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Experiment Reveals
Vitamin E
Can Assist in Repairing the Walls of the Arteries
May 31, 2008
To have a healthy cardiovascular system and prevent heart disease the walls of the arteries must maintain their structural integrity. The surface of the blood vessel wall can sustain microscopic tears due to damage from free radicals and medical procedures such as angioplasty. And, if left unrepaired this damage can lead to more serious complications increasing the risk of cardiovascular disease resulting in heart attacks and strokes.
Low-Density Lipoprotein
(LDL) Cholesterol Inhibits Healing of the Artery Walls
Lining the inside of the artery wall are endothelial cells. When the
surface of the blood vessel wall becomes damaged mechanisms to repair
it become activated. One of those mechanisms is for endothelial cells
to migrate, or travel, to the site of damage. However, experiments by
Dr. Linda Graham at the Cleveland Clinic Foundation confirmed that oxidized
low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol interfered with endothelial
cell travel.
An In Vitro
Experiment with Vitamin E and Synthetic Antioxidants Probucol and BHT
NOTE: When an experiment is said to be done in
vitro that means it is done in a controlled environment outside
a living organism, such as in a test tube or petri dish. In vivo
is used when it is done inside a living organism.
Since oxidized LDL cholesterol is involved, an experiment using natural vitamin E, known for its antioxidant activity, and two synthetic antioxidant compounds Probucol and BHT were used in vitro to determine if their effect would improve endothelial cell travel. Probucol is a powerful antioxidant which inhibits the oxidation of LDL cholesterol. BHT, also known as Butylhydroxytoluene, is a lipophilic (fat-soluble) organic compound that is primarily used in food as an antioxidant. It is also used in cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, jet fuels, rubber, petroleum products, and embalming fluid.
Result of Experiment
Dr. Graham discovered that the two synthetic antioxidants Probucol
and BHT had no effect in improving endothelial cell
travel. However, the natural vitamin E, even with the existence of oxidized
LDL cholesterol, did maintain the ability of the endothelial cells to
travel.
Natural Vitamin E
Acts as a Stabilizer
While natural vitamin E has antioxidant properties Dr. Graham concluded
that it functioned to stabilize the walls, or membranes, of the endothelial
cells and not as an antioxidant.
Dr. Graham recorded, “‘Nonantioxidant’ properties of vitamin E... could be important in the primary prevention of atherosclerosis and its complications.” “Our in vitro studies show that a-tocopherol [vitamin E] can preserve endothelial migration in the presence of cell-oxidized LDL.”
Reference:
van Aalst JA, Burmeister W, Fox PL, et al. A-tocopherol preserves endothelial cell migration in the presence of cell-oxidized low-density lipoprotein by inhibiting changes in cell membrane fluidity.
Journal of Vascular Surgery, 2004;39:229-237
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