved glucose tolerance, insulin sensitivity, lipid profile and abdominal adiposity. In the liver, these interventions reduced lipid accumulation, inflammatory infiltrates and plasma liver enzyme activities. Tocotrienols were measured in heart, liver and adipose tissue showing that chronic oral dosage delivered tocotrienols to these organs despite low or no detection of tocotrienols in plasma.

CONCLUSION

In rats, δ-tocotrienol improved inflammation, heart structure and function, and liver structure and function, while γ-tocotrienol produced more modest improvements, with minimal changes with α-tocotrienol and α-tocopherol. The most important mechanism of action is likely to be reduction in organ inflammation.

Beneficial Effects of Ethanolic and Hexanic Rice Bran Extract on Mitochondrial Function in PC12 Cells and the Search for Bioactive Components

Mitochondria are involved in the aging processes that ultimately lead to neurodegeneration and the development of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). A healthy lifestyle, including a diet rich in antioxidants and polyphenols, represents one strategy to protect the brain and to prevent neurodegeneration. We recently reported that a stabilized hexanic rice bran extract (RBE) rich in vitamin E and polyphenols (but unsuitable for human consumption) has beneficial effects on mitochondrial function in vitro and in vivo (doi:10.1016/j.phrs.2013.06.008, 10.3233/JAD-132084). To enable the use of RBE as food additive, a stabilized ethanolic extract has been produced. Here, we compare the vitamin E profiles of both extracts and their effects on mitochondrial function (ATP concentrations, mitochondrial membrane potential, mitochondrial respiration and mitochondrial biogenesis) in PC12 cells. We found that vitamin E contents and the effects of both RBE on mitochondrial function were similar. Furthermore, we aimed to identify components responsible for the mitochondria-protective effects of RBE, but could not achieve a conclusive result. α-Tocotrienol and possibly also γ-tocotrienol, α-tocopherol and δ-tocopherol might be involved, but hitherto unknown components of RBE or a synergistic effect of various components might also play a role in mediating RBE’s beneficial effects on mitochondrial function.

Dietary Tocotrienol/γ-Cyclodextrin Complex Increases Mitochondrial Membrane Potential and ATP Concentrations in the Brains of Aged Mice

Brain aging is accompanied by a decrease in mitochondrial function. In vitro studies suggest that tocotrienols, including γ- and δ-tocotrienol (T3), may exhibit neuroprotective properties. However, little is known about the effect of dietary T3 on mitochondrial function in vivo. In this study, we monitored the effect of a dietary T3/γ-cyclodextrin complex (T3CD) on mitochondrial membrane potential and ATP levels in the brain of 21-month-old mice. Mice were fed either a control diet or a diet enriched with T3CD providing 100 mg T3 per kg diet for 6 months. Dietary T3CD significantly increased mitochondrial membrane potential and ATP levels compared to those of controls. The increase in MMP and ATP due to dietary T3CD was accompanied by an increase in the protein levels of the mitochondrial transcription factor A (TFAM). Furthermore, dietary T3CD slightly increased the mRNA levels of superoxide dismutase, γ-glutamyl cysteinyl synthetase, and heme oxygenase 1 in the brain. Overall, the present data suggest that T3CD increases TFAM, mitochondrial membrane potential, and ATP synthesis in the brains of aged mice.

Tocopherols and tocotrienols in serum and liver of dairy cows receiving conjugated linoleic acids or a control fat supplement during early lactation

