Ascorbic Acid Supplementation Research Articles

Synthetic and Natural Vitamin C Modulation of Leaded Paint-Induced Nephrotoxicity of Automobile Painters in Ile-Ife, Nigeria.

Introduction: Lead (Pb) occupational exposure in painters has been documented to be contacted via additives in paints due to its many important properties and vitamin C has been the most widely studied when it comes to Pb- induced oxidative stress.  Aim: This study aimed at the use of freshly squeezed orange-juice due to its accessibility in investigating the modulating role of synthetic and natural vitamin-C on leaded paint-induced nephrotoxicity of automobile painters.  Study Design and Methods: Sixty (60) male automobile painters were consecutively selected and divided equally into 2 groups. Vitamin-C and orange juice were administered daily to painters for 4 weeks at dosage levels of 200 and 184 mg/day respectively. Thirty (30) male non-painters constituted the control group. Orange juice vitamin-C content was assessed by titrimetric method and synthetic vitamin-C served as the standard drug. Renal biomarkers and reduced glutathione (GSH) were done by Colorimetry. Urine aminolevulinic acid (ALA) and Pb were assessed by ELISA technique and atomic absorption spectrophotometry respectively. Phytochemical screenings (quantitative/qualitative) and proximate analysis were done using standard methods. Data were analyzed using Pearson’s correlation coefficient and One-way Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) followed by Tukey’s post-hoc test for pairwise comparison. Statistical significance was p< 0.05.  Results: Baseline results at 0-week of orange juice administered group showed a significantly (P<0.05) higher serum Pb, urea and creatinine compared to non- painters. Also, their urine baseline results at 0-week showed a significantly (P<0.05) higher levels of ALA and GSH compared to non-painters. Orange juice administration at 4 weeks showed significant (P<0.05) reductions in concentrations of lead, urea, and creatinine in serum, decreased concentrations of GSH and ALA in urine but increased urine Pb compared to baseline. However, compared with baseline, after 4 weeks of vitamin-C supplementation, serum Pb, urine GSH, and urine ALA were significantly (P<0.05) reduced and urine Pb significantly (P<0.05) increased. A positive correlation was observed at 2-weeks of taking orange- juice between serum lead and urine ALA (r= 0.703) and GSH (r= 0.913) but 4-week positive correlation between urea and urine GSH (r= 1.000). A negative correlation was observed at 2-week of taking vitamin-C between serum creatinine and urine lead (r= -0.857) while 4-week a negative correlation was observed between urine GSH and urine lead (r= -0.743). Presence of tannin, phenol, saponin, alkaloid, and flavonoid was detected in orange juice.  Conclusion: Orange juice administration conferred significant amelioration to renal and lead toxicity biomarkers by 4 weeks. The presence of phytochemicals suggests why orange juice may be a viable alternative in amelioration of toxic effects of leaded paint among automobile painters.

Optimizing growth and antioxidant function in heat-stressed broilers with vitamin C and betaine supplementation.

This study investigates the potential of vitamin C (VC) and/or betaine (Bet) to enhance growth performance, regulate serum metabolism, and bolster antioxidant function aiming to mitigate the impact of heat stress (HS) on broilers. Two hundred Ross 308 broilers at 28 days of age were randomly assigned to five groups. The control group, housed at 24 ± 1℃, was fed a basal diet. High-temperature treatment groups, housed at 32 ± 1℃, received a basal diet with 0 (HS group), 250mg/kg VC (HSVC group), 1000mg/kg Bet (HSBe group), and 250mg/kg VC + 1000mg/kg Bet (HSVCBe group). On day 42, assessments were made on growth performance, muscle quality, serum biochemistry, and antioxidant function. Results revealed that HS significantly lowered (P < 0.05) average daily feed intake (ADFI), the degree of redness (a*) in muscles, and serum total superoxide dismutase (T-SOD) level. It also reduced (P < 0.01) average daily gain (ADG), and serum total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC) level, while increasing (P < 0.05) shear force, serum direct bilirubin (D-BIL), uric acid (UA), and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels compared with the control group. Dietary supplementation of VC and Bet, either alone or in combination, significantly decreased shear force and serum UA level, while increasing ADG and serum T-AOC, T-SOD level compared with the HS group (P < 0.05). In conclusion, the addition of VC and/or Bet to the diet proves effective in enhancing the growth performance of HS-exposed broilers through the positive regulation of serum chemical metabolism and the alleviation of oxidative damage.

