Ascorbic Acid Group Research Articles

Prophylactic Effect of Cyperus Esculentus Milk on High Dose Acetaminophen Model of Hepatic Toxicity in Wistar Rats

Cyperus esculentus is a wholesome nut with notable nutritional and medicinal benefits. This study investigated the prophylactic impact of Cyperus esculentus milk extract (CE) on high dose acetaminophen (APAP)-induced liver impairment in experimental rats. Thirty rats weighing between 180-200 g were randomly distributed into 6 groups (n=5). Groups 1 (control given only distilled water) and 2 (negative control given APAP) were without treatment, while rats in groups 3, 4, 5 and 6 were orally administered 8.57 mg ascorbic acid, 100 mg/kg, 200 mg/kg and 400 mg/kg of body weight CE respectively for 21 days. On the 22nd day of the experiment, 1 g/kg body weight of acetaminophen was administered orally to rats in groups 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6. The serum and liver of sacrificed animals were collected for analyses. CE at selected doses appreciably prevented high dose acetaminophen-induced increase in serum activities (p<0.05) of alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), and concentration of malondialdehyde as seen in the untreated APAP control group. Decreased serum GST activity caused by acetaminophen in untreated group improved significantly (p<0.05) in CE treated groups which was comparable (p > 0.05) to ascorbic acid group. In the liver, acetaminophen decreased the activities of AST, ALT, ALP, however, increased concentration and activity of malondialdehyde and GST respectively (p < 0.05). Pre-administration of CE markedly prevented these effects in the liver of rats that were administered acetaminophen. The present study demonstrated C. esculentus milk extracts prevented hepatic damage caused by high dose acetaminophen in rats.
 Keywords: Acetaminophen, Cyperus esculentus, biomarkers, hepatoprotective.

Evaluation of the anti-oxidant effect of ascorbic acid on apoptosis and proliferation of germinal epithelium cells of rat testis following malathion-induced toxicity.

Objective(s):The aim of this study was to determine the protective role of ascorbic acid on apoptosis and proliferation of spermatogonia and primary spermatocyte cells after malathion administration as an organophosphate pesticide in rat testis.Materials and Methods:Thirty male Wistar rats were randomly divided into five groups of 6 rats each, including control (no intervention), sham (normal saline 0.09%), malathion (50 mg/kg), malathion plus ascorbic acid (50 mg/kg and 200 mg/kg, respectively), and ascorbic acid (200 mg/kg) groups. Malathion and ascorbic acid were administrated via intraperitoneal injection once per day and seven times per week. After 6 weeks, animals were sacrificed, and testis tissue was used for evaluation of apoptosis and proliferation of germinal epithelium cells using the TUNEL and PCNA staining techniques. Results:The results of TUNEL staining showed that the numbers of apoptotic cells in spermatogonia and primary spermatocyte cells were significantly increased in the malathion 50 mg/kg group vs control group (P<0.001). Co-administration of malathion 50 mg/kg and ascorbic acid 200 mg/kg significantly decreased the apoptotic cells in both cell types in comparison with malathion 50 mg/kg group (P<0.001). The results of PCNA staining revealed that the proliferation of these cells was significantly decreased in malathion 50 mg/kg group vs control group (P<0.001), and malathion 50 mg/kg plus ascorbic acid 200 mg/kg administration increased the proliferation of cells compared with malathion 50 mg/kg group (P<0.001).Conclusion:The results provide evidence that ascorbic acid showed preventive effects on malathion-induced toxicity in male rat testis.

The Radioprotective Effect of Ascorbic Acid and Kefir against Genotoxicity Induced by Exposure in Mice Blood Lymphocytes

The aim of this research was to determine how coadministration of ascorbic acid prior to the beginning of X-irradiation influences the lymphocyte DNA damage and also if the kefir supplementation to irradiated mice may alter the recovery procedure of lymphocyte genetic material injury. Following treatment of animals with these agents, the whole-body of mice were irradiated to 6 MV X-rays, then genotoxicity activity was investigated by comet assay. Our results show that the Total Comet Score (TCS) value was 1.39 and 1.5 fold less in the kefir and ascorbic acid groups respectively the following irradiation than in the irradiated mice only. Coadministration of ascorbic acid and kefir with 2 h, before relatively to 2 Gy radiation decreased DNA damage in lymphocyte blood cells. The antioxidant strength of ascorbic acid and kefir were investigated by the study of the 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging properties and also ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) assay. Our results revealed that ascorbic acid and kefir show strong antioxidant activity by these methods. According to these results, it seems that ascorbic acid and kefir, as a free radical scavenging capacitiy, protect animal lymphocyte blood cells from radiation-induced DNA injury and genotoxicity.

