Serum Alpha-tocopherol Concentrations Research Articles

PSVII-12 The Effect of Two Supplemental Vitamin E Dosing Strategies in Morgan Horses with Marginal/Deficient Concentrations of Serum Alpha-Tocopherol

Abstract Vitamin E is an important antioxidant for normal neuromuscular function in horses. Dietary deficiencies are common in northern climates with seasonal access to pastures. Certain breeds, such as Morgan Horses, with predisposition to equine metabolic diseases, may exhibit deficiencies in vitamin E because of management systems imposed which restrict access to pasture. Few studies have compared strategies for initial supplementation to increase serum alpha-tocopherol in horses. The objective of this study was to compare two dosing strategies of d-alpha-tocopherol acetate to increase serum alpha-tocopherol in marginal/deficient horses. Eight Morgan horses (two geldings, six mares; mean BW = 460 kg) with marginal/deficient serum alpha-tocopherol (0.47-1.12 µg/mL) were enrolled in a randomized block design study. Blocks were balanced for age, sex, and pre-study vitamin E level and horses were assigned to one of two treatments: 1) HIGH - 10,000 IU liquid d-alpha-tocopherol acetate top-dressed on grain for 4 wk followed by 10 d step-down to 5,000 IU of powder d-alpha-tocopherol acetate through 16 wk; or MEDIUM – 5,000 IU of powder d-alpha-tocopherol acetate for 16 wk. Horses were housed in box stalls with daily turnout without access to grass. Horses were fed hay at 2% of BW and 0.45 kg of concentrate daily with vitamin E feed activity of 45.5 and 1378 IU/kg, respectively. HIGH and MEDIUM treatments were fed once daily with the AM feeding. To ensure horses consumed the powder d-alpha-tocopherol acetate, cookies made from alfalfa powder, gelatin and d-alpha-tocopherol acetate powder were created. Serum alpha-tocopherol was assessed pre-feeding every two weeks from 0 to 16 weeks. Before the step-down to 5,000 IU dose, horses receiving the HIGH dosage had greater concentrations of serum alpha-tocopherol (P < 0.01; Figure 1). All horses receiving the HIGH treatment attained serum alpha-tocopherol concentrations greater than 2.0 µg/mL after 2 weeks, while only one-half of horses receiving the MEDIUM dosage reached serum alpha-tocopherol concentrations greater than 2.0 µg/mL by 4 weeks. To attain and maintain normal concentrations of serum alpha-tocopherol, deficient horses should follow the HIGH supplementing strategy of d-alpha-tocopherol acetate.

PSVII-13 The Evaluation of Natural Vs Synthetic Vitamin E Supplementation for the Management of Alpha-Tocopherol Serum Concentrations in Morgan Horses

Abstract Vitamin E is an important lipid-soluble antioxidant that is tied to normal neuromuscular function in adult horses. Deficiency in serum vitamin E concentrations have been associated with several equine diseases such as Equine Motor Neuron Disease and Equine degenerative myeloencepalopathy. Horses with restricted access to pasture and genetic predispositions, like the Morgan Horse, can be especially susceptible to being marginally low or deficient. Two types of supplemental forms of Vitamin E are available: natural form, d-alpha-tocopherol acetate, and a synthetic form, dl-alpha-tocopherol, with the natural form being more expensive for horse owners. The objective of this study was to compare the serum vitamin E concentrations of horses on a low dose of natural (d-alpha) versus synthetic (dl-alpha) vitamin E. Eight horses with marginal/deficient serum alpha-tocopherol (0.94 – 2.3 µg/mL) were enrolled in a randomized block design study. Blocks were balanced for age, body weight and pre-study vitamin E level and were assigned to one of two treatments. 1) NATURAL – 2,000 IU powder (d-alpha-tocopherol acetate) for 16 wk. 2) SYNTHETIC – 2,000 IU dl-alpha tocopherol acetate for 16 wk. Horses were housed in box stalls with daily turnout without access to grass. Horses were fed hay at 2% of BW and 0.45 kg of concentrate daily with vitamin E feed activity of 45.5 and 1,378 IU/kg, respectively. Natural and synthetic treatments were fed once daily with the AM feeding. To ensure horses consumed the powder d-alpha-tocopherol acetate and capsules of dl-alpha-tocopherol acetate, cookies made from alfalfa powder, gelatin and d-alpha-tocopherol acetate powder were created. Serum alpha-tocopherol was assessed pre-feeding every four weeks from 0 to 16 weeks. Overall, horses supplemented with synthetic treatment had higher serum alpha-tocopherol than those supplemented with the natural treatment (2.61 vs 2.34, respectively; SE = 0.08, P = 0.05). Both treatments increased serum alpha-tocopherol concentrations to normal ranges (2.0-4.0 µg/mL) for all horses by 4 weeks and maintained the normal concentrations with the exception of week 12 for horses receiving the natural supplement compared with the synthetic (1.81 vs 2.62 µg/mL). Because of this diversion, there tended to be a week x treatment interaction (P = 0.06). The results of this study indicate the use of a synthetic, more affordable Vitamin E supplement will increase serum alpha-tocopherol concentrations similarly to natural supplements. However, further research is needed to determine how these supplements are utilized within the body.

