Serum Ascorbic Acid Levels Research Articles

Content of ascorbic acid in different skin phototypes in children with vitiligo

Aim. To evaluate the blood level of ascorbic acid in children with vitiligo according to skin phototype.Material and Methods. Blood ascorbic acid levels were analysed in children of different ages (6-15 years) with different types of vitiligo, depending on skin phototype. Patients were divided into two groups according to the degree and localisation of the vitiligo lesions: with non-segmental (n=116) and with segmental (n=134) vitiligo. The area of distribution of the dermatosis and its stage of development were calculated using the VIMAN and VIDA indices, respectively. Serum ascorbic acid levels were determined by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry. Patients were classified by phototype according to T. Fitzpatrick’s classification.Results and discussion. Among the children with vitiligo studied, skin phototypes II, III and IV were identified, with a predominance of phototype III over the others. Their percentages differed in the two groups studied. In non-segmental vitiligo, there were more children with a light phototype and fewer with a dark phototype compared to the group of children with segmental vitiligo. Ascorbic acid levels were significantly reduced in children with vitiligo compared to a group of healthy children. The most pronounced decrease was observed in the group with non-segmental vitiligo in the 7-9 year age group. In both groups of patients, there was a tendency for ascorbic acid levels to decrease with age.Conclusion. The data obtained indicate that children with vitiligo have lower ascorbic acid levels than healthy children. The tendency to decrease increases with age, especially in patients with a dark phototype. This fact indicates the need to correct vitamin C levels in the body of children with vitiligo.

Higher serum ascorbic acid levels are associated with lower depression prevalence in US adults: a case-control study.

Recent studies have shown that a higher intake of ascorbic acid was associated with a lower prevalence of depression. Nevertheless, the recall bias was common in dietary surveys in these studies, and it was ignored that there were differences in the absorption and utilization of ascorbic acid in the body. Hence, we aim to investigate the association between serum ascorbic acid levels and the prevalence of depression in US adults. A total of 3,404 participants from the 2017-2018 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) that underwent measurement of the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) scores and serum levels of ascorbic acid. Propensity Score Matching (PSM) successfully established a case-control study, comprising 299 participants diagnosed with depression and 1,107 as controls. We used binary logistic regression to estimate odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) to explore associated risk factors for depression. Restricted cubic splines (RCS) were used to show the nonlinear relationship between serum ascorbic acid levels and the prevalence of depression. The prevalence of depression was approximately 8.8%, with a median serum ascorbic acid level of 49.9 (36.0, 67.0) μmol/L. Results revealed that the serum ascorbic acid levels of depressed patients were significantly lower than those of non-depressed individuals (42.97 VS 52.97 μmol/L). The baseline data indicated that as serum ascorbic acid levels increased from Quartile 1 (Q1) to Quartile 4 (Q4), the depression prevalence decreased from 12.0 to 5.4% (p < 0.05). The results of the chi-square test after PSM showed that serum ascorbic acid was still statistically significant (p < 0.001) with the prevalence of depression. Forest plot showed that compared with the Q1 of serum ascorbic acid level, the OR and 95%CI of depression prevalence in Q4 was 0.42 (0.30 ~ 0.61), and the adjusted OR and 95%CI of depressive prevalence was 0.49 (0.33 ~ 0.73). RCS models showed an L-shaped nonlinear relationship (P for nonlinearity <0.05) between serum ascorbic acid and depression. Our results suggested that higher serum ascorbic acid levels are associated with a reduced prevalence of depression.

A clinic-pathological research explored the significance of ascorbic acid and iron levels in serum and saliva in premalignant disorder patients at Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh.

Oral submucous fibrosis (OSMF), or OSMF, is a well-known, potentially premalignant condition of the oral cavity. Monitoring OSMF widespread effects necessitate interventions in at-risk individuals, ideally before the disease becomes aggressive. Ascorbic acid and iron, for instance, are significant micronutrients in the pathogenesis of OSMF. This study aimed to investigate the significance of ascorbic acid and iron levels in serum and saliva in patients with premalignant disorder (OSMF) and to correlate variations in ascorbic acid and iron levels with histopathological grading. The present study was conducted on 195 patients over a period of 10 months. These patients were divided into two groups, Group I (n = 88, Control), Group II (n = 107, clinically diagnosed and histopathologically confirmed cases of OSMF). Serum and salivary ascorbic acid were analyzed by the dintrophenyl hydrazine method, whereas serum and salivary iron were analyzed by the dipyridyl method. Paired t-test and Fisher test were used to compare between the mean and to find the level of significance P value. The serum and salivary ascorbic acid levels consistently decreased with the progression of histopathological grading of OSMF. Serum and salivary iron levels were also decreased in OSMF patients, and it came as significant. Excess collagen synthesis during OSMF may have been promoted with ascorbic acid and iron. As a reason, serum and salivary monitoring may be significant in detecting and diagnosing OSMF early on.

