Ascorbic Acid Supplementation Research Articles

Effect of Vitamin C Supplementation on Serum Ascorbic Acid Level and Liver Function Profile in Healthy Individuals

This study was conducted to explore the effects of ascorbic acid supplementation on serum liver function tests in healthy individuals. A total of 200 subjects were selected randomly. 100 were given ascorbic acid supplementation for 30 days. The other 100 were not given ascorbic acid supplementation, and serum ascorbic acid level and liver function profile was observed before and after intake of ascorbic acid in group A and without intake in group B. The liver function parameters determined were aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), serum total bilirubin, direct bilirubin, indirect bilirubin and serum protein (total protein, albumin and globulin). These parameters along with serum ascorbic acid were measured before and 30 days after vitamin C supplementation. Various parameters of liver function profile were improved swiftly when compared to other group which was not given ascorbic acid supplementation. While comparing the two treatment groups for 30 days, statistically significant improvement was seen in serum ascorbic acid levels (p<0.001) along with improvement in some components of liver function profile such as serum ALT (p<0.01), AST (p<0.01), Total Bilirubin (p<0.01) and Direct bilirubin (p<0.001), Total Proteins (p<0.01) and Albumin (p<0.001) in group A as compared to Group B (without vitamin C supplementation intake). Conclusively, Liver Functions were significantly improved with vitamin C supplementation, giving the supportive evidence of the use of vitamin C as an antioxidant.

Ascorbic acid prevents N-nitrosodiethylamine-induced hepatic injury and hepatocarcinogenesis in Akr1a-knockout mice

To gain insights into the benefits of ascorbic acid (AsA) in hepatoprotection, we examined the status of Akr1a−/− (KO) mice, which biosynthesize AsA at about 10% the rate as Akr1a+/+ (WT) mice, in terms of their response to an N-nitrosodiethylamine (NDEA)-induced hepatic injury. The intraperitoneal injection of NDEA (35 mg/kg) started at 4 weeks of age and was performed at weekly intervals thereafter. While the fatality rate was substantial in the KO mice, AsA supplementation (1.5 mg/ml in the drinking water) greatly extended their life-spans. Only two out of 54 KO mice survived to 28 weeks, and both contained approximately an order of magnitude greater number of tumor nodules compared to WT mice or KO mice with AsA supplementation. Histological and biochemical examinations at 20 weeks indicated that AsA potently protected against the hepatotoxic action of NDEA. Interestingly, the AsA levels in the liver were higher in the AsA-supplemented KO mouse groups that had received the NDEA treatment compared to the corresponding control group. While the protein levels of Cyp2e1, an enzyme that plays a major role in the bioactivation of NDEA, had declined to a similar extent among the experimental groups, p-nitrophenol-oxidizing activity was sustained at high levels in the KO mouse livers but AsA supplementation suppressed this activity. These findings confirm that AsA is a potent micronutrient that copes with hepatic injury and cancer development caused by exposure to NDEA in the livers of Akr1a-knockout mice.

Radiation-induced gastrointestinal syndrome is exacerbated in vitamin C-insufficient SMP30/GNL knockout mice.

Accidental exposure to high-dose radiation causes life-threatening acute radiation syndrome, features that include gastrointestinal syndrome (GIS) and hematopoietic syndrome (HS). Administration of vitamin C (VC), a free radical scavenger, has been reported to increase survival of mice in GIS and HS models. The effect of nutritional VC status on radiation injury remains unknown because, unlike humans, mice can synthesize VC. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of VC insufficiency on acute radiation syndrome using senescence marker protein 30 (SMP30)/gluconolactonase knockout (SMP30-KO) mice. SMP30-KO mice, which cannot synthesize VC, were given water with or without sufficient VC supplementation, and were analyzed in GIS and HS models. In the GIS model, in which bone marrow failure is rescued by bone marrow transplantation, VC-insufficient mice had a lower survival rate than VC-sufficient mice. The intestine of VC-insufficient GIS mice showed epithelial cell atrophy, inflammatory cell infiltration, and decreased crypt cell proliferation. We observed rapid VC oxidation after total body irradiation in the intestine of mice supplemented with VC-sufficient water. In the HS model, which was not combined with bone marrow transplantation, there was no difference in survival between VC-insufficient and -sufficient mice. The results of this study demonstrated that nutritionally sufficient VC exerts a radioprotective effect against radiation-induced GIS.

