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AbstractDespite limited number of studies, oxysterols are known to contribute to the progression of nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) by affecting lipid/cholesterol metabolism and elevating proinflammatory and profibrotic processes. Accordingly, we used a high cholesterol-mediated in vivo NASH model and aimed to determine alterations in fatty acid content and oxysterol levels together with their effects on cholesterol/lipid metabolism during the progression of the disease. We further investigated the beneficial role of α-tocopherol. To this end, in our hypercholesterolemic rabbit model, we determined fatty acid profile by GC–MS while 25-, 27-, 4β-, 7α, and 24(S)-Hydroxycholesterol levels by means of LC–MS/MS. Additionally, lipid (SREBP-1c, PPARα, PPARγ) and cholesterol metabolism-related proteins (LXRα, SREBP2 and ABCA1) were determined by immunoblotting. In conclusion, the present findings provide a complete analysis of the hepatic alterations in lipid and oxysterol profiles mediated by a high-cholesterol diet. In addition, this study explains the protective effect of α-tocopherol on lipogenesis and oxysterol production in hypercholesterolemia-induced NASH. We believe that present study will guide to novel theories in the progression and therapeutic targeting of fatty liver diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this study was to prepare and evaluate the formulation of nanoemulsions (NEs) to encapsulate phloretin (PT) to improve its stability, antioxidant, and tyrosinase inhibitory competence. The aim of this study was to improve the stability, antioxidant, and tyrosinase inhibitory effects of PT via NEs. The formulations were prepared using low energy emulsification method for PT‐VE‐NEs, α‐tocopherol (Vitamin E) and medium chain triglycerides (MCT) were used as the oil phase, and Tween 60 was used as the emulsifier and PEG‐400 as the co‐emulsifier. The droplet size and zeta potential of oil‐in‐water NEs were evaluated using dynamic light scattering. The PT‐VE‐NEs were also characterized by transmission electron microscopy and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The mean droplet diameter was 14.85 ± 0.14 nm, with a zeta potential of −2.47 ± 0.51 mV. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy revealed the formation of molecular interactions in the NEs formulations. PT‐VE‐NEs size was maintained the same during the in vitro digestion study. The particle size of PT‐VE‐NE remained stable during in vitro digestion. The addition of VE significantly improved the antioxidant, tyrosinase inhibitory effects, as well as thelion and physical stability of PT‐VE‐NE. The results revealed that NEs is a promising strategy to improve the functionality and stability of PT and VE. PT‐VE‐NEs will be applied for the preservation of fruits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Optimizing planting density is crucial for balancing resource competition, light penetration, and tree productivity in orchard systems. This study investigateed the impact of planting density on the yield and fruit quality of the hazelnut cultivar 'Tonda Francescana®' grafted onto Corylus colurna L. rootstocks. The research aimed to assess how different planting densities influenced light penetration, canopy volume, yield, and the nutritional profile of hazelnuts during their sixth growing season. Three planting densities were tested: 625, 1250, and 2500 trees per hectare (low, medium, and high density, respectively). The results show that medium-density planting provided the best balance between light availability, canopy development, and yield efficiency. The synthesis of monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA) and α-tocopherol (vitamin E) was more prominent in the medium-density system (80.2% and 10.3%, respectively), suggesting a favorable metabolic response to moderate competition for resources. In contrast, high-density planting yielded the most per hectare (2898 kg/ha) but exhibited lower individual tree productivity (1.16 kg). Low-density planting had the highest light penetration (53%) but lower overall yield (822 kg/ha) and quality, with greater starch accumulation in the fruit. In general, medium-density planting optimized both yield and kernel quality, with potential implications for orchard management and breeding strategies to enhance hazelnut production and nutritional value. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

High‐pressure processing (HPP) is considered as gentle preservation technique for especially heat‐sensitive food ingredients. So far, the focus has been on the fact that it is called a nonthermal process and high pressure can affect bioavailability, but it is questionable whether the high pressure affects the ingredients themselves. By using an o/w‐microemulsion (ME) as a model system, it was possible to investigate the influence of pressure, especially on lipophilic compounds (e.g., carotenoids and vitamin E), without the complexity of a food matrix. The ME consisted of Capryol® TM 90, Tween® 80 or 20, Transcutol® HP and distilled water. Lipophilic and hydrophilic compounds were introduced to the oil phase and to the aqueous phase, respectively. Storage experiments confirmed the applicability for β‐carotene and α‐tocopherol. HPP of MEs, performed for 10 min at room temperature (RT) and up to 600 MPa, resulted in pressure stability of β‐carotene (exceptional at 400 MPa; −11%) and α‐tocopherol. Multicomponent ME showed that both had a positive effect on the stability of chlorophyll a/b during HPP. An ME environment was used to facilitate co‐oxidation of β‐carotene via lipoxygenase (LOX) from an Edamame‐based crude enzyme extract and lyophilized LOX‐1 from soybeans during storage (RT and 4°C, dark conditions) and HPP treatment. A loss of β‐carotene occurred after addition of linoleic acid, whereas effects of added α‐tocopherol could be related to β‐carotene protection. Overall, the introduced ME for studying HPP effects on lipophilic food ingredients showed promising results as versatile model system for future investigations regarding interactions of phytochemicals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A protocol is proposed that combines the use of the known properties of a surrogate containing various functional groups together with n-alkanes as standards to evaluate the properties of much larger related substances using correlation gas chromatography. An objective of this work is to develop options that circumvent the lack of appropriate vaporization enthalpy standards that can be used for evaluation of various thermodynamic properties of larger complex molecules using gas chromatography. The surrogate in this case is 2,2,5,7,8-pentamethylchroman-6-ol (PMC) and is used to evaluate the vaporization enthalpies and vapor pressures of α-tocopherol (α-TOC) and Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ9-THC). The results are compared to the available literature data and to estimated properties. Vaporization enthalpies are also evaluated by a proposed method that involves the use of synthetic and retrosynthetic analysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Plant cell and tissue culture have been used as the alternative and potential renewable source for the production of valuable phytochemicals. Elicitation offers a reliable in vitro approach to produce or enhance potential phytochemicals. α-tocopherol, which is an isoform of vitamin E, is a potent fat-soluble phytochemical known in nature. The present study focused on enhancing the production of α-tocopherol in the cell suspension culture through an elicitation approach. Suspension cultures of Nicotiana tabacum were established from the leaf disk-derived callus. The cell suspension cultures were treated with different elicitors (methyl jasmonate, salicylic acid, and yeast extract) at the lag phase of the cell growth cycle. The effects of elicitors on cell cultures were determined in terms of biomass, and α-tocopherol enhancement was determined using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Different elicitors depending on the concentration exerted different effects on cell growth and α-tocopherol production. Methyl jasmonate treatment showed the significantly highest increase in α-tocopherol on the 6th day of treatment in tobacco suspension cultures. Methyl jasmonate at the concentration of 150 μM enhanced α-tocopherol content to 24-fold over the control. This study clearly shows that the elicitors had the potential to increase the accumulation of α-tocopherol considerably in tobacco cell cultures. The outcomes of this study could be of considerable importance to the nutraceutical and pharmaceutical industries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: In inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) of humans, nutrient malabsorption can result in fat‐soluble vitamin deficiency, especially of vitamin D. In veterinary species, decreased concentrations of vitamin D are relatively common in dogs with chronic enteropathy (CE), but data on the status of other fat‐soluble vitamins (FSVs) is lacking. Objectives: Determine the serum concentrations of retinol, vitamin D, and α‐tocopherol in dogs with CE compared with healthy dogs and compare clinical, clinicopathologic variables between CE and healthy dogs to detect associations with decreased FSVs concentrations. Animals: Eighteen client‐owned dogs with CE and 33 healthy dogs. Methods: Serum 25‐hydroxyvitamin D (25[OH]D), serum retinol and α‐tocopherol concentrations were compared between groups. Correlations and multiple regression modeling were used to examine the relationship between serum 25(OH)D, retinol, and α‐tocopherol concentrations and clinical and clinicopathological variables. Results: Dogs with low serum albumin concentrations were more likely to have lower 25(OH)D concentrations than dogs with normal serum albumin concentration. Dogs with CE had higher serum concentrations of retinol, and variable α‐tocopherol concentrations. The cause of these dysregulated vitamin concentrations is unclear and requires further study. Conclusion and Clinical Importance: Dogs with severe forms of CE should be monitored for decreased concentrations of 25(OH)D. Additional studies are needed to evaluate the clinical relevance and the possible benefit of vitamin D supplementation in these patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background In inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) of humans, nutrient malabsorption can result in fat‐soluble vitamin deficiency, especially of vitamin D. In veterinary species, decreased concentrations of vitamin D are relatively common in dogs with chronic enteropathy (CE), but data on the status of other fat‐soluble vitamins (FSVs) is lacking. Objectives Determine the serum concentrations of retinol, vitamin D, and α‐tocopherol in dogs with CE compared with healthy dogs and compare clinical, clinicopathologic variables between CE and healthy dogs to detect associations with decreased FSVs concentrations. Animals Eighteen client‐owned dogs with CE and 33 healthy dogs. Methods Serum 25‐hydroxyvitamin D (25[OH]D), serum retinol and α‐tocopherol concentrations were compared between groups. Correlations and multiple regression modeling were used to examine the relationship between serum 25(OH)D, retinol, and α‐tocopherol concentrations and clinical and clinicopathological variables. Results Dogs with low serum albumin concentrations were more likely to have lower 25(OH)D concentrations than dogs with normal serum albumin concentration. Dogs with CE had higher serum concentrations of retinol, and variable α‐tocopherol concentrations. The cause of these dysregulated vitamin concentrations is unclear and requires further study. Conclusion and Clinical Importance Dogs with severe forms of CE should be monitored for decreased concentrations of 25(OH)D. Additional studies are needed to evaluate the clinical relevance and the possible benefit of vitamin D supplementation in these patients.

