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Serum alpha- and gamma-tocopherol levels in atopic mothers and their infants are correlated.

Hoppu U, Salo-Väänänen P, Lampi AM, Isolauri E

Department of Pediatrics, University of Turku, Finland. ulla.hoppu@utu.fi

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.

Published 4 July 2005 in Biol Neonate, 88(1): 24-6.
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