Serum Ascorbic Acid Levels Research Articles

Effect of Ascorbic Acid Supplementation on Liver Function Tests in Hepatitis C Patients

An isolated liver function test is of little role in selection of liver disease because many harmful liver diseases may be correlated with normal levels of LFT’s. The outline of enzyme abnormalities in the perspective of patient’s commonly observed symptoms and laboratory data might be helpful in directing the subsequent diagnosis of liver diseases. Liver Function Tests (LFTs) are most generally used screening blood tests for assessment of different liver diseases and these tests provide a lot of evidence for disease processes whether for the purpose of investigation of supposed liver disease or help in observing the progress of disease action or simply by blood investigation. The evaluation of different liver enzymes simply gives diagnostic information on basic level whether patient’s principal disorder is actually hepatitis or cholestasis in source. However, it is necessary in various cases to evaluate LFTs with knowledge of liver functioning enzyme fractions. The objective of this study was to explore the effects of ascorbic acid supplementation on serum liver function tests in Hepatitis C patients. A total of 100 hepatitis C patients were selected randomly. 50 were given ascorbic acid supplementation for one month along with anti HCV treatment. The other 50 HCV patients took their normal anti HCV treatment without intake of ascorbic acid supplementation, and serum ascorbic acid level and liver function test parameters were observed before and after intake of ascorbic acid in both groups. 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, globulin and A/G ratio). These parameters along with serum ascorbic acid were measured before and 30 days after vitamin C supplementation. Various abnormally elevated LFTs were also improved more rapidly when compared to other group which was not given ascorbic acid supplements for the period of one month. There was a significant change in levels of some liver function parameters before and after intake of ascorbic acid supplementation, and various abnormally elevated LFTs were also improved when compared to other group which was not given ascorbic acid supplements for the period of one month. The effect of Vitamin C supplementation was more marked on serum aminotransferase levels. After one-month use of ascorbic acid, serum alanine aminotransferase (p < 0.042) and serum aspartate aminotransferase (p < 0.000) levels were significantly decreased in hepatitis C patient group. In HCV group with ascorbic acid supplementation, serum total bilirubin (p < 0.046) and serum direct bilirubin (p < 0.048) were found to be less than the pre values when compared to HCV group without ascorbic acid supplementation. It was also observed that some of protein values were suggestively improved after intake of ascorbic acid supplementation.

The Association of Serum Carotenoids, Tocopherols, and Ascorbic Acid With Rapid Kidney Function Decline: The Coronary Artery Risk Development in Young Adults (CARDIA) Study

Nutritional intervention targeting dietary intake modification is a major component of treatment for chronic kidney disease; however, little is known about the relationship between dietary intake and kidney function decline in individuals with preserved kidney function. In this prospective cohort study we examined the association of biomarkers of dietary intake with kidney function decline over a 5-year interval in 2,152 men and women with cystatin-C-based estimated glomerular filtration rate > 60 mL/minute/1.73 m2 from the Coronary Artery Risk Development in Young Adults study. The biomarkers of interest included carotenoids, tocopherols, and ascorbic acid. Multivariable logistic regression was used to explore the relationship between serum concentrations of the sum of 4 carotenoids (α-carotene, β-carotene, β-cryptoxanthin, and lutein/zeaxanthin), lycopene, α-tocopherol, γ-tocopherol, and ascorbic acid and rapid kidney function decline, defined as .15% decline in cystatin-C-based estimated glomerular filtration rate over 5 years. During the 5-year follow-up, 290 participants (13.5%) experienced rapid kidney function decline. Relative to individuals in the lowest quartile of serum carotenoids, those in the highest quartile had significantly lower odds of rapid kidney function decline in the fully adjusted model (odds ratio, 0.51; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.32-0.80; P trend, .02). No association of levels of serum tocopherols, ascorbic acid, or lycopene with kidney function decline was found. There was no evidence that results differed for individuals with hypertension or diabetes. These results demonstrate that higher serum carotenoid levels, reflective of a fruit- and vegetable-rich dietary pattern, inversely associate with rapid kidney function decline in early middle adulthood and provide insight into how diet might play a role in chronic kidney disease prevention.

