Synthesis of d,l-α-Tocopherol Catalyzed by Heteropoly Acids

,d,l-a-Tocopherol (vitamin E) isfound to be synthesized by condensingtrimethylhydroquinone with isophytol catalyzed by heteropoly acids (HPA) H3:PW12O40 andH3PMo12O40 at room temperature. These HPA are efficient catalysts for the synthesis of d l-a-Tocopherol and can easily be separated from the reaction mixture and roused,

Protective Effects of α-Tocopherol against Brain Tissue Damage Induced by Intracerebral Hemorrhage in SD Rats

Lipid peroxidation mediated by oxygen radical is one of the main mechanisms underlying secondary brain injury. Among all vitamin E compounds, α-tocopherol shows the most prominent antioxidative effects. It plays an important role in cell aging and injury. However, there has been no report regarding the effects of α-tocopherol on changes in brain tissue morphology after intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH), cerebral edema, or the expression of Bax and Bcl-2 proteins. We use SD rats to carry out the related studies;based on the atlas of SD rats, the caudate nucleus was positioned using a stereotaxic apparatus, and 50 μl autologous tail artery blood was injected to caudate nucleus in the ICH and α-tocopherol groups to establish ICH model. Rats in the sham surgery group received the same volume of saline in the caudate nucleus. Rats in the α-tocopherol group received intraperitoneal injections of α-tocopherol at 600 mg/kg every day. Rats in the ICH group and sham surgery group received the same amount of saline at the same times as those in the α-tocopherol group. We observed some interesting results: comparisons of brain tissue sections of rats from different groups showed that brain tissue damage and functional neurological deficits among rats from the α-tocopherol group were less pronounced than in the ICH group. Wet weight/ dry weight measurement showed that rats from the α-tocopherol group exhibited less cerebral edema than those in the ICH group. Rats from the α-tocopherol group showed less Bax expression and more Bcl-2 expression than those in the ICH group.

Reduced expression of α-tocopherol-associated protein is associated with tumor cell proliferation and the-increased risk of prostate cancer recurrence

Aim： To examine the impact and prognostic significance of α-tocopherol associated protein （TAP） expression in a series of prostate cancer patients. Methods： Tissues from 87 patients underwent radical prostatectomy were examined for TAP expression by immunohistochemistry. The relationships of the staining results, the clinic pathological characteristics and the recurrence times were analyzed. Results： Compared with the adjacent areas of normal and benign glands, immunoreactivity of TAP was reduced in areas of prostate cancer. A lower TAP-positive cell number per mm^2 of the largest cancer area （defined as TAP-PN） was associated with higher clinical stage （r = -0.248, P = 0.0322）. Inverse associations were found among the TAP-PN and positive lymph nodes （r = -0.231, P = 0.0325）, preoperative prostatespecific antigen （PSA） levels （r = -0.423, P = 0.0043）, tumor size （r = -0.315, P = 0.0210） and elevated tumor cell proliferation, which was indicated by the staining of Ki-67 （r = -0.308, P = 0.0026）. TAP-PN was a significant predictor of recurrence univariately （P = 0.0006）, as well as multivariately, adjusted for known markers including preoperative PSA, clinical stage, Gleason score, surgical margin, extra-prostatic extension, seminal vesicle invasion and lymph node metastasis （P = 0.0012）. Conclusion： Reduced expression of TAP was associated with the cell proliferation status of prostate cancer, adverse pathological parameters and the increased risk of recurrence.

Maternal reproductive health: Expression patterns of antioxidant enzyme selenoproteins of post-implantation embryos conceived by ethanol-treated murine mothers supplemented with α-tocopherol

