VC Levels Research Articles

Evaluation of Some Antioxidant Parameters (Vitamin E & C), MDA and Hemoglobin Levels, in Women of Reproductive Age, Based on Mode of Child Delivery, in Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria

Childbirth indicates the positive outcome of pregnancy in humans, in which mode of child delivery, which is either by vaginal delivery (VD) or cesarean-section delivery (CS) is considered critical in maintaining maternal health. Antioxidants delay or inhibit cellular damage, mainly through their free radical-scavenging property. Changes in vitamin E and vitamin C antioxidants, lipid peroxidation (MDA) and hemoglobin (Hb) can lead to complications, forming reactive oxygen species (ROS) and cellular imbalance, bringing about oxidative stress (OS). These parameters remove the ROS efficiently and protect the body from the adverse effects of oxidative stress. The purpose of our study was to evaluate the effect of mode of child delivery on maternal VE, VC, MDA and Hb status, in women of reproductive age in Owerri, Imo state, Nigeria. It involved 200 pregnant women, within the reproductive ages of 20 to 39 years, with 100 subjects being those who gave birth through VD and 100 being those who gave birth through CS. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 23, with results expressed as mean ± standard deviation and presented in tables. Independent t-tests and ANOVA were used for comparisons, with p≤0.05 considered significant. The results from this study showed that, women who gave birth through VD had significantly lower VE (p<0.001) and VC (p<0.001) levels compared to those who had CS. Similarly, the levels of MDA were significantly (p<0.001) reduced in women who gave birth through VD compared to those who had CS. The antepartum Hb of VD women was significantly higher than postpartum levels, while the antepartum Hb of CS women was significantly lower compared to the postpartum levels. The results indicate that women who gave birth through VD had significantly reduced VE, VC, MDA and Hb levels, after childbirth, compared to births of CS delivery. It is recommended that antioxidant parameters (Vitamin E & C), MDA and hemoglobin (Hb) levels, be assessed in women during childbirth in order to help in the management of their postpartum conditions.

Improved prediction of vitamin C and reducing sugar content in sweetpotatoes using hyperspectral imaging and LARS-enhanced LASSO variable selection

This study utilized least angle regression (LARS) with the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) to select important wavelengths for rapid quantification of vitamin C (Vc) and reducing sugar (RS) in sweetpotato roots (SPR) using hyperspectral imaging (900–1700 nm). Nine wavelengths strongly correlated with Vc levels and twelve with RS were identified, achieving good predictions with partial least squares (PLS) regression (Vc: rP = 0.9704, RMSEP = 1.0098 mg/100 g; RS: rP = 0.9641, RMSEP = 0.2725 g/100 g). Validation with an independent sample set (n = 35) showed minimal deviation between predicted and actual values (Vc: 1.179–1.211 mg/100 g; RS: 0.316–0.324 g/100 g). Explainable AI and SHapley Additive exPlanations (SHAP) values were used to interpret the selected wavelengths. Chemical maps visually analyzed Vc and RS distribution in different SPR samples. This method effectively estimates Vc and RS levels in SPR, potentially aiding SPR quality assessment during post-harvest marketing and storage.

Identification of transcription factors contributing to vitamin C synthesis during Rosa roxburghii fruit development by integrating transcriptomics and metabolomics

Ascorbic acid, also referred to as vitamin C (Vc), is an important nutrient found in fruits and vegetables that promotes produce quality and human health. Rosa roxburghii is an underutilized natural fruit that contains very high levels of Vc. However, the Vc content of R. roxburghii varies considerably during plant development and ripening. To better understand the molecular mechanisms that underlie fluctuations in Vc content of R. roxburghii fruit at different developmental stages, we performed transcriptomic and metabolomic analyses and identified two significant gene networks/modules and 168 transcription factors directly involved in Vc synthesis. Promoter analysis of two core genes involved in Vc synthesis, RrGGP and RrGalUR, revealed the presence of a retroviral long terminal repeat (LTR) insert in the RrGalUR promoter. Using yeast one-hybrid and dual-luciferase assays, we demonstrated that the transcription factors RrHY5H and RrZIP9 bind to the promoter of RrGGP to promote its expression. RrZIP6 and RrWRKY4 bind to the LTR in the RrGalUR promoter to promote its expression. Our results reveal a molecular mechanism that controls Vc synthesis and accumulation in R. roxburghii fruit.

