Serum Alpha-tocopherol Levels Research Articles

Serum Reference Intervals of Fat-Soluble Vitamins D and E in Wild Florida Manatees (Trichechus manatus latirostris) and Possible Implications for the Health of Manatees in Managed Care.

Serum levels of alpha-tocopherol (vitamin E) and 25-hydroxyvitamin D (vitamin D) were measured in 25 wild Florida manatees (Trichechus manatus latirostris) from Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, Citrus County, Florida, US. The samples were collected during the 2017 and 2018 winter health assessments. Reference intervals for alpha-tocopherol were 0.15-3.2 µg/L with mean value of 0.76 µg/mL and for 25-hydroxyvitamin D were 4.3-23 nmol/L with a mean of 13.88 nmol/L. Four, long-term captive manatees and nine manatees in rehabilitation were available for comparisons. Alpha-tocopherol levels were within the established range for free-ranging manatees. Mean 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels in long-term captive and manatees in rehabilitation fell well outside the reference interval for free-ranging manatees, being six- to sevenfold higher. The absence of significant differences in alpha-tocopherol between wild and captive manatees may not have any significant direct clinical implications but may warrant an investigation into other antioxidant mechanisms in manatees. The elevated 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels seen in captivity were unexpected and, in a few individuals, may pose a health challenge. Calcium is known to be elevated in captive manatees as well; a close examination of a potential hypervitaminosis D and hypercalcemia may be warranted.

Dietary Lipid Intake Influences the Alpha-tocopherol Levels in Human Milk.

Dietary lipid intake is associated with serum alpha-tocopherol levels; however, its impact on human milk is unknown. The objective of this study was to evaluate the relationship between maternal intake of vitamin E, lipids, and fatty acids and the concentration of alpha-tocopherol in human milk. We conducted a longitudinal observational study, including 143 lactating women on 7, 30, and 90 days postpartum. Dietary intake was collected using 24-hour recall. On day 90, a human milk sample was collected and analyzed for alpha-tocopherol concentration. The prevalence of inadequate vitamin E intake was determined by the Estimated Average Requirement (16 mg/day), and the alpha-tocopherol concentration was analyzed by high-performance liquid chromatography. Dietary intake of vitamin E was associated with the intake of lipids (r = 0.237, P = 0.004) and fatty acids (P < 0.05), and 100% of the participants had inadequate vitamin intake. Mean alpha-tocopherol concentration in the human milk samples was 7.11 (standard deviation 3.95) μmol/L and was correlated with lipid (r = 0.201, P = 0.042) and polyunsaturated fatty acid intake (r = 0.235, P = 0.017). Higher vitamin E levels were found in participants with the highest quartile of polyunsaturated fatty acid intake. Alpha-tocopherol concentration was associated with the dietary intake of lipids and fatty acids, demonstrating that its bioavailability is associated with fats in the mammary gland. These results suggest development of appropriate strategies to increase the levels of vitamin E in breast milk that may help to prevent and treat vitamin E deficiency.

Lower serum levels of alpha tocopherol and lycopene are associated with higher pain and physical disability in subjects with primary knee osteoarthritis: A case-control study.

Background: We aimed to determine dietary intake and serum concentration of α-tocopherol and lycopene in subjects with knee osteoarthritis (KOA) in relation to pain intensity and functional status and comparing them with healthy controls. Methods: This case-control study was conducted among 35 patients with primary KOA and 35 matched healthy subjects selected using convenience sampling method. Dietary intakes of alpha-tocopherol and lycopene were estimated from 24-hour dietary records. Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) and Western Ontario and McMaster (WOMAC) index were used to assess the pain and functional status, respectively. Results: Serum concentrations of alpha-tocopherol (0.024±0.005 vs. 0.028±0.007μmol/ml, p-value= 0.021) and lycopene (0.616±0.191 vs. 0.727±0.159μmol/l, p-value=0.011) were significantly lower in OA patients in comparison with healthy controls. Dietary intake of alpha-tocopherol was negatively associated with total WOMAC score (r=-0.401, p-value=0.021) and pain (r=-0.356, p-value=0.042) and physical function (r=-0.355, p-value=0.043) subscales. Dietary intake of lycopene was negatively associated with total WOMAC score (r=-0.616, p-value<0.001) and pain (r=-0.348, p-value=0.047) and physical function (r=-0.606, p-value<0.001) subscales. Additionally, serum concentration of alpha-tocopherol was negatively associated with total WOMAC score (r=-0.574, p-value<0.001) and physical function subscale (r=-0.571, p-value<0.001). Serum concentration of lycopene was negatively associated with total WOMAC score (r=-0.360, p-value=0.040) and physical function subscale (r=-0.350, p-value=0.046) Conclusion: Serum concentrations of α-tocopherol and lycopene were significantly lower in patients with KOA than in healthy controls. Significant negative association was detected between serum concentration and dietary intake of α-tocopherol and lycopene with functional disability in patients with KOA.

