Serum alpha- and gamma-tocopherol levels in atopic mothers and their infants are correlated.
BACKGROUND
Vitamin E may have immunomodulatory properties beyond its antioxidant function. The objective here was to assess the alpha- and gamma-tocopherol status and its correlation between atopic mothers and their infants.


METHODS
Mothers with atopic disease were recruited at the end of gestation and their infants were followed up. Serum samples from mothers and infants were collected at the infants' age of 1 month. Atopic dermatitis was diagnosed during the 1st year of life and skin prick tests were performed at 1 year.


RESULTS
Infants' serum gamma- and alpha-tocopherol to fat ratios were significantly correlated with maternal serum ratios (r=0.70, p<0.0001 and r=0.52, p=0.004, respectively). In infants the serum alpha-tocopherol/fat was higher and the gamma-tocopherol/fat ratio lower than in mothers. Serum tocopherol levels were not associated with skin prick test reactions or atopic dermatitis in the infants.


CONCLUSIONS
Maternal tocopherol status determines that of the infant. Different tocopherol forms may have different serum levels and roles in the regulation of inflammatory diseases.
Hoppu
Ulla
U
Department of Pediatrics, University of Turku, Finland. ulla.hoppu@utu.fi
Salo-Väänänen
Pirjo
P
Lampi
Anna-Maija
AM
Isolauri
Erika
E
D000328:Adult; D000975:Antioxidants / Q000378:metabolism; D001249:Asthma / Q000097:blood / Q000276:immunology; D003876:Dermatitis, Atopic / Q000097:blood / Q000276:immunology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D006969:Hypersensitivity, Immediate / Q000097:blood* / Q000276:immunology; D007223:Infant; D009035:Mothers; D012221:Rhinitis, Allergic, Perennial / Q000097:blood / Q000276:immunology; D012882:Skin Tests; D018709:Statistics, Nonparametric; D024502:alpha-Tocopherol / Q000097:blood*; D024504:gamma-Tocopherol / Q000097:blood*
D000975:Antioxidants; D024504:gamma-Tocopherol; D024502:alpha-Tocopherol