Vitamin E and neurodegenerative diseases

Alzheimer's disease heterogeneity explained by polygenic risk scores derived from brain transcriptomic profiles

INTRODUCTION

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is heterogeneous, both clinically and neuropathologically. We investigated whether polygenic risk scores (PRSs) integrated with transcriptome profiles from AD brains can explain AD clinical heterogeneity.

METHODS

We conducted co-expression network analysis and identified gene sets (modules) that were preserved in three AD transcriptome datasets and associated with AD-related neuropathological traits including neuritic plaques (NPs) and neurofibrillary tangles (NFTs). We computed the module-based PRSs (mbPRSs) for each module and tested associations with mbPRSs for cognitive test scores, cognitively defined AD subgroups, and brain imaging data.

RESULTS

Of the modules significantly associated with NPs and/or NFTs, the mbPRSs from two modules (M6 and M9) showed distinct associations with language and visuospatial functioning, respectively. They matched clinical subtypes and brain atrophy at specific regions.

DISCUSSION

Our findings demonstrate that polygenic profiling based on co-expressed gene sets can explain heterogeneity in AD patients, enabling genetically informed patient stratification and precision medicine in AD.

HIGHLIGHTS

Co-expression gene-network analysis in Alzheimer's disease (AD) brains identified gene sets (modules) associated with AD heterogeneity. AD-associated modules were selected when genes in each module were enriched for neuritic plaques and neurofibrillary tangles. Polygenic risk scores from two selected modules were linked to the matching cognitively defined AD subgroups (language and visuospatial subgroups). Polygenic risk scores from the two modules were associated with cognitive performance in language and visuospatial domains and the associations were confirmed in regional-specific brain atrophy data.

Role of Nanoparticle-Conjugates and Nanotheranostics in Abrogating Oxidative Stress and Ameliorating Neuroinflammation

Oxidative stress is a deteriorating condition that arises due to an imbalance between the reactive oxygen species and the antioxidant system or defense of the body. The key reasons for the development of such conditions are malfunctioning of various cell organelles, such as mitochondria, endoplasmic reticulum, and Golgi complex, as well as physical and mental disturbances. The nervous system has a relatively high utilization of oxygen, thus making it particularly vulnerable to oxidative stress, which eventually leads to neuronal atrophy and death. This advances the development of neuroinflammation and neurodegeneration-associated disorders such as Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, epilepsy, dementia, and other memory disorders. It is imperative to treat such conditions as early as possible before they worsen and progress to irreversible damage. Oxidative damage can be negated by two mechanisms: improving the cellular defense system or providing exogenous antioxidants. Natural antioxidants can normally handle such oxidative stress, but they have limited efficacy. The valuable features of nanoparticles and/or nanomaterials, in combination with antioxidant features, offer innovative nanotheranostic tools as potential therapeutic modalities. Hence, this review aims to represent novel therapeutic approaches like utilizing nanoparticles with antioxidant properties and nanotheranostics as delivery systems for potential therapeutic applications in various neuroinflammation- and neurodegeneration-associated disease conditions.

Patient-Derived Cellular Models for Polytarget Precision Medicine in Pantothenate Kinase-Associated Neurodegeneration

The term neurodegeneration with brain iron accumulation (NBIA) brings together a broad set of progressive and disabling neurological genetic disorders in which iron is deposited preferentially in certain areas of the brain. Among NBIA disorders, the most frequent subtype is pantothenate kinase-associated neurodegeneration (PKAN) caused by pathologic variants in the PANK2 gene codifying the enzyme pantothenate kinase 2 (PANK2). To date, there are no effective treatments to stop the progression of these diseases. This review discusses the utility of patient-derived cell models as a valuable tool for the identification of pharmacological or natural compounds for implementing polytarget precision medicine in PKAN. Recently, several studies have described that PKAN patient-derived fibroblasts present the main pathological features associated with the disease including intracellular iron overload. Interestingly, treatment of mutant cell cultures with various supplements such as pantothenate, pantethine, vitamin E, omega 3, α-lipoic acid L-carnitine or thiamine, improved all pathophysiological alterations in PKAN fibroblasts with residual expression of the PANK2 enzyme. The information provided by pharmacological screenings in patient-derived cellular models can help optimize therapeutic strategies in individual PKAN patients.

The Role of Micronutrients in Neurological Disorders

Trace elements and vitamins, collectively known as micronutrients, are essential for basic metabolic reactions in the human body. Their deficiency or, on the contrary, an increased amount can lead to serious disorders. Research in recent years has shown that long-term abnormal levels of micronutrients may be involved in the etiopathogenesis of some neurological diseases. Acute and chronic alterations in micronutrient levels may cause other serious complications in neurological diseases. Our aim was to summarize the knowledge about micronutrients in relation to selected neurological diseases and comment on their importance and the possibilities of therapeutic intervention in clinical practice.

Associations between glutamic acid decarboxylase antibodies, oxidative stress markers, and cognitive capacity in adolescents who stutter

In this study, we amid to evaluate the correlation between the change in the expressed levels of anti-GAD antibodies titers, oxidative stress markers, cytokines markers, and cognitive capacity in adolescents with mild stuttering. Eighty participants (60 male/20 female) with the age range of 10-18 years with moderate stutteringparticipated in this study. To assess the stuttering and cognitive function, stutteringseverity instrument (SSI-4; 4th edit.)and the LOTCA-7 scores assessment were applied respectively in all subjects. In addition, serum GAD antibodies, cytokines like TNF-α, CRP,and IL-6 withtotal antioxidant capacity and nitric oxide as oxidative stress markers were estimated using calorimetry and immunoassay techniques.The results showed that good cognitive capacity was reported in about 56.25 % of the study population (n = 45) with a 117.52 ± 6.3 mean LOTCA-7 score. However, abnormal cognitive function was identified in 43.75 % of the study population (n = 35); they were categorized into moderate (score 62-92, n = 35), and poor (score 31-62; n = 10). There were significant associations between cognitive capacity reported and all biomarkers. The expression of GAD antibodies is significantly associated with the degree of cognitive capacity among students with stuttering. Significant association with the reduction (P = 0.01) in LOTCA-7 score domains, particularly orientation, thinking operations, attention, and concentration among students with variable cognitive capacity compared to controls. In addition, the expressed higher GAD antibodies in students with moderate and poor cognitive capacity showed to be significantly correlated with both elevated concentrations of cytokines; TNF-α, CRP, and IL-6, and the reduction of TAC and nitric oxide (NO) respectively. This study concludes that abnormality of cognitive capacity showed to be associated with higher expression of GAD antibodies, cytokines, and oxidative stress in school students with moderate stuttering.

Could Vitamins Have a Positive Impact on the Treatment of Parkinson's Disease?

Parkinson's disease (PD) is the second most common progressive neurodegenerative disorder after Alzheimer's disease. Pathophysiologically, it is characterized by intracytoplasmic aggregates of α-synuclein protein in the Lewy body and loss of dopaminergic neurons from substantia nigra pars compacta and striatum regions of the brain. Although the exact mechanism of neurodegeneration is not fully elucidated, it has been reported that environmental toxins such as MPTP, rotenone, paraquat, and MPP⁺ induce oxidative stress, which is one of the causative factors for it. To date, there is no complete cure. However, the indispensable role of oxidative stress in mediating PD indicates that antioxidant therapy could be a possible therapeutic strategy against the disease. The deficiency of vitamins has been extensively co-related to PD. Dietary supplementation of vitamins with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-apoptotic, and free radical scavenging properties could be the potential neuroprotective therapeutic strategy. This review summarizes the studies that evaluated the role of vitamins (A, B, C, D, E, and K) in PD. It will guide future studies in understanding the potential therapeutic role of vitamins in disease pathophysiology and may provide a framework for designing treatment strategies against the disease.

