Alpha-tocopherol Concentrations Research Articles

PHYSICAL, CHEMICAL CHARACTERISTICS AND RELEASE RATE OF MELOXICAM FROM NANOSTRUCTURED LIPID CARRIERS (NLC) SYSTEM USING SOME CONCENTRATION RATIOS OF MONOSTEARIN AND ALPHA TOCOPHEROL ACETATE LIPID MATRIX

Objective: The objective of this research is to develop nanostructured lipid carriers (NLC) of meloxicam (MLX) for topical application using monostearin and alpha-tocopherol as lipid matrix.Methods: MLX-NLC was prepared by high-shear homogenization, and it was characterized for organoleptic, pH, viscosity, particle size and size distribution, zeta potential, crystallinity, morphology, and entrapment efficiency. The six different ratios of solid and liquid lipid matrix were70:30, 75:25, 80:20, 85:15, 90:10, and 95:5, respectively.Results: The pH value of all formulas met the pH range of topical dosage at 4.5-6.5. Viscosity test showed that a trend toward the decrease in viscosity with the increase in alpha-tocopherol content was observed. The results of particle size test proved that all six NLC system formulas have <1000 nm particle size with a quite narrow particle size distribution. Scanning electron microscope revealed nearly spherical shape NLC with negligible effect ratios of solid and liquid lipid on the particle morphology. The X-ray diffraction result showed the decreasing of peaks intensity of MLX-NLC system. It showed that MLX in NLC system is amorphous. The result showed that the increasing concentration of liquid lipid in NLC system caused the rising entrapment efficiency of MLX.Conclusion: The result of this research indicates that the concentration ratio of monostearin and alpha-tocopherol acetate affects the physical and chemical characteristics of NLC system.Keywords: Nanostructured lipid carriers, Meloxicam, Monostearin, Physical and chemical characteristics, Entrapment efficiency.

Systemic oxidoreductive balance and vascular function in individuals without clinical manifestation of atherosclerosis.

IntroductionEndothelial dysfunction is recognized as the earliest disorder in the development of atherosclerosis, in the pathogenesis of which oxidative stress plays a crucial role. The aim of this study was to determine the relationships between non-invasive parameters of vascular dysfunction and oxidative stress.Material and methodsForty-eight individuals without clinical manifestation of atherosclerosis were studied. The plasma concentrations of the following were determined in all 48 subjects: retinol, ascorbic acid, α-tocopherol and uric acid, as well as the products of oxidative DNA damage repair: 8-oxo-7,8-dihydro-2’-deoxyguanosine (8-oxodG) in blood leukocytes and urine, and 8-oxo-7,8-dihydroguanine (8-oxoGua) in urine. The following parameters of vascular dysfunction were also examined: flow- (FMD) and nitroglycerin- (NMD) mediated dilatation of the brachial artery, pulse pressure (PP), distensibility coefficient (DC), pulsation (PI) and resistance (RI) index, carotid intima-media thickness (cIMT), and ankle-brachial index (ABI).ResultsIndividuals with an FMD value of ≥ 8.8% had significantly higher blood concentrations of antioxidative vitamins and lower concentrations of 8-oxodG in their urine and blood leukocytes than their counterparts. Blood concentration of alpha-tocopherol or ascorbic acid positively correlated with FMD, PI, RI, DC and ABI and negatively with PP and cIMT. The reverse was the case for 8-oxodG in urine and leukocytes. In multiple regression analysis, markers of oxidative DNA damage positively determined the variance in PP and ABI.ConclusionsIn persons without clinical manifestation of atherosclerosis, oxidative stress was an independent factor associated with vascular wall dysfunction, and a better predictor than smoking and blood concentrations of glucose, lipids and creatinine.

