Cellular mechanisms of vitamin E uptake: relevance in alpha-tocopherol metabolism and potential implications for disease.
alpha-Tocopherol is an essential micronutrient involved in various oxidative stress-related processes. Because of its hydrophobic nature, alpha-tocopherol is transported in plasma lipoproteins, and the pathways involved in its cellular uptake are closely related to the lipoprotein metabolism. alpha-Tocopherol transfer from plasma to cells can occur by different mechanisms such as uptake facilitated by lipid transfer proteins and lipases, receptor-mediated lipoprotein endocytosis, and selective lipid uptake. Here we discuss recent progress in understanding the physiological and pathophysiological relevance of these different pathways for cellular uptake of vitamin E in vivo. This review is mainly focused on the role of the scavenger receptor class B type I (SR-BI) on alpha-tocopherol metabolism and its potential implications for disease conditions.
Mardones
Pablo
P
Departamento de Gastroenterología, Facultad de Medicina, Pontificia Universidad Católica, Marcoleta 367, Santiago, Chile.
Rigotti
Attilio
A
D000818:Animals; D002352:Carrier Proteins / Q000378:metabolism; D002477:Cells / Q000378:metabolism*; D004194:Disease; D004705:Endocytosis; D006801:Humans; D008049:Lipase / Q000378:metabolism; D008074:Lipoproteins / Q000378:metabolism; D011973:Receptors, LDL / Q000502:physiology; D024502:alpha-Tocopherol / Q000378:metabolism*
D002352:Carrier Proteins; D008074:Lipoproteins; D011973:Receptors, LDL; C030363:lipid transfer protein; D008049:Lipase; D024502:alpha-Tocopherol