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Background Preserving plant genetic resources is essential for tackling global food security challenges. Effectively meeting future agricultural demands requires comprehensive and efficient assessments of genetic diversity in breeding programs and germplasm from gene banks. This research investigated the diversity of pheno-morphological traits, along with the fatty acid and tocopherol content and composition, in 135 double haploid lines of camelina. Results The number of sub-branches, siliques number of main-branch and sub-branch, and seeds number in siliques of the main-branch displayed notable coefficients of variation with values of 33.19%, 30.32%, 29.23%, and 23.81% respectively. Within the current investigation, the measurements of height, sub-branch number, and thousand seed weight varied from 53.50 to 86.50 cm, 3.50 to 14, and 0.73 to 1.52 g, respectively. The analysis unveiled that the average content of omega-3, omega-6, and omega-9 fatty acids in the examined lines was approximately 33%, 20%, and 17%, respectively. The total tocopherol content varied between 675 and 877 ppm, predominantly consisting of gamma-tocopherol, which accounted for over 95% of the total content. The fatty acid C18:2 displayed a markedly strong positive correlation with alpha-tocopherol (0.99 ** ), while C18:3 exhibited positive correlations with gamma-tocopherol (0.98 ** ) and total tocopherol (0.98 ** ). Furthermore, a positive correlation was evident between C20:1 and delta-tocopherol (0.98 ** ). The scrutinized lines, specifically lines 35, 72, 94, and 126 demonstrated notable attributes regarding yield and yield components. Conversely, in the realm of biochemical traits, lines 35, 66, 47, 30, 65, 135, 83, 27, 4, 77, 62, 81, and 93 stood out for their elevated potential. The gene expression analysis related to the tocopherol biosynthesis pathway revealed distinct expression patterns. Specifically, the VTE1 gene exhibited the highest level of expression. In contrast, the VTE3 gene displayed the lowest level of expression compared to other genes. Conclusions The study’s findings hold great potential for improving food security by enabling the selection of superior camelina parent plants based on specific traits. This approach can drive the development of high-yielding varieties with enhanced nutritional value and better-quality camelina oil.

Glaucoma is a leading cause of irreversible blindness worldwide, primarily driven by progressive optic nerve damage often associated with elevated intraocular pressure (IOP). While conventional treatments aim to reduce IOP, they fail to address the neurodegenerative mechanisms and oxidative stress underlying disease progression. This review evaluates the therapeutic potential of vitamin E isoforms which mainly focuses on tocopherol and tocotrienol. A comprehensive literature search on PUBMED following PRISMA guidelines identified 35 relevant studies published between 1950 and October 2024. These studies include clinical trials, in vivo, and in vitro investigations focusing on the antioxidant, neuroprotective, and IOP-modulating effects of tocopherol and tocotrienol. Tocopherol, especially α-tocopherol, has shown mixed clinical efficacy but consistent support for enhancing ocular blood flow and retinal ganglion cell survival. Tocotrienol, despite lower bioavailability, demonstrates superior antioxidant activity and potential for targeted neuroprotection. Advancements in drug delivery systems, including nanoliposomes, nanoparticles, and contact lenses, have further enhanced the ocular bioavailability of these compounds. However, the current evidence remains limited, with only a small number of clinical studies and inconsistent outcomes reported. This highlights an important opportunity for future research to focus on well-designed, longitudinal clinical trials that can better elucidate the therapeutic potential and clinical relevance of tocopherol and tocotrienol in glaucoma management. This review may provide an initial brief idea on the integration of vitamin E derivatives as adjunctive therapies in glaucoma management toward neuroprotection and oxidative stress mitigation.

Background: Vitamin E isomers may protect against atherosclerosis. The aim of this study was to compare the effects of supplementation with either α-tocopherol (αT) or mixed tocopherols rich in γ-tocopherol (γT) on markers of oxidative stress and inflammation in patients with type 2 diabetes. Methods: In a double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, 55 patients with type 2 diabetes were randomly assigned to receive (500 mg/day) (a) αT, (b) mixed tocopherols, or (c) placebo for 6 weeks. Cellular tocopherols, plasma and urine F2-isoprostanes, erythrocyte antioxidant enzyme activities, plasma inflammatory markers, and ex vivo assessment of eicosanoid synthesis were analyzed pre- and postsupplementation. Results: Neutrophil αT and γT increased (both P <0.001) with mixed tocopherol supplementation, whereas αT (P <0.001) increased and γT decreased (P <0.005) after αT supplementation. Both αT and mixed tocopherol supplementation resulted in reduced plasma F2-isoprostanes (P <0.001 and P = 0.001, respectively) but did not affect 24-h urinary F2-isoprostanes or erythrocyte antioxidant enzyme activities. Neither αT nor mixed tocopherol supplementation affected plasma C-reactive protein, interleukin 6, tumor necrosis factor-α, or monocyte chemoattractant protein-1. Stimulated neutrophil leukotriene B4 production decreased significantly in the mixed tocopherol group (P = 0.02) but not in the αT group (P = 0.15). Conclusions: The ability of tocopherols to reduce systemic oxidative stress suggests potential benefits of vitamin E supplementation in patients with type 2 diabetes. In populations with well-controlled type 2 diabetes, supplementation with either αT or mixed tocopherols rich in γT is unlikely to confer further benefits in reducing inflammation.