Special issue on olive oil

Lanfranco Conte Maria Tsimidou Virgin olive oil (VOO) is probably one of the most ancient foods of the Mediterranean area and it has been extensively studied for decades mainly with the aim to guarantee its purity and quality (sometimes just for taxation needs). The olive industry in the 21rst century has some unique characteristics. Production and consumption are in balance the last decades mainly because of the increasing evidence for the health benefits to the humans. Climatic changes affected the sector in recent years. This year's production is expected to drop by 7% (IOC provision), which is critical for the sustainability of exports from the major European producing countries. Research on the particular health properties of polar phenolic compounds of virgin olive oil has recently led the European Food Safety Authority to approve a health claim for their antioxidant activity. The interest in retaining organoleptic characteristics and a high content of these polar bioactive compounds became the driver for changes in the harvest and processing practices in the producing countries. The increasing demand for “high quality extra virgin olive oil” among certain groups of consumers from all over the world had a positive impact on the marketing of premium products that command high values/liter. Virgin olive oil is now appraised not only because of its high content in monounsaturated fatty acids and a balanced ratio of unsaturated fatty acids to alpha-tocopherol content but also for the fruity aroma and bitter/pungent taste related to the presence of valuable bioactive polar phenols. Freshness of the product and its maintenance is becoming important for producers, distributors and consumers. Recent innovations in the extraction system of olive oils are promising towards further improvement of quality. Legislation for olive oil characteristics is tight in the European Union since 1991. It involves the examination of different quality and authenticity characteristics, and also includes sensory scores. Similar regulations cannot be found for any other agricultural product, or for another edible oil and fat. Nevertheless, all interested parties work continuously on reducing the possibilities for fraudulent practices. This is reflected in a dedicated EU call on “Olive Oil Authenticity”. Analytics of olive oil cover a wide range of approaches and techniques. From the era of establishing indices of quality and authenticity, to the extensive application of separation techniques a century has elapsed. Thanks to GC-MS, sterols structure was adequately elucidated since the end of ‘60th, even if the presence of some sterols (e.g. delta 5 avenasterol) had been highlighted later, when more polar stationary phases became available. Sterols profile and concentrations of individual members has become a pertinent tool in olive oil authentication studies. Triacylglycerol analysis using HPLC together with the GC analysis of FAMEs were used for the calculation of a new index (Delta ECN 42) to detect adulteration with seed oils. The issue of “polyphenols” attracted the interest of the analysts since the end of ‘70s. Currently, new high throughput spectroscopic and molecular techniques have found application for different objectives. Ongoing research indicates that as far as analytical instruments performances improve, more and more knowledge is acquired on VOO composition that leads on one hand to a more perceptive control on its purity and quality and on the other hand to discover new compounds and to understand the biochemical mechanisms of their function in the human body. Still, the challenges in the olive sector never stop. Fair trade has many enemies within every country and region. One of the next goals is to protect the many different European Products of Denomination of Origin (PDOs) in a reliable objective way that guarantees the origin whereas some difficult frauds like the addition of deodorised oil must be combated through administrative and analytical approaches. We invited a number of researchers, who have been active for many years in this field to contribute to this Special Issue. The issue contains review articles and original research papers diverse in context. Authors from different countries and research groups contributed eagerly and we are indebted to them. We are also thankful to the reviewers, who supported this venture. Virgin olive oil, the olive juice, has a history that dates back to the very beginning of human presence on the earth as it has been used for multiple purposes, not only as a food item. Working on olive oil seems to be a life time endeavour for those researchers devoted to its chemistry, analysis and biological properties. We hope that you will enjoy reading the papers in this Special Issue. Lanfranco Conte University of Udine Maria Tsimidou Aristotle University of Thessaloniki

Manganese neurotoxicity and protective effects of resveratrol and quercetin in preclinical research.

Exposure to Mn results in a neurological syndrome known as manganism. We examined how 4-week Mn exposure (20mg/kg MnCl2po, 5days/week) induces neurotoxic effects in rats. Oxidized-to-reduced glutathione ratio (GSSG/GSH), malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity, catalase (CAT) activity, vitamin E content and caspase-3 activity were measured in several rat brain structures. Further, we examined protective effects of the polyphenols: resveratrol (R) or quercetin (QCT) against Mn-induced neurotoxicity. After exposure to Mn, we found a rise in GSSG/GSH ratio and a reduction in SOD activity in the rat striatum (STR), while in the nucleus accumbens (NAC) decreases in alpha-tocopherol content and in SOD activity were noted. In the frontal cortex (FCX), an enhancement in GSSG/GSH ratio and a reduction in SOD and CAT activities were observed. In the cerebellum (CER), a significant increase in the caspase-3 activity paralleled a rise in the GSSG/GSH ratio and a diminution of SOD activity. In the rat hippocampus (HIP), Mn evoked an enhancement in GSSG/GSH ratio. There were no changes in the MDA levels. Pretreatment with R and QCT protected against the Mn-induced (i) enhancement in GSSG/GSH ratio in the STR, (ii) decreases in the NAC alpha-tocopherol content and (iii) reduction in SOD activity in FCX, NAC and CER. Repeated Mn administration induces toxic effects in several rat brain structures and treatment with R and QCT may be a potential therapeutic strategy to attenuate the metal neurotoxicity.