Patients with sickle cell disease (SCD) exhibit high levels of reactive oxygen species and low plasma levels of lipophilic antioxidants, which may contribute to end‐organ damage and disease sequelae. Apolipoprotein A1, the major apolipoprotein of high‐density lipoprotein (HDL), is mainly secreted by the intestine and liver in the form of monomeric ApoA1 (mApoA1) present in plasma. Cholesterol and α‐tocopherol are delivered to ApoA1 via the ATP‐binding cassette transporter, subfamily A, member 1 (ABCA1). We measured cholesterol, mApoA1, ApoA1, and lipophilic antioxidants in the plasma of 17 patients with SCD and 40 healthy volunteers. Mean HDL cholesterol (‐C) levels in SCD patients and healthy subjects were 59.3 and 48.1 mg/dL, respectively, and plasma lutein, zeaxanthin, and α‐tocopherol were 64.0%, 68.7%, and 9.1% lower, respectively. To compare SCD to healthy subjects with similar HDL‐C, we also performed subgroup analyses of healthy subjects with HDL‐C above or below the mean. In SCD, the mApoA1 level was 30.4 μg/mL; 80% lower than 141 μg/mL measured in healthy volunteers with similar HDL‐C (56.7 mg/dL). The mApoA1 level was also 38.4% greater in the higher versus lower HDL‐C subgroups (p =.002). In the higher HDL‐C subgroup, lutein and zeaxanthin transported by HDL were 48.9% (p =.01) and 41.9% (p =.02) higher, respectively, whereas α‐tocopherol was 31.7% higher (p =.003), compared to the lower HDL‐C subgroup. Plasma mApoA1 may be a marker of the capacity of HDL to capture and deliver liposoluble antioxidants, and treatments which raise HDL may benefit patients with high oxidative stress as exemplified by SCD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Plant cell and tissue culture have been used as the alternative and potential renewable source for the production of valuable phytochemicals. Elicitation offers a reliable in vitro approach to produce or enhance potential phytochemicals. α-tocopherol, which is an isoform of vitamin E, is a potent fat-soluble phytochemical known in nature. The present study focused on enhancing the production of α-tocopherol in the cell suspension culture through an elicitation approach. Suspension cultures of Nicotiana tabacum were established from the leaf disk-derived callus. The cell suspension cultures were treated with different elicitors (methyl jasmonate, salicylic acid, and yeast extract) at the lag phase of the cell growth cycle. The effects of elicitors on cell cultures were determined in terms of biomass, and α-tocopherol enhancement was determined using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Different elicitors depending on the concentration exerted different effects on cell growth and α-tocopherol production. Methyl jasmonate treatment showed the significantly highest increase in α-tocopherol on the 6th day of treatment in tobacco suspension cultures. Methyl jasmonate at the concentration of 150 μM enhanced α-tocopherol content to 24-fold over the control. This study clearly shows that the elicitors had the potential to increase the accumulation of α-tocopherol considerably in tobacco cell cultures. The outcomes of this study could be of considerable importance to the nutraceutical and pharmaceutical industries.

Tocopherol, carotenoids, and chlorophyll are the primary components of the antioxidative response in microalgae. Conditions of stress, such salt stress, can trigger the processes responsible for the accumulation of tocopherol and carotene. It has been found that the most difficult part of culturing microalgae is keeping it affordable. This study investigated the effects of different salt types and concentrations on the amount of α-tocopherol, carotenoid derivatives, and flocculation efficiency of Euglena sp. Cultures of Euglena sp. was developed under salt stress conditions of NaCl 200 mM and KCl 200 mM. UV-VIS spectrophotometry was used to confirm the presence of α-tocopherol and carotenoid derivatives under thirteen days of salt stress testing. Increasing salinity has a significant effect on Euglena sp., causing spherical cell morphologies with aspect ratio 1.385 ± 0.031 for NaCl 200 mM and 1.414 ± 0.040 for KCl 200 mM. Increasing salinity also slowing down development with specific growth rate value of 0.171 ± 0.006 per day and 0.122 ± 0.029 per day for NaCl and KCl 200 mM, respectively. Nevertheless, the amount of α-tocopherol in Euglena sp. increases with a high salt concentration; algal cells flocculated more successfully when increasing the salt concentrations (NaCl 200 mM and KCl 200 mM) was added. Due to the inhibition of photosynthetic activity in salt-stressed cells, the control group exhibited higher levels of carotenoid derivatives (ranging from 0.5–1 μg/mL) and pheophytin a and b (0.0062 ± 0.001 μg/mL and 0.0064 ± 0.001 μg/mL) than the group treated with salt stress. In conclusion, salt stress was an effective way to raises the concentration of α-tocopherol and significantly reduce the expense of harvesting Euglena sp.