Objective:To investigate if the protective effect ofα-tocopherol against the impact of ethanol on brain morphogenesis involved the activity of the selenoproteins phospholipid hydroperoxide glutathione peroxidase (PHGPx;GPx4) and selenoprotein P (SelPP) that have roles against oxidative stress.Methods:Forty female mice were randomly assigned into natural control (CON), positive control (ETOH), low-, medium-, and high-α-tocopherol-supplemented-ethanol groups (LTOC, MTOC, HTOC, respectively). CON received drinking water without ethanol while ETOH, LTOC, MTOC and HTOC groups received 20% ethanol in drinking water. The supplemented groups were given respective dosages ofα-tocopherol, 0.410, 0.819, and 1.640 mg/g body weight, at day 14 before mating onwards to the day 9 of gestation. At 10.5 ED of gestation (1100 h), the pregnant females were sacrificed by cervical dislocation and the embryos were harvested. Total RNA were extracted, cDNA synthesis and qRT- PCR analyses were carried out.Results: The level of expression of PHGPx in the positive control was significantly lower than that of the natural control. Among the threeα-tocopherol-supplemented groups, only the medium dose- group was significantly higher than the positive control. The level of expression of SelPP in the positive control was significantly lower than those of the natural control, the low- and medium- dose -tocopherol supplemented groups. In the high dose-α-tocopherol supplemented group, the level of expression was not significantly different from the positive control but significantly lower than the natural control.Conclusions: The activity of the selenoproteins PHGPx and SelPP are involved in the internetwork of antioxidative enzymes with vitamin E when given up to a medium dose only and is one of the possible pathways of shielding embryonic development against the impact of ethanol on brain morphogenesis. This study strengthens the impact of dietaryα-tocopherol and Selenium supplement during the critical period of pregnancy.

Influence of Glutaraldehyde on the Properties and Release Kinetic of α-Tocopherol from Chitosan-based Film

A crosslinked chitosan film with α-tocopherol was produced by a solution casting method. The appearance, mechanical properties, morphology, barrier properties and release kinetics of the α-tocopherol were evaluated. The addition of glutaraldehyde and α-tocopherol decreased the lightness and greenness and increased the yellowness of the chitosan-based film. Moreover, it also affected the compatibility of the film due to a decrease in the opacity values. The elongation at break(EB) and tensile strength(TS) values of the film decreased when the glutaraldehyde and α-tocopherol were added. In contrast, the Young’s modulus(YM) values increased. SEM micrographs showed coarse spots and pores on the surface and cross-section of the film when compared with the chitosan film. Based on the results, it was indicated that the chitosan structure was disconnected by the α-tocopherol, and the glutaraldehyde as a crosslinking agent generated a link between the chitosan network, which could be the cause of the reduced flexibility and the increased surface roughness of the film. However, the glutaraldehyde and α-tocopherol did not result in a significant difference in water vapour permeability(WVP) values. The glutaraldehyde influenced the release kinetics of the α-tocopherol as seen by the decrease of the diffusion coefficient values that were calculated using the Fickian diffusion model.

Photooxidation of α-Tocopherol in Micelles. A New Singlet Oxygen Oxidation Product

Methylene blue sensitized singlet oxygen oxidation of dl-α-tocopherol in dodecylsulfate (SDS) or cetyl trimethyl ammonium brondde (CTAB) ndcelles led to the formation, besidesα-tocopherol quinone and its epoxide, of a hitherto unknown spiro compound 6-hydroxy-2,6,8,9-tetramethyl-2-phytyl- 1-oxaspiro [4, 5] dec -8 - en - 7, 10-dione.

Alpha-tocopherol supplementation on chromium toxicity: a study on rat liver and kidney cell membrane

Membrane damage is one of the important consequence of chromium, an environmental toxicant, to produce cytotoxicity. α-tocopherol, a membrane protectant can be used to reduce the chromium-induced membrane damage. In the present study, the impact of chromium in presence and absence of α-tocopherol was studied on plasma membrane of liver and kidney in male Wistar rats (80—100 g body weight). Significant increase in membrane cholesterol level as well as significant decrease in membrane phospholipid level in chromium exposed ( 0.8 mg /100 g body weight/d, i.p., for 4 weeks) animals suggest structural alteration of both liver and kidney plasma memebrane. The alkaline phosphatase, total ATPase and Na +-K +-ATPase activities of plasma membrane were significantly decreased in both liver and kidney after chromium treatment. However, α-tocopherol (30 mg/100 g diet) supplementation can restrict the changes in these membrane-bound enzyme activities. Thus, the usefulness of dietary supplementation of α-tocopherol to restrain the chromium-induced membrane damage is suggested.