Serum fat-soluble vitamins and the menstrual cycle in women of childbearing age

Evidence suggests that fat-soluble vitamins are involved in reproduction, but their association with the menstrual cycle, the proxy of female fecundity, remains largely unexplored in women of childbearing age. Serum fat-soluble vitamin levels were measured by HPLC-MS/MS and menstrual cycle data were acquired from 3123 women of reproductive age in Nanjing, China, using standard questionnaires. Irregular and long menstrual cycles occurred in 725 (23.2%) and 604 (19.3%) participants, respectively. Participants with higher levels of vitamins A and K had increased odds of irregular menstrual cycles (vitamin A: OR = 1.39 (95% CI: 1.12, 1.74); vitamin K: OR = 1.41 (95% CI: 1.13, 1.76)) and long menstrual cycles (vitamin A: OR = 1.34 (95% CI: 1.06, 1.69); vitamin K: OR = 1.27 (95% CI: 1.00, 1.61)), and the relationship showed a linear dose-response pattern (P-overall < 0.05, P-nonlinearity > 0.05). Vitamin A was positively associated with the average menstrual cycle length (β: 1.83, 95% CI: 0.28, 3.39). Vitamins A and K were interacted in their associations with irregular menstrual cycles and long cycles. In sensitivity analysis with further exclusion of participants with abnormal thyroid function or a history of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), the association of vitamins A and K with the menstrual cycle remained robust. This study indicates that higher serum vitamin A and K levels in women of childbearing age are significantly associated with higher odds of irregular and long menstrual cycles with a linear dose-response curve. Further investigations are warranted to determine the appropriate fat-soluble vitamin levels for women of childbearing age.

Current Evidence on the Association of Micronutrient Malnutrition with Mild Cognitive Impairment, Frailty, and Cognitive Frailty among Older Adults: A Scoping Review

Micronutrient malnutrition is thought to play an important role in the cause of cognitive impairment and physical frailty. The purpose of this scoping review was to map current evidence on the association between micronutrient deficiency in blood and mild cognitive impairment, frailty, and cognitive frailty among older adults. The scoping review was conducted based on the 2005 methodological framework by Arksey and O'Malley. The search strategy for potential literature on micronutrient concentration in blood and cognitive frailty was retrieved based on the keywords using electronic databases (PubMed, Cochrane Library, Google Scholar, Ovid, and Science Direct) from January 2010 to December 2021. Gray literature was also included in the searches. A total of 4310 articles were retrieved and 43 articles were incorporated in the review. Findings revealed a trend of significant association between low levels of B vitamins (folate and vitamin B12), vitamin D, vitamin A, vitamin E, omega 3 fatty acid, and albumin, and high homocysteine levels in blood with an increased risk of mild cognitive impairment among older adults. The results also indicated that low vitamin D levels, albumin, and antioxidants (lutein and zeaxanthin) in blood were significantly associated with frailty among older adults, while β-cryptoxanthin and zeaxanthin in blood were inversely associated with the risk of cognitive frailty. Vitamin D and antioxidants seemed to be targeted nutrients for the prevention of cognitive frailty. In conclusion, a wide range of micronutrient deficiency was associated with either mild cognitive impairment or frailty; however, little evidence exists on the dual impairment, i.e., cognitive frailty. This scoping review can serve as preliminary evidence for the association between micronutrient deficiency in blood and mild cognitive impairment, frailty, and cognitive frailty among older adults and prove the relevancy of the topic for future systematic reviews.

Therapeutic approach with commercial supplements for pantothenate kinase-associated neurodegeneration with residual PANK2 expression levels

Background

Neurodegeneration with brain iron accumulation (NBIA) is a group of rare neurogenetic disorders frequently associated with iron accumulation in the basal nuclei of the brain characterized by progressive spasticity, dystonia, muscle rigidity, neuropsychiatric symptoms, and retinal degeneration or optic nerve atrophy. Pantothenate kinase-associated neurodegeneration (PKAN) is one of the most widespread NBIA subtypes. It is caused by mutations in the gene of pantothenate kinase 2 (PANK2) that result in dysfunction in PANK2 enzyme activity, with consequent deficiency of coenzyme A (CoA) biosynthesis, as well as low levels of essential metabolic intermediates such as 4′-phosphopantetheine, a necessary cofactor for essential cytosolic and mitochondrial proteins.

Methods

In this manuscript, we examined the therapeutic effectiveness of pantothenate, panthetine, antioxidants (vitamin E and omega 3) and mitochondrial function boosting supplements (L-carnitine and thiamine) in mutant PANK2 cells with residual expression levels.

Results

Commercial supplements, pantothenate, pantethine, vitamin E, omega 3, carnitine and thiamine were able to eliminate iron accumulation, increase PANK2, mtACP, and NFS1 expression levels and improve pathological alterations in mutant cells with residual PANK2 expression levels.

Conclusion

Our results suggest that several commercial compounds are indeed able to significantly correct the mutant phenotype in cellular models of PKAN. These compounds alone or in combinations are of common use in clinical practice and may be useful for the treatment of PKAN patients with residual enzyme expression levels.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13023-022-02465-9.

The Biological Role of Vitamins in Athletes’ Muscle, Heart and Microbiota

Physical activity, combined with adequate nutrition, is considered a protective factor against cardiovascular disease, musculoskeletal disorders, and intestinal dysbiosis. Achieving optimal performance requires a significantly high energy expenditure, which must be correctly supplied to avoid the occurrence of diseases such as muscle injuries, oxidative stress, and heart pathologies, and a decrease in physical performance during competition. Moreover, in sports activities, the replenishment of water, vitamins, and minerals consumed during training is essential for safeguarding athletes’ health. In this scenario, vitamins play a pivotal role in numerous metabolic reactions and some muscle biochemical adaptation processes induced by sports activity. Vitamins are introduced to the diet because the human body is unable to produce these micronutrients. The aim of this review is to highlight the fundamental role of vitamin supplementation in physical activity. Above all, we focus on the roles of vitamins A, B6, D, E, and K in the prevention and treatment of cardiovascular disorders, muscle injuries, and regulation of the microbiome.

Nanonaringenin and Vitamin E Ameliorate Some Behavioral, Biochemical, and Brain Tissue Alterations Induced by Nicotine in Rats

Nicotine is the major alkaloid present in cigarettes that induces various biochemical and behavioral changes. Nanonaringenin (NNG) and vitamin E are antioxidants that are reported to mitigate serious impairments caused by some toxins and oxidants. Thus, we aimed to investigate the efficacy of NNG, vitamin E, and their combinations to ameliorate behavioral, biochemical, and histological alterations induced by nicotine in rats. Adult male albino rats were randomly grouped into six equal groups (10 rats/group): control, N (nicotine 1 mg/kg b.w./day S/C from 15^th to 45^th day, 5 days a week), NNG (25 mg/kg b.w./day orally for 45 days), N + NNG, N + E (nicotine + vitamin E 200 mg/kg b.w./day orally), and N + NNG + E (nicotine + NNG + vitamin E at the aforementioned doses). Behavioral tests were conducted on day 15 and 30 postnicotine injection, while memory tests, brain neurotransmitters, antioxidants, and histopathological examination were examined at day 30 only. As a result, nicotine impaired rats' activity (hypoactivity and hyperactivity) and memory, induced anxiolytic and anxiogenic effects on rats, and altered neurotransmitters (acetylcholinesterase, serotonin, and dopamine), and redox markers (MDA, H₂O₂, GSH, and catalase) levels in brain homogenates. Thickening and congestion of the meninges and degeneration of the cerebral neurons and glia cells were observed. Cosupplementation with NNG, vitamin E, and their combination with nicotine was beneficial in the alleviation of activity impairments and improved short memory and cognition defects and exploratory behaviors. Our results indicate the antioxidant potential of NNG and vitamin E by modulating redox markers and neurotransmitters in the brain. Thus, data suggest that the prophylactic use of NNG, vitamin E, and/or their combination for (45 days) may have a successful amelioration of the disrupted behavior and cognition and biochemical and histopathological alterations induced by nicotine.

