Figure 3.

Effect of vitamin E on the immune system. Vitamin E (Vit E; Tocopherol) is a fat-soluble vitamin that leads to an increase of serum superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase enzymes which has functional roles as antioxidant. Treatment with vitamin E leads to proliferation of T cells (both CD4+ and CD8+), leading to activation of immune system and decreasing cytokines such as IL-4, IL-10, and TGF-β. In addition, treatment with Vit E leads to B cell activation and subsequent increases in IgM, IgY, and IgA antibody secretion to help induce immunity against infections, as observed in an increase in anti-NDV and anti-IBV antibodies. In general, Vit E confers a dose-dependent antiinflammatory response based on reduction in IL-1β, IL-4, IL-6, IL-10, TGF-β, and PGE₂ production. However, Vit E treatment leads to a general increase in lymphocyte populations in the thymus, plasma, spleen, and gut tissue (jejunum, cecal tonsils, and ileum). Abbreviation: IL, interleukin.