The efficacy of vitamin E in preventing arthrofibrosis after joint replacement

Background:Arthrofibrosis is a joint disorder characterized by excessive scar formation in the joint tissues.Vitamin E is an antioxidant with potential anti-fibroblastic effect.The aim of this study was to establish an arthrofibrosis rat model after joint replacement and assess the effects of vitamin E supplementation on joint fibrosis.Methods:We simulated knee replacement in 16 male Sprague–Dawley rats.We immobilized the surgical leg with a suture in full flexion.The control groups were killed at 2 and 12 weeks(n=5 per group),and the test group was supplemented daily with vitamin E(0.2 mg/mL)in their drinking water for 12 weeks(n=6).We performed histological staining to investigate the presence and severity of arthrofibrosis.Immunofluorescent staining andα2-macroglobulin(α2M)enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA)were used to assess local and systemic inflammation.Static weight bearing(total internal reflection)and range of motion(ROM)were collected for functional assessment.Results:The ROM and weight-bearing symmetry decreased after the procedure and recovered slowly with still significant deficit at the end of the study for both groups.Histological analysis confirmed fibrosis in both lateral and posterior periarticular tissue.Vitamin E supplementation showed a moderate anti-inflammatory effect on the local and systemic levels.The vitamin E group exhibited significant improvement in ROM and weight-bearing symmetry at day 84 compared to the control group.Conclusions:This model is viable for simulating arthrofibrosis after joint replacement.Vitamin E may benefit postsurgical arthrofibrosis,and further studies are needed for dosing requirements.

Effect of Phosphorus on the Content of Vitamin E in Different Soybean Cultivars

[Objective] This study aimed to explore the effects of phosphorus on the contents of vitamin E in different cultivars of soybean grains and find the optimum application amount of phosphorus for different genotypes of soybean cultivars,in order to increase the contents of vitamin E in soybean grains and improve the qualities.[Method] Three soybean cultivars were selected as experimental materials,including Heinong 48（high-protein cultivar）,Heinong 37（intermediate cultivar） and Heinong 44（high-oil cultivar）.The soybeans were planted in pots,with 0.033 g/kg soil of N and K2O,four phosphorus treatments were set,respectively applied with 0（P1）,0.033（P2）,0.067（P3） and 0.100（P4） g/kg soil of P2O5,and the total contents of vitamin E in different cultivars of soybean grains were determined by high-performance liquid chromatography method.[Result] The total contents of vitamin E in the same cultivar of soybean grains in P3 treatment were significantly higher than that in the other three treatments,the total contents of vitamin E in Heinong 37,Heinong 44 and Heinong 48 in P3 treatment had increased by 11.96%,16.55% and 14.02%,compared with the control;among the three soybean cultivars in P2 treatment,the content of vitamin E in Heinong 37 was the maximum;among the 12 treatment combinations,the total contents of vitamin E in Heinong 44 in P3 treatment was the maximum.The contents of vitamin E in three soybean cultivars significantly varied among the various cultivars and different phosphorus treatments.[Conclusion] Application of phosphorus could affect the contents of vitamin E in three soybean cultivars,appropriate application amount of phosphorus is advantageous to improve the contents of vitamin E in soybean grains.

血清DHEA-S和维生素E与卵巢储备功能下降的相关性研究

目的:探讨血清脱氢表雄酮(DHEA-S)及维生素E(Vitamin E)与卵巢储备功能下降(DOR)的相关性。方法选取2016年1月至2018年5月于深圳市南山区妇幼保健院就诊的DOR患者100例(实验组)和卵巢功能正常的64例健康女性(对照组)。比较两组患者的血清中脱氢表雄酮DHEA-S、Vitamin E、卵泡刺激素(FSH)、促黄体生成素(LH)、雌二醇(E2)、孕酮(P)、抗苗勒管激素(AMH)水平及双侧卵巢窦卵泡数(AFC)。结果实验组血清中Vitamin E与LH水平高于对照组,AMH水平低于对照组,差异均有统计学意义(P<0.05)。Pearson相关性分析结果显示,对照组中Vitamin E与AMH呈负相关,而在实验组中DHEA-S与E2呈负相关。结论DOR组患者中Vitamin E水平增高,DHEA-S与E2呈负相关,这为DOR患者的诊治提供参考依据。

