Article: Symposium: Molecular mechanisms of protective effects of Vitamin E in atherosclerosis--Vitamin E inhibition of platelet agregation is independent of antioxidant activity

Vitamin E Inhibition of Platelet Aggregation Is Independent of Antioxidant Activity1,2

ABSTRACT Vitamin E is the principal lipid-soluble antioxidant in human plasma, and some studies indicate that it may provide cardiovascular protection. To investigate putative mechanisms for vitamin E in this regard, the effect of vitamin E on vascular function and platelet aggregation was examined. In animal models of endothelial dysfunction, vitamin E improved the activity of endothelium-derived nitric oxide, and this effect was not dependent upon the antioxidant protection of LDL. In fact, vitamin E improved endothelial function in part due to the inhibition of protein kinase C (PKC) stimulation. This ...