Effect of dietary supplemental ascorbic acid and folic acid on the growth performance, redox status, and immune status of broiler chickens under heat stress.

This experiment was conducted to investigate the effects of dietary supplemental L-ascorbic acid (AA) and folic acid (FA) on broiler chickens under heat stress (HS) conditions when supplemented either alone or in combination. For this aim, the effect of these supplements on the broilers' growth performance, some blood parameters, antioxidant, and immune status were evaluated. Hatchling Cobb-500 broilers (total = 240) were fed either corn and soybean meal-based diet (control group) or basal diet supplemented with 200mg AA/kg diet, 1.5mg FA/kg diet, or 200mg AA plus 1.5mg FA/kg diet, for 35days during the summer months (n = 6 replicates/group, 10 birds/replicate). The minimum and maximum average temperatures ranged from 84.5 to 96.2°F, and the relative humidity ranged from 68.5 to 76.5%. Supplemented vitamins either alone and (or) in combination increased (P < 0.01) broilers' growth performance, thyroid hormones levels, insulin growth factor1, blood hemoglobin, total protein, albumin, globulin, heat shock protein70, total antioxidant capacity, catalase enzyme activity, superoxide dismutase enzyme activity, antibody titer against Newcastle disease virus, and decreased (P < 0.01) heterophil/lymphocytes. The effects (P < 0.01) of the supplemented vitamins on the analyzed parameters were better when they were added in combination. In conclusion, the combination of AA and FA at 200 and 1.5mg/kg, respectively, increased the broilers' antioxidant status with coordinated improvement in the growth performance and health status under HS.

Histomorphological Profile of Liver and Kidney Tissues of Albino Wistar Rats Following Exposure to Cadmium-Induced Damage and Ascorbic Acid Supplementation

Introduction: Cadmium is a common heavy metal toxicant that can cause diverse tissue toxicities and pathologies. Conversely, ascorbic acid is a natural anti-oxidant that can ameliorate cytotoxic effects of tissue toxicants. In this study, the objective was to assess the histomorphological profile of liver and kidney tissues of albino Wistar rats after exposure to cadmium-induced damage and ascorbic acid supplementation. Subjects and Methods: 24 animals were divided into four groups (1-4) comprising of six animals each (n=6). Normal control group 1 was given distilled water, test control group 2 given 5 mg/kg Cadmium chloride and test groups 3 and 4 given 5 mg/kg Cadmium chloride + 100 mg/kg ascorbic acid and 5 mg/kg + 200 mg/kg ascorbic acid respectively. The route of the 21 days administration was oral. Thereafter, the liver and kidney of experimental animals were harvested, weighed and processed. Results: Only the test control group 2 showed significant (p &lt; 0.05) reduction in mean organ weight compared to normal control group 1. Similarly, only the test control group 2 animals showed significant alterations in the liver and kidney histomorphological profile compared to normal control group 1. Conclusion: The ascorbic acid exhibited prominent ameliorative effect against damaging effect of cadmium exposure leading to relative reparation of liver and kidney histomorphology in albino Wistar rats.

Protective potency of ascorbic acid supplementation against cytotoxicity and DNA fragmentation induced by triphenyltin on human liver carcinoma cells.

Agrochemicals are one the most significant sources of environmental pollution. Cytotoxicity and genotoxicity are the serious side effects of fungicide. In the current study, I have evaluated acute cytotoxicity and genotoxicity of triphenyltin (TPT) on human hepatic carcinoma (HepG2) cells and the ameliorating effect of ascorbic acid for 24h. In this experiment, I have exposed HepG2 cells to ascorbic acids (50, 100, and 200μM) simultaneously and 24h prior triphenyltin (TPT, 400ng/ml) exposure for 24h to determine the protective effect of ascorbic acid by using MTT (3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide) and NRU (neutral red uptake) assays. Oxidative stress, such as intracellular reactive oxygen species and glutathione levels, was measured in HepG2 cells. The intracellular reactive oxygen species was evaluated using fluorescent probe DCFDA (6-carboxy-2',7' dichloro-dihydrofluorescein diacetate). Apoptosis and genotoxicity effects of TPT in HepG2 cells were determined using flow cytometry and comet assay. The result of these experiments showed that the TPT compound (400ng/ml) induced cytotoxicity, oxidative stress and apoptosis, and DNA damage in HepG2 cells.Ascorbic acid reduced cytotoxicity, oxidative stress, apoptosis, and genotoxicity induced by TPT. Thus, ascorbic acid is a potent antioxidant, and it showed a significant protective effect against toxicity induced by TPT in HepG2 cells.