Efficacy of the oral supplement, Equine Omega Complete, for the prevention of gastric ulcers and alpha-tocopherol supplementation in horses.

Omega-3 fatty acid and alpha-tocopherol supplementation reduces gastric ulcer formation in humans and rodents; however, efficacy of prevention in horses is unknown. Equine Omega Complete (EOC) is an oral supplement containing omega-3 fatty acids and alpha-tocopherol. Determine if EOC supplementation prevents gastric ulcers and increases serum alpha-tocopherol concentrations in healthy horses. Nine thoroughbred geldings; 5-13 years old. Prospective randomized block design, repeated in crossover model. Horses were administered EOC, omeprazole, or water PO for 28 days. Horses underwent an established gastric ulcer induction protocol from days 21-28 via intermittent feed deprivation. Gastroscopies were performed on days 0, 21, and 28. Serum alpha-tocopherol concentrations were measured on days 0 and 28. The effects of treatment and time on ulcer grades were assessed with ordinal logistic regression, with significance at P-value <.05. Ulcer grades increased during ulcer induction in control and EOC but not omeprazole groups (P = .02). Grades increased in EOC-treated horses after ulcer induction from a median of 1 [95% confidence interval 0-2.5] (day 0) to 2.5 [1.5-3.5] (day 28) and were similar to the control group (P = .54). Serum alpha-tocopherol increased in EOC-treated horses from day 0 to day 28 (mean 2.2 0.43 μg/mL to 2.96 0.89 μg/mL; P < .001) with high individual variation; this increase was not different from omeprazole or control groups. Supplementation with EOC for 28 days did not prevent gastric ulcer formation nor increase alpha-tocopherol concentrations relative to the control group.

Association between serum retinol and overall and cause-specific mortality in a 30-year prospective cohort study

How retinol as a clinical indicator of vitamin A status is related to long-term mortality is unknown. Here we report the results of a prospective analysis examining associations between serum retinol and risk of overall and cause-specific mortality. During a 30-year cohort follow-up, 23,797 deaths were identified among 29,104 men. Participants with higher serum retinol experienced significantly lower overall, CVD, heart disease, and respiratory disease mortality compared to men with the lowest retinol concentrations, reflecting 17–32% lower mortality risk (Ptrend < 0.0001). The retinol-overall mortality association is similar across subgroups of smoking intensity, alcohol consumption, body mass index, trial supplementation, serum alpha-tocopherol and beta-carotene concentrations, and follow-up time. Mediation analysis indicated that <3% of the effects of smoking duration and diabetes mellitus on mortality were mediated through retinol concentration. These findings indicate higher serum retinol is associated with lower overall mortality, including death from cardiovascular, heart, and respiratory diseases.

The effect of vitamin E treatment on selected immune and oxidative parameters in Kivircik ewes suffering from transport stress.

The study aimed to investigate the effects of vitamin E injection for the prevention of transport stress on ewes. Kivircik ewes (2-3years old, n=24) were randomly separated into three groups; G1 (Control) and G2 treated with 14ml. saline as the placebo, G3 treated with 2100IU/ind. DL-alpha-tocopherol acetate prior to transport. G2 and G3 were transported at 80km/h for 4h on a truck. Serum samples were obtained before (T0) and after (T1) transport. Serum cortisol, catalase, IgG, ceruloplasmin, C-reactive protein, complement component 4, interleukin-1 beta, tumour necrosis factor-alpha, glutathione peroxidase (GPx), superoxide dismutase, malondialdehyde analyses performed by ELISA, and serum alpha-tocopherol concentrations were evaluated by HPLC-UV. Wilcoxon and Kruskal-Wallis tests were used for statistical assessments (p<0.05). Alpha-tocopherol concentrations were founded 1.22±0.82, 0.27±0.14 and 0.14±0.07µmol/L, respectively, in G1, G2 and G3 at T1. Alpha-tocopherol concentration decreased significantly in G2 between T0 and T1. GPx concentrations were increased twofold in G2 and G3 between T0 and T1 (p<0.01). As a result, G2 alpha-tocopherol concentrations decreased but, the stress and oxidative parameters tested in this study were not affected by treating 2100IU/ind. DL-alpha-tocopherol acetate before transport.

