A pilot randomized clinical trial of γ-tocopherol supplementation on wood smoke–induced neutrophilic and eosinophilic airway inflammation

BACKGROUND: Air pollutants, including particulates from wood smoke, are a significant cause of exacerbation of lung disease. γ-Tocopherol is an anti-inflammatory isoform of vitamin E that has been shown to reduce allergen-, ozone-, and endotoxin-induced inflammation. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to determine whether γ-tocopherol would prevent experimental wood smoke–induced airway inflammation in humans. METHODS: This was a randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trial testing the effect of a short course of γ-tocopherol–enriched supplementation on airway inflammation following a controlled exposure to wood smoke particulates. RESULTS: Short-course γ-tocopherol intervention did not reduce wood smoke–induced neutrophilic airway inflammation, but it did prevent wood smoke–induced eosinophilic airway inflammation. CONCLUSION: γ-Tocopherol is a potential intervention for exacerbation of allergic airway inflammation, but further study examining longer dosing periods is required.