ascorbic-acid and Body-Weight

studies showed inflammatory background of overweight and obesity. Prevalence of weight disorders has dramatically increased over the past few decades. Vitamin C is an antioxidant and may be associated with weight disorders. This study aims to systematically review the relationship between dietary and serum vitamin C levels with anthropometric indices.. A systematic search was conducted in Medline database (PubMed), Scopus, Embase, Web of Science, Cochrane library and Google Scholar up to the end of August 2021. All observational studies that assessed the relationship between dietary or circulating vitamin C levels and body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference (WC) on adults were included. The quality of included studies was assessed using the National Institute of Health quality assessment tool.. Among 11,689 studies, 47 and 37 articles were included in the systematic review and meta-analysis, respectively. There was an inverse significant correlation between WC and serum vitamin C levels (r = -0.28, 95% CI: -0.35,-0.21, I. Results showed that both dietary and serum vitamin C levels were inversely associated with BMI and WC. More well-designed clinical trials are needed to assess the effect of vitamin C supplementation in prevention and treatment of obesity.

Topics: Adult; Ascorbic Acid; Body Mass Index; Body Weight; Dietary Supplements; Eating; Humans; Obesity; Overweight; Vitamins; Waist Circumference

A recent review of global vitamin C status has indicated a high prevalence of deficiency, particularly in low- and middle-income countries, as well as in specific subgroups within high-income countries. Here, we provide a narrative review of potential factors influencing vitamin C status globally. The in vivo status of vitamin C is primarily affected by dietary intake and supplement use, with those who supplement having a higher mean status and a lower prevalence of deficiency. Dietary intake can be influenced by cultural aspects such as traditional cooking practices and staple foods, with many staple foods, such as grains, contributing negligible vitamin C to the diet. Environmental factors can also affect vitamin C intake and status; these include geographic region, season, and climate, as well as pollution, the latter partly due to enhanced oxidative stress. Demographic factors such as sex, age, and race are known to affect vitamin C status, as do socioeconomic factors such as deprivation, education and social class, and institutionalization. Various health aspects can affect vitamin C status; these include body weight, pregnancy and lactation, genetic variants, smoking, and disease states, including severe infections as well as various noncommunicable diseases such as cardiovascular disease and cancer. Some of these factors have changed over time; therefore, we also explore if vitamin C status has shown temporal changes. Overall, there are numerous factors that can affect vitamin C status to different extents in various regions of the world. Many of these factors are not taken into consideration during the setting of global dietary intake recommendations for vitamin C.

Topics: Ascorbic Acid; Ascorbic Acid Deficiency; Body Weight; Cooking; Culture; Diet; Dietary Supplements; Environment; Female; Global Health; Health Status; Humans; Male; Nutritional Requirements; Nutritional Status; Pregnancy; Socioeconomic Factors

Our investigations have brought new aspects of the biochemistry of ascorbic acid to light: Ascorbic acid exceeds the functions of a vitamin, since it not only has its known cofactor roles for several enzymes, but also affects the regulation of the levels of the circulating thyroid and adrenal cortical hormones. In guinea-pigs the ability to detoxicate certain drugs, e.g. barbiturates, decreases with a minimal but not yet perilous supply of ascorbic acid. This symptom is connected with high blood levels of cortisol, which are probably also involved in the injuries to connective tissue known in scurvy. Guinea-pigs, which like man are dependent on ascorbic acid as an essential foodstuff, are able to adapt to high doses of ascorbic acid. Under these conditions they catabolize it at an increased rate. However, for a certain period after a sudden drop in the high dosage of ascorbic acid there is a danger that a hypovitaminotic, suboptimal metabolic state will develop. Oral and parenteral applications of ascorbic acid yield different results, since the organism limits the absorption of the physiological oral uptake. When this limit is exceeded, the liver in particular is unprotected and becomes swamped. The harmlessness of high doses of ascorbic acid probably holds true only in the case of oral uptake.

Topics: Adrenal Cortex Hormones; Animals; Ascorbic Acid; Body Weight; Diet; Guinea Pigs; Humans; Hydrocortisone; Inactivation, Metabolic; Mitochondria, Liver

Topics: Aged; Ascorbic Acid; Body Weight; Cross-Sectional Studies; Deficiency Diseases; Energy Intake; Energy Metabolism; Female; Ferritins; Hemoglobins; Humans; Longitudinal Studies; Male; Nutritional Physiological Phenomena; Serum Albumin; Sex Factors; Skinfold Thickness; Vitamin B Complex; Zinc

Maternal nutrition represents one of the important influences on the course and outcome of pregnancy and attention to nutritional factors (i.e., assessment of nutritional status, dietary advice, and follow-up evaluation) properly constitute an essential component of prenatal care. Nearly all nutrients are required in increased amounts during gestation but the magnitude of the increase varies from nutrient to nutrient. Caloric needs increase by 300 kcal per day, representing an addition of 15 per cent, and should be sufficient to support a weight gain averaging 350 to 400 gm per week during the last two trimesters. Total protein intake during pregnancy should be 1.3 gm per kg for the mature woman and somewhat higher for the adolescent. Gestational needs for iron cannot be met by diet and supplementation (in the form of simple ferrous salts, 30 to 60 mg daily) should be provided. Folate requirements are doubled during pregnancy and, while these can be met by diet, supplementation may be considered as an option. Provision of the gestational calcium allowance from food sources is readily possible if (and only if) daily products are consumed. The generally increased need for other nutrients can be provided readily by the properly selected diet. Thus, with respect to supplements, iron and perhaps folate should be advised routinely while other vitamin-mineral supplements are probably neither helpful nor harmful. Prescription of vitamin-mineral supplements cannot be expected to compensate for poor dietary habits. Dietary restriction of nutrients in general, and energy and sodium in particular, has the potential for impairing the maternal capacity to make the required physiologic adjustments of pregnancy and interfering with fetal development. Restriction of any nutrient to levels below the guidelines provided by the Recommended Dietary Allowances is rarely if ever advisable.

Topics: Ascorbic Acid; Birth Weight; Body Weight; Calcium, Dietary; Dietary Proteins; Energy Metabolism; Female; Folic Acid; Humans; Iron; Nutritional Physiological Phenomena; Nutritional Requirements; Obesity; Pregnancy; Pregnancy Complications; Pyridoxine; Sodium; Vitamin D

Topics: Adolescent; Adult; Age Factors; Ascorbic Acid; Body Weight; Child; Child Nutritional Physiological Phenomena; Child, Preschool; Female; Growth; Humans; Infant; Infant Nutritional Physiological Phenomena; Infant, Newborn; Male; Nutritional Requirements; Physical Exertion; Pregnancy; Sex Factors; Vitamin A; Vitamin B Complex; Vitamin D; Vitamin E; Vitamin K; Vitamins

Topics: Animal Nutritional Physiological Phenomena; Animals; Ascorbic Acid; Body Weight; Drug Stability; Flavonoids; Growth Substances; Hot Temperature; Insecta; Poaceae; Rutin; Solubility; Time Factors

Topics: Aged; Ascorbic Acid; Body Weight; Female; Humans; Male; Niacinamide; Nutritional Physiological Phenomena; Placebos; Pyridoxine; Riboflavin; Thiamine; Vitamins

Topics: Ascorbic Acid; Birth Weight; Body Height; Body Weight; Calcium, Dietary; Diet; Dietary Carbohydrates; Dietary Fats; Dietary Proteins; Eclampsia; Energy Transfer; Female; Germany, West; Humans; Lactation; Maternal Mortality; Nutritional Physiological Phenomena; Obesity; Obstetric Labor, Premature; Pre-Eclampsia; Pregnancy; Prenatal Care; Vitamin A; Vitamin B Complex; Vitamin D; Vitamin E; Vitamin K

Topics: Adolescent; Adult; Aged; Anemia; Ascorbic Acid; Body Height; Body Weight; Child; Child, Preschool; Diet; Dietary Proteins; Ethnicity; Female; Humans; Infant; Male; Middle Aged; Nicotinic Acids; Nutrition Disorders; Nutrition Surveys; Riboflavin; Thiamine; United States; Vitamins

This study investigated the effects of injectable vitamin C (VC) at weaning and prior to transit on growth performance and immune function in early-weaned beef steers. On day 0, 91 Angus × Simmental steers (92 ± 4 kg) were weaned (65 ± 11 d of age), given vaccination boosters, blocked by age, and randomly assigned to weaning (WEAN) treatments: intramuscular injections (20 mL per steer) of VC (250-mg sodium ascorbate per mL; 5 g per steer) or saline (SAL). From days 0 to 48, steers were housed at the Dixon Springs Agricultural Center (Simpson, IL) in pens (six pens; N = 14 to 16 steers per pen) equipped with two to three Vytelle bunks to measure individual daily feed disappearance. On day 49, half of the steers in each WEAN treatment were randomly assigned to an additional injection treatment (20 mL per steer) of VC or SAL prior to transport (TRANS). After administering pretransit injections, all steers were loaded onto a commercial livestock trailer with equal representation of treatments across compartments. Steers were transported for 6 h (approximately 480 km) to the Illinois Beef and Sheep Field Laboratory (Urbana, IL). Upon arrival, steers were sorted into pens (six pens; N = 13 to 17 steers per pen) with 2 Vytelle bunks per pen. Steers were weighed on days 0, 1, 14, 48, 49, 64, 78, 106, and 107. Blood was collected (WEAN = 24 steers per treatment; TRANS = 12 steers per treatment) on days 0, 1, 2, 14, 49 (pre- and posttransit), 50, and 51. Data were analyzed using the MIXED procedure of SAS 9.4 with fixed effects of age block, WEAN, TRANS, and WEAN × TRANS. Plasma ascorbate concentrations were greater (WEAN × time P < 0.01) on days 1 and 2 for steers that received VC at weaning. Similarly, for steers that received VC on day 49 pretransit, ascorbate concentrations were greater (TRANS × time P = 0.04) on days 49 posttransit, 50, and 51. Treatments did not affect (P ≥ 0.13) body weight, average daily gain, or gain to feed throughout the trial. Serum Bovine Viral Diarrhea Virus type 1 and 2 antibody titers on days 14 and 51 were not affected (P ≥ 0.32) by treatment. Injectable VC administered to early-weaned beef steers at the time of weaning or pretransit increased plasma ascorbate concentrations but did not improve growth performance or antibody response to vaccination booster.. Weaning and transit represent the primary stressors for beef calves in the United States and are responsible for increasing inflammation, suppressing the immune system, and decreasing antioxidant status. These adverse physiological responses to stressors may decrease growth and increase morbidity in beef calves. Vitamin C is the primary water-soluble antioxidant in plasma and when provided intramuscularly prior to the stress event, may be able to attenuate aspects of a stress response on growth and immune function. This study evaluated the effects of injectable vitamin C given to early-weaned beef calves prior to weaning on day 0 and a 6-h transit on day 49 after weaning. Basal levels of plasma ascorbate were lower than prior studies in older and larger animals. As expected, injectable vitamin C rapidly increased plasma ascorbate concentrations at 24 h, but concentrations also increased in control calves receiving a saline injection. Treatments did not affect overall growth performance or dry matter intake. Treatments also did not impact the immune response to a booster vaccination provided at weaning. While other research has indicated a positive effect of injectable vitamin C prior to transit, additional research is needed to refine the dosage and physiological need for exogenous antioxidants like vitamin C based on the severity and duration of a stress event in lightweight beef calves.

Topics: Animal Feed; Animals; Ascorbic Acid; Body Weight; Cattle; Diet; Sheep; Vitamins; Weaning

Urine color (Ucol) as a hydration assessment tool provides practicality, ease of use, and correlates moderately to strongly with urine specific gravity (Usg) and urine osmolality (Uosm). Indicative of daily fluid turnover, along with solute and urochrome excretion in 24-hr samples, Ucol may also reflect dietary composition. Thus, the purpose of this investigation was to determine the efficacy of Ucol as a hydration status biomarker after nutritional supplementation with beetroot (880 mg), vitamin C (1000 mg), and riboflavin (200 mg). Twenty males (Mean ± SD; age, 21 ± 2 y; body mass, 82.12 ± 15.58 kg; height, 1.77 ± 0.06 m) consumed a standardized breakfast and collected all urine voids on one control day (CON) and 1 day after consuming a standardized breakfast and a randomized and double-blinded supplement (SUP) over 3 weeks. Participants replicated exercise and diet for one day before CON, and throughout CON and SUP. Ucol, Usg, Uosm, and urine volume were measured in all 24-hr samples, and Ucol and Usg were measured in all single samples. Ucol was a significant predictor of single sample Usg after all supplements (p < .05). Interestingly, 24-hr Ucol was not a significant predictor of 24-h Usg and Uosm after riboflavin supplementation (p = .20, p = .21). Further, there was a significant difference between CON and SUP 24-h Ucol only after riboflavin supplementation (p < .05). In conclusion, this investigation suggests that users of the UCC (urine color chart) should consider riboflavin supplementation when classifying hydration status and use a combination of urinary biomarkers (e.g., Usg and Ucol), both acutely and over 24 hr.

Topics: Ascorbic Acid; Athletes; Beta vulgaris; Biomarkers; Body Mass Index; Body Weight; Breakfast; Diet; Dietary Supplements; Double-Blind Method; Exercise; Humans; Male; Osmolar Concentration; Riboflavin; Urinalysis; Water-Electrolyte Balance; Young Adult

An experiment was conducted to investigate the effect of lemon verbena powder and vitamin C on performance and immunity of broilers under heat stress. The experiment was carried out with a total of 160-day-old male Ross 308 broiler chickens in a completely randomized design. From 25 days of age, the birds were assigned to four diets including control diet and treatment diets which were supplemented with 2 levels of lemon verbena (0.5% and 1.0%) and one level of vitamin C (250 mg/kg) in 16-floor pens with 10 chickens each and reared to 42 days of age. To induce chronic heat stress, birds were exposed to an ambient temperature of 35 ± 2 °C for 8 h daily (from 09:00 AM until 17:00 PM) between 25 and 42 days of age. At the end of experiment, one chick/pen was randomly selected, and the performance and blood parameters were evaluated. Dietary supplementation of 1.0% lemon verbena increased (p < 0.05) average weight gain and feed intake by 5.81% and 3.29%, and reduced feed conversion ratio by 2.59% respectively compared to control group. Birds fed diets containing 1.0% lemon verbena had significantly higher relative weight of bursa of fabricius and breast (p < 0.05). LDL decreased by 15.85% and 17.57%, for birds fed 0.5% and 1.0% lemon verbena respectively. The ratio of heterophyl to lymphocyte was reduced (p < 0.05) by 20.68% via significant decrease in heterophyl by 15.55% and significant increase in lymphocyte by 4.51% in birds fed lemon verbena at the rate of 1.0% compared to those fed the control diet. 1.0% lemon verbena and vitamin C elevated (p = 0.0005) the level of glutathione peroxidase by 51.81% and 27.90%, respectively. In conclusion, lemon verbena and vitamin C improved some performance data and blood metabolites which somehow suppressed the negative effects of heat stress.

Topics: Animal Feed; Animals; Ascorbic Acid; Body Composition; Body Weight; Chickens; Diet; Heat Stress Disorders; Hot Temperature; Poultry Diseases; Powders; Time Factors; Verbenaceae

A diet rich in fruits and vegetables has been associated with several health benefits. However, the effects on body weight (BW) and metabolic markers are not fully known. The present study investigated the effects of increased intake of fruits and vegetables in overweight and obese men and women on dietary habits, anthropometry and metabolic control. In a 16-week controlled intervention, thirty-four men and thirty-four women aged 35-65 years (BMI>27 kg/m2) were randomised to an intervention (IN) or a reference (RG) group. All participants received general dietary advice, and subjects in the IN group received fruits and vegetables for free, of which ≥500 g had to be eaten daily. BW, waist circumference (WC), sagittal abdominal diameter (SAD), plasma insulin, blood glucose, glycated Hb (HbA1c), serum lipids, blood pressure, plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 activity, urinary isoprostane (iso-8-PGF 2α) and serum carotenoids were measured. Diet was assessed using 3-d weighed food records. In all, thirty subjects in the IN group and thirty-two in the RG group completed the intervention. Intake of fruits and vegetables doubled in the IN group, whereas intake of fruits increased in the RG group. Serum α- and β-carotene concentrations and intakes of folate and vitamin C increased significantly in the IN group. Energy intake, BW, WC and SAD decreased significantly in both groups. Supine systolic blood pressure decreased significantly in the IN group, with no between-group differences. No significant changes were observed for other metabolic markers. Provision of fruits and vegetables led to substantially increased intakes, with subsequent favourable changes in anthropometry and insulin levels, which tended to be more pronounced in the IN group. The observed improvements may, in combination with improved nutritional markers, have health benefits in the long term.

Topics: Adult; Aged; Ascorbic Acid; Blood Pressure; Body Composition; Body Mass Index; Body Weight; Carotenoids; Diet; Energy Intake; Female; Folic Acid; Fruit; Humans; Isoprostanes; Male; Middle Aged; Overweight; Plasminogen Activator Inhibitor 1; Risk Factors; Vegetables; Waist Circumference

Although research suggests that antioxidant supplementation can protect against exercise-induced muscle damage and oxidative stress, also delayed post-exercise muscle recovery and hindered adaptation to training were reported in the supplemented athletes.. The purpose of the study was to evaluate the effects of green tea extract (GTE) supplementation on selected blood markers of oxidative stress and muscle damage in sprinters during preparatory phase of their training cycle.. Sixteen sprinters participated in a double-blind, randomized, placebo (PL)-controlled crossover study, including two 4-week treatment periods with PL and GTE (980 mg polyphenols daily). The sprinters performed two repeated cycle sprint tests (RST; 4 × 15 s, with 1-min rest intervals), after PL and GTE supplementation. Blood was sampled before (at rest), 5 min after RST, and after the 24-h recovery. The activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase were measured in erythrocytes, and total polyphenols, total antioxidant capacity (TAC), uric acid (UA), albumin (AL), malondialdehyde (MDA), and creatine kinase (CK) were determined in blood plasma.. Repeated cycle sprint test performed after PL induced an increase in MDA, TAC, and SOD. Moreover, an increase in UA, AL, and CK was observed after RST irrespective of experimental conditions (PL, GTE). Supplementation with GTE caused an increase in total polyphenols and TAC at rest, and a decrease in MDA and SOD after RST. No significant changes in sprint performance were noted after GTE, as compared to PL.. Supplementation with GTE prevents oxidative stress induced by RST in sprinters. Furthermore, GTE supplementation does not seem to hinder training adaptation in antioxidant enzyme system. On the other hand, neither prevention of exercise-induced muscle damage, nor an improvement in sprint performance is noted after GTE administration.

Topics: Ascorbic Acid; beta Carotene; Biomarkers; Body Mass Index; Body Weight; Creatine Kinase; Cross-Over Studies; Dietary Supplements; Double-Blind Method; Energy Intake; Glutathione Peroxidase; Humans; Lactic Acid; Male; Malondialdehyde; Oxidative Stress; Plant Extracts; Polyphenols; Rest; Running; Selenium; Serum Albumin; Superoxide Dismutase; Tea; Uric Acid; Vitamin E; Young Adult

Ancillary therapy (ANC) is commonly provided in conjunction with an antimicrobial when treating calves for suspected bovine respiratory disease (BRD) in an attempt to improve the response to a suspected BRD challenge. The first experiment evaluated the effects of 3 ANC in combination with an antimicrobial in high-risk calves treated for BRD during a 56-d receiving period. Newly received crossbred steers (n = 516; initial BW = 217 ± 20 kg) were monitored by trained personnel for clinical signs of BRD. Calves that met antimicrobial treatment criteria (n = 320) were then randomly assigned to experimental ANC treatment (80 steers/experimental ANC treatment): intravenous flunixin meglumine injection (NSAID), intranasal viral vaccination (VACC), intramuscular vitamin C injection (VITC), or no ANC (NOAC). Animal served as the experimental unit for all variables except DMI and G:F (pen served as the experimental unit for DMI and G:F). Within calves treated 3 times for BRD, those receiving NOAC had lower (P < 0.01) clinical severity scores (severity scores ranged from 0 to 4 on the basis of observed clinical signs and severity) and heavier (P = 0.01) BW than those receiving NSAID, VACC, or VITC at the time of third treatment. Between the second and third BRD treatments, calves receiving NOAC had decreased (P < 0.01) daily BW loss (−0.13 kg ADG) compared with those receiving NSAID, VACC, or VITC (−1.30, −1.90, and −1.41 kg ADG, respectively). There were no differences in rectal temperature, combined mortalities and removals, or overall performance among the experimental ANC treatments. Overall, morbidity and mortality attributed to BRD across treatments were 66.5% and 13.2%, respectively. After the receiving period, a subset of calves (n = 126) were allocated to finishing pens to evaluate the effects ANC administration on finishing performance, carcass characteristics, and lung scores at harvest. Ultrasound estimates, BW, and visual appraisal were used to target a common physiological end point for each pen of calves. There were no differences among the experimental ANC observed during the finishing period (P ≥ 0.11). In summary, the use of NSAID, VACC, and VITC do not appear to positively impact clinical health and could potentially be detrimental to performance during the receiving period in high-risk calves receiving antimicrobial treatment for suspected BRD.

