Effect of high-dose alpha-tocopherol supplementation on biomarkers of oxidative stress and inflammation and carotid atherosclerosis in patients with coronary artery disease

Hereditary hemochromatosis with homozygous C282Y HFE mutation: possible clinical model to assess effects of elevated reactive oxygen species on the development of cardiovascular disease

Hereditary hemochromatosis with the homozygous C282Y HFE mutation (HH-282H) is a genetic condition which causes iron overload (IO) and elevated reactive oxygen species (ROS) secondary to the IO. Interestingly, even after successful iron removal therapy, HH-282H subjects demonstrate chronically elevated ROS. Raised ROS are also associated with the development of multiple cardiovascular diseases and HH-282H subjects may be at risk to develop these complications. In this narrative review, we consider HH-282H subjects as a clinical model for assessing the contribution of elevated ROS to the development of cardiovascular diseases in subjects with fewer confounding clinical risk factors as compared to other disease conditions with high ROS. We identify HH-282H subjects as a potentially unique clinical model to assess the impact of chronically elevated ROS on the development of cardiovascular disease and to serve as a clinical model to detect effective interventions for anti-ROS therapy.

Phytol from Scoparia dulcis prevents NF-κB-mediated inflammatory responses during macrophage polarization

Macrophages are primary immune cells that mediate a wide range of inflammatory diseases through their polarization potential. In this study, phytol isolated from Scoparia dulcis has been explored against 7-ketocholesterol and bacterial lipopolysaccharide-induced macrophage polarization in IC-21 cells. Isolated phytol has been characterized using GC-MS, TLC, HPTLC, FTIR, 1H-NMR, and HPLC analyses. The immunomodulatory effects of viable concentrations of phytol were tested on oxidative stress, arginase activity, nuclear and mitochondrial membrane potentials in IC-21 cells in addition to the modulation of calcium and lipids. Further, gene and protein expression of atherogenic markers were studied. Results showed that the isolated phytol at a viable concentration of 400 µg/ml effectively reduced the production of nitric oxide, superoxide anion (ROS generation), calcium and lipid accumulation, stabilized nuclear and mitochondrial membranes, and increased arginase activity. The atherogenic markers including iNOS, COX-2, IL-6, IL-1β, MMP-9, CD36, and NF-κB were significantly downregulated at the levels of gene and protein expression, while macrophage surface and nuclear receptor markers (CD206, CD163, and PPAR-γ) were significantly upregulated by phytol pre-treatment in macrophages. Therefore, the present pharmacognostic study supports the role of phytol isolated from Scoparia dulcis in preventing M2-M1 macrophage polarization under inflammatory conditions, making it a promising compound.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s13205-024-03924-9.

Mechanism associated with changes in male reproductive functions during ageing process

Ageing is a natural process with physiological changes in different body parts and has been associated with decreased reproductive capacity. Factors such as imbalance in the antioxidant defence system, vascular diseases, diabetes mellitus, accessory reproductive glands infection, obesity as well as buildup of toxic substances play a role in age-related male reproductive malfunction. Age is inversely proportional to volume of semen, sperm count, sperm progressive motility, sperm viability, normal sperm morphology. The observed negative correlation between ageing and semen indices contributes to male infertility and reproductive decline. Normal levels of ROS, plays crucial role in facilitating sperm function, such as capacitation, hyper-activation, acrosome reaction as well as sperm-oocyte fusion; however, a substantial elevation in the endogenous level of ROS, especially in reproductive tissues, usually instigates destruction of sperm cells and heightened male infertility. Contrarily, antioxidants, such as vitamins C and E, beta-carotene, and micronutrients like zinc and folate, have been found by researchers to facilitate normal semen quality and male reproductive function. Furthermore, the role of hormonal imbalance as a result of the compromised hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis, Sertoli and Leydig cells disorder, and nitric oxide-medicated erectile dysfunction during ageing cannot be undermined.

Age and Sex Differences in the Association between Serum Vitamin E Levels and Depressive Symptoms: Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey

Studies have reported inconsistent results regarding the relationship between serum vitamin E levels and depressive symptoms. Furthermore, the potential modulating role of age and sex has been underexplored. We conduct an age- and sex-stratified investigation of the association between serological vitamin E status and depressive symptoms in a large nationwide sample. Data from the Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey were analyzed (n = 4448). The participants were stratified into four groups according to age (<65 vs. ≥65 years) and sex. Each group was divided into tertiles of vitamin E/total lipid ratio, and Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) scores were compared among the tertiles via multivariable linear regression analyses. The relationship between dietary supplement use and the proportions of tertiles was assessed in each group. With the middle tertile as the reference group, the low tertile of vitamin E/total lipid ratio was associated with increased PHQ-9 scores in younger females and older males after adjusting for all covariates, while the high tertile showed no significant associations with PHQ-9 scores in any group. The low tertile was associated with increased adjusted mean PHQ-9 scores by 0.53 and 1.02 compared to the middle tertile in younger females and older males, respectively. Dietary supplement use was related to higher vitamin E/total lipid ratio in all four groups. In conclusion, younger females and older males with a low vitamin E status showed worse depressive symptoms. These individuals may benefit from dietary interventions to prevent depressive symptoms.

Protective Actions of α-Tocopherol on Cell Membrane Lipids of Paraquat-Stressed Human Astrocytes Using Microarray Technology, MALDI-MS and Lipidomic Analysis

Cellular senescence is one of the main contributors to some neurodegenerative disorders. The early detection of senescent cells or their related effects is a key aspect in treating disease progression. In this functional deterioration, oxidative stress and lipid peroxidation play an important role. Endogenous antioxidant compounds, such as α-tocopherol (vitamin E), can mitigate these undesirable effects, particularly lipid peroxidation, by blocking the reaction between free radicals and unsaturated fatty acid. While the antioxidant actions of α-tocopherol have been studied in various systems, monitoring the specific effects on cell membrane lipids at scales compatible with large screenings has not yet been accomplished. Understanding the changes responsible for this protection against one of the consequences of senescence is therefore necessary. Thus, the goal of this study was to determinate the changes in the lipid environment of a Paraquat-treated human astrocytic cell line, as a cellular oxidative stress model, and the specific actions of the antioxidant, α-tocopherol, using cell membrane microarray technology, MALDI-MS and lipidomic analysis. The stress induced by Paraquat exposure significantly decreased cell viability and triggered membrane lipid changes, such as an increase in certain species of ceramides that are lipid mediators of apoptotic pathways. The pre-treatment of cells with α-tocopherol mitigated these effects, enhancing cell viability and modulating the lipid profile in Paraquat-treated astrocytes. These results demonstrate the lipid modulation effects of α-tocopherol against Paraquat-promoted oxidative stress and validate a novel analytical high-throughput method combining cell cultures, microarray technology, MALDI-MS and multivariate analysis to study antioxidant compounds against cellular senescence.

Vitamin E and Metabolic Health: Relevance of Interactions with Other Micronutrients

A hundred years have passed since vitamin E was identified as an essential micronutrient for mammals. Since then, many biological functions of vitamin E have been unraveled in both cell and animal models, including antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, as well as regulatory activities on cell signaling and gene expression. However, the bioavailability and physiological functions of vitamin E have been considerably shown to depend on lifestyle, genetic factors, and individual health conditions. Another important facet that has been considered less so far is the endogenous interaction with other nutrients. Accumulating evidence indicates that the interaction between vitamin E and other nutrients, especially those that are enriched by supplementation in humans, may explain at least some of the discrepancies observed in clinical trials. Meanwhile, increasing evidence suggests that the different forms of vitamin E metabolites and derivates also exhibit physiological activities, which are more potent and mediated via different pathways compared to the respective vitamin E precursors. In this review, possible molecular mechanisms between vitamin E and other nutritional factors are discussed and their potential impact on physiological and pathophysiological processes is evaluated using published co-supplementation studies.