The Role of Vitamins in Neurodegenerative Disease: An Update

Acquiring the recommended daily allowance of vitamins is crucial for maintaining homeostatic balance in humans and other animals. A deficiency in or dysregulation of vitamins adversely affects the neuronal metabolism, which may lead to neurodegenerative diseases. In this article, we discuss how novel vitamin-based approaches aid in attenuating abnormal neuronal functioning in neurodegeneration-based brain diseases such as Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, Huntington's disease, Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, and Prion disease. Vitamins show their therapeutic activity in Parkinson's disease by antioxidative and anti-inflammatory activity. In addition, different water- and lipid-soluble vitamins have also prevented amyloid beta and tau pathology. On the other hand, some results also show no correlation between vitamin action and the prevention of neurodegenerative diseases. Some vitamins also exhibit toxic activity too. This review discusses both the beneficial and null effects of vitamin supplementation for neurological disorders. The detailed mechanism of action of both water- and lipid-soluble vitamins is addressed in the manuscript. Hormesis is also an essential factor that is very helpful to determine the effective dose of vitamins. PubMed, Google Scholar, Web of Science, and Scopus were employed to conduct the literature search of original articles, review articles, and meta-analyses.

Oxidative Stress as a Therapeutic Target in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis: Opportunities and Limitations

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), also known as motor neuron disease (MND) and Lou Gehrig’s disease, is characterized by a loss of the lower motor neurons in the spinal cord and the upper motor neurons in the cerebral cortex. Due to the complex and multifactorial nature of the various risk factors and mechanisms that are related to motor neuronal degeneration, the pathological mechanisms of ALS are not fully understood. Oxidative stress is one of the known causes of ALS pathogenesis. This has been observed in patients as well as in cellular and animal models, and is known to induce mitochondrial dysfunction and the loss of motor neurons. Numerous therapeutic agents have been developed to inhibit oxidative stress and neuroinflammation. In this review, we describe the role of oxidative stress in ALS pathogenesis, and discuss several anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative agents as potential therapeutics for ALS. Although oxidative stress and antioxidant fields are meaningful approaches to delay disease progression and prolong the survival in ALS, it is necessary to investigate various animal models or humans with different subtypes of sporadic and familial ALS.

Medicinal herbs and nutritional supplements for dementia therapy: potential therapeutic targets and clinical evidence

Spices and herbs have been used for medicinal purposes for centuries. Also, in the last decades, the use of different nutritional supplements has been implemented to treat all kinds of diseases, including those that present an alteration in cognitive functioning. Dementia is a clinical syndrome in which a person's mental and cognitive capacities gradually decline. As the disease progresses, the person's autonomy diminishes. As there is not an effective treatment to prevent progressive deterioration in many of these pathologies, nutritional interventions have been, and still are, one of the most widely explored therapeutic possibilities. In this review, we have discussed a great number of potentially interesting plants, nutritional derivatives and probiotics for the treatment of dementia around the world. Their action mechanisms generally involve neuroprotective effects via anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anti-apoptotic, b-amyloid and tau anti-aggregate actions; brain blood flow improvement, and effects on synaptic cholinergic and dopaminergic neurotransmission, which may optimize cognitive performance in patients with cognitive impairment. As for their efficacy in patients with cognitive impairment and/or dementias, evidence is still scarce and/or their outcomes are controversial. We consider that many of these substances have promising therapeutic properties. Therefore, the scientific community has to continue with a more complete research focused on both identifying possible action mechanisms and carrying out clinical trials, preferably randomized double-blind ones, with a greater number of patients, a long-term follow-up, dose standardization and the use of current diagnosis criteria.

Controlled Release of the α-Tocopherol-Derived Metabolite α-13'-Carboxychromanol from Bacterial Nanocellulose Wound Cover Improves Wound Healing

Inflammation is a hallmark of tissue remodeling during wound healing. The inflammatory response to wounds is tightly controlled and well-coordinated; dysregulation compromises wound healing and causes persistent inflammation. Topical application of natural anti-inflammatory products may improve wound healing, in particular under chronic pathological conditions. The long-chain metabolites of vitamin E (LCM) are bioactive molecules that mediate cellular effects via oxidative stress signaling as well as anti-inflammatory pathways. However, the effect of LCM on wound healing has not been investigated. We administered the α-tocopherol-derived LCMs α-13'-hydroxychromanol (α-13'-OH) and α-13'-carboxychromanol (α-13'-COOH) as well as the natural product garcinoic acid, a δ-tocotrienol derivative, in different pharmaceutical formulations directly to wounds using a splinted wound mouse model to investigate their effects on the wounds' proinflammatory microenvironment and wound healing. Garcinoic acid and, in particular, α-13'-COOH accelerated wound healing and quality of the newly formed tissue. We next loaded bacterial nanocellulose (BNC), a valuable nanomaterial used as a wound dressing with high potential for drug delivery, with α-13'-COOH. The controlled release of α-13'-COOH using BNC promoted wound healing and wound closure, mainly when a diabetic condition was induced before the injury. This study highlights the potential of α-13'-COOH combined with BNC as a potential active wound dressing for the advanced therapy of skin injuries.

Associations between vitamin E, oxidative stress markers, total homocysteine levels, and physical activity or cognitive capacity in older adults

This study examined the associations between vitamin E, oxidative stress markers, total homocysteine levels, and physical activity or cognitive capacity in older adults. One hundred and six older adults (62 men, 44 women) within the age range of 56-81 years participated. The Global Physical Activity Questionnaire and the Loewenstein Occupational Therapy Cognitive Assessment were used to assess physical activity and cognitive function, respectively. Vitamin E (e.g., α-tocopherol and γ-tocopherol), oxidative stress markers (e.g., total antioxidant capacity and nitric oxide), and total homocysteine were estimated. There were significant associations between physical activity (high versus moderate versus poor) and all biomarkers (all p = 0.000, and p = 0.010 for γ-tocopherol). While total homocysteine and total antioxidant capacity were significantly associated with cognitive capacity (p = 0.000), vitamin E levels (e.g., α-tocopherol and γ-tocopherol) and nitric oxide (p = 0.354, 0.103 and 0.060, respectively) were not related to cognitive capacity in older adults. This study concludes that physical activity was associated with Vitamin E, oxidative stress markers, total homocysteine, and cognitive capacity in older adults. Although cognitive capacity was associated with total homocysteine and total antioxidant capacity, it was unrelated to vitamin E levels and nitric oxide in older adults.

