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Published on: October 12, 2017
Absence of VLDL secretion does not affect alpha-tocopherol content in peripheral tissues
Kaori Minehira-Castelli1, Scott W Leonard, Quinn M Walker
1Gladstone Institute of Cardiovascular Disease, University of California, San Francisco, 94158, USA.
Very low VLDL secretion does not impact peripheral tissue alpha-tocopherol levels. This study shows that VLDL is not essential for delivering this important antioxidant to tissues.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Nutritional Science
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Alpha-tocopherol (Vitamin E) is a vital lipid-soluble antioxidant.
- It protects cellular lipids from oxidative damage.
- Hepatic uptake and presumed VLDL secretion are key to its distribution.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of VLDL secretion in alpha-tocopherol delivery to peripheral tissues.
- To determine if VLDL is essential for distributing alpha-tocopherol.
Main Methods:
- Utilized genetically modified mice lacking liver microsomal triglyceride transfer protein (Mttp).
- These Mttp(Delta/Delta) mice cannot secrete VLDL.
- Measured alpha-tocopherol levels in plasma, liver, and peripheral tissues.
Main Results:
- Mice lacking VLDL secretion had lower plasma and higher liver alpha-tocopherol.
- Peripheral tissue alpha-tocopherol levels were similar to control mice.
- Deuterated alpha-tocopherol incorporation was comparable between groups.
Conclusions:
- VLDL secretion is not critical for delivering alpha-tocopherol to peripheral tissues.
- The absence of VLDL has minimal impact on peripheral alpha-tocopherol stores in mice.
- Alternative pathways likely facilitate alpha-tocopherol distribution.
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