Effects of nano-emulsion preparations of tocopherols and tocotrienols on oxidative stress and osteoblast differentiation

Abstract

Tocopherols and tocotrienols are two groups of compounds in the vitamin E family, of which the tocopherols are widely used as antioxidant dietary supplements. Recent studies have shown mixed observations for tocopherol functions in bone homeostasis. We have evaluated the potency of suspension-and nano-emulsion formulation-based delivery of different vitamin E family members in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced oxidative stress and osteoblast differentiation. Our results showed the both tocopherols and tocotrienols could reduce oxidative stress as evaluated by the levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Their effects were enhanced when applied in the nano-emulsion mode of delivery due to increased bioavailability. In addition, our results showed that tocotrienols increased osteoblast differentiation, while tocopherols showed reduced osteoblast differentiation, which may be due to their differential effects on SMAD and p65 signaling. Together, these findings indicate that tocotrienols delivered through nano-emulsion exhibit superior antioxidant properties and osteoblast differentiation, and could serve as a better alternative to tocopherol-based vitamin E supplements.

Gamma-Tocotrienol Stimulates the Proliferation, Differentiation, and Mineralization in Osteoblastic MC3T3-E1 Cells

“…The result further confirmed that -tocotrienol at low dosage can stimulate osteoblast differentiation, and it also showed thattocotrienol may contribute to the mineralization. In addition, other findings indicate that -tocotrienols delivered through nanoemulsion exhibit superior antioxidant properties and osteoblast differentiation [49], which is consistent with our findings.…”

The Molecular Mechanism of Vitamin E as a Bone-Protecting Agent: A Review on Current Evidence

“…Comparison between TF and T3, αT3 and δT3 exhibited more superior effects in promoting osteoblast differentiation than αTF and δTF when the nano-emulsion mode of delivery was applied. Higher expression of OSX, collagen I, and ALP activity were observed in primary human MSCs after exposure of T3 relative to exposure of TF [45]. Potency between individual vitamin E isomers were compared by using bone scaffolds cultured with osteoblasts or co-cultured with osteoblasts and osteoclasts.…”