High dose vitamin C significantly reduces the nephrotoxicity of vancomycin in critically ill patients

To observe the changes of renal function in critically ill patients using vancomycin and analyze the renal protective effect of high dose vitamin C (VC) on vancomycin nephrotoxicity. Retrospective analysis was carried out to enroll the patients who were hospitalized in emergency intensive care unit (ICU) of Ruijin Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine from January 2012 to October 2019. All patients were administered with vancomycin or VC infusion in addition. According to the infusion of vancomycin alone or in combination with VC, the patients were divided into vancomycin group and vancomycin in combination with VC group; vancomycin group was further divided into two groups according to before vancomycin or after vancomycin usage; combination group were further divided into two groups according to before VC use or after VC. The initial dosage of vancomycin was calculated according to the actual weight of the patient and adjusted according to the renal function. The dosage of VC was determined according to the disease severity of the patient, and the dosage range was 50-200 mg×kg-1×d-1, continuously infused into the body. The age, gender, weight and renal function etc. were recorded and analyzed. A total of 245 patients who met the requirements were included in the analysis. There were 127 patients in the vancomycin group and 118 patients in the combination group. The causes of patients admitted to ICU were pulmonary infection, sepsis, severe acute pancreatitis, etc. Among them, pulmonary infection accounted for 63.0% in vancomycin group, while severe acute pancreatitis accounted for 61.9% in combination group. The quick sequential organ failure assessment (qSOFA) score of combination group was significantly higher than that of vancomycin group [1.0 (0, 1.0) vs. 0 (0, 0.2), P < 0.01], its basic renal function was also significantly worse [serum creatinine (SCr, μmol/L): 98.0 (65.0, 178.2) vs. 56.0 (42.2, 71.0), blood urea nitrogen (BUN, mmol/L): 11.30 (6.48, 18.38) vs. 4.70 (3.45, 8.10), both P < 0.05], and the average daily dose of vancomycin was also significantly lower than that of vancomycin group (mg×kg-1×d-1: 23.0±9.4 vs. 26.6±8.5, P < 0.01). Compared with vancomycin before administration, the renal function was getting worse significantly after vancomycin administration [SCr (μmol/L): 68.0 (50.2, 104.5) vs. 56.0 (42.2, 71.0), BUN (mmol/L): 5.35 (3.75, 9.83) vs. 4.70 (3.45, 8.10), both P < 0.05]. Combination with VC significantly improved renal function compared with that before VC treatment [SCr (μmol/L): 79.0 (58.0, 129.0) vs. 98.0 (65.0, 178.2), P < 0.05; BUN (mmol/L): 9.60 (6.10, 18.30) vs. 11.30 (6.48, 18.38), P > 0.05] and shortened the length of ICU stay [days: 28.5 (14.8, 54.2) vs. 37.0 (25.0, 55.0), P < 0.01]. The incidence of drug-induced renal injury caused by vancomycin is high. Intravenous high dose VC can significantly reduce the nephrotoxicity of vancomycin and shorten the length of hospital stay. When vancomycin is used in critically ill patients, VC can be used in combination to reduce or avoid drug-induced renal injury, improve curative effect and reduce toxic effects.

Vitamin C ameliorated cardiac autonomic neuropathy in type 2 diabetic rats.

BACKGROUNDVitamin C (VC) is a common antioxidant with cell protection potentials. However, its possible protective effect on cardiac autonomic nerves from diabetic induced insults is yet to be explored.AIMTo investigate the effects of VC on diabetic cardiac autonomic neuropathy.METHODSThirty male Wistar rats were equally grouped into control, diabetic and diabetic + VC. Type 2 diabetes was induced with fructose diet and alloxan. VC (1 g/kg) was administered for 4 wk via oral canula. Blood pressure and heart rate were measured non-invasively using tail flick blood pressure monitor. Spectral analysis of heart rate variability (HRV) was used to assess cardiac autonomic neuropathy. Blood was collected from the ocular sinus for biochemical analysis. Urethane (1 g/kg-ip) was used for anaesthesia prior to HRV and cervical dislocation to harvest hearts. Intracardiac autonomic nerve was assessed using tyrosine hydroxylase immunohistochemistry on fixed heart sections.RESULTSResults were analysed using ANOVA at α0.05. Unlike VC and control groups, diabetic rats showed significantly (P < 0.0001) reduced HRV, increased heart-rate and blood pressure, initial increase in cardiac tyrosine hydroxylase activities at week-2 and sparse activity at week-4 of diabetes. Furthermore, apolipoprotein B, Oxidative stress and inflammatory markers were significantly (P < 0.01) reduced in VC treated rats.CONCLUSIONVC possesses cardio-autonomic nerve protective potential and ameliorates the symptoms of cardiac autonomic neuropathy in type 2 diabetes. The possible mechanisms via which VC exert these effects may be via downregulation of oxidative stress, inflammation and apolipoprotein B.

