To the Editor: Introduction Elevated transaminases are a common complication of many drugs, occurring in up to 27% of patients taking atypical antipsychotics medications (Atasoy et al. 2007). For patients who have no other options than remaining on certain antipsychotics such as olanzapine, physicians must weigh the risks versus benefits of continuing antipsychotic medications. We present a case study that attempted to replicate a previous single case study in which vitamin E therapy successfully reduced damaging effects of olanzapine on liver enzymes (Do¨nmez et al. 2017).
Blog Archives
Effect of Vitamin C and E on Oxidative Stress and Antioxidant System in the Salivary Glands of STZ-induced Diabetic Rats
Flavia Kazue Ibuki, Cassia T Bergamaschi, Marlus da Silva Pedrosa, Fernando Neves Nogueira
Arch Oral Biol . 2020 Aug;116:104765. doi: 10.1016/j.archoralbio.2020.104765. Epub 2020 May 16.
Abstract
Objective: We examined the effects of vitamin C and E supplementation in the prevention of oxidative stress in the salivary glands of STZ-induced diabetic rats.
Design: Forty-eight male Wistar rats were divided into six groups (n = 8 in each): control (C), control supplemented with vitamin C (Cvc) and E (Cve), diabetic (D), and diabetic supplemented with vitamin C (Dvc) and E (Dve). Vitamin C (150 mg/kg) and E (300 mg/kg) were daily administered for 21 days. Serum ascorbic acid and α-tocopherol levels were quantified. Glandular levels of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), superoxide anion (O2–), superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), glutathione reductase (GR), catalase (CAT), malondialdehyde (MDA) and the total antioxidant status (TAS) were estimated.
Results: Vitamin C and E levels were reduced in D group. Vitamin C decreased the levels of O2– in the salivary gland of diabetic rats. Vitamin E increased the concentration of O2– in PA gland of diabetic animals. In the SM gland of the diabetic group, MDA, SOD, GPx and TAS increased. Dve presented reduced SOD activity and increased GR, GPx, and MDA. Dve increased GPx, Gr and TAS levels. In the PA gland, MDA, SOD, CAT, GPx, GR, and TAS were similar in C and D. TAS, SOD, CAT, GPx, and GR increased in Dvc. Vitamin E supplementation resulted in increased MDA and CAT levels and reduced SOD activity.
Conclusion: In the SM glands of the diabetic rats, vitamin C supplementation improved the antioxidant system, while vitamin E acted as pro-oxidant.
Serum level and clinical significance of vitamin E in children with allergic rhinitis
Shi-Yi Wang, Yin-Feng Wang, Chun-Chen Pan, Jing-Wu Sun
BMC Pediatr . 2020 Jul 31;20(1):362. doi: 10.1186/s12887-020-02248-w.
Abstract
Background: Allergic rhinitis (AR) is one of the most prevalent allergic diseases in children. This study aimed to investigate the association between serum concentrations of vitamin E and AR to determine if the vitamin E level is correlated with the occurrence and severity of AR.
Methods: A total of 113 children were enrolled in this cross-sectional study. Sixty-five children in the outpatient group were diagnosed with AR, and 48 healthy children were recruited as controls. All subjects underwent serum vitamin E (adjusted for total cholesterol and triglycerides) measurements. Serum to total IgE (tIgE), the five most common allergen-specific IgE (sIgE) levels and skin prick test (SPT) were measured in children with AR. The severity of AR was assessed with the nasal symptoms score, and the situation of exposure to passive smoking were inquired.
Results: Serum vitamin E levels were significantly lower in the AR group than in the normal children (P < 0.001). A significant negative correlation was observed between serum vitamin E levels and sIgE as well as the SPT grade. Serum vitamin E levels were also inversely related to the nasal symptoms score; however, statistical significance was not found.
Conclusions: A significantly lower vitamin E level was found in children with AR. Lower serum vitamin E levels may have correlation with the occurrence of AR in children. However, serum vitamin E levels were not statistically correlated with the severity of AR.
Corneal UV Protective Effects of a Topical Antioxidant Formulation: A Pilot Study on In Vivo Rabbits
Marisa Palazzo, Francesco Vizzarri, Lubomir Ondruška, Michele Rinaldi, Luigi Pacente, Germano Guerra, Francesco Merolla, Ciro Caruso, Ciro Costagliola
Int J Mol Sci . 2020 Jul 30;21(15):E5426. doi: 10.3390/ijms21155426.