Markers of lipid and protein peroxidation among Nigerian university students with dysmenorrhea.

Oxidative stress has been associated with primary dysmenorrhea, but studies that have assessed multiple markers of peroxidation are scarce. This study investigated malondialdehyde (MDA), nitrotyrosine (3-NT), and protein carbonyls (PrCarb) as markers of oxidative stress and antioxidant status by serum alpha tocopherol level in young Nigerian women with dysmenorrhea. In a case-control design, 45 female undergraduates who had had regular menses for at least six previous cycles were recruited consecutively from a university clinic as cases and 45 apparently healthy age-matched counterparts in their hall of residences as controls. Serum levels of MDA, 3-NT, and PrCarb were determined using standard methods, and the values were compared between cases and controls using Mann-Whitney U-test and graphs. Study participants' ages range from 16 to 29 years (mean = 22.0 ± 3.1 years). Serum level of 3-NT (45.89 ± 37.11 vs 21.27 ± 13.94 ng/mL) and MDA (0.75 ± 0.19 vs 0.45 ± 0.11 nmol/mL) was significantly higher in cases than controls. Plasma alpha tocopherol was significantly lower in cases (7.51 ± 1.95 μmol/L) than controls (8.98 ± 1.95 μmol/L). Conversely, PrCarb levels were not significantly difference between cases and controls. There were significant correlations between alpha tocopherol and 3-NT (r = -0.285; P = 0.007) and MDA (r = -0.321; P = 0.002), whereas this relationship was not shown with PrCarb (r = -0.073; P = 0.496). Remarkable lipid and protein peroxidation observed in young Nigerian women with dysmenorrhea was accompanied by correspondingly low level of serum alpha tocopherol suggesting potential need for vitamin E supplementation.

Association of Serum Alpha-Tocopherol and Retinol with the Extent of Coronary Lesions in Coronary Artery Disease.

Background and aims: Fat-soluble vitamins play an important role in the pathogenesis of cardiovascular disease and progression of atherosclerosis. This study aimed at investigating the relationship of the serum levels of alpha-tocopherol and retinol with the extent of coronary lesions in patients with coronary artery disease. Methods. Patients with coronary artery disease (n=177) aged 30–74 years, who underwent their first coronary angiography, were enrolled. The extent of coronary lesions was assessed using the Friesinger index (FI). Accordingly, patients were grouped as follows: FI = 0–4 (n=90), FI = 5–9 (n=50), and FI = 10–15 (n=37). Serum levels of vitamins were ‬determined via high-performance liquid chromatography and serum biochemical analysis. Results. Assessment of FI-based groups revealed that 50.8% patients had a coronary artery lesion to a low extent (FI 0–4). Individuals in this group were younger and had lower glucose and serum alpha-tocopherol levels than the other groups (p < 0.05). Low levels of alpha-tocopherol were more frequent in the FI 0–4 group than that in the other groups (p=0.03). No difference was observed between the mean serum retinol levels among the FI-based groups (n=0.492), and the low frequency of retinol was consistent among the FI groups (n=0.348). Conclusions. The low level of alpha-tocopherol together with the presence of dyslipidemia is probably associated with the initial events in atherosclerosis. Increased alpha-tocopherol levels in patients with more extensive coronary artery lesions may have resulted from altered vitamin E metabolism with increased oxidative stress.

Serum ascorbic acid and alpha-tocopherol levels in bidi smokers and tobacco chewers

Serum ascorbic acid and alpha-tocopherol levels in bidi smokers and tobacco chewers

Assessing alpha-tocopherol levels in patients with keratocystic odontogenic tumor: A cross-sectional study.

