An argument for Vitamin E supplementation in the management of systemic inflammatory response syndrome.
The systemic inflammatory response syndrome results from an uncontrolled, overexpression of the normal host inflammatory response, leading to destruction of host tissue and subsequent organ failure. Oxidant stress has been implicated in this process both as a mechanism for direct cellular injury, as well as activation of intracellular signaling cascades within inflammatory cells resulting in progression of the inflammatory response. Vitamin E is an inexpensive, nontoxic, chain-breaking antioxidant that has therapeutic potential in regulating this process. This review seeks to evaluate the current literature regarding the use of Vitamin E in controlling the excessive inflammation seen in systemic inflammatory response syndrome and argues for further study of its therapeutic potential for these critically ill patients.
Bulger
Eileen M
EM
Department of Surgery, Harborview Medical Center, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington 98104, USA.
Maier
Ronald V
RV
D000208:Acute Disease; D000818:Animals; D000975:Antioxidants / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001205:Ascorbic Acid / Q000627:therapeutic use; D019587:Dietary Supplements; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D007249:Inflammation / Q000188:drug therapy; D008954:Models, Biological; D008956:Models, Chemical; D009102:Multiple Organ Failure / Q000188:drug therapy; D012127:Respiratory Distress Syndrome, Newborn / Q000188:drug therapy; D018746:Systemic Inflammatory Response Syndrome / Q000188:drug therapy*; D014810:Vitamin E / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D024502:alpha-Tocopherol / Q000627:therapeutic use
D000975:Antioxidants; D014810:Vitamin E; D024502:alpha-Tocopherol; D001205:Ascorbic Acid