IngentaConnect Plasma vitamin E, total antioxidant status and vascular function ...

Authors: Leeson, C. P. M.; Mann, A.¹; Kattenhorn, M.; Deanfield, J. E.²; Lucas, A.¹; Muller, D. P. R.¹

Source: European Journal of Clinical Investigation, Volume 32, Number 12, December 2002 , pp. 889-894(6)

Abstract:

Background

Epidemiological studies have reported an inverse relationship between vitamin E status and coronary heart disease. This relationship has not, however, been confirmed by the majority of intervention studies, which have been carried out relatively late in the disease process. The protective effects of vitamin E may be more important earlier in life, before vascular changes have become established. This study investigated whether dietary vitamin E could prevent preclinical arterial changes in young adults relevant to the development of cardiovascular disease. Materials and methods

Measures of vascular function (arterial distensibility and endothelial-dependent and -independent vascular responses) were assessed by noninvasive high resolution ultrasound and related to plasma vitamin E and total antioxidant concentrations in 326 adults, aged 20-28 years. Results

Neither vitamin E (alone or adjusted for lipids) nor total antioxidant status were significantly related to vascular endothelial function or arterial distensibility in either sex. There was no threshold level of vitamin E above which vascular function improved and neither vitamin E nor total antioxidant status interacted with any risk factor, such as smoking or increased low-density lipoprotein concentrations. Conclusions

Neither plasma vitamin E concentrations nor total antioxidant status achieved by dietary intake during young adulthood were related to vascular endothelial function or arterial distensibility.

Keywords: Antioxidants; arterial distensibility; cardiovascular disease; flow-mediated dilatation; vascular endothelium; vitamin E

Document Type: Research article

DOI: 10.1046/j.1365-2362.2002.01085.x

Affiliations: 1: University College London, 2: Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Trust, London, UK

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Plasma vitamin E, total antioxidant status and vascular function in young adults