Do Serum Ascorbic Acid and Nitric Oxide Levels Differ Between Pregnant and Non-Pregnant Crossbred Ewes at Early Stages during Breeding Season?

The main aim of this study was to investigate the serum ascorbic acid and nitric oxide levels in pregnant and non-pregnant ewes during early stages of pregnancy. A total of 24 crossbred ewes were selected randomly and estrus was synchronized by placing progesterone sponges in vagina for 11 days along with an injection of PGF2a 24 hours before sponge removal and GnRH at first fixed time artificial insemination (FTAI) which was done 48 hours after sponge removal and repeated at 12 hours interval. Pregnancy was determined at 45 days by real time B-mode ultrasonography. After obtaining a pregnancy rate of 37.5 %, ewes were grouped in to pregnant and non-pregnant. Jugular blood samples were collected from all animals at day 0 (before treatment), day of AI, day 15 post AI and day 35 post AI. The serum nitric oxide level in pregnant ewes was significantly higher (P

Estimation of Serum Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C) In the Age Related (Senile) Cataract: a Case Control Study

Aim: The aim was to estimate the serum Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C) level, in the development of Age Related (Senile) Cataract, a common cause of curable blindness globally, especially in India. Materials and methods: This was a case control study in the age group of 45-70 years with 100 patients of age related cataract and 100 age matched normal patients as a control group with estimation of the level of vitamin C in the serum of the study group and the control group. Results: Serum ascorbic acid values were 0.54 ± 0.23 mg/dL (30.68 ± 13.07 umol/L) in senile cataract and 0.83 ± 0.35 mg/dl (47.16 ± 19.89 umol/L) in controls with a statistical difference between the cases and controls showing a significant decrease in the level of vitamin C in the serum of age related cataract patients compared with the control group. Conclusion: The present study with the low levels of Vitamin C in serum of age related cataract than in controls shows that the reduced antioxidant status defence mechanism due to the reduced serum Ascorbic acid (Vitamin C) may play a role in the development of the senile cataract.

Serum ascorbic acid and alpha-tocopherol levels in bidi smokers and tobacco chewers

Serum ascorbic acid and alpha-tocopherol levels in bidi smokers and tobacco chewers

A novel osteoporosis model with ascorbic acid deficiency in Akr1A1 gene knockout mice.

The AKR1A1 protein is a member of the aldo-keto reductase superfamily that is responsible for the conversion of D-glucuronate to L-gulonate in the ascorbic acid (vitamin C) synthesis pathway. In a pCAG-eGFP transgenic mouse line that was produced by pronuclear microinjection, the integration of the transgene resulted in a 30-kb genomic DNA deletion, including the Akr1A1 gene, and thus caused the knockout (KO) of the Akr1A1 gene and targeting of the eGFP gene. The Akr1A1 KO mice (Akr1A1eGFP/eGFP) exhibited insufficient serum ascorbic acid levels, abnormal bone development and osteoporosis. Using micro-CT analysis, the results showed that the microarchitecture of the 12-week-old Akr1A1eGFP/eGFP mouse femur was shorter in length and exhibited less cortical bone thickness, enlargement of the bone marrow cavity and a complete loss of the trabecular bone in the distal femur. The femoral head and neck of the proximal femur also showed a severe loss of bone mass. Based on the decreased levels of serum osteocalcin and osteoblast activity in the Akr1A1eGFP/eGFP mice, the osteoporosis might be caused by impaired bone formation. In addition, administration of ascorbic acid to the Akr1A1eGFP/eGFP mice significantly prevented the condition of osteoporotic femurs and increased bone formation. Therefore, through ascorbic acid administration, the Akr1A1 KO mice exhibited controllable osteoporosis and may serve as a novel model for osteoporotic research.

Modern American scurvy - experience with vitamin C deficiency at a large children's hospital.