Oral Supplementation with a Special Additive of Retinyl Palmitate and Alpha Tocopherol Reduces Growth Retardation in Young Pancreatic Duct Ligated Pigs Used as a Model for Children Suffering from Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency.

Pancreatic exocrine insufficiency (PEI) is a disease of diverse aetiology—e.g., majority of patients suffering from cystic fibrosis (CF) show PEI congenitally. Malnutrition and malabsorption of nutrients impair growth and nutritional status. As reduced fat digestion leads to a deficiency of fat-soluble vitamins the supplementation is standard, but absorption is a critical point in PEI-patients. The pancreatic duct ligated (PL) pig is an established model for PEI in humans and has been proven to be a suitable model to compare different vitamin additives for supplementation. In a former study, PEI caused distinct growth retardation in young piglets, but did not affect growth in older ones. Our study hypothesised that this age-dependent effect is caused by exhausted body reserves of fat-soluble vitamins and, therefore, extra supply reduces growth retardation. PEI was induced by PL at the age of seven (PL-7) or 16 weeks (PL-16). Controls (C) underwent a sham surgery. Some PL-7 pigs (PL-7 + Vit) were fed a special vitamin additive. PEI reduced the mean final body weight (kg) at 26 weeks of age significantly with lower effect in PL-16-pigs (C:117; PL-7:49.5; PL-7 + Vit:77.1; PL-16:96.4). Extra vitamin supply resulted in an increased growth and normalised serum concentration of alpha-tocopherol, underlining the importance of special supplementation in PEI-patients.

The effect of fibrolytic enzyme, Lactobacillus plantarum and two food antioxidants on the fermentation quality, alpha-tocopherol and beta-carotene of high moisture napier grass silage ensiled at different temperatures

Alpha-tocopherol and beta-carotene of forage are antioxidants and play important roles in the immune system of ruminants. Fermentation quality, alpha-tocopherol and beta-carotene of high moisture napier grass (Pennisetum purpureum cv. Mott) ensiled without or with additives (fibrolytic enzyme, EN; Lactobacillus plantarum, LP; tert-butylhydroquinone, TBHQ; tea polyphenols, TP) at 15°C, 30°C and 45°C were examined in the present study. After ensiling for 70days, untreated silages had lower (P<0.05) pH, butyric acid and ammonia-N content at 15°C and 45°C than at 30°C. Compared with untreated silage, EN and LP lowered (P<0.05) pH and increased (P<0.05) lactic acid content at 15°C, 30°C and 45°C; TBHQ lowered ammonia-N content (P<0.05) at 15°C, lowered (P<0.05) pH and butyric acid content at 30°C, and lowered (P<0.05) acetic acid and ammonia-N content at 45°C; TP lowered (P<0.05) pH at 15°C and lowered (P<0.05) lactic acid content at 30°C. Especially at 30°C, TP had the highest (P<0.05) acetic acid and butyric acid content among all silages. Napier grass ensiled at 30°C had higher (P<0.05) alpha-tocopherol content than before ensiling. Napier grass ensiled at 30°C and 45°C had higher (P<0.05) alpha-tocopherol content than ensiled at 15°C. EN and TP had lower (P<0.05) alpha-tocopherol content than untreated silage at 15°C, 30°C and 45°C. Napier grass ensiled at 15°C, 30°C and 45°C had lower (P<0.05) beta-carotene content than it before ensiling. Napier grass ensiled at 30°C had higher (P<0.05) beta-carotene content than ensiled at 15°C and 45°C. Additives-treated silages had lower (P<0.05) beta-carotekne contents than untreated silage at 15°C, 30°C and 45°C, except for TBHQ at 45°C (P<0.05). In conclusion, fermentation qualities of untreated and treated silages were better at 15°C and 45°C (V-score>99) than at 30°C (V-score<96). Compared with untreated silage (V-score=78.5) at 30°C, EN, LP and TBHQ improved fermentation quality (V-score>83), and TP lowered fermentation quality (V-score=74.5). Silage ensiled at 30°C increased alpha-tocopherol content and lost beta-carotene slightly. Additives did not reduce alpha-tocopherol and beta-carotene loss at any temperature, except for TBHQ ensiled at 45°C. The interactions between additives and preservation temperatures indicated that TP ensiled at 30°C had the poorest fermentation quality, LP and TBHQ ensiled at 30°C had lower alpha-tocopherol loss, and TBHQ and TP ensiled at 30°C had lower beta-carotene loss. TBHQ might be a valuable additive to ensile napier grass at 15°C, 30°C and 45°C, and to reduce beta-carotene loss of napier grass silage at 45°C.