The Zootechnical Performance, Health State Modulation, Morphology, and Intestinal Microbiome of Nile Tilapia Juveniles Fed with a Functional Blend of Immunostimulants Associated with a Diet High in Soybean Meal

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of supplementing feed with a functional mixture of immunomodulators, including β-glucans, nucleotides, ascorbic acid, and alpha-tocopherol, associated with a diet with lower levels of animal protein (11.5%) and higher levels of soybean meal (43.5%), on the zootechnical performance, health, hematological and immunological parameters, intestinal morphology, centesimal composition, and intestinal microbiome of juvenile Nile tilapia (initial weight 1.88 g ± 0.25 g, mean ± standard deviation). Two isocaloric and isoproteic diets (35% crude protein) were formulated, one with the inclusion of the immunostimulant functional mixture (40 kg·t−1), composed of 150 mg·kg−1 of nucleotides, 1000 mg·kg−1 of β-glucans, 1000 mg·kg−1 of ascorbic acid (vitamin C), and 20 mg·kg−1 of alpha-tocopherol (vitamin E), and another without. The combined supplementation of nucleotides, β-glucans, ascorbic acid, and alpha-tocopherol resulted in a 59.95% increase in final weight, 64% weight gain, 66% daily gain, a 21.31% decrease in feed conversion rate, and double the retention of body protein. Supplementation also improved intestinal morphology and modulated the intestinal microbiome, increasing Chao-1 diversity. Transmission electron microscopy confirmed that fish fed with both diets exhibited intact intestinal mucosal membranes. Supplementation did not alter the hematological and immunological parameters, suggesting that there was no overstimulation of the fish’s immune system. This work allows us to evaluate the effect of reducing the use of animal protein in the diets of fish, along with the effects of nucleotides, β-glucans, ascorbic acid, and alpha-tocopherol. Together, these compounds can provide fish with the necessary tools to achieve optimal health and growth.

Chronic regional pain syndrome following calcaneal fractures: what causes it and how may Vitamin C aid?

The purpose of the current study is to determine which variables influence the onset of chronic regional pain syndrome (CRPS) following Sanders type 1 calcaneal fractures, which are treated conservatively, and to discover how Vitamin C (VC) supplementation, which is often mentioned in the literature, affects the outcomes of these fractures. The study incorporated individuals who had a Sanders type 1 fracture that was both closed and non-displaced and were treated with conventional plaster. The current study retrospectively reviewed medical records to gather demographic data, duration of immobilization, smoking habits, administration of VC supplementation, and presence of diabetes mellitus (DM). The Budapest criteria were employed to make the clinical diagnosis of CRPS. The study cohort comprised 258 (75.9%) males and 82 (24.1%) females aged between 18 and 90 years who had sustained Sanders type 1 calcaneal fractures and were managed non-operatively. CRPS was detected in 42 (12.4%) of the 340 subjects. CRPS patients had a statistically higher immobilization duration than those without CRPS (p<0.05). Smoking and DM were more common among patients with CRPS (p<0.05) and CRPS patients had a much lower rate of VC consumption (4.8%) (p<0.05). The current study is the first to examine risk variables for CRPS after calcaneal fractures. Long periods of immobility, female gender, and lack of VC supplementation increase the risk of CRPS. CRPS also increases with diabetes and smoking.

Vitamin C Alleviates the Negative Effects of Heat Stress on Reproductive Processes by Regulating Amino Acid Metabolism in Granulosa Cells.