The fat-soluble vitamin E comprises the 8 structurally related compounds (congeners) α-, β-, γ-, and δ-tocopherol (with a saturated side chain) and α-, β-, γ-, and δ-tocotrienol (with a 3-fold unsaturated side chain). Little is known regarding the blood and liver concentrations of the 8 vitamin E congeners during the transition from pregnancy to lactation in dairy cows. We thus quantified tocopherols (T) and tocotrienols (T3) in serum and liver and hepatic expression of genes involved in vitamin E metabolism in pluriparous German Holstein cows during late gestation and early lactation and investigated whether dietary supplementation (from d 1 in milk) with conjugated linoleic acids (CLA; 100g/d; each 12% of trans-10,cis-12 and cis-9,trans-11 CLA; n=11) altered these compared with control-fat supplemented cows (CTR; n=10). Blood samples and liver biopsies were collected on d -21, 1, 21, 70, and 105 (liver only) relative to calving. In both groups, the serum concentrations of αT, γT, βT3, and δT3 increased from d -21 to d 21 and remained unchanged between d 21 and 70, but were unaffected by CLA. The concentrations of the different congeners of vitamin E in liver did not differ between the CTR and the CLA groups. In both groups, the concentrations of the vitamin E forms in liver changed during the course of the study. The hepatic mRNA abundance of genes controlling vitamin E status did not differ between groups, but α-tocopherol transfer protein and tocopherol-associated protein mRNA increased with time of lactation in both. In conclusion, the concentrations of vitamin E congeners and the expression of genes related to vitamin E status follow characteristic time-related changes during the transition from late gestation to early lactation but are unaffected by CLA supplementation at the dosage used.

Phytochemicals that regulate neurodegenerative disease by targeting neurotrophins: a comprehensive review

Alzheimer's disease (AD), characterized by progressive dementia and deterioration of cognitive function, is an unsolved social and medical problem. Age, nutrition, and toxins are the most common causes of AD. However, currently no credible treatment is available for AD. Traditional herbs and phytochemicals may delay its onset and slow its progression and also allow recovery by targeting multiple pathological causes by antioxidative, anti-inflammatory, and antiamyloidogenic properties. They also regulate mitochondrial stress, apoptotic factors, free radical scavenging system, and neurotrophic factors. Neurotrophins such as BDNF, NGF, NT3, and NT4/5 play a vital role in neuronal and nonneuronal responses to AD. Neurotrophins depletion accelerates the progression of AD and therefore, replacing such neurotrophins may be a potential treatment for neurodegenerative disease. Here, we review the phytochemicals that mediate the signaling pathways involved in neuroprotection specifically neurotrophin-mediated activation of Trk receptors and members of p75(NTR) superfamily. We focus on representative phenolic derivatives, iridoid glycosides, terpenoids, alkaloids, and steroidal saponins as regulators of neurotrophin-mediated neuroprotection. Although these phytochemicals have attracted attention owing to their in vitro neurotrophin potentiating activity, their in vivo and clinical efficacy trials has yet to be established. Therefore, further research is necessary to prove the neuroprotective effects in preclinical models and in humans.

Non-targeted1H-NMR-metabolomics suggest the induction of master regulators of energy metabolism in the liver of vitamin E-deficient rats

Consumption of a vitamin E-deficient diet for 6 months may alter hepatic energy metabolism in rats.

Effects of vitamin E on cognitive performance during ageing and in Alzheimer's disease

Vitamin E is an important antioxidant that primarily protects cells from damage associated with oxidative stress caused by free radicals. The brain is highly susceptible to oxidative stress, which increases during ageing and is considered a major contributor to neurodegeneration. High plasma vitamin E levels were repeatedly associated with better cognitive performance. Due to its antioxidant properties, the ability of vitamin E to prevent or delay cognitive decline has been tested in clinical trials in both ageing population and Alzheimer’s disease (AD) patients. The difficulty in performing precise and uniform human studies is mostly responsible for the inconsistent outcomes reported in the literature. Therefore, the benefit of vitamin E as a treatment for neurodegenerative disorders is still under debate. In this review, we focus on those studies that mostly have contributed to clarifying the exclusive function of vitamin E in relation to brain ageing and AD.

