Estado nutricional de vitamina E e fatores de risco cardiovascular em adultos e idosos: estudo Brazuca Natal / Nutritional status of vitamin E and cardiovascular risk factors in adults and elderly people: Brazuca Natal study

Introdução: As doenças cardiovasculares (DCV) são a principal causa de morbimortalidade no mundo. Diante disso, são estudadas estratégias de prevenção e tratamento de eventos cardiovasculares. Dentre elas, a vitamina E destaca-se por suas propriedades antioxidantes e anti-inflamatórias, apoiado por descobertas de que maior ingestão dietética de vitamina E e maiores concentrações de α-tocoferol (α-TOH) sérico estão associados com menor risco de eventos cardiovasculares. Com isso, dados sobre o estado nutricional de vitamina E da população e a sua relação com os fatores de risco cardiovascular são estratégias importantes para subsidiar programas e políticas públicas voltadas a prevenção e tratamento das DCV. Objetivo: Avaliar o estado nutricional de vitamina E e a relação com fatores de risco cardiovascular em adultos e idosos do Estudo Brazuca Natal. Métodos: Trata-se de um estudo de diferentes métodos. 1) A revisão narrativa que investigou na literatura estudos populacionais sobre a relação da vitamina E e as DCV, buscando compreender se a deficiência de vitamina E (DVE) também deve ser considerada um problema de saúde pública. 2) Estudo transversal que se decompõe, a partir das variáveis dependentes, em dois artigos científicos. O primeiro artigo desse estudo buscou avaliar a prevalência de DVE e os fatores de risco cardiovascular que estão associados ao status do α-TOH sérico em adultos e idosos do estudo Brazuca Natal. Análise de regressão linear múltipla foi realizada entre o αTOH sérico (variável dependente) e fatores de risco cardiovascular. O segundo artigo do estudo transversal objetivou avaliar o consumo de vitamina E, e identificar as principais fontes alimentares consumidas do micronutriente pela população avaliada. Para tanto, foram analisadas as condições socioeconômicas e demográficas (sexo, idade, cor/raça, escolaridade, renda per capita e distrito sanitário de moradia) e o consumo alimentar de vitamina E (variável dependente). Resultados: Na revisão narrativa foi observado que a DVE pode ser um problema de saúde pública, por ocorrer uma variação de 0,6% a 55,5% de DVE em todo o mundo, com percentuais mais elevados na Ásia e na Europa, onde se destacam as elevadas taxas de mortalidade por DCV. Estudos populacionais sugerem efeitos protetores da vitamina E nas DCV, porém, estudos de intervenção com suplementação de α-TOH não confirmaram a sua ação cardioprotetora. No artigo 2 do estudo transversal foi observado que 24,8% dos adultos e idosos de Natal apresentavam DVE e 89% apresentaram baixas concentrações de αTOH circulante (abaixo de 30 µmol/L). Verificamos que as pessoas do sexo feminino tinham maiores valores médios de α-TOH sérico. Além disso, o índice de adiposidade visceral elevado e maiores valores do escore de risco global foram associados a maiores concentrações de α-TOH sérico. O artigo 3 demonstrou que 95,7% dos indivíduos apresentavam baixa ingestão de vitamina E, considerando a Estimated Average Requirement (EAR) de 12 mg/dia, com menores valores de ingestão em indivíduos acima de 40 anos, mulheres, naqueles com renda per capita menor que um salário-mínimo e com menor escolaridade. O óleo de soja, polpa de açaí e carne vermelha forneceram o maior teor de vitamina E ingerida. Conclusão: A partir da revisão narrativa, foi demonstrado que a DVE pode ser um problema de saúde pública. O estudo transversal observou uma elevada prevalência de DVE na população estudada, em que o sexo, o índice de adiposidade visceral e o escore de risco global estão associados ao α-TOH sérico. Além disso, foi observado um baixo consumo de vitamina E, principalmente, em indivíduos mais velhos, mulheres e com baixa condição socioeconômica. A maior parte da vitamina E consumida era proveniente do óleo de soja, polpa de açaí e carne vermelha, destacando-se também a vitamina E proveniente de alimentos ultraprocessados, principalmente, na população de menor renda (AU).

Introduction: Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) are the principal cause of morbidity and mortality in the world. Therefore, experts have studied strategies for preventing and treating cardiovascular events. One of this knowledge is vitamin E stands out for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, supported by findings that higher dietary intake of vitamin E and higher concentrations of serum α-tocopherol (α-TOH) are associated with a lower risk of cardiovascular events. Therefore, data on the nutritional status of vitamin E in the population and its relationship with cardiovascular risk factors are relevant strategies to support programs and public policies aimed at preventing and treating CVD. Objective: To evaluate the nutritional status of vitamin E and its association with cardiovascular risk factors in adults and older adults in the Brazuca Natal Study. Methods: This is a study of different methodological strategies. 1) The narrative review aimed to verify if surveys could demonstrate an association between serum vitamin E and the occurrence of CVD. Moreover, we would like to understand whether vitamin E deficiency (VED) should also be considered a public health problem. 2) Cross-sectional study, divided into two scientific articles. The first article of this study sought to evaluate the prevalence of VED and cardiovascular risk factors that are associated with serum α-TOH status in adults and elderly people from the Brazuca Natal study. We performed a multiple linear regression analysis between serum α-TOH (dependent variable) and cardiovascular risk factors. The second article aimed to evaluate vitamin E intake, and we would like to identify the principal food sources of this micronutrient intake. To this end, we analyzed socioeconomic and demographic conditions (sex, age, color/race, education, per capita income, and health district of residence), and vitamin E intake (dependent variable). Results: In the narrative review, we observed that VED could be a public health problem. The prevalence of VED varies from 0.6% to 55.5% in the world, with higher percentages in Asia and Europe, where the high mortality rates from CVD stand out. Population studies suggest the protective effects of vitamin E on CVD. However, intervention studies with α-TOH supplementation have not confirmed its cardioprotective action. In article 2 of the crosssectional study, we observed that 24.8% of adults and older adults in Natal had VED, and 89% had low concentrations of circulating α-TOH (below 30 µmol/L). Furthermore, high visceral adiposity index and higher global risk score values were associated with higher serum α-TOH concentrations. Article 3 demonstrated that 95.7% of individuals had a low intake of vitamin E, considering the Estimated Average Requirement (EAR) of 12 mg/day, with lower intake values in individuals over 40 years of age, women, those who have a per capita income of less than the minimum wage and with less education. Soybean oil, açaí pulp, and red meat provided the highest content of ingested vitamin E. Conclusion: From the narrative review, it was demonstrated that VED can be a public health problem. The cross-sectional study observed a high prevalence of VED in the studied population, in which sex, visceral adiposity index and global risk score are associated with serum α-TOH. Furthermore, a low consumption of vitamin E was observed, mainly in older individuals, women and those with low socioeconomic status. Most of the vitamin E consumed came from soybean oil, açaí pulp and red meat, with vitamin E also coming from ultra-processed foods, especially in the lowerincome population (AU).

