Effects of tocopherols and tocotrienols on microglia-mediated neuroprotection

Emerging evidences revealed the promising effects of some nutrient compounds in diminishing the risk of neurodegenerative diseases. Emerging evidence has revealed that some nutritional compounds have promising effects in reducing the risk of neurodegenerative diseases, among of these Vitamin E could has a potential role. Vitamin E, composed of eight vitamers (four tocopherols and four tocotrienols), is the most abundant lipid-soluble antioxidant compound in the human body. Although vitamin E is widely known as a potent antioxidant, recent studies have also shown that vitamin E possesses antiinflammatory properties. These important properties of vitamin E are beneficial for various aspects of health, most notably neuroprotection, cardiovascular, skin, and bone health. Vitamin E exerts a protective effect on signal transduction, cellular and molecular pathways, and gene expression. Here, we have highlighted the protective effects of vitamin E involving its antioxidant and antiinflammatory properties and the pathways utilized to induce microglia-mediated neuroprotection. We have also described the involvement of vitamin E in the orexin system. We have also highlighted the involvement of vitamin E in the orexin system that has been described in the development of several low-severity inflammation-associated diseases, including neurodegenerative diseases. Although promising, future clinical studies are warranted to determine the specific role of vitamin E in order to clarify vitamin E’s effectiveness in the prevention and treatment of neurodegenerative diseases. The inadequate intake of vitamin E is associated with a higher risk of the development of several low-grade inflammation-associated diseases including neurodegenerative diseases. Although promising, future clinical studies are warranted to determine the specific roles of vitamin E to clarify the efficacy of vitamin E in the prevention and treatment of neurodegenerative diseases.