Vitamin E: beyond antioxidant function

Abstract

Vitamin E, a potent peroxyl radical scavenger, is a chain-breaking antioxidant that prevents the propagation of free radical damage in biological membranes.

We consider the evidence for potential sites in cellular metabolism and signal transduction where vitamin E may have a structure-specific role in addition to its antioxidant function.

The roles of tocopherol-binding proteins in cellular trafficking of vitamin E, especially the incorporation of RRR-alpha-tocopherol into nascent lipoproteins, and the delivery of RRR-alpha-tocopherol to the nucleus are considered.

We discuss the functions of vitamin E both in the inhibition and potentiation of arachidonic acid metabolism.

The interactions of vitamin E during cell proliferation and differentiation are also evaluated.

These functions of vitamin E raise new questions and represent new and exciting areas for research in cell regulation with physiologic implications.

 

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See also:

- The Di Bella Method (A Fixed Part - Alpha tocopheryl acetate/Vitamin E);

- Solution of retinoids in vitamin E in the Di Bella Method biological multitherapy;

- All-Trans-Retinoic Acid (ATRA - analogues and/or derivatives);

- The Di Bella Method (A Fixed Part - All-Trans Retinoic Acid, Analogues and/or Derivatives);

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- Neuroblastoma: Complete objective response to biological treatment;

- The Di Bella Method DBM improved survival objective response and performance status in a retrospective observational clinical study on 23 tumours of the head and neck;

- Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia: Long-Lasting Remission with Combination of Cyclophosphamide, Somatostatin, Bromocriptine, Retinoids, Melatonin, and ACTH;

- Recurrent Glioblastoma Multiforme (grade IV – WHO 2007): a case of complete objective response achieved by means of the concomitant administration of Somatostatin and Octreotide – Retinoids – Vitamin E – Vitamin D3 – Vitamin C – Melatonin – D2 R agonists (Di Bella Method – DBM) associated with Temozolomide;

- The Synergism of Somatostatin, Melatonin, Vitamins Prolactin and Estrogen Inhibitors Increased Survival, Objective Response and Performance Status In 297 Cases of Breast Cancer;

- Complete objective response, stable for 5 years, with the Di Bella Method, of multiple-metastatic carcinoma of the breast;

- Evaluation of the safety and efficacy of the first-line treatment with somatostatin combined with melatonin, retinoids, vitamin D3, and low doses of cyclophosphamide in 20 cases of breast cancer: a preliminary report;

- The Di Bella Method (DBM) improved survival, objective response and performance status in a retrospective observational clinical study on 122 cases of breast cancer;

- Complete objective response to biological therapy of plurifocal breast carcinoma.