SUN-032 Investigation of endotoxin cumulation in kidney tissue of rats with experimental sepsis model and the protective effect of ascorbic acid in the same model

The aim of this study was to evaluate the renal histopathology and to investigate the protective effect of ascorbic acid in rats with sepsis model. 24 young male Albino Wistar rats were divided into 4 groups (n = 6): Control (C), Ascorbic acid (AA), Lipopolysaccharide (LPS), Ascorbic acid-treated LPS group (AALPS). All groups were fed ad libitum. The AA and AALPS group were given 150 mg/kg ascorbic acid (Abdi İbrahim® Pharmaceutical Ind., Istanbul, Turkey) by gavage for 3 days. On the third day, 4 mg/kg intraperitoneal LPS (Escherichia Coli [E.coli] O 111: B4 from Sigma Aldrich) was administered to the LPS and AALPS groups 2 hours after the last dose of ascorbic acid; C and ASA groups received intraperitoneal 4 ml of physiological saline. After 6 hours, the animals' abdomens were opened under abdominal anaesthesia (Xylazine HCl 5 mg/kg and Ketamine HCl 35mg / kg) and blood samples were taken from their hearts for biochemical analysis. The kidneys were then removed and placed in 4% formaldehyde solution for light microscope (LM) and 3% glutaraldehyde solution for electron microscope (EM). Biochemistry assays: CRP, NGAL, TNFα, Presepsin (SinoGeneClon Biotech, Hangzhou, China) were examined in serum and tissue, Creatinine, Phosphorus, Ca, Cl, K, Na, Uric acid, Urea in serum. Histopathological evaluation was performed by Hematoxylin-eosin staining on an LM, uranyl acetate and pure lead citrate staining on an EM and Anti-E. coli LPS antibody (1∶100, Abcam, Cambridge, UK) on immunohistochemistry (IHC). Statistical analysis was performed by One Way Anova test and Kruskal-Wallis method using SPSS v22.0. Biochemical results are summarized in Table 1 and 2. CRP, Presepsin, NGAL, TNFα, creatinine, urea, phosphorus, calcium, chloride, potassium values showed a significant difference between the groups. LM: Histopathological examination revealed normal renal tissue in LM in the C and AA groups (Fig. 1 A). In the LPS group in LM increased blood flow in the cortical layer, loss of normal histological appearance and excessive dilation of the proximal and distal tubules are observed (Fig. 1 B; C). LPS IHC staining showed a no staining in C and AA group (Fig 2 A; C), but in LPS group increase of LPS expression in the tubular basement membrane (Fig 2 B). However, the AALPS group were showed minimal LPS expression and LM changes than LPS group (Fig. 2 D and Fig 1 D ). EM: Normal EM is observed in the C and AA group (Fig. 3A; B; Fig 4 A; B). Significant changes were made in capillary loops, endothelial basement membranes, and podocytes in ultrastructural images from the LPS group. All three layers of the basement membranes have lost their boundaries (Fig. 5 A, B and C white arrow). Mitochondrial cristae smoothing and growth in the volume of lysosomes are repeated in many endothelial cells (Fig.5 D red arrow). The most striking feature is the presence of lymphocytes (Fig.5 E white arrow). AA LPS group have weak swelling, weak hydrophilic degeneration was observed in the tissues compared with the LPS group (Figure 6A is marked with a red arrow 6B normal IV type collagen). In our study, a sepsis model was formed in accordance with the literature and the protective effect of ascorbic acid was observed in the AALPS group. Endotoxemia causes serious damage to kidney tissue. These changes may be due to renal hypoperfusion and the direct toxic effect of endotoxin.

Effect of Stem Cells, Ascorbic Acid and SERCA1a Gene Transfected Stem Cells in Experimentally Induced Type I Diabetic Myopathy.