Gamma-tocopherol (γ-tocopherol), a major isoform of vitamin E, exhibits potent antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer properties, making it a promising therapeutic candidate for treating oxidative stress-related diseases. Unlike other tocopherol isoforms, γ-tocopherol effectively neutralizes reactive oxygen species (ROS) and reactive nitrogen species (RNS), providing robust cellular protection against oxidative damage and lipid peroxidation. Its anti-inflammatory effects are mediated through the modulation of pathways involving cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), reducing chronic inflammation and its associated risks. In cancer therapy, γ-tocopherol demonstrates multifaceted activity, including the inhibition of tumor growth, induction of apoptosis, and suppression of angiogenesis, with significant efficacy observed in cancers such as prostate, lung, and colon. Preclinical and clinical studies support its efficacy in mitigating oxidative stress, inflammation, and cancer progression, with excellent tolerance at physiological levels. However, high doses necessitate careful evaluation to minimize adverse effects. This review consolidates current knowledge on γ-tocopherol’s biological activities and clinical implications, underscoring its importance as a natural compound for managing inflammation, oxidative stress, and cancer. As a perspective, advancements in nanoformulation technology could enhance γ-tocopherol’s bioavailability, stability, and targeted delivery, offering the potential to optimize its therapeutic application in the future.

Ferulic acid (FA) and tocopherol (Toc) loaded solid lipid nanoparticles (SLN) were prepared by a hot homogenisation method. The particle size distribution, zeta potential and melting behaviour of the SLN as well as the stability, encapsulation efficiency and radical scavenging activity of FA and Toc in the SLN were analysed. The different formulations containing up to 2.8 mg g-1 of FA or Toc were stable during at least 15 weeks of storage at room temperature. Despite partial degradation and / or release of FA and Toc during storage, significant radical scavenging activity was maintained. DSC measurements and radical scavenging tests after different time periods revealed that the re-structuring of the lipid matrix was connected to the enhanced antioxidant activity of Toc but did not affect the activity of FA.

Argan oil is widely used in Morocco in traditional medicine. Its ability to treat cardiovascular diseases is well-established. However, nothing is known about its effects on neurodegenerative diseases, which are often associated with increased oxidative stress leading to lipid peroxidation and the formation of 7-ketocholesterol (7KC) resulting from cholesterol auto-oxidation. As 7KC induces oxidative stress, inflammation and cell death, it is important to identify compounds able to impair its harmful effects. These compounds may be either natural or synthetic molecules or mixtures of molecules such as oils. In this context: (i) the lipid profiles of dietary argan oils from Berkane and Agadir (Morocco) in fatty acids, phytosterols, tocopherols and polyphenols were determined by different chromatographic techniques; and (ii) their anti-oxidant and cytoprotective effects in 158N murine oligodendrocytes cultured with 7KC (25-50 mu M; 24 h) without and with argan oil (0.1% v/v) or -tocopherol (400 mu M, positive control) were evaluated with complementary techniques of cellular and molecular biology. Among the unsaturated fatty acids present in argan oils, oleate (C18:1 n-9) and linoleate (C18:1 n-6) were the most abundant; the highest quantities of saturated fatty acids were palmitate (C16:0) and stearate (C18:0). Several phytosterols were found, mainly schottenol and spinasterol (specific to argan oil), cycloartenol, beta-amyrin and citrostadienol alpha- and gamma-tocopherols were also present. Tyrosol and protocatechic acid were the only polyphenols detected. Argan and extra virgin olive oils have many compounds in common, principally oleate and linoleate, and tocopherols. Kit Radicaux Libres (KRL) and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) tests showed that argan and extra virgin olive oils have anti-oxidant properties. Argan oils were able to attenuate the cytotoxic effects of 7KC on 158N cells: loss of cell adhesion, cell growth inhibition, increased plasma membrane permeability, mitochondrial, peroxisomal and lysosomal dysfunction, and the induction of oxiapoptophagy (OXIdation + APOPTOsis + autoPHAGY). Altogether, our data obtained in 158N oligodendrocytes provide evidence that argan oil is able to counteract the toxic effects of 7KC on nerve cells, thus suggesting that some of its compounds could prevent or mitigate neurodegenerative diseases to the extent that they are able to cross the blood-brain barrier.