Effect of Sodium Ascorbate or Alpha-Tocopherol on the Resin-Dentin Interface and Bond Strength after Endodontic Treatment and Bleaching / Efecto del Ascorbato de Sodio o Alfa-Tocoferol sobre la Interfaz Resina-Dentina y la Fuerza de Unión Después del Tratamiento de Endodoncia y Blanqueamiento

The objective of this in vitro study was to assess the effects of two antioxidants (sodium ascorbate [SA] and alpha-tocopherol [AT]) on the adhesive interface and dentin bond strength immediately after bleaching with 38 % hydrogen peroxide (38HP) in endodontically-treated teeth. Two stages of experimentation were carried out. Bovine incisors were allocated into four groups (n = 10/group for each experiment): NB, non-bleached restored crowns; 38HP, bleached and immediately restored crowns; 38HP-SA, bleached crowns and SA use; and 38HP-AT, bleached crowns and AT use. Hybrid layer length in dentin (μm) and bond strength (MPa) were assessed with confocal microscopy laser and micro-shear bond strength (μSBS) test, respectively. Failure mode was determined by stereomicroscope. Data analysis was performed with analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Kruskal-Wallis, Dunn, Tukey, and Fisher-exact tests (a = 0.05). Higher values of hybrid layer length were observed similarly in the NB and 38HP-SA groups. The highest μSBS mean values were observed in the NB group (18 .51 ? 1.33), whereas the SBS values for 38HP-AT (1.68 ? 0.32) were similar to the 38HP group (1.61 ? 0.51) (p > 0.05) and significantly lower than the 38HP-SA group (5.78 ? 0.71). Adhesive failures were predominant in the 38HP and 38HP-AT groups. Cohesive and mixed failures were mostly observed in the NB and 38HP-SA groups, respectively. In conclusion, AT has no immediate effect on the hybrid layer formation and μSBS of dentin. Although SA promotes an increase in hybrid layer formation, it was not reflected in the μSBS values.

El objetivo de este estudio in vitro fue evaluar los efectos de dos antioxidantes (ascorbato de sodio [AS] y alfa-tocoferol [AT]) sobre la interfaz adhesiva y la fuerza de unión de la dentina inmediatamente después del blanqueamiento con peróxido de hidrógeno al 38 % (38HP) en endodoncia. -Dientes tratados. Se llevaron a cabo dos etapas de experimentación. Los incisivos bovinos se dividieron en cuatro grupos (n = 10 / grupo para cada experimento): NB, coronas restauradas no blanqueadas; 38HP, coronas blanqueadas y restauradas inmediatamente; 38HP- AS, coronas blanqueadas y uso SA; y 38HP-AT, coronas blanqueadas y uso de AT. La longitud de la capa híbrida en dentina (μm) y la fuerza de unión (MPa) se evaluaron con láser de microscopía confocal y la prueba de fuerza de unión por micro-cizallamiento (μSBS), respectivamente. El modo de falla se determinó mediante estereomicroscopio. El análisis de los datos se realizó con análisis de varianza (ANOVA) y pruebas de Kruskal-Wallis, Dunn, Tukey y Fisher (α = 0,05). De manera similar, se observaron valores más altos de longitud de capa híbrida en los grupos NB y 38HP-AS. Los valores medios más altos de μSBS se observaron en el grupo NB (18,51 ? 1,33), mientras que los valores de SBS para 38HP-AT (1,68 ? 0,32) fueron similares a los del grupo 38HP (1,61 ? 0,51) (p> 0,05) y significativamente más bajos que el grupo 38HP-AS (5,78 ? 0,71). Las fallas adhesivas fueron predominantes en los grupos de 38HP y 38HP-AT. Las fallas cohesivas y mixtas se observaron principalmente en los grupos NB y 38HP-AS, respectivamente. En conclusión, la AT no tiene un efecto inmediato sobre la formación de la capa híbrida y el μSBS de dentina. Aunque AS promueve un aumento en la formación de capas híbridas, no se refleja en los valores de μSBS.

Effects of dietary vitamin E on the wound healing induced in Oreochromis niloticus / Efeitos da suplementação com vitamina E na cicatrização de feridas induzidas em Oreochromis niloticus

In the present study, the effect of vitamin E supplementation 450 mg/kg diet was appraised in the process of induced wound healing in Nile tilapias Oreochromis niloticus. Fish were distributed into 18 tanks (10 fish each). Nine tanks were fed the non-supplemented diet and the other 9 tanks were fed 450 mg vitamin E for 60 days. Subsequently, the fish were anesthetized and the epidermis and dermis were surgically removed. The rate of cicatricial retraction and appearance of the wounds, and the histomorphometry of mucous cells, chromatophores, revascularization, inflammatory cells, presence of fibroblasts, collagen fibers, and scales were checked after 3-, 7-, 14-, 21-, and 28-days post-wounding. The retraction rate of the wound was significantly higher in the supplemented fish. The higher concentrations of inflammatory cells, mucous cells, and chromatophores, as well as the production and organization of collagen fibers, resulted in a higher retraction rate. We concluded that a dietary supplementation diet improves specific aspects of the cutaneous healing process in Nile tilapia fish.(AU)

