Effects of Palm Oil Tocotrienol-Rich Fraction (TRF) and Carotenes in Ovalbumin (OVA)-Challenged Asthmatic Brown Norway Rats

Zainal Z, Abdul Rahim A, Khaza'ai H, Chang SK

Int J Mol Sci. 2019 Apr 10;20(7). pii: E1764. doi: 10.3390/ijms20071764.

Abstract

Synthetic therapeutic drugs for asthma, a chronic airway inflammation characterised by strong eosinophil, mast cell, and lymphocyte infiltration, mucus hyper-production, and airway hyper-responsiveness, exhibit numerous side effects. Alternatively, the high antioxidant potential of palm oil phytonutrients, including vitamin E (tocotrienol-rich fractions; TRF) and carotene, may be beneficial for alleviating asthma. Here, we determined the therapeutic efficacy of TRF, carotene, and dexamethasone in ovalbumin-challenged allergic asthma in Brown Norway rats. Asthmatic symptoms fully developed within 8 days after the second sensitization, and were preserved throughout the time course via intranasal ovalbumin re-challenge. Asthmatic rats were then orally administered 30 mg/kg body weight TRF or carotene. TRF-treated animals exhibited reduced inflammatory cells in bronchial alveolar lavage fluid. TRF- and carotene-treated rats exhibited notable white blood cell reduction comparable to that from dexamethasone. TRF- and carotene-treatment also downregulated pro-inflammatory markers (IL-β, IL-6, TNF-α), coincident with anti-inflammatory marker IL-4 and IL-13 upregulation. Treatment significantly reduced asthmatic rat plasma CRP and IgE, signifying improved systemic inflammation. Asthmatic lung histology displayed severe edema and inflammatory cell infiltration in the bronchial wall, whereas treated animals retained healthy, normal-appearing lungs. The phytonutrients tocotrienol and carotene thus exhibit potential benefits for consumption as nutritional adjuncts in asthmatic disease.

Sadeghi F, Alavi-Naeini A, Mardanian F, Ghazvini MR, Mahaki B

Int J Vitam Nutr Res. 2019 Apr 8:1-7. doi: 10.1024/0300-9831/a000588. [Epub ahead of print]

Abstract

BACKGROUND:

Polycystic ovary syndrome is one of the most important factors in female infertility. Oxidative stress is likely to contribute to increased insulin and androgen production in the ovaries, as well as probably impairing follicle production.

AIMS:

This study aims to determine the complementary effects of omega-3 and vitamin E supplements on certain oxidative stress indices in obese and overweight women with polycystic ovary syndrome.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:

This double-blind, randomized clinical trial was performed on polycystic ovary syndrome subjects with BMI > 25. Patients were randomly allocated into two groups to receive either 2 g of omega-3 plus 400 IU of vitamin E, or a placebo, for 8 weeks. At the beginning and the end of the study, total antioxidant capacity, glutathione levels, catalase activity, malondialdehyde concentrations, as well as dietary intake and physical activity were evaluated. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS.

RESULTS:

32 patients in the intervention group and 30 patients in the placebo group completed the study. Co-supplementation of omega-3 and vitamin E significantly increased total antioxidant capacity (mg/dl) (1.15 ± 0.93 vs -0.6 ± 0.72; P < 0.001), catalase activity (IU/L) (1.19 ± 1.06 vs 0.12 ± 0.36; P < 0.001) and glutathione levels (μmol/L) (1.5 ± 1.06 vs 0.23 ± 1.43; P = 0.028). Additionally, a significant reduction of malondialdehyde levels (nmol/L) (-0.34 ± 0.32 vs 0.57 ± 2.20; P = 0.008) was observed, in comparison with placebo.

CONCLUSION:

Co-supplementation with omega-3 and vitamin E had beneficial effect on total antioxidant capacity, malondialdehyde concentrations, glutathione levels and catalase activity.

Bahrami A, Khorasanchi Z, Sadeghnia HR, Tayefi M, Avan A, Ferns GA, Bahrami-Taghanaki H, Ghayour-Mobarhan M

J Affect Disord. 2019 Apr 8;252:68-73. doi: 10.1016/j.jad.2019.04.048. [Epub ahead of print]

Abstract

BACKGROUND:

The inflammation and oxidative stress are thought to play an important role in the etiopathogenesis of some psychological disorders. We aimed to assess the potential relationships between serum fat soluble vitamins (Vitamins A and E), antibody titers to Hsp27 (anti-Hsp27) and hematological markers of inflammation, with mood disorders in a population of adolescent girls.