The influence of vitamin E and C feeding on protein content and ratios of its fractions in broiler chickens serum

Protein content and the ratio of its fractions were investigated in the serum of broiler chickens during the growing period with the addition of vitamins E and C to their ration. The investigations were performed in one of the farms in Lviv region on four groups of 100 broiler chickens in each, starting from 1- to 41-day-olds. Chickens in the control group received a standard ration, the first experimental diet with tocopherol acetate, the second experimental – ascorbic acid, and the third – a complex of these vitamins. Poultry research were conducted at different ages: 27-, 34-, and 41-day-olds. The content of common protein was determined in blood serum – biuret method and the range of soluble proteins – by vertical electrophoresis in plates of 7.5 % polyacrylamide gel. Conducted research have shown that the use of tocopherol acetate and ascorbic acid supplements to compound feed of broiler chickens caused a rise in serum total protein content. However, these changes were more pronounced in chickens with the combined use of vitamins E and C in all search periods (P &lt; 0.05–0.01), and also in 11-day-old broilers (P &lt; 0.05), who used ascorbic acid supplement. In the search of the ratio of protein fractions was ascertained an increase in the content of γ-globulin fraction in chickens from the search groups regarding controls at 11 and 27 days of age. Herewith the differences were likely to be in broiler chickens, who used the tocopherol acetate supplement. Instead, 11-day-old chicks in this group had a lower b-globulin fraction (P &lt; 0.05). However, in the serum of chickens from the experimental groups regarding control at 41 days of age a significantly higher content of the α-globulin fraction was registered. In general, the results of the searches showed that additional introduction of tocopherol acetate and ascorbic acid to chickens ration has a stimulating influence on the processes of protein biosynthesis and immune function in the organism of chickens in the process of their growth. This influence was more expressed in chickens with the combined use of vitamins E and C.

Droplet-vitrification of Aranda Broga Blue orchid: Role of ascorbic acid on the antioxidant system and genetic fidelity assessments via RAPD and SCoT markers

A droplet-vitrification cryopreservation protocol has been successfully developed for Aranda Broga Blue orchid hybrid using protocorm-like bodies (PLBs). However, maximum growth regeneration percentage was recorded at 5% only based on previous report. Thus, to improve growth recovery of cryopreserved PLBs, cryopreservation stages were supplemented with ascorbic acid, tested at 50, 100 and 150 mg/L. However, results demonstrated that exogenous ascorbic acid was not favorable in regeneration of cryopreserved explants (maximum value of 1.67 % with 50 mg/L ascorbic acid supplementation). Total soluble protein and various antioxidant enzyme activities such as catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and ascorbate peroxidase (APX) were evaluated after each cryopreservation stages in conjunction with the application of exogenous ascorbic acid. Addition of antioxidant must be carefully evaluated and its application may not guarantee successful growth recovery. RAPD and SCoT molecular analysis confirmed the genetic stability of regenerated cryopreserved PLBs as no polymorphism was detected compared to control PLBs culture.

Nutrient digestibility, performance, and egg quality traits of quails raised in different stocking densities and ascorbic acid supplementation in a hot, tropical environment

This study investigated the effects of stocking density SD and ascorbic acid AA supplementation on nutrient digestibility and laying performance of quails in a tropical environment. Four hundred and eight Japanese quails were designated in a 3 × 2 factorial arrangement with four replicates. The birds were distributed to three SDs, namely 40 SD-1 , 45 SD-2 , and 50 birds per m2 SD-3 by allotting 15, 17, and 19 birds per cage, respectively cage size: 3750 cm2 . Each SD was supplemented with AA 0 and 250 mg/kg . Interaction was identified between SD and AA on egg production P < 0.01 , while the highest value was yielded in SD-2 supplemented with AA 83.6% . SD-3 achieved lower ether extract EE and crude fiber CF digestibility P < 0.05 and eggshell thickness P = 0.01 than SD-1 or SD-2. AA supplementation enhanced dry matter DM , EE, CF, crude ash CA , and calcium Ca digestibility P < 0.05 . AA improved egg weight, feed conversion, and protein and energy efficiency ratios as well as eggshell weight and thickness P < 0.05 . The SD of 45 birds per m2 , combined with AA supplementation at 250 mg/kg, can be recommended for quails housed in hightemperature environments

Performance, heat tolerance response, and blood metabolites of water-restricted Xhosa goats supplemented with vitamin C.

