ascorbic-acid and Alcoholism

Topics: Alcoholism; Anorexia; Ascorbic Acid; Diagnosis, Differential; Early Diagnosis; Erythrocyte Transfusion; Exanthema; Fatigue; Gingival Hypertrophy; Hematoma; Humans; Lethargy; Male; Middle Aged; Muscle Weakness; Prognosis; Risk Factors; Scurvy

A review of the literature relating to possible clinical implications of ascorbic acid (AA) supplementation was conducted. Factors requiring a higher AA intake include smoking, alcohol ingestion, stress, diabetes mellitus, pregnancy, and certain drugs, including oral contraceptives, some antibiotics, acetylsalicylate and anti-inflammatory medications. AA has been found to significantly increase wound healing, reduce the inflammatory response, lessen respiratory distress, enhance immune function and serve to benefit many common conditions including osteoarthritis. It is concluded that vitamin C supplementation could be utilized for many conditions seen by chiropractors.

Topics: Age Factors; Alcoholism; Animals; Anti-Bacterial Agents; Anti-Inflammatory Agents; Ascorbic Acid; Aspirin; Chiropractic; Contraceptives, Oral; Diet; Drug Interactions; Female; Fruit; Humans; Immunity; Inflammation; Nutritional Requirements; Pregnancy; Respiratory Tract Diseases; Smoking; Stress, Physiological; Wound Healing

This monograph on the clinical chemistry of vitamin B12 reviews the literature on daily requirements, methods for measurement, the effects of drugs on vitamin B12 metabolism absorption, pregnancy, clinical conditions associated with vitamin B12 deficiency, errors of metabolism, and reactions to vitamin therapy. Although only very small quantities of vitamin B12 are required to satisfy the daily requirement, a sufficient supply is stored in the liver to meet normal requirements for at least a 3-year period. A number of drugs are known to affect the absorption of vitamin B12, including neomycin, potassium chloride, p-aminosalicylic acid, and colchicine. Significantly reduced serum concentrations of vitamin B12 have been noted in users of oral contraceptives (OCs), although concentrations still remain within the limits of normal. It appears that the vitamin B12 level in OC users reestablishes itself at a different and somewhat lower level. Vitamin B12 binding protein appears to remain unchanged. A vitamin B12 deficiency is unusual in pregnant women who consume a normal, varied diet. On the other hand, lactating women whose diets are low in animal protein and dairy products may have problems providing enough vitamin B12 to meet their own and their infant's needs; supplementary oral vitamins should be considered.

Topics: Absorption; Adult; Alcoholism; Anemia, Pernicious; Ascorbic Acid; Autoantibodies; Biguanides; Biological Transport; Chemical Phenomena; Chemistry; Chlorpromazine; Contraceptives, Oral; Diet; Female; Gastrectomy; Gastritis; Humans; Intrinsic Factor; Malabsorption Syndromes; Male; Metabolism, Inborn Errors; Middle Aged; Neoplasms; Nervous System Diseases; Nitrous Oxide; Nutritional Requirements; Pancreatic Diseases; Parasitic Diseases; Pregnancy; Pregnancy Complications; Transcobalamins; Vitamin B 12; Vitamin B 12 Deficiency

Chronic alcoholics frequently have evidence of nutritional deficiency due to decreased intake, reduced uptake and impaired utilisation of nutrients. The alcoholic has increased nutrient requirements due to greater metabolic demands and the need for tissue repair. Chronic alcohol-related brain damage can often be a direct result of nutrient depletion, particularly of the vitamins thiamine, B12, nicotinamide and pyridoxine. Lesser degrees of brain damage are frequently unrecognised, and by the time a vitamin deficiency syndrome has developed and been diagnosed, irreversible damage has often occurred. The development of suitable computerised psychometric tests may allow earlier detection of brain malfunction associated with malnutrition, which can be reversed by nutrient repletion before permanent damage occurs. Circulating levels of vitamins can be a valuable guide to nutritional status, although care is needed when interpreting the results of such tests in the alcoholic. Sensitive microbiological and biochemical tests for assessing vitamin status in man have been available for some years, and in addition, new biochemical methods are constantly being developed. It is important that such methods are evaluated, and possibly adapted for clinical use where appropriate. Newer methods may have significant advantages over older, more established techniques. For thiamine and pyridoxine, for example, methods now exist to determine accurately circulating levels of the active forms of these vitamins, which could give more direct assessment of vitamin status than earlier methodology that uses indirect measurements, such as red cell enzyme activities. On the other hand, in the case of folate and B12, there has been a tendency to opt for the easy-to-perform radioassay techniques, when in fact the earlier microbiological methods offer greater sensitivity and probably also better accuracy. Technically difficult assays should not be disregarded if they can give information which is of greater clinical use than a simpler assay technique. Clinical laboratories should always bear in mind what their vitamin methods are actually measuring, particular consideration being given to whether metabolically inactive forms or analogues are determined in the assay. This can be of importance to the interpretation of vitamin data in the alcoholic, who often has problems forming active vitamins from their precursors.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

Topics: Alcoholism; Ascorbic Acid; Avitaminosis; Ethanol; Humans; Intestinal Absorption; Nutrition Disorders; Nutritional Requirements; Vitamin A; Vitamin B Complex; Vitamin D; Vitamin E; Vitamin K; Vitamins

Optimum nutrition is the level of intake that should promote the highest level of health. Although excess caloric intake will lead to obesity, a deficit in nutrition may result in a tissue depletion of essential nutrients that can lead to biochemical changes and eventually to clinical signs and symptoms. Nutrition requirements may differ according to sex, age, activity, or physiological state and can be influenced by drugs, smoking, alcohol, and other factors. With ever-increasing sedentary life styles and less physically demanding jobs, the resulting reduced caloric requirements have made it more difficult to make nutritionally sound food choices. Nutrition is the single most important component of preventive health care. Diet has been associated with cancer, heart disease, diabetes, stroke and hypertension, arteriosclerosis, and cirrhosis of the liver. The ability of the human to respond to stresses, such as altitude, heat, trauma, surgery, and infection can be influenced by nutritional status. Nutritional status is reflected in a variety of metabolic processes that provide the basis for a number of methods for its assessment.

Topics: Alcoholism; Anemia, Hypochromic; Animals; Ascorbic Acid; Avitaminosis; Climate; Dietary Fats; Female; Folic Acid; Food Additives; Health; Humans; Immunocompetence; Lactation; Male; Neoplasms; Nutritional Physiological Phenomena; Nutritional Requirements; Obesity; Physical Exertion; Pregnancy; Protein-Energy Malnutrition; Pyridoxine; Riboflavin; Smoking; Stress, Physiological; Thiamine; Trace Elements; Vitamin A; Vitamins; Zinc

Deficiency of either folic acid or vitamin B12 may interfere with DNA synthesis and result in megaloblastic anemia or other conditions. These 2 vitamins have dissimilar molecular structures and are present in different foods; they are also absorbed and metabolized differently. In 201 consecutive cases of megaloblastic anemia, for 90% the cause was alcoholism and poor diet; 0.5% (1 case) was related to oral contraceptives (OCs). Megaloblastic anemia due to folate deficiency has occasionally been reported in patients with inflammatory bowel disease and has been attributed to poor diet, impaired absorption, and increased tissue utilization of folate. Sulfasalazine, a compound containing a sulfa drug and a salicylate that is broken down to its active components by the gut flora, is widely used in the treatment of inflammatory bowel disease and has been shown to impair the absorption of folic acid, polyglutamyl folate, and methyl-tetrahydrofolic acid in patients with these disorders. There is also evidence suggesting an interaction between anticonvulsant drugs and folate balance. A number of cases of megaloblastic anemia due to folate deficiency have been reported in women taking OCs. While in some cases no apparent cause for the megaloblastic anemia other than contraceptive therapy was demonstrated, in many patients other underlying disorders that were likely to disturb folate balance such as celiac disease, decreased dietary vitamin intake, and the administration of other drugs known to affect folate status have also been present. There is no convincing evidence that sex steroids affect folate absorption; about 20% of women taking OCs were found to have mild megaloblastic changes on Papanicolaou smears. These changes disappered after folic acid therapy, suggesting that OCs may cause an increased demand for folate limited to the reproductive system. Another finding is of low serum cobalamin levels in women using OCs; this appears however to be a laboratory abnormality of uncertain cause and of no clinical significance.