A keratocystic odontogenic tumour (KCOT) is a benign uni- or multicystic, intraosseous tumour of odontogenic origin, with a characteristic lining of parakeratinized stratified squamous epithelium and potential for aggressive, infiltrative behaviour. Various studies in hamsters showed that, alpha-Tocopherol, which is an active biological form of Vitamin E, is a potent antioxidant known to inhibit tumour formation and also regression of established tumours. So, the aim of the present pilot study was to assess the levels of Alpha-Tocopherol(Vitamin E) in Patients with KCOT and compare them with Vitamin E levels in normal healthy individuals. A sample of 20 individuals were taken and Alpha Tocopherol levels in serum were assessed. Independent sample t test was used to analyse the data. Serum Vitamin-E levels were found to be decreased in KCOT cases. Mean Vitamin-E level was found to be decreased (mean + S.D. = 10,549.34 +/- 2494.21 ng/mL) as compared to healthy controls (mean + S.D. = 13,982.42 +/- 2178.02 ng/mL). The reduction in serum vitamin E level was statistically significant (P < 0.05). The reduction in Vitamin E levels in KCOT patients might be suggestive of the possible interrelation between Vitamin E and KCOT invivo. Also, increase in intake of Vitamin E might help in reducing the risk of recurrence in KCOT by reducing the dysregulation of Cyclin D1 and Down-Regulation of mutant p53.

Association between maternal vitamin E status and alpha-tocopherol levels in the newborn and colostrum.

Vitamin E is important because of its antioxidant activity in situations of oxidative stress, especially postnatally. Hence, the objective was to verify whether maternal alpha-tocopherol level is associated with the alpha-tocopherol levels of the newborn and colostrum. This is a cross-sectional study of 58 women and their term newborns from a public hospital. Blood and colostrum were collected to measure alpha-tocopherol levels by high-performance liquid chromatography. Mothers with serum alpha-tocopherol levels <16.2 mmol L(-1) and newborns <11.6 mmol L(-1) were indicative of deficiency or low levels. Mothers were divided into two groups: <16.2 mmol L(-1) and those with levels ≥16.2 mmol L(-1) . The mean (95% confidence interval) serum alpha-tocopherol levels of mothers, umbilical cords and colostrum were 28 (24-32), 6 (5-8) and 39 mmol L(-1) (32-45), respectively (P < 0.001); 19% of the women and 90% of the newborns had low alpha-tocopherol levels. Maternal alpha-tocopherol level was associated with that of the umbilical cord. Newborns from mothers at risk of deficiency had low alpha-tocopherol levels (P < 0.001). Colostrum levels of vitamin E were not influenced by maternal serum. Maternal deficiency influenced the vitamin E level of the umbilical cord but does not in the colostrum, evidencing distinct transfer mechanisms via the mammary gland.

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.

Oxidant and Antioxidant Status in Children With Subacute Sclerosing Panencephalitis

We analyzed serum alpha-tocopherol, beta-carotene, retinol, and ascorbic acid levels and malondialdehyde and reduced glutathione concentrations on erythrocyte and cerebrospinal fluid in 30 patients with subacute sclerosing panencephalitis to evaluate oxidant and antioxidant status. Serum alpha-tocopherol, beta-carotene, retinol, ascorbic acid levels, and erythrocyte and cerebrospinal fluid reduced glutathione concentrations were decreased; however, erythrocyte and cerebrospinal fluid malondialdehyde levels were increased in the patients. Cerebrospinal fluid malondialdehyde levels were different between clinical stages of the disease (P < .05). Higher cerebrospinal fluid malondialdehyde level was associated with the more severe clinical stage. A positive correlation was found between cerebrospinal fluid malondialdehyde level and clinical stages (r = 0.42; P < .05) and between erythrocyte malondialdehyde level and clinical stages (r = 0.40; P < .05). Our findings showed presence of oxidative damage in subacute sclerosing panencephalitis and that antioxidants were increased as defense mechanisms of the organism against oxidative damage.