Heat stress-induced biochemical alterations in ovarian follicles compromise the function of granulosa cells (GCs) and the developmental competence of oocytes. Summer heat stress can have a far-reaching negative impact on overall fertility and reproductive success. Together with the heat stress, the rise of assisted reproductive technologies (ART), potential confounding hazards of in vitro handling and the absence of systemic body support in ART makes it imperative to study the heat stress ameliorative effects of vitamin C under in vitro conditions. Using in vitro heat stress treatment of 43 °C for two hours in bovine GCs, we studied the effects of vitamin C on cell growth, oxidative stress, apoptosis and cell cycle progression together with a comprehensive metabolomics profiling. This study investigates the molecular milieu underlying the vitamin C (VC)-led alleviation of heat-related disruptions to metabolic processes in bovine GCs. The supplementation of VC ameliorated the detrimental effects of heat stress by reducing oxidative stress and apoptosis while restoring cell proliferation. Normal cell function restoration in treated GCs was demonstrated through the finding of significantly high levels of progesterone. We observed a shift in the metabolome from biosynthesis to catabolism, mostly dominated by the metabolism of amino acids (decreased tryptophan, methionine and tyrosine) and the active TCA cycle through increased Succinic acid. The Glutathione and tryptophan metabolism were important in ameliorating the inflammation and metabolism nexus under heat stress. Two significant enzymes were identified, namely tryptophan 2,3-dioxygenase (TDO2) and mitochondrial phenylalanyl-tRNA synthetase (FARS2). Furthermore, our findings provide insight into the significance of B-complex vitamins in the context of heat stress during VC supplementation. This study underscores the importance of VC supplementation in heat stress and designates multiple metabolic intervention faucets in the context of ameliorating heat stress and enhancing reproductive efficiency.

Ascorbic Acid Supplementation and Immune Response in Healthy Women during High-intensity Exercise

Introduction the benefits of consuming extra Ascorbic Acid (AA) while exercising are not well understood. Aim This study aims to explore the effects of AA supplementation on oxidative stress, the immunological response, and inflammation in healthy women after a single bout of high-intensity exercise. Materials and Methods In a crossover design, 20 sedentary women (aged 18-22) underwent 30 minutes of vigorous cycling. They were divided into two groups: one receiving daily 1,000 mg ascorbic acid supplementation (1,000AA) and the other without supplementation (0AA). This regimen was maintained for one week. Blood samples obtained pre-exercise, immediately post-exercise, and 24 hours post-exercise underwent analysis for oxidative stress, inflammatory markers, CD4+ and CD8+ lymphocytes, and neutrophil phagocytic activity. Results An AA supplement significantly increased plasma concentrations of AA (p&lt;0.05) and reduced post-exercise plasma MDA levels (p&lt;0.05) but did not affect creatine kinase activity. White blood cells, CD8+ T cells, and IL-6 increased significantly after exercise but remained unchanged in the 1,000AA group compared to the 0AA group, while the neutrophil count increased (p&lt;0.05) after exercise with no change in phagocytic function. A slight drop in phagocytic function was observed 24 hours after exercise in the 1,000AA group. Exercise and AA supplements had no effect on CD4+ T cells. Conclusion a single session of high-intensity exercise caused oxidative stress, muscle injury, and inflammation, as well as a transient increase in CD8+ T cells. A short administration of AA attenuated the exercise-induced oxidative stress and reduced inflammation by limiting the increase in IL-6 and CD8+ T cells.

Ascorbic Acid Supplementation Improves Adolescent Stress-induced Cognitive Impairment Through Restoration of Behavioral, Biochemical and Electrophysiological Alterations in Male Rats

The present research study aimed to investigate the role of Ascorbic acid (AA) on synaptic plasticity, learning, and memory impairment induced by unpredicted chronic mild stress (CUMS) in adolescent male rats. Adolescent male rats were divided into: 1) vehicle, 2) CUMS, 3–5) CUMS plus various doses of AA by oral gavage (CUMS-10/100/400 mg/kg), and 6) AA400 mg/kg by oral gavage. In Morris Water Maze, the time latency decreased, while the time spent in the target quadrant increased in CUMS group treated with AA at the dose of 400 mg/kg. In passive avoidance, the latency of entering into the dark chamber decreased in CUMS group treated with AA (400 mg/kg). In biochemical test results, nitrite and MDA significantly decreased, while thiol content, SOD, and catalase activity in CUMS group that received AA400mg/kg was increased. IL-10, BDNF and Ki67 increased, while TNF-a and AChE activity were decreased in CUMS group treated with AA simultaneously. The results of our study showed that chronic stress during adolescence could cause learning and memory disorders as well as synaptic plasticity. In addition, we showed that AA can prevent this problem by reducing oxidative stress, inflammation, increasing the amount of BDNF, and neurogenesis.

Effect of Dietary Vitamin C Supplementation on Growth Performance and Biochemical Parameters in Grower Walleye Pollock, Gadus chalcogrammus.