Water restriction in small ruminants is usually accompanied by a drop in feed intake, body weight, and disturbances in the normal internal milieu. However, attempts to lessen the burden of water stress with vitamin C (VC) supplementation have been greeted with conflicting reports. Therefore, this experiment was conducted to evaluate the effect of single and/or multiple VC supplementations in water-restricted Xhosa goats by evaluating their performance, heat tolerance, and blood metabolites. In total, 42 does, 12 mo old and with an average weight of 15.92 ± 2.12 kg were evaluated for 75 d. The does were distributed according to a complete randomized design into seven groups of six comparable animals: W0, without water restriction (control); W70, water restriction of 70% of ad libitum water intake (WI); W50, water restriction of 50% ad libitum WI; W70+, water restriction of 70% of ad libitum WI plus 3 g VC daily; W50+, water restriction 50% of ad libitum WI plus 3 g VC daily; W70++, water restriction of 70% of ad libitum WI plus 3 g VC and extra 5 g VC given every eighth day; and W50++, water restriction of 50% of ad libitum WI plus 3 g VC and extra 5 g VC given every eighth day. Goats under the W50 group were the most affected (P < 0.05) and the effect was more pronounced in their body condition scores (BCs). Weight loss due to water restriction was reduced by VC supplementation in treated groups. Changes in body thermal gradient, rectal temperature, cholesterol, and bilirubin were similar (P > 0.05) across the various experimental groups. The attenuation effect of VC was significant (P < 0.05) in responses to respiratory rate, Na+, K+, Mg2+, Cl−, Ca2+, and urea. Supplementation of VC (either single or multiple) did not significantly (P > 0.05) improve the effect of water restriction on BCs, FAMACHA, glucose, globulin, alanine aminotransferase, and high-density lipoprotein. The additive effect of multiple VC significantly influenced (P < 0.05) Na+ and Mg2+. Limited WI affects growth and other physiological parameters in Xhosa goats. However, supplementation of VC may be beneficial at modulating the stressful stimuli imposed by water stress.

Comparative effects of Alpha Tocopherol and Ascorbic Acid on Chronic Stress Induced Neuropeptide Y Derangements

Background: Chronic stress decreases resilience of the body mainly due to hormonal imbalance. Neuropeptide Y-ergic system is abnormally regulated in chronic stress due to reduction-oxidation imbalance. The antioxidants such as alpha-tocopherol and ascorbic acid reduce this imbalance with positive effect on neuropeptide Y synthesis and release. This study was aimed to compare the protective effects of alpha-tocopherol and ascorbic acid on plasma neuropeptide Y levels in chronic stress.Material and Methods: This quasi-experimental study was done at Al-Nafees Medical College in collaboration with National Institute of Health Islamabad from January 2015 to January 2016 after taking institutional approval. Sixty male Sprague Dawley rats were obtained and divided equally into four groups; group I (control), group II (restraint stress group - chronic restraint stress six hours daily for 28 days), group III (restraint stress + alpha-tocopherol 50mg/kg body weight /day), and group IV (restraint stress + ascorbic acid 100mg /kg body weight /day). Cardiac puncture was done to obtain blood for biochemical analysis.Results: A significant decrease in plasma neuropeptide Y levels was seen in group II compared to group I, group III and group IV. However, alpha-tocopherol administration in group III showed positive effects on maintenance of plasma neuropeptide Y concentration with better p trend than that of ascorbic acid supplementation in group IV.Conclusions: Alpha-tocopherol supplementation has more potent effect than that of ascorbic acid on chronic restraint stress induced derangements in neuropeptide Y levels. It leads to less imbalance in neuropeptide Y levels during chronic stress.Key words: Ascorbic Acid, Alpha-Tocopherol, Chronic Stress, Neuropeptide Y

Surplus of dietary micronutrients promotes antioxidant defense and improves fin erosions in European seabass (Dicentrarchus labrax) fry