Background and ObjectivesSarco/endoplasmic reticulum Ca2＋-ATPase (SERCA) inhibition was proved in streptozotocin (STZ)-diabetic rats. The present study aimed at investigating and comparing the therapeutic effect of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMMSCs), BMMSCs combined with ascorbic acid (AA) and SERCA1a gene transfected BMMSCs in induced type I diabetic myopathy of male albino rat.Methods and Results54 rats were divided into donor group of 6 rats for isolation, propagation and characterization of BMMSCs and SERCA1a transfected BMMSCs, groups I∼V 48 rats. Group I of 8 control rats, group II (Diabetic) of 10 rats given STZ 50 mg/kg intraperitoneal, group III (BMMSCs) of 10 rats given STZ and BMMSCs intravenous (IV), group IV (BMMSCs and AA) of 10 rats given STZ, BMMSCs IV and AA 500 mg/kg and group V (SERCA 1a transfected BMMSCs) of 10 rats given STZ and SERCA1a transfected BMMSCs IV. The rats were sacrificed after 8 weeks. Gastrocnemius specimens were subjected to biochemical, histological, morphometric and statistical studies. Diabetic rats revealed inflammatory and degenerative muscle changes, a significant increase in blood glucose level, mean DNA fragmentation and mean MDA values and a significant decrease in mean GSH and catalase values, area of pale nuclei, area% of CD105 and CD34 ＋ve cells, SERCA1a protein and gene values. The morphological changes regressed by therapy. In group III significant decrease in DNA fragmentation and MDA, significant increase in GSH and catalase, significant increase in the mean area of pale nuclei, area % of CD105 and CD34 ＋ve cells versus diabetic group. In group IV, same findings as group III versus diabetic and BMMSCs groups. In group V, same findings as group IV versus diabetic and treated groups. Western blot and PCR proved a mean value of SERCA1a protein and gene comparable to the control group. Mean calcium concentration values revealed a significant increase in the diabetic group, in BMMSCs and AA group versus control and SERCA1a group.ConclusionsSERCA1a transfected BMMSCs proved a definite therapeutic effect, more remarkable than BMMSCs combined with AA. This effect was evidenced histologically and confirmed by significant changes in the biochemical tests indicating oxidative stress, muscle calcium concentration, morphometric parameters and PCR values of SERCA1a.

Application turmeric as antioxidant for broiler chickens

The purpose of this study was to test the activity of turmeric as an antioxidant which is believed to be a traditional Indonesian medicine as an antioxidant therapy in broiler chickens. The study was carried out with a completely randomized design (CRD) using 100 broiler chickens distributed into 3 treatments with 5 replications and 5 each replicate. The treatments are control, commercial feed, ascorbic acid group (commercial feed and addition of ascorbic acid 60 mg per day) and turmeric group (commercial feed and addition of turmeric dose 500 mg per kg body weight. Data were analysed using variance analysis (ANOVA) and continued with Duncan’s multiple range analysis. The result shows that addition of ascorbic acid 60 mg per tail per day and turmeric 500 mg per kg was not able to increase the bodyweight gain of chicken with 30 days maintenance but were able to increase the composition of the meat in the chest and thighs and reduce the total cholesterol level of broilers.

Modulatory Role of Gallic Acid and Vitamin C on Amoxicillin/Clavulanic Acid Combination Induced Hepatotoxicity in Adult Albino Rats

Amoxicillin/ Clavulanate (AC) combination has become one of the antibiotics most widely prescribed used in the treatment of several bacterial infections, might be associated with liver injury. This study was aimed to investigate amoxicillin/clavulanic acid induced hepatotoxicity and the modulatory effect of gallic acid (GA)/ vitamin C (VTC) individually and in combination on oxidative stress-related liver damage. Sixty-four male albino rats were randomly separated into eight groups; negative control; GA group; VTC group; GA +VTC group; AC- treated group; AC + GA- treated group; AC + VTC treated group & AC+ GA + VTC treated group. A twice daily dose of AC (31.83 mg/kg) and a single daily dose of both GA (60 mg/kg) and VTC (200 mg/kg/day) were introduced to rats orally for 7 consecutive days. The serum levels of aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) were significantly increased and upregulation of caspase-3 protein in rats treated with AC. Hepatic contents of malondialdehyde (MDA) were markedly increased following AC administration but produced a significant decrease in the levels of reduced glutathione (GSH) and glutathione-S-transferase (GST) along with downregulated the expression of the hemeoxygenase-1 gene (HMOX-1). These findings were in accordance with the histopathological findings. Co-administration of GA and/or VTC along with AC to rats reduced liver injury, oxidative stress, apoptosis and histopathological alterations. So, we concluded that GA and VTC pose a positive modulatory effect against AC induced hepatotoxicity.