Distribution of Vicine, Convicine and Levodopa in Faba Bean Plant Tissues Determined by UltraHigh Performance Liquid Chromatography-Electrospray Ionization Mass Spectrometry

Faba bean is an emerging pulse crop for the Canada Prairies and is becoming an increasingly important source of plant sourced protein. It also has a high content of levodopa (up to 0.1 % of the dry seed weight), a nutraceutical compound for treating Parkinson's Disease (PD). The presence of pyrimidine glycosides, vicine and convicine, however, restricts the use of faba due to their potential to cause favism in susceptible individuals. For the rapid separation and quantification of levodopa, vicine and convicine, a 5-min ultrahigh performance liquid chromatography-electrospray ionization mass spectrometry method (UHPLC-ESI MS) was developed. This method provided a wide linear range of quantification (4.8 nM to 60 µM for vicine, and 6.0 nM to 24 µM for convicine and levodopa), and low limit of detection (1.2 to 3.0 nM). The method was applied in the analysis of diverse faba bean samples, from dehulled mature faba bean and seed coat, to fresh plant tissues such as flowers, leaves, stems, roots and pods. The results indicated that fresh faba bean plant tissues, such as leaves and flowers, had the highest concentration of levodopa and low level of VC, which makes them an alternative source of plant-based l-DOPA with potential as a food-based treatment for Parkinson's Disease.

The effect of micronutrient on thyroid cancer risk: a Mendelian randomization study.

The effect of micronutrients on thyroid cancer has been studied in observational studies, however, the cause of relationships has not yet been determined. Thyroid cancer was the subject of a Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis of micronutrients. Aimed to determine whether micronutrient intake has a causal impact on the chance of developing thyroid cancer. We used a Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis with two samples. Our circulation levels of Cu, Ir, Zn, Ca, VD, and VC were reflected by genetic variations reported from GWAS in individuals of European ancestry. For the GWAS outcome of thyroid cancer. Sensitivity studies that included MR-Egger, weighted median/mode tests, and a more open selection of variations at a genome-wide sub-significant threshold were added to our inverse-variance weighted (IVW) MR study. Using the IVW approach, we did not find evidence that any of the micronutrients to thyroid cancer (Cu: odds ratio [OR = 0.88, p = 0.41]; Zn: odds ratio [OR = 0.87, p = 0.40]; Ir: odds ratio [OR = 1.18, p = 0.39]; Ca: odds ratio [OR = 1.12, p = 0.43]; VC: odds ratio [OR = 0.95, p = 0.22]; VD: odds ratio [OR = 0.89, p = 0.04]). The heterogeneity (p > 0.05) and pleiotropy (p > 0.05) testing provided confirmatory evidence for the validity of our MR estimates. This study does not provide evidence that supplementation with micronutrients including Cu, Ir, Zn, Ca, VD, and VC can prevent thyroid cancer.

Sweet potato yield and quality characteristics affected by different late-season irrigation levels.

