Data on dietary exposure to
vitamin E by plasma or adipose tissue concentrations of
alpha-tocopherol (alpha-T) in observational studies have failed to provide consistent support for the idea that alpha-T provides women with any protection from
breast cancer. In contrast, studies indicate that alpha, gamma, and delta-
tocotrienols but not alpha-T have potent anti-proliferative effects in human
breast cancer cells. Our aim was to investigate whether there was a difference in
tocopherol and
tocotrienol concentrations in malignant and benign adipose tissue, in a Malaysian population consuming predominantly a
palm oil diet. The study was undertaken using
fatty acid levels in breast adipose tissue as a
biomarker of qualitative dietary intake of
fatty acids. The major
fatty acids in breast adipose tissue of patients (benign and malignant) were
oleic acid (45-46%), palmitic (28-29%) and linoleic (11-12%). No differences were evident in the
fatty acid composition of the two groups. There was a significant difference (p=0.006) in the total
tocotrienol levels between malignant (13.7 +/- 6.0 microg/g) and benign (20+/-6.0 microg/g) adipose tissue samples. However, no significant differences were seen in the total
tocopherol levels (p=0.42) in the two groups. The study reveals that dietary intake influences adipose tissue
fatty acid levels and that adipose tissue is a dynamic reservoir of fat soluble nutrients. The higher adipose tissue concentrations of
tocotrienols in benign patients provide support for the idea that
tocotrienols may provide protection against
breast cancer.