No presente estudo, o efeito da suplementação com vitamina E de 450 mg / kg de dieta foi avaliado no processo de cicatrização induzida de feridas em tilápias do Nilo, Oreochromis niloticus. Os peixes foram distribuídos em 18 tanques (N=10), sendo 9 tanques com dieta não suplementada e os outros 9 tanques suplementados com 450 mg de vitamina E por 60 dias. Posteriormente, os peixes foram anestesiados e a epiderme e derme foram removidas cirurgicamente. Nos tempos pré-determinado de 3, 7, 14, 21 e 28 dias após a ferida foi analisado a taxa de retração cicatricial, a aparência das feridas e a histomorfometria das células mucosas, dos cromatóforos, das células inflamatórias, a revascularização, a presença de fibroblastos, de fibras de colágeno e escamas. A taxa de retração da ferida foi significativamente maior nos peixes suplementados. As maiores concentrações de células inflamatórias, mucosas e cromatóforos, bem como a produção e organização das fibras de colágeno, resultaram em uma maior taxa de retração. Concluímos que a dieta de suplementação melhora aspectos específicos do processo de cicatrização cutânea em peixes de tilápia do Nilo.(AU)

Evaluation the Effect of Different Antioxidants Applied After Bleaching on Teeth Color Stability / Avaliação do efeito de diferentes antioxidantes aplicados após o clareamento na estabilidade da cor dos dentes

Objective: Vital bleaching is a popular treatment option for discolored teeth; but at post-treatment stage, loss of adhesion is highly reported. Literature focused on antioxidant application for the answer of this issue. The aim of this study was to compare the effects of six different antioxidants on color stability of bleached teeth. Material and Methods: This study included total of 84 extracted intact non-carious lower incisors. 35% hydrogen peroxide was applied on the labial surfaces of specimens in accordance with manufacturer's instructions. The bleached teeth were divided into 7 groups. No antioxidants were applied to the control group. For the experimental groups, the following antioxidants were applied for 10 minutes each: 5% proanthocyanidin, 5% sodium ascorbate, 5% lycopene, %5 green tea, %5 white tea and %5 α-tocopherol. CIE L*, a* and b* values of the teeth were measured by a spectrophotometer. One-way ANOVA was used to determine the differences among the groups. Multiple comparisons were examined with Tukey HSD. Results: The one-way ANOVA test revealed a statistically significant difference between the groups (p < 0.005). Highest color change was observed in lycopene group and the lowest in green tea group. Conclusion: Proanthocyanidin, white tea and green tea could be considered as post-bleaching antioxidant alternatives based on their herbal nature. (AU)

Objetivo: O clareamento vital é uma opção popular de tratamento para dentes descoloridos, mas na fase pós-tratamento, a perda de adesão é altamente relatada. A literatura enfocou a aplicação de antioxidantes para a resposta desta questão. O objetivo deste estudo foi comparar os efeitos de seis diferentes antioxidantes na estabilidade da cor de dentes clareados. Material e Métodos: Este estudo incluiu um total de 84 incisivos inferiores extraídos, intactos e não cariados. Peróxido de hidrogênio a 35% foi aplicado nas superfícies labiais dos espécimes de acordo com as instruções do fabricante. Os dentes clareados foram divididos em 7 grupos. Nenhum antioxidante foi aplicado ao grupo controle. Para os grupos experimentais, os seguintes antioxidantes foram aplicados por 10 minutos cada: proantocianidina a 5%, ascorbato de sódio a 5%, licopeno a 5%, chá verde a 5%, chá branco a 5% e α-tocoferol a 5%. Os valores CIE L *, a * e b * dos dentes foram medidos por um espectrofotômetro. ANOVA um fator foi usada para determinar as diferenças entre os grupos. As comparações múltiplas foram examinadas com Tukey HSD. Resultados: O teste ANOVA revelou uma diferença estatisticamente significativa entre os grupos (p <0,005). A maior mudança de cor foi observada no grupo do licopeno e a menor no grupo do chá verde. Conclusão: Proantocianidina, chá branco e chá verde podem ser considerados como alternativas antioxidantes pós-clareamento com base em sua natureza fitoterápica. (AU)

Intrauterine growth and the vitamin e status of full-term and preterm newborns / Crescimento intrauterino e status de vitamina e de recém-nascidos a termo e pré-termo

ABSTRACT Objective: To determine the concentration of alpha-tocopherol in umbilical cord serum of full-term and preterm newborns, in order to assess the nutritional status of both groups in relation to the vitamin and its possible correlation with intrauterine growth. Methods: A cross-sectional observational study conducted with 140 newborns, of which 64 were preterm and 76 were full-term. They did not have any malformations, they came from healthy mothers, who were nonsmokers, and delivered a single baby. Intrauterine growth was evaluated by weight-to-gestational age at birth, using Intergrowth-21st. Thealpha-tocopherol levels of umbilical cord serum were analyzed by High Performance Liquid Chromatography. Results: The mean concentration of alpha-tocopherol in umbilical cord serum for preterm and full-term infants was 263.3±129.5 and 247.0±147.6 µg/dL (p=0.494). In the preterm group, 23% were small for gestational age, whereas in the full-term group, this percentage was only 7% (p=0.017). Low levels of vitamin E were found in 95.3% of preterm infants and 92.1% of full-term infants. There was no correlation between alpha-tocopherol levels and weight to gestational age Z score (p=0.951). Conclusions: No association was found between alpha-tocopherol levels and weight to gestational age at birth. Intrauterine growth restriction was more frequent in preterm infants and most infants had low levels of vitamin E at the time of delivery.

RESUMO Objetivo: Determinar a concentração de alfatocoferol em soro de cordão umbilical de recém-nascidos a termo e pré-termo, a fim de avaliar o estado nutricional de ambos os grupos com relação a essa vitamina e sua possível correlação sobre o crescimento intrauterino. Métodos: Estudo observacional de caráter transversal realizado com 140 recém-nascidos, 64 pré-termo e 76 a termo, sem malformações, oriundos de mães saudáveis, não fumantes e com parto de concepto único. O crescimento intrauterino foi avaliado pelo índice peso por idade gestacional ao nascer, utilizando a Intergrowth-21st. Os níveis de alfatocoferol do soro do cordão umbilical foram analisados por cromatografia líquida de alta eficiência. Resultados: A concentração média de alfatocoferol no soro do cordão umbilical para recém-nascidos pré-termo e a termo foi de, respectivamente, 263,3±129,5 e 247,0±147,6 µg/dL (p=0,494). Baixos níveis de vitamina E foram encontrados em 95,3% dos prematuros e em 92,1% dos neonatos a termo. Nogrupo pré-termo, 23% eram pequenos para a idade gestacional, enquanto no grupo a termo esse percentual foi de apenas 7% (p=0,017). Não houve correlação entre os níveis de alfatocoferol e o escore Z de peso para idade gestacional (p=0,951). Conclusões: Não foi encontrada associação entre os níveis de alfatocoferol e a adequação do peso à idade gestacional ao nascer. A restrição do crescimento intrauterino foi mais frequente nos nascidos pré-termo, e a maioria dos recém-nascidos apresentou níveis baixos de vitamina E no momento do parto.

