Towards a modern definition of vitamin E-evidence for a quinone hypothesis.

We report on the synthesis, biological and pharmacological activity of the tocoquinone natural product, α-tocopherol quinone (ATQ); an oxidative metabolite of α-tocopherol. ATQ is a potent cellular protectant against oxidative stress, whose biological activity is dependent upon its ability to undergo reversible two-electron redox cycling. ATQ is orally bioavailable, with a favorable pharmacokinetic profile and has demonstrated a beneficial clinical response in patients with Friedreich's ataxia. ATQ is a member of a broader class of vitamin E derived quinone metabolites which may be ascribable in whole or in part to the activity of vitamin E.