The optimal dietary vitamin C (VC) levels for walleye pollock (Gadus chalcogrammus) remain undefined. This study aimed to assess the effect of dietary VC levels on the growth performance and biochemical parameters of grower walleye pollock and determine the optimal VC level for their diet. Six experimental diets (VC0, VC1, VC3, VC5, VC7, and VC10) with VC levels of 3.24, 21.92, 63.31, 101.42, 145.46, and 202.51 mg kg-1 diet, respectively, were fed to fish (initial mean weight: 173.5 ± 0.31 g) for 8 weeks. At the end of the feeding trial, fish fed the VC7 and VC10 diets exhibited significantly higher growth (final body weight, weight gain, and specific growth rate) and improved feed utilization (feed efficiency and protein efficiency ratio) compared with fish fed the VC0 diet (p < 0.05). The VC3-VC10 diets significantly reduced plasma superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity (p < 0.05). Compared with the VC0 group, fish fed the VC7 and VC10 diets showed significantly elevated growth hormone and insulin-like growth factor-1 levels in plasma (p < 0.05). In conclusion, dietary VC supplementation in walleye pollock improved growth performance and SOD activity. Moreover, broken-line analysis on weight gain indicated that the optimal dietary VC level for grower walleye pollock was approximately 156.42 mg kg-1 diet.

Effect of ascorbic acid supplementation on skin wound healing

Ascorbic acid is essential for proper synthesis of collagen fiber and intercellular.ground substance of connective tissueObjective of this study was to determine the effect of ascorbic acid supplementationmg once daily for l0 days in the treatment of wound skin incision about 2cm in555.length and 4mm in depthThirteen albino rabbit were used in this study (eight rabbits represent experimental.)group while five represent as a control groupThe result of general histological observation revealed rapid and active healingprocess through complete epithelization of the surface of incision site and colla enousg . .fibrous tissue formation in the incision wound of animals with ascorbic acidadministration while in control group incomplete epithelization and incomplete healing of.connective tissue of skin woundIt was concluded that the administration of ascorbic acid might be sufficient to promote wound healing&#x0D;

Does vitamin C supplementation in milk improve growth and health of diarrheic calves?

The objective of this study was to investigate how supplementing vitamin C (VC) in milk affects growth, starter intake, blood metabolites, and the health of young calves classified into healthy or diarrheic groups. Calves were classified as diarrheic if they experienced diarrhea for at least 3 days from birth to day 7, otherwise, they were classified as healthy (i.e., days with diarrhea < 3). From day 8 of age, a total of 48 Holstein calves were divided into four groups based on a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement, with calf health status (healthy or diarrheic) and VC supplementation (VC+ or VC–) to pasteurized milk (0 or 2 g/d; 50% purity) being the main experimental factors. Calves were fed equal amounts of milk until weaning (d 60). Calves continued to be monitored until they reached 74 days of age. Calves in the VC+ group were heavier at weaning (74.3 vs. 72.2 kg; P = 0.04) compared to those calves that did not receive VC. Blood total antioxidant capacity (d 53 and 67) and superoxide dismutase activity (d 53) were greater (P < 0.01) in VC+ vs. VC– calves. Calf health status and VC supplementation interacted (P = 0.03) for blood β-hydroxybutyrate on d 53, with the lowest concentration observed in diarrheic/VC– calves. Calves in the diarrheic group had a lower total antioxidant capacity (P = 0.01) but a greater neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio on d 53 and 67 (P < 0.01) than calves in the healthy group. Before weaning (d 53), neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio was greater, but hemoglobin was lower (P = 0.02) in calves classified into the diarrheic group that did not receive supplemental VC. The number of days medicated for diarrhea treatment was lower in VC+ calves than those in VC– group (1.73 vs. 2.47 days; P = 0.05). Overall, VC supplementation in pasteurized milk improved calf growth and health. Calves that experienced elevated episodes of diarrhea within the first week of life benefited more from supplemental VC than those classified into the healthy group.

