Molecular aspects of alpha-tocotrienol antioxidant action and cell signalling

Vitamin E isoforms alpha-tocotrienol and gamma-tocopherol prevent cerebral infarction in mice

Alpha-tocopherol and its derivatives have been shown to be effective in reducing cerebral ischemia-induced brain damage. However, the effects of other vitamin E isoforms have not been characterized. In the present study, we investigated the effects of six different isoforms of vitamin E on the ischemic brain damage in the mice middle cerebral artery (MCA) occlusion model. All vitamin E isoforms were injected i.v., twice, immediately before and 3 h after the occlusion. Alpha-tocopherol (2 mM), alpha-tocotrienol (0.2 and 2 mM) and gamma-tocopherol (0.2 and 2 mM) significantly decreased the size of the cerebral infarcts 1 day after the MCA occlusion, while gamma-tocotrienol, delta-tocopherol and delta-tocotrienol showed no effect on the cerebral infarcts. These results suggest that alpha-tocotrienol and gamma-tocopherol are potent and effective agents for preventing cerebral infarction induced by MCA occlusion.

Cutaneous photodamage, oxidative stress, and topical antioxidant protection

New methods to protect skin from photodamage from sun exposure are necessary if we are to conquer skin cancer and photoaging. Sunscreens are useful, but their protection is not ideal because of inadequate use, incomplete spectral protection, and toxicity. Skin naturally uses antioxidants (AOs) to protect itself from photodamage. This scientific review summarizes what is known about how photodamage occurs; why sunscreens--the current gold standard of photoprotection--are inadequate; and how topical AOs help protect against skin cancer and photoaging changes. This review is intended to be a reference source, including pertinent comprehensive reviews whenever available. Although not all AOs are included, an attempt has been made to select those AOs for which sufficient information is available to document their potential topical uses and benefits. Reviewed are the following physiologic and plant AOs: vitamin C, vitamin E, selenium, zinc, silymarin, soy isoflavones, and tea polyphenols. Their topical use may favorably supplement sunscreen protection and provide additional anticarcinogenic protection. (J Am Acad Dermatol 2003;48:1-19.)

LEARNING OBJECTIVE

At the completion of this learning activity, participants should have an understanding of current information about how the sun damages skin to produce skin cancer and photoaging changes, how the skin naturally protects itself from the sun, the shortcomings of sunscreens, and the added advantages of topical AOs for photoprotection.

Vegetable lipids as components of functional foods

Nutritionally beneficial compounds naturally present in vegetable lipids will be subject of this minireview. This article will discuss lipidic compounds from less known vegetable sources and potential advantages of its incorporation into human diet as a functional ingredient.

Regulation of cell signalling by vitamin E

Vitamin E, the most important lipid-soluble antioxidant, was discovered at the University of California at Berkeley in 1922. Since its discovery, studies of the constituent tocopherols and tocotrienols have focused mainly on their antioxidant properties. In 1991 Angelo Azzi's group (Boscoboinik et al. 1991a,b) first described non-antioxidant cell signalling functions for alpha-tocopherol, demonstrating that vitamin E regulates protein kinase C activity in smooth muscle cells. At the transcriptional level, alpha-tocopherol modulates the expression of the hepatic alpha-tocopherol transfer protein, as well as the expression of liver collagen alphal gene, collagenase gene and alpha-tropomyosin gene. Recently, a tocopherol-dependent transcription factor (tocopherol-associated protein) has been discovered. In cultured cells it has been demonstrated that vitamin E inhibits inflammation, cell adhesion, platelet aggregation and smooth muscle cell proliferation. Recent advances in molecular biology and genomic techniques have led to the discovery of novel vitamin E-sensitive genes and signal transduction pathways.