Predictive model for vitamin C levels in hyperinsulinemic individuals based on age, sex, waist circumference, low-density lipoprotein, and immune-associated serum proteins

Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) is an important water-soluble antioxidant associated with decreased oxidative stress in type 2 diabetes (T2D) patients. A previous targeted plasma proteomic study has indicated that ascorbic acid is associated with markers of the immune system in healthy subjects. However, the association between the levels of ascorbic acid and blood biomarkers in subjects at risk of developing T2D is still unknown. Serum ascorbic acid was measured by ultra-performance liquid chromatography and serum proteins were quantified by untargeted liquid-chromatography mass spectrometry in 25 hyperinsulinemia subjects that were randomly assigned a high dairy intake diet or an adequate dairy intake diet for 6 weeks, then crossed-over after a 6-week washout period. Spearman correlation followed by gene ontology analyses were performed to identify biological pathways associated with ascorbic acid. Finally, machine learning analysis was performed to obtain a specific serum protein signature that could predict ascorbic acid levels. After adjustments for waist circumference, LDL, HDL, fasting insulin, fasting blood glucose, age, gender, and dairy intake; serum ascorbic acid correlated positively with different aspects of the immune system. Machine learning analysis indicated that a signature composed of 21 features that included 17 proteins (mainly from the immune system), age, sex, waist circumference, and LDL could predict serum ascorbic acid levels in hyperinsulinemia subjects. In conclusion, the result reveals a correlation as well as modulation between serum ascorbic acid levels and proteins that play vital roles in regulating different aspects of the immune response in individuals at risk of T2D. The development of a predictive signature for ascorbic acid will further help the assessment of ascorbic acid status in clinical settings.

Associations Between Dietary Vitamin C, Serum Ascorbic Acid, and GSTT1 Genotype and Premenstrual Symptoms

Objective Premenstrual symptoms are a cyclically occurring combination of adverse psychological and somatic symptoms that impact the quality of life for most females of childbearing age. Growing evidence suggests that diet may attenuate premenstrual symptoms; however, the relationship between vitamin C and premenstrual symptoms remains unclear. The aim of the research was to determine the association between different measures of vitamin C status and premenstrual symptoms. Method Females (n = 555) aged 20 to 29 years from the Toronto Nutrigenomics and Health Study completed a General Health and Lifestyle Questionnaire, capturing 15 premenstrual symptoms. Dietary intake was measured using a 196-item Toronto-modified Harvard food frequency questionnaire. Serum ascorbic acid concentrations were measured, and participants were categorized into deficient (<11 µmol/L), suboptimal (11–28 µmol/L), and adequate (>28 µmol/L) ascorbic acid levels. DNA was genotyped for the GSTT1 (Ins/Del) polymorphism. Using logistic regression, odds of experiencing premenstrual symptoms were compared between vitamin C intake levels above and below the recommended daily allowance (75 mg/d) between ascorbic acid levels and between GSTT1 genotypes. Results Increased vitamin C intake was associated with premenstrual appetite changes (OR, 1.65; 95% CI, 1.01–2.68). Compared to deficient ascorbic acid levels, suboptimal levels were associated with premenstrual appetite changes (OR, 2.59; 95% CI, 1.02–6.58) and bloating/swelling (OR, 3.00; 95% CI, 1.09–8.22). Adequate serum ascorbic acid levels were not associated with premenstrual appetite changes (OR, 1.69; 95% CI, 0.73–3.94) or bloating/swelling (OR, 1.92; 95% CI, 0.79–4.67). Those with the GSTT1 functional variant (Ins*Ins) had an increased risk of premenstrual bloating/swelling (OR, 1.96; 95% CI, 1.10–3.48); however, the interaction between vitamin C intake and GSTT1 was not significant for any premenstrual symptoms. Conclusions Our findings suggest that indicators of higher vitamin C status are associated with increased premenstrual appetite changes and bloating/swelling. The observed associations with GSTT1 genotype suggest that these observations are not likely due to reverse causation.