Until recently scurvy has been viewed in developed countries as a disease of the past. More recently there have been reports of case series of children with scurvy who have had a delayed diagnosis after an extensive diagnostic workup that included imaging. Most of these children have had underlying neurologic conditions such as autism. To review the medical records of children diagnosed with vitamin C (ascorbic acid) deficiency based on serum ascorbic acid levels at a large pediatric health care system, to determine imaging findings and utility of imaging in management, and to identify at-risk pediatric populations. We retrospectively identified cases of vitamin C deficiency in children tested for serum ascorbic acid levels during the last 5years. We used the criteria of normal ascorbic acid >23μmol/L and included children with ascorbic acid levels <23μmol/L. We evaluated their clinical history, underlying medical condition, imaging studies obtained and imaging findings. We identified 32 children with vitamin C deficiency. All of these children had underlying medical conditions, most commonly iron overload from multiple transfusions related to sickle cell anemia or thalassemia (20), neurologic disorders (4) and bone marrow transplant/chemotherapy (3). No cases of scurvy from dietary deficiency in otherwise normal children were identified. All except two children had multiple imaging studies, primarily related to their underlying conditions. Three of these children had extensive imaging workups related to diffuse musculoskeletal pain. Imaging findings included ill-defined sclerotic and lucent metaphyseal bands (mainly at the knee) on radiography and MRI studies that showed diffuse increased T2-weighted signal in the bilateral lower-extremity long-bone metaphyses, periosteal reaction and adjacent soft-tissue edema. Vitamin C deficiency is not uncommon in large pediatric health care facilities, and it is frequently missed on clinical evaluation and diagnostic imaging. At-risk populations include those with iron overload, neurologic conditions and history of chemotherapy. Scurvy related to dietary deficiency in otherwise normal children was not encountered. When characteristic MRI findings are seen, particularly in children with a predisposing condition for vitamin C deficiency, scurvy should be considered and a serum ascorbic acid level checked to potentially confirm a diagnosis prior to further invasive tests.

Circadian Periodicity of Circulating Plasma Lipid Peroxides, Uric Acid and Ascorbic Acid in Renal Stone Formers.

Circadian periodicity of plasma lipid peroxides and serum ascorbic acid and uric acid levels were studied in one hundred renal stone formers (55 women and 45 men; age 20-60 years) and 50 clinically healthy volunteers (21 women and 29 men; age 21-45 years) with diurnal activity from 06:00 to 22:00 and nocturnal rest. A marked circadian variation was demonstrated by population-mean-cosinor for all studied variables in stone formers and healthy subjects. By comparison to the healthy controls, parameter tests indicate that the stone formers had a higher MESOR (±SE) of MDA (2.90±0.03 vs. 2.28±0.06; F=94.929, p<0.001), a lower MESOR of serum ascorbic acid (0.722±0.010 vs. 0.839±0.10; F=32.083, p<0.001), and a similar MESOR of serum uric acid. Furthermore, the patients also differed from the healthy subjects in terms of their circadian amplitude and acrophase (tested jointly) of all three variables (p<0.001). The demonstration herein of a circadian rhythm in MDA, serum ascorbic and uric acid suggests that these variables could also serve as markers to optimize the timing of treatment and to assess the patient's response to treatment for further management.

Levels of Serum Ascorbic Acid in a Population of North Jordan

Levels of Serum Ascorbic Acid in a Population of North Jordan

Ascorbic acid serum levels are reduced in patients with hematological malignancies

In this paper we demonstrate that patients treated with chemotherapy and/or hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) have highly significant reduced serum ascorbic acid (AA) levels compared to healthy controls. We recently observed in in vitro experiments that growth of both T and NK cells from hematopoietic stem cells is positively influenced by AA. It might be of clinical relevance to study the function and recovery of immune cells after intensive treatment, its correlation to AA serum levels and the possible effect of AA supplementation.

