Circulating concentrations of vitamin E isomers: Association with bone turnover and arterial stiffness in post-menopausal women

A positive correlation was observed between α-TP and γ-TP (r = 0.14, p = 0.022). A significant negative association between α-TP and P1NP only was seen in multiple linear regression analysis following adjustment for serum TC and TG (p = 0.016). In a full multi-linear regression model, following correction for age, years since menopause, smoking habits, alcohol intake, use of calcium supplements, BMI, PTH, serum calcium, and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), the association between α-TP and P1NP remained significant (p = 0.011). We did not observe any significant association between γ-TP or α-TP/γ-TP ratio with P1NP or CTX. P1NP was significantly lower in subjects with α-TP concentrations of > 30 μmol/L (α-TP > 30 μmol/L; P1NP: 57.5 [20.7], α-TP < 30 μmol/L; P1NP: 65.7 [24.9] μg/L, p = 0.005). PWV was significantly associated with α-TP/γ-TP ratio (p = 0.04) but not with serum α-TP or γ-TP in a full multi-linear regression model adjusting for serum lipids, age, and blood pressure. The data suggest that high serum concentrations of α-TP may have a negative effect on bone formation. The balance of α-TP and γ-TP may be important in maintaining arterial compliance. Longitudinal studies are needed to investigate the impact of the vitamin E isomers on bone and cardiovascular health.