Ácidos orgânicos, alfa-tocoferol em polpa de goiaba araçá / Organic acids, alpha-tocoferol in polpa of araçá guava

As frutas são constituídas por substâncias que exercem ação antioxidante, dentre tais substâncias estão incluídas as vitaminas. Os ácidos orgânicos mais comuns e presentes em frutas são: ácido ascórbico e ácido cítrico. Tais ácidos orgânicos bem como os tocoferóis ocorrem de forma natural nos alimentos e são potentes antioxidantes que possuem a capacidade de eliminar diversos radicais livres. O presente estudo teve como objetivo identificar e quantificar ácidos orgânicos (ascórbico e cítrico) e α-tocoferol presentes na polpa da goiaba araçá fazendo-se uso da Cromatografia Líquida de Alta Eficiência (CLAE). Os teores de ácido ascórbico e ácido cítrico encontrados no presente estudo foram de 2,501 mg.g-1 e 9,240 mg.g-1, respectivamente, enquanto que o teor α-tocoferol foi de 3,399 µg.g-1. Comparadas a outras frutas, os teores de ácidos orgânicos e α-tocoferol encontrados no presente estudo indicam que a goiaba araçá é rica em compostos antioxidantes.

Enhanced water solubility, antioxidant activity, and oral absorption of hesperetin by D-α-tocopheryl polyethylene glycol 1000 succinate and phosphatidylcholine / 浙江大学学报（英文版）（B辑：生物医学和生物技术）

Hesperetin, an abundant bioactive component of citrus fruits, is poorly water-soluble, resulting in low oral bioavailability. We developed new formulations to improve the water solubility, antioxidant activity, and oral absorption of hesperetin. Two nano-based formulations were developed, namely hesperetin-TPGS (D-α-tocopheryl polyethylene glycol 1000 succinate) micelles and hesperetin-phosphatidylcholine (PC) complexes. These two formulations were prepared by a simple technique called solvent dispersion, using US Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved excipients for drugs. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and dynamic light scattering (DLS) were used to characterize the formulations' physical properties. Cytotoxicity analysis, cellular antioxidant activity assay, and a pharmacokinetic study were performed to evaluate the biological properties of these two formulations. The final weight ratios of both hesperetin to TPGS and hesperetin to PC were 1:12 based on their water solubility, which increased to 21.5- and 20.7-fold, respectively. The hesperetin-TPGS micelles had a small particle size of 26.19 nm, whereas the hesperetin-PC complexes exhibited a larger particle size of 219.15 nm. In addition, the cellular antioxidant activity assay indicated that both hesperetin-TPGS micelles and hesperetin-PC complexes increased the antioxidant activity of hesperetin to 4.2- and 3.9-fold, respectively. Importantly, the in vivo oral absorption study on rats indicated that the micelles and complexes significantly increased the peak plasma concentration (Cmax) from 2.64 μg/mL to 20.67 and 33.09 μg/mL and also increased the area under the concentration-time curve of hesperetin after oral administration to 16.2- and 18.0-fold, respectively. The micelles and complexes increased the solubility and remarkably improved the in vitro antioxidant activity and in vivo oral absorption of hesperetin, indicating these formulations' potential applications in drugs and healthcare products.

Comparing the effects of vitamin E tocotrienol-rich fraction supplementation and α-tocopherol supplementation on gene expression in healthy older adults

OBJECTIVES This study aims to compare the differential gene expression resulting from tocotrienol-rich fraction and α-tocopherol supplementation in healthy older adults. METHODS A total of 71 eligible subjects aged 50 to 55 years from Gombak and Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, were divided into three groups and supplemented with placebo (n=23), α-tocopherol (n=24) or tocotrienol-rich fraction (n=24). Blood samples were collected at baseline and at 3 and 6 months of supplementation for microarray analysis. RESULTS The number of genes altered by α-tocopherol was higher after 6 months (1,410) than after 3 months (273) of supplementation. α-Tocopherol altered the expression of more genes in males (952) than in females (731). Similarly, tocotrienol-rich fraction modulated the expression of more genes after 6 months (1,084) than after 3 months (596) and affected more genes in males (899) than in females (781). α-Tocopherol supplementation modulated pathways involving the response to stress and stimuli, the immune response, the response to hypoxia and bacteria, the metabolism of toxins and xenobiotics, mitosis, and synaptic transmission as well as activated the mitogen-activated protein kinase and complement pathways after 6 months. However, tocotrienol-rich fraction supplementation affected pathways such as the signal transduction, apoptosis, nuclear factor kappa B kinase, cascade extracellular signal-regulated kinase-1 and extracellular signal-regulated kinase-2, immune response, response to drug, cell adhesion, multicellular organismal development and G protein signaling pathways. CONCLUSION Supplementation with either α-tocopherol or tocotrienol-rich fraction affected the immune and drug response and the cell adhesion and signal transduction pathways but modulated other pathways differently after 6 months of supplementation, with sex-specific responses.

Treatment with ascorbic acid and alpha-tocopherol modulates oxidative-stress markers in the spinal cord of rats with neuropathic pain

Vitamin E (vit. E) and vitamin C (vit. C) are antioxidants that inhibit nociception. The effect of these vitamins on oxidative-stress markers in the spinal cord of rats with chronic constriction injury (CCI) of the sciatic nerve is unknown. This study investigated the effect of intraperitoneal administration of vit. E (15 mg·kg-1·day-1) and vit. C (30 mg·kg-1·day-1), given alone or in combination, on spinal cord oxidative-stress markers in CCI rats. Adult male Wistar rats weighing 200-250 g were divided equally into the following groups: Naive (rats did not undergo surgical manipulation); Sham (rats in which all surgical procedures involved in CCI were used except the ligature), and CCI (rats in which four ligatures were tied loosely around the right common sciatic nerve), which received injections of vitamins or vehicle (saline containing 1% Tween 80) for 3 or 10 days (n=6/each group). The vitamins prevented the reduction in total thiol content and the increase in superoxide-anion generation that were found in vehicle-treated CCI rats. While nitric-oxide metabolites increased in vehicle-treated CCI rats 3 days after surgery, these metabolites did not show significant changes in vitamin-treated CCI rats. In all rats, total antioxidant capacity and hydrogen-peroxide levels did not change significantly. Lipid hydroperoxides increased 25% only in vehicle-treated CCI rats. These changes may contribute to vit. C- and vit. E-induced antinociception, because scavenging reactive oxygen species seems to help normalize the spinal cord oxidative status altered by pain.

