Partial Volumes of Phosphatidylcholines and Vitamin E: α-Tocopherol Prefers Disordered Membranes

J Phys Chem B. 2022 Sep 8;126(35):6691-6699. doi: 10.1021/acs.jpcb.2c04209. Epub 2022 Aug 26.

Abstract

Despite its discovery over 95 years ago, the biological and nutritional roles of vitamin E remain subjects of much controversy. Though it is known to possess antioxidant properties, recent assertions have implied that vitamin E may not be limited to this function in living systems. Through densitometry measurements and small-angle X-ray scattering we observe favorable interactions between α-tocopherol and unsaturated phospholipids, with more favorable interactions correlating to an increase in lipid chain unsaturation. Our data provide evidence that vitamin E may preferentially associate with oxygen sensitive lipids─an association that is considered innate for a viable membrane antioxidant.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Antioxidants
  • Humans
  • Phosphatidylcholines
  • Phospholipids
  • Vitamin E*
  • alpha-Tocopherol*

Substances

  • Antioxidants
  • Phosphatidylcholines
  • Phospholipids
  • Vitamin E
  • alpha-Tocopherol