Topics: Alcoholism; Animals; Anticonvulsants; Ascorbic Acid; Contraceptives, Oral; Folic Acid; Folic Acid Antagonists; Folic Acid Deficiency; Humans; Intestinal Absorption; Nervous System; Nitrous Oxide; Sulfasalazine; Vitamin B 12

To test the effect of a 21-day supplementation with moderate doses of antioxidant nutrients on biochemical indicators of vitamin, carotenoid and trace element levels in alcohol-dependent patients during a program of alcohol rehabilitation.. A randomized double-blind trial was performed comparing two groups receiving daily either a combination of micronutrients (beta-carotene: 6 mg, vitamin C: 120 mg, vitamin E: 30 mg, zinc: 20 mg, selenium: 100 micro g) or a placebo.. 106 alcohol-dependent patients 20 to 60 years of age without severe liver disease, hospitalized for a 21-day rehabilitation program. Measure of Outcome: Vitamin C, retinol, alpha-tocopherol, zeaxanthin/lutein, beta-cryptoxanthin, lycopene, alpha- and beta-carotene, zinc and selenium were measured in serum, initially and after supplementation.. (1) In the placebo group, after 21 days of rehabilitation, serum concentrations of vitamin C and all five carotenoids significantly increased, whereas retinol and alpha-tocopherol concentrations decreased; zinc and selenium levels were unaffected. (2) At the end of the hospital stay, serum indicators were significantly improved in the supplement group as compared to the placebo group for vitamin C, alpha-tocopherol, beta-carotene, zinc and selenium; conversely, lycopene changes were higher in the placebo group than in supplement group. (3) Of the serum antioxidants measured at entrance, only vitamin C was significantly depleted in heavy smokers, and, after the supplementation period, vitamin C was efficiently repleted in this later group.. Our results indicate that a short-term supplementation with physiological doses of antioxidant vitamins, carotenoids and trace elements during alcohol rehabilitation clearly improves micronutrient status indicators. Heavy smokers in particular seem to respond to vitamin C supplementation.

Topics: Adult; Alcoholism; alpha-Tocopherol; Antioxidants; Ascorbic Acid; Carotenoids; Dietary Supplements; Double-Blind Method; Female; Humans; Male; Micronutrients; Middle Aged; Selenium; Vitamin A; Zinc

To assess the efficacy of supervised disulfiram as an adjunct to out-patient treatment of alcoholics, a randomised, partially blind, six-month follow-up study was conducted in which 126 patients received 200 mg disulfiram or 100 mg vitamin C under the supervision of a nominated informant. In the opinion of the (blinded) independent assessor, patients on disulfiram increased average total abstinent days by 100 and patients on vitamin C by 69, thus enhancing by one-third this measure of treatment outcome. Mean weekly alcohol consumption was reduced by 162 units with disulfiram, compared with 105 units with vitamin C, and the disulfiram patients reduced their total six-month alcohol consumption by 2572 units compared with an average reduction of 1448 units in the vitamin C group. Serum gamma-GT showed a mean fall of 21 IU/I in patients on disulfiram but rose by a mean of 13 IU/I with vitamin C. Unwanted effects in the disulfiram group led to a dose reduction in seven patients and to treatment withdrawal in four (and in one vitamin C patient). Two-thirds of the disulfiram group asked to continue the treatment at the end of the study. There were no medically serious adverse reactions.

Topics: Adolescent; Adult; Aged; Alcoholism; Ascorbic Acid; Chi-Square Distribution; Disulfiram; Female; Humans; Male; Middle Aged

Topics: Alcoholism; Amitriptyline; Analysis of Variance; Anxiety; Ascorbic Acid; Chlordiazepoxide; Depression; Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; Educational Status; Humans; Intelligence Tests; Mesoridazine; Phenytoin; Psychological Tests; Substance Withdrawal Syndrome; Vitamin B Complex

Drug and substance abuse remains a major medical problem globally. Alcohol consumption, particularly heavy drinking, is an important risk factor for many health problems and is a major contributor to the global burden of disease. Vitamin C has proven to be defensive against toxic substances and provides antioxidant and cytoprotective activity to hepatocytes. The aim of this study was to investigate vitamin C as a potential ameliorating agent against hepatotoxicity among alcohol abusers.. This study was a cross-sectional study that included eighty male hospitalized alcohol abusers and twenty healthy people as a control group. Alcohol abusers received standard treatment plus vitamin C. Total protein, albumin, total Bilirubin, aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), reduced glutathione (GSH), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and 8-hydroxhguanosine (8-OHdG) were investigated.. This study reported that, in the alcohol abuser group, there was a significant increase in the total protein, bilirubin, AST, ALT, ALP, TBARS, SOD and 8-OHdG; on the other hand, there was a significant decrease in albumin, GSH and CAT compared with the control group. The alcohol abuser group treated with vitamin C showed a significant decrease in total protein, bilirubin, AST, ALT, ALP, TBARS, SOD and 8-OHdG; on the other hand, there was a significant increase in albumin, GSH and CAT compared with the control group.. This study's findings suggest that alcohol abuse induces significant alterations in various hepatic biochemical parameters and oxidative stress and that vitamin C has a partial protective role in countering alcohol abuse-induced hepatotoxicity. Using vitamin C as an adjunctive supplement to standard treatment may be helpful in minimizing the toxic side effects of alcohol abuse.

Topics: Alcoholism; Alkaline Phosphatase; Antioxidants; Ascorbic Acid; Bilirubin; Chemical and Drug Induced Liver Injury; Cross-Sectional Studies; Drug-Related Side Effects and Adverse Reactions; Humans; Liver; Male; Oxidative Stress; Superoxide Dismutase; Thiobarbituric Acid Reactive Substances; Vitamins

Topics: Alcoholism; Ascorbic Acid; Ecchymosis; Foot; Humans; Leg; Male; Middle Aged; Purpura; Scurvy; Vitamins

Bone health has been associated with oxidative stress and antioxidants have received interest to this end. Serum uric acid (SUA), an end product of purine metabolism in humans, has recently shown antioxidant properties regarding bone health, but there are conflicting results. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between SUA levels and lumbar spine bone mineral density (BMD) in clinically apparently healthy males aged 40-60 years. We performed a cross-sectional study of 6588 Korean males who completed a health-screening program from January 2011 to December 2014. Of the study participants, the mean age was 48.2 ± 10.7 years. Multiple regression analyses resulted in a significant positive association with lumbar spine BMD across SUA quintiles in a dose-response manner after adjusting for various confounding factors (p = 0.013); for each 1 mg/dl increase of SUA, BMD rose by 0.0054 g/cm

Topics: Alcoholism; Ascorbic Acid; Body Mass Index; Bone Density; C-Reactive Protein; Calcium; Cross-Sectional Studies; Diet; Exercise; Glomerular Filtration Rate; Humans; Insulin Resistance; Lumbar Vertebrae; Male; Mass Screening; Middle Aged; Smoking; Uric Acid

Historically known to be a disease of sailors and soldiers in the seventeenth and eighteenth century, scurvy is a rare nutritional deficiency in the developed world, but it can still be seen among the alcoholics and the malnourished. We present a case of a 39-year-old alcoholic male who presented with progressive fatigue and diffuse purpuric rash with scattered ecchymosis for 2 months. Blood work was remarkable for hemoglobin of 9.1 g/dl, which further dropped to 7 g/dl over the next few days. He was then found to have hemolysis on lab work. After an extensive workup, the common causes of hemolytic anemia were ruled out, vitamin C level was checked, which interestingly resulted as 0 mg/dl. Supplementation with oral vitamin C resulted in the gradual resolution of hemolytic anemia and rash. Hemoglobin improved to 15 g/dl in 4 weeks, with normalization of vitamin C level. The clinical features of scurvy can easily be confused with conditions such as vasculitis, deep venous thrombosis, and systemic bleeding disorders. Therefore, comprehensive workup up is required prior to the diagnosis. Although rare, being a reversible condition, early diagnosis and treatment of scurvy in high-risk populations cannot be stressed enough.

