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Vitamin E (tocopherols) in human cerebrospinal fluid
G T Vatassery1, M J Nelson, G J Maletta
1Geriatric Research, Education and Clinical Center, Veterans Administration Medical Center, Minneapolis, MN 55417.
The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition
|January 1, 1991
Summary
Vitamin E (tocopherols) levels in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) correlate with protein concentrations, indicating a link in transport. Human CSF also contains antioxidants that protect vitamin E from oxidation.
Area of Science:
- Neurochemistry
- Nutritional Science
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Vitamin E (tocopherols) are crucial lipid-soluble antioxidants.
- Understanding vitamin E transport and presence in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) is important for neurological health.
- Previous research has not fully elucidated the relationship between vitamin E levels and protein concentrations in human CSF.
Purpose of the Study:
- To quantify alpha- and gamma-tocopherol concentrations in human CSF and serum.
- To investigate the correlation between vitamin E levels in CSF and CSF protein/albumin concentrations.
- To assess the antioxidant capacity of human CSF against free-radical-induced oxidation.
Main Methods:
- Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and blood samples were collected from 40 healthy adult males during myelography.
- Vitamin E (tocopherol) concentrations were measured using liquid chromatography.
- In vitro oxidation assays were performed on CSF using a free-radical generator.
Main Results:
- Normal alpha- and gamma-tocopherol concentrations in CSF were determined for subjects with normal CSF protein.
- Significant positive correlations were found between CSF alpha-tocopherol and both total protein and albumin concentrations (P < 0.001).
- Human CSF demonstrated a measurable lag period during in vitro oxidation, indicating the presence of other antioxidants.
Conclusions:
- Tocopherol transport into the CSF appears to be associated with plasma protein transport mechanisms.
- Human CSF possesses intrinsic antioxidant properties that can protect vitamin E from oxidative damage.