The impact of α-tocopherol on atherosclerosis is unclear and controversial. While some studies suggest potential benefits, such as antioxidant properties that may reduce oxidative stress, other studies indicate no significant preventive effects. The intricate interplay of various factors, including dosage, individual differences, and study methodologies, contributes to the ongoing uncertainty surrounding α-tocopherol’s role in atherosclerosis. Further research is needed to clarify its impact and establish clearer guidelines. Therefore, we aimed to evaluate the impact of α-tocopherol on atherogenesis in ApoE−/− fibrillin (Fbn)1C1039G/+ mice, which is a unique mouse model of advanced atherosclerosis with typical features, such as large necrotic cores, high levels of inflammation, and intraplaque neovascularization, that resemble the unstable phenotype of human plaques. ApoE−/− Fbn1C1039G+/− mice were fed a western-type diet (WD) supplemented with a high dose of α-tocopherol (500 mg/kg diet), while control mice were fed a WD containing a low dose of α-tocopherol (50 mg/kg diet). The high dose of α-tocopherol reduced plaque thickness and necrotic core area in the right common carotid artery (RCCA) after 24 weeks WD. Moreover, α-tocopherol decreased plaque formation and intraplaque neovascularization in the RCCA. In addition to its antiatherogenic effect, chronic supplementation of α-tocopherol improved cardiac function in ApoE−/− Fbn1C1039G/+ mice. However, chronic supplementation of α-tocopherol did not decrease lipid peroxidation. On the contrary, α-tocopherol acted as a prooxidant by increasing plasma levels of oxidized LDL and plaque malondialdehyde, an end product of lipid peroxidation. Our data indicate that α-tocopherol inhibits atherogenesis and improves cardiac function independent of its antioxidant properties.

