The potential impact of our work focuses on the health benefits of dietary supplements. We have shown clear biological responses to potential dietary ingredients that have not been recognized before. High tocotrienol corn has been reported but the assessment of its potential biological effects have not been performed. Our studies provide potential markers to investigate.

The biological effects of dietary supplements can be largely unknown. Yet supplements and genome manipulation to change diet composition are gaining popularity. Our work began with a chance observation that some forms of vitamin E cause cytotoxicity in certain cells in culture. We are evaluating whether this phenomenon exists in an intact organism and if certain markers can be used to discern biological effects.

We have evaluated the responses of various cells to different forms of vitamin E. Most recently we have observed a cellular "stress" response to only certain forms of vitamin E. This will be confirmed in a genetic model lacking this response (i.e., CHOP -/- mouse cells). We hope to use this response to evaluate susceptible cells in vivo.

The potential impact of our work focuses on the health benefits of dietary supplements. We have shown clear biological responses to potential dietary ingredients that have not been recognized before. High tocotrienol corn has been reported but the assessment of its potential biological effects have not been performed. Our studies provide potential markers to investigate.

Robert S. Parker (Cornell University)