The socioeconomic variables influence in the alpha-tocopherol concentration of the maternal serum / Influência das variáveis socioeconômicas na concentração de alfa-tocoferol do soro materno

Abstract Objectives: To evaluate the influence of the socioeconomic factors on the alpha-tocopherol concentration in maternal serum. Methods: a retrospective, observational, cross-sectional study with the participation of 103 adult parturient volunteers attended at Hospital Universitário Ana Bezerra (Ana Bezerra University Hospital) in Santa Cruz - Rio Grande do Norte. 5.0 mL of blood was collected from each participant in fasting before the delivery to extract alpha-tocopherol of the serum. Socioeconomic and demographic information were obtained by a previously structured questionnaire. Alpha-tocopherol serum was determined by a High-Performance Chromatography Liquid (Cromatografia Líquida de Alta Eficiência (CLAE). Results: The average concentration of alpha-tocopherol in the serum was 1281.4 (594.8) µg/dL, and 6% of the women presented vitamin E deficiency (DVE). Most pregnant women aged between 18 and 24 years (59%), marital status was married or consensual marriage (77%), elementary schooling complete (34%), low family income (74%) and living in the urban area (73%). No significant differences were found in the alpha-tocopherol concentration according to socioeconomic characteristics and none of the studied factors were associated to the presence of DVE ( p >0.05). Conclusions: The maternal social characteristics were not determinants for the alpha-tocopherol serum and DVE. Further investigations should be carried out during lactation to assess which factors may be involved in the presence of this deficiency.

Resumo Objetivos: avaliar a influência de fatores socioeconômicos sobre a concentração de alfa-tocoferol no soro materno. Métodos: estudo transversal observacional retrospectivo, com participação de 103 parturientes voluntárias adultas atendidas no Hospital Universitário Ana Bezerra em Santa Cruz - Rio Grande do Norte. Foram coletados 5,0 mL de sangue em jejum antes do parto para extração de alfa-tocoferol no soro. As informações socioeconômicas e demográficas foram obtidas por um questionário previamente estruturado. A determinação do alfa-tocoferol sérico foi por Cromatografia Líquida de Alta Eficiência (CLAE). Resultados: a concentração média de alfa-tocoferol no soro foi de 1281,4 (594,8) µg/dL, e 6% das mulheres apresentaram deficiência de vitamina E (DVE). A maioria das parturientes tinha idade entre 18 e 24 anos (59%), estado civil casada ou união estável (77%), com ensino fundamental completo (34%), baixa renda (74%) e moradia localizada na zona urbana (73%). Não foram encontradas diferenças significativas na concentração de alfa-tocoferol segundo característica socioeconômica, e nenhum dos fatores estudados foi associado a presença da DVE (p>0,05). Conclusões: as características sociais maternas não foram determinantes para o alfa-tocoferol sérico e DVE. Maiores investigações devem ser realizadas durante a lactação para avaliar quais fatores podem estar envolvidos na presença dessa deficiência.

Effect of maternal supplementation with vitamin E on the concentration of α-tocopherol in colostrum / Efeito da suplementação materna com vitamina E sobre a concentração de α-tocopherolol no colostro

Abstract: Objective: To evaluate the effect of maternal supplementation with vitamin E on the concentration of α-tocopherol in colostrum and its supply to the newborn. Method: This randomized clinical trial enrolled 99 healthy adult pregnant women; of these, 39 were assigned to the control group and 60 to the supplemented group. After an overnight fast, 5 mL of blood and 2 mL of colostrum were collected. After the first sampling (0 h milk), the supplemented group received 400 IU of supplementary vitamin E. Another 2 mL milk aliquot was collected in both groups 24 h after supplementation (24 h milk). The samples were analyzed by high-performance liquid chromatography. The α-tocopherol content provided by colostrum was calculated by considering a daily intake of 396 mL of milk and comparing the resulting value to the recommended daily intake for infants aged 0-6 months (4 mg/day). Results: The initial mean concentration of α-tocopherol in colostrum was 1509.3 ± 793.7 µg/dL in the control group and 1452.9 ± 808.6 µg/dL in the supplemented group. After 24 h, the mean α-tocopherol concentration was 1650.6 ± 968.7 µg/dL in the control group (p > 0.05) and 2346.9 ± 1203.2 µg/dL in the supplemented group (p < 0.001), increasing the vitamin E supply to the newborn to 9.3 mg/day. Initially, 18 women in the supplemented group provided colostrum α-tocopherol contents below 4 mg/day; after supplementation only six continued to provide less than the recommended amount. Conclusion: Maternal vitamin E supplementation increases the supply of the vitamin to the infant by providing more than twice the Recommended Daily Intake.

Resumo: Objetivo: Avaliar o efeito da suplementação materna com vitamina E sobre a concentração de α-tocoferol no colostro e o fornecimento dessa para o recém-nascido. Método: O estudo clínico randomizado foi feito com 99 parturientes adultas e saudáveis, 39 alocadas no grupo controle e 60 no grupo suplementado. Após jejum noturno, foram coletados 5 mL de sangue e 2 mL de colostro das parturientes. Após a primeira coleta (leite 0 h), o grupo suplementado recebeu suplementação com 400 UI de vitamina E. Foi feita nova coleta de 2 mL de colostro, em ambos os grupos, 24 h após a suplementação (leite 24 h). As amostras foram analisadas por cromatografia líquida de alta eficiência. A quantidade de α-tocoferol fornecida pelo colostro foi considerada para uma ingestão diária de 396 mL de leite e comparada com a ingestão diária recomendada para crianças de 0 a 6 meses (4 mg/dia). Resultados: A concentração média inicial de α-tocoferol no colostro foi de 1.509,3 ± 793,7 µg/dL no grupo controle e 1.452,9 ± 808,6 µg/dL no grupo suplementado. Após 24 horas a concentração média de α-tocoferol no grupo controle foi de 1.650,6 ± 968,7 µg/dL (p > 0,05) e de 2.346,9 ± 1203,2 µg/dL (p < 0,001) no grupo suplementado. Aumentou-se assim a oferta de vitamina E para o recém-nascido para 9,3 mg/dia. Inicialmente 18 mulheres do grupo suplementado forneciam valores inferiores a 4 mg/dia de α-tocoferol em seu colostro, após suplementação apenas seis continuaram a fornecer quantidade inferior ao recomendado. Conclusão: A suplementação materna com vitamina E promove o aumento do fornecimento da vitamina para o recém-nascido e fornece mais do que o dobro da ingestão diária recomendada.