Following a request from the European Commission, the EFSA Panel on Nutrition, Novel Foods and Food Allergens (NDA) was asked to deliver a scientific opinion on the revision of the tolerable upper intake level (UL) for vitamin E. As α‐tocopherol is recognised as the only essential form of vitamin E, the Panel restricted its evaluation to α‐tocopherol. Systematic reviews of the literature were conducted to assess evidence on priority adverse health effects of excess intake of vitamin E, namely risk of impaired coagulation and bleeding, cardiovascular disease and prostate cancer. The effect on blood clotting and associated increased risk of bleeding is considered as the critical effect to establish an UL for vitamin E. No new evidence has been published that could improve the characterisation of a dose–response. The ULs for vitamin E from all dietary sources, which were previously established by the Scientific Committee on Food, are retained for all population groups, i.e. 300 mg/day for adults, including pregnant and lactating women, 100 mg/day for children aged 1–3 years, 120 mg/day for 4–6 years, 160 mg/day for 7–10 years, 220 mg/day for 11–14 years and 260 mg/day for 15–17 years. A UL of 50 mg/day is established for infants aged 4–6 months and a UL of 60 mg/day for infants aged 7–11 months. ULs apply to all stereoisomeric forms of α‐tocopherol. ULs do not apply to individuals receiving anticoagulant or antiplatelet medications (e.g. aspirin), to patients on secondary prevention for CVD or to patients with vitamin K malabsorption syndromes. It is unlikely that the ULs for vitamin E are exceeded in European populations, except for regular users of food supplements containing high doses of vitamin E. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Green leafy vegetables are rich in lipophilic metabolites such as carotenoids, phytosterols, tocopherols, and fatty acids, known for their significant health benefits. Goat's beard (Aruncus dioicus var. kamtschaticus), a wild leafy vegetable native to Ulleungdo Island, South Korea, is reported to possess various biological activities and bioactive compounds. However, the content and profiles of lipophilic metabolites, especially carotenoids, have not been reported. This study investigated the composition of lipophilic metabolites in the foliage of goat's beard using liquid chromatography–diode-array detection–mass spectrometry, gas chromatography–mass spectrometry, and gas chromatography–flame ionization detection. Five carotenoids (violaxanthin, neoxanthin, lactucaxanthin, lutein, β-carotene) and α-tocopherol were identified and quantified using liquid chromatography–diode-array detection–mass spectrometry. Lactucaxanthin, previously discovered in lettuce, was identified for the first time in goat's beard foliage, with a higher concentration (45.42 ± 0.80 µg/g FW) compared to red lettuce (19.05 ± 0.67 µg/g FW). Furthermore, total carotenoids and α-tocopherol contents were higher in goat's beard than in red lettuce. Gas chromatography–mass spectrometry analysis showed the presence of three phytosterols, namely, campesterol (3.53 ± 0.20 µg/g FW), stigmasterol (65.30 ± 4.87 µg/g FW), and β-sitosterol (89.54 ± 2.46 µg/g FW). Gas chromatography–flame ionization detection analysis revealed the presence of five essential fatty acids, with α-linolenic acid (57.03 ± 0.47%) being the most abundant, contributing to a favorable polyunsaturated FA/saturated FA ratio. These findings underscore the nutritional potential of a goat's beard, suggesting its promising use in dietary supplements and the commercial extraction of valuable lipophilic antioxidants, particularly lactucaxanthin, for nutraceuticals and functional foods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: To ensure long-term sustainability, the meat industry seeks to apply more sustainable practices like replacing imported traditional feedstuff (i.e., cereals) with low-cost local resources. In this sense, carob pulp (Cp), a Mediterranean by-product rich in polyphenols, represents a potential alternative to feed pigs. Polyphenols exhibit antioxidant properties comparable to vitamin E (Vit E) but may impair animal growth in high doses. This study evaluated the influence of supplementing fattening pig diets with 20% Cp and high doses of Vit E (300 IU/kg) on growth performance, economic results, physiological parameters, nutrient digestibility, and animal behaviour. While no synergistic effect between Cp and Vit E was observed, incorporating 20% Cp in pig diets during the last 40 days of the fattening period is feasible without compromising growth performance, physiology, or behaviour. However, crude protein digestibility and the feeding cost were negatively affected by Cp inclusion. Supplementation with Vit E, although not improving pig performance, increased α-tocopherol deposition in blood, potentially enhancing the antioxidant tissue profile and meat quality. This study aimed to assess the impact on growth, economic results, apparent nutrient digestibility (CTTAD), physiological variables, and animal behaviour when 214 fattening pigs (78 ± 8.5 kg of initial body weight and 130 ± 4.5 days of age) of both sexes (gilts and boars) were fed two levels of carob pulp (Cp, 0 vs. 20%) and two doses of vitamin E (Vit E, 30 vs. 300 IU/kg) for 40 days. No interaction effects between factors studied (Cp, Vit E, and sex) were observed on the variables. Most productive traits were unaffected by Cp or Vit E inclusion. However, the Cp increased the feed conversion ratio during the first 20 days. The Cp group showed a higher CTTAD of ether extract and hemicellulose but lower CTTAD of crude protein. Pigs fed Cp had a lower plasmatic urea content than the control group. The high Vit E doses increased the CTTAD of every nutrient and the plasmatic α-tocopherol content. The pigs fed Cp tended to spend more time eating in the early morning, likely to mitigate tannins' astringent effects. Dietary inclusion of 20% Cp in finishing high-conformation pigs is possible without affecting overall performance though it reduces nutrient CTTAD and increases feeding cost. Supra-nutritional doses of Vit E do not affect pig performance but increase the α-tocopherol deposition with potential antioxidant effects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Eleven kinds of Camellia oleifera seed oils (CSOs) were evaluated in terms of chemical constituents, antioxidant activities, acid value (AV) as well as peroxide value (POV). These CSOs contained abundant β-sitosterol, squalene, α-tocopherol and phenolics, in which the squalene was the distinct constituent with the content between 45.8±0.8 and 184.1±5.5 mg/kg. The β-sitosterol ranging from 143.7±4.8 to 1704.6±72.0 mg/kg contributed a considerable content to total accompaniments. Palmitic acid, stearic acid, oleic acid, linoleic acid and linolenic acid were present in these CSOs, in which the dominant fatty acid was oleic acid with the content between 59.66±0.72 and 82.89±2.16 g/100 g. The AV ranged from 0.1±0.0 to 1.3±0.0 mg KOH/g, and the POV was between 0.1±0.0 and 1.0±0.0 g/100 g. These CSOs showed antioxidant activity based on DPPH and ABTS radical scavenging assay. Both α-tocopherol and β-sitosterol contents showed a positive correlation with DPPH and ABTS values, respectively, while the α-tocopherol content showed a negative correlation with AV. These results suggested that CSO can be categorized into high oleic acid vegetable oil with abundant active constituents, of which the quality presented variation among different origins. These accompaniments may contribute to the delay of its quality deterioration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To prevent frost damage in fruit trees, growers employ passive and active methods, and one of these second methods is the use of biostimulant compounds against abiotic stress. In this study, two trials were conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of a multi-attribute approach biostimulant—containing α-tocopherol, boron, and glycols, in peach ('UFO-4' cultivar) and almond ('Vairo' cultivar) trees. In a first trial, one-year-old shoots with flowers were collected after 24 h, 48 h, and 96 h of the biostimulant applications. Two different application rates of the product (1000 and 2000 cc ha−1) were tested and compared to an untreated control. In a second trial, one-year-old shoots with fruitlets were collected after 24 h of the biostimulant applications. In this case, only an application rate (2000 cc ha−1) was tested. In the two trials, the collected one-year-old shoots were subjected to different frost temperatures using a controlled environment chamber. The damage level was assessed by a morphological analysis of the flowers and fruitlets 96 h after each frost cycle simulation. The lethal temperatures (LT10, LT50, and LT90) of each treatment were calculated by probit analysis. The product applied 24 h and 48 h before the frost simulations significantly decreased the LT10 and LT50 in 1.5 °C in peach flowers, and 2.5 °C in almond flowers (a temperature reduction of 50% and 75%, respectively). These results were more consistent when the application volume was 2000 cc ha−1, instead of 1000 cc ha−1. Significant differences between treated and non-treated fruitlets were observed only in almond fruitlets, with LT10 and LT50 being 0.5 °C lower in treated fruitlets (20% reduction). In conclusion, the multi-attribute approach biostimulant applied 24 or 48 h before the frost reduced the mortality of peach and almond flowers, but its effectiveness to protect fruitlets after bloom was inconsistent. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An eco-friendly approach towards the recovery of value-added extracts from olive tree leaves with the aid of supercritical CO2 at 30 MPa was carried out. The impact of extraction temperature (35–90 °C) and presence of co-solvents (ethanol, water, and aqueous ethanol) on the total phenolic, flavonoid, and pigment content, as well as oleuropein, hydroxytyrosol, tyrosol, and α-tocopherol content was determined. In addition, the antioxidant activity of extracts from tree leaves using DPPH, ABTS, and CUPRAC assays was investigated. The results of the study showed that the most effective supercritical CO2 extraction was at 90 °C with an addition of ethanol, which enabled the separation of extract with the highest content of tested compounds. Some of the highest recorded values were for oleuropein 1.9 mg/g, for carotenoids 5.3 mg/g, and for α-tocopherol 2.0 mg/g. Our results are expected to contribute to the efforts towards the valorization of olive leaves as a sustainable source of valuable compounds, and boost local economies as well as the interest of pharmaceutical, food, and cosmetic industries for novel food by-product applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new series of hybrids of α-tocopherol and aryl/heterocyclic moieties through 1,2,3-triazole linker were made by rationally combining a biologically active α-tocopherol and substituted aromatic or heterocyclic moieties in single molecular frame using the click chemistry method. In a nutshell, the novel compounds (3a-h) were made by O-alkylating α-tocopherol, proceeded by copper (I)-catalyzed click reaction and the Huisgen [3 + 2] cycloaddition using various aromatic and heterocyclic azides (2a-h). By using 1H, 13C NMR, and mass spectroscopy techniques, all of the recently synthesized compounds were characterized and their antibacterial and antioxidant capabilities were assessed. Among the synthesized compounds, the most effective synthetic molecule against all bacterial strains was 3e with a naphthyl moiety, whereas 3d with a phenolic moiety showed potent antioxidant activity. To better understand the binding interactions, exploratory molecular docking investigation was conducted against the faBH enzyme of E. coli. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Antioxidants inhibited the oxidation of other molecules and played an important role in maintaining a healthy body. Antioxidants were found in fruits, vegetables, all parts of plants, and were present in the body as enzymes or products of metabolism. Vitamin E referred to a large number of natural or synthetic compounds, with alpha-tocopherol being the most active and widely distributed form in nature. Alphatocopherol was the most active antioxidant form of vitamin E and served as the primary lipophilic antioxidant in plasma, membranes, and tissues. The most important function of vitamin E was its antioxidant capability, counteracting free radical attacks that could damage cells and cause various degenerative diseases. Additionally, antioxidants helped reduce the effects of photoaging on the skin, potentiated anti-aging and anti-inflammatory activity, increased the rate of wound healing, and helped maintain healthy eyes and the immune system. One form of vitamin E dosage form was a soft capsule, which had several advantages, including the ease of filling the Active Pharmaceutical Ingredient (API) in liquid form, higher production capacity, and formulation uniformity compared to gelatin tablets or hard capsules. Soft capsule preparations also had rapid API release, which could result in achieving therapeutic blood levels more quickly and achieving greater bioavailability. This study aimed to evaluate soft capsule dosage forms in enhancing the effectiveness of vitamin E as an antioxidant. The research utilized review articles sourced from national and international journals, as well as scientific journals. The results showed that vitamin E supplementation in soft capsules could increase its effectiveness as an antioxidant. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lead exposure has been associated with several adverse health effects involving multiple body systems and organ failure. Hence, the objective of this paper was to the effects of α-Tocopherol (Vitamin E) on haematological indices and bone marrow of lead acetate (LA)-exposed adult Wistar rats. Twenty (20) adult Wistar rats (n=5) were randomly assigned as follows: Control group (A) received 1ml of distilled water; Group B received 100 mg/kg body weight (BW) of LA; Group C received 50 mg/kg BW of α-Tocopherol and 100 mg/kg BW of LA; Group D received 50 mg/kg BW α-Tocopherol only. All administrations, via an oral gavage, lasted for twenty-eight days. Following the sacrifice of experimental rats, blood samples were collected in Ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid bottles for hematological analysis and the femur of rats were fixed in 10% neutral buffered formalin for histological evaluation. Results showed that the haematological indices in group B rats were significantly different (P<0.05) when compared to control. Also, the histological findings in group B rats revealed mild hypoplasia of the haematopoietic cells with severe vacuolations following comparison to control. However, in group C rats treated with α-Tocopherol, the adverse effects of LA were attenuated. Rats in group D showed no significant differences (P>0.05) in the parameters investigated when compared to control. Conclusively, results from this study showed that α-Tocopherol can mitigate the toxic effects of lead on the haematological system, and further studies are needed to corroborate these findings and investigate the mechanisms of action. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the present study, the effects of dietary supplementation with a mixed fermented loquat leaf tea residue (MFL) were evaluated on muscle α-tocopherol concentration and drip loss of Tsushima-Jidori crossbred chicken. MFL contained significantly less β-carotene, α-tocopherol, and total catechin than that of residues of green tea leaf infusion, although total polyphenol was significantly higher and 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl radical-scavenging activity tended to be higher, indicating increased antioxidant properties. A total of 120 male Tsushima-Jidori crossbred chickens were divided into two groups at 62 days of age. The control group was fed a basal diet (commercial finisher diet containing 16.5% crude protein and 12.77 MJ/kg metabolizable energy) and the test group was fed a basal diet supplemented with MFL at a concentration of 1.0% until 90 days of age. Body mass, body mass gain, feed intake, and tissue mass did not significantly differ between the two groups. Dietary supplementation with MFL significantly increased breast muscle α-tocopherol concentration and reduced muscle drip loss. This was accompanied by a lower muscle K-value, which indicated the freshness of the meat. These results suggested that dietary supplementation with MFL improved the shelf life and water-holding capacity of breast muscles of Tsushima-Jidori crossbred chickens.