Effects of daily almond consumption for six months on cognitive measures in healthy middle-aged to older adults: a randomized control trial

ABSTRACT Background Age-related cognitive decline is a major public health issue. Almonds are rich in nutrients that benefit cognitive function. Objective To investigate the impact of almonds on cognition in elderly adults. Design In a six-month, single-blinded, randomized-controlled trial, the effects of an almond intervention on cognition in healthy, middle-aged/older adults (50–75 years) was tested. Subjects were assigned to one of three groups: 1.5 oz/d almond (n = 19), 3 oz/d almond (n = 24), or 3.5 oz/d snack (control, matched for macronutrients in 3.0 oz almonds, (n = 17). Serum analyses for tocopherols, oxidative status and inflammation, and cognition were assessed at baseline (M0), three (M3), and six (M6) months. Results At M6, serum alpha-tocopherol concentrations increased by 8% from M0 (p < 0.05) in the 3 oz almond group but did not increase in the other groups. Serum markers of inflammation and oxidative stress were not significantly different throughout the study among the groups. There was no difference in change over time in cognitive tests among the groups. However, there was a significant improvement in visuospatial working memory (p = 0.023), visual memory and learning (p = 0.017), and spatial planning and working memory (p < 0.001) in subjects receiving 3 oz/d almonds at M6, while the snack group showed no improvement. Conclusions Almonds did not significantly improve cognitive function in cognitively intact middle-aged/older adults over six months. However, a significant improvement at M6 in cognitive measures was observed with 3 oz/d almonds. While these results are encouraging, a study of longer duration in subjects at risk for age-related cognitive decline is warranted. Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT03093896.

Variation of Hematochemical Profile and Vitamin E Status in Feral Giara Horses From Free Grazing in the Wild to Hay Feeding During Captivity

Wildlife protection and management are important priorities for landscape identity and biodiversity preservation. Feeding practices of fauna confined in facilities during temporary captivity are fundamental to support animal health and natural behavior. Appropriate provision of feedstuffs appears to be necessary to support the best practices in respect of animal species-specific natural diet. This investigation explored the variation of the metabolic profile by means of selected metabolite and respective circulating levels in a group feral Giara horses undergoing the change of the diet, moving from natural free grazing in the wild to temporary captivity. Six Giara horses (4 mares and 2 stallions; estimated age: 2.5–3 years; body weight: 163–170 kg) were captured to monitor the serological reaction to equine infectious anemia (EIA; screening at Coggins test). Animals were sheltered in a wildlife rescue center for a duration of 4 weeks, and all received the same hay-based diet (ad libitum). On 0 and 28 days of captivity, blood serum alpha-tocopherol (α-TOH) concentration was determined alongside selected metabolites (liver enzymes, total protein and fractions, cholesterol, triglycerides, and macrominerals and trace elements). Comparative feces quality and composition were also assessed. Both serum samples (0 vs. 28 days) displayed α-TOH levels below (<2 μg/mL) adequacy established for the domestic horse. Initial levels markedly (P = .020) decreased after the 4 weeks of captivity (Δ = −32.5%). Vitamin E status and ALT levels varied significantly, but serum protein fractions did not point to significant variations before and after captivity. All horses tested negative to EIA. Monitoring of vitamin E status of wild and feral herbivores may be recommendable in the context of adequate feeding practices during captivity to prevent potential deficiency or excessive depletion.