Effect of Copper and Zinc on Accumulation of Vitamin E in Wheat Embryo-derived Callus

[Objective] The aim was to study the effect of the content of copper and zinc on in medium the vitamin E accumulation in wheat embryo-dreived callus.[Method] The mathematical models were established to describe the growth kinetics and the vitamin E accumulation in wheat embryo callus cells.With the aim of getting the highest accumulation of the secondary metabolite Vitamin E,the optimal combination of copper and zinc in medium was confirmed by testing.[Result] The results showed that the production of vitamin E in B5 medium reached the highest value with 2.0 mg/mL ZnSO4·7H2O and 0.1 mg/mL CuSO4·5H2O.The fitting degrees of kinetic models of vitamin E accumulation and cell growth were 97.53% and 95.60%,respectively,which indicated good nonlinear relationships.[Conclusion] Both copper and zinc could affect the accumulation of vitamin E in wheat germ callus,and Copper showed more prominent effect than Zn.Synergism existed in low copper and zinc concentration,and the inhibitive effect enhanced with the increase of the concentrations.

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease:A comprehensive review of a growing epidemic

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease(NAFLD)is quickly becoming one of the most prominent causes of liver disease worldwide.The increasing incidence of NAFLD is tied to the obesity epidemic and the subsequent metabolic derangements brought along with it.Current efforts to elucidate the mechanism and causes of the disease have answered some questions,but much remains unknown about NAFLD.The aim of this article is to discuss the current knowledge regarding the pathogenesis of the disease,as well as the current and future diagnostic,preventative,and therapeutic options available to clinicians for the management of NAFLD.

The protective effect of vitamin E against oxidative damage caused by formaldehyde in the testes of adult rats

Aim： To investigate the effect of formaldehyde （FA） on testes and the protective effect of vitamin E （VE） against oxidative damage by FA in the testes of adult rats. Methods： Thirty rats were randomly divided into three groups： （1） control; （2） FA treatment group （FAt）; and （3） FAt ＋ VE group. FAt and FAt ＋ VE groups were exposed to FA by inhalation at a concentration of 10 mg/m^3 for 2 weeks. In addition, FAt ＋ VE group were orally administered VE during the 2-week FA treatment. After the treatment, the histopathological and biochemical changes in testes, as well as the quantity and quality of sperm, were observed. Results： The testicular weight, the quantity and quality of sperm, the activities of superoxide dismutase （SOD）, glutathione peroxidase （GSH-Px） and glutathione （GSH） were significantly decreased whereas the level of malondialdehyde （MDA） was significantly increased in testes of rats in FAt group compared with those in the control group. VE treatment restored these parameters in FAt ＋ VE group. In addition, microscopy with hematoxylin-eosin （HE） staining showed that seminiferous tubules atrophied, seminiferous epithelial cells disintegrated and shed in rats in FAt group and VE treatment significantly improved the testicular structure in FAt ＋ VE group. Conclusion： FA destroys the testicular structure and function in adult rats by inducing oxidative stress, and this damage could be partially reversed by VE.

Effect of lifestyle intervention on non-alcoholic fatty liver disease in Chinese obese children

AIM: To investigate the effect of lifestyle intervention on non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) in Chinese obese children. METHODS: Seventy-six obese children aged from 10 to 17 years with NAFLD were enrolled for a one-month intervention and divided randomly into three groups. Group1, consisting of 38 obese children, was an untreated control group without any intervention. Group 2, consisting of 19 obese children in summer camp, was strictly controlled only by life style intervention. Group 3, consisting of 19 obese children, received oral vitamin E therapy at a dose of 100 mg/d. The height, weight, fasting blood glucose (FBG), fasting serum insulin (FINS), plasma alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), triglyceride (TG), total cholesterol (TCHO) and homeostasis model assent- insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) were measured at baseline and after one month. All patients were underwent to an ultrasonographic study of the liver performed by one operator who was blinded to the groups. RESULTS: The monitor indices of BMI, ALT, AST, TG, TCHO and HOMA-IR were successfully improved except in group 1. BMI and ALT in group 2 were reduced more significantly than in group 3 (2.44 ± 0.82 vs 1.45 ± 0.80, P = 0.001; 88.58 ± 39.99 vs 63.69 ± 27.05, P = 0.040, respectively).CONCLUSION: Both a short-term lifestyle intervention and vitamin E therapy have an effect on NAFLD in obese children. Compared with vitamin E, lifestyle intervention is more effective. Therefore, lifestyle intervention should represent the first step in the management of children with NAFLD.