ObjectivesThe objective of this study was to investigate the effect of different harvest times and processing methods on the B vitamins and α-tocopherol contents of Leymus chinensis (Trin.).MethodsL. chinensis was harvested on 11 July (T1 group), 16 July (T2 group), 21 July (T3 group), 26 July (T4 group), and 31 July (T5 group) in 2022 and processed using natural drying and silage fermentation to evaluate fermentation quality, chemical composition, in vitro digestibility and vitamin content.ResultsThe fermentation quality of L. chinensis silage prepared at all five times of harvest was better. The silage fermentation group showed a significant increase (p

Elicitation and precursor feeding are the effective strategies for enhancing the synthesis of bioactive compounds in plant cell suspension cultures. The present study aimed to explore an efficient elicitation and precursor feeding protocol and its effect on inducing the accumulation of α-tocopherol in Solanum lycopersicum (tomato) suspension cell culture. The tomato cell suspension cultures were treated with different elicitors (Methyl Jasmonate, Salicylic acid and Yeast extract) and precursors (Homogentisic acid, Tyrosine, Hydroxypyruvic acid and Phytol) and the effect of α-tocopherol production was studied. Significant increase in the α-tocopherol was observed on day 5 upon methyl jasmonate treatment which represented 17.7 fold increase in comparison to the control. The treatment of precursor in combination viz., 150 μM Homogentisic acid + 150 μM Phytol showed the maximum enhancement of α-tocopherol up to 22 fold on day 10 compared to the untreated control. These results suggested that the suspension cultures combining with the optimal precursor feeding and elicitors enhanced the production of α-tocopherol in economically important tomato cell cultures.

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The microencapsulation of α-tocopherol based on the complex coacervation of low-molecular-weight chitosan (LMWC) and sodium lauryl ether sulphate (SLES) without harmful crosslinkers can provide biocompatible carriers that protect it from photodegradation and air oxidation. In this study, the influence of the microcapsule wall composition on carrier performance, compatibility with a high-water-content vehicle for topical application, and release of α-tocopherol were investigated. Although the absence of aldehyde crosslinkers decreased the encapsulation efficiency of α-tocopherol (~70%), the variation in the LMWC/SLES mass ratio (2:1 or 1:1) had no significant effect on the moisture content and microcapsule size. The prepared microcapsule-loaded carbomer hydrogels were soft semisolids with pseudoplastic flow behavior. The integrity of microcapsules embedded in the hydrogel was confirmed by light microscopy. The microcapsules reduced the pH, apparent viscosity, and hysteresis area of the hydrogels, while increasing their spreading ability on a flat inert surface and dispersion rate in artificial sweat. The in vitro release of α-tocopherol from crosslinker-free microcapsule-loaded hydrogels was diffusion-controlled. The release profile was influenced by the LMWC/SLES mass ratio, apparent viscosity, type of synthetic membrane, and acceptor medium composition. Better data quality for the model-independent analysis was achieved when a cellulose nitrate membrane and ethyl alcohol 60% w/w as acceptor medium were used. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In postweaning calves, it is a challenge to maintain the plasma vitamin E level at or above the recommended level (3 µg/mL), which is linked to a good immune response. It has been unclear until now why the provision of solid feed with concentrations below 200 mg/kg feed of vitamin E is ineffective in maintaining the plasma vitamin E level of calves above the recommended plasma level postweaning. The present study was conducted to investigate if a high fat to vitamin E ratio in the concentrate could protect and improve the delivery of the natural form of vitamin E (RRR‐α‐tocopherol) to calves postweaning. Thirty calves were included in the experiment from 2 weeks preweaning until 2 weeks postweaning (Weeks −2, −1, 0 [weaning], 1, and 2 relative to weaning) and fed one of three concentrates in which lecithin mixture provided the fat supplement: control (77 mg/kg of vitamin E and 4.9% DM of crude fat; CONT), medium level of vitamin E supplemented (147 mg/kg of vitamin E and 7.7% DM of crude fat; MedVE) or high level of vitamin E supplemented (238 mg/kg of vitamin E and 12.4% DM of fat; HiVE). Thus, there was a comparable ratio of fat to vitamin E (520–630) in the three concentrates. During the 2 weeks postweaning, final body weight (92 ± 2 kg), average daily gain (917 ± 51 g/day) and concentrate intake (2.2 ± 0.09 kg/day; mean of treatment ± standard error) were unaffected by treatment and the interaction between treatment and week. There was an interaction between treatment and week for vitamin E intake pre‐ (p < 0.001) and postweaning (p < 0.001). There was an interaction between treatment and week (p < 0.001) for plasma vitamin E level postweaning, and it was 2.5, 3.1, and 3.8 µg/mL in CONT, MedVE, and HiVE, respectively, at Week 1 postweaning. In addition, plasma vitamin E levels at Week 2 postweaning were 2.6, 3.6 and 4.8 µg/mL in CONT, MidVE and HiVE respectively. The results show that 147 mg/kg of lecithin‐protected vitamin E in the concentrate is needed to secure a plasma vitamin E level well above the recommended level. In addition, lecithin‐protected vitamin E elevated the plasma level of triglycerides and nonesterified fatty acids. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