Vitamin E-drug interactions: molecular basis and clinical relevance

Vitamin E (α-, β-, γ- and δ-tocopherol and -tocotrienol) is an essential factor in the human diet and regularly taken as a dietary supplement by many people, who act under the assumption that it may be good for their health and can do no harm. With the publication of meta-analyses reporting increased mortality in persons taking vitamin E supplements, the safety of the micronutrient was questioned and interactions with prescription drugs were suggested as one potentially underlying mechanism. Here, we review the evidence in the scientific literature for adverse vitamin E-drug interactions and discuss the potential of each of the eight vitamin E congeners to alter the activity of drugs. In summary, there is no evidence from animal models or randomised controlled human trials to suggest that the intake of tocopherols and tocotrienols at nutritionally relevant doses may cause adverse nutrient-drug interactions. Consumption of high-dose vitamin E supplements ( ≥  300 mg/d), however, may lead to interactions with the drugs aspirin, warfarin, tamoxifen and cyclosporine A that may alter their activities. For the majority of drugs, however, interactions with vitamin E, even at high doses, have not been observed and are thus unlikely.

Tocotrienol prevents AAPH-induced neurite degeneration in neuro2a cells

OBJECTIVES

Reactive oxygen species induce neurite degeneration before inducing cell death. However, the degenerative mechanisms have not yet been elucidated. While tocotrienols have a known neuroprotective function, the underlying mechanism remains unclear and may or may not involve antioxidant action. In this study, we hypothesize that free radical-derived membrane injury is one possible mechanism for inducing neurite degeneration. Therefore, we examined the potential neuroprotective effect of tocotrienols mediated through its antioxidant activity.

METHODS

Mouse neuroblastoma neuro2a cells were used to examine the effect of the water-soluble free radical generator 2,2'-azobis(2-methylpropionamide) dihydrochloride (AAPH) on neurite dynamics. After 24 hours of AAPH treatment, cell viability, neurite number, and the number of altered neurites were measured in the presence or absence of α-tocotrienol.

RESULTS

Treatment of neuro2a cells with a low concentration of AAPH induces neurite degeneration, but not cell death. Treatment with 5 µM α-tocotrienol significantly inhibited neurite degeneration in AAPH-treated neuro2a cells. Furthermore, morphological changes in AAPH-treated neuro2a cells were similar to those observed with colchicine treatment.

CONCLUSIONS

α-Tocotrienol may scavenge AAPH-derived free radicals and alkoxyl radicals that are generated from AAPH-derived peroxyl radicals on cell membranes. Therefore, α-tocotrienol may have a neuroprotective effect mediated by its antioxidant activity.

Vitamin E-gene interactions in aging and inflammatory age-related diseases: implications for treatment. A systematic review

Aging is a complex biological phenomenon in which the deficiency of the nutritional state combined with the presence of chronic inflammation and oxidative stress contribute to the development of many age-related diseases. Under this profile, the free radicals produced by the oxidative stress lead to a damage of DNA, lipids and proteins with subsequent altered cellular homeostasis and integrity. In young-adult age, the cell has a complex efficient system to maintain a proper balance between the levels of free radicals and antioxidants ensuring the integrity of cellular components. In contrast, in old age this balance is poorly efficient compromising cellular homeostasis. Supplementation with Vitamin E can restore the balance and protect against the deteriorating effects of oxidative stress, progression of degenerative diseases, and aging. Experiments in cell cultures and in animals have clearly shown that Vitamin E has a pivotal role as antioxidant agent against the lipid peroxidation on cell membranes preserving the tissue cells from the oxidative damage. Such a role has been well documented in immune, endothelial, and brain cells from old animals describing how the Vitamin E works both at cytoplasmatic and nuclear levels with an influence on many genes related to the inflammatory/immune response. All these findings have supported a lot of clinical trials in old humans and in inflammatory age-related diseases with however contradictory and inconsistent results and even indicating a dangerous role of Vitamin E able to affect mortality. Various factors can contribute to all the discrepancies. Among them, the doses and the various isoforms of Vitamin E family (α,β,γ,δ tocopherols and the corresponding tocotrienols) used in different trials. However, the more plausible gap is the poor consideration of the Vitamin E-gene interactions that may open new roadmaps for a correct and personalized Vitamin E supplementation in aging and age-related diseases with satisfactory results in order to reach healthy aging and longevity. In this review, this peculiar nutrigenomic and/or nutrigenetic aspect is reported and discussed at the light of specific polymorphisms affecting the Vitamin E bioactivity.