Dietary micronutrient supplementation can serve as skin health promotor to prevent from natural infections and can be applied to decrease the use of antibacterial agents and their impact on the environment. Such supplementation has indicated anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties in farmed fish. In this study, dietary supplementation of zinc, selenium, ascorbic acid and niacin, at levels 2 to 3-fold higher than recommended, was evaluated as a measure to promote skin health and antioxidant defense in European seabass, Dicentrarchus labrax, fry. For this purpose, fish survival, growth performance, fin and skin erosions as well as whole-fish antioxidant enzyme activity (catalase, selenium (Se)-independent and dependent glutathione peroxidase) were assessed. Moreover, bacterial load in the rearing water and skin mucus were evaluated to assess the potential of the dietary micronutrient mixture as a preventive from natural infections. A group fed with a diet including these micronutrients at recommended levels served as a control. Surplus of these micronutrients significantly reduced the percentage of fish with eroded fins, while also induced the activity of catalase and Se-dependent glutathione peroxidase. Fish growth and bacterial loads in the water and fish skin mucus were not affected, whereas no skin lesions were observed. Overall, a mineral- and vitamin-supplemented diet at levels higher than recommended seems to act as a promotor of skin health and prevent from fin erosions, potentially through an increase in the antioxidant defense system.

Detoxification Impacts of Ascorbic Acid and Clay on Laying Japanese Quail Fed Diets Polluted by Various Levels of Cadmium.

A total number of 360 laying Japanese quail (8 weeks of age) were randomly divided into 12 groups. Birds in all groups had nearly the same average initial body weight. A factorial arrangement (4 × 3) was performed including four levels of dietary cadmium (Cd) as cadmium chloride (0, 50, 100, and 150 mg/kg diet) and three levels of feed additives (without, 300 mg/kg ascorbic acid and 1.50% natural clay). Results revealed that Cd contaminated feed caused significant (p < 0.01) retardation in body weight, lower egg number and egg mass and worse feed conversion. On the other hand, the addition of ascorbic acid or natural clay to quail diets caused a significant (p < 0.01) improvement in all studied traits. With respect to the interaction among Cd and the experimental additives, results showed that within each Cd level, ascorbic acid or clay supplementation recorded the highest body weight, egg number, egg weight and mass in addition to improved feed conversion. Cadmium levels decreased (p < 0.05) blood total protein, albumen and A/G ratio. Both 300 mg ascorbic acid and 1.50% clay increased (p < 0.05) blood total protein and albumen compared to non-supplemented groups. It could be concluded that the consumption of polluted diets Cd causes deleterious effects on the productive performance of laying Japanese quail. The addition of ascorbic acid or natural clay to the diets causes beneficial effects on productive performance traits, improves egg quality criteria and diminishes the toxic effects of Cd.

Possible Involvement of Vitamin C in Periodontal Disease-Diabetes Mellitus Association.

Ascorbic acid (vitamin C) is an important water-soluble vitamin found in many fruits and vegetables. It has well-documented beneficial effects on the human body and is used as a supplement, alone or in combination with other vitamins and minerals. Over recent years, research has focused on possible new therapeutic actions in chronic conditions including periodontal disease (PD). We conducted a systematic review on clinical trials from four databases (PubMed, Clinical Trials, Cochrane, Web of Science) which measured plasmatic/salivary levels of ascorbic acid in PD–diabetes mellitus (DM) association. Six studies were included in our review, three of them analyzing patients with different grades of PD and DM who received vitamin C as a treatment (500 mg vitamin C/day for 2 months and 450 mg/day for 2 weeks) or as part of their alimentation (guava fruits), in combination with standard therapies and procedures. Decreased levels of vitamin C were observed in PD patients with DM but data about efficacy of vitamin C administration are inconclusive. Given the important bidirectional relationship between PD and DM, there is a strong need for more research to assess the positive effects of ascorbic acid supplementation in individuals suffering from both diseases and also its proper regimen for these patients.

Possible Ameliorating Role of Ascorbic Acid on Intestinal Changes Induced by Acrylamide in Adult Female Albino Rats and Their Offsprings