MF59 and AS03 are squalene emulsion-based vaccine adjuvants with similar compositions and droplet sizes. Despite their broad use in licensed influenza vaccines, few studies compared their adjuvant effects and action mechanisms side by side. Considering the majority of adjuvants act on dendritic cells (DCs) to achieve their adjuvant effects, this study compared MF59 and AS03-like adjuvants (AddaVax and AddaS03, respectively) to enhance antigen uptake, DC maturation, ovalbumin (OVA) and seasonal influenza vaccine-induced immune responses. Considering MF59 was reported to activate MyD88 to mediate its adjuvant effects, this study also investigated whether the above-explored adjuvant effects of AddaVax and AddaS03 depended on MyD88. We found AddaVax more potently enhanced antigen uptake at the local injection site, while AddaS03 more potently enhanced antigen uptake in the draining lymph nodes. AddaS03 but not AddaVax stimulated DC maturation. Adjuvant-enhanced antigen uptake was MyD88 independent, while AddaS03-induced DC maturation was MyD88 dependent. AddaVax and AddaS03 similarly enhanced OVA-induced IgG and subtype IgG1 antibody responses as well as influenza vaccine-induced hemagglutination inhibition antibody titers, whileAddaS03 more potently enhanced OVA-specific IgG2c antibody responses. Both adjuvants depended on MyD88 to enhance vaccine-induced antibody responses, while AddaVax depended more on MyD88 to achieve its adjuvant effects. Our study reveals similarities and differences of the two squalene emulsion-based vaccine adjuvants, contributing to our improved understanding of their action mechanisms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Antiretroviral therapy use in the treatment of HIV/AIDS, has previously been linked to anaemia or a decrease in haematologic performance. Given that HIV/AIDS has a significant impact on immune responses, using antioxidants in the treatment of these disease may improve immunological outcomes, as evidenced by haematologic indices. This investigation sought to ascertain the haematological response of Wistar arts treated orally with Lamivudine and Zidovudine along with Vitamins C and E. For 90 days, Wistar rats were given Zidovudine and Lamivodine orally along with vitamin C and E supplements. The rats were divided into groups: one group received Zidovudine and Lamivudine orally at a dose of 15 mg Zidovudine/kg/body and 7.5 mg Lamivudine/kg BW. Vitamin E was also administered at 25 IU/kg BW; the same dose was administered for Vitamin C. The other group received a combination of the antiretroviral drug (ARD) and an antioxidant. The last (or control) group received distilled water at 10ml/kg. At the end of the treatment, the Wistar rats were humanly sacrificed and whole blood collected into Ethylene Diamine tetraacetic acid containers for analysis of haematological indices. The effects of the antiretroviral therapy on red blood indices varied with the ARD administered; there was a significant increase in haematocrit levels in Lamivudine-treated Wistar rats (p<0.05). The results also revealed that lymphocyte concentration was more likely to be related with Lamivudine+Vitamin E treatment than with Lamivudine administration alone. Similarly, the combination of Zidovudine and Vitamin C was more likely to impact platelet count concentrations than Zidovudine alone. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Vitamin E, as α‐tocopherol, is an essential antioxidant protecting the body from free radicals. The vitamin E requirement of managed wildlife species is known to be greater than their wild counterparts, predominantly due to higher dietary lipid content and potentially stressful environments. The plains‐wanderer (Pedionomus torquatus, Family Pedionomidae [monotypical]) is a critically endangered, superficially quail‐like bird that is the focus of an ongoing captive breeding programme in Australia. It is estimated that plains‐wanderers have a high vitamin E requirement (compared with domestic poultry species) to offset a high lipid diet and their naturally flighty temperament. This study therefore aims to gain a greater understanding of the nutritional status and vitamin E requirements of plains‐wanderers in managed environments. Total lipid and α‐tocopherol intake were quantified for 26 zoo‐managed plains‐wanderers over a series of diet intake trials in addition to measurement of plasma α‐tocopherol and cholesterol concentrations. Plains‐wanderers that consumed higher portions of dietary fat had significantly lower circulating α‐tocopherol concentrations than birds that consumed lower total dietary fat (p <.001). Additionally, plasma cholesterol concentrations of managed plains‐wanderers were found to be significantly greater than all other bird species reviewed, irrespective of Family or feeding type. We also present the first published data quantifying the nutritional makeup of stomach contents of a wild plains‐wanderer for use as a potential guide for diet formulation. This study forms a vital foundational insight into the nutritional management of plains‐wanderers, but further research is required to understand their dietary habits and cholesterol metabolism. Research Highlights: Zoo‐managed plains‐wanderers that consumed higher dietary lipid levels had lower circulating vitamin E. Plains‐wanderers also had significantly greater plasma cholesterol and significantly lower vitamin E concentrations than other avian wildlife species and feeding types. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study examined overall and sex-specific associations of serum lipid-soluble micronutrients including α- and γ-tocopherols, 25-hydroxy-vitamin D (25(OH)D), retinol, and six major carotenoids with metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic lever disease (MASLD) using the 2017–2018 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. This analysis included 3956 adults (1991 men, 1965 women) aged ≥ 20 years. Steatotic liver disease was determined through transient elastography examination. Odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs) for MASLD associated with micronutrients were estimated using logistic regressions. Higher serum α-tocopherol (highest vs. lowest quartile: OR = 1.53, 95% CI = 1.05–2.22, p = 0.03) and γ-tocopherol (highest vs. lowest quartile: OR = 4.15, 95% CI = 3.00–5.74, p < 0.0001) levels were associated with increased odds of MASLD. Higher serum 25(OH)D levels were associated with reduced odds of MASLD (highest vs. lowest quartile: OR = 0.41, 95% CI = 0.27–0.61, p = 0.0001). Inverse associations with the condition were also observed for carotenoids (α-carotene, β-carotene, α-cryptoxanthin, β-cryptoxanthin, combined lutein and zeaxanthin, and lycopene) in the serum (Ps < 0.05). The results were comparable between men and women, except for those on α-tocopherol, for which a positive association was only observed for men (p = 0.01). Our results suggest potential protective associations of serum 25(OH)D and carotenoids with MASLD. The positive associations between tocopherols and MASLD may reflect pathophysiological conditions associated with the condition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Vitamin E is a general term for fat-soluble vitamins such as α, β, γ, δ-tocopherol, as well as α, β, γ, δ-tocotrienol, which is a trace element that cannot be synthesized or supplied insufficient in the animal body and must be supplied through diet. Among these, α-tocopherol has the highest activity and is the main form of vitamin E in animals. Studies have shown that vitamin E has antioxidant, anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory, and other biological activities, especially in scavenging free radicals in the body and blocking lipid oxidation. These activities can improve growth performance, product quality, and immunity in animal production. This article reviews the antioxidant mechanism of vitamin E and its application in animal production, aiming to provide a theoretical reference for the use of vitamin E as a dietary antioxidant in animal production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tocopherols are secondary metabolites synthesized through the shikimate biosynthetic pathway in the plastids of most plants. It is well known that α–Tocopherol (vitamin E) has many health benefits for humans and animals; therefore, it is highly used in human and animal diets. Tocopherols vary considerably in most crop (and plant) species and within cultivars of the same species depending on environmental and growth conditions; tocopherol content is a polygenic, complex traits, and its inheritance is poorly understood. The objective of this review paper was to summarize all identified quantitative trait loci (QTL) that control seed tocopherols and related contents identified in maize (Zea mays) during the past two decades (2002–2022). Candidate genes identified within these QTL regions are also discussed. The QTL described here, and candidate genes identified within these genomic regions could be used in breeding programs to develop maize cultivars with high, beneficial levels of seed tocopherol contents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Inhalation represents a significant route of cadmium (Cd) exposure, which is associated with an elevated risk of lung diseases. This research study aims to evaluate the impact of repeated low-dose cadmium inhalation on exacerbating airway inflammation induced by ovalbumin (OVA) in asthma-afflicted mice. Mice were grouped into four categories: control (Ctrl), OVA, cadmium chloride (CdCl2), and OVA + cadmium chloride (OVA + CdCl2). Mice in the OVA group displayed increased airway mucus secretion and peribronchial and airway inflammation characterized by eosinophil cell infiltration, along with elevated levels of Th2 cytokines (IL-4, IL-5, IL-13) in bronchoalveolar lavage fluids (BALFs). These parameters were further exacerbated in the OVA + CdCl2 group. Additionally, the OVA + CdCl2 group exhibited higher levels of the oxidative stress marker malondialdehyde (MDA), greater activity of glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), and higher phosphorylation of extracellular regulated kinase (ERK) in lung tissue. Treatment with U0126 (an ERK inhibitor) and α-tocopherol (an antioxidant) in the OVA + CdCl2 group resulted in reduced peribronchial and airway inflammation as well as decreased airway mucus secretion. These findings indicate that CdCl2 exacerbates airway inflammation in OVA-induced allergic asthma mice following airway exposure. ERK and oxidative stress are integral to this process, and the inhibition of these pathways significantly alleviates the adverse effects of CdCl2 on asthma exacerbation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The high toxicity of mercury (Hg) poses a danger to the environment and humans, but studies of the concentration of this metal in organisms of terrestrial ecosystems are few. Ecotoxicologists also pay little attention to studying the role of antioxidant vitamins in protecting cells from toxic metals. The Republic of Karelia is one of the northwestern regions of Russia, the biogeochemical features of which can contribute to an increase in the mobility and bioavailability of Hg in food chains. The purpose of the work was to determine the concentration of Hg in the liver, kidneys, muscle and hair of ungulate mammals of the Republic of Karelia (wild boar Sus scrofa L. and moose Alces alces L.) and to analyze the relationship between the level of this toxic metal and the content of low molecular-weight antioxidants—reduced glutathione, retinol and α-tocopherol. Species and tissue-specific of the studied parameters in wild boars and moose are noted. The observations discovered by other researchers that omnivorous species accumulate more Hg in their tissues compared to herbivores, and also that this toxic metal is predominantly accumulated in the kidneys, while muscles contain a minimal amount, have been confirmed. Hg concentrations in most samples of liver and kidney of wild boars and in all samples of the same organs of moose were within the limits recorded for domestic pigs and deer, respectively. The levels of Hg we recorded in the tissues and hair of wild boars and moose were generally comparable to or lower than the levels of this metal noted in animals from other regions of Russia and other countries of the world. In wild boars and moose of Karelia, no statistically significant relationships were found between the Hg level and the content of the studied antioxidants in the internal organs. Moose were characterized by a higher content of α-tocopherol in the body than wild boars, which is a feature of this type of herbivorous ungulate mammal. The results of the study indicate a relatively low level of mercury pollution in terrestrial ecosystems in Karelia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The presence of bioactive compounds in European eel (Anguilla anguilla) skin was studied. Proximate and lipid class compositions and analysis of the fatty acid (FA) profile (individual FAs; FA groups, i.e., saturated, monounsaturated, and polyunsaturated; FA ratios, i.e., polyunsaturated/saturated, ω3/ω6) were determined and compared to the composition of the eel muscle. As a result, higher (p < 0.05) levels of proteins (271.6 g·kg−1), lipids (38.0 g·kg−1), ash (27.7 g·kg−1), and ω6 FAs were observed in the skin tissue. Contrary, the muscle tissue showed higher (p < 0.05) moisture, ω3 FA, and ω3/ω6 ratio values. Regarding lipid classes, a higher (p < 0.05) proportion of phospholipids (111.1 g·kg−1 lipids), free sterols (104.7 g·kg−1 lipids), α-tocopherol (274.0 mg·kg−1 lipids), and free FAs (43.6 g·kg−1 lipids) was observed in the skin tissue. No differences (p > 0.05) between both tissues could be detected for triacylglycerol and FA group (saturated, monounsaturated, and polyunsaturated) values and for the polyunsaturated/saturated FA ratio. It is concluded that European eel skin, a by-product resulting from commercial processing, can be considered a valuable source for the food and pharmaceutical industries by providing value-added constituents such as proteins, lipids, ω3 FAs, phospholipids, and α-tocopherol. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Following a request from the European Commission, the EFSA Panel on Nutrition, Novel Foods and Food Allergens (NDA) was asked to deliver a scientific opinion on the revision of the tolerable upper intake level (UL) for vitamin E. As α‐tocopherol is recognised as the only essential form of vitamin E, the Panel restricted its evaluation to α‐tocopherol. Systematic reviews of the literature were conducted to assess evidence on priority adverse health effects of excess intake of vitamin E, namely risk of impaired coagulation and bleeding, cardiovascular disease and prostate cancer. The effect on blood clotting and associated increased risk of bleeding is considered as the critical effect to establish an UL for vitamin E. No new evidence has been published that could improve the characterisation of a dose–response. The ULs for vitamin E from all dietary sources, which were previously established by the Scientific Committee on Food, are retained for all population groups, i.e. 300 mg/day for adults, including pregnant and lactating women, 100 mg/day for children aged 1–3 years, 120 mg/day for 4–6 years, 160 mg/day for 7–10 years, 220 mg/day for 11–14 years and 260 mg/day for 15–17 years. A UL of 50 mg/day is established for infants aged 4–6 months and a UL of 60 mg/day for infants aged 7–11 months. ULs apply to all stereoisomeric forms of α‐tocopherol. ULs do not apply to individuals receiving anticoagulant or antiplatelet medications (e.g. aspirin), to patients on secondary prevention for CVD or to patients with vitamin K malabsorption syndromes. It is unlikely that the ULs for vitamin E are exceeded in European populations, except for regular users of food supplements containing high doses of vitamin E.