Vitrification of bovine preantral follicles with dimethylsulfoxide and sucrose plus alfa-tocopherol / Vitrificação de folículos pré-antrais bovinos com dimetilxulfoxido e sacarose adicionado de alfa-tocopherol

The objective of this study was to evaluate the vitrification of bovine preantral follicles with dimethylsulfoxide (D) and sucrose (S) plus α-tocopherol 5mmol/L (T5) or 10mmol/L (T10) and, evaluate the thawed with minimal essential medium (m) with or without sucrose (s). Ovaries of cows were collected from slaughterhouse for the experiment I (n=66) and II (n=51). In the laboratory ovarian fragments were randomly assigned either to fresh control and 8 vitrification treatments (Controle and Dm; Dms, DSm; DSms; DST5m; DST5ms; DST10m; DST10ms). Ovarian fragments were placed in vitrification solution (5 min) and immersed in liquid nitrogen (-196°C), after a week, the fragments were thawed and analyzed. In the experiments I, preantral follicles were morphologically observed for histological evaluation, (normal; degenerated and developing of stage). In the experiment II, preantral follicles were mechanically isolated from ovarian tissue and examined with trypan blue, where dead and live corresponded to stained or non-stained. The treatments DSm, DSms and DST10m were effective in preserving the morphology in situ. However, the viability of isolated preantral follicles after vitrification remained high only in treatment DST10m. Thus, DST10m preserves survival rates and morphological integrity during vitrification of bovine preantral follicles.

Os objetivos deste estudo foram avaliar a vitrificação de folículos pré-antrais bovinos com dimetilsulfóxido (D) e sacarose (S) adicionando α-tocoferol 5mmol/L (T5) ou 10mmol/L (T10) e, avaliar o aquecimento com meio essencial mínimo (m) com ou sem sacarose (s). Ovários de fêmeas bovinas foram coletados de abatedouro, para o experimento I (n= 66) e II (n= 51). No laboratório fragmentos ovarianos foram distribuídos aleatoriamente para o controle fresco e 8 tratamentos de vitrificação (Controle e Dm; Dms, a DSm; DSms; DST5m; DST5ms; DST10m; DST10ms). Os fragmentos ovarianos foram colocados na solução de vitrificação (5 min) e imersos em nitrogênio líquido (-196°C). Após uma semana os fragmentos foram aquecidos e analisados. No experimento I, folículos pré-antrais foram observados morfologicamente para avaliação histológica (normal, degenerados e estádio de desenvolvimento). No experimento II, folículos pré-antrais foram mecanicamente isolados do tecido ovariano e examinados com o azul de trypan, observando mortos e vivos corados e não corados respetivamente. Os tratamentos a DSm, DSms e DST10m foram eficazes na preservação da morfologia in situ. No entanto, a viabilidade de folículos pré-antrais isolados após a vitrificação manteve-se elevada apenas no tratamento DST10m. Assim, DST10m preservou as taxas de sobrevivência e integridade morfológica durante a vitrificação de folículos pré-antrais bovinos.

Similarities and differences between alpha-tocopherol and gamma-tocopherol in amelioration of inflammation, oxidative stress and pre-fibrosis in hyperglycemia induced acute kidney inflammation

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a major chronic disease which increases global health problems. Diabetes-induced renal damage is associated with inflammation and fibrosis. Alpha (AT) and gamma-tocopherols (GT) have shown antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects in inflammation-mediated injuries. The primary aim of this study was to investigate effects of AT and GT supplementations on hyperglycemia induced acute kidney inflammation in alloxan induced diabetic mice with different levels of fasting blood glucose (FBG). MATERIALS/METHODS: Diabetes was induced by injection of alloxan monohydrate (150 mg/kg, i.p) in ICR mice (5.5-week-old, male) and mice were subdivided according to their FBG levels and treated with different diets for 2 weeks; CON: non-diabetic mice, m-DMC: diabetic control mice with mild FBG levels (250 mg/dl < or = FBG < or = 450 mg/dl), m-AT: m-DM mice fed AT supplementation (35 mg/kg diet), m-GT: m-DM mice with GT supplementation (35 mg/kg diet), s-DMC: diabetic control mice with severe FBG levels (450 mg/dl < FBG), s-AT: s-DM mice with AT supplementation, s-GT: s-DM mice with GT supplementation. RESULTS: Both AT and GT supplementations showed similar beneficial effects on NFkappaB associated inflammatory response (phosphorylated inhibitory kappa B-alpha, interleukin-1beta, C-reactive protein, monocyte chemotactic protein-1) and pre-fibrosis (tumor growth factor beta-1 and protein kinase C-II) as well as an antioxidant emzyme, heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) in diabetic mice. On the other hands, AT and GT showed different beneficial effects on kidney weight, FBG, and oxidative stress associated makers (malondialdehyde, glutathione peroxidase, and catalase) except HO-1. In particular, GT significantly preserved kidney weight in m-DM and improved FBG levels in s-DM and malondialdehyde and catalase in m- and s-DM, while AT significantly attenuated FBG levels in m-DM and improved glutathione peroxidase in m- and s-DM. CONCLUSIONS: The results suggest that AT and GT with similarities and differences would be considered as beneficial nutrients to modulate hyperglycemia induced acute renal inflammation. Further research with careful approach is needed to confirm beneficial effects of tocopherols in diabetes with different FBG levels for clinical applications.