Effects of Daily Almond Consumption for Six Months on Cognitive Measures in Healthy Older Adults: A Randomized Control Trial

Abstract Objectives Cognitive impairment is a major risk factor for the development of dementia. Almonds are rich in nutrients recognized to have beneficial effects on cognitive function. The objective of this study is to determine the impact of almond consumption on cognition in elderly adults. Methods In a 6-mo single-blinded randomized controlled trial the effects of an almond intervention on cognition in healthy middle-aged to older adults were tested. Subjects were assigned to one of three groups: 1.5 oz/d almond (n = 19), 3 oz/d almond (n = 24) or 1.5 oz/d snack mix (matched for macronutrients in 3.0 oz almonds; n = 17). Dietary interviews, serum analyses for tocopherols, magnesium, oxidative status and inflammation biomarkers and cognitive function were assessed at baseline (M0), three (M3) and six (M6) months. Results At M6 serum alpha-tocopherol concentrations were increased by 8% from M0 in the 3 oz almond group (P &amp;lt; 0.05) and no increases were observed in the other groups. Serum markers of oxidative stress and inflammation were not significantly different at M0, M3 and M6 among the three groups. At M6 there were significant improvements in visuospatial working memory, visual memory and learning and spatial planning and working memory in subjects consuming 3 oz/d almonds. The snack mix and 1.5 oz/d almond groups showed no significant changes in these measures. Conclusions The study findings suggest that a long-term intervention with almonds may be an effective dietary strategy for preventing cognitive decline in an older population Funding Sources Almond Board of California, USDA CRIS #8050–51,000-095–02S.

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.

A Prospective Study of Serum Vitamin E and 28-Year Risk of Lung Cancer.

Epidemiologic data are inconsistent regarding the vitamin E-lung cancer association, and no study to our knowledge has examined serologic changes in vitamin E status in relation to subsequent risk. In a cohort of 22 781 male smokers in the Alpha-Tocopherol, Beta-Carotene Cancer Prevention Study, we ascertained 3184 lung cancer cases during up to 28 years of observation. Cox proportional hazards models examined whether higher serum alpha-tocopherol concentrations at baseline, 3 years, or the interval change were associated with lower lung cancer risk. All statistical tests were two-sided. After adjustment for age, body mass index, smoking intensity and duration, serum total cholesterol, and trial intervention group, we found lower lung cancer risk in men with high baseline alpha-tocopherol (fifth quintile [Q5] vs Q1, hazard ratio [HR] = 0.76, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.66 to 0.87, Ptrend < .001). A similar reduction in risk was seen for serum alpha-tocopherol at 3 years (Q5 vs Q1, HR = 0.78, 95% CI = 0.67 to 0.91, Ptrend = .004). The inverse risk association appeared stronger for younger men and those who had smoked fewer years but was similar across trial intervention groups. We also found reduced risk among men not supplemented with vitamin E who had a lower serum alpha-tocopherol at baseline and greater increases in concentrations at 3 years (third tertile vs first tertile of serum alpha-tocopherol change, HR = 0.74, 95% CI = 0.59 to 0.91, P = .005). Higher vitamin E status, as measured by serum alpha-tocopherol concentration, as well as repletion of a low vitamin E state, was related to decreased lung cancer risk during a 28-year period. Our findings provide evidence supporting the importance of adequate physiological vitamin E status for lung cancer risk reduction.

Alpha-Tocopherol Serum Levels Are Increased in Caucasian Women with Uterine Fibroids: A Pilot Study

Uterine fibroids (UFs) are benign tumors of the reproductive tract, arising from smooth muscle cells of the uterus. Steroid hormones, estrogen, and progesterone are considered to be the most important links in the pathophysiology of UFs. Alpha-tocopherol (AT) is the most active form of vitamin E. What is important as far as UFs are concerned is that ATs contain structural determinants, which makes them possible ligands for estrogen receptors (ERs). We present a retrospective cohort study performed in a university teaching hospital. We included a total of 162 patients divided into 2 groups: with UFs and controls. The effects of age, body mass index (BMI), positive medical history, parity, and AT serum concentrations on the risk for the development of UFs were investigated. Mean AT serum concentrations were 11.66 ± 4.97 μg/ml and 7.83 ± 3.13 μg/ml (medians 10.56 μg/ml and 7.42 μg/ml) in patients with UFs confirmed on ultrasound and controls, respectively. The presented difference was statistically significant. Higher BMI, positive family history, and low parity were found to be major risk factors for UFs. In our study, we confirmed that elevated serum AT concentration might be an important risk factor for UFs in Caucasian women. Further research in this area is necessary.