Altered Properties of Neurons and Astrocytes and the Effects of Food Components in Stroke-Prone Spontaneously Hypertensive Rats

ABSTRACT

In stroke-prone spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRSP), stroke induces neuronal vulnerability and neuronal death, while astrocytes show a weakened support function toward neurons. Moreover, certain food components have been demonstrated to prevent the occurrence of stroke. This review aims to explain the stroke-related properties of SHRSP-derived neurons and astrocytes. In addition, it describes the effects of particular dietary phytochemicals on SHRSP. In this study, we obtained information using PubMed, ScienceDirect, and Web of Science. We searched for the functions of neurons and astrocytes and the molecular mechanism of ischemic stroke induction. We summarized the recent literature on the underlying mechanisms of stroke onset in SHRSP and the alleviating effects of typical food-derived phytochemical components. Neuronal death in SHRSP is induced by hypoxia-reoxygenation, suggesting the involvement of oxidative stress. Furthermore, the production of lactate, l-serine, and glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor in SHRSP-derived astrocytes was reduced compared with that in control Wistar-Kyoto rats. Vitamin E exerts an inhibitory effect on hypoxia-reoxygenation-induced neuronal death in SHRSP. Curcumin, epigallocatechin gallate, resveratrol, and carotenoids can prevent the development of stroke in SHRSP. In particular, the properties of SHRSP-derived neurons and astrocytes affect stroke-induced neuronal death. This review suggests the potential and therapeutic applications of dietary phytochemicals in reducing stroke risk and lowering blood pressure in SHRSP, respectively, by targeting various processes, including oxidative stress, apoptosis, and inflammation. Thus, future research on SHRSP brain cells with a genetic predisposition to stroke can consider using these food ingredients to develop approaches for stroke prevention.

Effect of antioxidant, malondialdehyde, macro-mineral, and trace element serum concentrations in Bangladeshi patients with schizophrenia: A case-control study

BACKGROUND

Schizophrenia (SCZ) is an incurable neuropsychiatric disorder generally described by impaired social behavior and altered recognition of reality. For the first time, this study explored serum levels of antioxidants (vitamin A, E, and C), malondialdehyde (MDA), macro-minerals (calcium, potassium, and sodium), and trace elements (zinc, iron, and selenium) in Bangladeshi patients with SCZ and thereby, discovering any pathophysiological correlation.

METHODS

This case-controlled study evaluated 63 patients with SCZ as cases and 63 healthy individuals as controls. Vitamin A and E levels were defined by RP-HPLC. MDA and vitamin C levels were measured by using UV spectrophotometry, and macro and trace elements by atomic absorption spectroscopy.

RESULTS

This study found significantly (P ≤ 0.05) elevated MDA levels and decreased levels of antioxidants-vitamin A, C, and E and significantly (P ≤ 0.05) diminished levels of macro and trace elements in cases in contrast to the controls. Serum levels of zinc (Zn), selenium (Se), iron (Fe), potassium (K), calcium (Ca), and sodium (Na) were determined to be 0.33 ± 0.008, 0.0252 ± 0.00060, 0.24 ± 0.01, 64.18 ± 2.72, 36.88 ± 2.56, and 2657.5 ± 53.32 mg/L, respectively, in cases, whereas 0.79 ± 0.03, 0.0650 ± 0.00355,0.78 ± 0.03, 168.01 ± 2.85, 86.43 ± 2.55, and 3200.8 ± 29.96 mg/L, respectively, were determined in controls. Pearson's correlation analysis revealed a negative correlation between Zn and Na, Zn and K, Zn and Ca, Zn and Fe, Zn and Se, Fe and Na, and Fe and Se in patients.

CONCLUSIONS

The findings connect that the pathogenesis of SCZ may have a correlation with altered levels of antioxidants, MDA, macro-minerals, and trace elements.

Vitamin E and 5-amino salicylic acid ameliorates acrylamide-induced peripheral neuropathy by inhibiting caspase-3 and inducible nitric oxide synthase immunoexpression

Acrylamide is a fundamental cause of accidental toxicity in humans. This study aimed to investigate the neuroprotective effect of vitamin E (Vit. E), 5-amino salicylic acid (5-ASA), and their combination against acrylamide-induced sciatic nerve toxicity. For this purpose, 25 male Wister rats were divided into 5 groups: control, acrylamide, acrylamide + Vit. E, acrylamide + 5-ASA, and acrylamide + Vit. E + 5-ASA. Food intake and body weight were assessed after 7 days. Furthermore, the gait score was also evaluated for each rat. The sciatic nerve was dissected, fixed, and processed for routine light and electron microscopic examination. Haematoxylin and eosin, osmium tetroxide for myelin sheath, and toluidine blue for semithin section were used. In addition, immunohistochemistry for caspase-3 and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) were performed. The results showed reduced food intake and body weight in acrylamide rats. Abnormal gait score was also recorded in acrylamide rats with significant improvement in Vit. E, and Vit. E + 5-ASA groups. Histologically, Vit. E and 5-ASA provided potential protection against decreased sciatic nerve axon density, disrupted myelination, and the alteration in the immunohistochemistry induced by acrylamide. Vit. E and its combination with 5-ASA provided more evident protection compared to 5-ASA alone. 5-ASA significantly decreased apoptotic cell death (caspase-3 immunoexpression) while Vit. E failed. Both Vit. E and 5-ASA significantly decreased iNOS immunoexpression in the sciatic nerve, where 5-ASA was superior to Vit. E. These findings concluded that both Vit. E and 5-ASA protect against acrylamide-induced peripheral neuropathy through downregulation of both caspase-3 and iNOS immunoexpression.

Effects of vitamin E on neurodegenerative diseases: an update

Vitamin E deficiency is associated with many neurological problems. Although the mechanisms of vitamin E action in neurodegenerative diseases are not clear, there are many possible mechanisms. Examples of such mechanisms are the protective effects of vitamin E against oxidative stress damage and its suppressive role in the expression of many genes involved in the development of neurodegeneration. Many studies have evaluated the relationship between vitamin E intake or vitamin E levels in body fluids and neurodegenerative diseases. Some studies concluded that vitamin E can play a protective role in neurodegeneration with respect to diseases such as Alzheimer's disease (AD), Parkinson's disease (PD), stroke and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Vitamin E supplementation was also associated with risk factors for some neurodegenerative diseases. In this review, we discuss the possible effects of vitamin E on the development and course of AD, PD, stroke and ALS, and the potential mechanisms involved.

Vitamin E deficiency is associated with many neurological problems. Although the mechanisms of vitamin E action in neurodegenerative diseases are not clear, there are many possible mechanisms. Examples of such mechanisms are the protective effects of vitamin E against oxidative stress damage and its suppressive role in the expression of many genes involved in the development of neurodegeneration. Many studies have evaluated the relationship between vitamin E intake or vitamin E levels in body fluids and neurodegenerative diseases. Some studies concluded that vitamin E can play a protective role in neurodegeneration with respect to diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease (AD), Parkinson’s disease (PD), stroke and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Vitamin E supplementation was also associated with risk factors for some neurodegenerative diseases. In this review, we discuss the possible effects of vitamin E on the development and course of AD, PD, stroke and ALS, and the potential mechanisms involved.

Vitamin E for the management of major depressive disorder: possible role of the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant systems

OBJECTIVES

Vitamin E has various functions in humans, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, and anti-atherogenic actions, as well as direct effects on enzymatic activities and modulation of gene transcription. In addition to these functions, vitamin E is also important for the central nervous system, and its role in the prevention and/or treatment of some neurological diseases has been suggested. In particular, the role of vitamin E in the modulation of major depressive disorder (MDD) is an issue that has emerged in recent studies. Many factors have been implicated in the pathophysiology of this disorder, including inflammation, oxidative, and nitrosative stress.

METHODS

This narrative review discusses the involvement of inflammation, oxidative, and nitrosative stress in the pathophysiology of MDD and presents clinical and preclinical studies that correlate vitamin E with this psychiatric disorder.

RESULTS

We gathered evidence from clinical studies that demonstrated the relationship between low vitamin E status and MDD symptoms. Vitamin E has been reported to exert a beneficial influence on the oxidative and inflammatory status of individuals, factors that may account for the attenuation of depressive symptoms. Preclinical studies have reinforced the antidepressant-like response of vitamin E, and the mechanisms underlying its effect seem to be related to the modulation of oxidative stress and neuroinflammation.