Association between carotenoids and outcome of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia: a prospective cohort study

It has been suggested that micronutrients such as alpha-tocopherol, retinol, lutein, cryptoxanthin, lycopene, and alpha- and beta-carotene may help in the prevention of cervical cancer. Our aim was to investigate whether serum concentrations and/or dietary intake of micronutrients influence the regression or progression of low-grade cervical abnormalities. In a prospective cohort study of 391 patients with cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) grade 1-2 lesions, we measured serum micronutrient concentrations in addition to a self-administered questionnaire about dietary intake. We evaluated the hazard ratio (HR) adjusted for CIN grade, human papillomavirus genotype, total energy intake and smoking status. In non-smoking regression subjects, regression was significantly associated with serum levels of zeaxanthin/lutein (HR 1.25, 0.78-2.01, p=0.024). This benefit was abolished in current smokers. Regression was inhibited by high serum levels of alpha-tocopherol in smokers (p=0.042). In progression subjects, a significant protective effect against progression to CIN3 was observed in individuals with a medium level of serum beta-carotene [HR 0.28, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.11-0.71, p=0.007), although any protective effect from a higher level of serum beta-carotene was weaker or abolished (HR 0.52, 95% CI 0.24-1.13, p=0.098). Increasing beta-carotene intake did not show a protective effect (HR 2.30, 95% CI 0.97-5.42, p=0.058). Measurements of serum levels of carotenoids suggest that regression is modulated by smoking status. Maintaining a medium serum level of beta-carotene has a protective effect for progression; however, carotene intake is not correlated with serum levels of carotenoids.

Níveis de alfa-tocoferol no soro e colostro de lactantes e associação com variáveis maternas

To determine the nutritional status of vitamin E in breastfeeding women through the analysis of alpha-tocopherol concentration in serum and colostrum, to analyze its relation with maternal variables and to determine the prevalence of vitamin E deficiency in these women. The study included 103 mothers who were classified according to maternal variables: age, nutritional status before pregnancy, gestational weight gain, parity and mode of delivery. Colostrum and serum samples were collected under fasting conditions in the immediate postpartum period. Alpha-tocopherol was analyzed by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). A serum cutoff of 697.7 μg/dL was adopted to define the nutritional status of vitamin E. Statistical analysis was performed with the Student's t test for independent samples and Pearson's correlation. Differences were significant when p<0.05. The average concentration of alpha-tocopherol was 1.125±551.0 μg/dL in colostrum and 1,138.6±346.0 μg/dL in serum, indicating adequate biochemical nutritional status. However, when analyzing the mothers individually, a 16% rate of subclinical vitamin E deficiency was detected. Women undergoing cesarean delivery had significantly higher alpha-tocopherol levels in colostrum (1.280±591 μg/dL) compared with those undergoing normal delivery (961.7±370 μg/dL) (p<0.05). It was found that mothers who were overweight before pregnancy had higher vitamin concentration in colostrum (1,331.5±548 μg/dL) when compared to underweight women (982.1±374 μg/dL) or women of normal weight (992.3±346 μg/dL) (p<0.05). However, the other variables were not associated with alpha-tocopherol in colostrum. Moreover, no variable showed association with vitamin E levels in maternal serum and no correlation was demonstrated between the alpha-tocopherol levels in serum and in milk. Despite the diagnosis of satisfactory nutritional status, breastfeeding women showed significant risk of subclinical vitamin E deficiency. We suggest that the concentration of alpha-tocopherol in colostrum be associated with type of delivery and pre-gestational nutritional status of women.

Vitamin E intake and serum concentrations in older Black and White Americans using National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2003–2006 population

Few data are available describing the primary sources of vitamin E intake among non‐Hispanic blacks and whites. The objectives of this research were to: assess current dietary vitamin E intakes of older (≥ 50 y) non‐Hispanic black and white Americans; and describe primary food sources of alpha‐tocopherol (AT) in the diets of these adults. Based on 24‐h recalls in NHANES 2003–2006, dietary AT intakes of 2355 whites and 707 blacks were less than half the recommended dietary allowance of 15 mg AT. Men had lower dietary AT intakes than those of women and blacks had lower intakes as compared to those of whites for the first day of recalls after multivariate adjustments (both p&lt;0.03). Among blacks, ready‐to‐eat cereal (7.2%), potato chips, corn chips, popcorn (6.8%), and nuts, seeds (6.6%) were the major contributors of vitamin E while for whites, these were ready‐to‐eat cereal (12.9%), nuts, seeds (9.6%), and mixtures mainly from grains (7.1%). In a subset of 1223, fasting serum AT did not differ by race (p=0.065) but gamma‐tocopherol concentrations were modified by race and sex interactions of which black females had the highest concentrations (p&lt;0.044). Dietary AT intake remains inadequate among older American adults despite serum AT levels in the normal range. Encouraging the intake of nutritious vitamin E dense foods also low in PUFA such as ready‐to‐eat cereals and dark green vegetables may correct this.

