The Melbourne Atherosclerosis Vitamin E Trial (MAVET): a study of high dose vitamin E in smokers.
OBJECTIVE
Our aim was to evaluate whether vitamin E (500 IU) slowed the progression of carotid atherosclerosis in a population of chronic smokers over 4 years as measured by ultrasound determination of carotid intima-media thickness (IMT) and systemic arterial compliance (SAC).


METHODS
The Melbourne Atherosclerosis Vitamin E Trial (MAVET) was a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial in which 409 male and female smokers aged 55 years and over were randomized to receive 500 IU per day of natural vitamin E or placebo. The primary endpoint was progression of carotid atherosclerosis determined by intima-media thickness of the right common carotid artery. Secondary outcomes were change in systemic arterial compliance and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) oxidative susceptibility over time.


RESULTS
The mean increase in intima-media thickness over time in the vitamin E group was 0.0041 mm/year faster than placebo (95% confidence interval -0.0021 to 0.0102 mm/year, P = 0.20). Similarly, a non-significant difference between vitamin E and placebo was found for rate of change in systemic arterial compliance (P = 0.11). Vitamin E supplementation did, however, significantly reduce LDL oxidative susceptibility (P < 0.001).


CONCLUSIONS
Vitamin E supplementation is ineffective in reducing the progression of carotid atherosclerosis as measured by intima-media thickness in chronic smokers. This finding extends our knowledge of lack of effectiveness of vitamin E supplementation in populations with high oxidant stress.
Magliano
Dianna
D
Department of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Alfred Hospital, Melbourne, Australia. dianna.magliano@med.monash.edu.au
McNeil
John
J
Branley
Pauline
P
Shiel
Louise
L
Demos
Lisa
L
Wolfe
Rory
R
Kotsopoulos
Dimitra
D
McGrath
Barry
B
D000975:Antioxidants / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D050197:Atherosclerosis / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000378:metabolism / Q000473:pathology; D018450:Disease Progression; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008075:Lipoproteins, HDL / Q000097:blood; D008077:Lipoproteins, LDL / Q000378:metabolism; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D018384:Oxidative Stress; D012044:Regression Analysis; D012907:Smoking / Q000503:physiopathology*; D017539:Tunica Intima / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000473:pathology*; D014463:Ultrasonography; D014810:Vitamin E / Q000008:administration & dosage*
D000975:Antioxidants; D008075:Lipoproteins, HDL; D008077:Lipoproteins, LDL; D014810:Vitamin E