Topics: Animals; Anti-Infective Agents; Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal; Ascorbic Acid; Body Weight; Bovine Respiratory Disease Complex; Cattle; Clonixin; Drug Therapy, Combination; Injections, Intravenous; Male; Viral Vaccines; Virus Diseases

The effects of the DASH (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension) diet on inflammation in childhood metabolic syndrome (MetS) have still to be identified.. To examine the effects of the DASH diet on markers of systemic inflammation in adolescents with MetS.. In this randomized, cross-over clinical trial, 60 postpubescent girls with MetS were randomly assigned to receive either the DASH diet menu cycles or usual dietary advice (UDA) for 6 weeks. After a 4-week washout period, participants were crossed over to the alternate arm. The DASH diet was designed to maintain the current body weight. This diet contained high amounts of fruit, vegetables and low-fat dairy products and was low in saturated fats and cholesterol. UDA consisted of general oral advice and written information about healthy food choices based on the Healthy Eating Plate. Compliance to the DASH diet was assessed through quantification of plasma vitamin C levels. Fasting venous blood samples were taken 4 times from each participant: at baseline and at the end of each study arm. Circulating levels of biomarkers of systemic inflammation were quantified according to standard protocols.. Mean (SD) age and weight of participants was 14.2 years (1.7) and 69 kg (14.5), respectively. Serum vitamin C levels tended to increase during the DASH phase compared with the UDA phase (16.8 ± 12.9 vs. -13.8 ± 9.7 ng/dl, respectively, p = 0.06) indicating a relatively good compliance to the DASH diet. Adherence to the DASH diet, compared to the UDA, had a significant effect on serum high-sensitivity C-reactive protein levels (p = 0.002). This effect remained significant even after adjustment for weight changes and after further controlling for changes in lipid profiles. We did not observe any significant effect of intervention on levels of serum tumor necrosis factor-alpha, interleukin (IL)-2, IL-6 and adiponectin, in either the crude or adjusted models. There were no significant group*time interactions for any dependent variable, except for IL-6; this was close to the significant level.. In summary, consumption of the DASH eating pattern for 6 weeks may reduce circulating levels of hs-CRP among adolescents with MetS. Other inflammatory markers were not affected by the DASH diet.

Topics: Adiponectin; Adolescent; Ascorbic Acid; Biomarkers; Body Weight; C-Reactive Protein; Child; Cross-Over Studies; Dairy Products; Diet; Fatty Acids; Female; Fruit; Humans; Inflammation; Interleukin-2; Interleukin-6; Metabolic Syndrome; Motor Activity; Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha; Vegetables

The aim of the study was to find out the effect of various heat-combating systems (HCS) on the egg quality characteristics of commercial laying hens during high environmental temperature of the year. Three hundred pullets were wing banded and randomly divided into 15 experimental units comprising of 20 pullets each. These units were randomly allotted to five treatment groups, replicated thrice according to four heat-combating systems (desert cooling, water sprinkling, time limit feeding, ascorbic acid supplementation), and the control was maintained under the same housing system. The mean values of egg weight, eggshell thickness, Haugh unit, thick albumen height, yolk height, and yolk diameter were calculated. The layers kept under the influence of desert cooling produced eggs with more weight and thicker shells than those under other systems. Results of the present study did not show any difference in the shell thickness between water sprinkling and ascorbic acid supplementation as compared to the control group. Haugh unit and yolk index values obtained from the layers kept under various HCS did not significantly differ from those of the control group. All HCS significantly reduced the occurrence of blood spots in the eggs as compared to the control. All the treatments in general markedly reduced the incidence of meat spots in the eggs especially with the supplementation of ascorbic acid being the most effective. Among all of the treatments, the desert cooling system proved to be the best for producing better-quality eggs during hot periods of the year with less humidity.

Topics: Air Conditioning; Animals; Ascorbic Acid; Body Weight; Chickens; Dietary Supplements; Egg Shell; Eggs; Hot Temperature; Humidity

Cross-sectional data suggests that a low level of plasma ascorbic acid positively associates with both Body Mass Index (BMI) and Waist Circumference (WC). This leads to questions about a possible relationship between dietary intake of ascorbic acid and subsequent changes in anthropometry, and whether such associations may depend on genetic predisposition to obesity. Hence, we examined whether dietary ascorbic acid, possibly in interaction with the genetic predisposition to a high BMI, WC or waist-hip ratio adjusted for BMI (WHR), associates with subsequent annual changes in weight (∆BW) and waist circumference (∆WC).. A total of 7,569 participants' from MONICA, the Diet Cancer and Health study and the INTER99 study were included in the study. We combined 50 obesity associated single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in four genetic scores: a score of all SNPs and a score for each of the traits (BMI, WC and WHR) with which the SNPs associate. Linear regression was used to examine the association between ascorbic acid intake and ΔBW or ΔWC. SNP-score × ascorbic acid interactions were examined by adding product terms to the models.. We found no significant associations between dietary ascorbic acid and ∆BW or ∆WC. Regarding SNP-score × ascorbic acid interactions, each additional risk allele of the 14 WHR associated SNPs associated with a ∆WC of 0.039 cm/year (P = 0.02, 95% CI: 0.005 to 0.073) per 100 mg/day higher ascorbic acid intake. However, the association to ∆WC only remained borderline significant after adjustment for ∆BW.. In general, our study does not support an association between dietary ascorbic acid and ∆BW or ∆WC, but a diet with a high content of ascorbic acid may be weakly associated to higher WC gain among people who are genetically predisposed to a high WHR. However, given the quite limited association any public health relevance is questionable.

Topics: Ascorbic Acid; Body Mass Index; Body Weight; Cohort Studies; Denmark; Diet; Female; Genetic Predisposition to Disease; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Obesity; Polymorphism, Single Nucleotide; Prospective Studies; Waist Circumference; Waist-Hip Ratio

Previously, we have found that the addition of L-ascorbic acid to chitosan enhanced the reduction in body weight gain in guinea pigs fed a high-fat diet. We hypothesized that the addition of L-ascorbic acid to chitosan would accelerate the reduction of body weight in humans, similar to the animal model. Overweight subjects administered chitosan with or without L-ascorbic acid for 8 weeks, were assigned to three groups: Control group (N=26, placebo, vehicle only), Chito group (N=27, 3 g/day chitosan), and Chito-vita group (N=27, 3 g/day chitosan plus 2 g/day L-ascorbic acid). The body weights and body mass index (BMI) of the Chito and Chito-vita groups decreased significantly (p<0.05) compared to the Control group. The BMI of the Chito-vita group decreased significantly compared to the Chito group (Chito: -1.0 kg/m2 vs. Chito-vita: -1.6 kg/m2, p<0.05). The results showed that the chitosan enhanced reduction of body weight and BMI was accentuated by the addition of L-ascorbic acid. The fat mass, percentage body fat, body circumference, and skinfold thickness in the Chito and Chito-vita groups decreased more than the Control group; however, these parameters were not significantly different between the three groups. Chitosan combined with L-ascorbic acid may be useful for controlling body weight.

Topics: Adult; Ascorbic Acid; Basal Metabolism; Body Composition; Body Mass Index; Body Weight; Chitosan; Dietary Carbohydrates; Dietary Fats; Dietary Proteins; Dietary Supplements; Double-Blind Method; Energy Intake; Female; Humans; Lipids; Overweight; Placebos; Skinfold Thickness; Waist Circumference; Weight Loss; Young Adult

Limited robust randomised controlled trials investigating fruit and vegetable (F&V) intake in people at risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) exist. We aimed to design and validate a dietary strategy of increasing flavonoid-rich versus flavonoid-poor F&V consumption on nutrient biomarker profile.. A parallel, randomised, controlled, dose-response dietary intervention study. Participants with a CVD relative risk of 1.5 assessed by risk scores were randomly assigned to one of the 3 groups: habitual (control, CT), high-flavonoid (HF) or low-flavonoid (LF) diets. While the CT group (n = 57) consumed their habitual diet throughout, the HF (n = 58) and LF (n = 59) groups sequentially increased their daily F&V intake by an additional 2, 4 and 6 portions for 6-week periods during the 18-week study.. Compliance to target numbers and types of F&V was broadly met and verified by dietary records, and plasma and urinary biomarkers. Mean (± SEM) number of F&V portions/day consumed by the HF and LF groups at baseline (3.8 ± 0.3 and 3.4 ± 0.3), 6 weeks (6.3 ± 0.4 and 5.8 ± 0.3), 12 weeks (7.0 ± 0.3 and 6.8 ± 0.3) and 18 weeks (7.6 ± 0.4 and 8.1 ± 0.4), respectively, was similar at baseline yet higher than the CT group (3.9 ± 0.3, 4.3 ± 0.3, 4.6 ± 0.4, 4.5 ± 0.3) (P = 0.015). There was a dose-dependent increase in dietary and urinary flavonoids in the HF group, with no change in other groups (P = 0.0001). Significantly higher dietary intakes of folate (P = 0.035), non-starch polysaccharides (P = 0.001), vitamin C (P = 0.0001) and carotenoids (P = 0.0001) were observed in both intervention groups compared with CT, which were broadly supported by nutrient biomarker analysis.. The success of improving nutrient profile by active encouragement of F&V intake in an intervention study implies the need for a more hands-on public health approach.

Topics: Adipose Tissue; Ascorbic Acid; Biomarkers; Body Mass Index; Body Weight; Cardiovascular Diseases; Carotenoids; Diet; Diet Records; Dietary Carbohydrates; Feeding Behavior; Female; Flavonoids; Folic Acid; Fruit; Humans; Male; Micronutrients; Middle Aged; Patient Compliance; Risk Factors; Surveys and Questionnaires; Vegetables; Vitamins

Obesity is a chronic disease associated with oxidative stress. Bariatric surgery for the treatment of obesity may affect biomarkers of oxidative stress.. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effect of Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) on blood markers of oxidative stress, such as vitamins C and E, β-carotene, reduced glutathione (GSH), catalase (CAT), ferric reducing antioxidant potential (FRAP), and thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances (TBARS).. A prospective controlled clinical trial was carried out. The participants were distributed into two groups: a control group (n=35), which was evaluated once, and a bariatric group (n=35), which was evaluated at baseline as well as 6, 12, and 24 months after surgery.. After surgery, the BMI decreased from 47.05±1.46 to 30.53±1.14 kg/m (P<0.001), but 25.7% of the participants regained weight after 24 months. In relation to the baseline, postsurgery reductions were found in vitamin C (31.9±4.6%, P<0.001), β-carotene (360.7±368.3%, P<0.001), vitamin E (22.8±4.1%, P<0.001), GSH (6.6±5.2%, P=0.090), CAT (12.7±5.6%, P=0.029), and FRAP (1.2±3.8%, P=0.085) 2 years after RYGB. TBARS levels decreased after 12 months (71.6±2.9%, P<0.001) in relation to the baseline but increased by 195.0±28.2% between the 12th and the 24th month (P<0.001).. The present findings show that oxidative stress returned 2 years after RYGB. Concentrations of vitamin C, β-carotene, GSH, CAT, and FRAP were decreased, whereas the concentration of TBARS decreased in the first year but increased in the following year, which may be partly explained by the imbalance between antioxidants and pro-oxidants.

Topics: Adult; Anthropometry; Ascorbic Acid; beta Carotene; Biomarkers; Body Mass Index; Body Weight; Catalase; Energy Intake; Female; Gastric Bypass; Glutathione; Humans; Male; Obesity; Oxidative Stress; Postoperative Period; Prospective Studies; Thiobarbituric Acid Reactive Substances; Vitamin E

Strategies to treat malnutrition lack practicability in the hospital setting. The present study aimed at developing and evaluating a routinely manageable concept for an improved nutritional care of malnourished in-hospital patients.. A randomized controlled intervention study was conducted. 132 risk patients defined by Nutritional Risk Screening 2002, were randomized to individualised nutrition support (intervention group [n = 66]) or standard hospital care (control group [n = 66]). Body weight, plasma vitamin levels, quality of life, complications, antibiotic therapies, readmissions and mortality were assessed.. Nutrition interventions led to higher intakes (mean [standard deviation]) in energy (1553 [341] kcal vs. 1115 [381] kcal, p < 0.001) and protein (65.4 [16.4] g vs. 43.9 [17.2] g, p < 0.001). Intervention patients (n = 66) kept their body weight in comparison to control patients (n = 66; 0.0 [2.9] kg vs. -1.4 [3.2] kg, p = 0.008). Positive effects on plasma ascorbic acid level (46.7 [26.7] μmol/l vs. 34.1 [24.2] μmol/l, p = 0.010), SF-36 function summary scale (37 [11] % vs. 32 [9] %, p = 0.030), number of complications (4/66 vs. 13/66, p = 0.035), antibiotic therapies (1/66 vs. 8/66, p = 0.033) and readmissions (17/64 vs. 28/61, p = 0.027) were recorded.. Malnourished patients profit from nutrition support regarding nutrition status and quality of life. They have fewer complications, need fewer antibiotics and are less often re-hospitalised.

Topics: 24,25-Dihydroxyvitamin D 3; Adult; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Analysis of Variance; Ascorbic Acid; Body Weight; Elder Nutritional Physiological Phenomena; Energy Intake; Female; Follow-Up Studies; Glutathione; Hospitalization; Humans; Male; Malnutrition; Mass Screening; Middle Aged; Nutritional Status; Quality of Life; Risk Factors; Surveys and Questionnaires; Treatment Outcome; Young Adult

Micronutrient powders (MNP) are often added to complementary foods high in inhibitors of iron and zinc absorption. Most MNP therefore include high amounts of iron and zinc, but it is no longer recommended in malarial areas to use untargeted MNP that contain the Reference Nutrient Intake for iron in a single serving. The aim was to test the efficacy of a low-iron and -zinc (each 2.5 mg) MNP containing iron as NaFeEDTA, ascorbic acid (AA), and an exogenous phytase active at gut pH. In a double-blind controlled trial, South African school children with low iron status (n = 200) were randomized to receive either the MNP or the unfortified carrier added just before consumption to a high-phytate maize porridge 5 d/wk for 23 wk; primary outcomes were iron and zinc status and a secondary outcome was somatic growth. Compared with the control, the MNP increased serum ferritin (P < 0.05), body iron stores (P < 0.01) and weight-for-age Z-scores (P < 0.05) and decreased transferrin receptor (P < 0.05). The prevalence of iron deficiency fell by 30.6% (P < 0.01) and the prevalence of zinc deficiency decreased by 11.8% (P < 0.05). Absorption of iron from the MNP was estimated to be 7-8%. Inclusion of an exogenous phytase combined with NaFeEDTA and AA may allow a substantial reduction in the iron dose from existing MNP while still delivering adequate iron and zinc. In addition, the MNP is likely to enhance absorption of the high native iron content of complementary foods based on cereals and/or legumes.

Topics: 6-Phytase; Anemia, Iron-Deficiency; Ascorbic Acid; Body Weight; Child; Deficiency Diseases; Double-Blind Method; Edetic Acid; Edible Grain; Female; Ferric Compounds; Ferritins; Food, Fortified; Humans; Intestinal Absorption; Iron; Iron Chelating Agents; Iron Deficiencies; Male; Prevalence; Receptors, Transferrin; South Africa; Trace Elements; Zea mays; Zinc

The US Surgeon General's Report on Bone Health suggests America's bone-health is in jeopardy and issued a "call to action" to develop bone-health plans incorporating components of (1) improved nutrition, (2) increased health literacy, and (3) increased physical activity.. To conduct a Comparative Effectiveness Research (CER) study comparing changes in bone mineral density in healthy women over-40 with above-average compliance when following one of three bone health Plans incorporating the SG's three components.. Using an open-label sequential design, 414 females over 40 years of age were tested, 176 of whom agreed to participate and follow one of three different bone-health programs. One Plan contained a bone-health supplement with 1,000 IUs of vitamin D(3 )and 750 mg of a plant-sourced form of calcium for one year. The other two Plans contained the same plant form of calcium, but with differing amounts of vitamin D(3) and other added bone health ingredients along with components designed to increase physical activity and health literacy. Each group completed the same baseline and ending DXA bone density scans, 43-chemistry blood test panels, and 84-item Quality of Life Inventory (QOL). Changes for all subjects were annualized as percent change in BMD from baseline. Using self-reports of adherence, subjects were rank-ordered and dichotomized as "compliant" or "partially compliant" based on the median rating. Comparisons were also made between the treatment groups and two theoretical age-adjusted expected groups: a non-intervention group and a group derived from a review of previously published studies on non-plant sources of calcium.. There were no significant differences in baseline BMD between those who volunteered versus those who did not and between those who completed per protocol (PP) and those who were lost to attrition. Among subjects completing per protocol, there were no significant differences between the three groups on baseline measurements of BMD, weight, age, body fat and fat-free mass suggesting that the treatment groups were statistically similar at baseline. In all three treatment groups subjects with above average compliance had significantly greater increases in BMD as compared to the two expected-change reference groups. The group following the most nutritionally comprehensive Plan outperformed the other two groups. For all three groups, there were no statistically significant differences between baseline and ending blood chemistry tests or the QOL self-reports.. The increases in BMD found in all three treatment groups in this CER stand in marked contrast to previous studies reporting that interventions with calcium and vitamin D(3) reduce age-related losses of BMD, but do not increase BMD. Increased compliance resulted in increased BMD levels. No adverse effects were found in the blood chemistry tests, self-reported quality of life and daily tracking reports. The Plans tested suggest a significant improvement over the traditional calcium and vitamin D(3) standard of care.

Topics: Adipose Tissue; Adult; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Ascorbic Acid; Blood Glucose; Body Weight; Bone Density; Boron; C-Reactive Protein; Calcium; Cholecalciferol; Comparative Effectiveness Research; Dietary Supplements; Female; Humans; Lipids; Magnesium; Middle Aged; Minerals; Motor Activity; Patient Education as Topic; Plant Extracts; Quality of Life; Strontium; Treatment Outcome; Vitamin K 2

In vitro and animal data suggest that quercetin affects adipogenesis and basal metabolism; however, whether this metabolic effect translates to reductions in body mass or improvement in body composition in humans is unknown. This study investigated 12-week supplementation of 2 different doses of quercetin, combined with vitamin C and niacin, on body mass and composition in a large, heterogeneous group of adults (n = 941; 60% female, 40% male; 18-85 years of age; 45% normal body mass index, 30% overweight, 25% obese). Subjects were randomized into 3 groups, with supplements administered in double-blind fashion: Q500 = 500 mg quercetin·day(-1), Q1000 = 1000 mg quercetin·day(-1), and placebo. Quercetin supplements were consumed twice daily over a 12-week period, and pre- and poststudy body mass and composition measurements were taken in an overnight fasted state. A general linear model was used to predict change in body mass and composition across groups with adjustment for demographic and lifestyle factors. Plasma quercetin increased in a dose-responsive manner in both Q500 and Q1000 groups relative to placebo. After adjustment for confounders, no significant differences in body mass (males interaction p value = 0.721, females p = 0.366) or body composition (males p = 0.650, females p = 0.639) were found between Q500 or Q1000 groups compared with placebo. No group differences in body mass or body composition were found in a subgroup of overweight and obese subjects. High-dose quercetin supplementation (500 and 1000 mg·day(-1)) for 12 weeks in a large, heterogeneous group of adults did not affect body mass or composition.