The polychlorinated biphenyl mixture aroclor 1254 induces death of rat cerebellar granule cells: the involvement of the N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor and reactive oxygen species

Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) are widespread persistent environmental contaminants that display a complex spectrum of toxicological properties, including neurotoxicity. The present study investigates the effects of the PCB mixtures Aroclor 1242 (A1242) and Aroclor 1254 (A1254), and the PCB congeners 126 (3,3',4,4',5,-PeCB) and 153 (2,2',4,4',5,5'-HxCB) on formation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and cell death in cultured rat cerebellar granule cells. The increase of ROS and induction of cell death were assayed using the fluorescent probe 2,7-dichlorofluorescin diacetate (DCFH-DA) and the trypan blue exclusion assay, respectively. A1242 and A1254 and PCB 153 induced a concentration-dependent increase in cell death and ROS formation. A1254 was selected for mechanistic studies. When the cerebellar granule cells were exposed to 15 microM A1254 for 12 h, 95% of the cells died. Both PCB-mediated cell death and the increase of the ROS formation were inhibited by MK-801, demonstrating the importance of the N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor. Inhibitors of nitric oxide synthase and phospholipase A2 led to a significant reduction of the DCF fluorescence and cell death. The mitochondrial permeability transition pore blocker cyclosporin A and the antioxidant vitamin E also increased survival and reduced ROS formation. The results show a connection between cell death and free radical formation.

A systematic screening of total antioxidants in dietary plants

A predominantly plant-based diet reduces the risk for development of several chronic diseases. It is often assumed that antioxidants contribute to this protection, but results from intervention trials with single antioxidants administered as supplements quite consistently do not support any benefit. Because dietary plants contain several hundred different antioxidants, it would be useful to know the total concentration of electron-donating antioxidants (i.e., reductants) in individual items. Such data might be useful in the identification of the most beneficial dietary plants. We have assessed systematically total antioxidants in a variety of dietary plants used worldwide, including various fruits, berries, vegetables, cereals, nuts and pulses. When possible, we analyzed three or more samples of dietary plants from three different geographic regions in the world. Total antioxidants was assessed by the reduction of Fe(3+) to Fe(2+) (i.e., the FRAP assay), which occurred rapidly with all reductants with half-reaction reduction potentials above that of Fe(3+)/Fe(2+). The values, therefore, expressed the corresponding concentration of electron-donating antioxidants. Our results demonstrated that there is more than a 1000-fold difference among total antioxidants in various dietary plants. Plants that contain most antioxidants included members of several families, such as Rosaceae (dog rose, sour cherry, blackberry, strawberry, raspberry), Empetraceae (crowberry), Ericaceae (blueberry), Grossulariaceae (black currant), Juglandaceae (walnut), Asteraceae (sunflower seed), Punicaceae (pomegranate) and Zingiberaceae (ginger). In a Norwegian diet, fruits, berries and cereals contributed 43.6%, 27.1% and 11.7%, respectively, of the total intake of plant antioxidants. Vegetables contributed only 8.9%. The systematic analysis presented here will facilitate research into the nutritional role of the combined effect of antioxidants in dietary plants.

The 80th anniversary of vitamin E: beyond its antioxidant properties

Molecules provided with an antioxidant function may have additional properties, the latter being sometimes of greater importance than the former. In the last ten years, alpha-tocopherol has revealed precise cellular functions, some of which are independent of its antioxidant/radical scavenging ability. At the posttranslational level, alpha-tocopherol inhibits protein kinase C and 5-lipoxygenase and activates protein phosphatase 2A and diacylglycerol kinase. Some genes (CD36, alpha-TTP, alpha-tropomyosin, and collagenase) are affected by alpha-tocopherol at the transcriptional level. alpha-Tocopherol also induces inhibition of cell proliferation, platelet aggregation and monocyte adhesion. These effects are unrelated to the antioxidant activity of vitamin E, but rather are believed to be a result of specific interactions of vitamin E with components of the cell, e. g. proteins, enzymes and membranes. This review focuses on novel non-antioxidant functions of alpha-tocopherol and discusses the possibility that many of the effects previously attributed to the antioxidant functions can also be explained by non-antioxidant mechanisms.