Alpha-Tocopherol Concentration in Colostrum and Serum of Women With Premature Labor.

The aim of the study was to evaluate and compare the levels of alpha-tocopherol in colostrum milk and serum of mothers with premature birth, classified as severe prematurity and moderate prematurity. Cross-sectional study with 65 women, 18 births classified as severe prematurity (<32 weeks of gestation) and 47 as moderate prematurity (≥32 weeks of gestation). The study only included mothers without any conditions associated with pregnancy and who had a single conception without any malformation. Samples of serum and colostrum were collected during fasting in the immediate postpartum, and alpha-tocopherol was analyzed by high-performance liquid chromatography. To determine the biochemical nutritional status of vitamin E, a serum cutoff (11.6 μmol/L) was adopted. The Student t test for independent variables compared the average concentrations of alpha-tocopherol in serum and colostrum among prematurity groups. Differences were considered significant when P < 0.05. The alpha-tocopherol concentrations in colostrum were similar in both groups, being 34.5 ± 20.2 μmol/L for women with severe prematurity and 35.1 ± 16.3 μmol/L for moderate prematurity. For the serum of puerperal women with severe prematurity, alpha-tocopherol concentration was, however, lower than in women with moderate prematurity, 22.2 ± 4.4 μmol/L versus 27.1 ± 8.6 μmol/L (P < 0.05). The serum levels of alpha-tocopherol indicated nutritional risk at 5.6% (n = 1) of women with severe prematurity and 4.3% (n = 2) for those with moderate prematurity. Severe prematurity affected the levels of alpha-tocopherol in maternal serum; however, the level of prematurity did not change the concentration of vitamin E in colostrum.

Elevated Serum Retinol and Low Beta-Carotene but not Alpha-Tocopherol Concentrations Are Associated with Dyslipidemia in Brazilian Adolescents.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the status of retinol, beta-carotene, and alpha-tocopherol serum concentrations in adolescents with dyslipidemia. A case series dyslipidemia study was conducted, with an attached control group, including 104 adolescents of public schools in Recife during the months of March/April 2013. Retinol, beta-carotene and alpha-tocopherol serum concentrations were analysed by high efficiency liquid chromatography. Sociodemographic, anthropometric, clinical and biochemical variables were analysed. Dyslipidemic adolescents had high serum concentrations of both retinol (p=0.007) and beta-carotene/apolipoprotein A-I ratio (p=0.034); they also had low concentrations of beta-carotene/total cholesterol (p<0.0001) and beta-carotene/apolipoprotein B ratios (p=0.033) when compared to the controls. The alpha-tocopherol serum status was not associated with dyslipidemia. Overweight, abdominal obesity, lipid profile markers, and systolic and diastolic blood pressures were more prevalent in dyslipidemic adolescents. The findings show an association between vitamin A and dyslipidemia in adolescents. However, additional investigations of this risk group are necessary to clarify the mechanisms of action of this nutrient in the pathogenesis of this syndrome, aiming at reducing cardiometabolic risks as of earlier ages.

Improving the Functionality of Olive Oil by Cross Breeding

This research is aimed to generate olive oils with increased functional properties and nutrient content. In this research, oils of 5 cultivar candidates were used as material. Maturation index of their fruits and alpha tocopherol and total phenol content and total antioxidant activities of their oils were evaluated. Results of this study showed that it is possible to develop and register new olive varieties which have olive oils with improved functional properties by cross breeding. LT001 and LT011 could be advised to enrich diet and for the preparation of functional food.