Maternal Low Level Lead and Pregnancy Outcomes

We examined the relationship between the concentrations of blood lead and pregnancy outcomes in a subset of 349 African American women who enrolled in the program project, "Nutrition, Other Factors, and the Outcome of Pregnancy." Vitamin-mineral supplement users had significantly higher serum levels of ascorbic acid and vitamin E. Also, in supplement users, there were significantly lower mean concentrations of maternal blood lead. Inverse correlations were found between maternal levels of lead and the antioxidant vitamins, vitamin E and ascorbic acid. In addition, significant Pearson's correlations were observed between maternal blood lead levels and the following variables: positive correlations with calcium, phosphorus, mean corpuscular volume; inverse correlations with gestational age, Ponderal Index, infant orientation, and hematologic values. In the total subset, the three trimester sample means for maternal blood lead concentrations were not significantly different for mothers of infants who weighed less than 2500 g (low birth weight) and those who were delivered infants who weighed 2500 g or more. Clinically, nutrition may play a role in the reduction of potentially adverse effects from lead during pregnancy, i.e. protection of the fetus against lead toxicity and/or free radical damage through the antioxidant actions of vitamin E and ascorbic acid. Even when maternal blood lead levels are within the so-called "safe" range, maternal/use of a vitamin supplement supplying vitamin E and ascorbic acid during pregnancy may offer protection.

Interactions of Ascorbic Acid with Intermittent Preventive Treatment with Sulphadoxine Pyrimethamine in Parturients and their Controls

Background: Malaria deaths in the world have remained worrisome for many decades to centuries now. The issue of its prevention pre pregnancy, during pregnancy and post pregnancy periods needs continuous emphasis especially in our endemic areas. This will help us achieve the desired goals of eliminating malaria menace in Sub-Saharan Africa. The benefits of malaria prevention in helping to reduce the problems of malaria in pregnancy though proven needs continuous emphasis. The problems of prolonged maternal malaria illnesses especially if left untreated during pregnancy may include but not limited to preterm labours / births, pregnancy anaemias, small for date babies, high rates of admissions into special care baby units (SCBU) and intrauterine deaths. The above have been greatly reduced by concurrent practice of preventive measures like the now in use, Intermittent Preventive Treatment with Sulphadoxine Pyrimethamine (IPT-SP). It has also been noted that optimal levels of antioxidant status like Ascorbic acid (Vitamin C), Superoxide Dismutase, Glutathione Peroxidase have shown great promises in assisting our pregnant women enjoy uneventful pregnancies as well as avert most other pregnancy associated problems. Top on the list of which are maternal and neonatal anaemias, preterm labours and births, intrauterine growth restrictions (IUGR), increased admissions into special care baby units and even neonatal deaths to mention but a few. Objectives: This study made a comparative assessment of the plasma Ascorbic acid levels in parturients who judiciously received IPT-SP during their current confinements and their controls. Method: We carried out this study at the Federal Medical Centre (FMC) which is located in Owerri, the state capital of Imo state Nigeria. Owerri is noted to have a typical malaria endemic setting as with most parts of our African sub rejoin. Ethical certification was sought for and obtained from the ethics committee of the hospital enabling the commencement of a longitudinal participant recruitment after adequate counseling and informed consent. This involved both groups. The study was a laboratory based, cross-sectional descriptive study that involving 296 participants that satisfied set out inclusion criteria for one of the groups as allotted. Participants were followed up following recruitment throughout their antenatal course till delivery. This enabled a dutiful collection of blood samples for the estimation of Ascorbic acid. Vitamin C estimation was done using the Omaye, Turabull &amp; Sanberlish method, 1979. The methodology principle is based on the fact that Ascorbic acid is oxidized by copper to form dehydroascorbic acid. The product when treated with 2, 4 dinitrophenyl hydrazine forms tris 2, 4 dinitrophenyl hydrazone which undergoes rearrangement to form a product with the absorption maximum at 520 nm in spectrophotometer. Data analysis: Computer Software Package for Social Science (SPSS) version 20.0 (SPSS, Chicago) was used to analyze obtained data. The descriptive statistics (mean, standard deviation, range, percentages etc) were determined for continuous variables, while a P-value less than (&lt;0.05) at 95% confidence interval was considered statistically significant. Result: The mean ascorbic acid value was lower among the study group than the control. Mean ascorbic acid value for the study group was 1.75 ± 0.67 while the minimum and maximum serum ascorbic acid levels were 0.064 and 3.29 respectively. From the control group, the mean ascorbic acid level was 2.03 ± 0.68 while the minimum and maximum serum ascorbic acid levels were 0.056 and 3.75 respectively. From the results above, the mean difference of 0.28 was found to be statistically significant with (p value= 0.001) with an odds ratio of 0.54 (95% CI =0.380 – 0.771).