METHODS:

A total of 563 adolescent girls (Age 12-18 years) were included in the study. The presence and severity of depression, insomnia and sleepiness were assessed using validated questionnaires. Serum vitamins A and E, anti-Hsp27 antibody titers, white blood cell, lymphocyte, neutrophil, platelet counts, and red blood cell distribution width (RDW), were also measured. Neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (NLR), platelet to lymphocyte ratio (PLR), and RDW to platelet ratio (RPR) were calculated.

RESULTS:

Serum anti-HSP27 antibody titers, PLR, and RPR values was significantly higher in subjects with a high depression score compared to normal individuals (p < 0.05). However, there was no association between serum inflammatory markers concentrations and sleep disorders; although individuals with insomnia had a lower vitamin E/HDL ratio compared to healthy adolescents. In multivariate logistic regression analyses adjusted for potential confounders, anti-HSP was an independent predictor of severe depression (OR = 5.0, 95% CI: 1.6-15.7, p < 0.05).

LIMITATION:

The cross-sectional design of study and the inclusion of only female adolescents participants are limitations.

CONCLUSION:

Our findings suggest that serum anti-HSP27 antibody titers may be useful biological marker in depressive patients. This finding may support a role of oxidative stress in the etiology of depression, and targeting this pathway may be of value in the treatment of depression.

Massaccesi L, Ragone V, Papini N, Goi G, Corsi Romanelli MM, Galliera E

Front Endocrinol (Lausanne). 2019 Apr 3;10:203. doi: 10.3389/fendo.2019.00203. eCollection 2019.

Abstract

High Crosslink process was introduced in the development of joint prosthetic devices, in order to decrease the wear rate of ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE), but it also triggers the formation of free radicals and oxidative stress, which affects the physiological bone remodeling, leading to osteolysis. Vitamin E stabilization of UHMWPE was proposed to provide oxidation resistance without affecting mechanical properties and fatigue strength. The aim of this study is to evaluate the antioxidant effect of vitamin E added to UHMWPE on oxidative stress induced osteolysis, focusing in particular on the oxidative stress response in correlation with the production of osteoimmunological markers, Sclerostin and DKK-1, and the RANKL/OPG ratio compared to conventional UHMWPE wear debris. Human osteoblastic cell line SaOS2 were incubated for 96 h with wear particles derived from crosslinked and not crosslinked Vitamin E-stabilized, UHMWPE without Vitamin E, and growth medium as control. Cellular response to oxidative stress, compared to not treat cells, was evaluated in terms of proteins O-GlcNAcylation, cellular levels of OGA, and OGT proteins by immunoblotting. O-GlcNAcylation and its positive regulator OGT levels are increased in the presence of Vitamin E blended UHMWPE, in particular with not crosslinked Vit E stabilized UHMWPE. Conversely, the negative regulator OGA increased in the presence of UHMWPE not blended with Vitamin E. Vitamin E-stabilized UHMWPE induced a decrease of RANKL/OPG ratio compared to UHMWPE without Vitamin E, and the same effect was observed for Sclerostin, while DKK-1 was not significantly affected. In conclusion, Vitamin E stabilization of UHMWPE increased osteoblast response to oxidative stress, inducing a cellular mechanism aimed at cell survival. Vitamin E antioxidant effect influences the secretion of osteoimmunological factors, shifting the bone turnover balance toward bone protection stimuli. This suggests that Vitamin E-Stabilization of UHMWPE could contribute to reduction of oxidation-induced osteolysis and the consequent loosening of the prosthetic devices, therefore improving the longevity of total joint replacements.

Abdel-Daim MM, Aleya L, El-Bialy BE, Abushouk AI, Alkahtani S, Alarifi S, Alkahtane AA, AlBasher G, Ali D, Almeer RS, Al-Sultan NK, Alghamdi J, Alahmari A, Bungau SG

Environ Sci Pollut Res Int. 2019 Mar 30. doi: 10.1007/s11356-019-04801-2. [Epub ahead of print]