Vitamin E Processed Using Methylation of Non-α-Tocopherol

Vitamin E is a group of naturally-occurring compounds often chemically elucidated as a series of homologues mainly consisting of α-, β-, γ- and δ-tocopherols. All of those compounds show the biological function of tocopherol while α-tocopherol exhibits the strongest. To improve its biological function, non-α-tocopherol can be successfully converted into α-tocopherol by methylation. A novel process was developed to efficiently convert non-α-tocopherol (in this case γ-tocopherol) into α-tocopherol by methylolation-reduction. The conversion was confirmed by NMR-H(nuclear magnetic resonance-H) spectroscopy on the final product and the reactants. The NMR-H analysis of the material and specific product contents shows that the non-α-tocopherol methylation of mixture of all four tocopherols proceeds as expected with no intermediate materials remaining in the product.

Influence of a-tocopherol on nickel induced alteration of serum lipid profile in male albino rats

We studied the effect of the simultaneous treatment withα-tocopherol(100 mg / kg;im) and nickel sulfate (20 mg/kg,ip) on nickel-induced changes in serum lipid profiles.Nickel-treated rats showed a significant increase in serum LDL cholesterol,total cholesterol,triglycerides,and a significant decrease in serum HDL cholesterol. Simultaneous administration ofα-tocopherol with nickel sulfate improved LDL-cholesterol and HDLcholesterol level when compared with rats receiving nickel sulfate alone.The results indicate thatα-tocopherol is beneficial in preventing nickel-induced lipid profile alterations.

Neuroprotective effects of low-concentration alpha-tocopherol Confocal laser microscopy observations

BACKGROUND： Alpha-tocopherol （ α-tocopherol） can effectively relieve neuronal damage induced by oxygen-centered free radicals. However, the effective dose remains controversial. OBJECTIVE： To evaluate the protective effects of low-concentration α-tocopherol on neuronal membranes. DESIGN, TIME AND SETTING： Contrast observation and in vitro study, performed at Laboratory of Neurosurgery, Tianjin Huanhu Hospital between April and September 2006. MATERIALS： Fetal cortical neurons were derived from two 14-day pregnant SD rats, and α-tocopherol was provided by Sigma, USA. METHODS： The neurons were randomly assigned to six groups： （1） normal： neurons were cultured under normal conditions; （2） oxidative damage： oxidative free radicals was damaged using the Fenton reaction; （3） α-tocopherol： neurons were cultured in different concentrations of -tocopherol 10, 20, 40, and 80 mg/L for 2 hours, respectively. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES： Neuronal membrane damage was observed using a confocal laser microscope, and malonaldehyde production was detected using the thiobarbituric acid method. RESULTS： At normal, biological concentrations （10 mg/L）, α-tocopherol induced no change in the damaged neurons （P 〉 0.05）. However, at a concentration of 80 mg/L, the number of damaged neurons was significantly reduced, compared with the damage group （P 〈 0.05）. Malonaldehyde levels following 80 mg/L α-tocopherol treatment were less than the oxygen free radical damage group （P 〈 0.05）, but greater than the control group （P 〈 0.01）. CONCLUSION： A concentration of 80 mg/L α-tocopherol can effectively protect the neuronal cell membrane from oxidative damage

A Methodological Approach to Study Almond Oil Stability in Relation to <i>α</i>-Tocopherol Supplementation

The objectives of the present study were to identify a suitable parameter to assess the oil oxidation and to study the possibilities of delaying the oxidation of moderately oxidized unrefined almond oil by adding supplementary amounts of α-tocopherol. Three oil samples, with initial peroxide values of 13.3, 19.5 (moderately oxidized oils), and 28.9 (oxidized oil), were supplemented with 100, 250 and 500 ppm of α-tocopherol and subjected to the oxidation at 50°C for 9 days. The level of oxidation was determined by measuring peroxide value (PV), conjugated dienes (CD) and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS). Chemometric analysis indicated that, under the conditions of the present study, PV was the most suitable indicator of oil oxidation. The results have shown that the α-tocopherol could have an anti- oxidant or pro-oxidant effects, depending on its concentration and initial level of oil oxidation. Results also show that α-tocopherol addition at all the concentrations tested resulted in pro-oxidation of the moderately oxidized oils;hence additional supplementation with α-tocopherol could not be recommended to delay oxidation of unrefined almond oil.