Topics: Administration, Oral; Adult; Alcoholism; Anemia, Hemolytic; Ascorbic Acid; Ascorbic Acid Deficiency; Humans; Male

Excessive alcohol intake can alter the gut microbiota, which may underlie the pathophysiology of alcohol-related diseases. We examined gut microbiota composition and functions in patients with alcohol overconsumption for >10 years, compared to a control group of patients with a history of no or low alcohol intake. Faecal microbiota composition was assessed by 16S rRNA sequencing. Gut microbiota functions were evaluated by quantification of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) and predictive metagenome profiling (PICRUSt). Twenty-four patients, mean age 64.8 years (19 males), with alcohol overconsumption, and 18 control patients, mean age 58.2 years (14 males) were included. The two groups were comparable regarding basic clinical variables. Nutritional assessment revealed lower total score on the screening tool Mini Nutritional Assessment, lower muscle mass as assessed by handgrip strength, and lower plasma vitamin C levels in the alcohol overconsumption group. Bacteria from phylum

Topics: Adult; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Alcoholism; Ascorbic Acid; Bacteria; Bacterial Proteins; Fatty Acids, Volatile; Feces; Female; Gastrointestinal Microbiome; Hand Strength; Humans; Male; Metagenomics; Middle Aged; Nutrition Assessment; RNA, Ribosomal, 16S; Vitamins

Scurvy is often diagnosed at the state of well-established signs as, for example, skin and visceral purpura, gums involvement, loss of healthy teeth, which derive mostly from disturbance of collagen metabolism. Little is known about the state of latent scurvy, which symptoms are nonspecific and may mimic more common conditions such as weakness, leg pain, and muscle aching.. We report 3 cases of extreme lassitude and leg pain in alcoholics. In 2 of the 3 cases, discreet classic symptoms such as petechiae or hyperkeratosis of the legs involving collagen metabolism were also present.. Latent scurvy has been diagnosed thanks to historical experimental data reporting and undetectable ascorbic acid levels.. In addition to the treatments recommended by the French Alcohol Society, patients were given oral vitamin C 500 mg to 1000 mg per day for at least three months.. Vitamin C supplementation allowed the regression of the symptoms, greatly improved the quality of life, and gave the possibility to return to work. Cartinine, requiring vitamin C for its hydroxylation, is an essential cofactor in the transport of long-chain fatty acid into mitochondrial matrix. Therefore, it plays an important role in energy production via beta-oxidation. It is thought that carnitine metabolism impairment is responsible for weakness or muscle aching.. We recommend being aware of the possibility of latent scurvy in chronic alcohol abusers. The vitamin C supplementation and dietetic recommendation eating fresh fruit and vegetables may help to cure tiredness and to return more easily to socialization and to work.

Topics: Adult; Alcoholism; Ascorbic Acid; Dietary Supplements; Fatigue; Humans; Leg; Male; Middle Aged; Myalgia; Scurvy; Vitamins

In Switzerland, vitamin C deficiency is a rare condition. Nonetheless, in clinical practice, there are some patients exhibiting a vitamin C deficiency as a result of an unbalanced diet or intestinal malabsorption. We report the clinical history of a 55-year-old man known for alcoholism and insufficient intake of fresh fruits and vegetables. He was admitted to the intensive care unit, for haemodynamic instability caused by blood loss due to fragile vessels (skin, gastrointestinal). Further analyses revealed a severe lack of vitamin C. The patient received a high dose of intravenous substitutive treatment, leading to a favourable clinical outcome.

Topics: Alcoholism; Anemia; Ascorbic Acid; Ascorbic Acid Deficiency; Diet; Hemodynamics; Humans; Male; Malnutrition; Middle Aged; Purpura; Switzerland

The impact of ascorbic acid supplementation against ethanol induced Leydig cell toxicity was studied in guinea pigs. Male guinea pigs were exposed to ethanol (4g/kgb.wt.) for 90 days. After 90 days, ethanol administration was completely stopped and animals in the ethanol group were divided into abstention group and ascorbic acid supplemented group (25mg/100gb.wt.) and those in control group were maintained as control and control+ascorbic acid group. Ethanol administration reduced the serum testosterone and LH (luteinising hormone) levels and elevated estradiol levels. Cholesterol levels in Leydig cell were increased whereas the mRNA and protein expressions of StAR (steroidogenic acute regulatory) protein, cytochrome P450scc (cytochrome p450side chain cleavage enzyme), 3β-HSD (3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase), 17β-HSD (17β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase) and LH receptor were drastically reduced. Administration of ascorbic acid resulted in alteration of all these parameters indicating enhanced recovery from ethanol induced inhibition of Leydig cell steroidogenesis. Although abstention could also reduce the inhibition of steroidogenesis, this was lesser in comparison with ascorbic acid supplemented group.

Topics: 17-Hydroxysteroid Dehydrogenases; 3-Hydroxysteroid Dehydrogenases; Alcoholism; Animals; Ascorbic Acid; Cells, Cultured; Cholesterol; Cholesterol Side-Chain Cleavage Enzyme; Estradiol; Ethanol; Guinea Pigs; Leydig Cells; Luteinizing Hormone; Male; Phosphoproteins; Protective Agents; Receptors, LH; Testosterone

Vitamin C deficiency is rare in developed countries but there is an increased prevalence in chronic alcohol abusers. In the UK, it is common practice to treat patients with chronic alcoholism who are admitted to hospital with intravenous vitamins B1, B2, B3, B6 and C for 2-3 days, followed by oral thiamine and vitamin B-compound tablets. This is a case of a 57-year-old man with a history of chronic alcoholism and chronic obstructive lung disease who was admitted to the intensive care unit for pneumonia requiring ventilatory support. He was given high doses of intravenous vitamins B1, B2, B3, B6 and C for 3 days then oral thiamine and vitamin B compound tablets but developed scurvy 4 days later. He was restarted on oral vitamin C supplementation and showed signs of improvement within 3 days of treatment.

Topics: Alcoholism; Ascorbic Acid; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Niacinamide; Pneumonia, Bacterial; Riboflavin; Scurvy; Thiamine; Vitamin B 6; Vitamin B Complex; Vitamins

Topics: Alcoholism; Ascorbic Acid; Diet; Folic Acid; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Scurvy; Treatment Outcome

Topics: Aged; Alcoholism; Ascorbic Acid; Dermoscopy; Erythrocytes; Fibrosis; Fruit; Hair Follicle; Humans; Keratosis; Male; Malnutrition; Mouth, Edentulous; Purpura; Remission Induction; Scurvy; Skin Pigmentation; Vegetables

Scurvy is a rarely seen disease resulting from a deficiency of vitamin C. We present a case of scurvy in a 65-year-old man. The patient reported heavy alcohol abuse over the last several years. He also reported that his diet consisted of cheese pizzas only. On physical examination, he was noted to have spontaneous ecchymosis of his lower extremities (denying any history of trauma); poor dentition; and corkscrew hairs on his chest, abdomen, and legs, with associated perifollicular petechia. Punch biopsy of his skin lesions revealed perivascular lymphohistiocytic inflammation, with some focal perifollicular erythrocyte extravasation. A serum ascorbic acid level was <0.12 mg/dL (normal range, 0.20-1.9 mg/dL). A diagnosis of vitamin C deficiency was made. The patient was successfully treated with 1 g/d vitamin C for the first 5 days, followed by a dose of 500 mg/d. Though scurvy is rarely seen in modern times, it is important to identify who is at risk and to recognize the clear and classic signs and symptoms associated with scurvy. Failure to diagnose this disease can potentially lead to expensive and unnecessary medical tests, as well as missing a very simple treatment that can prevent infection and even death.

