Biochem unit 9 paper Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Biochem unit 9 paper - Essay Example Vitamin E works with other molecules such as glutathione, selenium, vitamin C, and vitamin B3 in preventing oxygen from becoming too reactive, thereby preventing oxidative stress (WHFoods: vitamin E, n.d.). Numerous studies indicate that oxidation is the crucial phase in atherogenesis. Oxidized low-density lipoproteins with low density promote the production of inflammatory indicators. They are also implicated in the formation of foam cells, inhibition of vasodilation due to nitric oxide, and inhibition of the motility of tissue macrophages (Saremi & Arora, 2010). Experiments carried out on mouse models reveal that vitamin E plays a significant role in augmenting oxidative resistance in vitro, consequently avoiding the formation of atherosclerotic plaque. In humans, there is reduced risk of coronary heart diseases due to consumption of vitamin E-rich foods especially in middle-aged and older men and women (Saremi & Arora, 2010). However, results from some clinical trials provide conflicting data. According to Blumberg, vitamin E has been implicated as having an unfavourable effect in the therapy of heart disease (n.d.). He further attributes these disparities to the different primary and secondary tests. Primary prevention entails observing large numbers of healthy people and investigating the incidence of new heart disease in the midst of people with diverse intakes of vitamin E. On the contrary, secondary prevention takes place â€Å"over a few years in clinical trials with vitamin E supplements (and placebos) in patients with heart disease to determine whether their conditions worsen, e.g., with a subsequent heart attack† (Blumberg, n.d.). Therefore, vitamin E is more effective in primary prevention by preventing the development of plaque, which usually starts in childhood and continues in adulthood. Nonetheless, a number of studies indicate that vitamin E could