CONCLUSION

We suggest that vitamin E has potential to be used as an adjuvant for the management of MDD, but more studies are clearly needed to ascertain the efficacy of vitamin E for alleviating depressive symptoms.

A review on neuropharmacological role of erucic acid: an omega-9 fatty acid from edible oils

Neurodegenerative diseases (ND) are characterised by loss of neurons in the brain and spinal cord. For the normal functioning of the brain, divers group of fatty acids in the form of glycerophospholipids, glycerol ether lipids, cerebrosides, sulfatides, and gangliosides are essential. They are present abundantly in the nervous system and are actively involved in both the development and maintenance of the nervous system. A dietary deficiency of essential fatty acid during development results in hypomyelination state which affects various neuronal functions. Several studies suggested that age remains the primary risk factor for almost all neurodegenerative disorders. The potential contribution of these fatty acids in the progression of neurodegenerative disorders is indispensable. Erucic acid an omega 9 fatty acid, which is obtained from edible oils has proven to cause myocardial lipidosis, heart lesions and hepatic steatosis in animals therefore, its content in edible oils is restricted to certain levels by regulatory agencies. However, erucic acid in the form of a mixture with oleic acid is often used as a dietary treatment for the management of adrenoleukodystrophy without any cardiotoxicity. Our literature search revealed that, erucic acid reported to enhance cognitive function, interact with peroxisome proliferator activated receptors (PPARs), inhibit elastase and thrombin. In this review first we have attempted to describe the relationship between fatty acids and neurodegeneration followed by a description on the pharmacology of erucic acid. The overall purpose of this review is to analyse toxic and beneficial neuropharmacological effects of erucic acid.

Future Therapeutic Perspectives into the Alzheimer's Disease Targeting the Oxidative Stress Hypothesis

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disease that is usually accompanied by aging, increasingly being the most common cause of dementia in the elderly. This disorder is characterized by the accumulation of beta amyloid plaques (Aβ) resulting from impaired amyloid precursor protein (APP) metabolism, together with the formation of neurofibrillary tangles and tau protein hyperphosphorylation. The exacerbated production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) triggers the process called oxidative stress, which increases neuronal cell abnormalities, most often followed by apoptosis, leading to cognitive dysfunction and dementia. In this context, the development of new therapies for the AD treatment is necessary. Antioxidants, for instance, are promising species for prevention and treatment because they are capable of disrupting the radical chain reaction, reducing the production of ROS. These species have also proven to be adjunctive to conventional treatments making them more effective. In this sense, several recently published works have focused their attention on oxidative stress and antioxidant species. Therefore, this review seeks to show the most relevant findings of these studies.

Neurology of Nutritional Deficiencies

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

The goal of this chapter is to educate clinicians on the neurologic manifestations of certain nutritional deficiencies in order to promptly identify and appropriately treat these patients.

RECENT FINDINGS

Many vitamin and nutritional deficiencies have been described dating back to the early days of neurology and medicine. Some are very rare and thus, there are no randomized controlled studies to assess supplementation or dosage; however, there are reviews of case reports that can assist clinicians in choosing treatments. While endemic vitamin and nutritional deficiencies may be rarely encountered in many countries, vulnerable populations continue to be at risk for developing neurologic complications. These populations include those with diseases causing malabsorption, the elderly, chronic alcohol users, as well as pregnant mothers with hyperemesis gravidarum to name a few. It is important to recognize syndromes associated with these nutritional deficiencies, as prompt identification and treatment may prevent permanent neurologic damage.

Nonpharmacological Modulation of Chronic Inflammation in Parkinson's Disease: Role of Diet Interventions

Neuroinflammation is increasingly recognized as an important pathophysiological feature of neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson's disease (PD). Recent evidence suggests that neuroinflammation in PD might originate in the intestine and the bidirectional communication between the central and enteric nervous system, the so-called "gut-brain axis," has received growing attention due to its contribution to the pathogenesis of neurological disorders. Diet targets mediators of inflammation with various mechanisms and combined with dopaminergic treatment can exert various beneficial effects in PD. Food-based therapies may favorably modulate gut microbiota composition and enhance the intestinal epithelial integrity or decrease the proinflammatory response by direct effects on immune cells. Diets rich in pre- and probiotics, polyunsaturated fatty acids, phenols including flavonoids, and vitamins, such as the Mediterranean diet or a plant-based diet, may attenuate chronic inflammation and positively influence PD symptoms and even progression of the disease. Dietary strategies should be encouraged in the context of a healthy lifestyle with physical activity, which also has neuroimmune-modifying properties. Thus, diet adaptation appears to be an effective additive, nonpharmacological therapeutic strategy that can attenuate the chronic inflammation implicated in PD, potentially slow down degeneration, and thereby modify the course of the disease. PD patients should be highly encouraged to adopt corresponding lifestyle modifications, in order to improve not only PD symptoms, but also general quality of life. Future research should focus on planning larger clinical trials with dietary interventions in PD in order to obtain hard evidence for the hypothesized beneficial effects.

Solvation of 2-(hydroxymethyl)-2,5,7,8-tetramethyl-chroman-6-ol revealed by circular dichroism: a case of chromane helicity rule breaking

The primary goal of this work is to clarify why 2-(hydroxymethyl)-2,5,7,8-tetramethyl-chroman-6-ol {(S)-TMChM} deviates from the chromane helicity rule under solvent change. The rule, applicable to determining the absolute configuration of molecules containing the chromane chromophore, binds the sign of the 1Lb Cotton effect (CE) with the helicity of the dihydropyran ring. In case of TMChM, however, this CE exhibits extreme solvent dependence: it is negative in non-coordinating solvents and positive in coordinating ones, irrespective of the helicity of the heterocyclic ring. TD-DFT calculations using PCM and hybrid solvation models were performed to explain origin of this phenomenon. It turned out that the 1Lb CE sign directly depends on the position of the phenolic OH group at carbon atom C6 (OHC6). In the absence of interactions with solvents (as in CCl4 or nC6H14) or when a solvent plays proton donor role (as in CHCl3), the OHC6 lies in the phenyl plane and the 1Lb CE sign follows the P/M helicity rule. In contrast, in proton acceptor solvents, like DMSO, CH3OH or CH3CN, the OHC6 group is deflected from the phenyl plane, and the 1Lb CE sign of individual (S)-TMChM conformers depends on the sector in which the OHC6 is located. Thus, in solution, the 1Lb CE sign is an average over different orientations of the OHC6 group and can be positive (as in DMSO and CH3OH) or negative (as in CH3CN) which means that it does not follow the chromane helicity rule. The impact of OHC6 on the 1Lb CE sign and thus the conclusions for the stereochemistry of chromans are demonstrated here for the first time. Additionally, a comparison of experimental and simulated ECD spectra, supported by VCD data, allowed to determine the geometry of intermolecular clusters formed in different solvents.

