Interrelation of serum lipoprotein and tocopherol levels

Abstract

Estimations of the concentrations of cholesterol, low density lipoproteins, α-tocopherol and of the distribution of α-tocopherol between low density and high density lipoproteins have been performed on the sera of normal subjects and hospital in-patients manifesting a wide variety of clinical conditions. The correlation between cholesterol and α-tocopherol concentrations has been confirmed ( r = 0.587) and it is suggested that this is a reflection of a much closer correlation between low density lipoproteins and α-tocopherol ( r = 0.728). A very close correlation ( r = 0.925) has been shown between the total serum α-tocopherol and that portion carried by the low density lipoproteins which transport the major part of the total serum α-tocopherol. A much less close correlation ( r = 0.527) exists between the total α-tocopherol and that carried by the high density lipoproteins which is the minor portion of the total. Oral administration of α-tocopherol acetate to normal subjects caused large increases in the serum levels of α-tocopherol but did not affect concentrations of cholesterol or low density lipoproteins. It is concluded that the concentration of low density lipoproteins is an important factor determining the serum level of α-tocopherol.