This study investigated 29 butter samples from Trabzon, Turkey. Cholesterol contents ranged from 134.13 to 325 mg/100 g, α-tocopherol contents ranged from 1.62 to 3.37 mg/100 g, and β-carotene contents ranged from 4.46 to 15.60 μg/g. Fatty acid composition analysis showed variations, with palmitic acid ranging from 26.11 % to 44.25 %, oleic acid from 19.55 % to 29.80 %, and linoleic acid from 1.63 % to 3.04 %. A total of 44 aroma components were identified. Traditional butter samples exhibited differences in aroma components and fatty acid composition compared to commercial butter. Notably, traditional butter had higher concentrations of octanoic and n-decanoic acids than commercial butter. Moreover, some aroma components such as N-butanoic acid 2-ethylhexyl ester, decanoic acid, and pentadecane were found exclusively in traditional butters. Traditional butter showed higher α-tocopherol and β-carotene contents. These findings underscore the distinct chemical profiles of traditional and commercial butter samples, influenced by production methods and possibly geographical origin.

Lead exposure has been associated with several adverse health effects involving multiple body systems and organ failure. Hence, the objective of this paper was to the effects of α-Tocopherol (Vitamin E) on haematological indices and bone marrow of lead acetate (LA)-exposed adult Wistar rats. Twenty (20) adult Wistar rats (n=5) were randomly assigned as follows: Control group (A) received 1ml of distilled water; Group B received 100 mg/kg body weight (BW) of LA; Group C received 50 mg/kg BW of α-Tocopherol and 100 mg/kg BW of LA; Group D received 50 mg/kg BW α-Tocopherol only. All administrations, via an oral gavage, lasted for twenty-eight days. Following the sacrifice of experimental rats, blood samples were collected in Ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid bottles for hematological analysis and the femur of rats were fixed in 10% neutral buffered formalin for histological evaluation. Results showed that the haematological indices in group B rats were significantly different (P0.05) in the parameters investigated when compared to control. Conclusively, results from this study showed that α-Tocopherol can mitigate the toxic effects of lead on the haematological system, and further studies are needed to corroborate these findings and investigate the mechanisms of action.

Abstract Obesity is a major risk to human health. Adipogenesis is blocked by α-tocopherol and conjugated linoleic acid (CLA). However, their effect at preventing obesity is uncertain. The effectiveness of the bioactive agents is associated with their delivery method. Herein, we designed CLA-loaded tocol nanostructured lipid carriers (NLCs) for enhancing the anti-adipogenic activity of α-tocopherol and CLA. Adipogenesis inhibition by the nanocarriers was examined using an in vitro adipocyte model and an in vivo rat model fed a high fat diet (HFD). The targeting of the tocol NLCs into adipocytes and adipose tissues were also investigated. A synergistic anti-adipogenesis effect was observed for the combination of free α-tocopherol and CLA. Nanoparticles with different amounts of solid lipid were developed with an average size of 121‒151 nm. The NLCs with the smallest size (121 nm) showed greater adipocyte internalization and differentiation prevention than the larger size. The small-sized NLCs promoted CLA delivery into adipocytes by 5.5-fold as compared to free control. The nanocarriers reduced fat accumulation in adipocytes by counteracting the expression of the adipogenic transcription factors peroxisome proliferator activated receptor (PPAR)γ and CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein (C/EBP)α, and lipogenic enzymes acetyl-CoA carboxylase (ACC) and fatty acid synthase (FAS). Localized administration of CLA-loaded tocol NLCs significantly reduced body weight, total cholesterol, and liver damage indicators in obese rats. The biodistribution study demonstrated that the nanoparticles mainly accumulated in liver and adipose tissues. The NLCs decreased adipocyte hypertrophy and cytokine overexpression in the groin and epididymis to a greater degree than the combination of free α-tocopherol and CLA. In conclusion, the lipid-based nanocarriers were verified to inhibit adipogenesis in an efficient and safe way.