Topics: Aged; Alcoholism; Ascorbic Acid; Diagnosis, Differential; Humans; Male; Risk Factors; Scurvy; Treatment Outcome

Osteoporosis and femoral neck fractures (FNF) are uncommon in black Africans although osteoporosis accompanying iron overload (from traditional beer brewed in iron containers) associated with ascorbic acid deficiency (oxidative catabolism by iron) has been described from sub-Saharan Africa. This study describes histomorphometric findings of iliac crest bone biopsies and serum biochemical markers of iron overload and of alcohol abuse and ascorbic acid levels in 50 black patients with FNFs (29 M, 21 F), age 62 years (40-95) years (median [min-max]), and in age- and gender-matched black controls. We found evidence of iron overload in 88% of patients and elevated markers of alcohol abuse in 72%. Significant correlations between markers of iron overload and of alcohol abuse reflect a close association between the two toxins. Patients had higher levels of iron markers, i.e., siderin deposits in bone marrow (P < 0.0001), chemical non-heme bone iron (P = 0.012), and serum ferritin (P = 0.017) than controls did. Leukocyte ascorbic acid levels were lower (P = 0.0008) than in controls. The alcohol marker mean red blood cell volume was elevated (P = 0.002) but not liver enzymes or uric acid. Bone volume, trabecular thickness, and trabecular number were lower, and trabecular separation was greater in patients than in controls, all at P < 0.0005; volume, surface, and thickness of osteoid were lower and eroded surface was greater, all at P < 0.0001. There was no osteomalacia. Ascorbic acid deficiency accounted significantly for decrease in bone volume and trabecular number, and increase in trabecular separation, osteoid surface, and eroded surface; iron overload accounted for a reduction in mineral apposition rate. Alcohol markers correlated negatively with osteoblast surface and positively with eroded surface. Relative to reported data in white FNF patients, the osteoporosis was more severe, showed lower osteoid variables and greater eroded surface; FNFs occurred 12 years earlier and were more common among men. We conclude that the osteoporosis underlying FNFs in black Africans is severe, with marked uncoupling of resorption and formation in favor of resorption. All three factors--ascorbic acid deficiency, iron overload, and alcohol abuse--contributed to the osteoporosis, in that order.

Topics: Adult; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Alcoholism; Ascorbic Acid; Ascorbic Acid Deficiency; Biomarkers; Black People; Bone Marrow; Female; Femoral Neck Fractures; Humans; Ilium; Iron Overload; Leukocytes; Male; Middle Aged; Osteoporosis; Siderosis

Topics: Adult; Alcoholism; Ascorbic Acid; Humans; Male; Purpura; Scurvy; Treatment Outcome

In the present study, we investigated the antioxidant status in diabetes mellitus, related or not to alcohol consumption. A total of 38 type 1, 48 type 2 and 42 alcohol-related diabetic patients were selected. Total antioxidant status was assessed through the oxygen radical absorbance capacity of the plasma and the determination of enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidant molecules. Serum triglycerides, total cholesterol and HDL-cholesterol concentrations were determined and the lipid peroxydation was evaluated by measuring thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) assay. Plasma total antioxidant capacity was more decreased in alcohol-related diabetes than that in type 1 and type 2 diabetes, regardless of the complications (retinopathy and renal failure). Plasma vitamin E concentrations were significantly decreased whereas those of vitamin C increased in all of the diabetic patients compared to the controls, irrespective to the complications. In addition, superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase activities were reduced in all the patients (type 1, type 2 and alcohol-related), irrespective to the complications. Glutathione reductase activity was diminished in type 1 and alcohol-related, but not in type 2, diabetic patients. Glutathione (GSH) concentrations significantly decreased in all diabetic patients with a significant decrease in alcohol-related diabetic patients. Excessive alcohol consumption appears as an oxidative aggravating factor in diabetes mellitus. Besides, alcohol-related diabetes highly resembles to type 1 diabetes as far as the antioxidant parameters are concerned.

Topics: Adult; Alcohol Drinking; Alcoholism; Antioxidants; Ascorbic Acid; Benin; Blood Chemical Analysis; Case-Control Studies; Diabetes Complications; Erythrocytes; Feeding Behavior; Female; Free Radicals; Glutathione; Glycated Hemoglobin; Humans; Lipids; Male; Middle Aged; Thiobarbituric Acid Reactive Substances; Vitamin E

We conducted a case-control study nested within a prospective cohort study of 13,979 residents of Leisure World Laguna Hills, a retirement community in southern California, for etiologic clues for Parkinson's disease (PD). Between 1981 (when first mailed a health survey) and 1998, we identified 395 PD cases from death certificates, hospital discharge diagnoses and a 1992 follow-up questionnaire. Six controls were individually matched on sex, birth date (+/-2 years), vital status and, if dead, death date (+/-1 year) to each case. Baseline characteristics of the 395 cases and 2,320 controls were analyzed as potential PD risk factors. The risk of PD was significantly reduced among smokers, hypertensives, coffee drinkers and alcohol consumers, and significantly increased among those with 3 or more children and with a high intake of total vitamin A and dietary vitamin C. The multivariate odds ratios (95% confidence intervals) were 0.42 (0.22-0.80) for current cigarette smokers of 1+ pack/day, 0.62 (0.48-0.80) for current users of hypertensive medication, 0.71 (0.52-0.95) for coffee drinkers of 2+ cups/day and 0.77 (0.58-1.03) for drinkers of 2+ alcoholic drinks/day. Risk increased with increasing number of children (1.25 for 1, 1.34 for 2 and 1.90 for 3+ children; p for trend = 0.0003). The increased risks among individuals in the highest third of total vitamin A intake and of dietary vitamin C intake were no longer statistically significant after adjusting for the other variables. These findings suggest several environmental factors that may be related to the development of PD and support a multifactorial etiology.

Topics: Adult; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Alcoholism; Ascorbic Acid; Caffeine; California; Case-Control Studies; Catchment Area, Health; Cohort Studies; Female; Humans; Hypertension; Male; Middle Aged; Parkinson Disease; Prospective Studies; Risk Factors; Smoking; Vitamin A

In order to study the relationship between alcohol abuse and oxidative stress, and to identify oxidative damage of alcohol abuse in human bodies.. 80 cases of male alcoholics (AL) aged 40 years old and 80 cases of male healthy volunteers (HV) of the same age without drinking history were investigated by measuring concentrations of vitamin C (VC), vitamin E (VE) and beta-carotene (beta-CAR) in plasma as well as activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) in RBC with spectrophotometric assays.. Compared with the average values (AV) of the above biochemical parameters in the HV group, the average values of VC, VE and beta-CAR in plasma and the activities of SOD, CAT and GSH-Px in RBC in the AL group were significantly decreased (P = 0.0000). The findings in linear regression and correlation analysis for 80 alcoholics showed that with the prolonged drinking duration and increased daily drinking quantity, the values of VC, VE and beta-CAR in plasma as well as SOD, CAT and GSH-Px in RBC in the alcoholics were gradually decreased (P = 0.000), representing a respectively significant linear negative correlation. The analysis of stepwise regression and correlation revealed that the drinking duration had the closest correlation with the values of VE in plasma as well as CAT and GSH-Px in RBC, while the daily drinking quantity had the closest correlation with the values of VC, VE and beta-CAR in plasma as well as SOD and GSH-Px in RBC.. The findings of the present study suggested that the oxidative stress in the alcoholics became pathologically intensified, leading to potential oxidative damages in their bodies. Therefore, alcoholics should abstain from alcohol drinking, and should take as supplements suitable dosage of antioxidants per day such as VC, VE, beta-CAR and others to moderate potential oxidative damages in their bodies.