Oxidative Stress: What Is It? Can It Be Measured? Where Is It Located? Can It Be Good or Bad? Can It Be Prevented? Can It Be Cured?

The meaning, the appropriate usage and the misusage of the terms oxidative stress, oxidative eustress, and oxidative distress have been evaluated. It has been realized that the terms oxidative stress and oxidative damage are often used inappropriately as synonyms. The usage of the term eustress (intended as good stress) is unsuitable to indicate signaling by reactive molecular an event that can be finalistically considered either good or bad, depending on the circumstances. The so defined oxidative distress is an oxidative damage but not an oxidative stress. What is measured and defined as oxidative stress is in fact an oxidative damage. Damaging oxidations and signaling oxidant events (good or bad) can be present, also simultaneously, in different and multiple location of a cell, tissue or body and the measure of an oxidant event in body fluids or tissue specimen can only be the sum of non-separatable events, sometimes of opposite sign. There is no officially approved therapy to prevent or cure oxidative stress or oxidative damage.

TGF-β1, NAG-1, and antioxidant enzymes expression alterations in Cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity in a rat model: Comparative modulating role of Melatonin, Vit. E and Ozone

Cisplatin (CP) is an anticancer medication that is commonly used to treat solid tumors. Its use is, however, dose-restricted due to nephrotoxicity. We planned to compare the nephroprotective effects of three major compounds, including melatonin (MN), Ozone, or vitamin E, against the CP-induced renal damage in rats. CP was given once intraperitoneally (10 mg/kg,) eliciting acute kidney injury as assured by several adverse histological changes; glomerulopathy, tubulopathy, and vasculopathy, an inflammatory response including elevated TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1β. Furthermore, biochemical alterations including, elevated plasma levels of urea, uric acid, creatinine, phosphorous, decreased plasma calcium levels, and gene expression abnormalities; upregulation of N-acetyl-β-d-glucosaminidase (NAG) and Transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1), downregulation of CAT and SOD. Concurrent supplementation with either MN (10 mg/kg per os) or Ozone (1.1 mg/kg ip) and Vit E given by oral gavage (1 g/kg) for five consecutive days prior to CP injection and five days afterward displayed variable significant nephroprotective effects by mitigating the pro-inflammatory secretion, augmenting antioxidant competence, and modulating the gene expression in the renal tissue. The obtained biochemical, histological, and gene expression data suggested that MN had foremost rescue effects followed by Ozone then Vit E. MN's ameliorative effect was augmented in many indices including TNF-α, IL-6 , IL1-β, uric acid, creatinine, sNGAL and GGT, more than observed in Ozone, and Vit E therapy. A combination of these medications is expected to be more useful in relieving the damaging renal effects of CP given to cancer patients, pending further toxicological and pharmacological research.

Asthma, allergy and vitamin E: Current and future perspectives

Asthma and allergic disease result from interactions of environmental exposures and genetics. Vitamin E is one environmental factor that can modify development of allergy early in life and modify responses to allergen after allergen sensitization. Seemingly varied outcomes from vitamin E are consistent with the differential functions of the isoforms of vitamin E. Mechanistic studies demonstrate that the vitamin E isoforms α-tocopherol and γ-tocopherol have opposite functions in regulation of allergic inflammation and development of allergic disease, with α-tocopherol having anti-inflammatory functions and γ-tocopherol having pro-inflammatory functions in allergy and asthma. Moreover, global differences in prevalence of asthma by country may be a result, at least in part, of differences in consumption of these two isoforms of tocopherols. It is critical in clinical and animal studies that measurements of the isoforms of tocopherols be determined in vehicles for the treatments, and in the plasma and/or tissues before and after intervention. As allergic inflammation is modifiable by tocopherol isoforms, differential regulation by tocopherol isoforms provide a foundation for development of interventions to improve lung function in disease and raise the possibility of early life dietary interventions to limit the development of lung disease.

The Effect of α-Tocopherol on the Reduction of Inflammatory Processes and the Negative Effect of Acrylamide

Our research aimed to show acrylamide's influence on inflammatory processes, the oxidative stress it causes in the cholinergic system, and the possibility of reducing inflammation via supplementation with α-tocopherol. For this purpose, an in ovo model was used where the embryos were exposed to acrylamide, α-tocopherol and a cocktail of these substances. After 48 h of exposure, we collected brain samples and performed biochemical assays to examine the effect of the chosen substances on oxidative stress (malondialdehyde-MDA and reduced glutathione-GSH) and acetylcholinesterase activity (AChE). The results showed that acrylamide decreased AChE activity in the examined brain samples by about 25% in comparison to the control group, and this effect was decreased by administering α-tocopherol. The concentration of malondialdehyde significantly increased in the group given acrylamide, while, in the group with α-tocopherol, the observed concentration was lower in comparison to the control group. Moreover, a decrease in glutathione concentration was observed after the administration of acrylamide; however, the protective effect of α-tocopherol was only slightly visible in this case. In conclusion, α-tocopherol minimizes the harmful effects of acrylamide on AchE, and it can minimize the concentration of MDA.

Afamin Levels and Their Correlation with Oxidative and Lipid Parameters in Non-diabetic, Obese Patients

Background: Afamin is a liver-produced bioactive protein and features α- and γ-tocopherol binding sites. Afamin levels are elevated in metabolic syndrome and obesity and correlate well with components of metabolic syndrome. Afamin concentrations, correlations between afamin and vitamin E, afamin and lipoprotein subfractions in non-diabetic, obese patients have not been fully examined. Methods: Fifty non-diabetic, morbidly obese patients and thirty-two healthy, normal-weight individuals were involved in our study. The afamin concentrations were measured by ELISA. Lipoprotein subfractions were determined with gel electrophoresis. Gas chromatography–mass spectrometry was used to measure α- and γ tocopherol levels. Results: Afamin concentrations were significantly higher in the obese patients compared to the healthy control (70.4 ± 12.8 vs. 47.6 ± 8.5 μg/mL, p < 0.001). Positive correlations were found between afamin and fasting glucose, HbA1c, hsCRP, triglyceride, and oxidized LDL level, as well as the amount and ratio of small HDL subfractions. Negative correlations were observed between afamin and mean LDL size, as well as the amount and ratio of large HDL subfractions. After multiple regression analysis, HbA1c levels and small HDL turned out to be independent predictors of afamin. Conclusions: Afamin may be involved in the development of obesity-related oxidative stress via the development of insulin resistance and not by affecting α- and γ-tocopherol levels.

Interventional study with vitamin E in cardiovascular disease and meta-analysis

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is one of the major causes of morbidity and mortality and atherosclerosis is the common root to most of the CVD. Oxidative stress is one of the most important factors driving atherosclerosis and its complications. Thus, strategies for the prevention and treatment of cardiovascular events had oxidative changes as a potential target. Natural vitamin E consists of a family of eight different compounds, four tocopherols and four tocotrienols. All tocopherols and tocotrienols are potent antioxidants with lipoperoxyl radical-scavenging activities. In addition, α-tocopherol possesses also anti-inflammatory as well as anti-atherothrombotic effects by modulating platelet and clotting system. Experimental and in vitro studies described molecular and cellular signalling pathways regulated by vitamin E antithrombotic and antioxidant properties. While observational studies demonstrated an inverse association between vitamin E serum levels and CVD, interventional trials with vitamin supplements provided negative results. This review focus on the impact of vitamin E in the atherothrombotic process and describes the results of experimental and clinical studies with the caveats related to the interventional trials with vitamin E to prevent CVD.