Ascorbate Oxidase Minimizes Interference by High-Concentration Ascorbic Acid in Total Cholesterol Assays

Dear Editor, Ascorbic acid interferes with certain clinical chemistry assays based on peroxidase and redox indicators [1]. Ascorbic acid is reported to interfere with the measurement of glucose, total cholesterol, triglycerides, and uric acid [2,3,4,5]. We recently encountered several cases of interference from ascorbic acid in serum total cholesterol assays based on colorimetric enzymatic reactions. A 48-yr-old-female with recurrent ovarian cancer underwent palliative segmental resection surgery of the small intestine. The patient showed progressive renal impairment following surgery, and total cholesterol level was <3 mg/dL, as measured using the OSR6516 total cholesterol assay (Beckman Coulter, Brea, CA, USA) on an AU5800 analyzer (Beckman Coulter). We repeated the test with the same sample, using the Pureauto S CHO-N total cholesterol assay (Sekisui Medical Co., Tokyo, Japan) on a Hitachi7600 analyzer (Hitachi Co., Tokyo, Japan) and observed a concentration of 121 mg/dL. We did not repeat the OSR6516 assay after a certain period. The specimen was checked for lipemic, hemolytic, and icteric indices to rule out other possible interferents. The patient was administered 30 g of ascorbic acid intravenously daily for 22 days prior to total cholesterol measurements. Dipstick analysis of the patient's urine was performed by using an URiSCAN SUPER analyzer (YD Diagnostics, Seoul, Korea), which showed a value of 2+ (equivalent to 25 mg/dL) for ascorbic acid. Three additional cases characterized by spuriously low total cholesterol values owing to ascorbic acid interference are summarized in Table 1. Although we could not determine serum ascorbic acid levels, we detected its presence by using a urine dipstick assay in three of the four cases. Table 1 Summary of the four cases with inappropriately low total cholesterol level Several studies recommend the addition of ascorbate oxidase to minimize ascorbic acid interference in assays to assess uric acid, triglyceride, oxalate, and cholesterol [5,6,7,8]. Most cholesterol assays in clinical laboratories use an enzymatic colorimetric method with the Trinder end-point reaction, in which hydrogen peroxide reacts with a chromogen via peroxidase to form a colored product; absorbance of this product is proportional to the concentration of total cholesterol in the sample [1]. Ascorbic acid interferes with peroxidase-based oxidation of the chromogen [6]. Since dehydroascorbic acid is already oxidized and has lost its reducing power, interference via ascorbic acid can be successfully prevented. Commercially available total cholesterol assays are summarized in Table 2. Ascorbate oxidase included in the Sekisui total cholesterol assay effectively converts serum ascorbic acid (up to concentrations of 50 mg/dL) to dehydroascorbic acid. Table 2 Summary of commercially available total cholesterol assays with respect to the presence of ascorbate oxidase Since ascorbic acid rapidly auto-oxidizes over time, it is difficult to detect its interference in cholesterol measurements [3,9]. Reviewing medical records can also be problematic; some ascorbic acid supplements are not physician-prescribed but are readily available over-the-counter. Furthermore, it is difficult to predict serum ascorbic acid concentrations based on ingested doses of ascorbic acid in patients with impaired renal function. Artiss et al. [9] suggested that we can exclude ascorbate oxidase in wet-chemistry reagent systems for cholesterol determination because solvated ascorbic acid is subject to air oxidation. Thus, the interfering substance is oxidized prior to analysis by laboratory instruments. This is partly true for most samples from patients whose renal function is intact and for those consuming typical ascorbic acid doses. It might be particularly problematic for patients with impaired renal function or for those taking high ascorbic acid doses. In the second case (Table 1), we presumed that this low cholesterol level was likely due to ascorbic acid accumulation in the blood owing to impaired renal function, even though the prescribed dose of ascorbic acid was not high. As all of our cases showed extremely low total cholesterol levels, the laboratory technician easily noticed analytical errors and tried to troubleshoot them before reporting the results. These problems occurred in approximately one case bimonthly and were reported to managers and documented. However, interference from low concentrations of ascorbic acid causes a small negative bias in total cholesterol levels, which may go unnoticed. Ascorbic acid is one of the most widely consumed nutritional supplements, and some physicians prescribe megadoses for cancer therapy [10]. Consequently, managers of clinical laboratories should consider the use of cholesterol assays that include ascorbate oxidase. In conclusion, when colorimetric enzymatic assays detect inappropriately low levels of total cholesterol, we should suspect ascorbic acid interference. Addition of ascorbate oxidase to cholesterol reagents can minimize the inference of ascorbic acid in total cholesterol assays.