Combined supplementation of hydroxyproline and vitamin C improved the growth and flesh quality of Pacific white shrimp (Litopenaeus vanname) cultured in low salinity water

This study investigated the effects of hydroxyproline (Hyp) and vitamin C (VC) addition to practical diet on growth and flesh quality of Pacific white shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei) cultured in low salinity water. The control diet was formulated to contain 200 g/kg fish meal (FM20), and then 14 g/kg coated hydroxyproline (50%) (FM20H), 2 g/kg L-ascorbyl-2-phosphate (38%) (FM20C) and their combination (FM20HC) were added to the control diet to form four isoproteic (41.6%) and isolipidic (6.7%) diets. Pacific white shrimp with initial body weight of (1.50 ± 0.05) g were fed the above four diets in low salinity water (salinity 1‰) for 8 weeks. The results showed that the combined supplementation of Hyp and VC (FM20HC) increased the weight gain by 13.4%, and decreased the feed conversion ratio by 0.18 (P < 0.05), while the individual supplementation (FM20H and FM20C groups) just numerically promoted the growth (P > 0.05). In addition, the FM20HC group also showed higher protein and lipid retention than the FM20 group (P < 0.05). In flesh quality, the supplementation of Hyp (FM20H) increased total collagen and heat-soluble collagen contents, flesh chewiness and free flavor amino acids contents (P < 0.05). The supplementation of VC (FM20C) increased the contents of total collagen, heat-insoluble collagen and free flavor amino acids, and decreased flesh lactic acid, malondialdehyde contents and steaming loss (P < 0.05). The combined supplementation of Hyp and VC (FM20HC) showed higher total collagen and heat-insoluble collagen contents than the individual supplementation (FM20H and FM20C) (P < 0.05), and the myofiber density, flesh hardness and shear force in the FM20HC group were also significantly higher than those in the control (P < 0.05). In summary, the combined supplementation of hydroxyproline and VC in practical diet with fishmeal content of 200 g/kg significantly improved the growth performance and flesh quality of L. vannamei cultured in low salinity water.

Antioxidant effect of vitamin C on asthmatic patients

Objective: To investigate the effect of vitamin C supplementation in decreasing asthma severity, medications, and improving pulmonary function tests (PFTs). Methodology: Search of electronic databases was conducted to identify relevant studies published from January 2010 up to November 2023. A total of 105 records were initially identified. After filtering and screening, just 9 studies met the inclusion criteria; 3 were reviews, while the remaining 6 were original. Of the original studies, one was experimental, performed on 24 male Balb/c mice while the remaining 5 were performed on 969 asthmatic patients. Except for the experimental study, the selected studies were performed in different settings and on different ethnicities at the age of seven years and over. Results: The results showed antioxidant effects of vitamin C in asthmatic patients and experimental models. The studies showed that vitamin-C supplements significantly contributed to the reduction in asthma severity, number of attacks, admission rate, and asthma medications. Also, improvement of PFTs and suppression of asthma phenotype features in asthma mouse models. Only one review showed non-significant improvement in symptoms and PFTs, with significant improvement in malondialdehyde level and superoxide dismutase activity. Conclusion: Vitamin C supplementation to asthmatic patients showed improvements in asthma symptoms and PFTs, decreases the dose of asthma medications through potentiation of their efficacy, and less reactive response in asthma mouse model.

Benefits of watermelon juice and ascorbic acid supplementation on Institut de Sélection Animale brown layers managed under hot climate

Loss of homeostasis and poor egg production are common in laying hens during hot season. These negative effects of extreme ambient temperature have resulted in great economic losses to poultry farmers in the tropical regions. This study investigated benefits of supplementing watermelon juice (WJ) and ascorbic acid (AA) to ISA Brown (IB) hens managed under hot climate on productive performance and some hormonal responses. Ninety-six IB pullets aged 34 weeks were randomly allotted to four groups (C, T1, T2, and T3), each containing 24 in triplicates. The control group (C) was given water with neither WJ nor AA. Water given to groups T1, T2 was supplemented with 20% and 40% WJ, respectively, while T3 was supplemented with 200mg AA/litre of water. The results show a significant (P≤0.05) increase in water intake in T3 compared to other groups. Total egg production, daily egg production and hen-day egg production were significantly (P≤0.05) improved by the supplements, as total egg weights improved in T1:(272.2 ± 35.16g) and T2:(272.1 ± 35.06g) compared to C:(212.2 ± 25.06g) and T3:(238.5 ± 19.23g). The supplements caused 24.46%, 22.70% and 9.43% rise in percentage egg production in groups T1, T2, and T3 respectively. Serum corticosterone (C:10.88 ± 1.12; T1:10.20 ± 1.06; T2:9.61 ± 0.792; T3:7.23 ± 2.36ng/mL) and thyroxine levels (C:1.45 ± 0.562; T1:0.41 ± 0.109; T2:0.39 ± 0.367; T3:0.60 ± 0.489μg/dL) decreased significantly (P≤0.05) in supplemented layers, while serum prolactin and triiodothyronine differed non-statistically. In conclusion, WJ and AA supplementation ameliorated heat stress in IB layers managed under hot climate as it significantly lowered corticosterone and improved egg production. Therefore, supplementing 20%, 40%WJ or 200mg AA/litre in water is recommended for managing heat stress in IB layer chickens

