Tocotrienols: the lesser known form of natural vitamin E.
A recent and growing body of research has shown that members of this vitamin E family posses unique biologic functions. Tocotrienols have garnered much of this recent attention, and in particular alpha-tocotrienol has been shown to be the most potent neuroprotective form of vitamin E. Protection exclusively mediated through tocotrienols has been arbitrated to many mechanisms including inhibition of 12-LOX, c-Src, PLA2 and through up-regulation of MRP1. Further, tocotrienols have recently been shown to induce arteriogenesis through induction of TIMP1 and decreased activation of MMP2. However, the unique therapeutic potential of tocotrienols is not limited to neuroprotection. Tocotrienols have been shown to have molecular targets including: apoptotic regulators, cytokines, adhesion molecules, enzymes, kinases, receptors, transcription factors, and growth factors. In spite of this large and unique therapeutic potential, scientific literature on tocotrienols only accounts for approximately 1% of vitamin E research. Given the potential of tocotrienols and relatively scant literature, further investigation is warranted.
Department of Internal Medicine, Davis Heart and Lung Research Institute, The Ohio State University Medical Center, Columbus, Ohio 43210, USA.
Viren
V
Patel
Cameron
C
Rink
Savita
S
Khanna
Chandan K
CK
Sen
D000818:Animals; D001682:Biological Availability; D001692:Biological Transport; D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic; D006801:Humans; D018696:Neuroprotective Agents / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000493:pharmacokinetics / Q000494:pharmacology* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D024508:Tocotrienols / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000493:pharmacokinetics / Q000494:pharmacology* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D014810:Vitamin E / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000493:pharmacokinetics / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use
D018696:Neuroprotective Agents; D024508:Tocotrienols; D014810:Vitamin E