alpha-Tocopherol and Atherosclerosis

Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of morbidity and mortality in t he Western world. There is compelling evidence incriminating oxidative stre ss in the pathogenesis of the atherosclerotic lesion. Several lines of evid ence suggest that antioxidants, especially alpha -tocopherol, have potentia l beneficial effects with regard to cardiovascular disease. In vitro, alpha -tocopherol has been shown to inhibit platelet adhesion and aggregation an d smooth muscle cell proliferation, exert anti-inflammmatory effects on mon ocytes, and improve endothelial function. Also, supplementation with alpha -tocopherol has been shown to decrease lipid peroxidation, platelet aggrega tion, and pro-inflammatory activity of monocytes. However, clinical trials with alpha -tocopherol supplementation to date have been equivocal. Thus, a lthough mounting in vitro evidence and animal models provide a sound scient ific basis for alpha -tocopherol supplementation, further clinical trials a re required before a definitive recommendation can be made with respect to the primary and secondary prevention of heart disease.