Abstract
This study aimed to evaluate the protective effect of a topical antioxidant and ultraviolet (UV) shielding action formulation containing riboflavin and D-α-tocopherol polyethylene glycol succinate (TPGS) vitamin E against corneal UV-induced damage in vivo rabbit eyes. In vivo experiments were performed using male albino rabbits, which were divided into four groups. The control group (CG) did not receive any UV irradiation; the first group (IG) was irradiated with a UV-B-UV-A lamp for 30 min; the second (G30) and third (G60) groups received UV irradiation for 30 and 60 min, respectively, and were topically treated with one drop of the antioxidant and shielding formulation every 15 min, starting one hour before irradiation, until the end of UV exposure. The cornea of the IG group showed irregular thickening, detachment of residual fragments of the Descemet membrane, stromal fluid swelling with consequent collagen fiber disorganization and disruption, and inflammation. The cornea of the G30 group showed edema, a mild thickening of the Descemet membrane without fibrillar collagen disruption and focal discoloration, or inflammation. In the G60 group, the cornea showed a more severe thickening, a more abundant fluid accumulation underneath the Descemet membrane with focal detachment, and no signs of severe tissue alterations, as were recorded in the IG group. Our results demonstrate that topical application of eye drops containing riboflavin and TPGS vitamin E counteracts UV corneal injury in exposed rabbits.
Mitochondrial functional and structural impairment is involved in the antitumor activity of δ-tocotrienol in prostate cancer cells
Fabrizio Fontana, Michela Raimondi, Monica Marzagalli, Matteo Audano, Giangiacomo Beretta, Patrizia Procacci, Patrizia Sartori, Nico Mitro, Patrizia Limonta
Free Radic Biol Med . 2020 Jul 29;S0891-5849(20)31145-X. doi: 10.1016/j.freeradbiomed.2020.07.009. Online ahead of print.
Abstract
The therapeutic options for castration resistance prostate cancer (CRPC) are still limited. Natural bioactive compounds were shown to possess pro-death properties in different tumors. We previously reported that δ-tocotrienol (δ-TT) induces apoptosis, paraptosis and autophagy in CRPC cells. Here, we investigated whether δ-TT might exert its activity by impairing mitochondrial functions. We demonstrated that, in PC3 and DU145 cells, δ-TT impairs mitochondrial respiration and structural dynamics. In both cell lines, δ-TT triggers mitochondrial Ca2+ and ROS overload. In PC3 cells, both Ca2+ and ROS mediate the δ-TT-related anticancer activities (decrease of cell viability, apoptosis, paraptosis, autophagy and mitophagy). As expected, in autophagy-defective DU145 cells, Ca2+ overload was involved in δ-TT-induced pro-death effects but not in autophagy and mitophagy. In this cell line, we also demonstrated that ROS overload is not involved in the anticancer activities of δ-TT, supporting a low susceptibility of these cells to ROS-related oxidative stress. Taken together, these data demonstrate that, in CRPC cells, δ-TT triggers cell death by inducing mitochondrial functional and structural impairments, providing novel mechanistic insights in its antitumor activity.
Effects of Flaxseed Oil and Vitamin E Supplementation on Digestibility and Milk Fatty Composition and Antioxidant Capacity in Water Buffaloes
Bruna C Agustinho, Lucia M Zeoula, Nadine W Santos, Erica Machado, Emerson H Yoshimura, Jessyca C R Ribas, Janaina M Bragatto, Mariana R Stemposki, Vanessa J Dos Santos, Antonio P Faciola
Animals (Basel) . 2020 Jul 29;10(8):E1294. doi: 10.3390/ani10081294.