Effect of smoking on serum xanthine oxidase, malondialdehyde, ascorbic acid and α-tocopherol levels in healthy male subjects.

Objective:To examine the effect of smoking on serum xanthine oxidase, malondialdehyde, α- tocopherol and ascorbic acid levels in healthy adult male subjects.Methods:This cross-sectional comparative study was carried out at Isra University Hyderabad from July 2012 to December 2012. One hundred and twenty apparently healthy adult male subjects (60 smokers and 60 non-smokers) included in present study, were recruited from Jaindal kot, a small village located midway between Hyderabad and Matiari. Serum samples from smokers and non-smokers were analyzed for xanthine oxidase and malondialdehyde levels by standard kit methods, while for ascorbic acid and alpha- tocopherol by spectrophotometric methods.Results:The mean xanthine oxidase and malondialdehyde levels measured in healthy smokers were 0.30±0.05 mg/dl and 37.50±4.05 µmoles/l respectively as against 0.25±0.04 mg/dl and 19.86±2.21µmoles/l in non-smokers. Both xanthine oxidase and malondialdehyde levels were significantly (p<0.001) raised in healthy smokers than in non-smokers. Likewise, mean vitamin E and vitamin C levels were respectively 0.69±0.37 mg/dl and 0.80±0.16 mg/dl in healthy smokers compared to 1.14±0.43 mg/dl and 1.22±0.29 mg/dl in non-smokers. The concentrations of both these vitamins were significantly (p<0.001) lower in smokers than in non-smokers.Conclusion:The results of present study demonstrate that smoking had significantly increased xanthine oxidase and malondialdehyde levels and decreased vitamins C and E (antioxidants) levels. These findings suggest that smokers have to take additional amounts of vitamins C and E in order to avoid deleterious effects of smoking on their health.

Oxidative stress and major depression.

Major causative factor for major depression is inflammation, autoimmune tissue damage and prolonged psychological stress, which leads to oxidative stress. The aim of this study was to know the association of free radicals and antioxidant status in subjects suffering from major depression. Sixty patients diagnosed as a case of unipolar depression as per DSM IV, fulfilling the inclusion and exclusion criteria were compared with 40 healthy age and sex matched controls. The sera of both the groups were collected taking aseptic precautions and were evaluated for the markers of oxidative stress and for the antioxidants. The age group of the sample and the controls was between 18-60 y, both males and females were equally represented in the groups. A significantly high level of malondialdehyde (MDA) was found in the patients with major depression (1.95 ± 1.04 mmol/L) as compared to healthy controls (0.366 ± 0.175 mmol/L) (p < 0.0001). The serum level of nitrite was found to be lower in cases (23.18 ± 12.08 μmol/L) in comparison to controls (26.18 ± 8.68 μmol/L) (p = 0.1789). Similarly the serum level of ascorbic acid and superoxide dismutase (SOD) were significantly below as compared to healthy controls (all p < 0.0001). Ceruloplasmin levels were also depressed in cases (p = 0.3943). The study concluded that in the absence of known oxidative injury causative agents, the lowered levels of antioxidants and higher levels of MDA implicate the high degree of oxidative stress in unipolar depression.

A Study to Evaluate the effect of Menopause on Oxidative Stress

Background&Objectives: Free oxygen radicals have been proposed as important causative agents of ageing and menopause is a natural step in the process of ageing. The intricate balance between antioxidants and reactive oxygen species seems to be disturbed in post-menopausal women due to deficiency of estrogen, which is a powerful antioxidant. In view of this background, present study was carried out to find correlation between menopause and oxidative stress, if any. Method: Oxidative stress was evaluated in 105 women by estimating levels of superoxide dismutase, ascorbic acid, and malondialdehyde in blood/serum spectrophotometrically. The subjects consisted of 35 women of three distinct groups, namely, reproductive age, peri-menopausal, and postmenopausal. Data obtained was analyzed by student's t- test, ANOVA, and Pearson's correlation coefficient (r). P < 0.05 was considered significant. Results: Peri- and post-menopausal women exhibited significantly low erythrocyte SOD and serum ascorbic acid levels and significantly high serum MDA levels as compared to the women of reproductive age. Interpretation&Conclusion: Findings of this study corroborate the hypothesis that gradual loss of ovarian function is associated with a concomitant increase in oxidative stress as exhibited by increased MDA levels and decreased levels of antioxidants.

