Abstract
Background: Vitamin E isomers may protect against atherosclerosis. The aim of this study was to compare the effects of supplementation with either α-tocopherol (αT) or mixed tocopherols rich in γ-tocopherol (γT) on markers of oxidative stress and inflammation in patients with type 2 diabetes.
Methods: In a double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, 55 patients with type 2 diabetes were randomly assigned to receive (500 mg/day) (a) αT, (b) mixed tocopherols, or (c) placebo for 6 weeks. Cellular tocopherols, plasma and urine F2-isoprostanes, erythrocyte antioxidant enzyme activities, plasma inflammatory markers, and ex vivo assessment of eicosanoid synthesis were analyzed pre- and postsupplementation.
Results: Neutrophil αT and γT increased (both P <0.001) with mixed tocopherol supplementation, whereas αT (P <0.001) increased and γT decreased (P <0.005) after αT supplementation. Both αT and mixed tocopherol supplementation resulted in reduced plasma F2-isoprostanes (P <0.001 and P = 0.001, respectively) but did not affect 24-h urinary F2-isoprostanes or erythrocyte antioxidant enzyme activities. Neither αT nor mixed tocopherol supplementation affected plasma C-reactive protein, interleukin 6, tumor necrosis factor-α, or monocyte chemoattractant protein-1. Stimulated neutrophil leukotriene B4 production decreased significantly in the mixed tocopherol group (P = 0.02) but not in the αT group (P = 0.15).
Conclusions: The ability of tocopherols to reduce systemic oxidative stress suggests potential benefits of vitamin E supplementation in patients with type 2 diabetes. In populations with well-controlled type 2 diabetes, supplementation with either αT or mixed tocopherols rich in γT is unlikely to confer further benefits in reducing inflammation.
EFFECTS OF VITAMIN E DEPRIVATION AND TRAINING ON ANTIOXIDANT ENZYME ACTIVITIES IN RATS