Topics: Adult; Antioxidants; Ascorbic Acid; Body Composition; Body Weight; Double-Blind Method; Drug Therapy, Combination; Female; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Niacin; Quercetin; Vitamins

This study investigated how consumption of orange juice associated with aerobic training affected serum lipids and physical characteristics of overweight, middle-aged women.. The experimental group consisted of 13 women who consumed 500 mL/d of orange juice and did 1h aerobic training 3 times a week for 3 months. The control group consisted of another 13 women who did the same aerobic training program but did not consume orange juice.. At the end of the experiment, the control group lost an average of 15% of fat mass (P<0.05) and 2.5% of weight (P<0.05), whereas the experimental group lost 11% of fat mass and 1.2% of weight (P<0.05). Consumption of orange juice by the experimental group was associated with increased dietary intake of vitamin C and folate by 126% and 61% respectively. Serum LDL-C decreased 15% (P<0.05) and HDL-C increased 18% (P<0.05) in the experimental group, but no significant change was observed in the control group. Both groups improved the anaerobic threshold by 20% (P<0.05), but blood lactate concentration decreased 27% in the experimental group compared to the 17% control group, suggesting that experimental group has less muscle fatigue and better response to training.. The consumption of 500 mL/d of orange juice associated with aerobic training in overweight women decreased cardiovascular disease risk by reducing LDL-C levels and increasing HDL-C levels. This association also decreased blood lactate concentration and increased anaerobic threshold, showing some improvement in the physical performance.

Topics: Adipose Tissue; Adult; Anaerobic Threshold; Ascorbic Acid; Body Weight; Cholesterol, HDL; Cholesterol, LDL; Citrus sinensis; Exercise; Female; Folic Acid; Fruit; Humans; Lactic Acid; Lipids; Middle Aged; Muscle Fatigue; Overweight; Phytotherapy; Plant Preparations

The objective of the study was to determine whether short-term antioxidant (AOX) supplementation affects insulin sensitivity, endothelial adhesion molecule levels, and oxidative stress in overweight young adults. A randomized, double-blind, controlled study tested the effects of AOXs on measures of insulin sensitivity (homeostasis model assessment [HOMA]) and quantitative insulin sensitivity check index), endothelial adhesion molecules (soluble intercellular adhesion molecule-1, vascular adhesion molecule, and endothelial-leukocyte adhesion molecule-1), adiponectin, and oxidative stress (lipid hydroperoxides) in overweight and normal-weight individuals (N = 48, 18-30 years). Participants received either AOX (vitamin E, 800 IU; vitamin C, 500 mg; beta-carotene, 10 mg) or placebo for 8 weeks. The HOMA values were initially higher in the overweight subjects and were lowered with AOX by week 8 (15% reduction, P = .02). Adiponectin increased in both AOX groups. Soluble intercellular adhesion molecule-1 and endothelial-leukocyte adhesion molecule-1 decreased in overweight AOX-treated groups by 6% and 13%, respectively (P < .05). Plasma lipid hydroperoxides were reduced by 0.31 and 0.70 nmol/mL in the normal-weight and overweight AOX-treated groups, respectively, by week 8 (P < .05). Antioxidant supplementation moderately lowers HOMA and endothelial adhesion molecule levels in overweight young adults. A potential mechanism to explain this finding is the reduction in oxidative stress by AOX. Long-term studies are needed to determine whether AOXs are effective in suppressing diabetes or vascular activation over time.

Topics: Adiponectin; Adolescent; Adult; Antioxidants; Ascorbic Acid; beta Carotene; Body Weight; Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2; Eating; Endothelial Cells; Female; Humans; Insulin Resistance; Intercellular Adhesion Molecule-1; Lipid Peroxidation; Male; Overweight; Oxidative Stress; Oxygen Consumption; Vascular Cell Adhesion Molecule-1; Vitamin E; Vitamins; Young Adult

Conditions in the body during aerobic exercise increase the level of lipid peroxidation (LP). LP is associated with elevated concentration of modified low-density lipoproteins that are implicated in development of cardiovascular disease. Supplementation with antioxidant vitamin E to athletes at 267 mg (400 IUs) or greater has been reported to reduce levels of LP associated with exercise. Little is currently known about the effects of modest supplementation of vitamin E on previously sedentary adults who initiate an aerobic fitness program. In the present study, sedentary subjects (n = 14) kept 24-hour diet records to establish antioxidant intake of vitamins E and C and collected 24-hour urine samples that were used to determine baseline urinary malondialdehyde (MDA) concentrations, one measure of in vivo LP. No significant differences were noted in the parameters between groups. Seven subjects were randomly selected and supplemented daily with 133 mg (200 IUs) of vitamin E. All subjects participated in moderate-intensity aerobic training for 8 weeks. Post-training, non-supplemented subjects excreted significantly more MDA (p<0.05) and consumed significantly fewer antioxidants than the supplemented group. Vitamin E supplementation appears to suppress elevated LP associated with beginning an aerobic exercise regimen in previously sedentary subjects.

Topics: Adult; Antioxidants; Ascorbic Acid; Body Height; Body Weight; Diet Records; Dietary Carbohydrates; Dietary Fats; Dietary Proteins; Dietary Supplements; Energy Intake; Exercise; Female; Heart Rate; Humans; Lipid Peroxidation; Male; Malondialdehyde; Oxidative Stress; Physical Fitness; Pilot Projects; Single-Blind Method; Surveys and Questionnaires; Vitamin E; Young Adult

No proven treatment exists for nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) in children and adolescents. We sought to determine the efficacy of lifestyle intervention with or without antioxidant therapy in pediatric NAFLD. A total of 53 patients (age 5.7-18.8 years, 37 boys) were included. Lifestyle intervention consisting of a diet tailored to the patient's calorie needs, and increased physical activity was prescribed in all. Patients were concomitantly randomized to alpha-tocopherol 600 IU/day plus ascorbic acid 500 mg/day (n = 25) or placebo (n = 28), and treated for 24 months. The study was an extension of a previous study aimed at evaluating the effect of 12-month lifestyle intervention and antioxidant therapy on serum levels of aminotransferases. The primary end point of the present study was change in liver histology on repeated biopsy at 24 months. Secondary end points were changes in body weight, liver enzymes, and insulin sensitivity indices on 2-hour oral glucose tolerance test. The amount of weight lost at 24 months was similar in the placebo and antioxidant groups (-4.75 [range, -16-4.0] versus -5.5 [range, -12.2-0.4] kg, respectively, P = 0.9). A significant improvement occurred in the grade of steatosis, lobular inflammation, and hepatocyte ballooning, and in the NAFLD activity score in both groups. Levels of aminotransferases, triglycerides, cholesterol, fasting glucose, and insulin, and insulin sensitivity indices improved significantly as well. The improvement in all these parameters was not significantly different between the two groups.. Lifestyle intervention with diet and increased physical activity induces weight loss and is associated with a significant improvement in liver histology and laboratory abnormalities in pediatric NAFLD. Alpha-tocopherol plus ascorbic acid does not seem to increase the efficacy of lifestyle intervention alone.

Topics: Adolescent; alpha-Tocopherol; Antioxidants; Ascorbic Acid; Blood Glucose; Body Weight; Child; Diet, Reducing; Double-Blind Method; Exercise Therapy; Fasting; Fatty Liver; Female; Humans; Insulin; Insulin Resistance; Life Style; Lipids; Liver; Male; Time Factors; Transaminases; Treatment Outcome

To determine whether antioxidant (AOX) supplementation attenuates post-exercise oxidative stress and contributors to oxidative stress (inflammation, blood lipids) in overweight young adults.. This was a randomized, double-blind, controlled study. Overweight (BMI, 33.2 +/- 1.9 kg/m(2)) and comparative normal-weight (BMI, 21.9 +/- 0.5 kg/m(2)) adults 18 to 30 years old (total N = 48) were enrolled. Participants received either daily antioxidant (AOX) treatment (800 IU of vitamin E, 500 mg of vitamin C, 10 mg of beta-carotene) or placebo (PL) for 8 weeks for a total of four groups. All participants completed a standardized 30-minute cycle exercise bout at baseline and 8 weeks. Exercise-induced changes in lipid hydroperoxide (DeltaPEROX), C-reactive protein (DeltaCRP), interleukin-6 (DeltaIL-6), cholesterol subfractions, triglycerides, total AOX status (DeltaTAS), and adiponectin were assessed.. Exercise-induced DeltaPEROX was lower in the overweight-AOX group (0.09 nM/kg per min) compared with PL-treated overweight and normal-weight groups (0.98, 0.53 nM/kg per min) by 8 weeks (p < 0.05). Adiponectin was increased in both overweight and normal-weight AOX groups (22.1% vs. 3.1%; p < 0.05) but reduced in PL groups. DeltaIL-6, Deltatotal cholesterol, and Deltalow-density lipoprotein-cholesterol concentrations during exercise were lower in the AOX-treated groups compared with PL groups (all p < 0.05). After controlling for BMI, the Deltatotal cholesterol, Deltalow-density lipoprotein-cholesterol, Deltaadiponectin, and DeltaTAS explained 59.1% of the variance of the regression model of the DeltaPEROX by 8 weeks (total model R(2) = 0.600; p = 0.015).. AOX lowers exercise-induced oxidative stress in overweight adults. Inflammatory and lipid markers may also be attenuated with AOX. Further studies are needed to determine whether AOX may be used in cardiovascular disease prevention in the overweight population.

Topics: Adiponectin; Adolescent; Adult; Antioxidants; Ascorbic Acid; beta Carotene; Body Weight; C-Reactive Protein; Cholesterol; Dietary Supplements; Double-Blind Method; Exercise; Female; Humans; Interleukin-6; Lipid Peroxidation; Male; Obesity; Oxidative Stress; Triglycerides; Vitamin E

Currently, the recommended upper limit for ascorbic acid (AA) intake is 2000 mg/d. However, because AA is endogenously converted to oxalate and appears to increase the absorption of dietary oxalate, supplementation may increase the risk of kidney stones. The effect of AA supplementation on urinary oxalate was studied in a randomized, crossover, controlled design in which subjects consumed a controlled diet in a university metabolic unit. Stoneformers (n = 29; SF) and age- and gender-matched non-stoneformers (n = 19; NSF) consumed 1000 mg AA twice each day with each morning and evening meal for 6 d (treatment A), and no AA for 6 d (treatment N) in random order. After 5 d of adaptation to a low-oxalate diet, participants lived for 24 h in a metabolic unit, during which they were given 136 mg oxalate, including 18 mg 13C2 oxalic acid, 2 h before breakfast; they then consumed a controlled very low-oxalate diet for 24 h. Of the 48 participants, 19 (12 stoneformers, 7 non-stoneformers) were identified as responders, defined by an increase in 24-h total oxalate excretion > 10% after treatment A compared with N. Responders had a greater 24-h Tiselius Risk Index (TRI) with AA supplementation (1.10 +/- 0.66 treatment A vs. 0.76 +/- 0.42 treatment N) because of a 31% increase in the percentage of oxalate absorption (10.5 +/- 3.2% treatment A vs. 8.0 +/- 2.4% treatment N) and a 39% increase in endogenous oxalate synthesis with treatment A than during treatment N (544 +/- 131 A vs. 391 +/- 71 micromol/d N). The 1000 mg AA twice each day increased urinary oxalate and TRI for calcium oxalate kidney stones in 40% of participants, both stoneformers and non-stoneformers.

Topics: Adult; Ascorbic Acid; Body Mass Index; Body Weight; Calcium; Calcium Oxalate; Cross-Over Studies; Female; Humans; Hyperoxaluria; Kidney Calculi; Male; Oxalates; Reference Values; Risk Factors

Iron-deficiency anemia has been shown to alter body mineral concentrations and activities of iron- and non-iron-containing enzymes, especially those with antioxidant functions. These effects, however, have been less studied in nonanemic iron-depleted individuals. Thus, this study assessed indices of selenium status in 12 college-aged females with adequate iron stores and 15 college-aged females with low iron stores before and after iron therapy. Blood samples were drawn at baseline for both groups and following iron supplementation in the low-iron-stores group. Hematocrit, hemoglobin, and serum ferritin concentrations of the low iron- stores group were significantly lower than those of the control group. The serum transferrin receptor-to-serum ferritin ratio in the low-iron stores group was significantly greater than that of the control group. Serum selenium and glutathione peroxidase concentrations of the low-iron-stores group were not significantly different from those of the controls. Iron supplementation significantly increased hemoglobin, hematocrit, and serum ferritin concentrations and significantly decreased the serum transferrin receptor concentration and serum transferrin receptor:serum ferritin ratio in the low-iron-stores group posttreatment compared to pretreatment. Serum selenium and glutathione peroxidase concentrations did not differ significantly from pretreatment to posttreatment in the low-iron-stores group. Results of this study indicate that low iron stores without anemia are not associated with impaired selenium status in college-aged females.

Topics: Adult; Ascorbic Acid; Biomarkers; Body Mass Index; Body Weight; Diet; Dietary Supplements; Female; Ferritins; Glutathione Peroxidase; Hematocrit; Heme; Hemoglobins; Humans; Iron Deficiencies; Meat; Nutritional Status; Selenium

Flavonoids are naturally occurring plant compounds with established in vitro antioxidant properties and potential cardioprotective effects. We carried out a 12-week pilot study on the effects of dietary supplementation with an extract of bioflavonoids prepared from the bark of Pinus radiata trees [Enzogenol] containing added vitamin C. Data was collected from 24 healthy subjects aged between 55-75 years at baseline and at 6 and 12 weeks and included, routine biochemical and haematological indices, and anthropometric, blood pressure, forearm blood flow and haemorheological measurements. Enzogenol supplementation at a dosage of 480 mg/day of pine bark extract and 240 mg/day vitamin C did not result in changes in any biochemical or haematological indice and was associated with a significant reduction in the means of body weight, percentage body fat, systolic blood pressure and plasma viscosity. Basal and hyperaemic blood fl ow in forearm resistance vessels measured by plethysmography increased significantly during the study. The findings of this pilot study indicate that dietary supplementation with Enzogenol is safe and well tolerated and is associated with a number of beneficial effects on a range of established cardiovascular risk factors. These changes need to be validated by a placebo-controlled study but are consistent with other studies that have reported beneficial clinical effects following supplementation with bioflavonoids.

Topics: Aged; Ascorbic Acid; Blood Pressure; Body Weight; Dietary Supplements; Drug Combinations; Female; Flavonoids; Hemorheology; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Pilot Projects; Pinus; Plant Bark; Plant Extracts; Regional Blood Flow

The young people of draft age often have breach of a the dietary, that guite often is accompanied by decrease resistance and adaptation of opportunities. Application vegetative BAS to food (the beet with selderej) separately or especially together with liquid biphidiumbacterin gives good therapeutic effect.

Topics: Adaptation, Physiological; Adolescent; Ascorbic Acid; Ascorbic Acid Deficiency; Body Weight; Deficiency Diseases; Dietary Supplements; Feces; Humans; Male; Military Personnel; Nutrition Disorders; Vegetables

To determine whether dietary antioxidants would attenuate exercise-induced increases in plasma creatine kinase (CK) activity in sled dogs.. 41 trained adult sled dogs.. Dogs, randomly assigned to 2 groups, received the same base diet throughout the study. After 8 weeks on that diet, 1 group (21 dogs) received a daily supplement containing vitamins E (457 U) and C (706 mg) and beta-carotene (5.1 mg), and a control group (20 dogs) received a supplement containing minimal amounts of antioxidants. After 3 weeks, both groups performed identical endurance exercise on each of 3 days. Blood samples were collected before and 3 weeks after addition of supplements and after each day of exercise. Plasma was analyzed for vitamins E and C, retinol, uric acid, triglyceride, and cholesterol concentrations, total antioxidant status (TAS), and CK activity.. Feeding supplements containing antioxidants caused a significant increase in vitamin E concentration but did not change retinol or vitamin C concentrations orTAS. Exercise caused significantly higher CK activity, but did not cause a significant difference in CK activity between groups. Exercise was associated with significantly lower vitamin E, retinol, and cholesterol concentrations and TAS but significantly higher vitamin C, triglyceride, and uric acid concentrations in both groups.. Use of supplements containing the doses of antioxidants used here failed to attenuate exercise-induced increases in CK activity. Muscle damage in sled dogs, as measured by plasma CK activity, may be caused by a mechanism other than oxidant stress.

Topics: Animals; Antioxidants; Ascorbic Acid; Body Weight; Cholesterol; Creatine Kinase; Dietary Supplements; Dogs; Health Status; Muscles; Physical Conditioning, Animal; Triglycerides; Uric Acid; Vitamin A; Vitamin E

To evaluate the role of factors that may affect the level of plasma ascorbic acid (AA), including age, body weight, physical activity, minor illness and the impact of prior depletion and repletion.. After one month of stabilization on 60 mg vitamin C/day, subjects underwent two complete depletion-repletion cycles (one cycle=one month of vitamin C depletion with nine mg/day, followed by one month of repletion with 117 mg per day). Subjects (68 men, ages 30 to 59 years) did not smoke or drink alcohol during the study. All food was provided by the study.. There was extreme individual variability in the plasma AA level achieved on an identical repletion dose: after four weeks at 117 mg/day of vitamin C, AA ranged from 26.8 micromol/L to 85.8 micromol/L. Body weight was inversely associated with plasma AA attained (p<0.0001). Regression analysis indicated that, compared to a 130-lb man, a 200-lb man reached 10 micromol/L lower AA after the first repletion and 18 micromol/L lower AA after the second repletion. One-third of the subjects did not reach a plasma plateau after the first repletion. Prior depletion and apparent repletion also had a major impact, and only 10% of subjects reached the same plasma AA on the second repletion as on the first repletion.. Plasma AA attained on a given dose depends on body weight (or dose per kg of body weight) and on whether or not any prior depletions had been repleted adequately. The results have implications for nutrition recommendations and research design.

Topics: Adult; Ascorbic Acid; Ascorbic Acid Deficiency; Body Weight; Diet; Exercise; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Regression Analysis

It has been suggested that vitamin C can modify the composition of lipoproteins in healthy subjects.. To determine the possible modification of lipid levels in the presence of vitamin C, and the effect of various doses on lipid levels.. This is a sequential open clinical trial, where the same individuals are used as their own controls, and where the same observer at random administers 1 or 2 g of oral vitamin C during a month, followed by a further month without treatment.. 124 healthy volunteers of both sexes, between 17 and 74 years of age, whose lifestyle was not modified during the study.. At the beginning of the study a determination was made of lipid levels, risk factors such as age, physical activity, tobacco and alcohol use, weight and arterial pressure; at the end of the first month during vitamin C therapy, and again at the end of the second month without therapy, lipid levels were determined, namely, TG, TC, HDL-C, HDL2-C, HDL3-C, LDL-C, ApoA1, ApoB and Lp(a).. After one month of treatment with 2 grams of vitamin C, a significant decrease of ApoB was observed, namely, 5.5% in females and 8% in males (p = 0.019). Vitamin C treatment shows the following differential data: a negative correlation of Lp(a) with HDL3-C, in both sexes; in males, the positive correlation of age with LDL-C and the negative correlation of tobacco with HDL-C disappear, positive correlations appear between physical activity and HDL-C, between tobacco and LDL-C, between weight and ApoB, between SBP and TG, and between DBP and ApoB; in females, the positive correlation between weight and TG, and the negative correlation between weight and HDL-C both disappear, negative correlations appear between physical activity and both TC and ApoB, between weight and HDL3-C, a positive correlation appears between DBP and HDL2-C. Compared to non-drinkers, in males who consume less than 50 grams of alcohol daily, vitamin C produces a significant decrease in DHL3-C, while the significant increase in Lp(a) disappears.. From the results in the follow-up of this group of healthy individuals, it can be deduced that vitamin C produces a decrease in ApoB in both sexes where 2 g are administered daily. When the risk factors are correlated, the results vary substantially, particularly with reference to the sex of the individuals. Women benefit much more than men from vitamin C therapy, especially when physical activity, weight and diastolic blood pressure are considered. Compared to non-drinkers, male drinkers demonstrate a decrease in HDL3-C, and the significant increase in Lp(a) disappears.