Seasonal late-season water deficits negatively affect the yield and quality of sweet potatoes in northern China. However, the amount of late-season irrigation to achieve high yield and consistent quality storage root remains undetermined. We assessed the yield and some qualitative traits of sweet potatoes such as size, shape, skin/flesh colour and nutritional content, as influenced by five irrigation levels (T0: unirrigated control; T1: 33% ETc; T2: 75% ETc; T3: 100% ETc; and T4: 125% ETc). Late-season irrigation significantly increased yield and marketable yield. Yields for T2 and T3 were significantly higher than other treatments, whereas T2 had the highest Grade A rating in a 2-year test. The vertical length of storage roots gradually increased with an increase in irrigation level, whereas the maximum width remained unchanged. The proportion of long elliptic and elliptic storage roots also increased, whereas the proportion of ovate, obovate and round storage roots gradually decreased. The skin and flesh colours became more vivid as the level of irrigation increased, with the skin colour becoming redder and the flesh colour becoming more orange-yellow. The levels of carotenoids, vitamin C and soluble sugar were significantly higher in irrigated crops, with the highest vitamin C and soluble sugar levels in T2 and the highest carotenoid levels in T3 treatment. Taken together, these results demonstrate the potential of moderate irrigation in the late-season to improve both yield production and quality potential. The results are of great importance for improving the market value of sweet potatoes and increasing grower profits. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.

Relationship between serum vitamin C and serum uric acid in people with different BMIs: results from the NHANES 2017-2018 and Mendelian randomization study.

To examine the association of overweight/obesity and serum vitamin C (serum VC) with serum uric acid (SUA) and to assess causality using Mendelian randomization (MR). 4,772 participants from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES), 2017-2018 were included in this study. Multivariate linear regression, variance inflation factor and quantile regression were used to analyze the relationships between overweight/obesity and serum VC and SUA levels. Secondly, Mendelian randomization (MR) was utilized to mitigate bias and prevent reverse causality in the observational study. Genetic variants associated with obesity (N = 13,848), vitamin C levels (N = 64,979) and serum uric acid levels (N = 343,836) were sourced from the most extensive genome-wide association studies (GWAS). The primary analytical method employed was inverse variance weighted (IVW). Based on the observational study, BMI was positively associated with SUA (β = 0.06, 95% CI: 0.05 to 0.07, p < 0.001) and serum VC was negatively associated with SUA (β = -0.14, 95% CI: -0.23 to -0.04, p = 0.005). In individuals with overweight/obesity (BMI > =25), the negative effects of serum VC on SUA enhanced with increasing serum VC. High serum VC level (Q4 level, above 1.19 mg/dL) reduced SUA (β = -0.30, 95% CI: -0.47 to -0.14, p < 0.001) in individuals with overweight/obesity compared to low serum VC level (Q1 level, below 0.54 mg/dL). IVW-MR analysis revealed a significant association between SUA levels and genetically elevated levels of VC (β = -0.03, 95% CI: -0.06 to -0.00, p = 0.029) and obesity (β = 0.06, 95% CI: 0.04 to 0.07, p < 0.001). Cross-sectional observational analysis revealed that BMI exhibited a positive correlation with SUA levels and that serum VC was negatively correlated with SUA levels; moreover, moderate serum VC can reduce SUA, especially in individuals with overweight/obesity. There was evidence indicating a causal effect of VC and obesity on SUA. It highlights the importance of VC in the management of SUA levels, particularly in overweight/obese individuals. The findings might be helpful for the management of high SUA levels.

Comparison of nutrient composition, phytochemicals and antioxidant activities of two large fruit cultivars of sea buckthorn in Xinjiang of China

