Cellular mechanisms of vitamin E uptake: relevance in α-tocopherol metabolism and potential implications for disease

α-Tocopherol is an essential micronutrient involved in various oxidative stress-related processes. Because of its hydrophobic nature, α-tocopherol is transported in plasma lipoproteins, and the pathways involved in its cellular uptake are closely related to the lipoprotein metabolism. α-Tocopherol transfer from plasma to cells can occur by different mechanisms such as uptake facilitated by lipid transfer proteins and lipases, receptor-mediated lipoprotein endocytosis, and selective lipid uptake. Here we discuss recent progress in understanding the physiological and pathophysiological relevance of these different pathways for cellular uptake of vitamin E in vivo. This review is mainly focused on the role of the scavenger receptor class B type I (SR-BI) on α-tocopherol metabolism and its potential implications for disease conditions.