Determination of phenolic compounds in rose hip (Rosa canina) using liquid chromatography coupled to electrospray ionisation tandem mass spectrometry and diode-array detection

Liquid chromatography coupled with negative and positive electrospray ionisation (ESI) tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS) and diode-array detection (DAD) was used for determination of phenols in rose hip (Rosa canina) extract. ESI mass spectra of the chromatographically separated phenols gave the molecular weight of the compounds through prominent [M - H](-) ions for most of the compounds and M(+) ions for the anthocyanins. Collision induced dissociation (CID) of the [M - H](-) (or M(+)) precursor ions yielded product ions which determined the molecular weight of the aglycones. In-source fragmentation followed by CID of the resulting deprotonated aglycone ([A - H](-)) provided product ions for the identification of the unconjugated phenols. The identification was based on comparison with product ion spectra of commercial standards. UV-diode-array spectra were used for identity confirmation. This combined approach allowed the identification in rose hip extract of an anthocyanin, i.e. cyanidin-3-O-glucoside, several glycosides of quercetin and glycosides of taxifolin and eriodictyol. Phloridzin was identified, and several conjugates of methyl gallate were also found, one of which was tentatively identified as methyl gallate-rutinoside. Catechin and quercetin were found as the aglycones in the extract.

Dietary sesame seeds elevate alpha- and gamma-tocotrienol concentrations in skin and adipose tissue of rats fed the tocotrienol-rich fraction extracted from palm oil

The metabolism of tocotrienol remains unclear. We studied the distribution of tocotrienol in rats fed the tocotrienol-rich fraction extracted from palm oil. We have previously shown that dietary sesame seeds markedly elevate the tocopherol concentration in rats. In this study, we also examined the effect of dietary sesame seeds on the tocotrienol concentration. In experiment 1, rats (4-wk-old) were fed the diet with alpha-tocopherol alone or with alpha- and gamma-tocotrienols. In experiment 2, the effect of dietary sesame seeds on tocopherol and tocotrienol concentrations in rats fed the diet with tocopherol and tocotrienol was studied. The rats were fed the experimental diet for 8 wk in both experiments. alpha- and gamma-Tocotrienols accumulated in the adipose tissue and skin, but not in plasma or other tissues, of the rats fed tocotrienols. Dietary sesame seeds elevated (P < 0.05) tocotrienol concentrations in the adipose tissue and skin, but did not affect their concentrations in other tissues or in plasma. The gamma-tocopherol concentration in all tissues and plasma of rats fed gamma-tocopherol was extremely low but was elevated (P < 0.05) in many tissues by feeding sesame seeds. These data suggest that the transport and tissue uptake of vitamin E isoforms are different. Dietary sesame seeds elevate the concentrations of both tocopherols and tocotrienols.

Vitamin E: protective role of a Janus molecule

Since the discovery of vitamin E in 1922, its deficiency has been associated with various disorders, particularly atherosclerosis, ischemic heart disease, and the development of different types of cancer. A neurological syndrome associated with vitamin E deficiency resembling Friedreich ataxia has also been described. Whereas epidemiological studies have indicated the role of vitamin E in preventing the progression of atherosclerosis and cancer, intervention trials have produced contradictory results, indicating strong protection in some cases and no significant effect in others. Although it is commonly believed that phenolic compounds like vitamin E exert only a protective role against free radical damage, antioxidant molecules can exert other biological functions. For instance, the antioxidant activity of 17-beta-estradiol is not related to its role in determining secondary sexual characters, and the antioxidant capacity of all-trans-retinal is distinguished from its role in rhodopsin and vision. Thus, it is not unusual that alpha-tocopherol (the most active form of vitamin E) has properties independent of its antioxidant/radical scavenging ability. The Roman god Janus, shown in ancient coins as having two faces in one body, inspired the designation of 'Janus molecules' for these substances. The new biochemical face of vitamin E was first described in 1991, with an inhibitory effect on cell proliferation and protein kinase C activity. After a decade, this nonantioxidant role of vitamin E is well established, as confirmed by authoritative studies of signal transduction and gene regulation. More recently, a tocopherol binding protein with possible receptor function has been discovered. Despite such important developments in understanding the molecular mechanism and the targets of vitamin E, its new Janus face is not fully elucidated. Greater knowledge of the molecular events related to vitamin E will help in selecting the parameters for clinical intervention studies such as population type, dose response effects, and possible synergism with other compounds.

