TitleRegulation of xenobiotic metabolism, the only signaling function of alpha-tocopherol?
Publication TypeJournal Article
Year of Publication2010
AuthorsTraber MG
JournalMol Nutr Food Res
Volume54
Issue5
Pagination661-8
Date Published2010 May
ISSN1613-4133
Keywordsalpha-Tocopherol, Cytochrome P-450 CYP3A, Cytochrome P-450 Enzyme System, Cytochrome P450 Family 4, gamma-Tocopherol, Homeostasis, Humans, Liver, Pregnane X Receptor, Receptors, Steroid, Signal Transduction, Vitamin E, Vitamin K, Xenobiotics
Abstract

There is growing concern based on meta-analyses of clinical trials using vitamin E supplements that these supplements increase the risk of all-cause mortality in humans. My laboratory has been investigating the metabolism and disposition of "excess" vitamin E. This review focuses on the various mechanisms that prevent vitamin E intoxication. Non-alpha-tocopherols are aggressively metabolized thereby preventing their tissue accumulation and limiting increases in their plasma concentrations. Moreover, "excess" alpha-tocopherol is also metabolized and its concentrations are limited. The mechanisms for this limitation do not seem to be specific for vitamin E, but rather are general xenobiotic pathways. We suggest that the most relevant cytochrome P450-mediated pathway is the one that is most important for the regulation and activation of vitamin K, specifically the one dependent on CYP4F2.

DOI10.1002/mnfr.200900440
Alternate JournalMol Nutr Food Res
PubMed ID20169584