Enzyme-catalyzed Synthesis of Vitamin E Succinate Using a Chemically Modified Novozym-435

Vitamin E succinate was synthesized in organic solvents using a modified Novozym-435 as catalyst.In order to improve the catalytic performance of Novozym-435,the enzyme was modified using acetic anhydride, propionic anhydride and succinic anhydride separately.We found that both the hydrolytic activity and the thermal stability of the modified Novozym-435 were enhanced compared with the unmodified enzyme.The modified Novozym-435 catalysts were used to synthesize the succinate derivative of vitamin E.Compared with the native Novozym-435,the catalytic activity of the modified novozym-435 in promoting the synthesis of vitamin E succinate was dramatically increased,with the novozym-435 modified with succinic anhydride（N435-S）as the most active catalyst.Conditions for the synthesis of vitamin E succinate were also optimized.A mixture of tert-butanol and DMSO（volume ratio of 2︰3）was the most suitable medium for the reaction,whereas the appropriate molar ratio of vitamin E to succinic anhydride and reaction temperature were 1︰5 and 40°C,respectively.Under these reaction conditions,the yield of vitamin E succinate reached 94.4%.N435-S could be reused for five batches.

Insights into the role of major bioactive dietary nutrients in lamb meat quality:a review

Feed supplementation withα-linolenic acid(ALA)and linoleic acid(LA)increases their content in muscle,ALA increases n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids and decrease n-6/n-3 ratio in muscle,and LA increases rumenic acid.However,high LA supplementation may have negative effects on lambs’lipid oxidative stability of meat.When the sources of ALA and LA are fed as fresh forage,the negative effects are counterbalanced by the presence of other bioactive compounds,as vitamin E(mainlyα-tocopherol)and polyphenols,which delay the lipid oxidation in meat.There is a wide consensus on the capability of vitamin E delaying lipid oxidation on lamb meat,and its feed content should be adjusted to the length of supplementation.A high dietary inclusion of proanthocyanidins,phenolic compounds and terpenes reduce the lipid oxidation in muscle and may improve the shelf life of meat,probably as a result of a combined effect with dietary vitamin E.However,the recommended dietary inclusion levels depend on the polyphenol type and concentration and antioxidant capacity of the feedstuffs,which cannot be compared easily because no routine analytical grading methods are yet available.Unless phenolic compounds content in dietary ingredients/supplements for lambs are reported,no specific association with animal physiology responses may be established.

Effects of dietary hemp seed oil to sows on fatty acid profiles,nutritional and immune status of piglets