Background: Acrylamide (ACR) is a naturally occurring, widely used compound. Ingestion of large amounts of ACR underlies several health concerns and teratogenicity. Ascorbic acid (vitamin C) is a strong reducing agent greatly used to clean free radicals. This study investigated the morphometric, histological, immunohistochemical and biochemical disturbances induced by acrylamide (10 mg/kg/day) via gavage in the intestine of rat mothers and their offsprings. As well as, the protective role of ascorbic acid (100 mg/kg/day) via gavage.Materials and Methods: Forty adult pregnant female rats were divided into four groups; control, ascorbic acid, acrylamide and acrylamide+ascorbic acid. 10 randomly chosen offsprings of each group after weaning were also used. Histomorphometric analysis of intestinal wall and biochemical analysis of intestinal enzymes, oxidant antioxidant markers and some genes expression were performed.Results: In both dams and offsprings, ACR resulted in mucosal hyperplasia with evident inflammatory infiltration in the villi. In addition, goblet cells and KI67 +ve cell numbers decreased in the dams however increased in offsprings. ACR decreased citrate synthase, glutathione and catalase levels in dams and increased β-glucuronidase and malonaldehyde levels in dams. In offsprings, level of alkaline phosphatase was reduced and β-glucuronidase was elevated. Glutathione peroxidase and glutathione reductase mRNA expression was increased significantly with ACR ingestion. Ascorbic acid supplementation conserved the control status in the majority of conditions.Conclusion: Acrylamide consumption during pregnancy and lactation is risky because of the induction of intestinal mucosal hyperplasia in rat offsprings. Ascorbic acid supplementation could reduce the harmful effects induced by ACR.

Magnesium and vitamin C supplementation attenuates steroid-associated osteonecrosis in a rat model

Magnesium (Mg)-based biometal attracts clinical applications due to its biodegradability and beneficial biological effects on tissue regeneration, especially in orthopaedics, yet the underlying anabolic mechanisms in relevant clinical disorders are lacking. The present study investigated the effect of magnesium (Mg) and vitamin C (VC) supplementation for preventing steroid-associated osteonecrosis (SAON) in a rat experimental model. In SAON rats, 50 mg/kg Mg, or 100 mg/kg VC, or combination, or water control was orally supplemented daily for 2 or 6 weeks respectively. Osteonecrosis was evaluated by histology. Serum Mg, VC, and bone turnover markers were measured. Microfil-perfused samples prepared for angiography and trabecular architecture were evaluated by micro-CT. Primary bone marrow cells were isolated from each group to evaluate their potentials in osteoblastogenesis and osteoclastogenesis. The mechanisms were tested in vitro. Histological evaluation showed SAON lesions in steroid treated groups. Mg and VC supplementation synergistically reduced the apoptosis of osteocytes and osteoclast number, and increased osteoblast surface. VC supplementation significantly increased the bone formation marker PINP, and the combination significantly decreased the bone resorption marker CTX. TNFα expression and oxidative injury were decreased in bone marrow in Mg/VC/combination group. Mg significantly increased the blood perfusion in proximal tibia and decreased the leakage particles in distal tibia 2 weeks after SAON induction. VC significantly elevated the osteoblast differentiation potential of marrow cells and improved the trabecular architecture. The combination supplementation significantly inhibited osteoclast differentiation potential of marrow cells. In vitro study showed promoting osteoblast differentiation effect of VC, and anti-inflammation and promoting angiogenesis effect of Mg with underlying mechanisms. Mg and VC supplementation could synergistically alleviate SAON in rats, indicating great translational potentials of metallic minerals for preventing SAON.

Scurvy may occur even in children with no underlying risk factors: a case report

BackgroundSince ancient times, scurvy has been considered one of the most fearsome nutritional deficiency diseases. In modern developed countries, this condition has become very rare and is only occasionally encountered, especially in the pediatric population. Underlying medical conditions, such as neuropsychiatric disorders, anorexia nervosa, celiac disease, Crohn disease, hemodialysis, and severe allergies to food products may enhance the risk of developing scurvy.Case presentationWe report the case of an otherwise healthy 3-year-old white boy who developed scurvy due to a selective restrictive diet derived from his refusal to try new food. He presented to our clinic with asthenia and refusal to walk. During hospitalization he developed severe anemia and hematochezia. A diagnosis of scurvy was assessed on the basis of nutritional history, clinical features, radiographic findings, and laboratory findings. Supplementation of ascorbic acid enabled a prompt resolution of symptoms.ConclusionsScurvy is caused by vitamin C deficiency. Cutaneous bleeding, mucosal bleeding, and anemia represent typical manifestations of the disease. These symptoms are directly connected to ascorbic acid involvement in collagen biosynthesis. Some radiographic findings can be useful for the diagnosis. Treatment aims to normalize serum levels of vitamin C in order to counteract the deprivation symptoms. The present case report demonstrates that scurvy may sporadically occur in pediatric patients, even in individuals with no predisposing medical conditions and/or potential risk factors.

