α-Tocopherol rescues lipid-induced impairment of autophagy via mTOR/ULK1 signaling in macrophages

findings suggest that α-TOC reduces lipid accumulation and inhibits foam cell formation in macrophages by enhancing autophagic activity in association with reduced mTOR phosphorylation and increased ULK1 Ser555 phosphorylation. This study provides mechanistic insights into the potential anti-atherosclerotic effects of α-TOC at the cellular level, offering a theoretical basis for its further investigation as a therapeutic candidate for atherosclerosis.