Abstract 1270: Vitamin E related genetic variants and prostate cancer risk: A Mendelian randomization analysis

Abstract Alpha-tocopherol is a highly biologically active form of vitamin E that has been inconsistently associated with prostate cancer risk in cohorts and supplementation trials. In order to further elucidate the association using a Mendelian randomization approach that avoids sources of bias common in observational research, we examined genetic variants related to vitamin E status, including those from GWAS analyses of circulating vitamin E, in relation to prostate cancer risk in the Prostate Cancer Association Group to Investigate Cancer Associated Alterations in the Genome (PRACTICAL) Consortium. The analysis included 38,868 cases and 25,210 controls from 35 participating cohorts and examined the association between 847 vitamin E-related single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in (or near) six genes and risk of prostate cancer. Logistical regression was used to estimate meta-analyzed case-control odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) for the per allele risk associations. Both genotyped and imputed data were examined, and results for the latter are presented based on the consistency between the two sets of findings. In addition to examining SNPs demonstrating nominal significance (alpha-error p&amp;lt;0.05), a Bonferroni threshold of &amp;lt;0.00006 was applied to adjust for multiple comparisons. We found 89 SNPs were nominally significantly associated with prostate cancer risk. This included SNPs involved in vitamin E transport (i.e., SEC14L2 and SCARB1) and metabolism (i.e., BUD13/ZNF259). The top three risk-associated SNPs (P &amp;lt;0.001) included rs141696823 (OR = 0.59, P=6.0x10-5) in CYP4F8 (cytochrome P450 family 4 subfamily F member 8) on 19p13.12 which functions as a prostaglandin hydroxylase in the seminal vesicles, and rs1915379 (OR = 1.04, P=0.0002) in CYP4F3 (cytochrome P450 family 4 subfamily F member 3) on 19p13.12 which oxidizes arachidonic acid and omega-hydroxylates tocopherol phytyl side chains, and has been directly associated with higher circulating alpha-tocopherol. The final SNP (r185614299, OR = 1.19, P=0.0004) is in NKAIN3 on 8q12.3, which encodes the Na+/K+ transporting ATPase Interacting Protein 3, a plasma membrane enzyme responsible for maintenance of intracellular electrolyte gradients. Vitamin E has been shown to reduce cell membrane lipid peroxidation, thereby promoting Na/K-ATPase activity. Other variants on this gene have previously been associated with serum alpha-tocopherol concentration in response to vitamin E supplementation in the ATBC Study. The present Mendelian randomization analysis suggests genetic variants related to vitamin E metabolism, its role as an antioxidant, and its function in inflammatory processes, may be associated with prostate cancer risk. Citation Format: Tracy M. Layne, Shakira M. Nelson, Stephanie J. Weinstein, Eric Karlins, Stephen J. Chanock, Demetrius Albanes, The PRACTICAL Consortium. Vitamin E related genetic variants and prostate cancer risk: A Mendelian randomization analysis [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2017; 2017 Apr 1-5; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2017;77(13 Suppl):Abstract nr 1270. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2017-1270

Antioxidant defense system in familial hypercholesterolemia and the effects of lipoprotein apheresis

Oxidative stress is thought to play an important role in the pathogenesis of disorders associated with atherosclerosis. Alpha-tocopherol is considered to be an effective lipophilic antioxidant, which protects lipid membranes against peroxidation and thus prevents cell damage by reaction with free radicals. However, measurement of alpha-tocopherol concentration in serum does not reflect the content of α-tocopherol in membranes whereas erythrocyte alpha-tocopherol may be good indicator of antioxidative status. Therefore a simple isocratic reversed phase HPLC method has been developed and validated for the determination of alpha-tocopherol in human erythrocytes in a clinical setting. The content of alpha-tocopherol in human erythrocyte membrane and lipoperoxidation were studied in patients with severe hypercholesterolemia treated by lipoprotein apheresis. The group of hypercholesterolemic patients (n = 14) treated by lipoprotein apheresis was compared to healthy adult normolipidemic controls. After lipoprotein apheresis, the content of in membrane alpha-tocopherol did not change significantly despite decreased tocopherol in serum and lipoprotein fractions. We observed significantly decreased lipoperoxidation as revealed by serum TBARS, representing end products of lipid peroxidation, which increased from third day afterwards and remained significantly higher in comparison to controls until the next LDL-apheresis. We conclude that aggressive lipid lowering procedure with lipoprotein apheresis was associated with favorable transient decrease of lipoperoxidation. Simultaneously the cell membrane bound antioxidative defense mechanisms as reflected by the content of alpha-tocopherol in human erythrocyte membrane where not depressed in spite of its decreased plasma lipid carrier. Another variables involved remain to be investigated.

