(±)-γ-Tocopherol

(±)-γ-Tocopherol is a form of vitamin E with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. It traps and detoxifies reactive nitrogen oxide species, including nitrogen dioxide, in cell-free assays. It also reduces the synthesis of prostaglandin E2 induced by LPS in RAW 264.7 macrophages and by IL-1β in A549 cells (IC50s = 7.5 and 4 μM, respectively). (±)-γ-Tocopherol (10 μM) inhibits LPS-induced nitrite release and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) expression in RAW 264.7 cells and reduces COX-2 activity in A549 cells pretreated with IL-1β. Serum levels of (±)-γ-tocopherol are decreased in patients with cardiovascular disease.