Evaluation of the Effect of Zinc, Quercetin, Bromelain and Vitamin C on COVID-19 Patients

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is an infectious disease caused by a new strain of coronavirus. There are three phases of COVID-19: early infection stage, pulmonary stage and hyper-inflammation stage respectively. It is important to prevent lung or other organs injuries by preventing phase-II and phase-III via pharmacological or non-pharmacological treatments. This was a case series study done on twenty-two patients confirmed to be infected with SARS-CoV-2 and diagnosed with COVID-19. Patients in this study have been used quercetin 800 mg, bromelain 165 mg, zinc acetate 50 mg and ascorbic acid 1 g once daily as supplements for 3 to 5 days during SARS-CoV-2 infection. The aim of this study is to evaluate the safety and efficacy of quercetin, bromelain, zinc and ascorbic acid combination supplements on patients with COVID-19. The mean levels of WBC, ANC, ALC, AMC and AST were normal among all included patients before and after taking quercetin, bromelain, zinc and ascorbic acid supplements (P-value &gt;0.05). Quercetin 800 mg, bromelain 165 mg, zinc acetate 50 mg and ascorbic acid 1 g once daily supplements were safe for patients infected with SARS-CoV-2 and may prevent poor prognosis. Randomized clinical trials needed in the future to ensure the efficacy of quercetin, bromelain, zinc and vitamin C combination.

Effect of Dietary Supplementation of Giloy (Tinospora Cordifolia)Herb and Ascorbic Acid Along with Different Bedding Materials on Cost Economics of Japanese Quail Rearing

The present studywas conducted during October, 2020 to April, 2021 at the Poultry unit, Livestock Farm Complex, College of Veterinary and Animal Science, Bikaner, Rajasthan University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Bikaner, Rajasthan, India to investigate the effects of Giloy and ascorbic acid supplementation along with different bedding materials (sand, saw dust and wheat straw) on cost economics of Japanese quails rearing for 24 weeks .Four hundred thirty two (432) laying Japanese quails (7 day old) were divided into three of different bedding material and each bedding material group further subdivided into four groups on the basis of supplementation (control, Giloy, ascorbic acid and combination of both). Thus, birds were randomly and uniformly distributed in total 12 treatment groups comprising of 36 birds in each group and each group further divided into two replicates comprising 18 birds in each replicate. Quails were fed a basal diet and the basal diet supplemented with 5 g kg-1 giloy supplement of diet, 240 mg of ascorbic acid kg-1 supplement of diet and a combination of 5 g kg-1 giloy and 240 mg of ascorbic acid kg-1 supplement of diet. The net profit/bird based on overall interaction effect was found highest in the group supplemented with giloy alone and reared on wheat straw as bedding material followed by saw dust and sand bedding material group, which were supplemented with giloy alone, respectively. The present study shows that dietary supplementation of giloyalong with wheat straw bedding material is beneficial for cost economics.

Production performance, haematological parameters, serum biochemistry, and expression of HSP-70 in broiler chickens fed dietary ascorbic acid during heat stress.

