Related Experiment Video
Updated: Oct 2, 2026

Formulation of Vitamin A Tracer Doses for Administration to Human Subjects using Retinol Isotope Dilution Technique
Published on: March 31, 2026
Vitamin E 80th anniversary: a double life, not only fighting radicals
R Ricciarelli1, J M Zingg, A Azzi
1Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Bern, Switzerland.
Abstract:
Recent research on alpha-tocopherol has revealed specific cellular functions of this compound belonging to the vitamin E family. Alpha-tocopherol can act as a radical scavenger, as a pro-oxidant, as an anti-alkylation agent and, most important, by mechanisms that are independent of the above properties. To the last group belong protein kinase C and 5-lipoxygenase inhibition at post-translational level, as well as alpha-tocopherol activation of protein phosphatase 2A and diacylglycerol kinase. Furthermore, at transcriptional level, several genes (CD36, alpha-TTP, alpha-tropomyosin, and collagenase) are modulated by alpha-tocopherol. These effects result in inhibition of smooth muscle cell proliferation, platelet aggregation, and monocyte adhesion and may be related to the alleged protection of atherosclerosis by vitamin E. On the other side, epidemiological and intervention studies have shown some inconsistent results. Rather than disregarding vitamin E as a means to protect against atherosclerosis progression, it would be wiser to better design clinical trials based on current knowledge of the biological properties of the molecule.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
Radical Autoxidation
Vitamins
Electron Paramagnetic Resonance (EPR) Spectroscopy: Organic Radicals
Role of Skin in Vitamin D Synthesis
The solar UV B rays (290-315 nm) are absorbed by the skin, and 7-dehydrocholesterol (provitamin D3) photolyzes it to previtamin D3, which undergoes a rapid transformation to vitamin D3(cholecalciferol).
Whole Body Regeneration
Biological Effects of Radiation