Administration of vitamin E attenuates airway inflammation through restoration of Nrf2 in a mouse model of asthma

Accumulating evidence reveals that ROS is one of the key mediators that contribute to the development of asthma. Studies on antioxidants have shown to have beneficial effects on asthma management. However, we still do not know the precise mechanism, and the effects depend on age. This study was conducted to assess the levels of ROS and the effect of antioxidants in younger and older mice using an eosinophilic asthma model. We analyzed airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR), cytokines in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF), inflammatory cell counts, and the expression levels of NFκB, Nrf2, EPx, and EDN in the lung tissue, as well as the level of ROS in the lung tissue and BALF. The degree of eosinophilia and the levels of IL-5, ROS, and NFκB were significantly increased, whereas the endogenous levels of vitamin E and Nrf2 were decreased in the lung and BALF in the older mice compared to younger mice. The administration of vitamin E attenuated AHR, airway inflammation, and the level of IL-13 and ROS and enhanced the Nrf2 level in the older mice compared to the younger mice. Taken together, vitamin E treatment may have the therapeutic potential through restoration of the Nrf2 level, especially in elderly asthma.

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.

The beneficial effects of antioxidants combination on cardiac injury induced by tetrachloromethane

The purpose of this research was to evaluate the efficacy of carsil (CAR) either alone or in combination with α-tocopherol (α-TOCO) and/or turmeric (TUMR) against tetrachloromethane (TCM)-induced cardiomyocyte injury in rats. Administration of CAR either alone or in combination with α-TOCO and/or TUMR post-TCM injection, significantly mitigated the increases in serum troponin T, creatine kinase-MB (CK-MB) as well as interleukin-6 (IL-6), interferon γ (IFN-γ), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), C-reactive protein (CRP). They also decline the elevation of caspase-3, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) protein expression as well as DNA damage in cardiac tissues induced by TCM. The biochemical results were confirmed by histopathological investigation. Conclusion: The combination of the three antioxidants showed greater cardioprotective potential, compared to individual drugs. Therefore, this combination may be recommended as a complementary therapy to antagonize cardiac injury induced by different insults.

The effect of vitamin E supplementation on selected inflammatory biomarkers in adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials

The previous meta-analysis of clinical trials revealed a beneficial effect of vitamin E supplementation on serum C-reactive protein (CRP) concentrations; however, it is unknown whether this vitamin has the same influence on other inflammatory biomarkers. Also, several clinical trials have been published since the release of earlier meta-analysis. Therefore, we aimed to conduct a comprehensive meta-analysis to summarize current evidence on the effects of vitamin E supplementation on inflammatory biomarkers in adults. We searched the online databases using relevant keywords up to November 2019. Randomized clinical trials (RCTs) investigating the effect of vitamin E, compared with the placebo, on serum concentrations of inflammatory cytokines were included. Overall, we included 33 trials with a total sample size of 2102 individuals, aged from 20 to 70 years. Based on 36 effect sizes from 26 RCTs on serum concentrations of CRP, we found a significant reduction following supplementation with vitamin E (− 0.52, 95% CI − 0.80, − 0.23 mg/L, P < 0.001). Although the overall effect of vitamin E supplementation on serum concentrations of interleukin-6 (IL-6) was not significant, a significant reduction in this cytokine was seen in studies that used α-tocopherol and those trials that included patients with disorders related to insulin resistance. Moreover, we found a significant reducing effect of vitamin E supplementation on tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) concentrations at high dosages of vitamin E; such that based on dose–response analysis, serum TNF-α concentrations were reduced significantly at the dosages of ≥ 700 mg/day vitamin E (P_{non-linearity} = 0.001). Considering different chemical forms of vitamin E, α-tocopherol, unlike other forms, had a reducing effect on serum levels of CRP and IL-6. In conclusion, our findings revealed a beneficial effect of vitamin E supplementation, particularly in the form of α-tocopherol, on subclinical inflammation in adults. Future high-quality RCTs should be conducted to translate this anti-inflammatory effect of vitamin E to the clinical setting.

Cardiovascular and Metabolic Protection by Vitamin E: A Matter of Treatment Strategy?

Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) cause about 1/3 of global deaths. Therefore, new strategies for the prevention and treatment of cardiovascular events are highly sought-after. Vitamin E is known for significant antioxidative and anti-inflammatory properties, and has been studied in the prevention of CVD, supported by findings that vitamin E deficiency is associated with increased risk of cardiovascular events. However, randomized controlled trials in humans reveal conflicting and ultimately disappointing results regarding the reduction of cardiovascular events with vitamin E supplementation. As we discuss in detail, this outcome is strongly affected by study design, cohort selection, co-morbidities, genetic variations, age, and gender. For effective chronic primary and secondary prevention by vitamin E, oxidative and inflammatory status might not have been sufficiently antagonized. In contrast, acute administration of vitamin E may be more translatable into positive clinical outcomes. In patients with myocardial infarction (MI), which is associated with severe oxidative and inflammatory reactions, decreased plasma levels of vitamin E have been found. The offsetting of this acute vitamin E deficiency via short-term treatment in MI has shown promising results, and, thus, acute medication, rather than chronic supplementation, with vitamin E might revitalize vitamin E therapy and even provide positive clinical outcomes.

Functional nano-vector boost anti-atherosclerosis efficacy of berberine in Apoe (-/-) mice

Atherosclerosis (AS) is the leading cause of heart attacks, stroke, and peripheral vascular disease. Berberine (BBR), a botanical medicine, has diversified anti-atherosclerotic effects but with poor absorption. The aim of this study was to develop an effective BBR-entrapped nano-system for treating AS in high-fat diet (HFD)-fed Apoe ^(-/-) mice, and also explore the possible underlying mechanisms involved. Three d-α-tocopherol polyethylene glycol (PEG) succinate (TPGS) analogues with different PEG chain lengths were synthesized to formulate BBR-entrapped micelles. HFD-fed Apoe ^(-/-) mice were administered with optimized formula (BBR, 100 mg/kg/day) orally for 5 months. The artery plaque onset and related metabolic disorders were evaluated, and the underlying mechanisms were studied. Our data showed that, BT₁₅₀₀M increased BBR deposition in liver and adipose by 107.6% and 172.3%, respectively. In the Apoe ^(-/-) mice, BT₁₅₀₀M ameliorated HFD-induced hyperlipidemia and lipid accumulation in liver and adipose. BT₁₅₀₀M also suppressed HFD-induced chronic inflammation as evidenced by the reduced liver and adipose levels of interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interleukin-1β (IL-1β); and decreased plasma level of TNF-α, IL-6, IL-1β, interferon-γ (IFN-γ), monocyte chemotactic protein (MCP), and macrophage inflammatory factor (MIP). The mechanism study showed that BT₁₅₀₀M changed Ampk and Nf-κb gene expression, and interrupted a crosstalk process between adipocytes and macrophages. Further investigation proved that BT₁₅₀₀M decreased endothelial lesion and subsequent macrophage activation, cytokines release, as well as cholesteryl ester gathering in the aortic arch, resulting in ameliorated artery plaque build-up. Our results provide a practical strategy for treating AS using a BBR-entrapped nano-system.

The polypharmacy reduction potential of cinnamic acids and some related compounds in pre- and post-onset management of type 2 diabetes mellitus

Objectives. This review assesses the polypharmacy reduction potential of cinnamic acids (CAs) and some related compounds in managing three or more of the cluster of seven, pre- and post-type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM)-related features (central obesity, hyperglycemia, hypertension, dyslipidemia, pro-thrombosis, oxidation, and inflammation).

Methods. Google scholar and Pubmed were searched for cinnam*, chlorogenic acid, ferulic acid, and caffeic acid in conjunction with each of pre- and post-onset T2DM, central obesity, hyperglycemia, hypertension, dyslipidemia, pro-thrombosis, oxidation, and inflammation. The study was divided into an introduction followed by findings on the impacts of each of the CAs including trans-CA acid, the E isomer of a CA-based thiazolidinedione and a metabolite of that isomer, as well as p-methoxy CA, various cinnamic amides and some other CA-related compounds (chlorogenic acid, cinnamaldehyde, ferulic and caffeic acid).