Topics: Adult; Alcoholism; Antioxidants; Ascorbic Acid; beta Carotene; Case-Control Studies; Erythrocytes; Glutathione Peroxidase; Humans; Male; Oxidative Stress; Superoxide Dismutase; Vitamin E

We report three new cases of patients presenting scurvy. In the year 2000 this rare disease still occurs in France.. The three patients, 2 men and a woman respectively 51, 50, and 73 years-old were alcoholics, and lived alone in difficult social conditions. Dietary survey indicated in the 3 cases inadequate vitamin C intake, and a regimen including solely bread, rice, pasta, and packet soup devoid of fresh vegetables and fruit. The cutaneous findings attributed to scurvy were: in the first patient, a woody inflammatory and painful oedema of the left leg associated with perifollicular petechial haemorrhages over the lower limbs, and hyperpigmentation of the facial skin with slate-gray spotty pigmentation of the tongue (pseudo-addisonian hyperpigmentation); in the second patient, an accentuation of a pre-existing acne becoming more inflammatory and extensive; and in the third patient, a diffuse petechial eruption on the abdomen and lower extremities. The diagnosis of scurvy was confirmed by low plasma ascorbic acid levels (< 6 mumol/l). All patients were treated with 1 to 2 g of oral ascorbic acid daily for 2 weeks resulting in rapid and dramatic response.. Scurvy is a rare disease in industrialized nations. Its incidence is unknown because of absence of total census. Dietary vitamin C deficiency represents the main risk factor exposing for scurvy among adults, often alcoholics and living in social isolation. Cutaneous features supporting the diagnosis of scurvy are described in our observations. The recognition of these cutaneous abnormalities is important because their association can be misleading, and erroneously interpreted as a sign of systemic vasculitis, or connective tissue disease. The diagnosis of scurvy is confirmed by the measurement of plasma ascorbic acid levels. Treatment is simple and based on the administration of vitamin C, which results in dramatic improvement.

Topics: Aged; Alcoholism; Ascorbic Acid; Cross-Sectional Studies; Diagnosis, Differential; Feeding Behavior; Female; Humans; Incidence; Life Style; Male; Middle Aged; Scurvy

Some authors have suggested a possible loss of antioxidant factors in alcoholic skeletal myopathy. To assess the relationship between ethanol consumption and serum and muscle levels of alpha-tocopherol, ascorbic acid, and retinol in chronic alcoholics with and without skeletal myopathy, a prospective cross-sectional study was performed in the Alcohol Unit of a 1000-bed university hospital. Twenty-five chronic male alcoholic patients (10 with skeletal myopathy) and 15 male controls of similar age were included. Evaluation of daily and lifetime ethanol consumption, assessment of anthropometric and protein nutritional parameters, and open biopsy of the left deltoid muscle were performed, as well as determinations of serum and muscle levels of retinol, alpha-tocopherol, and ascorbic acid by HPLC analysis. Ten of the 25 chronic alcoholic patients presented histological criteria of skeletal myopathy. Four alcoholics presented caloric malnutrition and three protein malnutrition. All of the muscle biopsies of the control group were entirely normal, as were their nutritional studies. The serum and muscular levels of alpha-tocopherol, ascorbic acid, and retinol were normal and were similar in both alcoholics and controls. Except for serum retinol, these values were also similar in alcoholic patients with or without skeletal myopathy. In the univariate analysis, we identified the total lifetime dose of ethanol (p < 0.003), the muscle arm area (p < 0.05), and serum levels of prealbumin (p < 0.03) and retinol-binding protein (p < 0.05) as factors influencing the development of alcoholic myopathy. However, in multivariate analysis, the total lifetime dose of ethanol was the only independent factor in relation to alcoholic myopathy (p < 0.003). Serum and muscle levels of the antioxidants alpha-tocopherol, ascorbic acid, and retinol do not influence the presence of skeletal myopathy in chronic alcoholic patients.

Topics: Adult; Aged; Alcoholism; Ascorbic Acid; Biopsy; Cross-Sectional Studies; Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Muscle, Skeletal; Muscular Diseases; Prealbumin; Prospective Studies; Protein-Energy Malnutrition; Retinol-Binding Proteins; Risk Factors; Vitamin A; Vitamin E

To study the correlation between abusing alcohol and antioxidants, antioxidases and oxygen free radical reaction.. We measured spectrophotometrically the plasma vitamin C(P-VC), plasma vitamin E(P-VE), plasma beta-carotene (P-beta-CAR) contents and erythrocyte superoxide dismutase (E-SOD), erythrocyte catalase (E-CAT), erythrocyte glutathione peroxidase (E-GSH-Px) activities in 194 male (40 years old) alcohol abusers and 50 male (40 years old) nondrinkers.. The average P-VC, P-VE, P-beta-CAR contents and E-SOD, E-CAT, E-GSH-Px activities of the alcohol abuser group were lower than those of the nondrinker group. The P-VC, P-VE, P-beta-CAR contents and E-SOD, E-CAT, E-GSH-Px activities of the alcohol abusers decreased as the time and quantity of abusing alcohol increased.. The oxygen free radical reaction in the alcohol abusers was pathologically exacerbated, and the balance between oxidation and antioxidation was serious imbalanced.

Topics: Adult; Alcoholism; Antioxidants; Ascorbic Acid; beta Carotene; Catalase; Free Radical Scavengers; Glutathione Peroxidase; Humans; Male; Superoxide Dismutase; Vitamin E

Recent evidence suggests that intraneuronal metabolism of ethanol by catalase/H2O2 and an ethanol-inducible form of cytochrome P450 together generate acetaldehyde and oxygen radicals including the hydroxyl radical (HO.). Within the cytoplasm of serotonergic neurons, these metabolic processes would thus provide acetaldehyde, which would react with unbound 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) to give 1-methyl-6-hydroxy-1,2,3,4-tetrahydro-beta-carboline (1), known to be formed at elevated levels in the brain following ethanol drinking, and HO. necessary to oxidize this alkaloid. In this study, it is demonstrated that the HO.-mediated oxidation of 1 at physiological pH yields 1-methyl-1,2,3,4-tetrahydro-beta-carboline-5,6-dione (8) that reacts avidly with free glutathione (GSH), a significant constituent of axons and nerve terminals, to give diastereomers of 8-S-glutathionyl-1-methyl-1,2,3,4-tetrahydro-beta-carboline-5,6-dione (9A and 9B). In the presence of free GSH, ascorbic acid, other intraneuronal antioxidants/reductants, and molecular oxygen diastereomers, 9A/9B redox cycle in reactions that generate H2O2 and, via trace transition metal ion catalyzed decomposition of the latter compound, HO.. Further reactions of 9A/9B with GSH and/or HO. generate several additional glutathionyl conjugates that also redox cycle in the presence of intraneuronal reductants and molecular oxygen forming H2O2 and HO.. Thus, intraneuronal formation of 1 and HO. as a consequence of ethanol drinking and resultant endogenous synthesis of 8,9A, and 9B would, based on these in vitro chemical studies, be expected to generate elevated fluxes of H2O2 and HO. leading to oxidative damage to serotonergic axons and nerve terminals and the irreversible loss of GSH, both of which occur in the brain as a consequence of ethanol drinking. Furthermore, deficiencies of 5-HT and loss of certain serotonergic pathways in the brain have been linked to the preference for and addiction to ethanol.