N-acetylcysteine and vitamin E rescue animal longevity and cellular oxidative stress in pre-clinical models of mitochondrial complex I disease

Oxidative stress is a known contributing factor in mitochondrial respiratory chain (RC) disease pathogenesis. Yet, no efficient means exists to objectively evaluate the comparative therapeutic efficacy or toxicity of different antioxidant compounds empirically used in human RC disease. We postulated that pre-clinical comparative analysis of diverse antioxidant drugs having suggested utility in primary RC disease using animal and cellular models of RC dysfunction may improve understanding of their integrated effects and physiologic mechanisms, and enable prioritization of lead antioxidant molecules to pursue in human clinical trials. Here, lifespan effects of N-acetylcysteine (NAC), vitamin E, vitamin C, coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10), mitochondrial-targeted CoQ10 (MS010), lipoate, and orotate were evaluated as the primary outcome in a well-established, short-lived C. elegans gas-1(fc21) animal model of RC complex I disease. Healthspan effects were interrogated to assess potential reversal of their globally disrupted in vivo mitochondrial physiology, transcriptome profiles, and intermediary metabolic flux. NAC or vitamin E fully rescued, and coenzyme Q, lipoic acid, orotic acid, and vitamin C partially rescued gas-1(fc21) lifespan toward that of wild-type N2 Bristol worms. MS010 and CoQ10 largely reversed biochemical pathway expression changes in gas-1(fc21) worms. While nearly all drugs normalized the upregulated expression of the "cellular antioxidant pathway", they failed to rescue the mutant worms' increased in vivo mitochondrial oxidant burden. NAC and vitamin E therapeutic efficacy were validated in human fibroblast and/or zebrafish complex I disease models. Remarkably, rotenone-induced zebrafish brain death was preventable partially with NAC and fully with vitamin E. Overall, these pre-clinical model animal data demonstrate that several classical antioxidant drugs do yield significant benefit on viability and survival in primary mitochondrial disease, where their major therapeutic benefit appears to result from targeting global cellular, rather than intramitochondria-specific, oxidative stress. Clinical trials are needed to evaluate whether the two antioxidants, NAC and vitamin E, that show greatest efficacy in translational model animals significantly improve the survival, function, and feeling of human subjects with primary mitochondrial RC disease.

Dietary antioxidants and risk of Parkinson's disease in two population-based cohorts

Background: A neuroprotective effect of dietary antioxidants on Parkinson's disease (PD) risk has been suggested, but epidemiological evidence is limited.

Objectives: To examine the associations between intake of dietary antioxidant vitamins and total antioxidant capacity and risk of PD.

Methods: We prospectively assessed the relationships of dietary antioxidant vitamins C and E, ß‐carotene, and total antioxidant capacity with PD risk in two population‐based cohorts (38,937 women and 45,837 men).

Results: During a mean 14.9‐year follow‐up period, 1,329 PD cases were identified. Dietary intake of ß‐carotene was associated with a lower risk of PD (hazard ratio: 0.86; 95% confidence interval: 0.78‐0.95; P_trend < 0.01 for women and hazard ratio: 0.91; 95% confidence interval: 0.84‐0.99; P_trend = 0.05 for men). An inverse association between dietary vitamin E and PD risk was found in women (hazard ratio: 0.87; 95% confidence interval: 0.79‐0.96; P_trend = 0.02). Dietary intake of vitamin C was inversely associated with PD risk in women at borderline significance (hazard ratio: 0.91; 95% confidence interval: 0.83‐1.00; P_trend = 0.04). There was no association between dietary total antioxidant capacity and PD risk in either women (hazard ratio: 0.93; 95% confidence interval: 0.84‐1.02; P_trend = 0.35) or men (hazard ratio: 1.00; 95% confidence interval: 0.93‐1.07; P_trend = 0.97).

Conclusion: Intake of dietary vitamin E and ß‐carotene was associated with a lower risk of PD. © 2017 The Authors. Movement Disorders published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society.

The Ameliorative Effects of a Tocotrienol-Rich Fraction on the AGE-RAGE Axis and Hypertension in High-Fat-Diet-Fed Rats with Metabolic Syndrome

The clinical value of tocotrienols is increasingly appreciated because of the unique therapeutic effects that are not shared by tocopherols. However, their effect on metabolic syndrome is not well-established. This study aimed to investigate the effects of a tocotrienol-rich fraction (TRF) from palm oil in high-fat-diet-treated rats. Male, post-weaning Sprague Dawley rats were provided high-fat (60% kcal) diet for eight weeks followed by a TRF (60 mg/kg) treatment for another four weeks. Physical, metabolic, and histological changes were compared to those on control and high-fat diets respectively. High-fat feeding for eight weeks induced all hallmarks of metabolic syndrome. The TRF reversed systolic and diastolic hypertension, hypercholesterolemia, hepatic steatosis, impaired antioxidant defense, and myeloperoxidase hyperactivity triggered by the high-fat diet. It also conferred an inhibitory effect on protein glycation to reduce glycated hemoglobin A1c and advanced glycation end products (AGE). This was accompanied by the suppression of the receptor for advanced glycation end product (RAGE) expression in the liver. The treatment effects on visceral adiposity, glycemic control, triglyceride level, as well as peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor α and γ expression were negligible. To conclude, treatment with a TRF exhibited protective effects on the cardiovascular and liver health in addition to the amelioration of plasma redox imbalance and AGE-RAGE activation. Further investigation as a therapy for metabolic syndrome is therefore worthwhile.

Tocotrienol Affects Oxidative Stress, Cholesterol Homeostasis and the Amyloidogenic Pathway in Neuroblastoma Cells: Consequences for Alzheimer's Disease

One of the characteristics of Alzheimer´s disease (AD) is an increased amyloid load and an enhanced level of reactive oxidative species (ROS). Vitamin E has known beneficial neuroprotective effects, and previously, some studies suggested that vitamin E is associated with a reduced risk of AD due to its antioxidative properties. However, epidemiological studies and nutritional approaches of vitamin E treatment are controversial. Here, we investigate the effect of α-tocotrienol, which belongs to the group of vitamin E, on AD-relevant processes in neuronal cell lines. In line with the literature, α-tocotrienol reduced the ROS level in SH-SY5Y cells. In the presence of tocotrienols, cholesterol and cholesterol esters, which have been shown to be risk factors in AD, were decreased. Besides the unambiguous positive effects of tocotrienol, amyloid-β (Aβ) levels were increased accompanied by an increase in the activity of enzymes responsible for Aβ production. Proteins and gene expression of the secretases and their components remained unchanged, whereas tocotrienol accelerates enzyme activity in cell-free assays. Besides enhanced Aβ production, tocotrienols inhibited Aβ degradation in neuro 2a (N2a)-cells. Our results might help to understand the controversial findings of vitamin E studies and demonstrate that besides the known positive neuroprotective properties, tocotrienols also have negative characteristics with respect to AD.

Anti-trypanosome effects of nutritional supplements and vitamin D3: in vitro and in vivo efficacy against Trypanosoma brucei brucei

BACKGROUND

Previous publications suggest that nutritional supplements have anti-trypanosome activity in vitro, although apparent efficacy was not noted in vivo. This study was conducted by experimentally infecting mice with Trypanosoma brucei brucei to assess the anti-trypanosome activity of various nutritional supplements with the hope of finding possible application in the treatment of African trypanosomiasis.

METHODS

Activities of nutritional supplements were screened in vitro against bloodstream forms of T. b. brucei. To evaluate selectivity, we used two mammalian cells, Jurkat cells and Vero cells. The IC50 values and selectivity index values were calculated, and supplements with promising efficacy in vitro were selected for further testing in vivo. Mice were infected intraperitoneally with 1 × 10(3) T. b. brucei. We observed parameters for disease progression such as parasitemia, red blood cell count, white blood cell count, survivability, and splenomegaly. Morphological profiles after the treatment were analyzed by scanning electron microscopy.

RESULTS

Vitamin D3 showed anti-trypanosome efficacies both in vitro and in vivo. It seemed to have suppressive effects on parasitemia, and spleen weight was also significantly lower in vitamin D3-treated mice when compared to non-treated control mice. There was, however, no significant prolonged survivability of infected mice treated with vitamin D3. Among green tea extracts, polyphenon-60 and epigallocatechin gallate had suppressive effects against T. b. brucei in vitro, but in vivo efficacies were marginal.

