[Vitamin E: structure, metabolism, and functions].

Vitamin E is a generic term denoting eight different isomers among which alpha-tocopherol is the most important and most active. Vitamin E metabolism is closely linked to lipids during intestinal absorption, plasma secretion and transport, and tissue uptake. It is a key compound involved in many physiological processes, such as neurological and immune functions. The most common role of vitamin E is its antioxidant effect, protecting molecules and tissues against the deleterious effect of free radicals. Vitamin E also contributes to the stabilization of biological membranes. In addition, it intervenes in the regulation of several enzymes and probably has impact on gene expression. Advancing knowledge about vitamin E has been achieved with high performance liquid chromatography, making assay accessible to many laboratories, and the use of deuterated derivatives to better apprehend its metabolism. Certain issues remain unresolved concerning the molecular basis of vitamin E's mechanism of action and the exact nature of metabolic dysfunction leading to the clinical manifestations of severe vitamin E deficiency.