Topics: Adolescent; Adult; Aged; Apolipoproteins B; Ascorbic Acid; Blood Pressure; Body Weight; Female; Humans; Hyperlipoproteinemias; Lipoproteins; Male; Middle Aged; Risk Factors; Sex Characteristics; Smoking

Case-control studies of pancreatic cancer were conducted in 5 populations with moderate to high rates and differing dietary practices, using a common protocol and questionnaire. Comprehensive diet histories were completed for a total of 802 cases and 1669 controls identified in Adelaide (Australia), Montreal and Toronto (Canada), Utrecht (The Netherlands) and Opole (Poland). Positive associations were observed with intake of carbohydrates and cholesterol, and inverse associations with dietary fiber and vitamin C. These relationships were generally consistent among the 5 studies, and showed statistically significant and generally monotonic dose-response relationships. The relative risks for highest vs. lowest quintile of intake were estimated for carbohydrates to be 2.57 (95% confidence interval 1.64-4.03), cholesterol 2.68 (1.72-4.17), dietary fiber 0.45 (0.30-0.63), and vitamin C 0.53 (0.38-0.76). The consistency, strength, and specificity of these associations provides evidence for the hypothesis that some or all of these dietary factors may alter the risk of pancreatic cancer.

Topics: Adult; Aged; Ascorbic Acid; Australia; beta Carotene; Body Height; Body Weight; Canada; Carotenoids; Case-Control Studies; Cholesterol, Dietary; Diet; Dietary Fiber; Energy Intake; Feeding Behavior; Female; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Netherlands; Pancreatic Neoplasms; Poland; Vitamin A

The aim of this investigation is to study the hypothesis that vitamin C has beneficial effects on some risk factors of cardiovascular diseases. Sixty-seven volunteers participated in this study. Thirty and thirty-seven subjects were assigned randomly to two groups. The first was given a placebo and the second was given a vitamin C, respectively. Both regimens were followed for six months. The dose of vitamin C was 500 mg/day. Double blind technique was used throughout the study. These data supported part of the beneficial effects of vitamin C on atherosclerosis process, i.e. reduce significantly body fat, systolic blood pressure, and pulse, and increase significantly high density lipoprotein. On the other hand, these data did not show favourable effects on other lipid parameters, i.e. cholesterol, triglyceride, low density lipoprotein, and very low density lipoprotein.

Topics: Ascorbic Acid; Blood Pressure; Body Composition; Body Weight; Double-Blind Method; Humans; Hypercholesterolemia; Risk Factors

The influence of dietary supplementation with moderate (200 mg/day) and high (2,000 mg/day) doses of vitamin C on serum lipid levels was studied in 27 female long-stay hospital patients characterized by low plasma ascorbic acid levels during the preceding year. The two doses of vitamin C were compared with placebo in a double-blind, cross-over design during randomly determined 6-week periods followed by 2-week washout intervals. No effect was observed on serum cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, and triglyceride levels. Plasma ascorbic acid levels were highly significantly increased (p less than 0.001) by both doses of vitamin C. It is concluded that dietary supplementation with moderate or high doses of vitamin C does not affect serum lipids of persons who have low plasma ascorbic acid levels suggestive of possible marginal deficiency of vitamin C.

Topics: Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Ascorbic Acid; Ascorbic Acid Deficiency; Body Weight; Cholesterol; Cholesterol, HDL; Female; Humans; Lipids; Triglycerides

A double blind placebo controlled trial of ascorbic acid was carried out in 41 severely obese subjects. 38 patients completed the 6 week trial. 19 received 3g of ascorbic acid per day, 19 received placebo. The weight loss during the trial was small in both groups but was significantly greater in the ascorbic acid treated group.

Topics: Ascorbic Acid; Body Weight; Clinical Trials as Topic; Double-Blind Method; Female; Humans; Obesity; Time Factors

A double-blind placebo trial of vitamin C has been undertaken in 94 elderly "long-term" inpatients known to have initially low levels of plasma and leukocyte vitamin C (mean values 0.17 mg/100 ml plasma; 10.1 microgram/10(8) leukocytes). At the end of 2 months treatment, plasma and leukocyte vitamin C had increased considerably in those receiving C supplements, and in this group there were slight but significant increases in the mean values for body weight (0.41 kg), plasma albumin (0.46 g/l), and prealbumin (25.4 mg/l) compared with those receiving placebo therapy where there were decreases of 0.60 kg, 0.53 g/l, and 7.0 mg/l, respectively. There was also some clinical improvement as indicated by reductions in purpura and petechial hemorrhages in those receiving vitamin C, but no changes in mood or mobility were observed.

Topics: Age Factors; Aged; Ascorbic Acid; Blood Proteins; Body Weight; Clinical Trials as Topic; Double-Blind Method; Female; Health; Humans; Male; Placebos; Prealbumin; Serum Albumin

The effect of oral vitamin C has been examined in elderly long-stay inpatients known to have low levels of vitamin C in their plasma and leucocytes. 1 g of vitamin C given daily for 28 days was shown to be associated with slight, but significant, clinical improvement and weight-gain when compared with placebo therapy.

Topics: Activities of Daily Living; Age Factors; Aged; Ascorbic Acid; Ascorbic Acid Deficiency; Body Weight; Clinical Trials as Topic; Double-Blind Method; Follow-Up Studies; Humans; Length of Stay; Leukocytes; Long-Term Care; Middle Aged; Placebos; Time Factors

Forty-two female patients with refractory obesity completed a 20-week double-blind study during which they were given a diet designed to provide not more than 40 mg vitamin C and 1000 kcal (4.2 MJ) daily. Twenty-two of the patients took 600 mg of supplementary vitamin C daily and the remainder, a matched placebo. All were given their highest tolerated dose of fenfluramine up to a maximum of 160 mg daily. There was no significant difference in the mean weight loss of the two groups. This study fails to support the hypothesis that the anti-obesity effect of fenfluramine is influenced by the vitamin C intake.

Topics: Administration, Oral; Ascorbic Acid; Body Weight; Clinical Trials as Topic; Diet, Reducing; Double-Blind Method; Drug Evaluation; Drug Interactions; Female; Fenfluramine; Humans; Obesity; Placebos

Topics: Adult; Ascorbic Acid; Body Weight; Calcium; Calorimetry; Carbohydrates; Clinical Trials as Topic; Diet; Female; Follow-Up Studies; Fruit; Humans; Iron; Lipids; Male; Middle Aged; Nicotinic Acids; Nutritional Requirements; Physical Fitness; Proteins; Riboflavin; Thiamine; Urination; Vitamin A

Topics: Aged; Alanine Transaminase; Ascorbic Acid; Blood Cell Count; Blood Circulation; Blood Glucose; Blood Urea Nitrogen; Body Weight; Computers; Eosinophils; Female; Glutamates; Health Surveys; Hemoglobinometry; Humans; Infections; Lipids; Lymphocytes; Male; Minerals; Placebos; Prothrombin Time; Pyridoxine; Pyruvates; Reflex; Sleep; Thymol; Time Factors; Tongue; Urine; Vitamins

Topics: Ascorbic Acid; Body Height; Body Weight; Calcium; Clinical Trials as Topic; Copper; Depression, Chemical; Humans; Iodine; Iron; Magnesium Oxide; Manganese; Military Personnel; Niacinamide; Pantothenic Acid; Placebos; Pyridoxine; Riboflavin; Students; Sulfates; Thiamine; Vitamin A; Vitamin B 12; Vitamin D; Vitamins; Zinc

Topics: Aged; Ascorbic Acid; Body Weight; Diet; Female; Humans; Male; Nutrition Surveys; Pregnancy; Vitamins

The objective of this study was to assess the impact of Vitamin E (Vit E) and Vitamin C (Vit C) on markers of the oxidant-antioxidant system, ovarian follicle reserves, and the surface epithelium in autologous intraperitoneal ovarian transplantation conducted in rats. The study aimed to investigate how these antioxidants influence various aspects related to transplantation outcomes, including oxidative stress markers, the preservation of follicle reserves, and the condition of the surface epithelium. A total of 20 adult female Wistar Albino rats were included in the study and randomly assigned to four different groups. Group 1, consisting of 5 rats, served as the control group and underwent a surgical procedure where their abdomens were opened and closed without any further intervention. Group 2, also consisting of 5 rats, underwent ovarian transplantation. In Group 3, comprising 5 rats, an intraperitoneal (IP) administration of 20 mg/kg body weight (b.w.) of Vitamin E (Vit E) was given 15 min prior to ovarian transplantation. Lastly, in Group 4, which included 5 rats, an IP administration of 50 mg/kg body weight (b.w.) of Vitamin C (Vit C) was given 15 min before ovarian transplantation. Vaginal cytology was performed in order to monitor the estrus phase in the rats. Biochemically, tissue and serum malondialdehyde (MDA) levels and erythrocyte superoxide dismutase (SOD) levels were measured. Histopathologically, the number of dysplastic changes in the ovarian surface epithelium and primordial, primary, secondary, Graaffian, and atretic follicles were examined. Dysplastic changes in the surface epithelium of Group 2 were found to be significantly higher than in Group 1 and 4 (p < 0.02). In Group 2, the ovarian follicle reserves (primordial, primary, secondary, and Graaffian follicles) were significantly lower than in other groups (p < 0.02). In addition, a significant decrease in SOD levels was found in Group 2 compared to other groups (p < 0.02). The study showed that Vit E and Vit C in autologous intraperitoneal ovarian transplantation preserved the ovarian follicle reserve. Vit C was found to be more effective than Vit E.

Topics: Animals; Antioxidants; Ascorbic Acid; Body Weight; Epithelium; Female; Ovarian Follicle; Oxidative Stress; Rats; Rats, Wistar; Superoxide Dismutase; Vitamin E; Vitamins

Twenty mango genotypes grown in the plains of the Himalayas were characterized by their physical, physiological, biochemical, mineral and organoleptic attributes: fruit firmness, weight, peel thickness, shape, dry seed weight, respiration rate, weight loss, and shelf life. Biochemical attributes such as soluble solids, total carotenoids, total phenolic content, antioxidant activity, titratable acidity, ascorbic acid and total sugars were also determined. In addition, mineral content and fruit-softening enzymes were measured, and an organoleptic evaluation was performed. Polygalactouronase (PG), pectin methylesterase (PME) and lipoxygenase (LOX) were measured from the pulp adjacent to the peel. Similarly, biochemical attributes and mineral content were evaluated using fruit pulp, while organoleptic evaluation included fruit pulp characters and the fruit's external appearance. The results of the study showed that the 'Malda' genotype exhibited the highest total phenolic content (560.60 µg/100 g), total antioxidant (5.79 µmol TE/g), and titratable acidity (0.37%) among the tested genotypes. 'Amrapali' had the highest soluble solid content (25.20 °B), 'Jawahar' had the highest ascorbic acid content (44.20 mg/100 g pulp), 'Mallika' had the highest total flavonoid content (700.00 µg/g) and 'Amrapali' had the highest total carotenoid content (9.10 mg/100 g). Moreover, the genotypes 'Malda', 'Safed Malda'and 'Suvarnarekha' had a shelf life of 4-5 days longer than other tested genotypes. The genotypes with high biochemical attributes have practical utility for researchers for quality improvement programmes and processing industries as functional ingredients in industrial products. This study provides valuable information on the nutritional and functional properties of different mango genotypes, which can aid in developing improved varieties with enhanced health benefits and greater practical utility for processing industries.

Topics: Animals; Antioxidants; Ascorbic Acid; Birds; Body Weight; Carotenoids; Fruit; Genotype; Mangifera; Phenols

The effect of

Topics: Animals; Ascorbic Acid; Body Weight; Chick Embryo; Chickens; Sheep; Vitamin E; Vitamins

Higher body weight is known to negatively impact plasma vitamin C status. However, despite this well-documented inverse association, recommendations on daily vitamin C intakes by health authorities worldwide do not include particular reference values for people of higher body weight. This suggests that people of higher body weight and people with obesity may be receiving insufficient vitamin C in spite of ingesting the amounts recommended by their health authorities. The current preliminary investigation sought to estimate how much additional vitamin C people with higher body weights would need to consume in order to attain a comparable vitamin C status to that of a lower weight person consuming an average Western vitamin C intake. Data from two published vitamin C dose-concentration studies were used to generate the relationship: a detailed pharmacokinetic study with seven healthy non-smoking men and a multiple depletion-repletion study with 68 healthy non-smoking men of varying body weights. Our estimates suggest that an additional intake of 10 mg vitamin C/day is required for every 10 kg increase in body weight to attain a comparable plasma concentration to a 60 kg individual with a vitamin C intake of ~110 mg/day, which is the daily intake recommended by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA). Thus, individuals weighing e.g., 80 and 90 kg will need to consume ~130 and 140 mg vitamin C/day, respectively. People with obesity will likely need even higher vitamin C intakes. As poor vitamin C status is associated with increased risk of several chronic diseases including cardiovascular disease, these findings may have important public health implications. As such, dose-finding studies are required to determine optimal vitamin C intakes for overweight and obese people.

Topics: Ascorbic Acid; Body Weight; Humans; Male; Nutritional Status; Obesity; Reference Values; Vitamins

Aimed to demonstrate the association of VC and metabolism in the obesity or overweight and determine VC changes after laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG).. A total of 253 overweight or people with obesity were recruited, including 61 with LSG. They were divided into group A (VC < 34 ug/ml) and group B (VC ≥ 34 ug/ml). Glucose-lipid metabolic parameters were compared, and VC status before and 6 and 12 months after LSG were measured.. (1) Body weight, body mass index (BMI), neck circumference (NC), waist circumference (WC), hip circumference (HC), waist-to-hip ratio, heart rate (HR), diastolic systolic pressure (DBP), 2-hour postprandial glucose (2h-BG), fasting insulin (FINS), 2-hour postprandial insulin (2h-INS), glycosylated hemoglobin (HBG), homeostasis model of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), total cholesterol (TCH), triglyceride (TG) and free fatty acid (FFA) were higher while high-density lipoprotein (HDL-C) was lower in group A than group B (p < 0.05). (2) VC was negatively correlated with body weight, BMI, NC, WC and HC, HR, SBP, DBP, and 2h-BG, FINS, 2h-INS, HGB, HOMA-IR, TG and FFA, while positively with HDL-C (p < 0.05). (3) Patients with obesity or hypertriglyceridemia or low HDL-C had lower VC than corresponding group. (p < 0.05). (4) Logistic regression analysis showed that VC was the independent risk factor of hypertriglyceridemia, obesity and low HDL-C 5) VC concentrations were slightly increased in 6 months after LSG, and unchanged in 12 months after LSG.. VC was closely associated with glucose-lipid metabolism, and may play a protective role in metabolic disorders. LSG would not worsen the VC status or deficiency.

Topics: Ascorbic Acid; Blood Glucose; Body Mass Index; Body Weight; Cholesterol; Fatty Acids, Nonesterified; Gastrectomy; Glucose; Glycated Hemoglobin; Humans; Hypertriglyceridemia; Insulin; Insulin Resistance; Laparoscopy; Lipid Metabolism; Lipoproteins, HDL; Obesity; Overweight; Triglycerides

Severe acute pancreatitis (SAP) is a necrotic pancreatic inflammation associated with high mortality rate (up to 70%). Bone marrow (BM) mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have been investigated in pancreatic cellular regeneration, but still their effects are controversial. Therefore, the present study is aimed at examining the enrichment of the stem cells with ascorbic acid (AA) and N-acetylcysteine (NAC) and explore their combined action on the expression of the inflammatory cytokines: interleukin 1

Topics: Acetylcysteine; Animals; Antioxidants; Ascorbic Acid; Blood Glucose; Body Weight; Caspase 3; Cell Proliferation; Ceruletide; Fluorescent Dyes; Insulin; Interleukin-1beta; Islets of Langerhans; Mesenchymal Stem Cell Transplantation; Mesenchymal Stem Cells; NF-kappa B; Organic Chemicals; Pancreatitis; Proliferating Cell Nuclear Antigen; Rats; Regeneration; Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha

Metabolic disorders often lead to cardiac complications. Metabolic deregulations during diabetic conditions are linked to mitochondrial dysfunctions, which are the key contributing factors in cardiac hypertrophy. However, the underlying mechanisms involved in diabetes-induced cardiac hypertrophy are poorly understood. In the current study, we initially established a diabetic rat model by alloxan-administration, which was validated by peripheral glucose measurement. Diabetic rats displayed myocardial stiffness and fibrosis, changes in heart weight/body weight, heart weight/tibia length ratios, and enhanced size of myocytes, which altogether demonstrated the establishment of diabetic cardiac hypertrophy (DCH). Furthermore, we examined the expression of genes associated with mitochondrial signaling impairment. Our data show that the expression of PGC-1α, cytochrome c, MFN-2, and Drp-1 was deregulated. Mitochondrial-signaling impairment was further validated by redox-system dysregulation, which showed a significant increase in ROS and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances, both in serum and heart tissue, whereas the superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione levels were decreased. Additionally, the expression levels of pro-apoptotic gene PUMA and stress marker GATA-4 genes were elevated, whereas ARC, PPARα, and Bcl-2 expression levels were decreased in the heart tissues of diabetic rats. Importantly, these alloxan-induced impairments were rescued by N-acetyl cysteine, ascorbic acid, and selenium treatment. This was demonstrated by the amelioration of myocardial stiffness, fibrosis, mitochondrial gene expression, lipid profile, restoration of myocyte size, reduced oxidative stress, and the activation of enzymes associated with antioxidant activities. Altogether, these data indicate that the improvement of mitochondrial dysfunction by protective agents such as N-acetyl cysteine, selenium, and ascorbic acid could rescue diabetes-associated cardiac complications, including DCH.

Topics: Acetylcysteine; Animals; Antioxidants; Apoptosis; Apoptosis Regulatory Proteins; Ascorbic Acid; Biomarkers; Blood Glucose; Body Weight; Calcium; Cardiomegaly; Cardiotonic Agents; Cytochromes c; Diabetic Cardiomyopathies; Disease Models, Animal; Down-Regulation; GATA4 Transcription Factor; Lipid Peroxidation; Lipids; Mitochondria, Heart; Myocardium; Oxidation-Reduction; Oxidative Stress; Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated Receptor Gamma Coactivator 1-alpha; PPAR alpha; Rats, Sprague-Dawley; Reactive Oxygen Species; RNA, Messenger; Selenium

Obesity is associated with an increased risk of metabolic abnormalities. The citrus fruit calamondin contains nobiletin and hesperidin, which are involved in lipid metabolism, and vitamin C, which is an antioxidant. We investigated the metabolic profiles of C57BL/6 mice fed a normal diet, high-fat diet (HFD), HFD + 1% (w/w) calamondin puree (HFD + CL1), or HFD + 5% (w/w) calamondin puree (HFD + CL5). Glucose tolerance was significantly higher in HFD + CL than in HFD-fed mice. Histological analysis revealed less lipid accumulation in the livers of HFD + CL-fed mice than in those of HFD-fed control mice. Hepatocyte ballooning and large lipid droplets - key non-alcoholic fatty liver disease characteristics - were observed in HFD-fed mice after 4 weeks; however, they were nearly absent in HFD + CL-fed mice. The serum expression level of inflammation-associated Ccl2 was lower in HFD + CL-fed mice than in HFD-fed mice. Thus, calamondin may ameliorate HFD-induced metabolic disturbances, including the progression of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.