Results. Trans-CA has a potential to manage three, while each of chlorogenic acid, cinnamalde-hyde, caffeic acid and ferulic acid has a potential to manage all seven members of the cluster. Other CA-related compounds identified may manage only one or two of the cluster of seven.

Conclusions. Much of the work has been done in animal models of pre- and post-onset T2DM and non-pre- or post-onset T2DM humans and animals, along with some cell culture and in vitro work. Very little work has been done with human pre- and post-onset T2DM. While there is potential for managing 3 or more members of the cluster with many of these compounds, a definitive answer awaits large pre- and post-T2DM onset clinical trials with humans.

The modifying effect of nutritional factors on the association between IL1-β single nucleotide polymorphism and serum CXCL10 levels in young Canadian adults

BACKGROUND

Genetic and nutritional factors play an important role in inflammatory response and diseases. CXCL10 is a critical biomarker that is involved in multiple inflammatory diseases, and elevated levels of CXCL10 have been associated with the development of several chronic and infectious diseases. In contrast, micronutrients can attenuate inflammatory responses. Single nucleotide polymorphisms in the pro-inflammatory cytokine genes such as IL-1β at rs16944 contributed to a number of inflammatory disorders and may substantiate the convergance between chronic and infectious diseases.

AIM

This study aims to identify the modifying effect of nutritional factors on the association between IL-1β genotypes and CXCL10 levels.

METHODS

Participants (N = 386) were healthy males and females from the Toronto Nutrigenomics and Health study recruited from the University of Toronto. Levels of micronutrients and inflammatory markers were measured in plasma. IL-1β genotypes were extracted from the Affymetrix 6.0 SNP chip.

RESULTS

CXCL10 levels were not different across different IL-1β genotypes. Among those with the GA genotype, elevated CXCL10 levels were observed with higher than median ascorbic acid (β = 0.004 ± 0.002, P = 0.047) or higher than median vitamin D status (β = 0.003 ± 0.002, P = 0.044). Among participants with the AA genotype, subjects with low α-tocopherol status had elevated levels of CXCL10 (β = -0.016 ± 0.007, P = 0.012).

CONCLUSION

The association between IL-1β rs16944 genotype and CXCL10 levels was modified by the levels of ascorbic acid, α-tocopherol and vitamin D. These findings may aid in understanding the combined effect of genetic and dietary factors in the development of various infectious and chronic diseases in which IL-1β and CXCL10 may play an etiological role.

The Combined Effect of Polygenic Risk from FTO and ADRB2 Gene Variants, Odds of Obesity, and Post-Hipcref Diet Differences

BACKGROUND

Computing polygenic risk scores (PRS) to predict the degree of risk for obesity may contribute to weight management programs strategically.

OBJECTIVES

To investigate the combined effect of FTO rs9930501, rs9930506, and rs9932754 and ADRB2 rs1042713 and rs1042714 using PRS on (1) the odds of obesity and (2) post-intervention differences in dietary, anthropometric, and cardiometabolic parameters in response to high-protein calorie-restricted, high-vitamin E, high-fiber (Hipcref) diet intervention in Malaysian adults.

METHODS

Both a cross-sectional study (n = 178) and a randomized controlled trial (RCT) (n = 128) were conducted to test the aforementioned objectives. PRS was computed as the weighted sum of the risk alleles possessed by each individual participant. Participants were stratified into first (PRS 0-0.64), second (PRS 0.65-3.59), and third (PRS 3.60-8.18) tertiles.

RESULTS

The third tertile of PRS was associated with significantly higher odds of obesity: 2.29 (95% CI = 1.11-4.72, adjusted p = 0.025) compared to the first tertile. Indians (3.9 ± 0.3) had significantly higher PRS compared to Chinese (2.1 ± 0.4) (p = 0.010). In the RCT, a greater reduction in high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) levels was found in second and third tertiles after Hipcref diet intervention compared to the control diet (p interaction = 0.048).

CONCLUSION

Higher PRS was significantly associated with increased odds of obesity. Individuals with higher PRS had a significantly greater reduction in hsCRP levels after Hipcref diet compared to the control diet.

Increased oxidative stress, inflammation, and glutamate: Potential preventive and therapeutic targets for hearing disorders

Hearing disorders constitute one of the major health concerns in the USA. Decades of basic and clinical studies have identified numerous ototoxic agents and investigated their modes of action on the inner ear, utilizing tissue culture as well as animal and human models. Current preventive and therapeutic approaches are considered unsatisfactory. Therefore, additional modalities should be developed. Many studies suggest that increased levels of oxidative stress, chronic inflammation, and glutamate play an important role in the initiation and progression of damage to the inner ear leading to hearing impairments. To prevent these cellular deficits, antioxidants, anti-inflammatory agents, and antagonists of glutamate receptor have been used individually or in combination with limited success. It is essential, therefore, to simultaneously enhance the levels of antioxidant enzymes by activating the Nrf2 (a nuclear transcriptional factor) pathway, dietary and endogenous antioxidant compounds, and B12-vitamins in order to reduce the levels of oxidative stress, chronic inflammation, and glutamate at the same time. This review presents evidence to show that increased levels of these cellular metabolites, biochemical or factors are involved in the pathogenesis of cochlea leading to hearing impairments. It presents scientific rationale for the use of a mixture of micronutrients that may decrease the levels of oxidative damage, chronic inflammation, and glutamate at the same time. The benefits for using oral administration of proposed micronutrient mixture in humans are presented. Animal and limited human studies indirectly suggest that orally administered micronutrients can accumulate in the inner ear. Therefore, this route of administration may be useful in prevention, and in combination with standard care, in improved management of hearing problems following exposure to well-recognized and studied ototoxic agents, such as noise, cisplatin, aminoglycoside antibiotics, and advanced age.

Association Between Fat-soluble Vitamins and Lipid Profile in the Overweight Population

BACKGROUND & AIMS

It is well-known that the coronary artery stenosis is related to lipid profile. This is a descriptive cross-sectional study to investigate the relationship between the serum fat-soluble vitamins (A, E and D), circulating proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9), and lipid profile in the study population.

METHODS

A total of 120 overweight subjects were participated in this study. The circulating PCSK9 and vitamin D were measured by ELISA technique. The serum vitamin A and vitamin E amounts were simultaneously measured by the HPLC method. The Serum Small Dense LDLCholesterol (sdLDL-C) values were evaluated using heparin-Mg2+ precipitation technique. The lipid profile was measured by routine laboratory techniques.

RESULTS

The serum vitamin E values correlated significantly to vitamin A (r= 0.47, P= 0.0001), VLDL-C (r= 0.30, P= 0.002), total cholesterol (r= 0.309, P= 0.001), PCSK9 (r= 0.233, P= 0.01) and total triglyceride (r= 0.61, P= 0.0001) values. The circulating PCSK9 values correlated significantly to LDL-C (r= 0.17, P= 0.05) and total cholesterol (r= 0.23, P= 0.009) values. However, there were not correlations between the levels of serum D and A vitamins, the serum LDL-C, sdLDL-C and total cholesterol values.

CONCLUSION

The data showed the correlations between serum vitamin E and PCSK9-related LDLC values lower than the normal range. Furthermore, the results suggested a nutritional need on the patents considering supplementation or fortification of vitamin E for the overweight subjects with higher LDL-C levels.