Translation and Validation of the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension for Koreans Intervention

Lifestyle modification strategies such as adoption of the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) diet are now recognized as an integral part of high blood pressure (HBP) management. Although the high prevalence of HBP among Korean Americans (KAs) is well documented, few dietary interventions have been implemented in this population, in part because of a lack of culturally relevant nutrition education guidelines. Translating and testing the efficacy of culturally relevant dietary recommendations using a well-established dietary guideline such as DASH are imperative for promoting better cardiovascular health for this high-risk cultural group. The aims of this study were to systematically translate and validate a culturally modified DASH for Koreans (K-DASH) and obtain preliminary evidence of efficacy. A 2-step approach of intervention translation and efficacy testing, together with close adherence to principles of community-based participatory research, was used to maximize community input. A 1-group pre-post design with 24-hour urine and 24-hour ambulatory blood pressure monitoring comparisons was used to test the initial feasibility and efficacy of the K-DASH intervention. A total of 28 KAs with HBP participated in a 10-week dietary intervention consisting of group education sessions and individual counseling. Both systolic blood pressure and diastolic blood pressure, as measured by ambulatory blood pressure monitoring, were significantly decreased at postintervention evaluation (systolic blood pressure, -4.5 mm Hg; diastolic blood pressure, -2.6 mm Hg; P < .05). Serum low-density lipoprotein cholesterol was significantly decreased (-7.3 mg/dL; P < .05). Serum potassium and ascorbic acid levels were also improved in the reference range. Urine potassium level was significantly increased, supporting increased fruit and vegetable consumption. This pilot study has (a) demonstrated that a cultural adaptation of DASH using community-based participatory research methodology produced a culturally relevant and efficacious dietary intervention for the KAs with HBP and (b) provided strong preliminary evidence for the efficacy of the K-DASH intervention in reducing HBP in hypertensive KAs.

Oxidant and Antioxidant Status in Children With Subacute Sclerosing Panencephalitis

We analyzed serum alpha-tocopherol, beta-carotene, retinol, and ascorbic acid levels and malondialdehyde and reduced glutathione concentrations on erythrocyte and cerebrospinal fluid in 30 patients with subacute sclerosing panencephalitis to evaluate oxidant and antioxidant status. Serum alpha-tocopherol, beta-carotene, retinol, ascorbic acid levels, and erythrocyte and cerebrospinal fluid reduced glutathione concentrations were decreased; however, erythrocyte and cerebrospinal fluid malondialdehyde levels were increased in the patients. Cerebrospinal fluid malondialdehyde levels were different between clinical stages of the disease (P < .05). Higher cerebrospinal fluid malondialdehyde level was associated with the more severe clinical stage. A positive correlation was found between cerebrospinal fluid malondialdehyde level and clinical stages (r = 0.42; P < .05) and between erythrocyte malondialdehyde level and clinical stages (r = 0.40; P < .05). Our findings showed presence of oxidative damage in subacute sclerosing panencephalitis and that antioxidants were increased as defense mechanisms of the organism against oxidative damage.