Ascorbic acid and curcumin alleviate abnormal estrous cycle and morphological changes in cells induced by repeated ultraviolet B radiations in female Wistar rats

Objective: To study the protective effect of ascorbic acid and curcumin against the abnormal estrous cycle and morphological changes in cells induced by repeated ultraviolet B (UVB) radiation in female Wistar rats.Methods: Sixteen female sexually mature Wistar rats weighing 130-150 g and aged 12-16 weeks were randomly divided into four groups. The control group received normal food and water ad libitum. The UVB group was exposed to a dose of 280 nm of UVB radiation for 2 h daily. The UVB+curcumin group received a dose of 280 nm of UVB radiation for 2 h daily and also an oral dose of curcumin (25 mg/kg body weight) daily. The UVB+ascorbic acid group received a dose of 280 nm of UVB radiation for 2 h daily and also an oral dose of ascorbic acid (250 mg/kg body weight) daily. All the treatments last for 15 consecutive days. Body and ovary weight and gonadosomatic index were measured. The stages (proestrus, estrus, metaestrus and diestrus) of the estrous cycle were determined by the cell types observed in the vaginal smear.Results: UVB radiation caused irregular alterations on the estrous cycle and morphological changes of the female Wistar rat as compared with the control group. Ascorbic acid and curcumin protected UVB-induced estrous phases and their cells. But curcumin showed greater protection than ascorbic acid.Conclusions: Ascorbic acid and curcumin at low doses can alleviate abnormal estrous cycle and morphological changes in cells induced by UVB radiations in female Wistar rats.

Possiple Protective Role of Ascorbic Acid on Ethanol Induced Testicular Toxicity in Male Albino Rats

Background: Exposure to ethanol results in many pathophysiologic changes in the function of the reproductive system caused by the alcohol itself and the effects of its metabolism in recurrent use. Ascorbic acid is a powerful antioxidant that can neutralize harmful compounds and potentiate the antioxidant capacity. Aim: this study was aimed to evaluate the protective effects of ascorbic acid against testicular changes caused by ethanol in adult male albino rats. Materials and Methods: Forty adult male rats were randomly distributed into four groups treated for 63 consecutive days, control group: was treated with distilled water only orally by gastric tube. Ascorbic acid group: was treated with ascorbic acid (100 mg/day/rat) dissolved in distilled water (dilution 50%), once daily orally by gastric tube. Ethanol group: was treated with ethanol (0.7g/kg) dissolved in distilled water (dilution 50% ), once daily orally by gastric tube. Ethanol and ascorbic acid group: was treated with ethanol and ascorbic acid in the same previous doses orally by gastric tube. At the end of the study, rats were weighed then blood samples were obtained from each group to estimate the level of testosterone. Then the rats were sacrificed. The testes were dissected and weighed then used for evaluation of oxidative parameters (GSH and MDA), histopathological examination of testes by light and electron microscope. Results: Concomitant administration of ascorbic acid with ethanol resulted in a highly significant rise in body weight, with increase in mean testosterone level but this rise was insignificant, there was a highly significant decrease in MDA level and there was a highly significant increase in GSH level. Regarding histopathological results in the group of ascorbic acid with ethanol showed improvement in all histopathological changes induced by ethanol. As regard ultrastructure changes, microscopic examination in ethanol group revealed thickening of basement membrane, mitochondrial changes, degenerated spermatid, with decrease in the sperm count results which were improved in the group of ascorbic acid with ethanol. Conclusion: oral administration of ethanol daily for 63 consecutive days in adult albino rats caused various testicular lesions which were significantly reduced with combined administration of ascorbic acid as antioxidant

Electrospun wound dressing as a promising tool for the therapeutic delivery of ascorbic acid and caffeine.

Aim: The aim of this work is to formulate a wound dressing for the delivery of ascorbic acid and caffeine. Method: A wound dressing was developed from electrospun nanofiber containing ascorbic acid and caffeine. In vitro drug release was performed at 25°C and 32°C. Wound healing activity of the nanofiber mats wastested in vivo using rat model with skin excision. Antifungal activity of the dressing was tested on Candida albicans using the disc diffusion method. Results & conclusion: Zone of inhibition was 6.7mm for caffeine dressing; however, inhibition zone increased to 16.7mm for samples containing both caffeine and ascorbic acid. Animals treated with ascorbic acid showed collagen deposition and very few fibroblast cells. Blood vessels and fibroblasts were increased in caffeine-loaded dressings compared with the ascorbic acid group. The findings of the present work suggest the benefits of topical ascorbic acid and caffeine for its high wound healing effects.

