Tocotrienols in cardioprotection

Vitam Horm. 2007:76:419-33. doi: 10.1016/S0083-6729(07)76016-8.

Abstract

Tocotrienols, a group of Vitamin E stereoisomers, offer many health benefits including their ability to lower cholesterol levels, and provide anticancer and tumor-suppressive activities. Several recent studies determined the cardioprotective abilities of tocotrienols, although the number is only 1% compared to the study with tocopherols. Both in acute perfusion experiments and in chronic models, tocotrienols attenuate myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury, artherosclerosis, and reduced ventricular arrythmias. Apart from the antioxidative role of tocotrienols, it appears that tocotrienols mediated cardioprotection is also achieved through the preconditioning-like effect, the best yet devised method of cardioprotection. Hence, tocotrienols likely fulfills the definition of a pharmacological preconditioning agent and give a tremendous opportunity to place tocotrienols as an important therapeutic option in cardiovascular system.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Antioxidants / chemistry
  • Antioxidants / therapeutic use*
  • Cardiotonic Agents / chemistry
  • Cardiotonic Agents / therapeutic use*
  • Heart Diseases / prevention & control*
  • Humans
  • Tocotrienols / chemistry
  • Tocotrienols / therapeutic use*

Substances

  • Antioxidants
  • Cardiotonic Agents
  • Tocotrienols