Background:The oil from industrial hemp seeds(Cannabis sativa)is an ideal source of stearidonic acid,which is a precursor fatty acid for the long-chained n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids.These fatty acids are important for neonatal development,health and immunity.Hemp seed oil has been investigated for the influence on human health,but research on the impact in pig nutrition is scarce.The aim of our research was to study the effect of dietary hemp seed oil relative to soybean oil to lactating sows on the transfer of fatty acids to the off-spring and the effect on piglets’immune and nutritional status.Results:The fatty acid composition of the hemp seed and the soybean oil influenced the fatty acid composition of sow plasma,colostrum and mature milk.The highest proportion of C18:3n-3,C18:4n-3 and C20:4n-6 was obtained in mature milk fat of sows fed 5%hemp seed oil diet when compared to the other dietary fat sources(5%soybean oil or a 50:50 mix of hemp and soybean oil at 5%).The effect of dietary oil supplementation to sows was reflected in the plasma fatty acids profile of piglets.Notably the proportion of C20:5n-3 and C22:5n-3 was the highest in plasma of piglets suckling sows fed hemp seed oil-containing diets,whereas no C18:4n-3 could be detected hence indicating conversion ofα-linolenic acid(ALA)and stearidonic acid(SDA)to the longer chained n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids.Dietary fat source also influenced number of born piglets,their weight gain during first week,plasma concentration of glucose and IgG,and haematological profile.Conclusions:The hemp seed oil resulted in direct maternal supply with n-3 long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids(LCPUFA),especially ALA and SDA,and piglets were able to convert these fatty acids obtained via the sow milk intake to C20:5n-3 and C22:5n-3.Furthermore,some interesting effects of the 5%hemp seed oil was obtained with regard to piglet initial body weight gain and glucose,which could be of interest for further research,i.e.,the capability of hemp seed oil to benefit piglets during early life.

Current and emerging pharmacological therapy for nonalcoholic fatty liver disease

The main treatment of patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease(NAFLD) is life style modification including weight reduction and dietary regimen.Majority of patients are safely treated with this management and pharmacologic interventions are not recommended. However, a subgroup of NAFLD patients with non-alcoholic steatohepatitis(NASH) who cannot achieve goals of life style modification may need pharmacological therapy. One major obstacle is measurement of histological outcome by liver biopsy which is an invasive method and is not recommended routinely in these patients. Several medications, mainly targeting baseline mechanism of NAFLD, have been investigated in clinical trials for treatment of NASH with promising results. At present, only pioglitazone acting as insulin sensitizing agent and vitamin E as an antioxidant have been recommended for treatment of NASH by international guidelines. Lipid lowering agents including statins and fibrates, pentoxifylline, angiotensin receptor blockers, ursodeoxycholic acid, probiotics and synbiotics are current agents with beneficial effects for treatment of NASH but have not been approved yet. Several emerging medications are in development for treatment of NASH. Obeticholic acid, liraglutide, elafibranor, cenicriviroc and aramchol have been tested in clinical trials or are completing trials. Here in, current and upcoming medications with promising results in clinical trial for treatment of NAFLD were reviewed.

Sperm quality improvement after natural anti-oxidant treatment of asthenoteratospermic men with leukocytospermia

Aim： To study the immune-modulating and anti-oxidant effects of beta-glucan, papaya, lactoferrin, and vitamins C and E on sperm characteristics of patients with asthenoteratozoospermia associated with leucocytosis. Methods： Fifty-one patients referred to our Sterility Center for semen analysis were selected. Sperm parameters were assessed before and after patient＇s treatment with beta-glucan, lactoferrin, papaya, and vitamins C and E. DNA damage was assessed by the acridine orange test and sperm structural characteristics were evaluated by transmission electron microscopy. Results： After 90 days of treatment, an increase in the percentage of morphologically normal sperm （17.0 ± 5.2 vs. 29.8 ± 6.5） and total progressive motility （19.0± 7.8 vs. 34.8 ± 6.8） were detected. Structural sperm characteristics as well as chromatin integrity were also improved after treatment. In terms of leukocyte concentration in seminal fluid, a significant reduction was recorded （2.2 ± 0.9 vs. 0.9± 0.2）. Conclusion： The treatment of an inflammatory process by the synergic action of immune modulators and anti-oxidants could protect sperm during maturation and migration, leading to improved sperm function. （Asian JAndrol 2008 Mar;. 10： 201-206）

Effects of dietary supplementation with vitamin E and selenium on rat hepatic stellate cell apoptosis