Preparation and evaluation of intra-articular injectable sinomenine hydrochloride-loaded in situ liquid crystals / 药学学报

Phytantriol (PT), ethanol (ET) and water were used to prepare in situ cubic liquid crystal (ISV2). The pseudo-ternary phase diagram of PT-ET-water was constructed and isotropic solution formulations were chosen for further optimization. The physicochemical properties of isotropic solution formulations were evaluated to optimize the composition of ISV2. In situ hexagonal liquid crystals (ISH2) were prepared based on the composition of ISV2 with the addition of vitamin E acetate (VitEA) and the amount of VitEA was optimized by in vitro release behavior. The phase structures of liquid crystalline gels formed by ISV2 and ISH2 in excess water were confirmed by crossed polarized light microscopy and small angle X-ray scattering, respectively. Rheological properties of ISV2 and ISH2 were studied by a DHR-2 rheometer. In vitro drug release studies were conducted by using a dialysis membrane diffusion method. Pharmacokinetics was investigated by determination of sinomenine hydrochloride (SMH) concentration in synovial membrane after intra-articular injection of SMH-loaded ISH2 in adjuvant-induced arthritis rats. The optimal ISV2 (PT/ET/water, 64 : 16 : 20, w/w/w) loaded with 6 mg x g(-1) of SMH showed a suitable pH, injectable and formed a cubic liquid crystalline gel in situ with minimum water absorption in the shortest time. The optimal ISV2 was able to sustain the drug release for 144 h. The optimal ISH2 system was prepared by addition of 5% VitEA into PT in the optimal ISV2 system. This ISH2 (PT/VitEA/ET/water, 60.8 : 3.2 : 16 : 20, w/w/w/w) was an injectable isotropic solution with suitable pH. The new ISH2 was able to sustain the drug release for more than 240 h. Local pharmacokinetics study indicated that the retention time and AUC(0-∞) of ISH2 group were increased significantly compared with that of SMH solution group and the AUC(0-∞) of ISH2 group was 6.01 times higher than that of SMH solution group. The developed ISH2 was suitable for intra-articular injection that may apply to patients in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis.

Effects of alpha-tocopherol on fracture resistance after endodontic treatment, bleaching and restoration

Abstract This study evaluated the effects of 10% alphatocopherol on the fracture resistance of endodontically treated teeth subjected to tooth bleaching with hydrogen peroxide and immediately restored with composite resin. Fifty bovine incisors were selected, including 10 sound teeth that constituted the control group (G1 (C)). The remaining 40 teeth, which were endodontically treated, were divided into four groups (n = 10): G2 (CR), consisting of teeth immediately restored with composite resin; G3 (HP + CR), consisting of teeth subjected to tooth bleaching with 38% hydrogen peroxide and immediately restored with composite resin; G4 (HP + SA + CR), which received treatment similar to that used for G3, but with 10% sodium ascorbate gel applied after the bleaching protocol; and G5 (HP + AT + CR), which was similar to G4 but included 10% alphatocopherol gel as an antioxidant. After 24 h, composite restorations were performed, and teeth were subjected to a fracture resistance test at a speed of 0.5 mm/min in an electromechanical testing machine. The axial force was applied with an angle of incidence of 135° relative to the long axis of the root. Data were subjected to ANOVA and Tukey tests (p = 0.05). G1 exhibited the highest fracture resistance (p < 0.05). No significant differences among the other experimental groups were observed. The 10% sodium ascorbate and 10% alphatocopherol gels did not improve the fracture resistance of endodontically treated teeth subjected to bleaching with 38% hydrogen peroxide.

Influência do tempo de armazenamento sobre a concentração de alfa-tocoferol e gama-tocoferol em óleos vegetais / Influence of the storage time on the concentration of alpha-tocopherol and gamma-tocopherol in vegetable oils

O alfa- e o gama-tocoferol estão entre os homólogos da vitamina E, que possui importante papel como antioxidante. As fontes dietéticas mais ricas em vitamina E são os óleos vegetais. Este trabalho avaliou os níveis de alfa- e gama-tocoferol nos óleos de canola, girassol, milho e soja, e averiguou sua variação com o tempo de armazenamento. Os óleos vegetais foram adquiridos nos supermercados da cidade de Natal/RN, e mantidos sob temperatura ambiente e ao abrigo da luz. As análises foram realizadas em diferentes momentos durante o armazenamento (tempo 0 e após 30, 60 e 90 dias). Cromatografia líquida de alta eficiência (CLAE) foi usada para determinar as concentrações dos analitos. A análise estatística foi realizada utilizando-se o teste de variância (ANOVA) e as diferenças foram consideradas estatisticamente significativas quando p < 0,05. Ao final do tempo de armazenamento (90 dias) foi verificada diminuição significativa nos níveis de alfa- e gama-tocoferolde 38,7 % e 36,0 %, no óleo de canola; 42,2 % e 22,2 %, no óleo de soja; 28,3 % e 29,2 %, no óleo de girassol;39,0 % e 17,9 %, no óleo de milho, respectivamente. As concentrações de alfa- e gama-tocoferol nos óleos vegetais reduziram significativamente após armazenamento, sob as condições empregadas no estudo.

The alpha- and gamma-tocopherol are among the homologues of vitamin E which plays a key role as anantioxidant. The richest dietary sources of vitamin E are vegetable oils. This study aimed at evaluating thealpha- and gamma-tocopherol contents in oils from canola, sunflower, corn and soybeans, and to verify their variations after storage time. The vegetable oils were purchased at supermarkets in Natal / RN, and they were keptat room temperature and protected from light. The tests was made at different times during storage (time 0 and after 30, 60 and 90 days). The high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) was used to determinetheir concentrations. The statistical analysis was performed using analysis of variance (ANOVA) test and thedifferences were considered statistically significant when p < 0.05. By the end of the storage time (90 days), thealpha- and gamma-tocopherol contents showed a significant decrease of 38.7 % and 36.0 % for canola oil; 42.2 %and 22.2 % in soybean oil; 28.3 % and 29.2 % in sunflower oil; 39.0 % and 17.9 % in corn oil, respectively.The concentrations of alpha- and gamma-tocopherol in vegetable oils significantly decreased after the storageperiod under the conditions used in this study.