Clinical Advances in Immunonutrition and Atherosclerosis: A Review

Atherosclerosis is a chronic low-grade inflammatory disease that affects large and medium-sized arteries and is considered to be a major underlying cause of cardiovascular disease (CVD). The high risk of mortality by atherosclerosis has led to the development of new strategies for disease prevention and management, including immunonutrition. Plant-based dietary patterns, functional foods, dietary supplements, and bioactive compounds such as the Mediterranean Diet, berries, polyunsaturated fatty acids, ω-3 and ω-6, vitamins E, A, C, and D, coenzyme Q10, as well as phytochemicals including isoflavones, stilbenes, and sterols have been associated with improvement in atheroma plaque at an inflammatory level. However, many of these correlations have been obtained in vitro and in experimental animals' models. On one hand, the present review focuses on the evidence obtained from epidemiological, dietary intervention and supplementation studies in humans supporting the role of immunonutrient supplementation and its effect on anti-inflammatory response in atherosclerotic disease. On the other hand, this review also analyzes the possible molecular mechanisms underlying the protective action of these supplements, which may lead a novel therapeutic approach to prevent or attenuate diet-related disease, such as atherosclerosis.

Therapeutic effect of Vitamin E in preventing bone loss: An evidence-based review

The present review explored the anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory properties of vitamin E, which has protective action against osteoporosis. A systematic review of the literature was conducted to identify the published bone studies on vitamin E. The studies included inflammatory or immunology-related parameters. Medline and Scopus databases were searched for relevant studies published from 2005 till 2015. Research articles published in English and confined to the effect of vitamin E on bone were included. It is pertinent to mention that these studies took into consideration inflammatory or immunology parameters including interleukin (IL)-1, IL-6, receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa-B ligand (RANKL), inducible nitric oxide synthases (iNOS), serum amyloid A (SAA), e-selection and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP). An extended literature search yielded 127 potentially relevant articles with seven articles meeting the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Another recent article was added with the total number accounting to eight. All these included literature comprised five animal studies, one in-vitro study and two human studies. These studies demonstrated that vitamin E, especially tocotrienol, was able to alleviate IL-1, IL-6, RANKL, iNOS and hs-CRP levels in relation to bone metabolism. In conclusion, vitamin E exerts its anti-osteoporotic actions via its anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory effects.

Effect of an individualised high-protein, energy-restricted diet on anthropometric and cardio-metabolic parameters in overweight and obese Malaysian adults: a 6-month randomised controlled study

The aim of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of the Hipcref (high-protein, energy-restricted, high-vitamin E and high-fibre) diet in Malaysian adults on body composition and metabolic parameters after an intervention period of 6 months. Overweight/obese Malaysian adults (n 128; BMI≥23 kg/m2) were randomised to the Hipcref (n 65) or control diet (n 63). The intervention group received Hipcref diet charts based on their personal preferences. The control group followed a generalised dietary advice based on Malaysian Dietary Guidelines, 2010. All participants were responsible for preparing their own meals. There was a significant treatment group×time effect on anthropometric parameters (P&lt;0·05) on an intention-to-treat basis. Pairwise comparisons revealed that Hipcref diet participants had significant reduction in weight, BMI, waist circumference, fat mass and percentage body fat at months 3 and 6 compared with baseline (P&lt;0·001). The control group had significant increase in weight and BMI at months 3 and 6 compared with baseline (P&lt;0·05). The Hipcref diet group had higher reduction in fasting insulin, insulin resistance and C-reactive protein levels compared with the control group at month 6 (P&lt;0·05). Post-intervention, compared with the control group, the Hipcref diet group was found to consume significantly higher percentage energy from protein, and PUFA, higher energy-adjusted vitamin E (mg) and fibre (g), and lower total energy, lower percentage energy from fat and carbohydrate (P&lt;0·05). The success of the Hipcref diet on overweight/obese Malaysian adults may be due to the combined effect of the nutrient composition of the Hipcref diet.

Lignans' Potential in Pre and Post-onset Type 2 Diabetes Management

INTRODUCTION

Type 2 Diabetes (T2D) cases continue to rise dramatically despite efforts to get people to exercise and eat with a view to health and combatting the cluster of 7 issues (central obesity (elevated waist circumference), hyperglycaemia, hypertension, dyslipidemia, pro-thrombotic state, increased oxidation (including Low-density Lipoprotein (LDL)) and the pro-inflammatory state associated with pre- and post-onset T2D.

BACKGROUND

There are numerous medications available to deal with these seven major issues. However, each medication currently available manages a maximum of two cluster members at a time. Consequently, polypharmacy is frequently required to manage the cluster of seven. Polypharmacy brings with it high financial costs for numerous medications, the risk of poor compliance (particularly so in older patients), side effects and drug interactions. Thus, there is a search for new agents that reduce the high costs and risks of polypharmacy while at the same time combatting three or more of the cluster of seven. There is very limited evidence to suggest that one or more lignans may efficaciously and safely, in the short and long term, manage at least three of the cluster of seven, pre- and post-T2D onset, thus reducing polypharmacy. However, multi-centre, large clinical trials are required before any definitive conclusions about these lignans can be reached regarding their safe and efficacious polypharmacy reduction potential, both long and short-term, in pre and post-onset T2D management.

CONCLUSION

It is concluded that some lignans appear to have the potential to manage at least three members of the cluster of seven in pre- or post-T2D onset and hence reduce polypharmacy but much more investigation is required to confirm if such is the case. At the moment, there is not enough evidence that any of the lignans will, in the long or short term, safely and efficaciously manage the cluster of seven via polypharmacy reduction.

Vitamin E: Regulatory role of metabolites

Vitamin E plays an important role as a lipophilic antioxidant in cellular redox homeostasis. Besides this function, numerous non-antioxidant properties of this vitamin have been discovered in the past. DNA microarray technology revealed a complex regulatory network influenced by the different vitamin E forms (Rimbach et al., Molecules, 15, 1746 (2010); Galli et al., Free Radic. Biol. Med., 102, 16 (2017)); however, little is known about the biological activity of vitamin E metabolites. A new chapter of vitamin E research was been opened when endogenous long-chain tocopherol metabolites were identified and their high biological activity in vitro and in vivo was recognized (Schmölz et al., World J. Biol. Chem., 7, 14 (2016); Torquato et al., J. Pharm. Biomed. Anal., 124, 399 (2016)). Just recently, it was shown that an endogenous metabolite of vitamin E inhibits 5-lipoxygenase at nanomolar concentrations, thereby limiting inflammation (Pein et al., Nat. Commun., 9, 3834 (2018)). Furthermore, long-chain vitamin E metabolites (LCM) exhibit hormone-like activities similar to the lipid soluble vitamins A and D (Galli et al., Free Radic. Biol. Med., 102, 16 (2017); Schubert et al., Antioxidants, 7 (2018)). This review aims at summarizing recent findings on the regulatory activities of vitamin E metabolites, especially of LCMs. © 2018 IUBMB Life, 71(4):479-486, 2019.

The Effects of Omega-3 and Vitamin E Co-supplementation on Carotid Intima-media Thickness and Inflammatory Factors in Patients with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

Objectives

We sought to evaluate the effects of omega-3 and vitamin E co-supplementation on carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT) and inflammatory factors in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).

Methods

This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial was done among 60 women with PCOS. Participants were randomly assigned into two groups (n = 30 each group) and assigned to take either 1000 mg omega-3 plus 400 IU vitamin E supplements or a placebo for 12 weeks.

Results

Compared with placebo, omega-3 and vitamin E co-supplementation led to significant decreases in maximum levels of left CIMT (-0.006±0.006 vs. +0.002±0.007 mm, p < 0.001), mean levels of left CIMT (-0.005±0.006 vs. +0.002±0.010 mm, p = 0.010), maximum levels of right CIMT (-0.006±0.010 vs. +0.006±0.010 mm, p = 0.010), and mean levels of right CIMT (-0.005±0.005 vs. +0.001±0.010 mm, p = 0.020). Change in high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) (-390.6±942.9 vs. +237.0±754.3 ng/mL, p = 0.006) was significantly different between the supplemented patients and placebo group. We did not observe any significant effect in plasma nitric oxide (NO) values following supplementation with omega-3 plus vitamin E compared with the placebo.

Conclusions

Co-supplementation with omega-3 and vitamin E for 12 weeks among patients with PCOS had beneficial effects on CIMT and serum hs-CRP values, but unchanged NO values.

