Quantum chemical and magnetic resonance studies on interaction of α-tocopherol with phospholipids

Abstract

α-tocopherol constitutes the major component of Vitamin E and is most active in preventing lipid peroxidation in biological membranes. The interaction of α-tocopherol with phospholipid molecules has been investigated by the quantum chemical POLO method. The results indicate that the hydroxyl group of α-tocopherol is involved in binding with the phosphate group of the phospholipid through intermolecular hydrogen bonding. Experimental studies using proton and phosphorus-31 NMR spectroscopy have also been carried out on the binding of α-tocopherol with the phospholipid DPPC, and the results obtained are in agreement with those from the theoretical studies.