Abstract Biodegradable active packaging films with antimicrobial and antioxidant functions have received much attention due to the food safety and plastic pollution issues. This study prepared and characterized a novel bioactive binary composite film based on gelatin (Ge) and dextran (Dx) incorporated with various concentrations (0%, 0.3%, 0.6%, 0.9%, 1.2%, w/w) of citronellal (Cit) and α‐tocopherol (Toc). The thickness, L*, b*, total color difference, water contact angle, opacity, and crystallinity of film significantly increased, whereas the film solubility, swelling degree, water vapor permeability, tensile strength, elongation at break, and a* of film significantly decreased with the increase of Cit and Toc concentrations. However, the addition of Cit and Toc had no significant effect on the film's moisture content and thermal stability. Fourier transforms infrared spectral pattern indicated that physical interactions (H‐bonding) between biopolymer matrix and active fillers were formed. Scanning electron microscope images showed that the film added with active fillers had a rough surface and a spongelike cross‐section structure compared to control film. Moreover, the release curves of Cit and Toc showed that the film in 95% ethanol solution had the longest release time. Furthermore, the film added with Cit and Toc effectively inhibited the growth of pathogenic and spoilage bacteria (Shewanella putrefaciens and Escherichia coli) and quenched the free radicals (2,2‐diphenyl‐1‐picrylhydrazyl and 2,2′‐azino‐bis(3‐ethylbenzthiazoline‐6‐sulfonic acid)). Overall, it can be inferred that the Ge–Dx‐based composite film incorporated with Cit and Toc is a potential antibacterial and antioxidant biodegradable material for food packaging applications to maintain food quality.

Oxidative stress is thought to be one of the common mechanisms for several neonatal diseases in premature infants. Moreover, fat-soluble antioxidant vitamins, i.e., retinol and α-tocopherol, have been found to be low in preterm neonates; however, data are limited. The aim of this was to assess the circulating α-tocopherol and retinol concentrations in preterm infants at birth and investigate if they are related to gestational age. Retinol and α-tocopherol were measured on the first day after birth in 30 preterm neonates with HPLC. Means ± SD of serum retinol and α-tocopherol were 392.0 ± 162.9 μg/L and 6.83 ± 3.02 mg/L, respectively. In total, 73% of infants had a very low birth weight (p = 0.030). Retinol was linearly related to gestational age (Pearson’s rho = 0.84, p < 0.001) but the association did not remain significant after an adjustment for birth weight (partial rho = 0.193, p = 0.316). α-tocopherol was nonlinearly associated with gestational age (Spearman’s rho = 0.470, p = 0.044). The assessment of the vitamin status and potential deficiency in neonates is crucial in order to appropriately support the nutritional needs of newborns.

Enriching food is one of the most important ways to compensate for the lack of minerals and vitamins in the body of consumers. In this study, the encapsulation of α-tocopherol in gelatin and maltodextrin microparticles was carried out with the aim of enriching low-fat yogurt and the characteristics of the obtained microparticles (including encapsulation efficiency, zeta potential, particle size, thermal behavior (differential scanning calorimetry) and morphology (scanning electron microscope) were investigated. Based on the results, the encapsulation efficiency and the loading capacity of the microparticles containing α-tocopherol were acceptably high (97 and 25%, respectively). Microscopic images of gelatin-maltodextrin microparticles containing α-tocopherol showed a smooth and spherical surface as well as small cracks on the surface of the microparticles. In addition, the microparticles had a strong negative zeta potential (-27.29 mV), indicating a significant repulsive force between the microparticles and good stability. According to the results, maltodextrin as a potential prebiotic macromolecule increases the survival of Lactobacillus acidophilus during storage. The studied protein-polysaccharide microparticles are suitable for encapsulating α-tocopherol and potentially, they can have many applications in the food industry.

A protocol is proposed that combines the use of the known properties of a surrogate containing various functional groups together with n-alkanes as standards to evaluate the properties of much larger related substances using correlation gas chromatography. An objective of this work is to develop options that circumvent the lack of appropriate vaporization enthalpy standards that can be used for evaluation of various thermodynamic properties of larger complex molecules using gas chromatography. The surrogate in this case is 2,2,5,7,8-pentamethylchroman-6-ol (PMC) and is used to evaluate the vaporization enthalpies and vapor pressures of α-tocopherol (α-TOC) and Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ9-THC). The results are compared to the available literature data and to estimated properties. Vaporization enthalpies are also evaluated by a proposed method that involves the use of synthetic and retrosynthetic analysis.

Obesity is a major risk to human health. Adipogenesis is blocked by α-tocopherol and conjugated linoleic acid (CLA). However, their effect at preventing obesity is uncertain. The effectiveness of the bioactive agents is associated with their delivery method. Herein, we designed CLA-loaded tocol nanostructured lipid carriers (NLCs) for enhancing the anti-adipogenic activity of α-tocopherol and CLA. Adipogenesis inhibition by the nanocarriers was examined using an in vitro adipocyte model and an in vivo rat model fed a high fat diet (HFD). The targeting of the tocol NLCs into adipocytes and adipose tissues were also investigated. A synergistic anti-adipogenesis effect was observed for the combination of free α-tocopherol and CLA. Nanoparticles with different amounts of solid lipid were developed with an average size of 121‒151 nm. The NLCs with the smallest size (121 nm) showed greater adipocyte internalization and differentiation prevention than the larger size. The small-sized NLCs promoted CLA delivery into adipocytes by 5.5-fold as compared to free control. The nanocarriers reduced fat accumulation in adipocytes by counteracting the expression of the adipogenic transcription factors peroxisome proliferator activated receptor (PPAR)γ and CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein (C/EBP)α, and lipogenic enzymes acetyl-CoA carboxylase (ACC) and fatty acid synthase (FAS). Localized administration of CLA-loaded tocol NLCs significantly reduced body weight, total cholesterol, and liver damage indicators in obese rats. The biodistribution study demonstrated that the nanoparticles mainly accumulated in liver and adipose tissues. The NLCs decreased adipocyte hypertrophy and cytokine overexpression in the groin and epididymis to a greater degree than the combination of free α-tocopherol and CLA. In conclusion, the lipid-based nanocarriers were verified to inhibit adipogenesis in an efficient and safe way. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: The present work provides diagrams for water‐free two‐phase systems based on polypropylene glycol 2000 (PPG 2000) + [C2mim][OAc] + alcohols (primary: methanol, ethanol, 1‐propanol and 1‐butanol; secondary: 2‐propanol and 2‐butanol; and tertiary: 2‐methyl‐2‐propanol) at 298.15 ± 1.00 K and 0.10 ± 0.01 MPa. As a proof of concept, the systems were applied to study the selective partitioning of vitamins, namely β‐carotene and α‐tocopherol. RESULTS: The hydrophilic/hydrophobic balance is the driving force for phase separation. The more hydrophilic alcohols are responsible for the wider biphasic area, and branching increases hydrophilicity and the biphasic area compared to linear alcohols. Additionally, it was verified that the mathematical determination of the tie‐lines satisfactorily describes the positioning in the phase diagram when compared with the analytical determination. In the proposed systems, pure biomolecules partitioned selectively: α‐tocopherol migrated to the PPG 2000 phase (top phase) while β‐carotene to the [C2mim][OAc] phase (bottom phase). For the study with real biomolecules, solid–liquid extraction was performed using 1‐butanol (more selective alcohol) in a solid–liquid ratio of 1:10 at 200 rpm for 60 min. The partitioning trend followed the behavior of systems using pure biomolecules. The highest selectivity (5.3) was observed for the system composed of PPG 2000 + [C2mim][OAc] + 1‐butanol or 2‐butanol. The partition system did not impair the antioxidant potential expressed as DPPH inhibition. CONCLUSIONS: Water‐free two‐phase systems can be formed and applied to partitioning vitamins from tomatoes. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry (SCI). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]