title: Vitamin E biokinetics, oxidative stress and cigarette smoking.
abstract: Vitamin E is comprised of four tocopherols and four tocotrienols, and functions as a lipophilic chain-breaking antioxidant that prevents lipid peroxidation. Although it is well recognized that cigarette smoke is source of oxidative stress, relatively little is known regarding how oxidative stress alters vitamin E utilization in humans. Therefore, this review will highlight the recent knowledge regarding how cigarette smoking alters vitamin E (as alpha- and gamma-tocopherols) utilization in humans. Specifically, we will discuss the mechanisms by which cigarette smoking increases the turnover of plasma vitamin E, decreases the P450-mediated metabolism of vitamin E, and increases the nitration of gamma-tocopherol to result in the formation of 5-nitro-gamma-tocopherol. In addition, the interrelationship between oxidative stress and vitamin C will also be emphasized as it relates to vitamin E utilization.
authors.affiliation: Department of Nutritional Sciences, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, United States.
authors.forename: Richard S
authors.initials: RS
authors.lastname: Bruno
authors.forename: Maret G
authors.initials: MG
authors.lastname: Traber