Regulation of α-tocopherol on NFκB and Nrf2 signaling pathway at early stage of N-nitrosomethylbenzylamine⁃induced human esophageal cell carcinogenesis / 中华预防医学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the regulation of α-Tocopherol on NFκB and Nrf2 signaling pathway at early stage of N-nitrosomethylbenzylamine (NMBzA)-induced human esophageal carcinogenesis.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Human normal esophageal HET-1A cells were treated with NMBzA at 50 µmol/L, 100 µmol/L for 24 h to intimate the initiation of esophageal carcinogenesis. For intervention groups, HET-1A cells were pre-treated with α-T at 25, 50, 100 µmol/L for 3 h and then co-treated with NMBzA (100 µmol/L) for 24 h. In comparison with HET-1A cells, human esophageal cancer EC109 cells were treated with α-T at corresponding concentrations. Cells treated with 0.1% DMSO were used as negative control. Immunofluorence staining was used for the determination of distribution and activation of NFκB p65 and Nrf2 in the cell. Real time PCR and Western blot were used to determine the expression levels of target genes including cyclinD1, KI67, proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA), cyclo-oxygen-ase 2 (COX2), 5LOX, HO-1, NQO1 and GCLC. Flow cytometry was utilized to analyze the reactive oxygen species contents in the cells.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>As compared to the control group (1.00 ± 0.08), the expression of CyclinD1 (2.99 ± 0.15), KI67 (2.35 ± 0.38) and PCNA (2.46 ± 0.25) in HET-1A were all markedly increased by NMBzA treatment (F values were 97.23, 65.28, 34.62, P < 0.001). Also, the proportion of cells with nucleus translocation of NFκB p65 (71.0%, 98/138) or Nrf2 (36.3%, 49/135) were significantly increased (χ² values were 194.71, 133.72, P < 0.001), and the expression of COX2 (3.22 ± 0.17), 5LOX (2.87 ± 0.12) as well as HO-1 (1.87 ± 0.22), NQO1 (2.14 ± 0.08), GCLC (2.63 ± 0.41) at protein levels were elevated (F values were 72.35, 43.87, 69.23, 71.34, 85.79, P values were 0.013, 0.015, 0.010, 0.011, 0.002). Under the treatment with 50 µmol/L α-T, comparing with the control group(59.1%,65/110),the nuclear translocation of NFκB p65 (77.7%, 8/104) was clearly inhibited (χ² = 148.1, P < 0.001), and protein expression levels of COX2 (0.74 ± 0.19) and 5LOX (0.42 ± 0.13) were decreased (F values were 56.31, 73.25, P values were 0.003, 0.001). However, no changes on Nrf2 signaling pathway were observed; α-T showed little impact on NFκB or Nrf2 pathway in EC109 cells.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>At the early stage of NMBz-induced esophageal cancer, α-T could block the initiation of carcinogenesis through suppressing the activation of NFκB signaling pathway. It might be the major mechanism by which α-T is potentially chemopreventive to esophageal cancer. During the progression of esophageal cancer, the cells may acquire the adaptive functions to accommodate oxidative stress via activating Nrf2 pathway.</p>

Effects of applying antioxidants on bond strength of bleached bovine dentin

OBJECTIVES: Some antioxidants are believed to restore dentin bond strength after dental bleaching. This study was done to evaluate the influence of antioxidants on the bond strength of bleached bovine dentin. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty incisors were randomly assigned to 10 groups (two unbleached control and eight bleached groups: immediate bonding IB, 4 wk delayed bonding DB, 10% sodium ascorbate treated SA, 10% alpha-tocopherol treated TP groups). Teeth in half of groups were subjected to thermal stress, whereas the remaining groups were not. Resin-dentin rods with a cross-sectional area of 2.25 mm2 were obtained and microtensile bond strength was determined at a crosshead speed of 1 mm/min. Fifteen specimens were prepared for SEM to compare the surface characteristics of each group. The change in dentin bond strength from thermal stress and antioxidant treatment was evaluated using two-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Sheffe's post hoc test at a significance level of 95%. RESULTS: The control group exhibited the highest bond strength values, whereas IB group showed the lowest value before and after thermocycling. The DB group recovered its bond strength similar to that of the control group. The SA and TP groups exhibited similar bond strength values with those of the control and DB groups before thermocycling. However, The TP group did not maintain bond strength with thermal stress, whereas the SA group did. CONCLUSIONS: Applying a 10% sodium ascorbate solution rather than 10% alpha-tocopherol solution for 60 sec is recommended to maintain dentin bond strength when restoring non-vitally bleached teeth.

Vitamin E status of 20- to 59-year-old adults living in the Seoul metropolitan area of South Korea

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Vitamin E is a fat-soluble vitamin and functions primarily as a lipid antioxidant. Inadequate vitamin E status may increase risk of several chronic diseases. Thus, the objectives of this study were to estimate intake and plasma concentration of each tocopherol and to evaluate vitamin E status of Korean adults. SUBJECTS/METHODS: Three consecutive 24-h food recalls and fasting blood samples were collected from healthy 20- to 59-y-old adults (33 males and 73 females) living in the Seoul metropolitan area, South Korea. alpha-, beta-, delta-, and gamma-tocopherol intakes and plasma concentrations of tocopherols (alpha-, delta-, and gamma-tocopherol) were analyzed by gender. RESULTS: Dietary vitamin E and total vitamin E intake (dietary plus supplemental vitamin E) was 17.68 +/- 14.34 and 19.55 +/- 15.78 mg alpha-tocopherol equivalents, respectively. The mean daily alpha-tocopherol, and gamma-tocopherol intakes were 3.07 +/- 2.27 mg and 5.98 +/- 3.74 mg, respectively. Intakes of total vitamin E and each tocopherol of males were significantly higher than those of females (P or = 0.05). Plasma alpha-tocopherol was negatively correlated with gamma-tocopherol intake (P < 0.05). Twenty-three percent of the subjects had plasma alpha-tocopherol concentrations < 12 micromol/L indicating a biochemical deficiency of vitamin E. Approximately 8% and 9% of these participants had plasma alpha-tocopherol:total lipid ratio less than 1.59 micromol/mmol and plasma alpha-tocopherol:total cholesterol ratio less than 2.22 micromol/mmol, respectively, which are also indicative of vitamin E deficiency. CONCLUSIONS: Vitamin E intakes of Korean adults were generally adequate with the Korean Dietary Reference Intakes for vitamin E. However, alpha-tocopherol intake was lower than that reported in other countries, and 23% of the subjects in the current study were vitamin E deficient based on plasma alpha-tocopherol concentrations.