Effects of vitamin E on bone turnover markers among US postmenopausal women

Increased oxidative stress and inflammation resulting from aging and declining estrogen levels can lead to increased bone loss in postmenopausal women. Alpha-tocopherol and gamma-tocopherol, the two predominant isomers of vitamin E, have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, but their effects on bone metabolism have not been well studied in humans. We examined the associations between dietary and total (diet and supplements) alpha-tocopherol intake, serum alpha-tocopherol and gamma-tocopherol levels and their ratio, and bone turnover markers (BTMs) among postmenopausal women aged ≥45 years. We used cross-sectional data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 1999–2002. Multiple regression models with adjustments for relevant confounders were used to examine the associations between intake and serum levels of tocopherols, and serum bone-specific alkaline phosphatase (BAP), a biomarker of bone formation, and urinary N-telopeptides/creatinine (uNTx/Cr), a biomarker of bone resorption. The study sample included 497 postmenopausal women who were not taking estrogen, steroids, or osteoporosis medications, were free from kidney and liver disease, cancer, and rheumatoid arthritis, and were fasting >9 hours prior to examination. Participants had a mean age of 65.5 ± 0.6 years and over 45% used vitamin E (alpha-tocopherol) supplements in the past month. Vitamin E supplement users had significantly lower serum gamma-tocopherol, higher serum alpha-tocopherol levels, and higher ratio of serum alpha-tocopherol to gamma-tocopherol than nonusers. High serum gamma-tocopherol levels and low ratio of serum alpha-tocopherol to gamma-tocopherol were associated with increased BAP levels (p < 0.01 for both). There were no associations between any of the vitamin E variables and uNTx/Cr. In conclusion, we hypothesize that gamma-tocopherol may uncouple bone turnover, resulting in more bone formation than resorption. Vitamin E supplements in the form of alpha-tocopherol suppress serum gamma-tocopherol levels and may have negative effects on bone formation. Further research is needed to investigate the potential anabolic effect of gamma-tocopherol from food sources on bone.

Fluctuation of serum vitamin E (α-tocopherol) concentrations during exacerbation and remission phases in patients with chronic fatigue syndrome

The etiology of chronic fatigue syndrome remains unknown. Oxidative stress may be involved in its pathogenesis. Vitamin E is a major endogenous lipid-soluble antioxidative substance, and is consumed during the lipid peroxidation process. We studied a population comprising 27 patients with chronic fatigue syndrome (10 men and 17 women, 29 +/- 6 years of age) and 27 age- and sex-matched control subjects. Serum vitamin E (alpha-tocopherol) concentrations were determined and expressed as mg/g total lipids (total cholesterol and triglyceride) to evaluate oxidative stress. Serum alpha-tocopherol concentrations (mg/g lipids) were significantly (P < 0.001) lower in the patients with chronic fatigue syndrome (2.81 +/- 0.73) than in the control subjects (3.88 +/- 0.65). The patients with chronic fatigue syndrome were re-examined during a follow-up interval. After 8 +/- 2 months, 16 patients exhibited a status that warranted re-examination during remission of the symptoms at a regular visit to our hospital (Group 1), while the remaining 11 did not (Group 2). The serum alpha-tocopherol levels were significantly elevated during remission as compared with those at baseline in Group 1 (2.71 +/- 0.62 --> 3.24 +/- 0.83, P < 0.001). The levels did not significantly change after the interval in Group 2 (2.97 +/- 0.86 --> 2.85 +/- 0.73, not significant). In conclusion, serum alpha-tocopherol concentrations were significantly lower in the patients with chronic fatigue syndrome as compared with the control subjects, suggesting increased oxidative stress in the former. The low level of serum alpha-tocopherol was ameliorated during the remission phase as compared with the exacerbation phase in the patients with chronic fatigue syndrome, suggesting that increased oxidative stress may be involved in the pathogenesis of chronic fatigue syndrome and might also be directly related to the severity of the symptoms of chronic fatigue syndrome.