Abstract

Nephrotoxicity is a common adverse effect of treatment with cisplatin (CDDP). This study was performed to evaluate the antioxidant and nephroprotective efficacy of ceftriaxone (CTX) and vitamin E (Vit.E), alone and in combination against CDDP-induced acute renal injury. Fifty-six male albino rats were equally divided into seven groups, receiving (I) normal saline, (II) CTX (100 mg/kg, intraperitoneal [i.p] injection), (III) Vit.E (100 mg/kg orally), (IV) CDDP (5 mg/kg i.p injection), (V) CDDP plus CTX, (VI) CDDP plus Vit.E, and (VII) CDDP plus CTX in combination with Vit.E. All treatments were administered daily for 10 days except CDDP, which was given as a single dose at the sixth day of the study. Compared to normal control rats, CDDP-injected rats showed significantly (p < 0.05) higher serum levels of renal injury biomarkers (uric acid, urea, and creatinine) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), as well as increased renal tissue concentrations of malondialdehyde, nitric oxide, and TNF-α. Moreover, CDDP administration was associated with significantly lower (p < 0.05) renal tissue levels of reduced glutathione and activities of endogenous antioxidant enzymes (glutathione peroxidase, superoxide dismutase, and catalase) and total antioxidant capacity. All these alterations were significantly ameliorated in CDDP-injected rats, receiving CTX and/or Vit.E, compared to rats receiving CDDP alone. Interestingly, the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects were more marked in the CTX-Vit.E combination group, compared to groups receiving either drug alone. In conclusion, CTX and Vit.E (especially in combination) could counteract the nephrotoxic effect of CDDP, probably through their antioxidant activities.

Chin KY, Ima-Nirwana S

Int J Mol Sci. 2019 Mar 18;20(6). pii: E1355. doi: 10.3390/ijms20061355.

Abstract

Male osteoporosis is a significant but undetermined healthcare problem. Men suffer from a higher mortality rate post-fracture than women and they are marginalized in osteoporosis treatment. The current prophylactic agents for osteoporosis are limited. Functional food components such as tocotrienol may be an alternative option for osteoporosis prevention in men. This paper aims to review the current evidence regarding the skeletal effects of tocotrienol in animal models of male osteoporosis and its potential antiosteoporotic mechanism. The efficacy of tocotrienol of various sources (single isoform, palm and annatto vitamin E mixture) had been tested in animal models of bone loss induced by testosterone deficiency (orchidectomy and buserelin), metabolic syndrome, nicotine, alcoholism, and glucocorticoid. The treated animals showed improvements ranging from bone microstructural indices, histomorphometric indices, calcium content, and mechanical strength. The bone-sparing effects of tocotrienol may be exerted through its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and mevalonate-suppressive pathways. However, information pertaining to its mechanism of actions is superficial and warrants further studies. As a conclusion, tocotrienol could serve as a functional food component to prevent male osteoporosis, but its application requires validation from a clinical trial in men.

Sekar P, Chauhan A

J Colloid Interface Sci. 2019 Mar 15;539:457-467. doi: 10.1016/j.jcis.2018.12.036. Epub 2018 Dec 17.

Abstract

HYPOTHESIS:

Glaucoma is effectively treated by prostaglandin analogs. Low corneal bioavailability (<5%) of daily-instilled prostaglandin drops complemented by frequent application results in low patient compliance (<50%). One alternative route is ocular delivery via commercial hydrogel contact lens. Commercial lenses, however, release prostaglandins rapidly in a few hours owing to their small molecular size, resulting in toxic side-effects. Here, the feasibility of sustained prostaglandin, namely bimatoprost and latanoprost delivery by vitamin-Eintegrated polymeric hydrogels is explored. Inclusion of these barriers is expected to augment transport resistance and influence delivery rates.

EXPERIMENTS:

Lens immersion in vitamin-E concentrated ethanol is done to enable formation of nano-barrier depots.

FINDINGS:

Pilot in vitro studies indicate that ACUVUE® OASYS® and ACUVUE® TruEye™ lenses loaded with ∼0.2 g of vitamin-E/g of hydrogel effectively prolong bimatoprost dynamics by 10-40-fold, delivering therapeutic dosages for >10 days. Incorporation of vitamin-E into the lenses retains visible light transmission and other properties. Further, vitamin-E integration does not influence latanoprost transport. An in vivo model involving coupled mass transport in the lens and post-lens tear film (POLTF) domains predicts >50% corneal bioavailability of bimatoprost delivered via modified lenses.

Takahashi K, Yanai S, Takisawa S, Kono N, Arai H, Nishida Y, Yokota T, Endo S, Ishigami A

Arch Biochem Biophys. 2019 Mar 15;663:120-128. doi: 10.1016/j.abb.2019.01.003. Epub 2019 Jan 8.

Abstract

BACKGROUND:

Vitamin C (l-ascorbic acid, VC) and vitamin E (α-tocopherol, VE) play important physiological roles as endogenous antioxidants in many tissues and organs. However, their roles in the brain remain entirely elusive. We established senescence marker protein 30 (SMP30)/α-tocopherol transfer protein (αTTP) double knockout (DKO) mice as a novel VC and VE double-deficiency model and examined the effect of VC and VE double-deficiency on brain functions.