AIM： To evaluate the effects of dietary supplementation with vitamin E and selenium on proliferation and apoptosis of hepatic stellate cells （HSCs）, in acute liver injury induced by CCI4, and to explore their role in the recovery from hepatic fibrosis phase. METHODS： An acute liver damage model of rats was established by intraperitoneal injection of carbon tetrachloride （0.3 ml/100 g body weight） twice a week, then the rats were killed at 6, 24, 48, and 72 h after the first and third injection, respectively. A liver fibrosis model was established by the same injection for 8 wk. Then three rats were killed at 3, 7, 14, and 28 d after the last injection, respectively. The rats from the intervention group were fed with chow supplemented with vitamin E （250 mg/kg） and selenium （0.2 mg/kg）, and the rats in the normal control group and pathological group were given standard chow. Livers were harvested and stained with hematoxylin and eosin, Sirius red. Activated HSCs were determined by s-smooth muscle actin immunohistochemistry staining. Apoptotic HSCs were determined by dual staining with the terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase UTP nick end labeling （TUNEL） and α-smooth muscle actin immunohistochemistry. Serum alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase were also analyzed. RESULTS： In the acute liver damage model, the degree of liver injury was more serious in the pathological group than in the intervention group. At each time point, the number of activated HSCs was less in the intervention group than in the pathological group, while the number of apoptotic HSCs was more in the intervention group than in the pathological group. In the liver fibrosis model, the degree of liver fibrosis was more serious in the pathological group than in the intervention group. At each time point, the number of activated HSCs was less in the intervention group than in the pathological group, and the number of apoptotic HSCs was more in the intervention group than in the pathological group. CONCLUSION： Vitamin E and selenium supplementation at the given level can inhibit CCI4-induced activation and proliferation of HSCs and promote the apoptosis of activated HSCs in acute damage phase. Vitamin E and selenium can also effectively decrease the degree of hepatic fibrosis and promote the recovery process.

Growth performance,oxidative stress and immune status of newly weaned pigs fed peroxidized lipids with or without supplemental vitamin E or polyphenols

Background:This study evaluated the use of dietary vitamin E and polyphenols on growth,immune and oxidative status of weaned pigs fed peroxidized lipids.A total of 192 piglets(21 days of age and body weight of 6.62±1.04 kg)were assigned within sex and weight blocks to a 2×3 factorial arrangement using 48 pens with 4 pigs per pen.Dietary treatments consisted of lipid peroxidation(6%edible soybean oil or 6%peroxidized soybean oil),and antioxidant supplementation(control diet containing 33 IU/kg DL-α-tocopheryl-acetate;control with 200 IU/kg additional dl-α-tocopheryl-acetate;or control with 400 mg/kg polyphenols).Pigs were fed in 2 phases for 14 and 21 days,respectively.Results:Peroxidation of oil for 12 days at 80°C with exposure to 50 L/min of air substantially increased peroxide values,anisidine value,hexanal,and 2,4-decadienal concentrations.Feeding peroxidized lipids decreased(P<0.001)body weight(23.16 vs.18.74 kg),daily gain(473 vs.346 g/d),daily feed intake(658 vs.535 g/d)and gain:feed ratio(719 vs.647 g/kg).Lipid peroxidation decreased serum vitamin E(P<0.001)and this decrease was larger on day 35(1.82 vs.0.81 mg/kg)than day 14(1.95 vs.1.38 mg/kg).Supplemental vitamin E,but not polyphenols,increased(P≤0.002)serum vitamin E by 84%and 22%for control and peroxidized diets,respectively(interaction,P=0.001).Serum malondialdehyde decreased(P<0.001)with peroxidation on day 14,but not day 35 and protein carbonyl increased(P<0.001)with peroxidation on day 35,but not day 14.Serum 8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine was not affected(P>0.05).Total antioxidant capacity decreased with peroxidation(P<0.001)and increased with vitamin E(P=0.065)and polyphenols(P=0.046)for the control oil diet only.Serum cytokine concentrations increased with feeding peroxidized lipids on day 35,but were not affected by antioxidant supplementation(P>0.05).Conclusion:Feeding peroxidized lipids negatively impacted growth performance and antioxidant capacity of nursery pigs.Supplementation of vitamin E and polyphenols improved total antioxidant capacity,especially in pigs fed control diets,but did not restore growth performance.

