Preparation of Vitamin E-Containing High-Density Lipoprotein and Its Protective Efficacy on Macrophages

Vitamin E Supplementation and Cardiovascular Health: A Comprehensive Review

This article conducts a thorough investigation into the potential role of vitamin E in preventing cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) in the context of shifting mortality patterns from infectious diseases to the continued prominence of CVDs in modern medicine. The primary focus is on vitamin E's antioxidant properties and its specific ability to counter lipid peroxidation, a pivotal process in the early stages of atherosclerosis, a precursor to CVDs. The research spans a wide range of methodologies, including in vitro, in vivo, clinical, and experimental studies, examining how vitamin E affects critical aspects of cardiovascular health, such as signaling pathways, gene expression, inflammation, and cholesterol metabolism. It also explores vitamin E's influence on complex processes like smooth muscle cell development, oxidative stress reduction, foam cell formation, and the stability of atherosclerotic plaques. In the context of clinical studies, the article presents findings that both support and yield inconclusive results regarding the impact of vitamin E supplementation on CVDs. It acknowledges the intricate interplay of factors such as patient selection, pathophysiological conditions, and genetic variations, all of which can significantly influence the efficacy of vitamin E. The article underscores the need for ongoing research, with a specific focus on understanding the regulatory metabolites of vitamin E and their roles in modulating cellular processes relevant to CVDs. It highlights the potential for innovative therapeutic approaches based on a deeper comprehension of vitamin E's multifaceted effects. However, it also candidly addresses the challenges of translating clinical trial findings into practical applications and emphasizes the importance of considering diverse variables to optimize therapeutic outcomes. In summary, this meticulously conducted study provides a comprehensive examination of vitamin E's potential as a preventive agent against CVDs, recognizing the complexity of the subject and the need for continued research to unlock its full potential in cardiovascular health.

Oxidized Lipids: Common Immunogenic Drivers of Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease and Atherosclerosis

The prevalence of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), ranging from simple steatosis to inflammatory steatohepatitis (NASH) and cirrhosis, continues to rise, making it one of the major chronic liver diseases and indications for liver transplantation worldwide. The pathological processes underlying NAFLD not only affect the liver but are also likely to have systemic effects. In fact, growing evidence indicates that patients with NAFLD are at increased risk for developing atherosclerosis. Indeed, cardiovascular complications are the leading cause of mortality in NAFLD patients. Here, we aim to address common pathophysiological molecular pathways involved in chronic fatty liver disease and atherosclerosis. In particular, we focus on the role of oxidized lipids and the formation of oxidation-specific epitopes, which are important targets of host immunity. Acting as metabolic danger signals, they drive pro-inflammatory processes and thus contribute to disease progression. Finally, we summarize encouraging studies indicating that oxidized lipids are promising immunological targets to improve intervention strategies for NAFLD and potentially limit the risk of developing atherosclerosis.

Vitamin E: Regulatory role in the cardiovascular system

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is one of the major causes of morbidity and mortality, all around the world. Vitamin E is an important nutrient influencing key cellular and molecular mechanisms as well as gene expression regulation centrally involved in the prevention of CVD. Cell culture and animal studies have focused on the identification of vitamin E regulated signaling pathways and involvement on inflammation, lipid homeostasis, and atherosclerotic plaque stability. While some of these vitamin E functions were verified in clinical trials, some of the positive effects were not translated into beneficial outcomes in epidemiological studies. In recent years, the physiological metabolites of vitamin E, including the liver derived (long- and short-chain) metabolites and phosphorylated (α-, γ-tocopheryl phosphate) forms, have also provided novel mechanistic insight into CVD regulation that expands beyond the vitamin E precursor. It is certain that this emerging insight into the molecular and cellular action of vitamin E will help to design further studies, either in animal models or clinical trials, on the reduction of risk for CVDs. This review focuses on vitamin E-mediated preventive cardiovascular effects and discusses novel insights into the biology and mechanism of action of vitamin E metabolites in CVD. © 2019 IUBMB Life, 71(4):507-515, 2019.