METHODS:

DKO and wild-type (WT) mice were divided into the following two groups: mice in the CE (+) group were supplied with sufficient amounts of VC and VE and mice in the CE (-) group were deficient in both VC and VE. After 8 weeks of CE (+) or CE (-) treatments, a battery of behavioral experiments was conducted to analyze cognitive functions, including memory, through the Morris water maze and Pavlovian fear conditioning tasks.

RESULTS:

The plasma VC and VE levels in DKO-CE (-) mice and VE level in WT-CE (-) mice were almost completely depleted after 8 weeks of the deficient treatment. The behavioral study revealed that the general behaviors, including locomotor activity and anxiety level, were not influenced by the CE (-) treatment in DKO and WT mice. However, in the Pavlovian fear conditioning task, DKO-CE (-) mice showed impaired conditioned fear memory compared with that of DKO-CE (+) mice. Furthermore, increased mRNA expression was observed in inflammatory-related genes, such as IL-6, TNFα, F4/80, and Mcp-1, in the hippocampus of DKO-CE (-) mice.

CONCLUSIONS:

The findings of this study provide evidence that VC and VE deficiency led to impaired conditioned fear memory possibly caused by neuroinflammation in the brain.

Emami MR, Safabakhsh M, Alizadeh S, Asbaghi O, Khosroshahi MZ

J Hum Hypertens. 2019 Mar 7. doi: 10.1038/s41371-019-0192-0. [Epub ahead of print]

Abstract

Although emerging evidence suggests that vitamin E may contribute to blood pressure improvement, the effects of vitamin E on systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), and mean arterial pressure (MAP) are still controversial. The aim was to evaluate the influence of vitamin E on SBP, DBP, and MAP through meta-analysis. We identified all studies that assessed the effect of vitamin Esupplementation on SBP, DBP, and MAP from PubMed/Medline, SCOPUS, and Google scholar up to March 2018. Weighted mean differences (WMD) and 95% confidence interval (CI) were expressed as effect size. Pre-specified subgroup analysis was conducted to evaluate potential sources of heterogeneity. Meta-regression analyses were performed to investigate association between blood pressure-lowering effects of vitamin E and duration of follow-up and dose of treatment. Eighteen trials, comprising 839 participants met the eligibility criteria. Results of this study showed that compared to placebo, SBP decreased significantly in vitamin E group (WMD = -3.4 mmHg, 95% CI = -6.7 to -0.11, P < 0.001), with a high heterogeneity across the studies (I² = 94.0%, P < 0.001). Overall, there were no significant effects on DBP and MAP. This meta-analysis suggested that vitamin E supplements decreased only SBP and had no favorable effect on DBP and MAP.

Chen C, Wang Z, Li J, Li Y, Huang P, Ding X, Yin J, He S, Yang H, Yin Y

J Anim Sci. 2019 Mar 1;97(3):1212-1221. doi: 10.1093/jas/skz023.

Abstract

Vitamin E (VE) is an indispensable vitamin in piglet feed formula. Among other things, it affects tissues including small intestine tissues and in particular its major unit intestinal epithelial cells. Previously, limited in vivo experiments have focused on the effect of VE on the intestine, particularly digestion and absorption. VE has been shown to inhibit proliferation of some types of cells. This experiment was conducted to test the hypothesis that VE affects intestinal functions by influencing the intestinal epithelial cell proliferation. Thirty 21-d old weaned [(Yorkshire × Landrace) × Duroc] piglets with BWs of 6.36 ± 0.55 kg were randomly divided into five VE-containing feeding formula groups. The treatments were (i) 0 IU (control), (ii) 16 IU, (iii) 32 IU, (iv) 4. 80 IU, and (v) 5. 160 IU. The treatments lasted 14 d. At the end of the experiment, all subjects were sacrificed to obtain blood and tissue samples. The results suggest that VE did not affect the growth performance. VE did tend to decrease jejunal crypt depth (linear, P = 0.056) and villus width (linear, P < 0.05). Sucrase activity significantly decreased in the adding 80 IU VE compared with the control (P < 0.05). Jejunal crypt, cell proliferation in 80 IU group significantly decreased compared with the control group (P < 0.05). This study suggests that dietary VE may affect intestinal morphology and functions by inhibiting weaned piglet jejunal epithelial cell proliferation.