Radio-protective effect of vitamin E on spermatogenesis in mice exposed to γ-irradiation: a flow cytometric study

Aim: To investigate the effect of vitamin E on the radioprotection of spermatogenesis and chromatin condensation of spermatozoa during passage through the epididymis in mice exposed to irradiation. Methods: Adult outbred male ICR mice were orally administered natural vitamin E (VE, D-α-tocopheryl acetate) at 400 IU/kg for 7 days before exposure to 1 Gy of γ-irradiation. The animals were sacrificed at day 1, 7, 14, 21, 28, 35 and 70 post-irradiation (IR) and the percentage of testicular germ cells and epididymal sperm chromatin condensation was analyzed using flow cytometry. Results: Serum D-α-tocopheryl acetate levels were 47.4 ± 3.2 μg/dL in the treated group, yet it could not be detected in the control group. The testicular weight of irradiated mice pretreated with VE+IR was significantly (P<0.05) higher than that of those without VE treatment (IR) at day 14 and 21 post-irradiation. The percentage of primary spermatocytes (4C) in the VE+IR group was comparable to the controls but significantly (P<0.05) higher than those in the IR group from day 7 to 35 post-irradiation. The percentage of round spermatids (1C) in the VE+IR group was also significantly (P<0.05) higher than those in the IR group at day 28 post-irradiation. The primary spermatocytes : spermatogonia ratio in the IR group was significantly (P<0.05) declined at day 7 to 35 post-irradiation when compared to the VE+IR and control groups. The round spermatid : spermatogonia ratio in the VE+IR group was significantly (P<0.05) higher than that of the IR group at day 14 and 28 post-irradiation. The chromatin condensation of epididymal spermatozoa measured by propidium iodide uptake was not affected by 1 Gy of γ-irradiation. Conclusion: The administration of VE prior to irradiation protects spermatogenic cells from radiation.

Modern approach to the clinical management of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the most common and emerging form of chronic liver disease worldwide. It includes a wide spectrum of liver diseases ranging from simple fatty liver to steatohepatitis, which may progress to cirrhosis, liver cancer, and liver mortality. Common metabolic diseases, which are well established cardiovascular risk factors, have been associated to NAFLD and cardiovascular disease is the single most important cause of morbidity and mortality in this patient population. The pathogenesis of NAFLD appears multifactorial and many mechanisms have been proposed as possible causes of fatty liver infiltration. Management of fatty liver has become a major challenge to healthcare systems as the consequence of the increasing rates of obesity worldwide. First-line management focuses on lifestyle modifications. Moderate weight reduction either by dietary restriction or by increased habitual physical activity is safe and highly recommended. Several therapeutic interventions have been proposed. These include insulin sensitizer agents, lipid lowering drugs, antioxidants such as vitamin E and supplementation of vitamin D3. However, therapeutic strategies have been largely empirical so far, and experimental trials have mostly been carried out in uncontrolled settings with small sample sizes. Metabolic conditions such as diabetes mellitus, obesity, hypertension and hyperlipidemia, should be strongly considered and a multidisciplinary approach should be personalized for individual patients. Treatment of co-morbidities should be regarded as of paramount importance in the management of these patients. The purpose of this review is to examine different approaches for the clinical management of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.

Effects of dietary vitamin E on muscle vitamin E and fatty acid content in Aohan fine-wool sheep

Background： Increasing the polyunsaturated fatty acid （PUFA） content and decreasing the saturated fatty acid （SFA） content of mutton can help to improve its nutritional value for consumers. Several laboratories have evaluated the effects of vitamin E on the fatty acid （FA） composition of muscle in sheep. However, little information is available on wool sheep, even though wool sheep breeds are an important source of mutton, especially in northern China where sheep are extensively farmed. The present study was designed to address the effects of vitamin E on muscle FA composition in male Aohan fine-wool sheep. Methods： Forty-two male Aohan fine-wool lambs （5 mo old） with similar initial body weight were randomly divided into seven groups and fed diets supplemented with 0 （control group）, 20, 100, 200, 1,000, 2,000, or 2,400 IU/sheep/d vitamin E for 12 mo. Three lambs from each group were slaughtered to measure vitamin E and FA content in the Iongissimus lumborum （LL） and gluteus medius （GM） muscles. Results： Vitamin E concentrations in the LL and GM increased significantly after 12 mo of vitamin E supplementation （P 〈 0.05）. However, this increase did not occur in a dose-dependent manner because the muscle vitamin E concentration was highest in the 200 IU/sheep/d group. Dietary vitamin E supplementation also caused a significant reduction in SFA content and an increase in monounsaturated FA （MUFA） content in the LL and GM （P 〈 0.05）. All six doses of vitamin E significantly increased cis9 tronsl -conjugated linoleic acid （cgtl -CLA） content in the LL compared with the control group （P 〈 0.05）. Conclusions： Dietary supplementation with vitamin E increased muscle vitamin E content and improved the nutritional value of mutton by decreasing SFA content and increasing MUFA and c9tl 1-CLA contents in Aohan fine-wool sheep. These effects were greatest in sheep fed a diet containing 200 IU/sheep/d vitamin E.