Topics: Adipose Tissue; Alanine Transaminase; Animals; Antioxidants; Ascorbic Acid; Body Weight; Chemokine CCL2; Citrus; Diet; Diet, High-Fat; Dietary Supplements; Gene Expression; Inflammation; Insulin; Lipid Metabolism; Liver; Male; Metabolic Syndrome; Mice; Mice, Inbred C57BL; Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease; Obesity

The objective of this study was to investigate the effects in ovo injection of black cumin (BC) extract on chick's quality and response of thermally challenged broiler chickens. A total of 700 hatching eggs of broiler chickens (Marshall) were assigned to 7 treatments of 100 eggs each and incubated using the conventional protocol (37.8°C) for the first 10 d and then exposed to a high temperature (39.6°C) for 6 h daily from day 10 until day 18 of the incubation. At embryonic day 17.5, the eggs were randomly allotted to 7 treatment groups, viz.: eggs without in ovo injection (WA), eggs injected with 0.9% saline solution (SA), 3 mg ascorbic acid (AA), 2 mg BC (TB), 4 mg BC (FB), 6 mg BC (SB), and 8 mg BC (EB) extracts. Experiment was laid out in a Completely Randomized Design. After hatching, the chicks were reared separately according to in ovo treatments for 8 wk. Data were collected on hatchability, chick quality, internal organs, growth performance, plasma superoxide dismutase, malondialdehyde, and triiodothyronine (T

Topics: Animals; Ascorbic Acid; Body Weight; Chickens; Heat-Shock Response; Hot Temperature; Nigella sativa; Organ Size; Ovum; Plant Extracts; Random Allocation

Tissue factor (TF), the trigger protein of the extrinsic blood coagulation cascade, is abundantly expressed in various cancers including gastric cancer. Anti-TF monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) capable of targeting cancers have been successfully applied to armed antibodies such as antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) and molecular imaging probes. We prepared an anti-TF mAb, clone 1084, labeled with astatine-211 (

Topics: Animals; Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized; Ascorbic Acid; Astatine; Blood Coagulation; Body Weight; Cell Line, Tumor; Female; Heterografts; Humans; Immunoconjugates; Linear Energy Transfer; Mice; Mice, Inbred BALB C; Mice, Nude; Protein Denaturation; Radiation-Protective Agents; Radioimmunotherapy; Receptor, ErbB-2; Stomach Neoplasms; Thromboplastin

Osteoarthritis is a progressive degenerative joint disease which is high prevalent in dogs. In the late stage of the disease, it determines chronic neuropathic pain which leads to reduced quality-of-life in affected patients. To date it has not yet been identified a specific treatment, but it has been proved that nutraceutical and dietary supplements may play an important role in controlling inflammation and pain. The aim of this study was to evaluate, by the use of force plate gait analysis, the clinical efficacy of Boswellia and Curcuvet® combined with conventional nutraceutical therapy compared with conventional nutraceutical alone in dogs affected by osteoarthritis.. Twenty client-owned dogs, over 12 months old and 20 kg of body-weight, with a confirmed diagnosis of Osteoarthritis, were included in this randomized, double-blinded study. The dogs were randomly divided into two groups: the first group (A) received a conventional nutraceutical (consisted in a preparation of glucosamine, chondroitin sulfate, fish-oil containing 80% of omega 3-fatty acid, vitamin C and E, saccharomyces Cerevisiae) with a combination of acid boswellic and Curcuvet®, while the second group (B) received a conventional nutraceutical. All the enrolled dogs underwent a washout period before starting the treatment with nutraceuticals products which were the only admitted treatment over the study period. A full orthopaedic and neurologic examination, and force plate gait analysis were performed before starting the treatment, at 45, 90, and 60 days post-treatment. Ground reaction forces were recorded and analyzed.. Twenty dogs were enrolled in the study. In both groups there was an increasing values of ground reaction forces. These results might indicate that both nutraceutical products determined a better condition in terms of pain feeling but that effect is much more visible after 60 days from the end of the administration in treated group.. In conclusion Curcuvet in combination with Boswellic acid could be considered a valid aid in a multimodal treatment for canine osteoarthritis.

Topics: Animals; Ascorbic Acid; Body Weight; Boswellia; Chondroitin Sulfates; Dogs; Fatty Acids, Omega-6; Female; Glucosamine; Male; Osteoarthritis; Plant Extracts; Triterpenes; Vitamin E

The current study was carried out to estimate the protective effect of methanolic extract of Chaetomorpha gracilis (MECG) against High Cholesterol Diet (HCD) induced erythrocyte damage in mice. The results of the in vitro assay showed that MECG have higher antioxidant capacities in the DPPH, TAC, ABTS, NBT, NO

Topics: Advanced Oxidation Protein Products; Animals; Antioxidants; Ascorbic Acid; Body Weight; Chlorophyta; Cholesterol; Erythrocytes; Glutathione Peroxidase; Hypercholesterolemia; Male; Mice; Oxidative Stress; Plant Extracts; Superoxide Dismutase; Thiobarbituric Acid Reactive Substances

An increasing amount of evidence has shown that injection of D-galactose (D-gal) can mimic natural aging that typically is associated with brain injury. Oxidative stress and apoptosis has been shown to play an essential role in aging process. The purpose of this study was to investigate the protective effectsof astilbin (ASB) on D-Gal-induced agingin miceand to further explore the underlying mechanisms. We randomly divided 50 mice into 5 groups.To establish this model of aging, 40micewere intraperitoneally administered D-Gal (500 mg/kg). The mice in the treatmentgroupswere intragastricaly administratedASB at doses of 40 and 80 mg/kg. H&E and TUNEL staining were used to determine the effect of ASB on the number of apoptotic cells in the brain. Furthermore, biochemical indices of serum, oxidative stress factors, and apoptosis factors were determined to clarify the underlying mechanism using reagent test kits and western blotting. The results showed that varying doses of ASB could improve D-Gal-induced histopathological damageand significantly alleviatedthe aging induced by D-Galin mice. ASB remarkably decreased the activities of malondialdehyde (MDA)(p < 0.01)and Acetyl cholinesterase (AChE)(p < 0.05) and markedlyincreased the content of catalase (CAT)(p < 0.01)and superoxide dismutase (SOD)(p < 0.01), respectively. In addition, Western blotting revealed thatASB treatment (40 mg/kg)attenuated the D-gal-induced Bax and Caspase 3 protein expression(p < 0.01) and reversed the increase in Bcl-2protein expressionin brain. Moreover, ASB treatment significantly upregulated the protein expression ofp-PI3K/PI3K and altered the p-Akt/Akt ratio (p < 0.05), while inhibiting the expression of p-m-TOR relative to m-TOR(p < 0.05). Moreover, the expression of P53 tended to decreasein the low ASB treatmentgroup (40 mg/kg), whereas no change was observed in the high ASB treatmentgroup (80 mg/kg). In the intestinal flora, the richness of the normal group and the ASB group was higher than that of the D-Gal group. Heat map analysis also showed that ASB promoted Lactobacillus and other probiotics and also confirmed the advantages of ASB. The observed changes in intestinal flora further verified the efficacy of ASB.

Topics: Acetylcholinesterase; Aging; Animals; Antioxidants; Apoptosis; Ascorbic Acid; Body Weight; Brain; Catalase; Disease Models, Animal; Flavonols; Galactose; Gastrointestinal Microbiome; Male; Malondialdehyde; Mice, Inbred ICR; Oxidative Stress; Phosphatidylinositol 3-Kinases; Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-akt; Signal Transduction; Superoxide Dismutase; TOR Serine-Threonine Kinases

The aim of the present study was to examine the relationship between the dietary phytochemical index (DPI) and overweight/obesity in children. This cross-sectional study was comprised of 356 children aged 7 to 10 years-old study in the city of Tehran, Iran. The dietary intake of participants was collected using a validated food frequency questionnaire. The DPI was calculated based on the daily energy derived from phytochemical-rich foods. The definition of overweight and obesity was based on the criteria developed by the US Chronic Disease Center for prevention and health promotion.. The overall prevalence of overweight/obesity was 35.1%. The mean (standard deviation) of the DPI was 14.25 (4.13), 24.12 (2.64), 35.41 (3.62) and 61.52 (16.47) in the first, second, third and fourth quartiles (Q), respectively. Subjects in the higher quartiles of DPI had a significantly higher intake of dietary fiber, vitamin C, and potassium compared to those in the lower quartiles. In the multiple regression analysis, subjects in the highest quartile of DPI had significantly lower odds of being overweight/obese compared to those in the first quartile [odds ratio and 95% confidence intervals for Q4 vs. Q1: 0.47 (0.25, 0.87); P for trend = 0.02].

Topics: Ascorbic Acid; Body Mass Index; Body Weight; Child; Cross-Sectional Studies; Dietary Fiber; Female; Humans; Iran; Male; Odds Ratio; Pediatric Obesity; Phytochemicals; Potassium; Regression Analysis; Surveys and Questionnaires

The purpose of this study was to assess the association between fruit intake and abnormalities in body composition (bone, muscle, and adipose tissue) related to osteosarcopenic obesity (OSO) in postmenopausal women.. The data of 1420 postmenopausal women aged 50-64 years were collected from cross-sectional studies conducted by the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES) from 2008 to 2010.. A dietary intake survey was administered using the 24-h dietary recall method, and intakes of nutrients and food groups were analyzed. Body composition was evaluated using dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DEXA). Body composition abnormalities include low bone mass (T-score<-1.0), low muscle mass (weight-adjusted appendicular skeletal muscle mass below the mean reference value of healthy young adults), and obesity (waist circumference ≥85 cm). The associations between nutrient intake and fruit groups and the number of abnormalities in body composition were tested by logistic regression analysis.. The intakes of vitamin C and potassium per 1000 kcal of total energy intake were significantly lower in women with a larger number of abnormalities in body composition (p = 0.0155 and p = 0.0037, respectively). After controlling for covariates, women with a high intake of fruit (≥257.4 g/d) had a significantly reduced likelihood of multiple abnormalities in body composition compared with women with no fruit intake (p for trend: p < 0.01 for those with one, two, or three abnormalities).. Intake of fruits rich in vitamin C and potassium may help to decrease OSO-related risks in middle-aged postmenopausal women.

Topics: Absorptiometry, Photon; Ascorbic Acid; Body Composition; Body Weight; Bone Diseases, Metabolic; Cross-Sectional Studies; Diet; Energy Intake; Female; Fruit; Humans; Middle Aged; Nutrition Surveys; Obesity; Postmenopause; Republic of Korea; Sarcopenia; Vitamins; Waist Circumference

This experiment studied the effect of broiler breeder nutritional strategies on uniformity, carcass traits, tibia parameters, and behavior during rearing and prebreeder periods (up to 22 wk of age). One-day-old pullets (n = 384) were randomly assigned to 4 treatments arranged as a 2 × 2 factorial, with 2 fiber levels (control vs. fibrous diet, 15% diluted in AMEn and nutrient content) and 2 vitamin C feed inclusions (0 vs. 200 mg/kg). At 6, 15, and 22 wk, blood sampling was carried out (4 birds/replicate) to determine serum alkaline phosphatase (ALP) levels, and behavior was observed by visual scan sampling. At 22 wk, carcass traits, tibia parameters, and intestinal morphology were assessed (2 birds/replicate), and tail- and wing-feather integrity of all birds were scored. Fibrous diet did not modify BW uniformity, mortality, or tibia growth when compared with control diet. Pullets fed the fibrous diet had lower tibia breaking strength, elastic modulus, and ash content values (P < 0.05). They also had lower ALP serum level at 6 and 22 wk (P < 0.05), their breast muscle was less developed (18.5 vs. 19.8%, P < 0.05), and their abdominal fat deposition was higher (1.14 vs. 0.87%, P < 0.05). At 15 and 22 wk, they performed, on average, 97% less grasping feather pecking and 45% less non-food object pecking behaviors, and their wing-feather score was lower (P < 0.05) at 22 wk. Tail- and wing-feather scores of the control treatments were reduced by vitamin C inclusion (tail: 0.30 vs. 1.15, P < 0.05; wing: 0.98 vs. 1.26, P < 0.05) at 22 wk. In conclusion, fibrous diet improves carcass traits (reduces breast muscle and increases abdominal fat deposition), deteriorates bone mineral deposition and thus skeletal strength, and reduces stereotypic behaviors, improving wing-feather integrity. Vitamin C inclusion improves tail- and wing-feather integrity of lower in feed allowance.

Topics: Animal Feed; Animals; Ascorbic Acid; Body Weight; Chickens; Diet; Dietary Fiber; Dietary Supplements; Female; Longevity; Random Allocation; Reproduction; Stereotyped Behavior; Tibia

Vitamin E has been used as antioxidant and in the treatment of various ailments due to oxidative stress. The cardio-protective effect of vitamin E in dexamethasone induced oxidative stress was studied. Forty Wistar rats were randomly assigned to four groups of 10 rats each. Control group received normal rat chow. Oxidative stress was induced using 30µg/kg body weight of dexamethasone (DEX) intraperitonealy in DEX+Vit E and DEX only groups while Vitamin E was administered orally at a dose of 300 IU/kg to Vitamin E only group and DEX+Vit E group daily for 14 days. All animals were fed ad libitum and had free access to water. Blood samples were obtained by cardiac puncture for biochemical analyses while heart and kidney were processed for histological staining.  The result shows a significant (p<0.05) decrease in serum nitric oxide, bilirubin and superoxide dismutase concentration in DEX-only group which was elevated following vitamin E treatment. The angiotensin converting enzyme and lactate dehydrogenase enzyme activities were significantly (p<0.01) elevated in DEX-only group compared with control and DEX+Vit E groups. These enzyme levels were significantly (p<0.01) reduced in DEX + vitamin E group. The histology of the heart and the kidney in DEX-only group showed cardiac hypertrophy and kidney injury but were ameliorated by vitamin E treatment. The results suggest that vitamin E has cardiac and renal protective effect and ameliorates oxidative injury to the heart and kidney due to oxidative stress.

Topics: Animals; Antioxidants; Ascorbic Acid; Body Weight; Dexamethasone; Kidney; Oxidative Stress; Rats, Wistar; Superoxide Dismutase; Vitamin E

(1) Background: Regular exercise induces physiological and morphological changes in the organisms, but excessive training loads may induce damage and impair recovery or muscle growth. The purpose of the study was to evaluate the impact of Silymarin (SM) consumption on endurance capacity, muscle/cardiac histological changes, bodyweight, and food intake in rats subjected to 60 min of regular exercise training (RET) five days per week. (2) Methods: Male Wistar rats were subjected to an eight-week RET treadmill program and were previously administered SM and vitamin C. Bodyweight and food consumption were measured and registered. The maximal endurance capacity (MEC) test was performed at weeks one and eight. After the last training session, the animals were sacrificed, and samples of quadriceps/gastrocnemius and cardiac tissue were obtained and process for histological analyzes. (3) Results: SM consumption improved muscle recovery, inflammation, and damaged tissue, and promoted hypertrophy, vascularization, and muscle fiber shape/appearance. MEC increased after eight weeks of RET in all trained groups; moreover, the SM-treated group was enhanced more than the group with vitamin C. There were no significant changes in bodyweight and in food and nutrient consumption along the study. (5) Conclusion: SM supplementation may enhance physical performance, recovery, and muscle hypertrophy during the eight-week RET program.

Topics: Animals; Ascorbic Acid; Body Weight; Dietary Supplements; Feeding Behavior; Male; Muscle, Skeletal; Myocardium; Physical Conditioning, Animal; Physical Endurance; Physical Functional Performance; Rats, Wistar; Silymarin

Chemokines are secreted by a wide variety of cells; their functions are dependent on the binding to their chemokine receptors (CCRs) which induce directed chemotaxis in nearby responsive cells. Chemokines and their receptors can be induced under several different conditions. Based on data from clinical studies showing an increased expression of chemokine receptor 3 (CCR3) in circulating monocytes of human subjects with lower bone mineral density (BMD) as compared to those with high BMD, we predicted a role for CCR3 in the development of peak bone mass. We, therefore, first evaluated the expression pattern of Ccr3 in bone cells, in comparison to other CCRs, that have common ligands with CCR3. While Ccr1 and Ccr3 messenger RNA (mRNA) levels increased during both RANKL-induced osteoclast differentiation and AA-induced osteoblast differentiation, the levels of Ccr5 mRNA only increased during osteoblast differentiation. To examine if CCR3 influences osteoclast and/or osteoblast differentiation, we evaluated the consequence of blocking CCR3 function using neutralizing antibody on the expression of osteoclast and osteoblast differentiation markers. Treatment with CCR3 neutralizing antibody increased mRNA levels of Trap and cathepsin K in osteoclasts and osteocalcin in osteoblasts compared to cells treated with control IgG. Based on these in vitro findings, we next assessed the role of CCR3 in vivo by evaluating the skeletal phenotypes of Ccr3 knockout and corresponding control littermate mice. Disruption of CCR3 resulted in a significant increase in femur areal BMD at 5 and 8 weeks of age by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. Micro-CT analysis revealed a 25% increase in trabecular bone mass at 10 weeks of age caused by corresponding changes in trabecular number and thickness compared to wild type mice. Based on our findings, we conclude that disruption of CCR3 function favors bone mass accumulation, in part via enhancement of bone metabolism. Understanding the molecular pathways through which CCR3 acts to regulate osteoclast and osteoblast functions could lead to new therapeutic approaches to prevent inflammation-induced bone loss.

Topics: Adipose Tissue; Animals; Antibodies, Neutralizing; Ascorbic Acid; Biomarkers; Body Weight; Cancellous Bone; Cell Differentiation; Female; Femur; Gene Expression Regulation; Mice; Mice, Knockout; Organ Size; Osteoblasts; Osteoclasts; Phenotype; RANK Ligand; RAW 264.7 Cells; Receptors, CCR3; RNA, Messenger

Intestinal multidrug resistance-associated protein 2 is an ABC transporter that limits the absorption of xenobiotics ingested orally, thus acting as essential component of the intestinal biochemical barrier. Metabolic Syndrome (MetS) is a pathological condition characterized by dyslipidemia, hyperinsulinemia, insulin resistance, chronic inflammation, and oxidative stress (OS). In a previous study we demonstrated that MetS-like conditions induced by fructose in drinking water (10% v/v, during 21 days), significantly reduced the expression and activity of intestinal Mrp2 in rats. We here evaluated the potential beneficial effect of geraniol or vitamin C supplementation, natural compounds with anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant properties, in reverse fructose-induced Mrp2 alterations. After MetS-like conditions were induced (21 days), animals were cotreated with geraniol or vitamin C or vehicle for another 14 days. Decreased expression of Mrp2 protein and mRNA due to fructose administration was reversed by geraniol and by vitamin C, consistent with restoration of Mrp2 activity evaluated in everted intestinal sacs. Concomitantly, increased intestinal IL-1β and IL-6 levels induced by fructose were totally and partially counterbalanced, respectively, by geraniol administration. The intestinal redox unbalance generated by fructose was improved by geraniol and vitamin C, as evidenced by decreasing lipid peroxidation products and activity of Superoxide Dismutase and by normalizing glutathione reduced/oxidized glutathione ratio. The restoration effects exhibited by geraniol and vitamin C suggest that local inflammatory response and OS generated under MetS-like conditions represent important mediators of the intestinal Mrp2 down-regulation. Additionally, both agents could be considered of potential therapeutic value to preserve Mrp2 function under MetS conditions.

Topics: Acyclic Monoterpenes; Animals; Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal; Antioxidants; Ascorbic Acid; ATP-Binding Cassette Transporters; Body Weight; Down-Regulation; Eating; Fructose; Glucose; Inflammation; Insulin Resistance; Intestinal Mucosa; Male; Oxidative Stress; Rats, Wistar; Triglycerides

Topics: Animals; Antioxidants; Ascorbic Acid; Body Weight; Carbon Tetrachloride; Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid; Fruit and Vegetable Juices; Liver; Male; Oxidative Stress; Phenols; Rats; Rats, Wistar; Superoxide Dismutase; Vitis

Alpha-tocopherol-selenium (ATS) and ascorbic acid (AA) are the potent antioxidants. The present study investigated whether supplementation of ATS and AA in periparturient sows has positive effects on amelioration of oxidative stress, serum immunoglobulin G (IgG), lipid profile and sows performance. For this, twenty-four pregnant multiparous sows (landrace×indigenous) were randomly distributed into four groups (6 sows per group) 20 days before expected date of farrowing as Control (basal diet); ATS (basal diet + ATS); AA (basal diet + AA) and ATS-AA (basal diet + ATS plus AA). The results of the study revealed that the concentrations of triglyceride and cholesterol significantly reduced from day -7 to day 7 of farrowing irrespective of supplementations to sows, but the leptin concentration significantly reduced on day 7 of farrowing in ATS-AA supplemented sows (p<0.05). Moreover, sows of supplemented groups experienced decreased oxidative stress and cortisol level than control sows. The serum IgG concentration was significantly increased on day 7 post-farrowing in ATS group but it was much earlier on day 2 of farrowing in ATS-AA group (p<0.001). Supplementing sows with ATS and/or AA did not influence significantly the birth weight, weaning weight and litter size at weaning (p>0.05). Although piglet survival rate was not affected significantly by supplementation, however, piglet mortality rate was lowest in ATS-AA than any other groups. It was concluded that supplementation of ATS and/or AA to sows during late gestating and early lactating period ameliorated oxidative stress, improved lipid profile and serum IgG level without influencing reproductive performance.