A comparison of via of administration of the injection of vitamin E in newly received feedlot calves

Fifty Holstein steers calves (121 ± 4 kg) were used in order to determine the effects of route of administration of vitamin E at the time of arrival of feedlot cattle on levels of plasma alpha-tocopherol concentrations during the initial 16 days following their arrival into the feedlot. Ten steers served as controls, the remaining 40 steers (20 steers/treatment) were injected either intramuscular (IM) or subcutaneous (SQ) with 1500 IU of vitamin E (d-alpha tocopherol). Vitamin E treatments were administered on days 1 and 8 of the arrival, while blood samples were obtained on days 1, 4, 8, 12 and 16. Injection sites were examined visually on day 16 to determine if route of administration affected incidence of injection-site inflammation. Steers were fed a steam-flaked corn based receiving diet with a 72:28 concentrate-to-forage ratio. Plasma alpha-tocopherol concentrations of control steers remained low (range from 0.06 to 0.10 mg/dL) throughout the 16-d period. Vitamin E injection increased (P&lt;0.01) 4-fold the plasma alpha-tocopherol concentration. Route of vitamin E administration did not influence (P &gt; 0.10) the incidence of injection site inflammation, averaging 17.5% (χ2, P&gt;0.05). Plasma alpha-tocopherol concentrations were not affected (P &gt; 0.30) by the presence of injection site inflammation. Since the risk of lesions in meat are considerably higher with intramuscular application and plasma alpha-tocopherol concentrations were not different between routes of application, it is concluded that subcutaneous administration is a practical alternative to the traditional intramuscular of administration of injectable vitamin E for feedlot cattle.

Tocopherol and annatto tocotrienols distribution in laying-hen body

The impact of supplementing laying-hen feed with annatto tocotrienols (T3s) and alpha-tocopherol on the distribution of various forms of vitamin E and cholesterol throughout the hen's body was evaluated. A total of 18 organs or tissues (skin, fat pad, liver and gall bladder, heart, oviduct, forming yolk, laid yolk, lungs, spleen, kidney, pancreas, gizzard, digestive tract, brain, thigh, breast, manure, and blood) were collected after 7 wk of feeding on diets enriched with various levels of alpha-tocopherol and annatto extract that contained gamma-T3 and delta-T3. Tissue weights, contents of lipid, alpha-tocopherol, gamma-T3, delta-T3, cholesterol, and fatty acid composition of extracted lipids from the collected organs and tissues were determined. Tissue weight and lipid content did not change significantly with feed supplementation treatments, except that the liver became heavier with increased levels of supplementation. Overall, the main organs that accumulated the supplemented vitamin E were fat pad, liver and gall bladder, oviduct, forming yolks, laid yolks, kidney, brain, thigh, and breast. Much of annatto gamma-T3 and delta-T3 (> 90%) was found in the manure, indicating poor uptake. In some tissues (brain and oviduct,) a significant increase in polyunsaturated fatty acids was seen with increased supplementation. Alpha-tocopherol impacted the transfer of gamma-T3 to forming and laid yolks, but did not impact delta-T3 transfer. No significant differences were found in most of the tissues in cholesterol, except a reduction in heart, based on tissue as-is. Blood samples showed large variations in individual hens with no significant differences in total and HDL cholesterol, or total triacylglycerols. Supplementing feed with annatto T3s and alpha-tocopherol showed that the vitamin E profile and distribution of the laying-hen body can be altered, but to different extents depending on tissue. The result of this research has significance in enhancing meat nutrient content.

Effect of anti-hyperlipidemia drugs on the alpha-tocopherol concentration and their potential for murine malaria infection.

