Serum Alpha- and Gamma-Tocopherol Levels in Atopic Mothers and Their Infants Are Correlated

Vol. 88, No. 1, 2005

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Original Paper

Serum Alpha- and Gamma-Tocopherol Levels in Atopic Mothers and Their Infants Are Correlated
Ulla Hoppu^{a, b}, Pirjo Salo-Väänänen^c, Anna-Maija Lampi^c, Erika Isolauri^a

Departments of
^aPediatrics and
^bBiochemistry and Food Chemistry, University of Turku, and
^cDepartment of Applied Chemistry and Microbiology, University of Helsinki, Finland

Address of Corresponding Author

Biol Neonate 2005;88:24-26 (DOI: 10.1159/000084068)

Key Words

Tocopherol
Vitamin E
Atopic disease

Abstract

Background: Vitamin E may have immunomodulatory properties beyond its antioxidant function. The objective here was to assess the alpha - and gamma -tocopherol status and its correlation between atopic mothers and their infants. Methods: Mothers with atopic disease were recruited at the end of gestation and their infants were followed up. Serum samples from mothers and infants were collected at the infants' age of 1 month. Atopic dermatitis was diagnosed during the 1st year of life and skin prick tests were performed at 1 year. Results: Infants' serum gamma - and alpha -tocopherol to fat ratios were significantly correlated with maternal serum ratios (r = 0.70, p < 0.0001 and r = 0.52, p = 0.004, respectively). In infants the serum alpha -tocopherol/fat was higher and the gamma -tocopherol/fat ratio lower than in mothers. Serum tocopherol levels were not associated with skin prick test reactions or atopic dermatitis in the infants. Conclusions: Maternal tocopherol status determines that of the infant. Different tocopherol forms may have different serum levels and roles in the regulation of inflammatory diseases.

Author Contacts

Dr. Ulla Hoppu
University of Turku
Itäinen Pitkäkatu 4 A 5th Floor
FI-20520 Turku (Finland)
Tel. +358 2333 6063, Fax +358 2333 6862, E-Mail ulla.hoppu@utu.fi

Article Information

Received: August 9, 2004
Accepted after revision: December 6, 2004
Published online: February 22, 2005
Number of Print Pages : 3
Number of Figures : 0, Number of Tables : 1, Number of References : 22

Medline Abstract (ID 15731552)

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