The socioeconomic variables influence in the alpha-tocopherol concentration of the maternal serum

Abstract Objectives: To evaluate the influence of the socioeconomic factors on the alpha-tocopherol concentration in maternal serum. Methods: a retrospective, observational, cross-sectional study with the participation of 103 adult parturient volunteers attended at Hospital Universitário Ana Bezerra (Ana Bezerra University Hospital) in Santa Cruz - Rio Grande do Norte. 5.0 mL of blood was collected from each participant in fasting before the delivery to extract alpha-tocopherol of the serum. Socioeconomic and demographic information were obtained by a previously structured questionnaire. Alpha-tocopherol serum was determined by a High-Performance Chromatography Liquid (Cromatografia Líquida de Alta Eficiência (CLAE). Results: The average concentration of alpha-tocopherol in the serum was 1281.4 (594.8) µg/dL, and 6% of the women presented vitamin E deficiency (DVE). Most pregnant women aged between 18 and 24 years (59%), marital status was married or consensual marriage (77%), elementary schooling complete (34%), low family income (74%) and living in the urban area (73%). No significant differences were found in the alpha-tocopherol concentration according to socioeconomic characteristics and none of the studied factors were associated to the presence of DVE ( p &gt;0.05). Conclusions: The maternal social characteristics were not determinants for the alpha-tocopherol serum and DVE. Further investigations should be carried out during lactation to assess which factors may be involved in the presence of this deficiency.

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.

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.

LIPID PEROXIDATION AND ANTIOXIDANT STATUS: A COMPARISON BETWEEN MIDDLE AGED AND ELDERLY POPULATION

Objective : In recent years a large body of experimental research indicates that oxidative stress and antioxidant defenses are related to processes  such as aging and several diseases.Vitamins and antioxidant enzymes have a fundamental role in defending organisms from oxidative stress.The objective of present study was to compare age related oxidative stress in middle aged and older subjects. Design: The present hospital based nonintervention cross sectional study was designed to evaluate age related oxidative stress and its impact in 40 middle aged (35-55y) and 40 older subjects (60y)  by measuring Thiobarbituric Acid Reactive substances (TBARs) for lipid peroxidation vis-à -vis antioxidant defense with estimatimation of plasma superoxide dismutase (SOD) and serum alpha-tocopherol concentration . Intervention: none Results: On the basis of the data obtained from our study it was evident that concentration of Thiobarbituric Acid reactive substances were significantly higher in older subjects, whereas enzymatic antioxidant serum superoxide dismutase and free radical scavenging alpha-tocopherol (vitamin E) were significantly lower in elderly age group than middle aged subjects. Conclusion :The present study provides some important information regarding age related oxidative stress in elderly population compared to middle aged subjects. Lipid peroxidation which refers to oxidative degradation of lipids and acts as an oxidative  stressor in the organism is significantly higher in elderly subjects but in so far as antioxidants are concerned we observe that they are significantly lower in elderly than middle aged subjects. Keywords: aging, antioxidant ,lipid peroxidation, oxidative stress

Alpha-tocopherol concentration in serum and colostrum of mothers with gestational diabetes mellitus.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate and compare the levels of α-tocopherol in colostrum and in the serum of healthy and diabetic mothers.METHODS: This cross-sectional study enrolled 51 volunteer mothers, 20 with the diagnosis of gestational diabetes mellitus and 31 without associated diseases. Serum and colostrum samples were collected in fasting in the immediate postpartum period and α-tocopherol was analyzed by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). In order to define the nutritional status of vitamin E, the cutoff point for the serum (697.7µg/dL) was adopted. Student's t-test for independent variables compared the average concentrations of α-tocopherol in the serum and in the colostrum between control and gestational diabetes mellitus groups. Pearson's correlation was used to assess the relationship between the concentration of α-tocopherol in serum and colostrum for both groups. Differences were considered significant when p<0.05.RESULTS: The α-tocopherol concentration in colostrum was 1,483.1±533.8µg/dL for Control Group and 1,368.8±681.8µg/dL for diabetic women, without differences between groups (p=0.50). However, α-tocopherol concentration in the serum was 1,059.5±372.7µg/dL in the Control Group and 1,391.4±531.5µg/dL in the diabetic one (p<0.01). No correlation was found between the concentration of α-tocopherol in the serum and in the colostrum for control and diabetic groups. CONCLUSIONS: The groups had adequate nutritional status of vitamin E. Gestational diabetes was not associated with changes in α-tocopherol concentration in colostrum.

AB1474-HPR Effect of vitamin E on immunity and inflammation in adults with active rheumatoid arthritis (RA)

BackgroundLittle information on the effects of Vitamin E on inflammation and immune function in humans is available so we decided to investigate the effect of Vitamin E on this autoimmune...

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.