Description

• General description: α-Tocopherol is the active form of vitamin E.[1] It functions as an hydroperoxyl radical scavenger and protects the organism from oxidative damage. α-Tocopherol plays a crucial role in cell signalling and regulating immune responses.[2] α-Tocopherol deficiency is associated with abetalipoproteinemia, cystic fibrosis and celiac disease.[1] It has antiproliferative effects.[3] It inhibits arsenite-induced damage of human fibroblasts.[4]
• Application: α-Tocopherol has been used:as a standard to determine its concentration by reverse-phase high-performance liquid chromatography[5][6]to study its rescue effects on chlorine dioxide (ClO2) cytotoxicity[7]to assess its protective effects on acetaminophen (APAP)-mediated liver damage[8]
• Biochem/physiol Actions: Tocopherols (TCP) (vitamin E) are a series (α, β, γ and δ) of chiral organic molecules that vary in their degree of methylation of the phenol moiety of the chromanol ring. Tocopherols are lipid soluble anti-oxidants that protect cell membranes from oxidative damage. α-Tocopherol is the form of tocopherol preferentially absorbed by homo sapiens. Various isofroms and analogues of tocopherol have opposing and differentiated regulatory activities in vivo.