Deleterious Effect of Maternal administration of Acrylamide on Lung Development and the Prospective Effect of Ascorbic Acid: Pertinent Role of Serum Endocan

Introduction: Acrylamide (ACR) is an environmental pollutant that is present in surrounding environment and Western-style carbohydrate-rich foodstuff and tobacco smoke.Aim of the Study: The aim of the study was to assess the potential histological changes in the lung of nascent rats as a consequence to maternal ACR administration and the possible protective role of ascorbic acid (ASA) in rat offspring.Materials and Methods: Pregnant rats were randomly assigned into four groups, negative control group, ASA group (100 mg/kg/day), ACR group (10 mg/kg/day) and ACR+ASA group. Ten pups from each group were sacrificed. Biochemical, histological and morphometric techniques were used to determine the effect of ACR and ASA on lung development in the offspring on postnatal days (PND) 2 and 21.Results: The results showed that ACR administration during gestational and lactation periods significantly increased the serum endocan and the lung malondialdehyde (MDA) but decreased the lung reduced glutathione (GSH) along with severe histopathological changes proved ultra-structurally. Morphometric results revealed significant increase thickness in interalveolar septa among ACR group. Concurrent administration of ASC with ACR during gestation period attenuated most of the cytoarchitecture alterations of the developing lungs.Conclusion: Maternal administration of acrylamide resulted in harmful impact on the lung histological structure of rat's offspring through its oxidative stress and inflammatory mechanisms. Co-administration of ASA along with ACR can ameliorate this deleterious impact through its antioxidant and anti- inflammatory properties

Comparing the efficacy of Myjet-assisted tranexamic acid and vitamin C in treating melasma: A split-face controlled trial.

Melasma is a benign and chronic hypermelanosis characterized by irregular light brown to dark brown patches of hyperpigmentation on the skin. Oral tranexamic acid (TA) or vitamin C (VC) supplementation has been one treatment choice. TA interferes with keratinocyte-melanocyte interactions, and VC functions by reducing melanin production resulting in skin rejuvenation and whitening. The aim of the present study was to compare the efficacy and safety of Myjet assisted transdermal injection of TA vs VC in the treatment of melasma. In this split-face controlled trial, 17 patients were randomized to receive eight weekly transdermal injections of TA or VC via Myjet either on the right or the left side of their face. MASI was measured from each side of the face at the baseline, at the middle, and at the end of treatment. A reduction in MASI was observed for TA and VC separately (P value<0.05). The difference in efficacy between TA and VC group was not statistically significant (P value 0.05). Both treatments were well tolerated, with no serious adverse events reported. Weekly TA or VC transdermal injections can be an effective treatment for melasma. Further studies are required to validate these findings.

Effects of Feeding Different Postbiotics Produced by Lactobacillus plantarum on Growth Performance, Carcass Yield, Intestinal Morphology, Gut Microbiota Composition, Immune Status, and Growth Gene Expression in Broilers under Heat Stress.

Simple SummaryHeat stress is a serious issue in commercial broiler production in hot and humid countries, including Malaysia. Exposure of broilers to heat stress affects their health and productivity. In this context, antibiotics are widely used at sub-therapeutic levels as growth promoters to reduce stress and infectious diseases in order to sustain productivity in commercial broiler farms. However, the extensive use of antibiotics as growth promoters for a long time leads to the development of antibiotic-resistant bacteria and the possibility of antibiotic-resistant genes being transferred among organisms. Recently, postbiotics produced by Lactobacillus plantarum have been widely studied as a feed additive in order to replace in-feed antibiotics. However, to date, no studies have investigated the role of postbiotics in feed for broilers under heat stress.The effects of feeding different postbiotics on growth performance, carcass yield, intestinal morphology, gut microbiota, immune status, and growth hormone receptor (GHR) and insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) gene expression in broilers under heat stress were assessed in this study. A total of 252 one-day-old male broiler chicks (Cobb 500) were randomly assigned in cages in identical environmentally controlled chambers. During the starter period from 1 to 21 days, all the birds were fed the same basal diet. On day 22, the birds were weighed and randomly divided into six treatment groups and exposed to cyclic high temperature at 36 ± 1 °C for 3 h per day from 11:00 to 14:00 until the end of the experiment. From day 22 to 42 (finisher period), an equal number of birds were subjected to one of the following diets: NC (negative control) basal diet; PC (positive control) basal diet + 0.02% oxytetracycline; or AA (ascorbic acid) basal diet + 0.02% ascorbic acid. The other three groups (RI11, RS5 and UL4) were basal diet + 0.3% different postbiotics (produced from different Lactobacillus plantarum strains, and defined as RI11, RS5 and UL4, respectively). The results demonstrated that birds fed RI11 diets had significantly higher final body weight, total weight gain and average daily gain than the birds that received the NC, PC and AA treatments. The feed conversion ratio was significantly higher in the RI11 group compared with the other groups. Carcass parameters were not affected by the postbiotic-supplemented diet. Postbiotic supplementation improved villi height significantly in the duodenum, jejunum and ileum compared to the NC, PC and AA treatments. The crypt depth of the duodenum and ileum was significantly higher in NC group compared to other treatment groups except RI11 in duodenum, and UL4 in ileum was not different with NC groups. The villus height to crypt depth ratio of duodenum and ileum was significantly higher for the postbiotic treatment groups and AA than the PC and NC treatment groups. The postbiotic RI11 group recorded significantly higher caecum total bacteria and Lactobacillus count and lower Salmonella count compared to the NC and PC treatment groups. The Bifidobacterium population in the NC group was significantly lower compared to the other treatment groups. The postbiotic (RI11, RS5 and UL4) and AA treatment groups showed lower Enterobacteriaceae and E. coli counts and caecal pH than the NC and PC treatment groups. The plasma immunoglobulin M (IgM) level was significantly higher in the birds receiving postbiotic RI11 than those receiving other treatments. The plasma immunoglobulin G (IgG) level was higher in the RI11 treatment group than in the NC, AA and RS5 groups. The plasma immunoglobulin A (IgA) level was not affected by postbiotic supplements. The hepatic GHR mRNA expression level was significantly increased in birds fed postbiotics RI11, RS5 and UL4, AA and PC compared to the NC-fed birds. Postbiotic RI11 led to significantly higher hepatic IGF-1 mRNA expression level compared to the NC, PC, and AA treatments. Mortality was numerically lesser in the postbiotic treatment groups, but not significantly different among all the treatments. In conclusion, among the postbiotics applied in the current study as compared with NC, PC and AA, RI11 could be used as a potential alternative antibiotic growth promoter and anti-stress treatment in the poultry industry.