The current preventions of malaria are protection against mosquito bites and taking chemoprophylactic anti-malarial drugs. However, drug therapies are usually associated with adverse events and emergency of drug-resistant malaria parasites. Previous study showed that host plasma alpha-tocopherol deficiency enhanced resistance against malaria infection in mice. Here, we report a new prevention strategy against malaria by using anti-hyperlipidemia drugs, ezetimibe, berberine, cholestyramine, and probucol to modify the host plasma alpha-tocopherol concentration. The drugs were mixed with diet and fed to C57BL/6J mice for 2 weeks. Although all drugs reduced plasma alpha-tocopherol concentration after 2 weeks of feeding, probucol-treated mice showed 90 % reduction and it was the lowest alpha-tocopherol concentration among the four drugs. Ezetimibe, berberine, and combination of ezetimibe and berberine pretreatment for 2 weeks were not effective against infection of Plasmodium yoelii XL17, a lethal strain, for survival and parasitemia in mice. Two-week pretreatment and 1-week treatment after infection of cholestyramine had also no effect on malaria infection. Survival rates of cholestyramine, ezetimibe, and/or berberine treated mice were 0-22 %. However, probucol caused significant decrease in parasitemia and increased in mice survival following 2-week pretreatment and 1-week treatment after infection. All control mice died while all probucol treated mice survived during the course of infection. Thus, probucol which reduced plasma alpha-tocopherol concentration was effective in enhancing the host to resist malaria infection in mice. Our finding indicates that plasma alpha-tocopherol reducing drugs like probucol might be a candidate for beneficial prevention strategy for travelers from malaria-free area.

In vitro antioxidant capacity of tomato products: Relationships with their lycopene, phytoene, phytofluene and alpha-tocopherol contents, evaluation of interactions and correlation with reflectance measurements

Tomato products were analysed for their carotenoids and α-tocopherol contents to study the contribution of individual compounds to the antioxidant capacity and assess the existence of interactions. Besides, the applicability of reflectance measurements for the estimation of the Trolox Equivalent Antioxidant Capacity (TEAC) was explored. Statistically significant regression coefficients were found between TEAC values and carotenoids and α-tocopherol levels. Lycopene seemed to have the highest contribution, followed by phytofluene. The results showed that the antioxidant capacity of phytofluene warrants further investigation. It was observed that there can be interactions between lycopene and α-tocopherol, although just the lycopene/α-tocopherol ratio cannot be used to predict the kind of interaction. More knowledge of these interactions would supply new tools for the industry to develop more optimized ingredients. Finally, the lycopene levels and TEAC values can be estimated by considering reflectance readings at certain wavelengths, which is important for field and quality control applications.

Rice bran extract improves mitochondrial dysfunction in brains of aged NMRI mice

Objectives: Aging represents a major risk factor for neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's disease. Mitochondria are significantly involved in both the aging process and neurodegeneration. One strategy to protect the brain and to prevent neurodegeneration is a healthy lifestyle including a diet rich in antioxidants and polyphenols. Rice bran extract (RBE) contains various antioxidants including natural vitamin E forms (tocopherols and tocotrienols) and gamma-oryzanol. In this work, we examined the effects of a stabilized RBE on mitochondrial function in 18-month-old Naval Medical Research Institute mice (340 mg/kg body weight/day), which received the extract for 3 weeks via oral gavage.Methods: Mitochondrial parameters were measured using high-resolution respirometry (Oroboros Oxygraph-2k), Western blot analysis, and photometric methods in dissociated brain cells, isolated mitochondria, and brain homogenate. Vitamin E concentrations in blood plasma and brain tissue were measured using HPLC with fluorescence detection.Results: Aging leads to decreased mitochondrial function (decreased mitochondrial respiration and ATP production) and decreased protein expression of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma coactivator 1-alpha (PGC1alpha). RBE administration increased alpha-tocopherol concentrations in the brain and compensated for age-related mitochondrial dysfunction by increasing mitochondrial respiration, membrane potential, PGC1alpha protein expression, and citrate synthase activity. Furthermore, resistance of brain cells to sodium nitroprusside-induced nitrosative stress was improved.Discussion: According to these results, RBE is a promising candidate nutraceutical for the prevention of age-related neurodegenerative diseases.

