Published
Objectives: To evaluate the effect of tocotrienol (Tri E) on DNA damage in humans
Study design: Randomized, double-blinded placebo-controlled study
Subjects: Healthy volunteers
Intervention: Tocotrienol
Primary Outcome: DNA damage (comet assay, sister chromatid exchange and chromosome 4 aberrations)
Methodology: A randomized, double-blinded placebo-controlled study was undertaken to evaluate the effect of tocotrienol on DNA damage. Sixty four subjects 37-78 y old completed the study. A daily dose of 160 mg of Tri E Tocotrienol was given for 6 months. Blood samples were analyzed forDNA damage using comet assay, frequency of sister chromatid exchange (SCE), and chromosome 4 aberrations.
Results: Results showed a significant reduction in DNA damage as measured by comet assay after 3 mo (P < 0.01) and remained low at 6 mo (P < 0.01). The frequency of SCE was also reduced after 6 mo of supplementation (P < 0.05), albeit more markedly in the >50 y-old group (P < 0.01) whereas urinary 8-hydroxy-2′-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) levels were significantly reduced (P < 0.05). A strong positive correlation was observed between SCE with age, whereas weak positive correlations were observed in DNA damage and 8-OHdG, which were reduced with supplementation. However, no translocation or a stable insertion was observed in chromosome 4.
Conclusion: Tri E Tocotrienol supplementation may be beneficial by reducing DNA damage as indicated by a reduction in DNA damage, SCE frequency, and urinary 8-OHdG.