Although the basic nutritional composition and in vitro antioxidant activity of different cultivars of sea buckthorn fruit have been reported, the contents of sugars, acids, antioxidant components and antioxidant activities of two large fruit cultivars, ZhuangYuanHuang (ZYH) and ShenQiuHong (SQH), sea buckthorn fruits from Xinjiang of China have not been studied. In this study, we found that the soluble sugars were mainly glucose and fructose, and no significant difference in soluble sugars content was found between the two cultivars. ZYH exhibited higher contents of total acids, malic acid, tartaric acid, citric acid and succinic acid, but lower quinic acid compared to that in SQH. ZYH owned higher total phenolics and total flavonoids contents than that in SQH. A total of 12 phenolics were found in the two cultivars, isorhamnetin and quercetin contents were considerably higher in ZYH than in SQH, while protocatechuic acid, catechin, ferulic acid and p-coumaric acid contents were lower than in SQH. VC and VE (γ-VE, α-VE, δ-VE) were much higher in ZYH than in SQH. The contents of total carotenoids, β-carotene and lycopene in ZYH were considerably higher than those of SQH. In addition, the DPPH and FRAP scavenging activity and cellular antioxidant activity of ZYH were significantly higher than those of SQH. Taken together, the higher antioxidant activities of ZYH may be due to its higher levels of phenolics, flavonoids, VC, VE and carotenoids.

A High-Performance Liquid Chromatography with Electrochemical Detection Method Developed for the Sensitive Determination of Ascorbic Acid: Validation, Application, and Comparison with Titration, Spectrophotometric, and High-Performance Liquid Chromatography with Diode-Array Detection Methods.

L-ascorbic acid (vitamin C, VC), an essential nutrient obtained from the diet to maintain various vital signs for the human body, is a crucial indicator of food quality and nutritional value. Herein, high-performance liquid chromatography with electrochemical detection (HPLC-ECD) was developed and validated with the advantages of higher sensitivity, simpler operation processes, and more rapid detection in measuring VC levels in honey samples when compared with the common methods (titration, spectrophotometric, and HPLC-DAD methods). The results of the HPLC-ECD methodological validation showed that the limit of detection (LOD) was 0.0043 µg mL-1; the relative standard deviations (RSDs) of the intra- and inter-day values were between 2.51% and 5.15%, and the regression coefficient was >0.999 in the linear range of 0.1 to 20 µg mL-1. The validated HPLC-ECD method was also successfully utilized to evaluate the VC levels in different varieties of honey samples with various storage durations as well as in fruit and biological samples. This study provided a perspective for the further accurate determination of VC content in food and biological samples.

Verniks Kazeoza Maddesinde Bulunan Bazı Element (Na+, Cl-, K+, Fe+2, Mg+2, Ca+2, Cu+2, Zn+2) Düzeylerinin Değerlendirilmesi

The substance "Vernix Caseosa" (VC), which begins to be secreted in the third trimester of the human fetus, is a natural product that occurs spontaneously. This substance, which protects the baby against external factors, has a feature that facilitates birth by providing lubrication during normal birth. 52 infants were included in the study. A sterile soft-tipped device was used to collect the VC, and a swab was taken from the baby's skin immediately after birth. In addition, mothers under the age of 35 and over the age of 35 were grouped as multiparous and nulliparous and their VC was examined separately. In VC, the levels of the elements responsible for production and repair in the human body were investigated. Homogenized samples were measured by Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer. Element results were given as mean and standard deviation; *Na+: 12.09 ± 0.58, *Cl-: 10.27 ± 1.08, *K+:1.84 ± 0.54, **Fe+2: 72.39 ± 4.84, **Mg+2: 67.07 ± 3.31, **Ca+2:864.51 ± 32.61, **Cu+2:12.98 ± 2.01, **Zn+2: 11.00 ± 1.55 (*:mg/g tissue, **:ug/g tissue). According to the results of literature review and to the best of knowledge, limited information on element levels of VC has been reported. The studied elements are found as cofactors in growth and development and in many biochemical mechanisms. Protein and lipid contents have been investigated in previous studies and it has been reported that VC has an important role in protecting the fetus from external factors and infections. In addition, the protection of amniotic fluid from maceration and the prevention of fluid and electrolyte losses of the skin are also mentioned. It is thought that this research will make an important contribution to the determination of the biochemical structure of VC, which is a natural and protective substance.