An experiment was carried out to assess the efficacy of supplemental ascorbic acid (AA) on broiler chicken production performance, blood haematological profile, biochemical profile, and carcass traits under heat stress conditions. A total of 192-day-old broiler chicks were divided into four groups, each with six replicates of eight each (4 × 6 × 8). Four corn-based dietary treatments were formulated: T1 (control diet), T2 (T1 + AA at 200mg/kg), T3 (T1 + AA at 400mg/kg), and T4 (T1 + AA at 600mg/kg) for a period of 42days. Despite the high temperature and humidity, the 600mg AA supplemental groups (T4) gained significantly (P ≤ 0.05) more body weight and had a higher feed intake and better feed conversion ratio (FCR) than the control group (T1). After 28days of feeding the three AA-supplemented diets, antibody titres (humoral immune response) were significantly higher (P ≤ 0.05). The response to intradermally injected phyto-haemagglutinin (PHA-P), an index of the in vivo cell-mediated immune response, was found to be increased (P ≤ 0.05) in the 400 and 600mg AA-supplemented groups after 35days. Higher levels of AA (T4) supplementation significantly (P ≤ 0.05) improved haematological values such as haemoglobin (Hb), total erythrocyte count (TEC), total leukocyte count (TLC), and differential leukocyte count (DLC), heterophil:lymphocyte (H:L) in comparison to the control group (T1). The supplemented group improved the serum biochemical profile of the birds, with an increase (P ≤ 0.05) in total serum protein, albumin, and globulin and a decrease in serum cholesterol and corticosterone levels in the T4 group compared to the control group. Heat shock protein-70 (HSP-70) was gradually elevated after increasing the ascorbic acid concentration (P ≤ 0.05) at 14 and 21days. As a result, it can be concluded that supplementing ascorbic acid at 600mg/kg is beneficial for improving the performance, immunity, and blood haematological biochemical profile and upregulating the HSP-70 gene of broiler chickens under heat stress conditions.

Cardiomyocyte precursors generated by direct reprogramming and molecular beacon selection attenuate ventricular remodeling after experimental myocardial infarction

BackgroundDirect cardiac reprogramming is currently being investigated for the generation of cells with a true cardiomyocyte (CM) phenotype. Based on the original approach of cardiac transcription factor-induced reprogramming of fibroblasts into CM-like cells, various modifications of that strategy have been developed. However, they uniformly suffer from poor reprogramming efficacy and a lack of translational tools for target cell expansion and purification. Therefore, our group has developed a unique approach to generate proliferative cells with a pre-CM phenotype that can be expanded in vitro to yield substantial cell doses.MethodsCardiac fibroblasts were reprogrammed toward CM fate using lentiviral transduction of cardiac transcriptions factors (GATA4, MEF2C, TBX5, and MYOCD). The resulting cellular phenotype was analyzed by RNA sequencing and immunocytology. Live target cells were purified based on intracellular CM marker expression using molecular beacon technology and fluorescence-activated cell sorting. CM commitment was assessed using 5-azacytidine-based differentiation assays and the therapeutic effect was evaluated in a mouse model of acute myocardial infarction using echocardiography and histology. The cellular secretome was analyzed using mass spectrometry.ResultsWe found that proliferative CM precursor-like cells were part of the phenotype spectrum arising during direct reprogramming of fibroblasts toward CMs. These induced CM precursors (iCMPs) expressed CPC- and CM-specific proteins and were selectable via hairpin-shaped oligonucleotide hybridization probes targeting Myh6/7-mRNA–expressing cells. After purification, iCMPs were capable of extensive expansion, with preserved phenotype when under ascorbic acid supplementation, and gave rise to CM-like cells with organized sarcomeres in differentiation assays. When transplanted into infarcted mouse hearts, iCMPs prevented CM loss, attenuated fibrotic scarring, and preserved ventricular function, which can in part be attributed to their substantial secretion of factors with documented beneficial effect on cardiac repair.ConclusionsFibroblast reprogramming combined with molecular beacon-based cell selection yields an iCMP-like cell population with cardioprotective potential. Further studies are needed to elucidate mechanism-of-action and translational potential.Graphical

Facile preparation of carbon dots with multicolor emission for fluorescence detection of ascorbic acid, glutathione and moisture content