Serum micronutrient and antioxidant levels at baseline and the natural history of men with localised prostate cancer on active surveillance

The aim of this study was to determine whether serum concentrations of micronutrients, antioxidants and vitamins predict rate of disease progression in untreated, localised prostate cancer. Patients with localised prostatic adenocarcinoma on a prospective study of active surveillance underwent monitoring with serial PSA levels and repeat prostate biopsies. Disease progression was defined as either adverse histology on repeat biopsy (primary Gleason grade >or=4 or >50% positive cores of total) or radical treatment for PSA velocity >1 ng ml(-1) year(-1). Time to disease progression was analysed with respect to baseline levels of alpha-tocopherol, gamma-tocopherol, alpha-carotene and beta-carotene, lycopene, retinol and selenium. One hundred four patients were evaluable, with a median follow-up of 2.5 years. Thirty-eight patients experienced disease progression, 13 biochemical and 25 histologic progression. Median time to disease progression was 2.62 years. No significant association was seen between time to disease progression and baseline serum levels of alpha-tocopherol (p = 0.86), gamma-tocopherol (p = 0.84), alpha-carotenoid (p = 0.66), beta-carotene (p = 0.65), lycopene (p = 0.0.15), retinol (p = 0.76) or selenium (p = 0.76). No significant association was seen between serum levels of the micronutrients, antioxidants or vitamins and either adverse histology on repeat biopsy or PSA velocity. Our data do not support the hypothesis that high serum concentrations of micronutrients, antioxidants and vitamins prevent disease progression in men with localised prostate cancer.

Is obesity associated with oxidative stress in children?

We evaluated the presence of oxidative stress in obese children without co-morbidities. The study population included 68 children (30 girls, 38 boys), between 6 and 14 years of age. The levels of markers of oxidative damage (malondialdehyde [MDA], and plasma carbonyl groups [CG]) and measures of antioxidant defense, such as the enzyme glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and low molecular scavengers (erythrocyte-reduced glutathione [GSH], alpha-tocopherol and beta-carotene) were determined. Children were categorized in groups by the standard deviation score of body mass index (SDS-BMI). Twenty children were non-obese (SDS-BMI< or =1.33), and the 48 obese children (SDS-BMI> or =2) were further divided into two groups: SDS-BMI> or =3 (22 children) and > or =2 SDS-BMI<3 (26 children). The levels of MDA and CG were significantly higher (p<0.05) in children with SDS-BMI> or =3. The GPx activity was increased, while the GSH concentration was lower in obese children compared with non-obese children (p<0.01). There were no differences in serum alpha-tocopherol and beta-carotene levels between groups. MDA was the sole marker of oxidative damage that was positively correlated with SDS-BMI, (r=0.35, p=0.015), and negatively with high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) (r=- 0.32, p=0.027). GPx was inversely related to total cholesterol (r=- 0.34, p=0.019). In multiple regression analysis, we confirmed that SDS-BMI and HDL-C were determinants of MDA. Severe childhood obesity is associated with oxidative stress. Thus, providing foods with high antioxidant capacity in addition to a hypocaloric diet is crucial for the treatment of obese children.

Safety assessment of common foods enriched with natural nonesterified plant sterols