Topics: alpha-Tocopherol; Animal Feed; Animals; Animals, Newborn; Ascorbic Acid; Blood Cell Count; Body Weight; Diet; Dietary Supplements; Female; Lactation; Leptin; Lipid Metabolism; Litter Size; Longevity; Oxidative Stress; Pregnancy; Selenium; Sus scrofa

Ascorbic acid has been reported to have an adipogenic effect on 3T3-L1 preadipocytes, while evidence also suggests that ascorbic acid reduces body weight in humans. In this study, we tested the effects of ascorbic acid on adipogenesis and the balance of lipid accumulation in ovariectomized rats, in addition to long-term culture of differentiated 3T3-L1 adipocytes.. Murine 3T3-L1 fibroblasts and ovariectomized rats were treated with ascorbic acid at various time points. In vitro adipogenesis was analyzed by Oil Red O staining, and in vivo body fat was measured by a body composition analyzer using nuclear magnetic resonance.. When ascorbic acid was applied during an early time point in 3T3-L1 preadipocyte differentiation and after bilateral ovariectomy (OVX) in rats, adipogenesis and fat mass gain significantly increased, respectively. However, lipid accumulation in well-differentiated 3T3-L1 adipocytes showed a significant reduction when ascorbic acid was applied after differentiation (10 days after induction). Also, oral ascorbic acid administration 4 weeks after OVX in rats significantly reduced both body weight and subcutaneous fat layer. In comparison to the results of ascorbic acid, which is a well-known cofactor for an enzyme of collagen synthesis, and the antioxidant ramalin, a potent antioxidant but not a cofactor, showed only a lipolytic effect in well-differentiated 3T3-L1 adipocytes, not an adipogenic effect.. Taking these results into account, we concluded that ascorbic acid has both an adipogenic effect as a cofactor of an enzymatic process and a lipolytic effect as an antioxidant.

Topics: 3T3-L1 Cells; Adipocytes; Adipogenesis; Animals; Antioxidants; Ascorbic Acid; Body Composition; Body Weight; Cell Differentiation; Female; Fibroblasts; Lipolysis; Mice; Ovariectomy; Rats, Sprague-Dawley

Cisplatin (CIS) is an effective antitumor drug. However, its clinical use is limited due to nephrotoxicity. l-Carnitine and vitamin C are both natural antioxidant that can be obtained from diets. This study investigated the effects of l-carnitine and/or vitamin C in rats against cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity.. Twenty-five male Wistar rats were divided into 5 groups of 5 rats each. Group 1, normal control. Group 2, positive control, received cisplatin (10 mg/kg/day intraperitoneally [i.p.]) for 3 days. Groups 3, 4, and 5 received cisplatin for 3 days and thereafter l-carnitine (50 mg/kg/day), vitamin C (100 mg/kg/day), or their combination, respectively, for 28 days. At the end of the study, a biochemical study was carried out in which nephrotoxicity markers, electrolytes, hematological indices, oxidative stress biomarkers, and renal histopathological alterations were evaluated.. CIS-treated rats developed significant polyuria, increase in the plasma levels of creatinine, urea, and inorganic phosphate (P. l-Carnitine and vitamin C administration ameliorated CIS-induced nephrotoxicity due to their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects.

Topics: Acute Kidney Injury; Animals; Antioxidants; Ascorbic Acid; Biomarkers; Body Weight; Carnitine; Cisplatin; Creatinine; Electrolytes; Kidney; Male; Oxidative Stress; Rats; Rats, Wistar; Urea

Although cisplatin is a potent anticancer drug, it instigates oxidative and pro-inflammatory reactions that pose significant and distressing clinical symptoms. Therefore, this study investigated the effects of vitamin C and (or) l-carnitine on cisplatin-induced gastric mucosa damage in rat. The rats were allocated into 6 groups (n = 5). The control group received distilled water, while the treatment groups received cisplatin alone (CIP), or cisplatin with vitamin C, l-carnitine, or their combination. Cisplatin caused disruption of the gastric mucosa histoarchitecture and altered the mucus barrier function. Moreover, the stomach tissue of the CIP-treated group showed increased levels of oxidative stress markers (malondialdehyde and H

Topics: Animals; Antioxidants; Ascorbic Acid; Biomarkers; Body Weight; Carnitine; Cell Count; Cisplatin; Cytokines; Feeding Behavior; Gastric Mucosa; Hydrogen Peroxide; Inflammation; Inflammation Mediators; Male; Malondialdehyde; Mucus; Nitric Oxide Synthase; Oxidants; Peroxidase; Rats, Wistar

Obesity during childhood and adolescence is closely related to dysfunctions on lipid profile in children. Rosuvastatin is a statin that decreases serum total cholesterol. Ascorbic acid is an important antioxidant compound for male reproduction. Pre-pubertal male rats were distributed into six experimental groups that received saline solution 0.9% (vehicle), 3 or 10 mg/kg/day of rosuvastatin, 150 mg/day of ascorbic acid, or 3 or 10 mg/kg/day of rosuvastatin co-administered with 150 mg/day of ascorbic acid by gavage from post-natal day (PND)23 until PND53. Rats were maintained until adulthood and mated with nulliparous females to obtain the male offspring, whose animals were evaluated at adulthood in relation to reproductive parameters. This study is a follow up of a previous paper addressing potential effects on F0 generation only (Leite et al., 2017). Male offspring from rosuvastatin-exposed groups showed increased sperm DNA fragmentation, androgen depletion and impairment on the testicular and epididymal structure. Ascorbic acid coadministered to the fathers ameliorated the reproductive damage in the offspring. In summary, paternal exposure to rosuvastatin may affect the reproduction in the male offspring; however, paternal supplementation with ascorbic acid was able to reduce the reproductive impairment in the male offspring caused by statin treatment to the fathers.

Topics: Animals; Ascorbic Acid; Body Weight; Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; Epididymis; Female; Hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA Reductase Inhibitors; In Situ Nick-End Labeling; Male; Organ Size; Paternal Exposure; Pregnancy; Prenatal Exposure Delayed Effects; Rats, Wistar; Reproduction; Rosuvastatin Calcium; Sexual Behavior, Animal; Sexual Maturation; Sperm Count; Spermatogenesis; Spermatozoa; Testis

An in vivo study was performed to assay the effects of ivermectin on adult male Wistar rats. Twenty-five male Wistar rats aged 6 to 8 weeks and weighing 150-250 g were divided into five groups of five animals each for the purpose of this study. The groups received ivermectin; a mixture of ivermectin and vitamin A; a mixture of ivermectin and vitamin C; and a mixture of ivermectin, vitamin A, and vitamin C, respectively. One group served as the control group and was treated with double-distilled water. The treatment was carried out once a week for 3 weeks. The results of the study revealed that the animals were less affected as detected by slight changes in the body weight, stress oxidative parameters, serum levels of liver enzymes, kidney function indexes, cell blood counts, and sperm analysis upon exposure to ivermectin. Nevertheless, the use of vitamins A and C might have a promising effect against oxidant-antioxidant imbalance. Although, the administration of free ivermectin has fewer reactions on mammals, use of the drug supplemented with antioxidants such as vitamins A and C moderates its effects.

Topics: Administration, Oral; Animals; Antioxidants; Antiparasitic Agents; Ascorbic Acid; Body Weight; Dietary Supplements; Enzymes; Ivermectin; Kidney Function Tests; Lipid Peroxidation; Male; Malondialdehyde; Oxidative Stress; Rats, Wistar; Spermatozoa; Vitamin A

Drugs currently used for the treatment of Chagas' disease, nifurtimox and benznidazole, have a limited effectiveness and toxic side effects. With the aim of finding new therapeutic approaches, in vitro and in vivo anti-Trypanosoma cruzi activity of vitamin C alone and combined with benznidazole were investigated.. The trypanocidal activity on epimastigote and trypomastigote forms was evaluated by counting parasites in a Neubauer chamber after treatment with the compounds. For the amastigote stage, transgenic parasites expressing β-galactosidase were used and quantified by measuring the β-galactosidase activity. The cytotoxicity of compounds was tested on Vero cells. The redox state of the parasite was evaluated by determining the reduced thiol levels (spectrophotometric assay) and the intracellular oxidative state (by flow cytometry). The in vivo trypanocidal activity was evaluated on a murine model of Chagas' disease. The trypanocidal activity of vitamin C and benznidazole was similar for the three parasite forms. When combining both drugs, vitamin C did not induce any change in the antiparasitic activity of benznidazole on trypomastigotes; however, on mammal cells, vitamin C diminished the cytotoxicity degree of benznidazole. Two mechanisms of action may be postulated for vitamin C: a lethal pro-oxidant effect on the parasite when used alone, and an antioxidant effect, when combined with benznidazole. A similar behavior was observed on infected mice; i.e., parasite counts in infected mice treated with vitamin C were lower than that of the control group. Animals treated with benznidazole presented lower parasitemia levels, as compared with those treated with vitamin C alone. Again, vitamin C did not cause any effect on the antiparasitic profile of benznidazole. Even though a combined treatment was employed, the antioxidant effect of vitamin C on the host was evidenced; a 100% survival was observed and the weight loss occurring during the acute phase of the infection was reduced.. Based on these results, the combination of vitamin C with benznidazole could be considered as an alternative treatment for Chagas' disease. These preliminary results encourage further research to improve the treatment of Chagas' disease.

Topics: Animals; Ascorbic Acid; Body Weight; Chagas Disease; Chlorocebus aethiops; Disease Models, Animal; Drug Interactions; Drug Therapy, Combination; Female; Mice, Inbred C3H; Nitroimidazoles; Parasite Load; Parasitemia; Survival Analysis; Treatment Outcome; Trypanocidal Agents; Trypanosoma cruzi; Vero Cells

Iron is essential for providing oxygen to working muscles during exercise, and iron deficiency leads to decreased exercise capacity during endurance events. However, the mechanism of iron deficiency among endurance athletes remains unclear. In this study, we compared iron status between two periods involving different training regimens. Sixteen female long-distance runners participated. Over a seven-month period, fasting blood samples were collected during their regular training period (LOW; middle of February) and during an intensified training period (INT; late of August) to determine blood hematological, iron, and inflammatory parameters. Three-day food diaries were also assessed. Body weight and lean body mass did not differ significantly between LOW and INT, while body fat and body fat percentage were significantly lower in INT (

Topics: Adiposity; Ascorbic Acid; Athletes; Body Composition; Body Mass Index; Body Weight; Diet; Dietary Carbohydrates; Dietary Fats; Dietary Proteins; Female; Ferritins; Hemoglobins; Hepcidins; Humans; Iron; Iron, Dietary; Japan; Nutrition Assessment; Nutritional Status; Physical Endurance; Running; Seasons; Sports Nutritional Physiological Phenomena; Young Adult

Hyperoxaluria and oxidative stress are risk factors in calcium oxalate (CaOx) stone formation. Supplement with antioxidant could be effective in prevention of recurrent stone formation. The present study aims to evaluate the protective effects of vitamin E and vitamin C in hyperoxaluric rat. The experiment was performed in rats for 21 days. Rats were divided into 5 groups as follows: control (group 1, n=8), hyperoxaluric rats (group 2, n=8), hyperoxaluric rats with vitamin E supplement (group 3, n=7), hyperoxaluric rats with vitamin C supplement (group 4, n=7) and hyperoxaluric rats with vitamin E and C supplement (group 5, n=7). Hyperoxaluria was induced by feeding hydroxyl L-proline (HLP) 2% w/v dissolved in drinking water. Intraperitoneal 200 mg/kg of vitamin E was given in groups 3 and 5 on days 1, 6, 11 and 16, while 500 mg of vitamin C was injected intravenously in groups 4 and 5 on days 1 and 11. Renal functions and oxidative status were measured. The urinary oxalate excretion was increased in HLP supplement rats, while glomerular filtration rate, proximal water and sodium reabsorption were significantly lower in group 2 compared with a control (P<0.05). Giving antioxidants significantly lower urinary calcium oxalate crystals (P<0.05). Hyperoxaluric rats had higher plasma malondialdehyde (PMDA) and lower urinary total antioxidant status (UTAS), which were alleviated by vitamin E and/or vitamin C supplement. In conclusion, giving combination of vitamin E and vitamin C exerts a protective role against HLP-induced oxalate nephropathy.

Topics: Animals; Antioxidants; Ascorbic Acid; Body Weight; Citrates; Drinking; Drug Therapy, Combination; Eating; Electrolytes; Hemodynamics; Hyperoxaluria; Kidney; Kidney Calculi; Kidney Glomerulus; Male; Oxalates; Protective Agents; Rats; Rats, Sprague-Dawley; Vitamin E

Senescence marker protein-30 (SMP30) decreases androgen-independently with aging and is a lactone-hydrolyzing enzyme gluconolactonase (GNL) that is involved in vitamin C biosynthesis. In the present study, bone properties of SMP30/GNL knockout (KO) mice with deficiency in vitamin C synthesis were investigated to reveal the effects of SMP30/GNL and exogenous vitamin C supplementation on bone formation. Mineral content (BMC) and mineral density (BMD) of the mandible and femur of SMP30/GNL KO and wild-type mice at 2 and 3 months of age with or without vitamin C supplementation were measured by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. Body and bone weight of both age groups decreased and became significantly lower than those of wild-type mice. The bones of SMP30/GNL KO mice were rough and porous, with BMC and BMD significantly below wild-type. Oral supplementation with vitamin C eliminated differences in body weight, bone weight, BMC, and BMD between SMP30/GNL KO and wild-type mice at each age. These results indicate that bone degeneration in SMP30/GNL KO mice was caused by lack of vitamin C, and that this mouse strain is an appropriate model for bone metabolism in humans, which have no ability to synthesize vitamin C.

Topics: Absorptiometry, Photon; Aging; Animals; Ascorbic Acid; Ascorbic Acid Deficiency; Body Weight; Bone Density; Bone Diseases, Metabolic; Calcium-Binding Proteins; Carboxylic Ester Hydrolases; Dietary Supplements; Disease Models, Animal; Female; Femur; Intracellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins; Male; Mandible; Mice, Inbred C57BL; Mice, Knockout; Osteoporosis

Chronic consumption of a diet enriched with nutritional precursors of phospholipids, including uridine and the polyunsaturated fatty acids, docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), was shown previously to enhance levels of brain phospholipids and synaptic proteins in rodents. Vitamin C, vitamin E, and selenium may directly affect the breakdown or synthesis of membrane phospholipids. The present study investigated the necessity of antioxidants for the effectiveness of supplementation with uridine plus DHA and EPA (as fish oil) in rats. Rats were randomized to four treatment groups and received, for 6 weeks, one of four experimental diets, i.e., a diet low in antioxidants, a diet high in antioxidants, a diet low in antioxidants supplemented with DHA+EPA+uridine, or a diet high in antioxidants supplemented with DHA+EPA+uridine. On completion of dietary treatment, rats were sacrificed, and brain levels of phospholipids, synaptic proteins, and two enzymes involved in phospholipid synthesis (choline-phosphate cytidylyltransferase, PCYT1A, and choline/ethanolamine phosphotransferase, CEPT1) were analyzed. Levels of phospholipids, the pre- and post-synaptic proteins Synapsin-1 and PSD95, and the enzymes PCYT1A and CEPT1 were significantly enhanced by combined supplementation of DHA+EPA+uridine and antioxidants and not enhanced by supplementation of DHA+EPA+uridine with insufficient antioxidant levels. Our data suggest that dietary vitamin C, vitamin E, and selenium are essential for the phospholipid precursors' effects on increasing levels of membrane phospholipids and synaptic proteins, the indirect indicators of synaptogenesis. Their concomitant supply may be relevant in Alzheimer's disease patients, because the disease is characterized by synapse loss and lower plasma and brain levels of phospholipid precursors and antioxidants.

Topics: Animals; Ascorbic Acid; Body Weight; Brain; Dietary Supplements; Docosahexaenoic Acids; Eating; Eicosapentaenoic Acid; Fatty Acids; Food, Formulated; Male; Malondialdehyde; Phospholipids; Random Allocation; Rats; Rats, Wistar; Selenium; Signal Transduction; Synapses; Vitamin E

The green synthesis of tin oxide nanoparticles (SnO

Topics: Animals; Animals, Newborn; Antioxidants; Ascorbic Acid; Body Weight; Female; Green Chemistry Technology; Male; Metal Nanoparticles; Microscopy, Electron, Transmission; Rats, Sprague-Dawley; Spectroscopy, Fourier Transform Infrared; Tin Compounds

Liver inflammation may induce fibrogenesis, cirrhosis and portal hypertension. Liver cirrhosis is characterized by increased intrahepatic resistance and enhanced vasoconstrictive response. The splanchnic vasodilatation, angiogenesis and portosystemic collaterals formation further bring about lethal complications. Ascorbate is a potent antioxidant with anti-inflammation, anti-fibrosis, and anti-angiogenesis effects. However, the relevant influences in chronic liver injury have not been sufficiently explored.. Chronic liver injury was induced in Spraque-Dawley rats with common bile duct ligation (BDL). Ascorbate (250 mg/kg/day, oral gavage) or vehicle was administered starting on the 1st day after operation. On the 8th (hepatitis) and 29th (cirrhosis) day, serum biochemistry parameters, hepatic concentrations of lipid peroxidation-related substances, protein expressions of α-SMA, TGF-β, iNOS, eNOS, p-eNOS-Ser1177, p-eNOS-Thr496, VEGF, VEGFR2, p-VEGFR2, and liver histology were evaluated. In three series of paralleled groups, rats treated with 28-day ascorbate or vehicle received hemodynamic measurements, hepatic and collateral vasoresponsiveness perfusion experiments, mesenteric CD31 immunofluorescence staining, and Western blot analyses of mesenteric VEGF, VEGFR2, pVEGFR2, PDGF, PDGFβ, COX1, COX2, eNOS, p-eNOS-Thr495, p-eNOS-Ser1177 protein expressions. In another series, the severity of portosystemic shunting was evaluated.. Ascorbate did not influence hepatitis, oxidative stress, fibrosis, and hemodynamic parameters in BDL rats. The intrahepatic and collateral vasoresponsiveness were not affected, either from direct incubation or acute treatment with ascorbate. Furthermore, the mesenteric angiogenesis and severity of shunting were not influenced.. The oxidative stress, fibrosis, hemodynamic derangements, angiogenesis and vascular functional changes in BDL-induced chronic liver injury may be too overwhelming to be modulated by ascorbate.

Topics: Animals; Ascorbic Acid; Bile Ducts; Body Weight; Hydroxyproline; Ligation; Liver Cirrhosis, Experimental; Lung Injury; Male; Mesentery; Oxidative Stress; Portasystemic Shunt, Surgical; Rats; Rats, Sprague-Dawley; Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is the third leading cause of death in the US and its impact continues to increase in women. Oxidant insults during critical periods of early life appear to increase risk of COPD through-out the life course. To better understand susceptibility to early life exposure to oxidant air pollutants we used Fisher (F344), Sprague-Dawley (SD) and Wistar (WIS) male and female neonatal rat pups to assess: (A) if strain (i.e. genetics), sex, or stage of early life development affected baseline lung antioxidant or redox enzyme levels and (B) if these same factors modulated antioxidant responsiveness to acute ozone exposure (1 ppm × 2 h) on post-natal day (PND) 14, 21, or 28. In air-exposed pups from PND14-28, some parameters were unchanged (e.g. uric acid), some decreased (e.g. superoxide dismutase), while others increased (e.g. glutathione recycling enzymes) especially post-weaning. Lung total glutathione levels decreased in F344 and SD pups, but were relatively unchanged in WIS pups. Post-ozone exposure, data suggest that: (1) the youngest (PND14) pups were the most adversely affected; (2) neonatal SD and WIS pups, especially females, were more prone to ozone effects than males of the same age and (3) F344 neonates (females and males) were less susceptible to oxidative lung insult, not unlike F344 adults. Differences in antioxidant levels and responsiveness between sexes and strains and at different periods of development may provide a basis for assessing later life health outcomes - with implications for humans with analogous genetic or dietary-based lung antioxidant deficits.