Topics: Acetaldehyde; Alcoholism; Ascorbic Acid; Brain; Carbolines; Catalase; Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid; Electrochemistry; Ethanol; Glutathione; Humans; Hydrogen Peroxide; Hydroxyl Radical; Molecular Structure; Neurons; Oxidation-Reduction; Oxygen; Quinones; Serotonin; Superoxide Dismutase

This paper aims to examine the relative contributions made by alcohol and iron overload and hypovitaminosis C to the osteoporosis associated with African hemosiderosis. To characterize this bone disorder, we examined double-tetracycline-labeled iliac crest bone biopsies and serum biochemistry in 53 black male drinkers, 38 with (Fe+) and 15 without (Fe-) iron overload, and in controls. We reasoned that abnormalities found in both patient groups were likely to be caused by alcohol abuse and those found only in the Fe+ group to be caused by iron overload and hypovitaminosis C (iron/C-). The patient groups differed only with respect to greater erosion depth (p < 0.05) and abnormal markers of iron overload in the Fe+ group. Ascorbic acid levels were lower in the Fe+ group than in controls (p < 0.001). Bone volume and trabecular thickness were significantly lower in both patient groups compared with controls and therefore likely caused by alcohol. There were no positive correlations between formation and erosion variables in either patient group, which suggests uncoupling of formation from erosion, possibly as a result of alcohol abuse. Prolonged mineralization lag time associated with thin osteoid seams was found in 32% of patients, affecting both groups. This rules out osteomalacia and suggests osteoblast dysfunction, probably caused by alcohol. The number of iron granules in the marrow correlated with erosion depth (r = 0.373, p < 0.01), trabecular number (r = -0.295, p < 0.05), and trabecular separation (r = 0.347, p < 0.05).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Topics: Adult; Africa; Aged; Alcoholism; Ascorbic Acid; Bone Density; Hemosiderosis; Humans; Ilium; Iron; Male; Middle Aged; Osteoporosis; Primary Myelofibrosis

The effects of alcohol consumption on plasma concentrations of antioxidant vitamins (alpha-tocopherol and ascorbic acid), selenium, and markers of oxidative stress, especially malondialdehyde (MDA) and autoantibodies directed to MDA adducts to proteins (Ig-NH2-MDA) were investigated in a large population of 417 supposedly healthy men who consumed only low or moderate amounts of alcohol as compared with 102 alcoholic patients without severe liver disease, who were studied both before and after 21 d of withdrawal treatment. Plasma concentrations of alpha-tocopherol, ascorbic acid, and selenium were lower in alcoholics than in men who drank low amounts of alcohol (P < or = 0.001), whereas MDA and Ig-NH2-MDA were higher (P < or = 0.001). Plasma concentrations of alpha-tocopherol and selenium remained unchanged after the withdrawal period, whereas ascorbic acid (P < or = 0.01), MDA, and Ig-NH2-MDA concentrations decreased (P < or = 0.001). Adjustment of data for circulating lipids and nutritional intake suggests a specific effect of alcohol on antioxidant vitamins, independent of nutritional status.

Topics: Adult; Alcohol Drinking; Alcoholism; Ascorbic Acid; Autoantibodies; Eating; Energy Intake; Glutathione Peroxidase; Humans; Male; Malondialdehyde; Oxidation-Reduction; Schiff Bases; Selenium; Stress, Physiological; Superoxide Dismutase; Vitamin E

Four cases of scurvy diagnosed within a period of two years are reported. They comprised 2 male patients with heavy nicotine and alcohol abuse, a 35-year-old woman with malnutrition due to food supplements phobia, and a 69-year-old woman with malnutrition due to dementia and social isolation. All four patients were adynamic and anemic. Three patients showed typical dermatologic signs with hemorrhagic hyperceratosis, suffusions or cork-screw hair. Two patients complained of parodontol disorders. Other symptoms were gastrointestinal bleeding, sicca syndrome, retinal bleeding, subdural hematoma, edema and arthralgia. Associated disorders were folic acid and vitamin B12 depletion in two cases, and nephropathy and pneumonia with pneumothorax in one case each. In all cases the serum asorbic acid concentration was below the scorbutic level of 11 mumol/l. Historical data, pathogenesis, incidence, clinical presentation, diagnosis and therapy of scurvy are discussed. We conclude that scurvy can be observed even in a developed country such as Switzerland at the end of the 20th century. The real incidence may be underestimated because symptoms are not well known and disappear rapidly after admission because of sufficient vitamin C content in normal diet. Patients at risk are socially isolated alcoholics, old people, psychiatric patients and diet enthusiasts. Usually scurvy occurs in conjunction with other deficiencies. Smoking and acute illness enhance ascorbic acid depletion. With a knowledge of the symptomatology of scurvy, it is easy to diagnose and treatment is simple and effective.

Topics: Adult; Aged; Alcoholism; Ascorbic Acid; Dementia; Female; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Nutrition Disorders; Periodontal Diseases; Scurvy; Smoking; Social Isolation

We report the case of a 82-year-old man, living in institution, hospitalized for a severe anaemia due to scurvy. Scurvy is rare in Occident. A multifactorial anaemia is usually associated with scurvy, but is rarely symptomatic. Alcoholism favours scurvy and anaemia. Treatment consisted of parenteral vitamin C supplementation associated with blood transfusion.

Topics: Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Alcoholism; Anemia; Ascorbic Acid; Ascorbic Acid Deficiency; Blood Transfusion; Hematoma; Humans; Male

The susceptibility to lipid peroxidation induced by an iron-ascorbate system was studied in human erythrocyte membranes (ghost), and measured as thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) formed. The male and female subjects were 13 chronic alcoholic patients aged 34-54 who assumed 200-250 g/die of ethanol, and 12 healthy controls aged 23-46. In alcoholics ghost sensitivity to lipid peroxidation was significantly decreased compared with that of the controls. Peroxidation on lipids extracted from the ghosts of both control and alcoholic subjects confirmed an increased resistance to free radical damage of the erythrocyte membranes obtained from alcoholic patients, thus indicating that in alcoholic patients the lipid component is involved in the resistance to free radical damage of erythrocyte membranes. Lipid analysis revealed no significant difference in cholesterol and phospholipid content, nor in the phospholipid classes, of the two groups considered. Nevertheless the fatty acid composition of ghosts from the alcoholic subjects was significantly lower in docosahexaenoic acid content than in the controls, and it is with this in mind we propose the explanation of the results we obtained.

Topics: Adult; Alcoholism; Ascorbic Acid; Erythrocyte Membrane; Fatty Acids; Female; Ferrous Compounds; Humans; Lipid Peroxidation; Male; Membrane Lipids; Middle Aged; Phospholipids; Thiobarbituric Acid Reactive Substances

The possible impact of long-term overexposure to ethanol was studied in a group of chronic alcoholics in the psychiatric hospital. The level of DNA methylation and unscheduled DNA synthesis (UDS) induced by N-methyl-N-nitrosourea (MNU) in lymphocytes and lipid peroxidation (LPO) in plasma were used as markers of injury caused by alcohol abuse. The data were correlated with plasma levels of some natural antioxidants (vitamins A, C and E) and vitamin B12. The following results were obtained. The degree of DNA methylation by MNU in lymphocytes was the same in the exposed and control groups under our experimental conditions. The DNA excision-repair capacity of lymphocytes measured as UDS was decreased in alcoholics (p less than 0.01) and LPO in plasma was significantly higher (p less than 0.01) as a consequence of alcohol overconsumption. By the simple regression method, a correlation was found between LPO and vitamin C levels (LPO = -0.078 x vit. C + 1.9; p less than 0.05) and between UDS and LPO values (UDS = -0.384 x LPO + 4.1; p less than 0.05). These results support the hypothesis of a connection of cell membrane status and DNA damage and repair and the possible role of active oxygen species in cell damage caused by ethanol.