Novel tocotrienols of rice bran inhibit atherosclerotic lesions in C57BL/6 ApoE-deficient mice

We are studying novel tocotrienols, which have a number of activities that might interfere with the formation of atherosclerotic plaques, including hypocholesterolemic, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antiproliferation effects. This study compared the effects of alpha-tocopherol, the tocotrienol-rich fraction (TRF(25)) and didesmethyl tocotrienol (d-P(25)-T3) of rice bran on the pathogenesis of atherosclerotic lesions in C57BL/6 apolipoprotein (apo)E-deficient (-/-) mice. These mice are an excellent model because they become hyperlipidemic even when they consume a low fat diet and they develop complex atherosclerotic lesions similar to those of humans. These compounds were also tested in wild-type C57BL/6 apoE (+/+) and (+/-) mice fed low or high fat diets. When a high fat diet was supplemented with alpha-tocopherol, TRF(25) or d-P(25)-T3 and fed to mice (+/+) for 24 wk, atherosclerotic lesion size was reduced 23% (P = 0.33), 36% (P = 0.14) and 57% (P < 0.02), respectively, and in mice (+/-) fed for 18 wk, lesions were reduced by 19% (P = 0.15), 28% (P < 0.01) and 33% (P < 0.005), respectively, compared with mice fed a control diet. A low fat diet did not cause atherosclerotic lesions in these mice. The low fat diet supplemented with TRF(25) or d-P(25)-T3 fed to apoE-deficient (-/-) mice for 14 wk decreased atherosclerotic lesion size by 42% (P < 0.04) and 47% (P < 0.01), respectively, whereas alpha-tocopherol supplementation resulted in only an 11% (P = 0.62) reduction. These results demonstrate the superior efficacy of tocotrienols compared with alpha-tocopherol. Although tocotrienols decreased serum triglycerides, total and LDL cholesterol levels, the decreases in atherosclerotic lesions seem to be due to the other activities. Serum tocol concentrations in various groups are also described. This is the first report of a significant reduction in the atherosclerotic lesion size in all three genotypes of apoE mice fed a novel tocotrienol (d-P(25)-T3) of rice bran. Dietary tocotrienol supplements may provide a unique approach to promoting cardiovascular health.

Metabolic alterations in genetically selected Drosophila strains with different longevities

Sometime ago we obtained biomarker data suggesting that the earliest determining event in the expression of the extended longevity phenotype in our selected strains of Drosophila took place early in adult life at about 5-7 days of age. In a later series of experiments we documented that our La and Lb long lived strains underwent a specific up-regulation of the antioxidant defense system (ADS) genes and enzymes. This led to a reduction in oxidative damage and an extended longevity. In the current work, we assayed the activity of 17 metabolically important enzymes in 5-7 day old flies of 13 strains variously selected for different longevities. We conclude that the two sets of replicated long-lived strains have an altered metabolic pattern (relative to normal-lived animals) which is consistent with an increased flux through the pentose shunt and an enhanced NADP+ reducing system to support the increased activity of the ADS enzymes. This result can be interpreted as a shift of energy expenditure from reproduction to somatic maintenance. We conclude that theories based on differential energy allocations appear to empirically explain, at least in part, the mechanisms underlying the transformation of a normal longevity phenotype to an extended longevity phenotype.