Vitamin C injection improves antioxidant stress capacity through regulating blood metabolism in post-transit yak

Transportation stress is one of the most serious issues in the management of yak. Previous studies have demonstrated that transport stress is caused by a pro-oxidant state in the animal resulting from an imbalance between pro-oxidant and antioxidant status. In this context, vitamin C has the ability to regulate reactive oxygen species (ROS) synthesis and alleviate oxidative stress. Although this effect of vitamin C is useful in pigs, goats and cattle, the effect of vitamin C on the mitigation of transport stress in yaks is still unclear. The purpose of this study was to better assess the metabolic changes induced by the action of vitamin C in yaks under transportation stress, and whether these changes can influence antioxidant status. After the yaks arrived at the farm, control or baseline blood samples were collected immediately through the jugular vein (VC_CON). Then, 100 mg/kg VC was injected intramuscularly, and blood samples were collected on the 10th day before feeding in the morning (VC). Relative to the control group, the VC injection group had higher levels of VC. Compared with VC_CON, VC injection significantly (P < 0.05) decreased the blood concentrations of ALT, AST, T-Bil, D-Bil, IDBIL, UREA, CRP and LDH. However, VC injection led to greater (P < 0.05) AST/ALT and CREA-S relative to VC_CON. There was no difference (P > 0.05) in GGT, ALP, TBA, TP, ALBII, GLO, A/G, TC, TG, HDL-C, LDL-C, GLU and l-lactate between VC_CON and VC. The injection of VC led to greater (P < 0.05) concentration of MDA, but did not alter (P > 0.05) the serum concentrations of LPO and ROS. The injection of VC led to greater (P < 0.05) serum concentrations of POD, CAT and GSH-PX. In contrast, lower (P < 0.05) serum concentrations of SOD, POD and TPX were observed in VC relative to VC_CON. No difference (P > 0.05) in GSH, GSH-ST and GR was observed between VC_CON and VC. Compared with the control group, metabolomics using liquid chromatography tandem–mass spectrometry identified 156 differential metabolites with P < 0.05 and a variable importance in projection (VIP) score > 1.5 in the VC injection group. The injection of VC resulted in significant changes to the intracellular amino acid metabolism of glutathione, glutamate, cysteine, methionine, glycine, phenylalanine, tyrosine, tryptophan, alanine and aspartate. Overall, our study indicated that VC injections were able to modulate antioxidant levels by affecting metabolism to resist oxidative stress generated during transport.

Rationally designed a silent AIE oxidation platform based on pillar[5]arene for [formula omitted] and vitamin C (Vc) sensor

The benefits of Vc for the body's typical metabolism have received adequate attention. However, effective probes for analyzing specific Vc are currently lacking. To monitor Vc levels, we design and create a novel luminescence-silent oxidation AIE fluorescent probe (2BCP@Fe) by interacting between a coumarin dual-functionalized fluorescent pillar[5]arene derivative and Fe3+ to monitor largescale Vc. The morphological transformation was achieved by adding a certain amount of aqueous solution into the BCP DMF solution. A fluorescence ‘turn-on‘ phenomenon was observed, which was caused by restricting intramolecular rotation.Meanwhile, SEM measurements supported the importance of the cation-π interaction between Fe3+ and BCP in this supramolecular process. Additionally, the supramolecular system (2BCP@Fe) can monitor H2PO4- ions through competitive contact and can operate as a “turn-on” fluorescent probe for Vc detection through the process of redox reaction. As a result, such a novel fabrication strategy might offer a prospective strategy for preparing the metal-modified macrocyclic host functional materials for sensing, catalysis, and other fields.