Scurvy in Children: The Silent Masquerader.

In modern society, scurvy is well known in its historical perspective rather than clinical relevance. Scurvy is classically thought to manifest with signs of 'bleeding painful gums' in the undernourished. Little is known regarding its ability to mimic a wide range of rheumatological, orthopaedic, neurological and haematological illnesses. Due to the rarity of its occurrence, there is a poor understanding among present-day clinicians, and so scurvy can easily deceive the uninitiated. We report a school-aged boy with normal neurodevelopment who presented with lower limb pain and difficulty in walking. He was seen by multiple specialist doctors before the clinical diagnosis of scurvy was made by a general paediatrician. Investigations showed that this child had X-ray changes typical of scurvy with low serum ascorbic acid levels. On supplementation with vitamin C, he showed dramatic improvement in symptoms and gradually achieved complete recovery.

A COMPARATIVE STUDY OF SERUM ASCORBATE BETWEEN NEWLY DIAGNOSED TYPE 2 DIABETICS AND LONG STANDING TYPE 2 DIABETICS ON TREATMENT

Introduction: diabetes mellitus is a metabolic disorder prevalent worldwide . Oxidative stress has been the Cause of complications which arises gradually due to prolonged hyperglycemia. Vitamin c being a potent antioxidant is well consumed in diabetes mellitus. Methods: Serum samples of diabetes mellitus type 2 patients from jorhat medical college of Assam were tested to estimate ascorbate levels using spectrophotometer. Whole blood samples were tested to estimate glycated hemoglobin levels in d-10 biorad hplc machine. A total of 58 patients and equal numbers of age and sex matched apparently healthy controls were included. Results: significantly lower levels of ascorbate were recorded in diabetic cases compared to controls. Newly diagnosed cases had lesser serum ascorbate levels compared to patients who were on treatment with oral hypoglycemic drugs and insulin. Conclusion: the study was done to look for any alteration in serum ascorbic acid levels in diabetes mellitus patients. Patients newly diagnosed had lesser vitamin c levels compared to patients already on medications. It is found that vitamin c is significantly lower in diabetic patients with or without medications compared to healthy controls.

Evaluation of changes in plasma vitamin C levels in brain-dead organ donors

Introduction: Inflammatory events after brain death (BD) generally influence the quality of donated organs and adversely affect the outcome of transplant surgeries. Vitamin C is a natural organic compound with potent antioxidant properties. Changes in serum levels of vitamin C (ascorbic acid) following BD are still unknown. Objectives: This study aimed to assess the changes in serum vitamin C levels in brain dead donors in the time elapsed between BD diagnosis and at once before procurement procedure of donated organs. Patients and Methods: In this experimental study, serum vitamin C levels were measured in 37 brain-dead donors (BDDs) at two time points, primarily on admission (R1) and just before organ procurement (R2). The difference between mean values of R1-R2 was analyzed according to the parameters of brain dead donor’s, which consisted of gender, cause of BD, and type of blood group. Results: A total of 37 BDDs (62.2% male) with a mean age of 26.48±18.1 years were included. Time interval between the two samplings was 40.09±12.10 hours. Overall, there was a statistically significant difference between serum ascorbic acid (AA) levels at admission (R1) and immediately before organ procurement (R2) (P=0.016). However, in terms of the cause of BD and blood type, no significant difference in serum AA at the two-time points was detected (P=0.85 and P=0.79 respectively). Conclusion: Significant differences were observed between serum vitamin C levels in the duration between BD diagnosis and immediately before procurement surgery. Therefore, determining the most effective dose of vitamin C supplementation and the best time to administer it to the patients is highly recommended for future studies.

