Patient description: A 39-year-old man came to the clinic with cough and shortness of breath that was not relieved by his inhaler. He had these symptoms for 5 days during the past 2 weeks. He doubled his oral corticosteroids in the past week. He is a chef with a history of asthma for 3 years, suffering from frequent cough, wheezing, and shortness of breath and chest tightness. The symptoms become more bothersome within 1-2 hours of starting work every day and worsen throughout the work week. His symptoms improve within 1-2 hours outside the workplace. Spirometry was performed revealing a forced expiratory volume in the first second (FEV1) of 63% of the predicted. His past medical history is significant for seasonal allergic rhinitis in the summer. He doesn't smoke or use illicit drugs. His family history is significant for asthma in his father and sister. He currently uses inhaled corticosteroid (ICS) and fluticasone 500 mcg/salmeterol 50 mcg, one puff twice daily.

Clinical trial eligibility criteria: eligible ages (years): 18.0-50.0,  Asthma allergic asthmatic cohort Specific allergy to at least one of the following allergen preparations: (House Dust Mite f, House dust mite p, Cockroach, Tree mix, Grass Mix, Weed Mix, Mold Mix 1, Mold Mix 2, Rat, Mouse, Guinea Pig, Rabbit, Cat or Dog) confirmed by positive immediate skin test response Oxygen saturation of > 94 % at baseline Blood pressure within the following parameters (Systolic between 150 Diastolic between 100-60 mm Hg) Moderate or severe persistent asthma according to NHLBI definitions including history of one of the following: 1)Episodic wheezing, chest tightness or shortness of breath consistent with asthma occurring at least once a week that may affect activity;2)Asthma symptoms occurring at night or during sleep at least 1 time per week; 3)measured FEV1 or FVC is <80% of predicted; OR 4)physician diagnosed moderate or severe persistent asthma which is currently treated or controlled with maintenance medication including moderate or high dose inhaled corticosteroid, or any dose of inhaled corticosteroid and a long-acting inhaled B2-agonist healthy volunteer cohort Oxygen saturation > 94 % at baseline Blood pressure within the following parameters (Systolic between 150 Diastolic between 100-60 mm Hg)  Any chronic medical condition considered by the PI as a contraindication to receiving gamma tocopherol, including significant cardiovascular disease, diabetes requiring medication, chronic renal disease, chronic thyroid disease, kidney disease or coagulation defects Use of inhaled steroids, cromolyn or leukotriene inhibitors (montelukast or zafirlukast) which have been used for at least one month are allowed. Patients must be on a stable regimen of maintenance asthma therapy which has not changed in the past month prior to entrance into the study NSAID or ASA use within 48 hours of beginning the study, and inability to suspended use of these medications during the length of the study Use of anticoagulants including warfarin, heparin, or clopidogrel Diagnosis of anemia or abnormal blood counts at screening Pregnancy or nursing a baby. As this is a phase I study, the potential risk to a fetus cannot be justified Children will not be included in this study as the potential risk to a growing child cannot be justified Adults age 51 and older are excluded as the potential for concomitant illness in this population increases the risk for confounding the data Known vagal response to venipuncture Abnormal PT or PTT values at screening