Effects of dietary collagen cofactors and hydroxyproline on the growth performance, textural properties and collagen deposition in swim bladder of Nibea coibor based on orthogonal array analysis

The global demand for collagen is continuously growing over years. Nutritional regulation of quality and collagen deposition in the swim bladder, an ideal collagen source of marine product, is a promising method for improving the economic value of fish. In this study, to enhance growth efficiency and collagen deposition in swim bladder of an important economic marine fish, the chu’s croaker (Nibea coibor), a L9(34) orthogonal array was designed with three levels for each factor, which are hydroxyproline (Hyp) and the key cofactors for proline hydroxylation during collagen post-translation modification, such as A1-A3 (Hyp): 0, 10 and 20 g/kg; B1-B3 (vitamin C, VC): 0, 0.20 and 0.40 g/kg; C1-C3 (Fe2+): 0, 0.20 and 0.40 g/kg; D1-D3 (α-ketoglutarate, AKG): 0, 10 and 20 g/kg, to formulate the trial feeds. An 8-week feed trial was carried out on 405 fish (initial weight 269.04 ± 3.18 g) which were randomly distributed into the nine treatment groups with three replicates of 15 fish per cage. Results indicated that appropriate increase of dietary Hyp and VC level is more beneficial to collagen deposition and textural properties in swim bladder, while Hyp and AKG exerted more significant effects on the growth performance. Gene expression analysis of collagen metabolism indicated that Hyp mainly improved the synthesis of type I collagen and inhibited collagen degradation, while VC and AKG mainly play an important role in hydroxylation of proline residues on collagen. The best combination for growth performance and collagen deposition in swim bladder were suggested to be A2B2C1D3 and A2B2C1D1, respectively. The results demonstrated that appropriate dietary supplementation of Hyp and cofactors can improve growth and collagen production of swim bladder. Our result would provide reference data for nutritional regulation of the species and optimization of the commercial feed to provide fish products with high quality.

The impact of the mountain factor on the students» cardiorespiratory system

The work is devoted to studying the influence of mountain hypoxia on the state of the students» cardiovascular and respiratory systems. The results of our research indicate that under conditions of hypoxia, the activity of the respiratory system in students significantly increases while the activity of the cardiovascular system slightly decreases. Thus, the cardiac rate at an altitude of 1,600 m was 72.8 beats per minute for female students and 71.0 for males, with 76.2 and 74.8 beats respectively at 170 m. In the midlands, the value of systolic pressure fell to 113.6 mmHg in girls and 110.8 in young men, with the plain indicators at 117.6 and 114.6. The rhythm of breathing in conditions of oxygen deficiency in the surrounding air does not change. The level of respiratory volume in female students at an altitude of 600 and 1600 m was 0.62 l (P &lt;0.05) and 0.68 (P &lt;0.02), with 0.46 at 170 m. In the midlands, the inspiratory reserve volume in girls was 1.93 l (P &lt;0.02), and in the plains it was 1.74. The VC level at the maximum height was 3.92 l (P &lt;0.05) in female students and 4.42 l in male, and at a height of 170 m — 3.46 and 4.06 l, respectively.

Vitamin C Is Essential for the Maintenance of Skeletal Muscle Functions.

Simple SummaryPreviously, we reported that long-term vitamin C (L-ascorbic acid, VC) deficiency causes muscle atrophy and deterioration in physical ability using female senescence marker protein-30 (SMP30)-deficient mice with a lack of VC synthesis, which is similar to that observed in humans. In this study, we investigated whether these findings also hold true in male SMP30-deficient mice and found that long-term VC deficiency causes muscle atrophy and deterioration in physical ability in male SMP30-deficient mice as well. Interestingly, muscle atrophy and declined physical ability were completely restored with VC supplementation. Thus, VC is essential for maintaining skeletal muscle function in both male and female mice.Vitamin C (L-ascorbic acid, VC) is a water-soluble antioxidant essential for collagen polymerization. Previously, we reported that long-term VC deficiency causes muscle atrophy and deterioration in physical ability using female senescence marker protein-30 (SMP30)-deficient mice with a lack of VC synthesis, which is similar to that observed in humans. To determine whether these findings also hold true for male SMP30-deficient mice, two-month-old male SMP30-deficient mice were divided into two groups: the VC-treated group (VC(+)) was administered 1.5 g/L VC, and the VC-untreated group (VC(−)) was supplied water without VC. The VC level at four weeks in the gastrocnemius muscles from the VC(+) and VC(−) groups was 205.7 ± 8.5 nmol/g tissue and 13.1 ± 0.6 nmol/g tissue, respectively. Thus, four weeks was enough to reduce the VC level in the skeletal muscle in the VC-untreated group. On the other hand, muscle weights of the gastrocnemius, soleus, plantaris, tibialis anterior, and extensor digitorum longus in the VC(−) group were significantly reduced by VC deficiency after twelve weeks. The physical endurance of the VC(−) group at eight weeks was markedly lower than that of the VC(+) group. The grasping strength and activity in the cage in the nocturnal phases of the VC(−) group were markedly lower at twelve and sixteen weeks than those of the VC(+) group. Interestingly, muscle atrophy and declined physical ability were completely restored with VC supplementation for twelve weeks after VC deficiency. Thus, VC is essential for maintaining skeletal muscle function in both male and female SMP30-deficient mice with a lack of VC synthesis.