Effect of Vitamin E Supplementation on Plasma and Urine Levels of Isoprostane F2α in Randomized Controlled Clinical Trials: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Vitamin E can reduce the level of lipid peroxidation and the related markers such as urine and plasma levels of isoprostanes. However, effects of vitamin E supplementation on plasma and urine level of isoprostane F2α as markers of lipid peroxidation were conflicting in various clinical trials. The current meta-analysis was carried out to determine the effects of vitamin E supplementation on plasma and urine levels of isoprostanes F2α in randomized clinical trials. A systematic search of RCTs was carried out in PubMed, Scopus, Science Direct and Cochrane Library databases. OF 889 relevantly founded articles, only four articles with five arms met the criteria for meta-analysis of plasma level of isoprostanes F2α. For the urine level of isoprostane F2α, three studies with 14 arms were included in the meta-analysis. After pooled analyzing, a significant reduction of 6.98 ng / l was seen in plasma level of isoprostane F2α in vitamin E receiving group (95% CI = -11.2, -2.76; P < 0.001) while no significant heterogeneity was seen between the studies included in this meta-analysis (P = 0.81 and I2 = 0.0%). However, the pooled effect of vitamin E supplementation on urine level of isoprostane F2α was not statistically significant (-11.31 pg / mg creatinine (95% CI = -26.4, 3.78; P = 0.88). Results of this meta-analysis have shown that vitamin E supplementation can only reduce plasma level of isoprostane F2α and has no significant effect on reducing urine level of this biomarker.

Strategies to decrease oxidative stress biomarker levels in human medical conditions: A meta-analysis on 8-iso-prostaglandin F2α

The widespread detection of elevated oxidative stress levels in many medical conditions has led to numerous efforts to design interventions to reduce its effects. Efforts have been wide-ranging, from dietary changes to administration of antioxidants, supplements, e.g., omega-3-fatty acids, and many medications. However, there is still no systemic assessment of the efficacy of treatments for oxidative stress reduction across a variety of medical conditions. The goal of this meta-analysis is, by combining multiple studies, to quantitate the change in the levels of the popular oxidative stress biomarker 8-iso-prostaglandin F2α (8-iso-PGF2α) after a variety of treatment strategies in human populations. Nearly 350 unique publications with 180 distinct strategies were included in the analysis. For each strategy, the difference between pre- or placebo and post-treatment levels calculated using Hedges' g value of effect. In general, administration of antibiotics, antihyperlipidemic agents, or changes in lifestyle (g = - 0.63, - 0.54, and 0.56) had the largest effect. Administration of supplements, antioxidants, or changes in diet (g = - 0.09, - 0.28, - 0.12) had small quantitative effects. To fully interpret the effectiveness of these treatments, comparisons to the increase in g value for each medical condition is required. For example, antioxidants in populations with coronary artery disease (CAD) reduce the 8-iso-PGF2α levels by g = - 0.34 ± 0.1, which is quantitatively considered a small effect. However, CAD populations, in comparison to healthy populations, have an increase in 8-iso-PGF2α levels by g = 0.38 ± 0.04; therefore, the overall reduction of 8-iso-PGF2α levels is ≈ 90% by this treatment in this specific medical condition. In conclusion, 8-iso-PGF2α levels can be reduced not only by antioxidants but by many other strategies. Not all strategies are equally effective at reducing 8-iso-PGF2α levels. In addition, the effectiveness of any strategy can be assessed only in relation to the medical condition investigated.

Vitamin E Phosphate Coating Stimulates Bone Deposition in Implant-related Infections in a Rat Model

BACKGROUND

Implant-related infections are associated with impaired bone healing and osseointegration. In vitro antiadhesive and antibacterial properties and in vivo antiinflammatory effects protecting against bone loss of various formulations of vitamin E have been demonstrated in animal models. However, to the best of our knowledge, no in vivo studies have demonstrated the synergistic activity of vitamin E in preventing bacterial adhesion to orthopaedic implants, thus supporting the bone-implant integration.

QUESTIONS/PURPOSES

The purpose of this study was to test whether a vitamin E phosphate coating on titanium implants may be able to reduce (1) the bacterial colonization of prosthetic implants and (2) bone resorption and osteomyelitis in a rat model of Staphylococcus aureus-induced implant-related infection.

METHODS

Twelve rats were bilaterally injected in the femurs with S aureus UAMS-1-Xen40 and implanted with uncoated or vitamin E phosphate-coated titanium Kirschner wires without local or systemic antibiotic prophylaxis. Eight rats represented the uninfected control group. A few hours after surgery, two control and three infected animals died as a result of unexpected complications. With the remaining rats, we assessed the presence of bacterial contamination with qualitative bioluminescence imaging and Gram-positive staining and with quantitative bacterial count. Bone changes in terms of resorption and osteomyelitis were quantitatively analyzed through micro-CT (bone mineral density) and semiquantitatively through histologic scoring systems.

RESULTS

Six weeks after implantation, we found only a mild decrease in bacterial count in coated versus uncoated implants (Ti versus controls: mean difference [MD], -3.705; 95% confidence interval [CI], -4.416 to -2.994; p < 0.001; TiVE versus controls: MD, -3.063; 95% CI, -3.672 to -2.454; p < 0.001), whereas micro-CT analysis showed a higher bone mineral density at the knee and femoral metaphysis in the vitamin E-treated group compared with uncoated implants (knee joint: MD, -11.88; 95% CI, -16.100 to -7.664; p < 0.001 and femoral metaphysis: MD, -19.87; 95% CI, -28.82 to -10.93; p < 0.001). We found decreased osteonecrosis (difference between medians, 1.5; 95% CI, 1-2; p < 0.002) in the infected group receiving the vitamin E-coated nails compared with the uncoated nails.

CONCLUSIONS

These preliminary findings indicate that vitamin E phosphate implant coatings can exert a protective effect on bone deposition in a highly contaminated animal model of implant-related infection.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

The use of vitamin E coatings may open new perspectives for developing coatings that can limit septic loosening of infected implants with bacterial contamination. However, a deeper insight into the mechanism of action and the local release of vitamin E as a coating for orthopaedic implants is required to be used in clinics in the near future. Although this study cannot support the antimicrobial properties of vitamin E, promising results were obtained for bone-implant osseointegration. These preliminary results will require further in vivo investigations to optimize the host response in the presence of antibiotic prophylaxis.

Advancements in Free-Radical Pathologies and an Important Treatment Solution with a Free-Radical Inhibitor

Unsaturated carbon-carbon double bonds particularly at exposed end groups of nonsolid fluids are susceptible to free-radical covalent bonding on one carbon atom creating a new free radical on the opposite carbon atom. Subsequent reactive secondary sequence free-radical polymerization can then continue across extensive carbon-carbon double bonds to form progressively larger molecules with ever-increasing viscosity and eventually produce solids. In a fluid solution when carbon-carbon double bonds are replaced by carbon-carbon single bonds to decrease fluidity, increasing molecular organization can interfere with molecular oxygen (O2) diffusion. During normal eukaryote cellular energy synthesis O2 is required by mitochondria to combine with electrons from the electron transport chain and hydrogen cations from the proton gradient to form water. When O2 is absent during periods of irregular hypoxia in mitochondrial energy synthesis, the generation of excess electrons can develop free radicals or excess protons can produce acid. Free radicals formed by limited O2 can damage lipids and proteins and greatly increase molecular sizes in growing vicious cycles to reduce oxygen availability even more for mitochondria during energy synthesis. Further, at adequate free-radical concentrations a reactive crosslinking unsaturated aldehyde lipid breakdown product can significantly support free-radical polymerization of lipid oils into rubbery gel-like solids and eventually even produce a crystalline lipid peroxidation with the double bond of O2. Most importantly, free-radical inhibitor hydroquinone intended for medical treatments in much pathology such as cancer, atherosclerosis, diabetes, infection/inflammation and also ageing has proven extremely effective in sequestering free radicals to prevent chain-growth reactive secondary sequence polymerization.