CONCLUSIONS

Treatment with nutritional supplements, vitamin D3, and polyphenon-60 seemed to have anti-trypanosome activity in vitro and protective activity to some extent in vivo, respectively, although those supplements themselves did not have curable effects. The exact mechanisms of action are not clear, but the significant efficacy in vitro suggested direct effects of supplements against African trypanosome parasites.

Enhancement of flavonoid ability to cross the blood-brain barrier of rats by co-administration with α-tocopherol

Vitamin E and polyphenols could exhibit a therapeutic role in the treatment of oxidative stress-induced neurodegenerative diseases. Therefore, their ability to cross the blood-brain barrier (BBB) represents an important issue to be explored by different diet combinations. In this study, we have evaluated the ability of α-tocopherol to support epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG), quercetin and rutin to cross the BBB, following oral administration. Eighteen rats were fed a standard diet (C), a diet supplemented with α-tocopherol (A), with a mixture of EGCG, quercetin and rutin (P); or with a mixture of α-tocopherol and the three flavonoids (AP). Flavonoids and their conjugated derivatives were assayed in brain and plasma by HPLC-MS, whereas α-tocopherol was detected by RP-HPLC. The oxidative damage, due to the potential pro-oxidant activity of flavonoids, was evaluated by the presence of 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) in hippocampal Cornus Ammonis, one of the most vulnerable sites in the brain. Our results indicate that α-tocopherol is able to promote quercetin transport across the BBB. The mixture of rutin and quercetin seems to favour the accumulation of quercetin and/or its conjugated derivatives in the brain. In contrast, α-tocopherol does not affect EGCG transport across the BBB. The densitometric analysis of 8-OHdG immunoreactivity does not reveal any difference of oxidative damage among the experimental groups. Our results suggest that α-tocopherol may promote quercetin transport across the BBB, leading to a significant increase of α-tocopherol and quercetin concentration in the brain.

Focus on Pivotal Role of Dietary Intake (Diet and Supplement) and Blood Levels of Tocopherols and Tocotrienols in Obtaining Successful Aging

Numerous specific age-related morbidities have been correlated with low intake and serum levels of tocopherols and tocotrienols. We performed a review in order to evaluate the extant evidence regarding: (1) the association between intake and serum levels of tocopherols and tocotrienols and age-related pathologies (osteoporosis, sarcopenia and cognitive impairment); and (2) the optimum diet therapy or supplementation with tocopherols and tocotrienols for the treatment of these abnormalities. This review included 51 eligible studies. The recent literature underlines that, given the detrimental effect of low intake and serum levels of tocopherols and tocotrienols on bone, muscle mass, and cognitive function, a change in the lifestyle must be the cornerstone in the prevention of these specific age-related pathologies related to vitamin E-deficient status. The optimum diet therapy in the elderly for avoiding vitamin E deficiency and its negative correlates, such as high inflammation and oxidation, must aim at achieving specific nutritional goals. These goals must be reached through: accession of the elderly subjects to specific personalized dietary programs aimed at achieving and/or maintaining body weight (avoid malnutrition); increase their intake of food rich in vitamin E, such as derivatives of oily seeds (in particular wheat germ oil), olive oil, hazelnuts, walnuts, almonds, and cereals rich in vitamin E (such as specific rice cultivar rich in tocotrienols) or take vitamin E supplements. In this case, vitamin E can be correctly used in a personalized way either for the outcome from the pathology or to achieve healthy aging and longevity without any adverse effects.

Antioxidant intervention attenuates oxidative stress in children and teenagers with Down syndrome

We previously demonstrated that systemic oxidative stress is present in Down syndrome (DS) patients. In the present study we investigated the antioxidant status in the peripheral blood of DS children and teenagers comparing such status before and after an antioxidant supplementation. Oxidative stress biomarkers were evaluated in the blood of DS patients (n=21) before and after a daily antioxidant intervention (vitamin E 400mg, C 500 mg) during 6 months. Healthy children (n=18) without DS were recruited as control group. The activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), glutathione reductase (GR), glutathione S-transferase (GST), gamma-glutamyltransferase (GGT), glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) and myeloperoxidase (MPO), as well as the contents of reduced glutathione (GSH), uric acid, vitamin E, thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), and protein carbonyls (PC) were measured. Before the antioxidant therapy, DS patients presented decreased GST activity and GSH depletion; elevated SOD, CAT, GR, GGT and MPO activities; increased uric acid levels; while GPx and G6PD activities as well as vitamin E and TBARS levels were unaltered. After the antioxidant supplementation, SOD, CAT, GPx, GR, GGT and MPO activities were downregulated, while TBARS contents were strongly decreased in DS. Also, the antioxidant therapy did not change G6PD and GST activities as well as uric acid and PC levels, while it significantly increased GSH and vitamin E levels in DS patients. Our results clearly demonstrate that the antioxidant intervention with vitamins E and C attenuated the systemic oxidative damage present in DS patients.

Nanomicellar formulation of coenzyme Q10 (Ubisol-Q10) effectively blocks ongoing neurodegeneration in the mouse 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine model: potential use as an adjuvant treatment in Parkinson's disease

Although the support for the use of antioxidants, such as coenzyme Q(10) (CoQ(10)), to treat Parkinson's disease (PD) comes from the extensive scientific evidence, the results of conducted thus far clinical trials are inconclusive. It is assumed that the efficacy of CoQ(10) is hindered by insolubility, poor bioavailability, and lack of brain penetration. We have developed a nanomicellar formulation of CoQ(10) (Ubisol-Q(10)) with improved properties, including the brain penetration, and tested its effectiveness in mouse MPTP (1-methyl-4-phenyl-1, 2, 3, 6-tetrahydropyridine) model with the objectives to assess its potential use as an adjuvant therapy for PD. We used a subchronic MPTP model (5-daily MPTP injections), characterized by 50% loss of dopamine neurons over a period of 28 days. Ubisol-Q(10) was delivered in drinking water. Prophylactic application of Ubisol-Q(10), started 2 weeks before the MPTP exposure, significantly offset the neurotoxicity (approximately 50% neurons died in MPTP group vs. 17% in MPTP+ Ubisol-Q(10) group by day 28). Therapeutic application of Ubisol-Q(10), given after the last MPTP injection, was equally effective. At the time of intervention on day 5 nearly 25% of dopamine neurons were already lost, but the treatment saved the remaining 25% of cells, which otherwise would have died by day 28. This was confirmed by cell counts, analyses of striatal dopamine levels, and improved animals' motor skill on a beam walk test. Similar levels of neuroprotection were obtained with 3 different Ubisol-Q(10) concentrations tested, that is, 30 mg, 6 mg, or 3 mg CoQ(10)/kg body weight/day, showing clearly that high doses of CoQ(10) were not required to deliver these effects. Furthermore, the Ubisol-Q(10) treatments brought about a robust astrocytic activation in the brain parenchyma, indicating that astroglia played an active role in this neuroprotection. Thus, we have shown for the first time that Ubisol-Q(10) was capable of halting the neurodegeneration already in progress; however, to maintain it a continuous supplementation of Ubisol-Q(10) was required. The pathologic processes initiated by MPTP resumed if supplementation was withdrawn. We suggest that in addition to brain delivery of powerful antioxidants, Ubisol-Q(10) might have also supported subcellular oxidoreductase systems allowing them to maintain a favorable cellular redox status, especially in astroglia, facilitating their role in neuroprotection. Based on this data further clinical testing of this formulation in PD patients might be justifiable.

Chromane helicity rule – scope and challenges based on an ECD study of various trolox derivatives

The validity of the chromane helicity rule is examined using a set of natural (S)-trolox derivatives.