Isolation and control of Botrytis cinerea in postharvest green pepper fruit

Botrytis cinerea is a necrotrophic fungus that causes severe losses of postharvest pepper fruit. Moreover, this fungus is indiscriminate, causing severe disease in a variety of plant species, thus isolation and identification of the individual strains are crucial for the development of strain specific antifungal agents. In this study, B. cinerea was isolated from naturally infected green pepper fruit and identified through morphological features, pathogenic symptoms and rDNA-ITS analysis. The antifungal potential of the food additive sodium dehydroacetate (SD) and plant natural product trans-2-hexenal (TH) against the isolated pathogen was then examined. Sequence alignment and phylogenetic tree analysis matched the isolated strain to B. cinerea strains previously isolated from infected sweet pepper in Pakistan, and homology alignment analysis showed that it was 100% homologous to strain NRCB07. In vitro and in vivo experiments showed that both SD and TH treatments strongly inhibited the growth of the isolated B. cinerea, SD had a concentration dependent effect, while TH had an obvious antifungal effect only at higher concentrations. Both SD and TH limited the progression of gray mold disease and reduced the weight loss and respiration rate of inoculated green peppers. Treated pepper retained higher levels of Vc, chlorophyll and total soluble solids. SD and TH also enhanced the activities of the antioxidant enzymes SOD, POD and CAT of pepper, which may be directly responsible for the delayed onset of gray mold disease. Taken together, these results suggest that SD and TH are potential antifungal agents against B. cinerea and can be considered for the health control of gray mold in postharvest green peppers.

Epigenetic Remodeling by Vitamin C Potentiates the Differentiation of Mouse and Human Plasma Cells

Abstract Ascorbate (vitamin C) is an essential micronutrient in humans. The chronic severe deficiency of ascorbate, termed scurvy, has long been associated with increased susceptibility to infections. How ascorbate affects the immune system at the cellular and molecular levels remained unclear. Here, from a micronutrient screen, we identified ascorbate as a potent enhancer for antibody response by facilitating the IL-21/STAT3-dependent plasma cell differentiation in mouse and human B cells. The effect of ascorbate is unique, as other antioxidants failed to promote plasma cell differentiation. Ascorbate is critical during early B cell activation by poising the cells to plasma cell lineage without affecting the proximal IL-21/STAT3 signaling and the overall transcriptome. Consistent with its role as a cofactor for epigenetic enzymes, ascorbate potentiates plasma cell differentiation by remodeling the epigenome via TET (Ten Eleven Translocation), the enzymes responsible for DNA demethylation by oxidizing 5-methylcytosines into 5-hydroxymethylcytosine (5hmC). Genome-wide 5hmC profiling identified ascorbate responsive elements (EAR) at the Prdm1 locus, including a distal element with a STAT3 motif overlapped with a CpG that was methylated and modified by TET in the presence of ascorbate. The results suggest that an adequate level of VC is required for antibody response and highlight how micronutrients regulate the activity of epigenetic enzymes to regulate gene expression. Our findings imply that epigenetic enzymes can function as sensors to gauge the availability of metabolites and influence cell fate decisions. This research was funded by LJI/KKR young investigator fund; NIH National Cancer Institute K22 (K22CA241290); startup funds from the Department of Microbial Infection and Immunity and from the Pelotonia Institute of Immuno-oncology at the Ohio State University.