This study aimed at investigating the potential of microalgae species grown on industrial waste water as a new source of natural antioxidants. Six microalgae from different classes, including Phaeodactylum sp. (Bacillariophyceae), Nannochloropsis sp. (Eustigmatophyceae), Chlorella sp., Dunaniella sp., and Desmodesmus sp. (Chlorophyta), were screened for their antioxidant properties using different in vitro assays. Natural antioxidants, including pigments, phenolics, and tocopherols, were measured in methanolic extracts of microalgae biomass. Highest and lowest concentrations of pigments, phenolic compounds, and tocopherols were found in Desmodesmus sp. and Phaeodactylum tricornuotom microalgae species, respectively. The results of each assay were correlated to the content of natural antioxidants in microalgae biomass. Phenolic compounds were found as major contributors to the antioxidant activity in all antioxidant tests while carotenoids were found to contribute to the 1,1-diphenyl-2-picryl-hydrazil (DPPH) radical scavenging activity, ferrous reduction power (FRAP), and ABTS-radical scavenging capacity activity. Desmodesmus sp. biomass represented a potentially rich source of natural antioxidants, such as carotenoids (lutein), tocopherols, and phenolic compounds when cultivated on industrial waste water as the main nutrient source.

Tocopherols, synthesized by photosynthetic organisms, are micronutrients with antioxidant properties that play important roles in animal and human nutrition. Because of these health benefits, there is considerable interest in identifying the genes involved in tocopherol biosynthesis to allow transgenic alteration of both tocopherol levels and composition in agricultural crops. Tocopherols are generated from the condensation of phytyldiphosphate and homogentisic acid (HGA), followed by cyclization and methylation reactions. Homogentisate phytyltransferase (HPT) performs the first committed step in this pathway, the phytylation of HGA. In this study, bioinformatics techniques were used to identify candidate genes, slr1736 and HPT1, that encode HPT from Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803 and Arabidopsis, respectively. These two genes encode putative membrane-bound proteins, and contain amino acid residues highly conserved with other prenyltransferases of the aromatic type. A Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803 slr1736 null mutant obtained by insertional inactivation did not accumulate tocopherols, and was rescued by the Arabidopsis HPT1 ortholog. The membrane fraction of wild-type Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803 was capable of catalyzing the phytylation of HGA, whereas the membrane fraction from the slr1736 null mutant was not. The microsomal membrane fraction of baculovirus-infected insect cells expressing the Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803 slr1736 were also able to perform the phytylation reaction, verifying HPT activity of the protein encoded by this gene. In addition, evidence that antisense expression of HPT1 in Arabidopsis resulted in reduced seed tocopherol levels, whereas seed-specific sense expression resulted in increased seed tocopherol levels, is presented.

Recent advancements in analytical strategies have enabled the efficient extraction and characterization of bioactive compounds from agri-food bio-residues, emphasizing green chemistry and circular economy principles. This review highlights the valorization of several agri-food bio-residues for the extraction of high-value-added bioactive compounds, particularly polyphenols, tocopherols, carotenoids, and fatty acids, as a biorefinery approach. To this end, the adoption of environmentally friendly extraction technologies is essential to improve performance, reduce energy consumption, and minimize costs. This study therefore examines emerging methodologies such as supercritical fluid extraction, pressurized liquid extraction, pulsed electric fields, and matrix solid-phase dispersion, highlighting their advantages and limitations. Additionally, the chemical characterization of these bioactive compounds is explored through spectrophotometric and high-resolution chromatographic techniques, crucial for their accurate identification and quantification. This is complemented by an analysis of bioactivity assays evaluating antioxidant, antimicrobial, anticancer, neuroprotective, and anti-inflammatory properties, with a focus on their applications in the food, pharmaceutical, and cosmetic industries. However, the analytical control of toxic compounds, such as alkaloids, in these bio-residues is undoubtedly needed. Ultimately, this approach not only promotes sustainability but also contributes to the development of eco-friendly solutions in various industries.

Following a request from the European Commission, the EFSA Panel on Dietetic Products, Nutrition and Allergies (NDA) derived Dietary Reference Values (DRVs) for vitamin E. In this Opinion, the Panel considers vitamin E as α‐tocopherol only. The Panel considers that Average Requirements (ARs) and Population Reference Intakes (PRIs) for vitamin E (as α‐tocopherol) cannot be derived for adults, infants and children, and therefore defines Adequate Intakes (AIs), based on observed intakes in healthy populations with no apparent α ‐ tocopherol deficiency in the EU. This approach considers the range of average intakes of α‐tocopherol and of α‐tocopherol equivalents estimated by EFSA from dietary surveys in children and adults in nine countries. The Panel notes the uncertainties in the available food composition and consumption data, the fact that most EU food composition databases contain values for vitamin E as α‐tocopherol equivalents, as well as the contribution of average α‐tocopherol intakes to average α‐tocopherol equivalent intakes in these countries. For adults, an AI for α‐tocopherol is set at 13 mg/day for men and 11 mg/day for women. For children aged 1 to < 3 years, an AI for α‐tocopherol is set at 6 mg/day for both sexes. For children aged 3 to < 10 years, an AI for α‐tocopherol is set at 9 mg/day for both sexes. For children aged 10 to < 18 years, an AI for α‐tocopherol is set at 13 mg/day for boys and 11 mg/day for girls. For infants aged 7–11 months, an AI for α‐tocopherol of 5 mg/day is derived by extrapolating upwards from the estimated α‐tocopherol intake in exclusively breast‐fed infants aged 0–6 months and rounding. For pregnant or lactating women, the Panel considers that there is no evidence for an increased dietary α‐tocopherol requirement, and the same AI is set as for non‐pregnant non‐lactating women.