Studies on Haemoglobin, Serum Calcium and Ascorbic Acid Level in Normal Pregnant, Pre-Eclamptic and Eclamptic Patients

Background: Nutritional status in relation to selected biochemical parameters and also nutrient intakes in the pre-eclampsia and eclampsia was assessed in 52 patients and compared with that of 52 normal pregnant (NP) women. Serum calcium, ascorbic acid and blood Hb levels in the pre-eclamptic and eclamptic patients were significantly lower than the values of NP women. By unpaired t-test demonstrated in our study, the serum calcium, ascorbic acid and blood Haemoglobin (Hb) level were highly significantly different but not correlated with each other when compared among these groups. However, total statistical analysis revealed that among all the factors studied serum calcium level, ascorbic acid level and blood Hb level have effect on nutritional status of pre-eclampsia and eclampsia.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjnut.v24i0.14032 Bangladesh J. Nutr. Vol. 24-25 Dec 2011-2012 pp.7-14

Ascorbic acid glucoside reduces neurotoxicity and glutathione depletion in mouse brain induced by nitrotriazole radiosensitazer

To investigate the potential of the anti-oxidant ascorbic acid glucoside (AA-2G) to modulate neurotoxicity induced by high doses of nitrotriazole radiosensitizer. Male and female C56Bl/6xCBA hybrid mice aged 8-14 weeks (weight 18-24 g) were used. Nitrotriazole drug radiosensitizer sanazole at a high dose of 2, 1 g/kg was per os administered to induce neurotoxicity at mice. Ascorbic acid glucoside was given 30 min before the sanazole administration. Serum ascorbic acid, brain glutathione level, as well as behavioral performance using open field apparatus were measured. Administration of high (non-therapeutic) doses of the nitrotriazole drug sanazole results in neurotoxicity in mice as evidenced from behavioral performance, emotional activity and depletion of the cellular antioxidant, glutathione, in the brain. The serum levels of ascorbic acid was also found reduced in high dose sanazole treated animals. Per os administration of ascorbic acid glucoside significantly reduced the neurotoxicity. This effect was associated with the prevention of glutathione depletion in mouse brain and restoring the ascorbic acid level in serum. Administration of ascorbic acid glucoside, but not ascorbic acid, before sanazole administration protected from sanazole-induced neurotoxicity by preventing the decrease in the brain reduced glutathione level and providing high level of ascorbic acid in plasma.

Study of lipid peroxidation and serum ascorbic acid levels as indices of oxidative stress in various lung disorders

The present study was planned to assess the levels of oxidant and antioxidant in various lung disorders and to evaluate the existence of correlation between oxidant-antioxidant levels. Asthma, Bronchitis, COPD and Lung fibrosis well know chronic inflammatory disorders where disturbances in the oxidative system have been observed. To investigate the lipidperoxidation in terms of plasma MDA and antioxidant capacity in terms of ascorbic acid (Vitamin C) were measured. Results revealed statistically significantly Increase serum MDA (P<0.001) and decrease vitamin C (P<0.001) in patients suggestive of oxidative imbalance in various lung disorders was revealed. However there is negative correlation between lipidperoxidation and ascorbic acid levels correlation. The study thus supported the emerging concept of free radical injury in various lung disorders and therefore a thought can be given to whether antioxidant supply could have a beneficial impact on the free radical induced injury and improvement of respiratory reserve in various lung disorders.

Evaluation of micronutrient status in serum and saliva of oral submucous fibrosis patients: A clinicopathological study

Background:Oral submucous fibrosis (OSMF) is one of the most commonly occurring potentially malignant disorders in India and south East Asian countries where betel chewing is common practice. Iron and ascorbic acid are important agents for collagen synthesis.Aims:The aims of this study were to estimate the levels of iron and ascorbic acid in serum and saliva in patients with OSMF and to correlate change in levels of iron and ascorbic acid with the histopathological grading of OSMF.Materials and Methods:The study group comprised of 65 clinically diagnosed and histopathologically confirmed cases of OSMF; 21 age- and sex-matched controls were also enrolled in the study. Serum and salivary ascorbic acid were analyzed by the dintrophenyl hydrazine method whereas serum and salivary iron were analyzed by the dipyridyl method.Results:The serum and salivary ascorbic acid levels consistently decreased with the progression of histopathologiocal grading of OSMF. Serum and salivary iron levels were also decreased in OSMF patients, but this was not significant.Conclusion:Ascorbic acid and iron may have been used for the excessive collagen synthesis occurring during progression of OSMF. Hence, serum and salivary monitoring may play a crucial role in the early diagnosis and prognosis of OSMF.