VITAMIN C DEFICIENCY-ASSOCIATED LESIONS IN A COLONY OF COMMON VAMPIRE BATS (DESMODUS ROTUNDUS) IN A ZOO FACILITY.

The Milwaukee County Zoo has housed common vampire bats (Desmodus rotundus) since 1973. The bats are fed defibrinated cow's blood supplemented with a liquid pediatric multivitamin. From July 2013 to May 2014, multiple deaths occurred in colony bats, including five juveniles with multiple bone fractures and failure of endochondral ossification, three adults with cerebellar necrosis, and one adult with subcutaneous hemorrhage. In November 2013, an adult bat developed a nonhealing left wing hematoma and eventually succumbed 9 mo later. A postmortem examination revealed multifocal extensive necrohemorrhagic and suppurative ulcerative dermatitis with no underlying cause determined. From July to December 2014, five of nine adult bats in the colony developed similar hematomas along with gingival bleeding. One euthanized bat had a serum ascorbic acid level of 0.08 mg/dl and marked generalized subcutaneous hemorrhage. A therapeutic trial was initiated in which two bats received defibrinated cow's blood supplemented only with oral vitamin C, 100 mg/kg PO q24h for 3 d, and then 50 mg/kg PO q24h. Two other bats received nonsupplemented defibrinated cow's blood and were given vitamin K 3.3 mg/kg SC q12h for 3 d, and then 3.3 mg/kg SC q24h for 7 d. The bats supplemented with vitamin C improved, supporting a diagnosis of vitamin C deficiency. All bats were subsequently supplemented with vitamin C leading to resolution of all lesions within 10 d to 2 mo. Vitamin C is necessary for collagen synthesis, which is required for proper wound healing, capillary and cartilage strength, osteoid production, and pial membrane formation of the cerebellum. Several bat species cannot synthesize vitamin C and require a dietary source. This is the first report of vitamin C deficiency in a colony of vampire bats leading to severe chronic subcutaneous hemorrhage, bone fragility, microfractures, cerebellar necrosis, and death.

MEASURE OF SERUM MDA, GST AND VIT-C IN WOMEN WITH CERVICAL CARCINOMA

Cervical carcinoma (CaCx) is the second most common gynecological cancers globally. Many authors revealed that low levels of antioxidants induce the overproduction of reactive oxygen species (ROS) that result in oxidative stress. In the present study an attempt was made to evaluate the oxidative stress in 20 women with cervical carcinoma by measuring serum Malondialdehyde (MDA), Glutathione-S-transferase (GST) and Ascorbic acid (Vit-C) levels which was compared with 20 age matched non cancerous women. Signicantly elevated MDA levels (P&lt;0.001) and lowered GST, Vit-C levels (P&lt;0.0001) were observed in women with cervical carcinoma as compared with healthy controls. From our ndings it can be concluded that oxidative stress plays an important role in pathogenesis of cervical carcinoma. Hence supplementation of antioxidants may reduce the oxidative stress and minimize the associated morbidity and mortality

Investigation of Serum and Leukocyte Ascorbic Acid, Plasma and Intra-Erythrocyte Cholinesterase Levels in Obese Persons

Obesity is a complicated disease, including excessive amounts of body fat. Obesity is not just an aesthetic problem. It is also a medical issue that increases your risk of other diseases and health conditions, like heart disease, diabetes, and certain cancers. Ascorbic acid (A.A.) produced analog enhancing effects in superoxide generation, DNA strand cutting, and cytotoxicity. In leukocytes, toxicity due to mitochondrial permeability was seen in cells exposed to A.A./peroxynitrite, and these responses were determined to occur independently of Ca2 +. Plasma cholinesterase and erythrocyte acetylcholinesterase activities have a long history of use, both in monitoring workers at risk for organophosphorus pesticide (O.P.) exposure and investigating accidental exposures to O.P.s. Due to the wide variation between individuals, it is necessary to establish unexposed, essential enzyme activities for correct interpretation. Forty-four females and 32 males with a mean age of 40 ± 11.4 years were included in our study. In our study, those with a BMI of 18-24 were considered as control or non-obese (group 1), those between 25 and 30 as obese (group 2), and those between 31 and 42 as extremely obese (group 3). With a moderate standard deviation of 70 and 20 % erosion rate, 76 subjects were determined for 93 % power at the 5 % level of significance. Baseline comparisons among treatment sequences were analyzed using a chi-square test for categorical variables and an unpaired t-test for continuous variables. Mean and standard deviation values were assessed using the SPSS package program, and a statistically significant difference was determined at p-level below 0.05 value. As a result; Although the increase in PCE levels and the decrease in ECE, PTA, and P.A. levels were significantly different. The difference between group 2 and group 3 revealed the importance of these differences between obese and non-obese patients. It has been determined that as obesity increases, the risk of vitamin deficiency also increases.