Extraction, derivatization, and antioxidant activity of Morinda citrifolia polysaccharide.

The polysaccharide from Morinda citrifolia fermentation liquor was extracted by the hot water method. The acetylated polysaccharide, phosphorylated polysaccharide, carboxymethylated polysaccharide, and sulfated polysaccharide were identified by IR and NMR spectra. The results showed that Morinda citrifolia polysaccharide and its derivatives showed the good antioxidant activity, and them up to Vc level. These results provide a good basis for studying the antioxidant activity and structural-activity relationship of Morinda citrifolia polysaccharide and its derivatives.

Browning inhibition and postharvest quality of button mushrooms (Agaricus bisporus) treated with alginate and ascorbic acid edible coating

The effects of alginate and ascorbic acid coating treatment on browning inhibition and quality of button mushrooms (Agaricus bisporus) were ascertained during refrigerated storage at 4°C. Mushrooms were treated with 2% sodium alginate (SA), 0.2% ascorbic acid solution (Vc), and 2% SA + 0.2% Vc, and then enclosed in plastic boxes at 4°C for 16 d. Results showed that the use of 2% SA + 0.2% Vc during refrigerated storage could suppress the climacteric peak, reduce weight loss, maintain firmness, decrease colour degradation and Vc level, and inhibit PPO and POD activities. Results also showed that 2% SA + 0.2% Vc could be a useful method for retaining the postharvest quality and prolonging shelf life of button mushrooms.

Role of ascorbic acid infusion in critically ill patients with transfusion-related acute lung injury.

In critically ill patients, transfusion-related acute lung injury (TRALI) remains the leading cause of transfusion-related fatalities in critical care settings and is associated with inflammation and oxidative stress state. Recent research raised the potential efficacy of high-dose intravenous ascorbic acid (VC) in critically ill patients. The aim of this trial was to investigate the effect of high-dose intravenous VC as a targeted therapy for TRALI in terms of serum proinflammatory (interleukin [IL]-8, IL-1β, C-reactive protein), anti-inflammatory (IL-10), oxidative stress (superoxide dismutase, malondialdehyde) markers, and plasma VC levels. Secondary outcomes were oxygenation (PaO2 /FiO2 ratio), vasopressor use, duration of mechanical ventilation, ICU length of stay, 7-day mortality and 28-day mortality. Eighty critically ill patients with TRALI (n = 80) were randomized to receive 2.5 g/6h intravenous vitamin C for 96 hours (ASTRALI group) or placebo. Patients were followed up to measure the outcomes initially (T0) and at the end of treatment (T96). When compared to the control group, the ASTRALI group at T96 showed significantly higher median of IL-10 (31.6± 25.8 vs 17.7± 12.0pg/mL, P <.0001) levels and superoxide dismutase (12 876 ± 4627 U/L vs 5895 ± 6632 U/L, P <.0001) activities, and lower median C-reactive protein (76 ± 50 vs 89 ± 56 mg/L, P =.033), IL-8 (11.8±7.3 vs 35.5± 19.8pg/mL, P <.0001) and malondialdehyde (0.197 ±0.034 vs 0.234 ±0.074 μM/L, P =.002) levels. High-dose ascorbic acid was associated with significantly reduced oxidative stress, reduced pro-inflammatory markers except IL-1β, elevated anti-inflammatory marker and elevated plasma VC levels.