Retinol and Alpha-tocopherol in the Colostrum of Lactating Tunisian Women Delivering Prematurely: Associations with Maternal Characteristics

This study aims to assess vitamin A and E concentrations in the premature colostrum of lactating Tunisian women and to identify maternal characteristics that may affect these concentrations. Human colostrum was obtained from 105 mothers who gave birth prematurely in the Centre for Maternity and Neonatology of Tunis (Tunisia). Retinol and alpha-tocopherol were analyzed in the colostrum and in plasma by high-performance liquid chromatography. Retinol and alpha-tocopherol concentrations were 57.5 ± 50.1 μg/dL and 1222 ± 772 μg/dL in the colostrum, respectively, and 51.7 ± 20.0 μg/dL and 1351 ± 772 μg/dL in plasma, respectively. Concentrations of each vitamin in the colostrum were positively correlated with their respective concentrations in plasma (r = 0.415, p = 0.001 for retinol and r = 0.392, p = 0.003 for alpha-tocopherol). In multivariate analysis, colostrum vitamin A was associated with plasma vitamin A and preeclampsia, while colostrum vitamin E was associated with plasma vitamin E, gestational age, and preeclampsia. In Tunisian women, colostrum vitamin A and E levels are close to the average values reported in the literature. The levels are too low to cover the needs of very low birth weight (VLBW) infants, particularly in women with plasma vitamin deficiencies, preeclampsia, or very premature delivery. Given the undeniable beneficial effects of human colostrum, whenever feasible, VLBW infants should be fed colostrum. Infant vitamin A and E requirements should be met by milk fortification or supplementation.

Prenatal polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) exposure, antioxidant levels and behavioral development of children ages 6–9

PurposePrenatal polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) exposure has been shown to increase DNA adduct levels and to affect neurodevelopment. Micronutrients may modify the adverse effect of PAH on neurodevelopment. Thus, we examined if micronutrient concentrations modified the association between PAH exposure and neurodevelopmental outcomes. Methods151 children from a birth cohort who had micronutrient concentrations measured in cord blood and completed the Child Behavioral Checklist (CBCL), between the ages of 6 and 9 years, were evaluated. Prenatal airborne PAH exposure was measured by personal air monitoring. The betas and 95% CI for the associations of antioxidant concentrations and PAH exposure with each of the outcomes of CBCL raw score and dichotomized standardized T-score (based on clinical cutpoints) were estimated, respectively, by multivariable poisson and logistic models. ResultsChildren below the median for alpha-tocopherol and gamma-tocopherol concentrations, compared to those above, were more likely to have thought problems, aggressive behavior and externalizing problems (p<0.05). Lower carotenoid concentration was associated with more thought problems (MVβ=0.60, p<0.001) and externalizing problems (MVβ=0.13, p<0.05) for the same contrast. No statistically significant associations were observed between retinol concentrations and neurodevelopmental symptoms. Overall, no consistent patterns were observed when we examined the interaction between antioxidants (e.g., alpha-tocopherol) and PAH in relation to CBCL symptoms (e.g., internalizing and externalizing problems, p<0.05). ConclusionsLower alpha-tocopherol, gamma-tocopherol and carotenoid levels may adversely affect healthy neurodevelopment, even after accounting for PAH exposure. Future research to confirm these findings are warranted given the importance of identifying modifiable factors for reducing harmful PAH effects.

In-vitro Assessment of Effectiveness and Photostability Avobenzone in Cream Formulations by Combination Ethyl Ascorbic acid and alpha Tocopherol Acetate

Avobenzone is UVA sunscreen active substances, which are unstable when exposed to UV radiation, especially UVA. The aim of this study is to to determine the effectiveness and photo stability avobenzone when combined with ethyl ascorbic acid and alpha tocopherol acetate with various concentrations of ethyl ascorbic acid and alpha tocopherol by in vitro using spectrophotometric method. The photostability study of the eight variations of formula showed that the formula 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 and 8 had significant differences with Formula 1 (p

Vitamin E concentrations in adults with HIV/AIDS on highly active antiretroviral therapy.

HIV/AIDS patients are probably more predisposed to vitamin E deficiency, considering that they are more exposed to oxidative stress. Additionally, there are an extensive number of drugs in the highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) regimens that may interfere with vitamin E concentrations. The objective of this study was to compare serum concentrations of alpha-tocopherol in 182 HIV/AIDS patients receiving different HAART regimens. The patients were divided into three groups according to regimen: nucleoside analog reverse-transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs) + non-nucleoside analog reverse-transcriptase inhibitors (NNRTIs); NRTIs + protease inhibitors + ritonavir; NRTIs + other classes. Alpha-tocopherol was assessed by high-performance liquid chromatography. Multiple linear regression analysis was used to evaluate the effects of HAART regimen, time of use, and compliance with the regimen on alpha-tocopherol concentrations. Alpha-tocopherol concentrations were on average 4.12 μmol/L lower for the NRTIs + other classes regimen when compared to the NRTIs + NNRTIs regimen (p = 0.037). A positive association (p < 0.001) was observed between alpha-tocopherol and cholesterol concentrations, a finding due, in part, to the relationship between liposoluble vitamins and lipid profile. This study demonstrated differences in alpha-tocopherol concentrations between patients using different HAART regimens, especially regimens involving the use of new drugs. Long-term prospective cohort studies are needed to monitor vitamin E status in HIV/AIDS patients since the beginning of treatment.