To assess safety during a diet based on low-fat foods enriched with nonesterified wood-derived plant sterols and mineral nutrients related to serum phytosterol, sex hormone and fat-soluble vitamin metabolism. Seventy-one study participants (52 women, 19 men) with mild-to-moderate hypercholesterolemia completed the double-blind, placebo-controlled feeding trial lasting for 15 weeks. The subjects were randomly allocated to the sterol group receiving food items enriched with mineral nutrients as well as with a total of 1.25, 2.5 and 5.0 g per day of plant sterols during the first, second and third 5-week periods, respectively, or to the placebo group receiving similar food items without plant sterols. This outpatient clinical trial with free-living subjects was carried out at two hospital clinics. Two significant findings were observed. Serum sitosterol concentrations increased from 2.84 to 5.35 mg l(-1) (P<0.004 vs placebo) but those of serum total plant sterols did not because of compensatory changes in other phytosterols. The highest plant sterol levels did not exceed 0.6% of total serum sterols. Serum alpha-tocopherol concentrations decreased in the sterol group by 10% (P<0.0002), but the between-group difference disappeared after adjusting for the change in the carrier (LDL cholesterol). Fifteen-week consumption of natural nonesterified plant sterol-enriched food does not cause any serious adverse effects during such a period. However, serum alpha-tocopherol levels were somewhat reduced in the sterol group suggesting that long-term effects of plant sterols on serum fat-soluble vitamin concentrations should be further explored, especially in relation to very low-fat diets.

Serum α-tocopherol, concurrent and past vitamin E intake, and mild cognitive impairment

Associations of past dietary vitamin E intake, past and current vitamin E supplement use, and current serum alpha-tocopherol levels, with memory (amnestic) and mixed-domain cognitive impairment in older women, ascertained from an in-depth neuropsychological assessment, were explored. This analysis used baseline data from 526 participants in a single-site ancillary study to the Women's Health Initiative, the Cognitive Change in Women study. In bivariate analyses, neither past dietary vitamin E intake (<8 mg/day vs more) nor current vitamin E supplement use was associated with impairment. Women who did not use vitamin E supplements at Women's Health Initiative baseline had an increased risk of mixed-domain impairment (odds ratio [OR] 1.88; 95% CI 1.09 to 3.23). This association lost significance when adjusting for age, education, American National Adult Reading Test (ANART) score, and time between measurement of past vitamin E use and cognitive testing. Concurrent serum alpha-tocopherol had significant cross-sectional associations with both memory and mixed impairments, with women in the lowest quartile of serum alpha-tocopherol nearly twice as likely to show signs of memory (1.92; 1.24 to 2.97) and mixed-domain (2.01; 1.13 to 3.57) impairments. In multivariable models adjusting for age, education, and ANART score, the lowest quartile of serum alpha-tocopherol was associated with increased odds of memory impairment (OR 2.02; 1.27 to 3.20) and mixed impairments (OR 2.00; 1.04 to 3.85). Additional adjustment for APOE e4 did not affect these results. There was weak or no evidence of a protective effect of previous vitamin E intake on cognitive function. However, the association of low concurrent serum alpha-tocopherol with memory and mixed impairment merits further exploration.

Comparative effects of vitamin E succinate (VES) on serum vitamin E and lipid levels in BALB/c nude mice fed high fat diets containing cottonseed or soybean oil

Purpose: In this study we compared the effects of vitamin E succinate (VES) on the serum vitamin E and lipid levels of mice fed high-fat diets containing 20% cottonseed oil (CSO), or 20% soybean oil (SO). Methods: Forty-eight male BALB/c nude mice, five weeks old were randomly assigned to four groups (n=12/group). Two groups were fed 20% CSO, while the other two groups were fed 20% SO. On day one all mice received subcutaneous injection of 1x106 LNCaP cells in 0.2 mL matrigel. After 3 weeks, two groups were given intraperitoneal (IP) injection of VES (100 mg/kg body weight) in sesame oil (Intervention group), while the other two groups received only sesame oil, three times a week (Control group). Mice were sacrificed at the end of seven weeks. Blood samples were assayed for vitamin E and lipids at baseline and at the end of the study. Results: In the CSO group, Intervention group had significantly lower levels of TC, LDLc, and VLDLc compared to control group (22.5% vs 4%, 19% vs. 6%, 16% vs 3% respectively; p<0.05), while levels of HDL-c, total tocopherol, alpha tocopherol, and VES were elevated (5% vs 12%, 2% vs 8%, 3% vs. 12%; p<0.05). No significant differences were found in the mice fed SO. Conclusion: Serum lipid, total, and alpha tocopherol and VES levels were significantly improved by VES IP injection in high fat diets containing 20% CSO without affecting body weight, while no significant differences were observed in diets containing 20% SO. Supported by Human Nutrition Fund