Abstract
This study aimed to evaluate the effects of the supplementation of flaxseed oil and/or vitamin E on dry matter (DM) and nutrient digestibility, milk composition, fatty acid composition, and antioxidant capacity in buffalo milk. Four crossbred female dairy water buffaloes (97 ± 22 days in milk; 6.57 ± 2.2 kg of milk/day, mean ± SD) were distributed in a 4 × 4 Latin square design, with a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement (with or without flaxseed oil at 25 g/kg dry matter; with or without vitamin E at 375 IU/kg dry matter). The experimental period was divided into four periods of 21 days each (16 days for adaptation; five days for data collection). There were four treatments: control diet (no flaxseed oil and no added vitamin E); flaxseed oil diet (flaxseed oil at 25 g/kg DM); vitamin E diet (vitamin E at 375 IU/kg DM), and a combination of both flaxseed oil and vitamin E. The animals were fed total mixed ratios. For all response variables, there was no interaction between flaxseed oil and vitamin E. Flaxseed oil supplementation reduced neutral detergent fiber (NDF) and acid detergent fiber (ADF) apparent total tract digestibility, increased the n-3 fatty acid concentration in milk approximately three-fold while reducing the n-6/n-3 ratio from 9.3:1 to 2.4:1. Vitamin E supplementation increased NDF apparent total tract digestibility and milk total antioxidant capacity. Although there was no interaction between the treatments; flaxseed oil supplementation in lactating buffaloes increased polyunsaturated fatty acid, while vitamin E supplementation increased antioxidant capacity and decreased oxidation products.
Ascorbic Acid and Alpha-Tocopherol Contribute to the Therapy of Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome in Mouse Models
Enitome E Bafor, Adaeze P Uchendu, Omorede E Osayande, Osemelomen Omoruyi, Uyi G Omogiade, Evuarherhere E Panama, Olusola O Elekofehinti, Ebube L Oragwuncha, Asanat Momodu
Reprod Sci . 2020 Jul 28. doi: 10.1007/s43032-020-00273-9. Online ahead of print.
Abstract
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) affects up to 10% of women within reproductive ages and has been a cause of infertility and poor quality of life. Alteration in the oxidant-antioxidant profile occurs in PCOS. This study, therefore, investigates the contribution of ascorbic acid (AA) and alpha-tocopherol(ATE) on different PCOS parameters. The mifepristone and letrozole models were used, and young mature female mice were randomly assigned to groups of six per group. On PCOS induction with either mifepristone or letrozole, mice were administered AA and ATE at doses ranging from 10-1000mg/kg to 0.1-1000 mg/kg in the respective models. Vaginal cytology, body weights, and temperature, as well as blood glucose, testosterone, and insulin levels, were measured. Total antioxidant capacity and malondialdehyde levels were analyzed. Determination of gene expression of some reactive oxygen species and histomorphological analysis on the ovaries and uteri were performed. At the end of the experiments, AA and ATE restored reproductive cycling, with AA being more effective. AA and ATE increased fasting blood glucose but had no significant effect on serum insulin levels. AA decreased testosterone levels, but ATE caused slight increases. AA and ATE both increased total antioxidant capacity and decreased malondialdehyde levels. AA and ATE also slightly upregulated the mRNA expressions of catalase, superoxide dismutase, and heme oxygenase 1 mainly. AA and ATE also decreased ovarian weight and mostly resolved cysts in the ovaries and congestion in the uterus. This study has shown that AA and ATE are beneficial in the therapy of PCOS.
Investigating the preventive effect of vitamins C and E on preeclampsia in nulliparous pregnant women
Nahid Lorzadeh, Yasaman Kazemirad, Nastran Kazemirad
J Perinat Med . 2020 Jul 28;48(6):625-629. doi: 10.1515/jpm-2019-0469.
Abstract
Objectives Preeclampsia is a hypertensive disorder associated with pregnancy and is the leading cause of both maternal and neonatal morbidity and mortality. Recent reports suggest that free radical-induced endothelial cell injury might be an etiologic factor in the pathogenesis of preeclampsia. The aim of this study was to determine the protective effects of vitamins C and E for the prevention of preeclampsia. Methods This clinical trial was conducted in the year 2018 in the clinical centers of Lorestan University of Medical Sciences. One hundred and sixty nulliparous women aged 18-38 years without any risk factors for preeclampsia were divided into two groups. The first group received a 400-IU/day dose of vitamin E orally and a 1000-mg/day dose of vitamin C with iron tablets during 20-24 weeks of pregnancy, while the control group received only iron tablets. Finally, the data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and frequency distribution tables. Results The incidence of preeclampsia in the control group was 17.5% and in the intervention group was 5%, which was significantly different. The mean systolic pressures before and after intervention were 99.43 ± 7.8 and 12.44 ± 19.1, respectively, in the control group, and 99.3 ± 8.3 and 106.12 ± 13.25, respectively, in the intervention group (P < 0.001). The mean diastolic pressures before and after intervention in the control group were 62.7 ± 13.6 and 62.7 ± 4.7 (P < 0.001), respectively. Conclusion The results of this study show that vitamins C and E have protective effects against preeclampsia by alleviating the overall blood pressure.