The potential role of nano-selenium and vitamin C on the performances of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus).

Functional trace elements and vitamins can boost immunity and antioxidative response in aquatic animals without creating environmental hazards. While nano-selenium (Nano-Se) and vitamin C (VC) have been used as immunomodulators and antioxidants in animal and poultry feed, there is little data on Nano-Se and/or VC supplementation in aquatic animals. Thus, the current study evaluated the impact of adding Nano-Se and VC to the diets of Nile tilapia for 8weeks. Four diets were formulated and offered to the fish: no supplementation (control), 1mg Nano-Se/kg, 500mg VC/kg, and 1mg Nano-Se + 500mg VC/kg of food. Growth-related parameters (final body weight, weight gain, and specific growth rate) were significantly increased in tilapia fed Nano-Se and VC, with a reduced feed conversion ratio (P < 0.05). Intestinal villus length and width as well as the number of goblet cells were increased in tilapia fed Nano-Se and/or VC (P < 0.05). Additionally, dietary Nano-Se and/or VC significantly increased nitro-blue tetrazolium (NBT) level, superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, catalase, the phagocytic index, and lysozyme and phagocytic activities (P < 0.05). However, significantly reduced levels of malonaldehyde were observed in fish fed Nano-Se and/or VC (P < 0.05). TNF-α and IL-1β gene expressions in the liver and spleen of the fish were significantly upregulated by Nano-Se and/or VC (P < 0.05). The results revealed the potential role of Nano-Se and/or VC in enhancing growth, intestinal morphometry, and immune and antioxidative responses in Nile tilapia.

Supporting Cell-Based Tendon Therapy: Effect of PDGF-BB and Ascorbic Acid on Rabbit Achilles Tenocytes in Vitro.

Cell-based tendon therapies with tenocytes as a cell source need effective tenocyte in vitro expansion before application for tendinopathies and tendon injuries. Supplementation of tenocyte culture with biomolecules that can boost proliferation and matrix synthesis is one viable option for supporting cell expansion. In this in vitro study, the impacts of ascorbic acid or PDGF-BB supplementation on rabbit Achilles tenocyte culture were studied. Namely, cell proliferation, changes in gene expression of several ECM and tendon markers (collagen I, collagen III, fibronectin, aggrecan, biglycan, decorin, ki67, tenascin-C, tenomodulin, Mohawk, α-SMA, MMP-2, MMP-9, TIMP1, and TIMP2) and ECM deposition (collagen I and fibronectin) were assessed. Ascorbic acid and PDGF-BB enhanced tenocyte proliferation, while ascorbic acid significantly accelerated the deposition of collagen I. Both biomolecules led to different changes in the gene expression profile of the cultured tenocytes, where upregulation of collagen I, Mohawk, decorin, MMP-2, and TIMP-2 was observed with ascorbic acid, while these markers were downregulated by PDGF-BB supplementation. Vice versa, there was an upregulation of fibronectin, biglycan and tenascin-C by PDGF-BB supplementation, while ascorbic acid led to a downregulation of these markers. However, both biomolecules are promising candidates for improving and accelerating the in vitro expansion of tenocytes, which is vital for various tendon tissue engineering approaches or cell-based tendon therapy.

Low levels of protected ascorbic acid improve broiler chicken performance after long fasting on housing

Ascorbic acid is involved in many essential functions in broiler chickens. Vitamin C has been used as a supplement in broiler chicken diets with the objective of improving performance characteristics, especially under stressful situations. The aim of this work was to evaluate the effects of low levels of ascorbic acid supplementation on performance, the relative weight of organs and the mitochondrial metabolism of liver cells in broiler chickens after a delay in housing conditions. Eight hundred thirty-two one-day-old male Cobb 500 chicks were used in a randomised study with 4 treatments (0, 2.5, 5 and 10 mg/kg of encapsulated ascorbic acid dietary supplementation during the prestarter stage of development) with 8 replicates. Feed intake (FI), body weight gain (BW gain), feed conversion ratio (FCR), viability, liver O2 respiration and the mass and relative weights of organs were measured. Our results demonstrated that dietary supplementation with ascorbic acid had a beneficial effect on characteristics such as BW gain and FCR in the initial phase. These data indicate that the use of polyethoxylated ascorbic acid in the diets of broiler chickens during the prestarter stage can improve their performance when there is a delay in housing the animals.