Assessment of serum levels of ascorbic acid and malondialdehyde as oxidative stress marker in patients with oral lichen planus

Oral Lichen Planus (OLP) is a chronic inflammatory mucosal disease with unknown etiology. The cause might because of reactive oxygen species and oxidative damage to the tissues.In recent studies, free radicals have been postulated as the possible etiology of inflammatory and autoimmune disease.A total of 60 participants were studied and they were grouped in to cases and controls. Each group had 30 participants, 30 cases and 30 healthy controls. Serum levels of MDA and Vitamin C were estimatedThe data collected was analyzed statistically by using descriptive statistics namely mean, standard deviation and any significant difference between the mean values of cases and controls will be tested by using sample Student t-test. A p value ≤ 0.05 has been considered statistically significant. The present study was conducted to estimate the levels of Serum Ascorbic acid (vitamin C) and Malondialdehyde (MDA) levels, as biomarkers of oxidative stress in patients with oral lichen planus. The mean Serum Vitamin C levels in OLP patients and healthy controls were 2.5±0.46 mg/L and 9.28± 1.04 mg/L. The mean serum levels of MDA in OLP patients and healthy controls were 3.99±0.71nmol/mL and 1.39±0.20 nmol/ml.The current study demonstrates, existence of oxidative stress, compromised anti- oxidant defenses with higher levels of MDA and decreased levels of Vitamin C, in patients with oral lichen planus. Further studies are to be conducted to draw definite conclusion and significant correlation of the levels of the biomarkers in OLP.

Levels of Serum Nitric oxide and Ascorbic Acid in Early Pregnant and Non-pregnant Sheep During Breeding Season

Levels of Serum Nitric oxide and Ascorbic Acid in Early Pregnant and Non-pregnant Sheep During Breeding Season

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&lt;0.001) along with improvement in some components of liver function profile such as serum ALT (p&lt;0.01), AST (p&lt;0.01), Total Bilirubin (p&lt;0.01) and Direct bilirubin (p&lt;0.001), Total Proteins (p&lt;0.01) and Albumin (p&lt;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.

Vitamin C overload may contribute to systemic oxalosis in children receiving dialysis.

Malnutrition and anorexia are common in children with chronic kidney disease(CKD) and gastrostomy tubes (GT) as well as nasogastric tubes (NGT) have been recommended to maximize nutritional support. The optimal requirement of vitamin C in children with CKD remains to be defined but oxalate is a breakdown product of vitamin C. Elevated vitamin C intake and bone oxalate were identified in two formula-fed dialyzed children with negative genetic testing for primary hyperoxaluria. We evaluated the impact of nutritional support on serum ascorbic acid and plasma oxalate levels in 13 dialyzed infants and young children. All patients were fed by GT or NGT since the first months of life; overall patients were receiving between 145 and 847% of the age-specific DRI for vitamin C. Mean serum ascorbic acid and plasma oxalate levels were elevated (244.7 ± 139.7 μM/L and 44.3 ± 23.1 μM/L, respectively), and values did not differ according to the degree of residual kidney function. Ascorbic acid levels did not correlate with oxalate levels (r = 0.44, p = 0.13). Excessive vitamin C intake may contribute to oxalate accumulation in dialyzed children.

Can vitamin C and interleukin 6 levels predict preterm premature rupture of membranes: evaluating possibilities in North Indian population.