Topics: Adult; Alcoholism; Ascorbic Acid; Cells, Cultured; DNA; DNA Repair; Humans; Lipid Peroxidation; Male; Methylation; Methylnitrosourea; Middle Aged; Regression Analysis; Vitamin A; Vitamin B 12; Vitamin E

Topics: Adult; Aged; Aging; Alcoholism; Antioxidants; Ascorbic Acid; DNA Repair; Female; Free Radicals; Genes; Humans; Lipid Peroxidation; Male; Middle Aged; Oxygen; Schizophrenia; Vitamin E

Topics: Adult; Alcoholism; Ascorbic Acid; Esophageal Neoplasms; Female; Gastrointestinal Neoplasms; Humans; Intestinal Neoplasms; Male; Middle Aged; Nutritional Physiological Phenomena; Risk Factors; Stomach Neoplasms

The metabolism of vitamin C and the function of the liver were investigated in 106 patients suffering from alcoholism (34 with clinical stage 1, 53 with clinical stage 2, and 19 with alcoholic delirium). The levels of ascorbic acid (AA) were reduced while those of dehydroascorbic (DAA) and diketogulonic acids (DKGA) were elevated. Red blood cells presented an increase in both AA and DAA and a decrease in DKGA concentrations. AA excretion with the urine was diminished. Considerable liver dysfunction was ascertained. Intensity of the normalization of AA metabolism coincided in time with the normalization of liver enzyme levels (ALT, AsT, CE). Degree of changes in AA metabolism in alcoholism may to a certain degree depend on the severity of liver dysfunction.

Topics: Adult; Alanine Transaminase; Alcohol Withdrawal Delirium; Alcoholism; Alkaline Phosphatase; Ascorbic Acid; Aspartate Aminotransferases; Bilirubin; Erythrocytes; Humans; Liver; Male; Middle Aged; Psychoses, Alcoholic

Topics: Alcoholism; Ascorbic Acid; Ascorbic Acid Deficiency; Humans; Male

The effects of low (200 ppm) and of high (2000 ppm) ascorbic acid, in a nutritionally adequate diet, on blood ethanol levels have been studied in permanently carotid-cannulated, ethanol-infused, unanesthetized guinea pigs. In the acute study, the postinfusion rate of ethanol decline in the blood of animals treated with ascorbic acid was significantly higher when compared with animals treated with fructose, and the rate in the two treated groups was significantly higher than in untreated controls. In the chronic study, animals were infused with sublethal doses of ethanol (30% of the total caloric intake) for 8 weeks. Blood ethanol levels monitored throughout this period showed, at 3 hr postinfusion, a lower concentration in the group on a high ascorbic acid diet. Both experimental groups receiving ethanol lost significantly more body weight in the second week of dieting; but, while the group on high ascorbic acid regained weight steadily thereafter, the group on low ascorbic acid was still 50 g below the controls at the end of the experiment. Liver, kidney, and adrenal ascorbic acid concentrations were lower in the ethanol-treated groups compared to controls. Examination of the liver revealed more fatty metamorphosis or steatosis in the low ascorbic acid group, but there was no evidence of liver fibrosis or cirrhosis. These results demonstrate the feasibility of utilizing the guinea pig for the study of the biochemical and morphological sequelae of alcoholism. They further support the contention that a diet which is nutritionally adequate may no longer be so in the presence of high ethanol intake, and that supplemental vitamin C ingestion may afford protection against ethanol toxicity.

Topics: Adrenal Glands; Alcoholic Intoxication; Alcoholism; Animals; Ascorbic Acid; Body Weight; Ethanol; Fructose; Guinea Pigs; Humans; Kidney; Kinetics; Liver; Male

Topics: Adrenal Glands; Aging; Alcoholism; Animals; Ascorbic Acid; Body Weight; Disease Models, Animal; Ethanol; Humans; Kidney; Liver; Male; Organ Size; Rats; Rats, Inbred Strains; Spleen; Tissue Distribution

1. A group of 129 patients with chronic alcoholism were assessed for their nutritional status with respect to certain minerals and vitamins, and compared with control subjects. 2. In all subjects the plasma values were normal for calcium, magnesium and zinc. 3. As in other studies a seasonal variation was found in the plasma levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin D in the control subjects and the alcoholic subjects; in all seasons lower levels were found in the alcoholics than in the controls, but none of the alcoholic patients had results in the range found in osteomalacia. 4. The alcoholic subjects had low levels of ascorbic acid both in the plasma and in the leucocytes. 5. Although vitamin A and beta-carotene levels were within the reference range, the results in alcoholics were found to be lower than in the control subjects. 6. We suggest that subclinical vitamin deficiencies other than thiamine deficiency contribute to the cerebral impairment frequently found in alcoholism.

Topics: 25-Hydroxyvitamin D 2; Adult; Aged; Alcohol Amnestic Disorder; Alcoholism; Ascorbic Acid; Avitaminosis; Calcium; Carotenoids; Female; Humans; Hydroxycholecalciferols; Leukocyte Count; Magnesium; Male; Middle Aged; Seasons; Zinc

Scurvy was diagnosed in two elderly alcoholic men in our emergency department. Both were ambulatory and had perifollicular petechiae and ecchymoses of the lower extremities and hypertrophic erythematous gingival lesions. There diets were deficient in fresh fruits and vegetables. Treatment with oral ascorbic acid resulted in dramatic resolution of the signs and symptoms. The first patient was admitted to the hospital, where extensive diagnostic studies failed to reveal other etiological explanations for the cutaneous lesions. The second patient was successfully treated as an outpatient.

Topics: Aged; Alcoholism; Ascorbic Acid; Diagnosis, Differential; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Nutritional Requirements; Purpura; Scurvy

Blood (leukocytic) ascorbic acid (vitamin C) levels were estimated in 25 chronic alcoholics (M = 21; F = 4; Age: mean +/- S.D. = 46.28 +/- 8.78; range 28-61 years) on admission before starting any treatment and on the sixth day following intravenous therapy with vitamin C -- 500 mg daily for 5 days. Twenty-four out of 25 patients (96%) were found to be deficient in blood vitamin C (mean +/- S.D. = 68.44 +/- 28.13; range = 28-148; normal range for control population = 120-300 nmol/10(8) W.B.C.). The status of blood vitamin C was significantly improved after the replenishment therapy with I/V vitamin C 500 mg daily for 5 days (mean +/- S.D. = 108.32 +/- 34.98 nmol/10(8) W.B.C.: range = 54-282.5; t = 3.76; P = less than 0.001). Still the levels did not return to within the normal range in 16 patients out of 25 (64%). In view of the biochemical deficiency of vitamin C in chronic alcoholics, it is suggested that conventional detoxification therapy for ethanol withdrawal syndrome should include polyvitamins including ascorbic acid. It is further suggested that more prolonged replenishment therapy with vitamin C, preferably by intravenous route, may be needed to normalize its blood levels in some chronic alcoholic patients.

Topics: Adult; Alcoholism; Ascorbic Acid; Female; Humans; Injections, Intravenous; Male; Middle Aged; Stereoisomerism

Topics: Alcoholism; Ascorbic Acid; Humans; Leukocytes; Liver Cirrhosis, Alcoholic; Liver Diseases

The activity of the red blood cell enzymes transketolase, glutathione reductase, and aspartate transaminase, and their activation by the coenzymes thiamine, riboflavin, and pyridoxine, the pyruvate tolerance test, the leucocyte vitamin C concentration, and the activity in serum of gamma-glutamyl transferase were measured in a series of 35 patients with alcohol-related illness. The incidence of thiamine deficiency was 31% as assessed by the activation of transketolase, and 55% as assessed by the pyruvate tolerance test. The incidence of riboflavin deficiency was 23% and of ascorbic acid deficiency 91%. No cases of pyridoxine deficiency were detected. The pyruvate tolerance test was found to be a more sensitive test of thiamine deficiency than the transketolase activation, and the activation of red blood cell aspartate transaminase was found to be a poor indicator of pyridoxine deficiency. There was a poor correlation of the gamma-glutamyl transferase activity with the degree of vitamin deficiency, suggesting that alcohol exposure is only partly responsible for the observed vitamin deficiency.

