Figure 1

Mechanistic action of tocotrienols in bone protection. Tocotrienols prevent the increase in expression of TNF-α and nitric oxide (NO) due to nicotine administration, oxidative stress and inflammation and thus prevent osteoclast formation. Tocotrienols also downregulate the expression of Receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa-B (RANK) and Receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa-B ligand (RANKL). Osteoporosis and glucocorticoids also decrease the calcium ion concentration in bone leading to bone desorption. Tocotrienols prevent the desorption of calcium ions from bone, thus increasing the bone strength. Tocotrienols also increase the expression of interleukin-8 (IL-8), IL-17, granulocyte colony stimulating factor (G-CSF) which in turn lead to the formation of bone osteoblasts.