ObjectiveWe aimed to evaluate the relation between plasma ascorbic acid levels and the occurrence of preterm premature rupture of membranes (PPROM) and whether patients with ascorbic acid deficiency have predisposition to microbial invasion, as revealed by serum interleukin-6 (IL-6) levels and confirmed by placental culture sensitivity evaluation.MethodsThis controlled study involved 50 women with PPROM at gestational age between 28 and 36.6 weeks. Fifty patients with uncomplicated pregnancy and intact membranes were observed as control group. Serum ascorbic acid and IL-6 levels were evaluated for PPROM group subjects and controls, matched by their gestational age and body mass index. Repeat samples for IL-6 were taken after 48 hours of admission in PROM group subjects and at the onset of labor in controls. Placental membranes were sent for culture sensitivity evaluation after delivery.ResultsThe mean plasma level of ascorbic acid was 0.60±0.35 mg/dL and 1.18±0.43 mg/dL in the PPROM and control groups, respectively, showing significant difference. Plasma IL-6 level rose from 18.18±5.94 pg/mL to 34.32±7.31 pg/mL after 48 hours of admission in the PPROM group (P=0.000). Plasma IL-6 level in controls rose from 5.59±4.36 pg/mL at admission to 7.36±3.67 pg/mL at the onset of labor. Membrane culture test results were positive in a total of 40 samples, of which 37 samples were from the PPROM group subjects.ConclusionVitamin C deficiency, when complemented with elevated serum IL-6 level, can predict susceptibility to PPROM in the third trimester; the risk increases in women with prior history of similar pathology.

Effect of Diabetes Induction and Exercisetraining on the Level of Ascorbic Acid and Muscle SVCT2 in Male Wistar Rats

Introduction: Sodium-dependent vitamin C transporter 2 (SVCT2) plays an important role in the transfer of ascorbic acid to slow-twitch fiber. The purpose of this study was investigating the effect of diabetes induction and exercise training on the level of ascorbic acid and muscle SVCT2 in rats. Methods: In this experimental study, 20 male Wistar rats were randomly divided into four groups (n=5 per group): 1) healthy control 2) diabetic control, 3) diabetic exercise, 4) sham. Diabetic was induced by injection of Streptozotocin solution (55 mg / kg). The exercise program was performed 6 weeks of aerobic running on Treadmill, 5 sessions per week and each training session for 20-40 minutes at an intensity of 50-70 VO2max. Homogeneous tissue of soleus muscle and serum was analyzed to evaluate the effect of exercise training on ascorbic acid metabolism. Data were analyzed by SPSS version 18 software and one-wayANOVA test (P ≤ 0.05). Results: The results showed that there was significant differences (P &lt; 0.05) between the level muscle and serum ascorbic acid in diabetic and diabetic + exercise groups compare to the healthy control and sham groups. But no significant differences was found in SVCT2 of Soleus muscle between groups (P&gt; 0.05).. Conclusion: Induction of diabetes induces a decrease in muscle levels of ascorbic acid, which appears to be associated with a decrease in serum ascorbic acid levels, since no significant difference was found in SVCT2 levels. Also, exercise training had no significant effect on serum and muscle ascorbic acid levels of muscle SVCT2 levels.

Effect of vitamin C and E on oxidative stress and antioxidant system in the salivary glands of STZ-induced diabetic rats

ObjectiveWe examined the effects of vitamin C and E supplementation in the prevention of oxidative stress in the salivary glands of STZ-induced diabetic rats. DesignForty-eight male Wistar rats were divided into six groups (n = 8 in each): control (C), control supplemented with vitamin C (Cvc) and E (Cve), diabetic (D), and diabetic supplemented with vitamin C (Dvc) and E (Dve). Vitamin C (150 mg/kg) and E (300 mg/kg) were daily administered for 21 days. Serum ascorbic acid and α-tocopherol levels were quantified. Glandular levels of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), superoxide anion (O2−), superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), glutathione reductase (GR), catalase (CAT), malondialdehyde (MDA) and the total antioxidant status (TAS) were estimated. ResultsVitamin C and E levels were reduced in D group. Vitamin C decreased the levels of O2− in the salivary gland of diabetic rats. Vitamin E increased the concentration of O2− in PA gland of diabetic animals. In the SM gland of the diabetic group, MDA, SOD, GPx and TAS increased. Dve presented reduced SOD activity and increased GR, GPx, and MDA. Dve increased GPx, Gr and TAS levels. In the PA gland, MDA, SOD, CAT, GPx, GR, and TAS were similar in C and D. TAS, SOD, CAT, GPx, and GR increased in Dvc. Vitamin E supplementation resulted in increased MDA and CAT levels and reduced SOD activity. ConclusionIn the SM glands of the diabetic rats, vitamin C supplementation improved the antioxidant system, while vitamin E acted as pro-oxidant.