Analysis of complete nutritional profile and identification of bioactive components present in Alocasia indica tuber cultivated in Howrah District of West Bengal, India.

To assess the complete nutritional profile and identification of bioactive components present in the hydro-ethanolic extract of Alocasia indica tuber. The proximate composition and vitamins were assessed from fresh tissue while mineral content was detected from the ash using inductively coupled plasma atomic spectrophotometer. For gas chromatography analysis, the tubers were shade dried and extracted with ethanol using Soxhlet apparatus for 72 h. The extract was dried using rotary evaporator and analyzed for active components. The tuber was rich in carbohydrate, but marginal in protein content. However, it showed moderate amount of dietary crude fibre, very low fat content and sufficient source of ascorbic acid and alpha-tocopherol. The tuber was also found to contain all the essential micro and macro mineral elements. It especially served as a good source of potassium and calcium while moderate source of iron, zinc and magnesium. Gas chromatography analysis also revealed the presence of several components of biological value in the ethanolic fraction of the extract. The extract was basically found to be a good source of poly-unsaturated fatty acids and some amount of polyphenols. All the major compounds identified and characterized by spectroscopic method were of biological significance. Besides, the tuber also possesses high calorific value and source for low fat and moderate dietary fibre which is essential for maintaining proper health. Moreover, the mineral content of the tuber can be used as supplement for combating malnutrition especially among rural folk and the vitamin content can serve as good source of natural antioxidant. Thus identification of a good number of important compounds from Alocasia indica tubers can focus on its use for future therapeutic purpose apart from maintaining general health.

Low serum concentrations of alpha-tocopherol are associated with increased risk of hip fracture. A NOREPOS study.

We investigated the risk of hip fracture according to circulating alpha-tocopherol, a plant-derived substance with antioxidant properties, in community-dwelling older Norwegians. We found a linear increasing risk of hip fracture with lower serum alpha-tocopherol concentrations, with a 51% higher risk in the lowest compared to the highest quartile. Oxidative stress is a suggested contributing cause of osteoporosis and fractures. Vitamin E (α-tocopherol) has potent antioxidant properties in humans. The relationship between circulating α-tocopherol and fracture risk is not established. The aim of this study was to investigate the association between serum α-tocopherol concentrations and risk of hip fracture during up to 11 years of follow-up. We performed a case-cohort analysis among 21,774 men and women aged 65-79 years who participated in four community-based health studies in Norway 1994-2001. Serum α-tocopherol concentrations at baseline were determined in 1,168 men and women who subsequently suffered hip fractures (median follow-up 8.2 years) and in a random sample (n = 1,434) from the same cohort. Cox proportional hazard regression adapted for gender-stratified case-cohort data was performed. Median (25, 75 percentile) serum α-tocopherol was 30.0 (22.6, 38.3) μmol/L, and it showed a linear inverse association with hip fracture: hazard ratio (HR) 1.11 (95% confidence interval (CI) 1.04-1.20) per 10-μmol/L decrease in serum α-tocopherol, adjusted for gender and study center. The lowest compared to the highest quartile conferred an HR of 1.51 (95% CI 1.17-1.95), adjusted for gender and study center. Adjustment for smoking, month of blood sample, BMI, education, physical inactivity, self-rated health, and serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) yielded similar results. Taking serum total cholesterol concentration into account attenuated the association somewhat: HR of hip fracture was 1.37 (95% CI 1.05-1.77) in first versus fourth quartile of serum α-tocopherol/total cholesterol ratio. Low serum concentrations of α-tocopherol were associated with increased risk of hip fracture in older Norwegians.