High dose vitamin C inhibits proliferation of breast cancer cells through reducing glycolysis and protein synthesis

To investigate the effects of high dose vitamin C (VC) on proliferation of breast cancer cells and to explore its mechanisms. Human breast cancer cells Bcap37 and MDA-MB-453 were treated with VC at low dose (0.01 mmol/L), medium dose (0.10 mmol/L) and high dose (2.00 mmol/L). Cell proliferation was determined with CCK-8 assay, protein expression was evaluated by Western blot, and the secretion of lactic acid in tumor cells was detected by colorimetric method. Bcap37 cells were inoculated in nude mice, and tumor baring nude mice were intraperitoneally injected with high VC(4 g/kg, VC group, n=5)or normal saline (control group, n=5) for 24 d. Tumor weight and body weight were calculated. In vitro experiments demonstrated that high dose VC significantly inhibited cell proliferation in Bcap37 and MDA-MB-453 cells (all P<0.01); the expressions of Glut1 and mTOR signaling pathway-related proteins were decreased (all P<0.05); and the secretion of lactic acid was also markedly reduced (all P<0.05). In vivo experiment showed that the tumor weight was decreased in mice treated with high-dose VC as compared with control group (P<0.05), but no difference in body weights between two groups was observed. High dose VC may inhibit proliferation of breast cancer cells both in vitro and in vivo through reducing glycolysis and protein synthesis.

Comparing the protective effect of ascorbic acid and sodium bicarbonate in the prevention of acute renal complication after cardiac surgery using cardiopulmonary bypass

Background: Many methods have been used to prevent acute postoperative renal complication in cardiac surgery, with various results. The purpose of the present study was to compare ascorbic acid versous isotonic sodium bicarbonate in the prevention of acute postoperative renal complication in adult cardiac surgery using cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB). Methods: In a clinical trial, 150 adult patients scheduled for elective cardiac surgery using CPB, enrolled to this study in three ascorbic acid, sodium bicarbonate and placebo groups (each group=50). During surgery, 1000 ml of normal saline was infused in a 2 hours period that contain ascorbic acid 500mg, sodium bicarbonate 8.4% 75 ml or saline alone, respectively. Invasive hemodynamic and urinary output monitoring was done intra and post-operatively. An increase more than 0.5mg/dl or more than 25% in basic plasma creatinine (Cr) or decrease more than 25% in basic glomerular filtration rate (GFR), was considered as acute kidney injury (AKI). An increase or decrease of more than 50% in basic Cr or GFR, respectively, was considered as acute renal failure (ARF). Data were analyzed using X2, student t-test and ANOVA tests. Results: AKI and ARF were occurred in 36 and 9 patients, respectively (P=0.043 and P=0.001, respectively), those were lesser in ascorbic acid group The renal protective effect of the ascorbic acid occurred for longer period than bicarbonate. Conclusion: Comparing to sodium bicarbonate and placebo groups, ascorbic acid is more effective in prevention of the acute postoperative renal complication in adult cardiac surgery using CPB.