Topics: Aging; Air Pollutants; Animals; Animals, Newborn; Ascorbic Acid; Body Weight; Female; Glutathione; Lung; Male; Organ Size; Ozone; Rats, Inbred F344; Rats, Sprague-Dawley; Rats, Wistar; Sex Characteristics; Species Specificity; Uric Acid

Fenitrothion is widely used organophosphate pesticide in agriculture and health programs, but besides, it causes several toxic effects. The present study was designed to evaluate the possible protective effects of selenium (0.5mg/kg b.w.) and vitamin C (100mg/kg b.w) on altered haematological, biochemical and oxidative stress parameters in the blood of rats orally treated with fenitrothion (20mg/kg b.w) for 30days. Fenitrothion caused changes in body weight, food and water intake, and some haematological and biochemical parameters. Fenitrothion altered the glutathione redox status (GSH and GSSG) and decreased activity of antioxidant enzymes (GSH-Px, GST, SOD and CAT), leading to a lipid peroxidation. Selenium and vitamin C, by improving the activity of antioxidants, reduced oxidative stress and a lipid peroxidation, maintaining the values of examined parameters to optimal levels. Therefore, selenium and vitamin C could be useful in providing protection of exposed non-target organisms including people from fenitrothion.

Topics: Administration, Oral; Animals; Antioxidants; Ascorbic Acid; Blood; Body Weight; Drinking; Eating; Fenitrothion; Glutathione; Insecticides; Lipid Peroxidation; Male; Oxidation-Reduction; Rats; Rats, Wistar; Selenium

To investigate the effects of vitamin C and E on electrolyte profile and the activity of acetylcholinesterase (AChE) in Aluminium (Al) chloride exposed rats, thirty-six male rats were used for this study. The animals were randomly grouped into six (n=6); group I (Control) was given normal saline. Group II (Al only) was exposed to 20mg/kg body weight (BW) of Al. Groups III (Vitamin C only) and IV (Vitamin E only) were administered 200mg/kg BW of vitamin C and vitamin E respectively. Groups V (Al + Vit C) and VI (Al + Vit E) were exposed to 20mg/kg Al and were treated with 200mg/kg vitamin C and vitamin E respectively. Al exposure resulted in a significant (P<0.05) increase in plasma calcium and erythrocyte magnesium concentrations compared with control. The erythrocyte sodium concentration of group treated with Al alone was significantly (P<0.05) higher by 2.01folds than the control group. While the two vitamins were unable to correct the disruption in calcium homeostasis, they ameliorated the intracellular levels of sodium and magnesium ions. A reduction in the activity of AChE (1378.90±130.02U/L)was observed in erythrocyte of the group exposed to Al when compared to the control (1968.80±283.72U/L). Treatment with vitamins C and E further inhibited erythrocyte AChE activity by 34% and 39% respectively compared to a 30% inhibition by Al only. Positive associations were observed between erythrocyte magnesium and blood sodium, and plasma calcium and erythrocyte sodium levels. Negative associations were however observed between plasma AChE activity and erythrocyte sodium and magnesium levels. In conclusion, vitamins C and E ameliorated ionoregulatory disruptions caused by sub-acute aluminium on only erythrocyte sodium and magnesium levels but not on plasma calcium level and erythrocyte acetylcholinesterase activity.

Topics: Acetylcholinesterase; Aluminum; Animals; Antioxidants; Ascorbic Acid; Body Weight; Erythrocytes; Male; Rats; Vitamin E

A poor early life nutrition environment is well established to result in a range of cardiometabolic disorders in offspring in later life. These effects can be exacerbated via exposure to an obesogenic dietary environment. To date, the effect of maternal diet and/or a post-natal obesogenic nutritional environment on key characteristics related to lens growth and oxidative stress has not been undertaken. The present study, therefore, examined the characteristics and oxidative status of the lens.. Using a model of moderate maternal under-nutrition, rat dams were fed either a control diet (100% ad libitum, CON) or undernourished throughout pregnancy (50% of ad libitum intake, UN) and offspring fed either a control (5% fat, C) or high fat (30% fat, HF) diet post-weaning, resulting in four nutritional groups; CON-C, CON-HF, UN-C, and UN-HF. Offspring lenses were extracted at 160 days of age, weighed, imaged under dark and bright field microscopy, and then dissected into cortical and core fractions for biochemical analyses of oxidative stress markers.. Our findings reveal that lenses from all groups were transparent. However, gender specific changes were evident at the biochemical level with increased oxidative stress detected in the cortex and core of female but not male UN-C lenses, and in the cortex of male but not female CON-HF lenses. The greatest increase in oxidative stress was detected in the UN-HF group in the cortex and core regions of the lens and for both genders.. These findings show that oxidative stress is exacerbated in the lens as a result of a combination of altered pre-natal and post-natal diet. This demonstrates a novel interaction between the two developmental windows and warrants further investigations toward devising appropriate nutritional strategies for minimizing oxidative stress in the lens.

Topics: Adiposity; Animals; Ascorbic Acid; Biomarkers; Blood Glucose; Body Weight; Diet, High-Fat; Female; Glutathione; Insulin; Lens Diseases; Lens, Crystalline; Leptin; Male; Malnutrition; Maternal Nutritional Physiological Phenomena; Obesity; Oxidative Stress; Pregnancy; Rats; Rats, Sprague-Dawley; Vitamin E

Acerola (Malpighia emarginata DC.) is a fruit that is known to contain high amounts of ascorbic acid (AA) and various phytochemicals. We have previously reported that AA deficiency leads to ultraviolet B (UVB)-induced skin pigmentation in senescence marker protein 30 (SMP30)/gluconolactonase (GNL) knockout (KO) hairless mice. The present study was undertaken to investigate the effects of acerola juice (AJ) intake on the skin of UVB-irradiated SMP30/GNL KO mice.. Five-week old hairless mice were given drinking water containing physiologically sufficient AA (1.5 g/L) [AA (+)], no AA [AA (-)] or 1.67% acerola juice [AJ]. All mice were exposed to UVB irradiation for 6 weeks. UVB irradiation was performed three times per week. The dorsal skin color and stratum corneum water content were measured every weekly, and finally, the AA contents of the skin was determined. The skin AA and stratum corneum water content was similar between the AA (+) and AJ groups. The L* value of the AA (+) group was significantly decreased by UVB irradiation, whereas AJ intake suppressed the decrease in the L* value throughout the experiment. Moreover, in the AJ group, there was a significant decrease in the expression level of dopachrome tautomerase, an enzyme that is involved in melanin biosynthesis.. These results indicate that AJ intake is effective in suppressing UVB-induced skin pigmentation by inhibiting melanogenesis-related genes.

Topics: Animals; Ascorbic Acid; Body Water; Body Weight; Gene Expression; Malpighiaceae; Mice; Mice, Hairless; Mice, Knockout; Plant Extracts; Skin; Skin Pigmentation; Ultraviolet Rays

The present study aimed to examine the association between different breakfast consumption patterns and vitamin intakes and blood vitamin concentrations in European adolescents.. Breakfast consumption was assessed by a questionnaire. Vitamin intake was calculated from two 24 h recalls. Blood vitamin and total homocysteine (tHcy) concentrations were analysed from fasting blood samples.. The European Commission-funded HELENA (Healthy Lifestyle in Europe by Nutrition in Adolescence) Study.. Participants were 1058 (52·8 % females) European adolescents (aged 12·5-17·5 years) from ten cities.. Lower vitamin D and vitamin C concentrations were observed in male and female breakfast skippers than in consumers (P<0·05). Female breakfast consumers presented higher holo-transcobalamin and lower tHcy (P<0·05), while males had higher cobalamin concentrations, compared with skippers (P<0·05). Higher vitamin D and total folate intakes were observed in adolescents who consumed breakfast compared with skippers (P<0·05). Likewise, female consumers had higher intakes of vitamin B6 and vitamin E than occasional consumers (P<0·05).. Regular breakfast consumption is associated with higher blood vitamin D and cobalamin concentrations in males and with higher vitamin D and holo-transcobalamin and lower tHcy concentrations in females. Moreover, breakfast consumption is associated with high intakes of vitamin D and total folate in both sexes, and with high intakes of vitamin B6 and vitamin E in females.

Topics: Adolescent; Ascorbic Acid; Body Composition; Body Mass Index; Body Weight; Breakfast; Child; Cross-Sectional Studies; Diet; Female; Folic Acid; Health Behavior; Healthy Lifestyle; Homocysteine; Humans; Male; Mental Recall; Nutrition Assessment; Nutritional Status; Socioeconomic Factors; Specimen Handling; Surveys and Questionnaires; Transcobalamins; Vitamin B 12; Vitamin D; Vitamins

In the present investigation, hepatic oxidative stress induced by fipronil was evaluated in male mice. We also investigated whether pretreatment with antioxidant vitamins E and C could protect mice against these effects. Several studies conducted in cell lines have shown fipronil as a potent oxidant; however, no information is available regarding its oxidative stress inducing potential in an animal model. Out of 8 mice groups, fipronil was administered to three groups at low, medium, and high dose based on its oral LD50 (2.5, 5, and 10 mg/kg). All three doses of fipronil caused a significant increase in the serum aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) level with concomitant increase in the absolute and relative weight of liver. High dose of fipronil caused significant down-regulation in the hepatic mRNA expression of superoxide dismutase 1 (SOD1) and catalase (0.412 ± 0.01 and 0.376 ± 0.05-fold, respectively) as well as an increase in the lipid peroxidation (LPO). Also, decrease in the activity of antioxidant enzymes; SOD, catalase, and glutathione-S-transferase (GST) and the content of nonantioxidant enzymes; glutathione and total thiol were recorded. Histopathological examination of liver revealed dose dependant changes such as severe fatty degeneration and vacuolation leading to hepatocellular necrosis. Prior administration of vitamin E or vitamin C against fipronil high dose caused decrease in lipid peroxidation and increased activity of antioxidant enzymes. Severe reduction observed in functional activities of antioxidant enzymes was aptly substantiated by down-regulation seen in their relative mRNA expression. Thus results of the present study imply that liver is an important target organ for fipronil and similar to in vitro reports, it induces oxidative stress in the mice liver, which in turn could be responsible for its hepatotoxic nature. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Environ Toxicol 31: 1147-1158, 2016.

Topics: Alanine Transaminase; Animals; Antioxidants; Ascorbic Acid; Aspartate Aminotransferases; Body Weight; Catalase; Down-Regulation; Gene Expression; Glutathione; Glutathione Transferase; Lipid Peroxidation; Liver; Male; Mice; Oxidative Stress; Protective Agents; Pyrazoles; RNA, Messenger; Superoxide Dismutase-1; Vitamin E

Suboptimal intake of dietary vitamin C (ascorbate) increases the risk of several chronic diseases but the exact metabolic pathways affected are still unknown. In this study, we examined the metabolic profile of mice lacking the enzyme gulonolactone oxidase (Gulo) required for the biosynthesis of ascorbate. Gulo-/- mice were supplemented with 0%, 0.01%, and 0.4% ascorbate (w/v) in drinking water and serum was collected for metabolite measurements by targeted mass spectrometry. We also quantified 42 serum cytokines and examined the levels of different stress markers in liver. The metabolic profiles of Gulo-/- mice treated with ascorbate were different from untreated Gulo-/- and normal wild type mice. The cytokine profiles of Gulo-/-mice, in return, overlapped the profile of wild type animals upon 0.01% or 0.4% vitamin C supplementation. The life span of Gulo-/- mice increased with the amount of ascorbate in drinking water. It also correlated significantly with the ratios of serum arginine/lysine, tyrosine/phenylalanine, and the ratio of specific species of saturated/unsaturated phosphatidylcholines. Finally, levels of hepatic phosphorylated endoplasmic reticulum associated stress markers IRE1α and eIF2α correlated inversely with serum ascorbate and life span suggesting that vitamin C modulates endoplasmic reticulum stress response and longevity in Gulo-/- mice.

Topics: Amino Acids; Animals; Antioxidants; Ascorbic Acid; Ascorbic Acid Deficiency; Body Weight; Cytokines; DNA-Binding Proteins; Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress; Endoribonucleases; Hormones; L-Gulonolactone Oxidase; Longevity; Male; Membrane Lipids; Metabolome; Mice; Mice, Knockout; Mitochondria, Liver; Protein Serine-Threonine Kinases; Transcription Factors

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is one of the most important and prevalent diseases suffered by the elderly. Evidence exists that its onset and severity might be conditioned by antioxidant status. The aim of the present study was to investigate the relationship between antioxidant status and COPD in institutionalised elderly people. In all, 183 elderly people aged >65 years (twenty-one had COPD and 160 healthy controls) were studied. The subjects' diets were investigated via the use of precise individual weighing for 7 d. Body weight, height, and biceps and triceps skinfold thickness were measured, and body fat (kg) and BMI (kg/m2) were calculated. Serum retinol, α-tocopherol, β-carotene and vitamin C levels were determined. Subjects with COPD ate less fruits than healthy controls (117 (sd 52) v. 192 (sd 161) g/d), their coverage of the recommended intake of vitamin C was smaller (150 (sd 45) v. 191 (sd 88) %; note that both exceeded 100 %) and their diets had a lower antioxidant capacity (6558 (sd 2381) v. 9328 (sd 5367) mmol trolox equivalent/d). Those with COPD had lower serum vitamin C and α-tocopherol concentrations than healthy controls (32·4 (sd 15·3) v. 41·5 (sd 14·8) µmol/l and 12·1 (sd 3·2) v. 13·9 (sd 2·8) µmol/l, respectively). In addition, subjects with α-tocopherol <14·1µmol/l (50th percentile) were at 6·43 times greater risk of having COPD than those subjects with ≥14·1µmol/l (OR 6·43; 95 % CI 1·17, 35·24; P<0·05), taking sex, age, use of tobacco, body fat and vitamin E intake as covariables. Subjects with COPD had diets of poorer antioxidant quality, especially with respect to vitamins C and E, compared with healthy controls.

Topics: Aged; Aged, 80 and over; alpha-Tocopherol; Antioxidants; Ascorbic Acid; beta Carotene; Biomarkers; Body Mass Index; Body Weight; Case-Control Studies; Diet; Female; Fruit; Humans; Male; Pulmonary Disease, Chronic Obstructive; Vitamin E

A Japanese-style diet consists of meals that include grain (shushoku), fish and meat (shusai), and vegetable dishes (fukusai). Little is known about the association of such meals (designated well-balanced meals hereafter) with nutrient intake. We therefore examined the frequency of well-balanced meals required to prevent nutrient deficiency. Participants were Japanese people, ages 40 to 59 y, from Toyama, recruited for INTERMAP, in an international population-based study. Each person provided 4 in-depth 24-h dietary recalls (149 men, 150 women). The prevalence of risk ratios of not meeting the Dietary Reference Intakes for Japanese (2015) was calculated. Well-balanced diets were assessed by the Japanese Food Guide Spinning Top. We counted the frequencies of meals in which participants consumed 1.0 or more servings of all 3 dishes categories. We divided the frequency of consumption of well-balanced meals into the following 4 groups: <1.00 time/d, 1.00-1.49 times/d, 1.50-1.74 times/d, and ≥1.75 times/d. Compared with participants in the highest frequency group for well-balanced meals, those who consumed well-balanced meals less than once a day had a higher risk of not meeting the adequate intake for potassium and the recommended dietary allowance for vitamin A. Those who consumed well-balanced meals on average less than 1.50 times per day had a higher risk of not meeting the recommended dietary allowance for calcium and vitamin C. Our results suggest that individuals should on average consume well-balanced meals more than 1.5 times per day to prevent calcium and vitamin C deficiencies.

Topics: Adult; Animals; Ascorbic Acid; Ascorbic Acid Deficiency; Asian People; Body Mass Index; Body Weight; Calcium, Dietary; Diet, Healthy; Energy Intake; Female; Fishes; Humans; Japan; Male; Malnutrition; Meat; Mental Recall; Micronutrients; Middle Aged; Nutrition Assessment; Recommended Dietary Allowances; Seafood; Vegetables; Vitamin A; Vitamin A Deficiency; Whole Grains

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of supplementation with vitamin C on intestinal anastomosis healing in malnourished rats.. Male Wistar rats were divided into three groups: (1) sham, well-nourished rats that received vehicle; (2) FR+Veh, rats that were subjected to food restriction and received vehicle; and (3) FR+VC, rats that were subjected to food restriction and received vitamin C. Four days before surgery, the animals received vitamin C (100 mg/kg/day) via gavage and underwent colon resection with anastomosis in a single plane. The survival rate of rats was monitored until day 7 after surgery. Regarding anastomosis tissues, we examined intra-abdominal adhesion index, hydroxyproline content, collagen density, inflammatory parameters, and oxidative damage to proteins and lipids.. Malnutrition decreases body weight and increases mortality; the survival rate was 90 % in group 1, 60 % in group 2, and 80 % in group 3. Vitamin C was able to increase hydroxyproline concentration and density of collagen and decrease the intra-abdominal adhesion index, as well as the infiltration of neutrophils and oxidative damage to proteins in malnourished rats compared to group treated with vehicle.. Preoperative vitamin C supplementation can improve the intestinal anastomosis healing, biochemical alterations, and prolong survival in rats subjected to food restriction.

Topics: Anastomosis, Surgical; Animals; Ascorbic Acid; Body Weight; Collagen; Colon; Dietary Supplements; Hydroxyproline; Male; Malnutrition; Nitrates; Nitrites; Oxidative Stress; Peroxidase; Preoperative Care; Rats, Wistar; Rectum; Tissue Adhesions; Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha; Wound Healing

The role of endogenous vitamin C (VC) in emotion and psychiatric measures has long been uncertain. We aimed to investigate how an individual's VC status impacts his or her mental health. Our hypothesis is that body VC levels modulate anxiety, anorexia, and depressive phenotypes under the influence of psychosocial rearing environments and sex. The VC status of senescence marker protein-30/gluconolactonase knockout mice, which lack the ability to synthesize VC, were continuously shifted from adequate (VC+) to depleted (VC-) by providing a water with or without VC. Despite weight loss in both sexes, suppressed feeding was specifically seen in males only during the VC- phase. Anxiety responses in the novelty-suppressed feeding paradigm were worse during the VC-, especially in females. Sensitivity to the forced swim test as determined by the initial latency was significantly shorter in the socially stable animals compared with socially unstable animals during the VC+ condition. The stress coping underlying depressive phenotypes was assessed by immobility duration in a series of forced swim tests. No significant differences were apparent between contrasting VC status. Homeostatic symptoms following stressful behavioral tests consisted of a great loss of appetite during the VC-. It should be noted that anorexia is extremely serious for the females. We conclude that endogenous VC status is critical for determining vulnerability to anxiety and anorexia in a sex-specific manner.

Topics: Adaptation, Psychological; Animals; Anorexia; Anxiety; Ascorbic Acid; Ascorbic Acid Deficiency; Behavior, Animal; Body Weight; Calcium-Binding Proteins; Carboxylic Ester Hydrolases; Depression; Eating; Feeding Behavior; Female; Homeostasis; Intracellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins; Male; Mice, Knockout; Nutritional Status; Risk Factors; Sex Factors; Social Environment; Stress, Psychological; Swimming; Vitamins

Hypertension is a major risk factor for cardiovascular and cerebrovascular disease. Prenatal exposure to lipopolysaccharide (LPS) leads to hypertension in a rat offspring. However, the mechanism is still unclear. This study unraveled epigenetic mechanism for this and explored the protective effects of ascorbic acid against hypertension on prenatal inflammation-induced offspring. Prenatal LPS exposure resulted in an increase of intrarenal oxidative stress and enhanced angiotensin-converting enzyme 1 (ACE1) gene expression at the mRNA and protein levels in 6- and 12-week-old offspring, correlating with the augmentation of histone H3 acetylation (H3AC) on the ACE1 promoter. However, the prenatal ascorbic acid treatment decreased the LPS-induced expression of ACE1, protected against intrarenal oxidative stress, and reversed the altered histone modification on the ACE1 promoter, showing the protective effect in offspring of prenatal LPS stimulation. Our study demonstrates that ascorbic acid is able to prevent hypertension in offspring from prenatal inflammation exposure. Thus, ascorbic acid can be a new approach towards the prevention of fetal programming hypertension.