Natural 6-hydroxy-chromanols and -chromenols: structural diversity, biosynthetic pathways and health implications

We present the first comprehensive and systematic review on the structurally diverse toco-chromanols and -chromenols found in photosynthetic organisms, including marine organisms, and as metabolic intermediates in animals. The focus of this work is on the structural diversity of chromanols and chromenols that result from various side chain modifications. We describe more than 230 structures that derive from a 6-hydroxy-chromanol- and 6-hydroxy-chromenol core, respectively, and comprise di-, sesqui-, mono- and hemiterpenes. We assort the compounds into a structure-activity relationship with special emphasis on anti-inflammatory and anti-carcinogenic activities of the congeners. This review covers the literature published from 1970 to 2017.

Palm vitamin E reduces locomotor dysfunction and morphological changes induced by spinal cord injury and protects against oxidative damage

Spinal cord injury (SCI) occurs following different types of crushes. External and internal outcomes of SCI are including paralysis, cavity, and cyst formation. Effects of dietary derived antioxidants, such as palm vitamin E on central nervous system (CNS) encourage researchers to focus on the potential therapeutic benefits of antioxidant supplements. In the present study, experiments were carried out to evaluate the neuro-protective effect of the palm vitamin E on locomotor function and morphological damages induced SCI. Seventy-two male rats (Sprague-Dawley) were randomly divided into four groups: sham (laminectomy); control (supplemented with the palm vitamin E at a dose of 100 mg/kg/day); untreated-SCI (partial crush, 30–33% for 20 sec); treated-SCI (partial crush, 30–33% for 20 sec supplemented with the palm vitamin E at a dose of 100 mg/kg/day). The treatment with the palm vitamin E significantly improved the hind limb locomotor function, reduced the histopathological changes and the morphological damage in the spinal cord. Also, the palm vitamin E indicated a statistically significant decrease in the oxidative damage indicators, malondialdehyde (MDA) level and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activity in the treated-SCI compared to the untreated-SCI.

Alterations of plasma concentrations of lipophilic antioxidants are associated with Guillain-Barre syndrome

BACKGROUND

Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) is an acute inflammatory polyneuropathy resulting in demyelination in peripheral nervous system. Myelin enriched in lipids is easily oxidized by reactive oxygen species during inflammation. Oxidative stress and lipophilic anti-oxidative capacities in GBS patients have not been fully explored. To evaluate the redox status of GBS patients, we measured malondialdehyde (MDA), myeloperoxidase (MPO), lipophilic antioxidants, and tocopherols concentrations in plasma from GBS patients and age-matched healthy controls.

RESULTS

Concentrations of γ-tocopherol and δ-tocopherol decreased significantly, and α-carotene significantly increased in GBS patients compared to healthy controls. However, no significant changes in MDA and MPO concentrations were detected. In GBS patients, the γ-tocopherol concentration correlated positively with concentrations of δ-tocopherol, α-tocopherol, lutein, Q10, and γ-CEHC, respectively. Similarly, the δ-tocopherol concentration correlated positively with γ-tocopherol, α-tocopherol, lutein, Q10, δ-CEHC, and γ-CEHC concentrations, respectively. The receiver operating characteristics curve analysis showed that γ-tocopherol may serve as a good predictor for GBS.

CONCLUSIONS

Diminished lipophilic antioxidant defense, mainly γ-tocopherol and δ-tocopherol, in GBS patients accounting for their lowered resistance to reactive oxygen species is probably associated with pathogenesis of GBS, and potentially useful for the development of therapeutic strategies.

Free-radicals and advanced chemistries involved in cell membrane organization influence oxygen diffusion and pathology treatment

A breakthrough has been discovered in pathology chemistry related to increasing molecular structure that can interfere with oxygen diffusion through cell membranes. Free radicals can crosslink unsaturated low-viscosity fatty acid oils by chain-growth polymerization into more viscous liquids and even solids. Free radicals are released by mitochondria in response to intermittent hypoxia that can increase membrane molecular organization to reduce fluidity and oxygen diffusion in a possible continuing vicious cycle toward pathological disease. Alternate computational chemistry demonstrates molecular bond dynamics in free energy for cell membrane physiologic movements. Paired electrons in oxygen and nitrogen atoms require that oxygen bonds rotate and nitrogen bonds invert to seek polar nano-environments and hide from nonpolar nano-environments thus creating fluctuating instability at a nonpolar membrane and polar biologic fluid interface. Subsequent mechanomolecular movements provide free energy to increase diffusion by membrane transport of molecules and oxygen into the cell, cell-membrane signaling/recognition/defense in addition to protein movements for enzyme mixing. In other chemistry calcium bonds to membrane phosphates primarily on the outer plasma cell membrane surface to influence the membrane firing threshold for excitability and better seal out water permeation. Because calcium is an excellent metal conductor and membrane phosphate headgroups form a semiconductor at the biologic fluid interface, excess electrons released by mitochondria may have more broad dissipation potential by safe conduction through calcium atomic-sized circuits on the outer membrane surface. Regarding medical conditions, free radicals are known to produce pathology especially in age-related disease in addition to aging. Because cancer cell membranes develop extreme polymorphism that has been extensively followed in research, accentuated easily-visualized free-radical models are developed. In terms of treatment, use of vitamin nutrient supplements purported to be antioxidants that remove free radicals has not proved worthwhile in clinical trials presumably due to errors with early antioxidant measurements based on inaccurate colorimetry tests. However, newer covalent-bond shrinkage tests now provide accurate measurements for free-radical inhibitor hydroquinone and other molecules toward drug therapy.

Simvastatin inhibited oxLDL-induced proatherogenic effects through calpain-1–PPARγ–CD36 pathway

We previously reported that simvastatin, an inhibitor of HMG-CoA reductase, inhibits atherosclerosis in rats. The present study was designed to investigate the effect of simvastatin on mouse peritoneal macrophage foam cell formation, the early feature of atherosclerosis, and explore its mechanisms. The results showed that simvastatin decreased cholesterol content and DiI–oxLDL (1,1′-didodecyl 3,3,3′,3′-indocarbocyanine perchlorate – oxidized low-density lipoprotein) uptake, reduced the levels of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) in the medium, down-regulated the mRNA and protein expression of CD36 (a fatty acid receptor), and reduced the mRNA expressions of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARγ), TNF-α, and IL-6 in macrophages treated with oxLDL. However, PPARγ agonist troglitazone partly abolished the effects of simvastatin on foam cells. In addition, simvastatin reduced the protein expression of calpain-1, a Ca2+-sensitive cysteine protease, in oxLDL-treated macrophages. Furthermore, PD150606, a specific calpain inhibitor, reduced mRNA expressions of PPARγ and CD36 in macrophages treated with oxLDL. Combination of simvastatin and PD150606 had no further effect on mRNA expression of PPARγ and CD36 compared with either alone. However, over-expression of calpain-1 in macrophages partly reversed the simvastatin effects, including cell cholesterol content, mRNA expressions of PPARγ, and CD36. The results suggested that simvastatin inhibits foam cell formation of oxLDL-treated macrophages through a calpain-1–PPARγ–CD36 pathway.

Association between Micronutrients Intake/Status and Carotid Intima Media Thickness: A Systematic Review

BACKGROUND

Carotid intima media thickness (IMT) is a noninvasive marker of the extent and severity of subclinical atherosclerosis. Micronutrient intake may affect atherosclerosis and play a major role in the development of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs).

OBJECTIVE

The primary aim of this review was to synthesize the evidence regarding the association between carotid IMT and selected micronutrients.