Pentoxifylline and Tocopherol in the Management of Temporal Bone Osteoradionecrosis: A Case Series
Benjamin D Lovin, Jonathan S Choi, Nathan R Lindquist, Jack Phan, Paul W Gidley, Marc-Elie Nader
Otol Neurotol . 2020 Jul 27. doi: 10.1097/MAO.0000000000002781. Online ahead of print.
Abstract
Objective: Temporal bone osteoradionecrosis (TBORN) is a rare, chronic complication of head and neck radiation. Initial treatment consists of conservative management, with surgical resection of necrotic bone indicated for cases of severe, symptomatic, or progressive disease. Pentoxifylline-tocopherol (PENTO) has demonstrated usefulness for osteoradionecrosis of other head and neck subsites. Herein, we report five TBORN cases utilizing this protocol.
Study design: Retrospective case series.
Setting: Tertiary referral center.
Patients: This case series describes five TBORN cases in which the PENTO protocol was used in conjunction with conservative management. All patients were women and average age was 61 ± 8 years.
Intervention: All patients received a daily dose of 800 mg of pentoxifylline and 1 g of tocopherol. Four of the five patients received systemic and/or ototopical antibiotics as an antimicrobial regimen before and/or during the PENTO protocol.
Main outcome measures: Details regarding the total duration of protocol, improvement in symptoms, exposed bone and radiographic changes, and duration until first improvement of exposed bone were collected retrospectively.
Results: The average duration of PENTO protocol was 302 ± 166 days. Four of the five (80%) patients demonstrated a decrease in exposed ear canal bone. Three of the five (60%) patients had stable or improvement in otologic symptoms of TBORN. One patient progressed to diffuse TBORN. The average duration until first improvement in exposed bone was 193 ± 137 days.
Conclusions: The PENTO protocol may be a useful adjunct to conservative measures in the management of localized TBORN. We recommend trialing the protocol for at least 12 months.
Inhibition mechanism of 3-hydroxy-3-methyl-glutaryl-CoA reductase by tocotrienol-rich rice bran fraction optimally extracted with ultrasonic energy
Gitanjali Gautam, Raj Kumar Duary, Kuldeep Gupta, Charu Lata Mahanta
Int J Biol Macromol . 2020 Jul 26;164:1328-1341. doi: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2020.07.196. Online ahead of print.
Abstract
Tocotrienols (T3) are vitamin E components that inhibit 3-hydroxy-3-methyl-glutaryl-CoA reductase (HMGR), a primary target for cholesterol management. T3 was extracted from rice bran (RBE) using ultrasonic energy keeping solute: solvent ratio, power and time on specific energy and T3 concentration as responses as per Box-Behnken Design. The lowest specific energy (52.38 ± 0.14 J mL-1) uptake by the sample was most effective in enhancing the concentration of T3 in RBE (199.34 ± 0.63 μg mL-1). In vitro HMGR kinetics and in silico binding interactions of the identified α-, δ- and γ-T3 fractions were studied. Enzyme kinetic studies revealed an uncompetitive mode of inhibition by α-T3, γ-T3, and RBE and a mixed mode of inhibition for δ-T3. γ-T3 showed lowest IC50 concentration (11.33 μg mL-1) followed by α-T3 (16.73 μg mL-1), RBE (20.45 μg mL-1) and δ-T3 (23.16 μg mL-1). Molecular docking studies highlighted the hydrogen bonding of δ-T3 with Gln766 and α- and γ-T3 with Met655 and Val805 amino acid residues at the NADPH binding site of HMGR. Results indicate the potential use of T3 enriched RBE optimally extracted using ultrasound as potent HMGR inhibitor.