Effect of Polysaccharide Species on Storage Stability of Alginate Capsules Containing <i>α</i>-Tocopherol

Alginate capsules containing α-tocopherol were prepared adding polysaccharide species such as κ-carrageenan, gellan gum, pectin, curdlan and ghatti gum. The effects of polysaccharide species and the diameters of α-tocopherol on storage stability of the capsules were investigated and characterized in detail. As the contact angle of α-tocopherol to the capsule shell strongly affected storage stability, the contact angle was measured on the model sheet made of calcium alginate with polysaccharide species. The leakage ratio decreased with the contact angle and increased with the diameter of α-tocopherol. The capsules made of calcium alginate with gellan gum showed the largest contact angle and the highest storage stability. The capsules made of calcium alginate with curdlan, ghatti gum and pectin were harder than other capsules and showed higher storage stability. All the capsules showed the almost similar swelling ratio in the acidic solution with pH 4, but showed the different swelling ratios according to the polysaccharide species in the alkali solution with pH 9. The tablets were prepared with the wet and the dried capsules. The tablets prepared with the dried capsules showed higher storage stability.

反相高效液相色谱法同时测定中成药保健食品中4种生育酚含量

目的建立同时测定中成药保健品中4种生育酚含量的反相高效液相色谱法。方法色谱柱为YMCCarotenoid-C30柱(250mm×4.6mm,5μm),流动相为甲醇-水(梯度洗脱),流速为0.8mL/min,检测波长为294nm,柱温为20℃,进样量为10μL。结果α,β,γ,δ-生育酚质量浓度线性范围分别为5.28~63.36,5.42~65.09,5.23~62.77,5.10~61.15μg/mL(r>0.999),精密度、稳定性、重复性试验的RSD均小于2%;平均加样回收率分别为95.77%,95.23%,97.43%,94.83%,RSD值分别为1.13%,1.86%,1.34%,1.73%(n=6)。结论该方法操作简便,准确,精密度、稳定性、重复性、耐用性均较好,可用于同时测定中成药保健品中4种生育酚含量。

Variability in permeability and integrity of cell membrane and depletion of food reserves in neem(Azadirachta indica) seeds from trees of different age classes

We quantified cell membrane permeability （electrical conduc-tivity-EC, water soluble sugar-WSS, and amino acids-AA） and integrity （phospholipids,α-tocopherol and lipid peroxidation） along with food reserve deterioration （total proteins, total sugar, and total starch） of neem seeds collected from various mother tree age classes and stored for 65 days in airtight plastic containers at ambient room temperature （35±5°C）. Results show that the activities were higher in fresh seeds （EC 267.56-2950.01 μS/g, WSS 19.96-19.48 mg/g and AA 5.40-5.35 mg/g） and declined with increasing duration of storage period （EC 153.37-195.17 μS/g, WSS 3.13-4.17 mg/g and AA 4.29-4.49 mg/g after 35 days and EC 144.02-161.56 μS/g, WSS 2.06-2.40 mg/g and AA 3.98-4.27 mg/g after 65 days of storage）. Phospholipids andα-tocopherol were higher in fresh seed （0.073-0.093 OD at 710 nm and 0.080-0.105 OD, respectively） and declined as storage duration in-creased （0.033-0.042 OD at 710 nm and 00.0010-0.0020 OD, respec-tively）. Dead seeds showed reduced amounts of phospholipids and minimum activity ofα- tocopherol （antioxidants）. The level of MDA was lower in fresh seeds （0.0066-0.0087 OD at 600-535 nm） and increased as storage duration increased （0.0248-0.0268 OD after 65 days of stor-age）. The higher amount of MDA indicated that seeds died due to rancid-ity of the oil inside the seed. Neem seed cake was assessed for deteriora-tion of food reserves （total proteins, total sugar, and total starch）, concen-trations of which were higher in fresh seed and declined as storage dura-tion increased. Germination was higher in fresh seeds and after 65 days, no germination was received perhaps due to deterioration of biochemi-cals in seeds. Patterns of seed deterioration were similar across all seed lots.

