[Molecular mechanisms of the protective effect of vitamin e against atherosclerosis].
Oxidation of low-density lipoproteins constitutes the first step of a very complex process leading to atherosclerosis. Vitamin E, and principally a-tocopherol, is considered as the principal inhibitor of lipid peroxidation. Some studies showed the beneficial role of vitamin E in the prevention and reduction of atherosclerosis and its associated pathologies. However, other in vitro studies advance a prooxidant role of vitamin E. The results of the epidemiologic studies are difficult to generalize without taking account of the clinical randomized tests. In this work, we reviewed the principal studies devoted to the role of vitamin E and discussed the assumption of a prooxidant effect of this molecule.
Institut universitaire de gériatrie de Sherbrooke et département de médecine, service de gériatrie, Pavillon D'Youville, Université de Sherbrooke, QC, Canada. akhalil@courrier.usherb.ca
Abdelouahed
A
Khalil
D000818:Animals; D000975:Antioxidants / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001161:Arteriosclerosis / Q000473:pathology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D006801:Humans; D015227:Lipid Peroxidation / Q000187:drug effects; D008074:Lipoproteins / Q000378:metabolism; D014810:Vitamin E / Q000627:therapeutic use*
D000975:Antioxidants; D008074:Lipoproteins; D014810:Vitamin E