Non-surgical therapy of Peyronie＇s disease

The present paper provides a review of the available non-surgical treatments for Peyronie＇s disease （PD）. A review of published literature on oral, intralesional, external energy and iontophoresis therapies for PD was performed, and the published results of available treatment options reviewed. The authors＇ recommendations for appropriate non-surgical management of PD are provided. Although there are many published reports that show the efficacy of non-surgical therapies for PD, there is a lack of large scale, multicenter controlled clinical trials, which makes treatment recommendations difficult. Careful review of the literature does suggest that there are treatment options that make scientific sense and appear to stabilize the disease process, reduce deformity, and improve function. Offering no treatment at all will encourage our patients to pursue alternative treatments, which might do harm, and misses the opportunity to do some good. Clearly further work is necessary to develop safe and effective non-surgical treatments for PD.

Melatonin reduces traumatic brain injury-induced oxidative stress in the cerebral cortex and blood of rats

Free radicals induced by traumatic brain injury have deleterious effects on the function and antioxidant vitamin levels of several organ systems including the brain. Melatonin possesses antioxidant effect on the brain by maintaining antioxidant enzyme and vitamin levels. We in-vestigated the effects of melatonin on antioxidant ability in the cerebral cortex and blood of traumatic brain injury rats. Results showed that the cerebral cortex β-carotene, vitamin C, vita-min E, reduced glutathione, and erythrocyte reduced glutathione levels, and plasma vitamin C level were decreased by traumatic brain injury whereas they were increased following melatonin treatment. In conclusion, melatonin seems to have protective effects on traumatic brain inju-ry-induced cerebral cortex and blood toxicity by inhibiting free radical formation and supporting antioxidant vitamin redox system.

Rectal administration of d-alpha tocopherol for active ulcerative colitis:A preliminary report

AIM: To investigate the anti-oxidant and anti-neutrophil recruitment effects of rectal d-alpha (d-α) tocopherol administration on mild and moderately active ulcerative colitis (UC). METHODS: Fifteen patients with mild and moderately active ulcerative colitis were enrolled in an open-label study of d-α tocopherol enema (8000 U/d) for 12 wk. All patients were receiving concomitant therapy with 5-aminosalicylic acid derivatives (5-ASA) and/or immunomodulator medications. Endoscopic evaluation was performed at baseline and after 4th and 12th weeks. Disease activity was measured with the Mayo disease activity index (DAI) and remission was defined as DAI of ≤ 2 with no blood in stool. Clinical response was defined as a DAI reduction of ≥ 2. RESULTS: At the end of 12th week,the average DAI score significantly decreased compared to the beginning of the study (2.3 ± 0.37 vs 8 ± 0.48,P < 0.0001). One patient was withdrawn after 3 wk for being unavailable to follow-up. On the 4th week of therapy,12 patients showed clinical response,3 of whom (21.4%) achieving remission. After 12 wk,all 14 patients responded clinically to the therapy and remission was induced in 9 of them (64%). No patient reported adverse events or was hospitalized due to worsened disease activity. CONCLUSION: This preliminary report suggests that rectal d-α tocopherol may represent a novel therapy for mild and moderately active UC. The observed results might be due to the anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative properties of vitamin E.