Title:Tocopherol and Tocotrienol: Therapeutic Potential in Animal Models of Stress
VOLUME: 19 ISSUE: 12
Author(s):Mohd Fahami Nur Azlina*, Mohd Saad Qodriyah and Yusof Kamisah
Affiliation:Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, PPUKM, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur, Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, PPUKM, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur, Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, PPUKM, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur
Keywords:Tocopherol, tocotrienol, stress, gastric ulcer, hormones, lipid peroxidation, major organs.
Abstract:Background: Scientific reports had shown that stress is related to numerous pathological
changes in the body. These pathological changes can bring about numerous diseases and can significantly
cause negative effects in an individual. These include gastric ulcer, liver pathology and neurobehavioral
changes. A common pathogenesis in many diseases related to stress involves oxidative
damage. Therefore, the administration of antioxidants such as vitamin E is a reasonable therapeutic
approach. However, there is conflicting evidence about antioxidant supplementation.
Objective: The aim of this work was to summarize documented reports on the effects of tocopherol
and tocotrienol on various pathological changes induced by stress.
Results and Conclusion: This review will reveal the scientific evidence of enteral supplementation of
vitamin E in the forms of tocotrienol and tocopherol in animal models of stress. These models mimic
the stress endured by critically ill patients in a clinical setting and psychological stress in individuals.
Positive outcomes from enteral feeding of vitamin E in reducing the occurrence of stress-induced
pathological changes are discussed in this review. These positive findings include their ability to reduced
stress-induced gastric ulcers, elevated liver enzymes and improved locomotors activity. Evidences
showing tocotrienol and tocopherol effects are not just related to its ability to reduce oxidative
stress but also acting on other mechanism, are discussed.