Effects of α-tocopheryl acetate supplementation in preslaughter diet on antioxidant enzyme activities and fillet quality of commercial-size Sparus macrocephalus

This study examined the effects of dietary α-tocopheryl acetate supplementation on antioxidant enzyme activities and fillet quality in commercial-size Sparus macrocephalus. Three hundred fish [main initial weight （350±12） g] were divided into three groups （E250, E500 and El000） and reared in 9 cages. The fish were fed for 8 weeks with three diets containing different levels of dietary α-tocopheryl acetate （289, 553, 1069 mg/kg）. Over the experimental period, fish were fed to satiation and reached a final mean weight of （465±28） g without significant body weight difference and proximate composition difference. Fillet α-tocopherol was significantly （P〈0.05） different between groups, reaching levels of 14.2, 22.1, 30.9 pg/mg fillet for groups E250, E500 and El000, respectively. Total serum superoxide dismutase （SOD） activity increased significantly （P〈0.05） in fish fed the diets high in α-tocopheryl acetate, but serum glutathione peroxidase （GPX） activity was unaffected. In storage on ice, fillets of fish fed the diets high in α-tocopheryl acetate exhibited significantly lower （P〈0.05） levels of oxidation. These results suggested that increased dietary α-tocopheryl acetate could increase its flesh deposition, increase the activity of SOD and prevent lipid peroxidation ofSparus macrocephalus fillets in retail storage on ice.

Growth, photosynthesis and nitrogen metabolism in soybean varieties after exclusion of the UV-B and UV-A/B components of solar radiation

A field experiment was conducted to study the impact of the exclusion of the solar UV components on growth, photosynthesis and nitrogen metabolism in soybean(Glycine max)varieties PK-472, Pusa-24, JS 71-05, JS-335, NRC-7 and Kalitur. The plants were grown in specially designed UV exclusion chambers wrapped with filters to exclude UV-B or UV-A/B and transmitted all UV. Exclusion of UV significantly enhanced the growth of the aerial parts as well as the growth of the below ground parts in all of the six soybean varieties.Nitrate reductase activity(NRA) was significantly reduced, whereas leghemoglobin(Lb)content, total soluble protein, net photosynthesis(Pn) and α-tocopherol content were enhanced after UV exclusion. The exclusion of solar UV-A/B enhanced all parameters to a larger extent than the exclusion of solar UV-B in four of the six varieties of soybean except for NRC-7 and Kalitur. These two varieties responded more to UV-B exclusion compared to UV-A/B exclusion. A significant inverse correlation between the NRA and the number of nodules per plant was observed. The extent of response in all parameters was greater in PK-472 and JS71-05 than that in Kalitur and JS-335 after UV exclusion. The exclusion of UV augmented the growth of nodules, Lb content and α-tocopherol levels and conferred higher rates of Pnto support better growth of nodules. Control plants(+ UV-A/B) seemed to fulfill their N demand through the assimilation of NO-3resulting in lower symbiotic nitrogen fixation and higher NR activity.

Effects of Red Palm Oil on Serum Lipids and Plasma Carotenoids Level in Chinese Male Adults

Objective Effects of red palm oil on major plasma carotenoids, tocopherol, retinol and serum lipids were evaluated when used in Chinese diet. Methods Red palm oil group (RPO) composed of 20 male subjects(aged 18-32) and soybean oil group (SBO) composed of 22 male subjects (aged 18-32). Dietary fat provided about 28% of total calories, and the test oil accounted for about 60% of total dietary fat. In the 3 weeks of pretest period, diets were prepared with soybean oil, and then in the next 6 weeks subjects in each group consumed the diet prepared by test oil. Results Plasma α-carotene, β-carotene and lycopene concentration of RPO group significantly increased at the time of interim (21 days) and of the end (42 days) (P<0.05), and α-tocopherol concentration significantly increased at the time of the end (42 days) in this study. Though Chinese plasma retinol level was relatively low when compared with that of Westerners, red palm oil diet showed no significant effect on adult Chinese plasma retinol level. Serum concentration of total cholesterol, triglyceride, high density lipoprotein cholesterol, apolipoprotein AI and apolipoprotein B of all subjects showed no significant changes in RPO group during the study. Conclusions The data in our study suggest that red palm oil is a good source of carotenoids and vitamin E when used in Chinese diet preparation, and it can significantly increase plasma concentration of a-carotene, α-carotene, lycopene and β-tocopherol.