Topics: Adult; Aged; Alcoholism; Ascorbic Acid; Ascorbic Acid Deficiency; Erythrocytes; Female; gamma-Glutamyltransferase; Humans; Leukocytes; Male; Middle Aged; Pyruvates; Transketolase; Vitamin B Deficiency

Topics: Adult; Alcoholism; Ascorbic Acid; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Tuberculosis, Pulmonary

Leucocyte ascorbic acid (LAA) levels were measured in 138 patients with liver disease. Significantly reduced levels were found in 37 patients with alcoholic liver disease (P less than 0-01) and 25 patients with primary biliary cirrhosis (P less than 0-05). In the primary biliary cirrhosis patients, cholestyramine therapy was associated with significantly lower levels of the vitamin (P less than 0-05). Liver ascorbic acid measured in Menghini needle biopsies in 20 patients was significantly correlated with LAA (r=0-807, P less than 0-001). No significant correlation was found between LAA and haematological indices, conventional liver function tests, or cholesterol levels in any group of patients. Patients with LAA levels below 100 nM/10(8) WBC had significantly higher antipyrine half-lives (mean=28-3 h) than patients with LAA levels above this level (mean=18-6 h) (P less than 0-05). Delayed drug metabolism related to low LAA should be considered when drugs metabolised by the liver are prescribed for patients with alcoholic liver disease or primary biliary cirrhosis.

Topics: Alcoholism; Ascorbic Acid; Ascorbic Acid Deficiency; Cholestyramine Resin; Humans; Leukocytes; Liver; Liver Cirrhosis; Liver Cirrhosis, Biliary; Liver Function Tests

Topics: Alcoholism; Ascorbic Acid; Ascorbic Acid Deficiency; Avitaminosis; Humans; Liver Cirrhosis; Pyridoxal Phosphate; Thiamine; Thiamine Deficiency; Vitamin B 6 Deficiency

Acetaldehyde is a toxic substance common to heavy drinking of alcohol and heavy smoking of cigarettes. It has been implicated thereby in diseases of the cardiovascular, respiratory, and central nervous systems. Protection against acetaldehyde toxicity (i.e. anesthesia and lethality) was studied in rats by oral intubation of test compounds 30-45 minutes prior to oral intubation of a standardized oral LD 90 dose (18 millimoles/kilogram) of acetaldehyde. Animals were monitored for anesthesia (loss of righting reflexes) and lethality for 72 hours. A total of 18 compounds was tested. L-ascorbic acid at 2 millimoles/kilogram (mM/kg) showed moderate protection against anesthesia and marked protection against lethality. Greatest protection against anesthesia and lethality was obtained at 2 m M/kg with each of the following: L-cysteine, N-acetyl-L-cysteine, thiamin-HCl, sodium metabisulfite, and L-cysteic acid. A combination of L-ascorbic acid with L-cysteine, and thiamin-HCl at reduced dose levels (2.0, 1.0 and 0.3 mM/kg, respectively) gave virtually complete protection. A detailed literature review is presented of the rationale and significance of these findings. Our findings could point the way to a possible build-up of natural protection against the chronic body insult of acetaldehyde arising from heavy drinking of alcohol and heavy smoking of cigarettes.

Topics: Acetaldehyde; Acetylcysteine; Alcoholism; Anesthetics; Animals; Ascorbic Acid; Cysteine; Humans; Lethal Dose 50; Male; Rats; Smoking; Sulfur; Thiamine

Topics: Aged; Alcoholism; Ascorbic Acid; Avitaminosis; Child; Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; Evaluation Studies as Topic; Folic Acid; Humans; Mental Disorders; NAD; Nicotinic Acids; Psychiatry; Pyridoxine; Schizophrenia; Substance-Related Disorders; Vitamin B 12; Vitamins

Topics: Adolescent; Adult; Aged; Alcoholism; Ascorbic Acid; Ascorbic Acid Deficiency; Avitaminosis; Female; Hair; Hemoglobins; Hospitalization; Humans; Liver Diseases; Male; Middle Aged; Nutrition Disorders; Peptic Ulcer; Protein Deficiency; Proteins; Rehabilitation, Vocational; Serum Albumin; Vitamin A; Vitamin A Deficiency; Vitamin E; Vitamin E Deficiency

Topics: Adult; Alcoholism; Ascorbic Acid; Chronic Disease; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Semen; Time Factors

Topics: Alcoholism; Ascorbic Acid; DNA; Electric Conductivity; Fructose; Humans; Male; Semen; Spermatogenesis

Topics: Adult; Alcoholism; Ascorbic Acid; Humans; Middle Aged; Psychoses, Alcoholic

Topics: Adult; Alcoholism; Ascorbic Acid; DNA; Electric Conductivity; Fructose; Humans; Male; Semen

Topics: Adult; Agar; Alcoholism; Ascorbic Acid; Blood Protein Electrophoresis; Blood Proteins; Chlorpromazine; Glucose; Humans; Infusions, Parenteral; Lipoproteins; Male; Methods; Middle Aged; Oxygen; Psychoses, Alcoholic; Serum Albumin; Serum Globulins; Sodium Chloride; Vitamin B Complex

Topics: Alcoholism; Ascorbic Acid; Beer; Beriberi; Electrocardiography; Gastritis; Heart Diseases; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Radiography, Thoracic; Thiamine

Topics: Alcoholism; Anemia; Anemia, Macrocytic; Anorexia Nervosa; Ascorbic Acid; Avitaminosis; Celiac Disease; Deficiency Diseases; Diet; Diet Therapy; Female; Folic Acid; Humans; Infant; Infant, Newborn; Infant, Newborn, Diseases; Pregnancy; Pregnancy Complications; Sprue, Tropical; United Kingdom; Vitamin A; Vitamin B 12; Vitamin B Complex; Vitamin D; Vitamin K; Vitamins; Vomiting

Topics: Adult; Alcoholism; Ascorbic Acid; Ascorbic Acid Deficiency; Black People; Dermatology; Humans; Lichens; Vitamins

Topics: Achlorhydria; Alcoholism; Ascorbic Acid; Blood Chemical Analysis; Ethanol; Hemoglobins; Humans; Hydrochloric Acid; Intestinal Absorption; Iron; Iron Isotopes; Statistics as Topic

Topics: Alcoholism; Ascorbic Acid; Brain; Corrinoids; Drug Therapy; Humans; Liver Extracts; Mental Disorders; Psychoses, Alcoholic; Pyridoxine; Skin; Spleen; Thiamine; Tissue Extracts; Vitamin B 12; Vitamin B Complex

Topics: Alcoholism; Ascorbic Acid; Drug Synergism; Drug Therapy; Fatigue; Geriatrics; Humans; Neoplasms; Pyridoxine; Tuberculosis

Topics: Alcoholism; Ascorbic Acid; Curriculum; Dietary Supplements; Humans; Vitamins

Topics: Alcoholics; Alcoholism; Ascorbic Acid; Substance Withdrawal Syndrome; Vitamin B Complex

Topics: Alcoholism; Ascorbic Acid; Folic Acid; Humans; Psychotherapy; Tranquilizing Agents; Vitamin B Complex

Topics: Adrenal Glands; Alcoholic Intoxication; Alcoholism; Animals; Ascorbic Acid; Carbohydrate Metabolism; Cholesterol; Lipid Metabolism; Rats

Topics: Alcoholic Intoxication; Alcoholism; Animals; Ascorbic Acid; Eosinophils; Leukocyte Count; Rats; Vitamins

Topics: Alcoholism; Ascorbic Acid; Blood; Humans; Psychoses, Alcoholic; Vitamins

Topics: Acetaldehyde; Alcoholism; Ascorbic Acid; Biochemical Phenomena; Disulfiram; Ethanol; Humans; Vitamins