INFLUENCE OF DIETARY VITAMIN C SUPPLEMENTATION ON GROWTH PERFORMANCE, BLOOD BIOCHEMICAL PARAMETERS AND TRANSCRIPT LEVELS OF HEAT SHOCK PROTEINS IN HIGH STOCKING DENSITY REARED BROILER CHICKENS

This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of dietary supplementation of different levels of vitamin C (VC) in broiler chicken reared under high stocking density on the growth performance, blood biochemical parameters and the expression of heat shock protein genes. A total of 150, one day old mixed sex broiler chicks (Cobb 500) were randomly distributed in five equal groups. Group1 was reared in normal stocking density (10.6 birds/m2) and fed on the basal diet (BD) without VC (control). While, chicks in other groups (2, 3, 4 and 5) reared in high stocking density (15.6 birds/m2) and fed on BD supplemented with VC at 0, 200, 400 and 600 mg / kg diet, respectively. Birds reared in high stocking density showed a reduction of the final body weight and total feed intake, with high mortality (6.6%). Moreover, they revealed a significant up-regulation of HSP70 mRNA and elevated HSP90 and HSF1 mRNA expression in heart and liver tissue. Graded dietary levels of VC provided variable protection against the hazard of high density through improved final body weight and total feed intake, decreased the mortality % and downregulated liver HSP70 expression level. However, the best performance was observed in birds supplemented with 200 mg/kg VC (group 3).Key words: chicks' growth performance; gene expression; stocking density; vitamin C

Antifertility Effect of Inhaled Cannabis Sativa on Male Wistar Rats

A total of forty (40) male wistar rats randomly divided into four groups of ten (10) rats per group were used for this work. Group 1 served as the control and was treated with distilled water, group 2 was the low dose group (exposed to cannabis smoke for 5minutes daily), group 3 was the high dose group (exposed to cannabis smoke for 10minutes daily) and group 4 was the high dose + ascorbic acid group (exposed to cannabis smoke for 10 minutes and orally gavaged with ascorbic acid at 2.8mg/kg body weight daily). The rats were weighed weekly and the administration lasted for 28days. The animals were sacrificed on the 29th day and blood was collected by means of cardiac puncture. Serum was obtained for hormonal assay. The result showed a significant increase in the body weight (p>0.05) in the high dose group compared to low dose and high dose + ascorbic acid group, while the control group recorded the least body weight gained. There was significant decrease in testicular weight (p>0.05) in the experimental groups compared to the control group. Prolactin level was significantly increased (p>0.05) in the high dose group compared to the other groups. Estradiol level was significantly decreased (p>0.05) in the high dose group compared to the other groups. Testosterone level was significantly increased (p>0.05) in the high dose + ascorbic acid group compared to the other groups. Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH) level was significantly increased (p>0.05) in the high dose and high dose + ascorbic acid group compared to the other two groups. Luteinizing Hormone (LH) level increased significantly (p>0.05) in the control and high dose groups compared to the other two groups. From this result, it can therefore be concluded that cannabis sativa decreases testicular weight, estradiol and testosterone level and increases body weight, FSH, LH and prolactin level in male wistar rats. Also that ascorbic acid (vitamin c) was able to ameliorate some of these effects.

Effects of ascorbic acid treatment on developmental alterations in calcium-binding proteins and gamma-aminobutyric acid transporter 1 in the cerebellum of lead-exposed rats during pregnancy and lactation.

In the present study, we investigated the effects of lead (Pb) and ascorbic acid co-administration on rat cerebellar development. Female rats were randomly divided into the following groups: control, Pb, and Pb plus ascorbic acid (PA) groups. From one week prior to mating, female rats were administered Pb (0.3% Pb acetate in drinking water) and ascorbic acid (100 mg/kg, oral intubation). The chemical administration was stopped on postnatal day 21 when the morphology of the offspring's cerebellum is similar to that of the adult brain. The blood Pb level was significantly increased following long-term Pb exposure. Ascorbic acid reduced Pb levels in the dams and offspring. Nissl staining demonstrated that the number of Purkinje cells was significantly reduced following Pb exposure, while ascorbic acid ameliorated this effect in the cerebellum of the offspring. Calcium-binding proteins, such as calbindin, calretinin, and parvalbumin were commonly expressed in Purkinje cells, and Pb exposure and ascorbic acid treatment resulted in similar patterns of change, namely Pb-induced impairment and ascorbic acid-mediated amelioration. The gamma-aminobutyric acid transporter 1 (GABAT1) is expressed in the pinceau structure where the somata of Purkinje cells are entwined in inhibitory synapses. The number of GABAT1-immunoreactive synapses was reduced following Pb exposure, and ascorbic acid co-treatment prevented this effect in the cerebellar cortex. Therefore, it can be concluded that ascorbic acid supplementation to mothers during gestation and lactation may have potential preventive effects against Pb-induced impairments in the developing cerebellum via protection of inhibitory neurons and synapses.