The nitrogen-doped carbon dots (N-CDs) with multicolor emission (green, yellow, and red) were fabricated with naphthalenetetracarboxylic dianhydride as carbon precursor, and different alkylamines as passive agents. The structures of the as-prepared carbon dots were confirmed by the Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectrum, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) spectra, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), Raman spectra, and X-ray diffraction (XRD) pattern. The characterized results and UV–vis absorption spectrum demonstrated that the luminescence variations of different CDs were probably attributed to the difference of N-related states, oxygen-containing groups, and oxidation degree in the CDs structure. Moreover, the green emitting CDs (G-CDs) could be utilized as fluorescent probe for ascorbic acid (AA) detection with detection limit (LOD) of 5 μM. The yellow emitting CDs (Y-CDs) could be used to detect glutathione (GSH) in the range of 1–70 μM with LOD of 0.07 μM. The red emitting CDs (R-CDs) could detect the water content in THF, DMF, acetone, and EtOH with LODs of 0.44%, 0.31%, 0.55% and 0.55%, respectively. Remarkably, G-CDs and Y-CDs can distinguish AA and GSH respectively with high selectivity and accuracy. Finally, the fluorescent probes based on G-CDs and Y-CDs were successfully applied for the AA and GSH determination in vitamin C tablet, grapefruit juice, and GSH whitening serum samples with high reliability and feasibility, which provided the guidance for the selection of AA and GSH supplements.

Effects of vitamin C supplementation on Chinese sausage-induced liver damage in rats

Contamination of nitrosamine compounds in Chinese sausages and the relevant hepatoxicity have been reported. This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of vitamin C (VC) supplementation on Chinese sausage contaminated with N-nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA)-induced liver damage and relevant metabolomic changes. Rats were orally administered with Chinese sausage contaminated with NDMA at levels overpassing its safety limit. In some experiments, VC was additionally administered via drinking water to the rats for 25 weeks. Serum samples were collected from the rats for the measurement of the metabolomic profiles by using gas chromatography–mass spectrometry. Compared with the group administered with Chinese sausages alone, in rats with additional VC treatment, all serum biochemical parameters indicating hepatic damage were significantly alleviated, which suggested an improved hepatic function by VC supplementation. Metabonomic analysis of the serum samples showed notable changes in metabolites in VC-supplemented group as compared to that with sausage alone, especially for those involved in the regulation of amino acid or energy or lipid metabolism and/or anti-oxidative function. This study indicates that VC supplement in parallel with long-term exposure to Chinese sausage may attenuate liver damage and promote the recovery of liver function.

Effects of functional nutrients on chicken intestinal epithelial cells induced with oxidative stress.

The objective of this study was to investigate the protective effects of functional nutrients including various functional amino acids, vitamins, and minerals on chicken intestinal epithelial cells (cIECs) treated with oxidative stress. The cIECs were isolated from specific pathogen free eggs. Cells were exposed to 0 mM supplement (control), 20 mM threonine (Thr), 0.4 mM tryptophan (Trp), 1 mM glycine (Gly), 10 μM vitamin C (VC), 40 μM vitamin E (VE), 5 μM vitamin A (VA), 34 μM chromium (Cr), 0.42 μM selenium (Se), and 50 μM zinc (Zn) for 24 h with 6 replicates for each treatment. After 24 h, cells were further incubated with fresh culture medium (positive control, PC) or 1 mM H2O2 with different supplements (negative control, NC and each treatment). Oxidative stress was measured by cell proliferation, whereas tight junction barrier function was analyzed by fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC)-dextran permeability and transepithelial electrical resistance (TEER). Results indicated that cell viability and TEER values were less (p < 0.05) in NC treatments with oxidative stress than in PC treatments. In addition, FITC-dextran values were greater (p < 0.05) in NC treatments with oxidative stress than in PC treatments. The supplementations of Thr, Trp, Gly, VC, and VE in cells treated with H2O2 showed greater (p < 0.05) cell viability than the supplementation of VA, Cr, Se, and Zn. The supplementations of Trp, Gly, VC, and Se in cells treated with H2O2 showed the least (p < 0.05) cellular permeability. In addition, the supplementation of Thr, VE, VA, Cr, and Zn in cells treated with H2O2 decreased (p < 0.05) cellular permeability. At 48 h, the supplementations of Thr, Trp, and Gly in cells treated with H2O2 showed the greatest (p < 0.05) TEER values among all treatments, and the supplementations of VC and VE in cells treated with H2O2 showed greater (p < 0.05) TEER values than the supplementations of VA, Cr, Se, and Zn in cells treated with H2O2. In conclusion, Thr, Trp, Gly, and VC supplements were effective in improving cell viability and intestinal barrier function of cIECs exposed to oxidative stress.