Liposoluble vitamins A and E in kidney disease

Kidney disease(KD)is characterized by the presence of elevated oxidative stress,and this is postulated as contributing to the high cardiovascular morbidity and mortality in these individuals.Chronic KD(CKD)is related to high grade inflammatory condition and pro-oxidative state that aggravates the progression of the disease by damaging primary podocytes.Liposoluble vitamins(vitamin A and E)are potent dietary antioxidants that have also anti-inflammatory and antiapoptotic functions.Vitamin deficits in CKD patients are a common issue,and multiple causes are related to them:Anorexia,dietary restrictions,food cooking methods,dialysis losses,gastrointestinal malabsorption,etc.The potential benefit of retinoic acid(RA)and α-tocopherol have been described in animal models and in some human clinical trials.This review provides an overview of RA andαtocopherol in KD.

Antioxidants as effective remedies at hepatotoxic action of carbon tetrachloride

The liver, as the central metabolic organ, plays an important role in metabolism of carbohydrates, lipids and proteins. In the environment, there are many hepatotoxic xenobiotics. CCl4 is a free radical toxic for organelles of hepatocytes. The presented work was studying the character of ultrastructural changes in CCl4-intoxicated hepatocytes as well as the tissue after treatment by grape seed extract (GSE), α-tocopherol (α-T). As a result of cell bioremediation effect and reactions against corruptive factors, the liver has a high regeneration ability.

快速皂化-气相色谱-串联质谱法同时测定乳粉中胆固醇和维生素E4种异构体

胆固醇和生育酚都是人体所必需的重要营养元素,是乳粉中的重要质量指标。现行国家食品安全标准对胆固醇和维生素E 4种异构体(α-生育酚、β-生育酚、γ-生育酚和δ-生育酚)的检测前处理复杂繁琐、耗时长,且不能同时测定,因此,开发简单、快速且可同时测定胆固醇和4种生育酚的检测方法具有重要的现实意义。该研究采用气相色谱-串联质谱(GC-MS/MS)建立了乳粉中胆固醇和4种生育酚的定性定量测定方法。样品经脂肪酶酶解,采用快速的碳酸钾-乙醇皂化法,同时对酶解时间、皂化温度、萃取溶剂的种类、萃取溶剂的体积、萃取时间等前处理进行优化,从而确定出最优的前处理方法。结果表明,样品在37℃下酶解4 h,然后室温(25℃)下振荡10 min皂化,最后使用5 mL正己烷萃取10 min,4000 r/min离心6 min,取上层正己烷过膜,经TG-5MS Sil色谱柱分离,GC-MS/MS多反应监测离子模式扫描分析,同时获得定性和定量结果。实验结果表明,胆固醇在0.5~50.0 mg/L、4种生育酚在0.25~25.0 mg/L范围内具有较好的线性关系,相关系数(r2)大于0.99,加标回收率为76.6%~93.1%,相对标准偏差为0.9%~3.3%,胆固醇定量限为10.0μg/100 g,4种生育酚的定量限均为5.0μg/100 g。随机抽取市面上出售的20种婴幼儿配方奶粉及4种低脂乳粉,对其胆固醇和4种生育酚含量进行了分析测试,结果显示,婴幼儿配方乳粉中胆固醇、4种生育酚的含量高于低脂乳粉,其中婴幼儿乳粉的4种生育酚中α-生育酚和β-生育酚含量较高。该方法简便、快速、灵敏、准确,可满足乳粉中胆固醇和4种生育酚生育酚的检测要求,为乳粉品质的快速检测奠定了理论基础。