METHOD

The authors searched PubMed, Cochrane, and EMBASE databases from inception to June 2016 for selected micronutrients, CVD, carotid IMT, and antioxidants. Thirty-five original studies met the inclusion criteria and were reviewed following preferred reporting items for systematic review and meta-analysis guidelines.

RESULTS

Although not all studies found consistent results, the weight of the evidence suggests that high intakes and/or circulatory levels of magnesium, as well as vitamin D and the vitamin B group, may be associated with lower carotid IMT or reduced progression of carotid IMT. The majority of studies did not find any significant association between vitamin E and C and carotid IMT. Less evidence was available for associations of retinol, zinc, and iron with carotid IMT.

CONCLUSIONS

In general, the current evidence concerning micronutrient intake and carotid IMT is largely inconclusive. Pragmatic clinical trials are required to determine whether dietary or supplemental intake of specific micronutrients alters carotid IMT, which is a surrogate measure of cardiovascular risk.

The rise, the fall and the renaissance of vitamin E

This review deals with the expectations of vitamin E ability of preventing or curing, as a potent antioxidant, alleged oxidative stress based ailments including cardiovascular disease, cancer, neurodegenerative diseases, cataracts, macular degeneration and more. The results obtained with clinical intervention studies have highly restricted the range of effectiveness of this vitamin. At the same time, new non-antioxidant mechanisms have been proposed. The new functions of vitamin E have been shown to affect cell signal transduction and gene expression, both in vitro and in vivo. Phosphorylation of vitamin E, which takes place in vivo, results in a molecule provided with functions that are in part stronger and in part different from those of the non-phosphorylate compound. The in vivo documented functions of vitamin E preventing the vitamin E deficiency ataxia (AVED), slowing down the progression of non-alcoholic steato-hepatitis (NASH), decreasing inflammation and potentiating the immune response are apparently based on these new molecular mechanisms. It should be stressed however that vitamin E, when present at higher concentrations in the body, should exert antioxidant properties to the extent that its chromanol ring is unprotected or un-esterified.

Eight-year outcomes of a program for early prevention of cardiovascular events: a growth-curve analysis

BACKGROUND

Early identification of cardiovascular diseases allows us to prevent the progression of these diseases. The Bale/Doneen Method, a prevention and treatment program for heart attacks and ischemic strokes, has been adopted nationally in primary care and specialty clinics.

OBJECTIVES

The main purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of the Bale/Doneen Method on lipoproteins and carotid intima-media thickness (IMT) for cardiovascular disease prevention and reduction. A secondary purpose was to illustrate the use of latent growth-curve analysis in studying trajectories of clinical outcomes and biomarkers in individual patients over time.

METHOD

This retrospective analysis is based on 576 patients at a nurse-managed ambulatory clinic who received the heart attack prevention and treatment program from 2000 to 2008. All patients were white; 61% were men; mean age was 55.5 years. Outcome measures include hemoglobin A1c, fasting blood sugar, plaque burden score (PBS), high-density lipoprotein, low-density lipoprotein (LDL), mean carotid artery IMT, and lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A2 test results. Latent growth-curve analysis was used in modeling changes in these outcome measures.

RESULTS

On average, mean IMT score decreased by 0.01 per year (P < .001), PBS decreased by 0.17 per year (P < .001), LDL decreased by 5.19 per year (P < .001), and lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A2 decreased by 3.6 per year (P < .05). Hemoglobin A1c increased by 0.04 per year (P < .001). Significant sex and age differences in the initial level and/or rate of change of mean IMT, PBS, fasting blood sugar, high-density lipoprotein, and LDL scores were found.

DISCUSSION

The current findings suggest that the Bale/Doneen Method is effective in generating a positive effect on the atherosclerotic disease process by achieving regression of disease in the carotid arteries.

Antioxidant Supplementation in the Treatment of Aging-Associated Diseases

Oxidative stress is generally considered as the consequence of an imbalance between pro- and antioxidants species, which often results into indiscriminate and global damage at the organismal level. Elderly people are more susceptible to oxidative stress and this depends, almost in part, from a decreased performance of their endogenous antioxidant system. As many studies reported an inverse correlation between systemic levels of antioxidants and several diseases, primarily cardiovascular diseases, but also diabetes and neurological disorders, antioxidant supplementation has been foreseen as an effective preventive and therapeutic intervention for aging-associated pathologies. However, the expectations of this therapeutic approach have often been partially disappointed by clinical trials. The interplay of both endogenous and exogenous antioxidants with the systemic redox system is very complex and represents an issue that is still under debate. In this review a selection of recent clinical studies concerning antioxidants supplementation and the evaluation of their influence in aging-related diseases is analyzed. The controversial outcomes of antioxidants supplementation therapies, which might partially depend from an underestimation of the patient specific metabolic demand and genetic background, are presented.

Simultaneous activation of Nrf2 and elevation of antioxidant compounds for reducing oxidative stress and chronic inflammation in human Alzheimer's disease

Despite extensive research, neither the incidence nor the rate of progression of Alzheimer's disease (AD) has significantly changed. Some biochemical and genetic defects that initiate and promote AD include: (a) increased oxidative stress, (b) chronic inflammation (c) mitochondrial dysfunction, (d) Aß1-42 peptides generated from the amyloid precursor protein (APP), (e) proteasome inhibition, and (f) mutations in APP, presenilin-1 and presenilin-2 genes. Increased oxidative stress appears to precede other biochemical and genetic defects. Oxidative damage induces chronic inflammation. Therefore, reducing these defects simultaneously may reduce the development and progression of AD. Previous studies with individual antioxidants produced consistent benefits in animal models of AD; however, a similar approach produced inconsistent results in human AD. This review proposes a hypothesis that simultaneous elevation of the levels of antioxidant enzymes and antioxidant compounds is necessary for optimally reducing oxidative stress and chronic inflammation in human AD. Supplementation can enhance the levels of antioxidant compounds; but elevation of antioxidant enzymes requires activation of Nrf2. This review discusses activation and regulation of Nrf2. The need for multi- antioxidants that can affect multi-targets has been proposed without specific recommendations. This review proposes a micronutrient mixture that would simultaneously enhance the levels of antioxidant enzymes and antioxidant compounds in human AD.

Effect of tocopherol on atherosclerosis, vascular function, and inflammation in apolipoprotein E knockout mice with subtotal nephrectomy

BACKGROUND/AIMS

Inflammation and endothelial dysfunction contribute to cardiovascular disease, prevalent in chronic kidney disease (CKD). Antioxidant supplements such as tocopherols may reduce inflammation and atherosclerosis. This study aimed to investigate the effect of tocopherol supplementation on vascular function, aortic plaque formation, and inflammation in apolipoprotein E(-/-) mice with 5/6 nephrectomy as a model of combined cardiovascular and kidney disease.

METHODS

Nephrectomized mice were assigned to a normal chow diet group (normal chow), a group receiving 1000 mg/kg diet of α-tocopherol supplementation or a group receiving 1000 mg/kg diet mixed-tocopherol (60% γ-tocopherol).

RESULTS

Following 12 weeks, in vitro aortic endothelial-independent relaxation was enhanced with both α-tocopherol and mixed-tocopherol (P < 0.05), while mixed-tocopherol enhanced aortic contraction at noradrenaline concentrations of 3 × 10(-7) M to 3 × 10(-5) M (P < 0.05), when compared to normal chow. Supplementation with α- and mixed-tocopherol reduced systemic concentrations of IL-6 (P < 0.001 and P < 0.001, respectively) and IL-10 (P < 0.05 and P < 0.001, respectively), while α-tocopherol also reduced MCP-1 (P < 0.05) and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α (P < 0.05). Aortic sinus plaque area was significantly reduced with α-tocopherol supplementation when compared to normal chow (P < 0.01).

CONCLUSION

Tocopherol supplementation favorably influenced vascular function and cytokine profile, while it was also effective in reducing atherosclerosis in the apolipoprotein E(-/-) mouse with CKD.