Site-specific regulation of adult neurogenesis by dietary fatty acid content, vitamin E and flight exercise in European starlings

Exercise is known to have a strong effect on neuroproliferation in mammals ranging from rodents to humans. Recent studies have also shown that fatty acids and other dietary supplements can cause an upregulation of neurogenesis. It is not known, however, how exercise and diet interact in their effects on adult neurogenesis. We examined neuronal recruitment in multiple telencephalic sites in adult male European starlings (Sturnus vulgaris) exposed to a factorial combination of flight exercise, dietary fatty acids and antioxidants. Experimental birds were flown in a wind tunnel following a training regime that mimicked the bird's natural flight behaviour. In addition to flight exercise, we manipulated the composition of dietary fatty acids and the level of enrichment with vitamin E, an antioxidant reported to enhance neuronal recruitment. We found that all three factors - flight exercise, fatty acid composition and vitamin E enrichment - regulate neuronal recruitment in a site-specific manner. We also found a robust interaction between flight training and vitamin E enrichment at multiple sites of neuronal recruitment. Specifically, flight training was found to enhance neuronal recruitment across the telencephalon, but only in birds fed a diet with a low level of vitamin E. Conversely, dietary enrichment with vitamin E upregulated neuronal recruitment, but only in birds not flown in the wind tunnel. These findings indicate conserved modulation of adult neurogenesis by exercise and diet across vertebrate taxa and indicate possible therapeutic interventions in disorders characterized by reduced adult neurogenesis.

Classification and prediction of clinical diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease based on MRI and plasma measures of α-/γ-tocotrienols and γ-tocopherol

BACKGROUND

The aim of this study was to evaluate the accuracy of combined structural magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) measures and plasma levels of vitamin E forms, including all eight natural vitamin E congeners (four tocopherols and four tocotrienols) and markers of vitamin E oxidative/nitrosative damage, in differentiating individuals with Alzheimer's disease (AD) and mild cognitive impairment (MCI) from cognitively intact control (CTL) subjects.

METHODS

Overall, 81 patients with AD, 86 with MCI and 86 CTL individuals were enrolled from the longitudinal multicentre AddNeuroMed study. MRI and plasma vitamin E data were acquired at baseline. MRI scans were analysed using Freesurfer, an automated segmentation scheme which generates regional volume and cortical thickness measures. Orthogonal partial least squares to latent structures (OPLS), a multivariate data analysis technique, was used to analyse MRI and vitamin E measures in relation to AD and MCI diagnosis.

RESULTS

The joint evaluation of MRI and plasma vitamin E measures enhanced the accuracy of differentiating individuals with AD and MCI from CTL subjects: 98.2% (sensitivity 98.8%, specificity 97.7%) for AD versus CTL, and 90.7% (sensitivity 91.8%, specificity 89.5%) for MCI versus CTL. This combination of measures also identified 85% of individuals with MCI who converted to clinical AD at follow-up after 1 year.

CONCLUSIONS

Plasma levels of tocopherols and tocotrienols together with automated MRI measures can help to differentiate AD and MCI patients from CTL subjects, and to prospectively predict MCI conversion into AD. Our results suggest the potential role of nutritional biomarkers detected in plasma-tocopherols and tocotrienols-as indirect indicators of AD pathology, and the utility of a multimodality approach.

Increased amyloid-β peptide-induced memory deficits in phospholipid transfer protein (PLTP) gene knockout mice

Oxidative stress is recognized as one of the earliest and most intense pathological processes in Alzheimer's disease (AD), and the antioxidant vitamin E has been shown to efficiently prevent amyloid plaque formation and neurodegeneration. Plasma phospholipid transfer protein (PLTP) has a major role in vitamin E transfers in vivo, and PLTP deficiency in mice is associated with reduced brain vitamin E levels. To determine the impact of PLTP on amyloid pathology in vivo, we analyzed the vulnerability of PLTP-deficient (PLTP-KO) mice to the toxic effects induced by intracerebroventricular injection of oligomeric amyloid-β 25-35 (Aβ 25-35) peptide, a non-transgenic model of AD. Under basal conditions, PLTP-KO mice showed increased cerebral oxidative stress, increased brain Aβ 1-42 levels, and a lower expression of the synaptic function marker synaptophysin, as compared with wild-type mice. This PLTP-KO phenotype was associated with increased memory impairment 1 week after Aβ25-35 peptide injection. Restoration of brain vitamin E levels in PLTP-KO mice through a chronic dietary supplementation prevented Aβ 25-35-induced memory deficits and reduced cerebral oxidative stress and toxicity. We conclude that PLTP, through its ability to deliver vitamin E to the brain, constitutes an endogenous neuroprotective agent. Increasing PLTP activity may offer a new way to develop neuroprotective therapies.

Antioxidant therapy: still in search of the 'magic bullet'

The therapeutic potential of natural phenolic antioxidants in human diseases associated with oxidative damage has received great attention to date. Appraisal of literature evidences that, in general, antioxidant therapy has enjoyed relative successes in preclinical studies but little benefits in human intervention studies or clinical trials. In fact, despite the huge, largely untapped potential therapeutic benefit of natural phenolic antioxidants, such as vitamins, non-flavonoid and flavonoid compounds, they appear not to be suitable drug candidates. The problem may be related, among others, to their non-drug-likeness properties. Though controversial the results obtained so far confirm the importance of exploring phenolic natural systems as safe templates for the design of new antioxidants. To support the assumption an outlook of the lead structural optimization process to improve ADME properties was given by means of natural hydroxycinnamic acids as a case study. The optimization of drug physicochemical properties and the development of appropriate delivery antioxidant systems can provide in the next future a way out to attain effective therapeutic antioxidant agents.

Tocopherols and tocotrienols plasma levels are associated with cognitive impairment

Vitamin E includes 8 natural compounds (4 tocopherols, 4 tocotrienols) with potential neuroprotective activity. α-Tocopherol has mainly been investigated in relation to cognitive impairment. We examined the relation of all plasma vitamin E forms and markers of vitamin E damage (α-tocopherylquinone, 5-nitro-γ-tocopherol) to mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and Alzheimer's disease (AD). Within the AddNeuroMed-Project, plasma tocopherols, tocotrienols, α-tocopherylquinone, and 5-nitro-γ-tocopherol were assessed in 168 AD cases, 166 MCI, and 187 cognitively normal (CN) people. Compared with cognitively normal subjects, AD and MCI had lower levels of total tocopherols, total tocotrienols, and total vitamin E. In multivariable-polytomous-logistic regression analysis, both MCI and AD cases had 85% lower odds to be in the highest tertile of total tocopherols and total vitamin E, and they were, respectively, 92% and 94% less likely to be in the highest tertile of total tocotrienols than the lowest tertile. Further, both disorders were associated with increased vitamin E damage. Low plasma tocopherols and tocotrienols levels are associated with increased odds of MCI and AD.

The promise of neuroprotective agents in Parkinson's disease

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is characterized by loss of dopamine neurons in the substantia nigra of the brain. Since there are limited treatment options for PD, neuroprotective agents are currently being tested as a means to slow disease progression. Agents targeting oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, and inflammation are prime candidates for neuroprotection. This review identifies Rasagiline, Minocycline, and creatine, as the most promising neuroprotective agents for PD, and they are all currently in phase III trials. Other agents possessing protective characteristics in delaying PD include stimulants, vitamins, supplements, and other drugs. Additionally, combination therapies also show benefits in slowing PD progression. The identification of neuroprotective agents for PD provides us with therapeutic opportunities for modifying the course of disease progression and, perhaps, reducing the risk of onset when preclinical biomarkers become available.