Vitamin E Protects Brain After Stroke

COLUMBUS, OhioA natural form of vitamin E called alpha-tocotrienol can trigger production of a protein in the brain that flushes toxins from nerve cells, preventing those cells from dying after a stroke, according to a new study published in the journal Stroke. The findings suggest natural vitamin E may be more potent than drugs targeting single mechanisms for preventing stroke-induced brain damage.

Researchers at Ohio State University built on their previous research that found the tocotrienol (TCT) form of vitamin E protects the brain after a stroke by blocking an enzyme from releasing toxic fatty acids and inhibiting activity of a gene that can lead to neuron death.

For the study, the team first clarified the role of a protein called MRP1, or multidrug resistance-associated protein 1, which clears away a compound that can cause toxicity and cell death when it builds up in neurons as a result of the trauma of blocked blood flow associated with a stroke.

To determine the role of MRP1 in protecting brain cells, the researchers compared the effects of an induced stroke in two groups of micenormal mice and animals that were genetically modified to be deficient in the MRP1 protein. Those with the protein deficiency had greater stroke damage from decreased blood flow to the brain. They also had a1.6-fold higher level of a toxin is called GSSG, or glutathione disulfide that causes brain cell death and is released after a stroke occurs.

This is one of the first studies to provide evidence that a safe nutrienta vitamincan alter microRNA biology to produce a favorable disease outcome," said Chandan Sen, professor and vice chair for research in Ohio States Department of Surgery and senior author of the study. Here, a natural nutritional product is simultaneously acting on multiple targets to help prevent stroke-induced brain damage. That is a gifted molecule."

A previous study published in the Journal of Atherosclerosis and Thrombosis found natural tocotrienol supports cardiovascular health by lowing triglyceride levels by 28% in the blood of human subjects after two months of supplementation. The study participants also showed a decrease in average weight, body fat mass, body fat percentage and waist measurement.