Modulation of monocyte-macrophage function with alpha-tocopherol: implications for atherosclerosis.
Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of morbidity and mortality in the Western world. Monocyte-macrophages are crucial cells in atherogenesis. Several lines of evidence suggest that antioxidants, especially alpha-tocopherol, have beneficial effects with regard to cardiovascular disease. Alpha-tocopherol has beneficial effects on cell functions that are pivotal in atherogenesis. Alpha-tocopherol inhibits platelet aggregation and proinflammatory activity of monocytes. In vitro data also support an effect of alpha-tocopherol on smooth muscle cell proliferation and endothelial function. Finally, recent data support an effect of alpha-tocopherol on macrophage function. The mounting evidence from in vitro and in vivo studies provides a sound scientific basis for alpha-tocopherol supplementation. Further clinical trials are required, however, before a definitive recommendation can be made for primary and secondary prevention of heart disease.
Devaraj
Sridevi
S
Department of Pathology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas 75390-9073, USA.
Harris
Andrea
A
Jialal
Ishwarlal
I
D000975:Antioxidants / Q000494:pharmacology*; D001161:Arteriosclerosis / Q000209:etiology* / Q000378:metabolism / Q000517:prevention & control; D001792:Blood Platelets / Q000378:metabolism; D006801:Humans; D008264:Macrophages / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000378:metabolism / Q000502:physiology; D009000:Monocytes / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000378:metabolism / Q000502:physiology; D010975:Platelet Aggregation Inhibitors / Q000494:pharmacology; D024502:alpha-Tocopherol / Q000494:pharmacology*
D000975:Antioxidants; D010975:Platelet Aggregation Inhibitors; D024502:alpha-Tocopherol