Topics: Acetylation; Animals; Antioxidants; Ascorbic Acid; Blood Pressure; Body Weight; CpG Islands; Epigenesis, Genetic; Female; Gene Expression Regulation, Developmental; Histones; Hypertension; Inflammation; Kidney; Lipopolysaccharides; Oxidative Stress; Peptidyl-Dipeptidase A; Pregnancy; Prenatal Exposure Delayed Effects; Promoter Regions, Genetic; Rats; Rats, Sprague-Dawley; Risk Factors; RNA, Messenger

This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of adding vitamin C (VC), oregano essential oil (OR), or their combination in diet, on growth performance, and blood parameters of broiler chicks reared under heat stress (HS) condition (38 °C). One-day-old 240 male broilers were randomly assigned to four treatment groups, six replicates of ten birds each. The birds were fed with either a basal diet or a basal diet supplemented with either 200 mg L-ascorbic acid/kg of diet, 250 mg of oregano essential oil/kg of diet, or 200 mg L-ascorbic acid plus 250 mg of oregano essential oil/kg of diet. Average daily feed intake (ADFI), average daily gain (ADG), and feed conversion ratio (FCR) were obtained for 42 days of age and at the end of the experiment (day 42); birds were bled to determine some blood parameters and weighted for final body weight (BW). Feeding birds with diets supplemented with oregano essential oil and vitamin C in a single or combined form increased ADG (P > 0.05). Also BW increased and feed efficiency decreased (P < 0.05) in the birds fed with diets including VC and OR (in a single or combined form), compared to those fed the basal diet. ADFI was not significantly influenced by dietary oregano essential oil and vitamin C (P > 0.05). Supplemental oregano essential oil and vitamin C in a combined form decreased the serum concentration of corticosterone, triglycerides, glucose, and MDA (P < 0.05) compared with other groups. An increase in the serum concentrations of vitamin C were seen in broiler chicks supplemented with vitamin C. From the results of the present experiment, it can be concluded that diet supplementation by combined oregano essential oil and vitamin C could have beneficial effects on some blood parameters of broiler chicks reared under heat stress condition.

Topics: Animals; Ascorbic Acid; Blood Glucose; Body Weight; Chickens; Corticosterone; Diet; Dietary Supplements; Eating; Hot Temperature; Male; Malondialdehyde; Oils, Volatile; Origanum; Triglycerides

In this study, we examined the relationship between sarcopenic obesity (SO) and nutrition status, according to sex in Korean adults who were 60 years or older. Body composition was categorized as SO, sarcopenic nonobesity, nonsarcopenic obesity, and nonsarcopenic nonobesity. Obesity was defined by body mass index. Sarcopenia was defined as an appendicular skeletal muscle mass divided by weight (Wt) of less than 1 SD below the sex-specific mean for young adults. Subjects included 1433 subjects (658 men and 775 women) who were 60 years or older and who participated in the fifth Korea National Health and Nutritional Examination Survey 2010. Sarcopenic obesity was more prevalent in women (31.3%) than in men (19.6%). Individuals with SO had significantly higher fasting insulin, homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (male: 3.2 ± 1.4, female: 3.4 ± 2.1), and triglycerides (male: 167.3 ± 90.6 mg/dL, female: 160.7 ± 85.0 mg/dL). High-density lipoprotein was under the normal criteria (50 mg/dL) in women. Intake of nutrients associated with muscle loss (protein, vitamin D, calcium, and vitamin C) was significantly different among the male but not the female groups. Although protein intake was normal, calcium and vitamin D intakes were insufficient in all groups. In conclusion, body composition changes were related to nutrient intakes in elderly (60 years or older) men but not elderly women. Women had a higher prevalence of SO than did men, suggesting that early nutritional intervention in elderly women may help them address age-associated body composition changes.

Topics: Adult; Aged; Ascorbic Acid; Asian People; Body Composition; Body Mass Index; Body Weight; Calcium, Dietary; Cholesterol, HDL; Dietary Proteins; Energy Intake; Female; Healthy Volunteers; Humans; Insulin; Insulin Resistance; Male; Middle Aged; Muscle, Skeletal; Nutrition Surveys; Nutritional Status; Obesity; Prevalence; Republic of Korea; Risk Factors; Sarcopenia; Triglycerides; Vitamin D; Young Adult

We investigated the effects of incubation temperatures and vitamin C injections into eggs (treatments: 37.5ºC, 39ºC, 39ºC+vitamin C) on resultant chick pectoralis major and sartorius muscle fiber hypertrophy, as well as their effects on the quality of breast and over-thigh meat of broilers reared under cold, control, or hot temperatures. Incubation at 39ºC increased the shear force and reduced meat redness in breast meat (P < 0.05). Vitamin C prevented these high temperature incubation effects [shear force (kgf cm(-2)): 37.5ºC = 2.34, 39ºC = 2.79, 39ºC+vitamin C = 2.44; redness: 37.5ºC = 2.64, 39ºC = 1.90, 39ºC+vitamin C = 2.30], but reduced water content (37.5ºC = 74.81%, 39ºC = 74.53%, 39ºC+vitamin C = 69.39%) (P < 0.05). Cold rearing temperatures increased breast meat redness (a*: cold = 2.78, control = 2.12, hot = 1.98), while hot rearing temperatures reduced the muscle fiber area (cold = 5.413 μm(2), control = 5.612 μm(2), hot = 4.448 μm(2)) (P < 0.05) without altering meat quality (P > 0.05). Hot rearing temperatures increased the cooking loss (cold = 30.10%, control = 33.66%, hot = 37.01%), shear force (cold = 3.05 kgf cm(-2), control = 3.43 kgf cm(-2), hot = 4.29 kgf cm(-2)) and redness (a*: cold = 4.63, control = 3.55, hot = 3.20) in the over-thigh meat of broilers from eggs incubated at 37.5ºC, increasing the area of muscle fibers, while cold rearing temperatures diminished cooking loss and shear force, reducing the muscle fiber area (P < 0.05). Incubation at 39ºC and 39ºC+vitamin C prevented the effects of hot and cold rearing temperatures, by diminishing and increasing the muscle fiber area, respectively.

Topics: Animal Feed; Animal Husbandry; Animal Nutritional Physiological Phenomena; Animals; Ascorbic Acid; Body Weight; Chickens; Cold Temperature; Diet; Eating; Hot Temperature; Meat; Ovum

A high-fat diet (HFD) promotes the oxidative stress formation, which in turn has hazardous effects on reproductive system and fertility. The present study examines the potential positive effects of a restricted high-fat diet (RHFD) and antioxidants consumption on sperm parameters and testis tissue in rats.. Male rats (n = 48) were divided into four groups (12 in each group): control group (Cont), HFD group, RHFD, and RHFD with astaxanthin and vitamins E and C group (RHFDA). After 12 weeks, serum analysis and sperm parameters study were performed. Sections of fixed testes were stained with Hematoxilin and Eosin to study the histological changes. A one-way ANOVA was used to compare the data.. HFD fed animals presented significant increase in weight load and serum low density lipoprotein (LDL-C) levels (P < 0.05). The sperm count in RHFD was lower than three other groups (P < 0.05) and sperm motility of RHFDA group was significantly higher than HFD and RHFD groups (P < 0.05). The histological study was showed a significant increase in spermatogonium number in RHFDA compared to three other groups (P < 0.05). The number of spermatocyte I and spermatid in RHFD was significantly (P < 0.05) lower than Cont and HFD groups.. HFD and obesity can affect sperm parameters and spermatogenesis and antioxidants consumption may improve their quality. Although the RHFD is a benefit way in weight loss and decrease of LDL-C of serum, but it is suggested that is not effective on sperm quality improvement.

Topics: Animals; Antioxidants; Ascorbic Acid; Body Weight; Caloric Restriction; Diet, High-Fat; Infertility, Male; Lipoproteins, LDL; Male; Obesity; Oxidative Stress; Rats; Rats, Wistar; Sperm Count; Sperm Motility; Spermatids; Spermatocytes; Vitamin E; Xanthophylls

The objective was to examine differential timing of vitamin C (VC) supplementation during the finishing period (for the first 56, 90, or 127 d) on performance, VC, and glutathione (GSH) concentrations and carcass traits of steers receiving a 0.31 or 0.59% S diet. Angus steers (n = 42) were stratified to pens by initial BW (304 ± 13 kg) and GeneMax marbling score (4.3 ± 0.12), and pens were randomly assigned to 1 of 7 treatments (6 steers/pen and 1 pen/treatment), including a high-S (HS; 0.59% S) control (HS CON), HS CON + 10 g VC∙steer(-1)∙d(-1) for the first 56 d of the finishing period, HS CON + 10 g VC∙steer(-1)∙d(-1) for the first 90 d of the finishing period, HS CON + 10 g VC∙steer(-1)∙d(-1) for the entire 127-d finishing period (HS VC127), low-S (LS; 0.31% S) diet + 10 g VC∙steer(-1)∙d(-1) for the first 56 d of the finishing period (LS VC56), LS diet + 10 g VC∙steer(-1)∙d(-1) for the first 90 d of the finishing period, or LS diet + 10 g VC∙steer(-1)∙d(-1) for the entire 127-d finishing period. Jugular blood and ultrasound measures were taken from all steers before feeding on d 0, 56, 90, and 127, and liver biopsies and ruminal hydrogen sulfide measurements were collected on d 121 or 122. Steers (n = 40) were harvested on d 127, and carcass data were collected. Data were analyzed by ANOVA as a completely randomized design with the fixed effect of treatment. Because individual intake data were collected, steer was the experimental unit. Final BW and ADG were greater (P ≤ 0.03) and DMI tended (P = 0.09) to be greater in the LS steers compared to HS steers, but G:F did not differ (P = 0.41) by treatment. A treatment × time effect (P = 0.04) for DMI was noted, likely due to lesser DMI between d 91 and 127 for all treatments except the HS VC127 and LS VC56. Plasma VC concentrations of LS steers were less (P = 0.05) than the HS steers. Total (P = 0.06) and reduced (P = 0.03) plasma GSH were greater in HS steers supplemented with VC than the HS CON, but liver GSH were not different due to S or VC (P ≥ 0.13). The ratio of oxidized to reduced liver GSH was greater (P < 0.01) in HS CON than HS steers supplemented with VC. Marbling score, LM area, KPH, and quality grade were not different (P ≥ 0.19) due to diet, but LS steers had greater (P = 0.05) back fat than HS steers. In conclusion, steers fed a HS diet had poorer live performance and unexpectedly greater plasma ascorbate concentrations than the LS-fed steers. Interestingly, increasing days of VC supplemen

Topics: Animal Feed; Animals; Antioxidants; Ascorbic Acid; Biopsy; Body Composition; Body Weight; Cattle; Diet; Dietary Supplements; Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; Glutathione; Liver; Male; Sulfur; Time Factors

An adequate vitamin intake is essential for a good nutritional status, especially in older women, who are more sensitive to nutritional deficiencies. The American, European and Italian Recommended Dietary Allowances (RDAs) derive mainly from studies on adults, and it is not clear whether they also apply to elderly people. Comparing the RDAs with the actual vitamin intake of a group of healthy older women could help to clarify the real needs of elderly people.. Our aim was to compare the American, European, and Italian RDAs with the actual vitamin intake of a group of healthy older women.. This was a cross-sectional study.. The study included 286 healthy women aged older than 65 years.. For each micronutrient, the 50th percentile of the distribution of its intake was considered as the average requirement, and the corresponding calculated RDA for our sample was the average requirement×1.2, as recommended by the US Food and Nutrition Board. This calculated RDA was then compared with the American, European, and Italian RDAs.. Student's t test or the Mann-Whitney test (after checking the normal distribution of the micronutrient) for continuous variables; the χ(2) test for categorical variables.. The calculated RDA were 2,230 μg retinol equivalents for vitamin A, 2.8 μg for vitamin B-12, 0.9 mg for thiamin, 1.4 mg for riboflavin, 3.6 mg for pantothenic acid, 1.4 mg for vitamin B-6, 320 μg for folic acid, and 115 mg for vitamin C.. Our findings suggest that the current RDAs are adequate for older women's intake of riboflavin, vitamin B-6, and folic acid, but should be raised for vitamin B-12 and for vitamin C.

Topics: Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Ascorbic Acid; Body Mass Index; Body Weight; Cross-Sectional Studies; Dietary Carbohydrates; Dietary Fats; Dietary Fiber; Dietary Proteins; Energy Intake; Female; Folic Acid; Humans; Micronutrients; Nutrition Assessment; Nutritional Status; Pantothenic Acid; Portion Size; Recommended Dietary Allowances; Riboflavin; Vitamin A; Vitamin B 12; Vitamin B 6

There is mounting evidence demonstrating causative links between hyperglycemia, oxidative stress, and insulin resistance, the core pathophysiological features of type 2 diabetes mellitus. Using a combinational approach, we synthesized a vanadium-antioxidant (i.e., l-ascorbic acid) complex and examined its effect on insulin resistance and oxidative stress. This study was designed to examine whether vanadyl(IV)-ascorbate complex (VOAsc) would reduce oxidative stress, hyperglycemia, and insulin resistance in high-fat high-sucrose diet (HFSD)-induced type 2 diabetes in mice. Male C57BL/6J mice were fed a HFSD for 12 weeks to induce insulin resistance, rendering them diabetic. Diabetic mice were treated with rosiglitazone, sodium l-ascorbate, or VOAsc. At the end of treatment, fasting blood glucose, fasting serum insulin, homeostasis model assessment-insulin resistance index, and serum adipocytokine levels were measured. Serum levels of nitric oxide (NO) parameters were also determined. The liver was isolated and used for determination of malondialdehyde, reduced glutathione, and catalase levels, and superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase activities. VOAsc groups exhibited significant reductions in serum adipocytokine and NO levels, and oxidative stress parameters compared to the corresponding values in the untreated diabetic mice. The results indicated that VOAsc is non-toxic. In conclusion, we identified VOAsc as a potentially effective adjunct therapy for the management of type 2 diabetes.

Topics: Adiponectin; Adipose Tissue; Animals; Ascorbic Acid; Blood Glucose; Body Weight; Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2; Diet, High-Fat; Feeding Behavior; Glucose Tolerance Test; Homeostasis; Hyperglycemia; Insulin; Insulin Resistance; Leptin; Liver; Male; Malondialdehyde; Mice, Inbred C57BL; Nitric Oxide; Organ Size; Oxidative Stress; Resistin; Sucrose; Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha; Vanadates

We examined nutrient transport in the intestines of mice exposed to chronic low-LET 137Cs gamma rays. The mice were whole-body irradiated for 3 days at dose rates of 0, 0.13 and 0.20 Gy/h, for total dose delivery of 0, 9.6 or 14.4 Gy, respectively. The mice were fed either a control diet or a diet supplemented with high levels of vitamins A, C and E. Our results showed that nutrient transport was perturbed by the chronic irradiation conditions. However, no apparent alteration of the macroscopic intestinal structures of the small intestine were observed up to day 10 after initiating irradiation. Jejunal fructose uptake measured in vitro was strongly affected by the chronic irradiation, whereas uptake of proline, carnosine and the bile acid taurocholate in the ileum was less affected. D-glucose transport did not appear to be inhibited significantly by either 9.6 or 14.4 Gy exposure. In the 14.4 Gy irradiated groups, the diet supplemented with high levels of vitamins A, C and E increased intestinal transport of fructose compared to the control diet (day 10; t test, P = 0.032), which correlated with elevated levels of vitamins A, C and E in the plasma and jejunal enterocytes. Our earlier studies with mice exposed acutely to 137Cs gamma rays demonstrated significant protection for transport of fructose, glucose, proline and carnosine. Taken together, these results suggest that high levels of vitamins A, C and E dietary supplements help preserve intestinal nutrient transport when intestines are irradiated chronically or acutely with low-LET gamma rays.

Topics: Animals; Ascorbic Acid; Biological Transport; Body Weight; Carbohydrate Metabolism; Dietary Supplements; Dose-Response Relationship, Radiation; Gamma Rays; Intestinal Absorption; Intestinal Mucosa; Intestine, Small; Linear Energy Transfer; Male; Mice; Organ Size; Radiation-Protective Agents; Time Factors; Vitamin A; Vitamin E; Vitamins

To examine the correlation between dietary vitamin C intake and Type 2 diabetes.
. A total of 5 168 participants from Xiangya Hospital, Central South University were randomly selected. According to the vitamin C intake, the participants were divided into 5 groups: a Q1 group (n=1 033), a Q2 group (n=1 034), a Q3 group (n=1 034), a Q4 group (n=1 034) and a Q5 group (n=1 033). They were also divided into a Type 2 diabetes group (n=502) and a non-diabetes group (n=4 666). The height, weight, and blood pressure were measured, and vitamin C intake and other dairy consumption were evaluated using a food frequency questionnaire and fasting plasma glucose (FPG). The analysis of variance (ANOVA), Chi-square test, Mann-Whitney U test and logistic regression model were used to analyze the relationship between dietary vitamin C and Type 2 diabetes.
. The univariate analysis showed that there were significant differences in the vitamin C consumption in energy intake, activity level, dietary fiber intake, nutritional supplementation status, drinking or not drinking, education level among the different vitamin C intake groups (all P<0.05). There were also significant differences in age, sex, body mass index (BMI), smoking status and vitamin C intake between the Type 2 diabetes group and the non-diabetes group (all P<0.05). After the adjustment for age, gender, hypertension, energy intake or smoking status, the multiple logistic regression model found that the multivariable adjusted OR was 0.610 (95% CI 0.428-0.870) for 
the highest level of vitamin C intake (>154.78 mg/d) in comparison with the lowest level (≤ 63.26 mg/d). The results suggested that the vitamin C intake was inversely associated with the Type 2 diabetes (r=-0.029, P<0.05).
. There is a significant negative correlation between the dietary vitamin C intake and the risk of Type 2 diabetes.. 目的：探讨膳食维生素C摄入量与2型糖尿病的关系。方法：从中南大学湘雅医院体检中心随机选取被体检人员5 168名为研究对象，根据不同维生素摄入水平分为5组，分别为第一五分位数组(Q1，n=1 033)、第二五分位数组(Q2，n=1 034)、第三五分位数组(Q3，n=1 034)、第四五分位数组(Q4，n=1 034)、第五五分位数组(Q5，n=1 033)；根据是否有2型糖尿病分为2型糖尿病组(n=502)和非2型糖尿病组(n=4 666)。测量空腹血糖、身高、体质量、血压等指标，利用食物频率调查问卷测量膳食维生素C摄入情况。运用方差分析、卡方检验、Mann-Whitney U检验以及logistic回归模型等统计学方法分析膳食维生素C与2型糖尿病的关系。结果：单因素分析结果显示：不同维生素C摄入水平组的能量摄入、运动量、膳食纤维摄入、是否服用营养制剂、是否饮酒、学历等方面，差异均有统计学意义(均P<0.05)；同时2型糖尿病组与非2型糖尿病组在年龄、性别、体质量指数、吸烟情况、维生素C摄入情况等方面，差异亦均有统计学意义(均P<0.05)。在校正年龄、性别、高血压患病情况、吸烟情况等相关因素后，以维生素C摄入水平的最低分类(≤63.26 mg/d)作为参照，最高分类(>154.78 mg/d)的OR(95%CI)为0.610(0.428~0.870)，维生素C摄入水平的高低与2型糖尿病之间呈负线性关系(r=−0.029，P<0.05)。结论：膳食维生素C摄入与2型糖尿病之间存在负相关。.

Topics: Ascorbic Acid; Blood Glucose; Blood Pressure; Body Height; Body Mass Index; Body Weight; Case-Control Studies; Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2; Diet; Dietary Supplements; Humans; Logistic Models; Nutritional Status; Risk Factors; Surveys and Questionnaires; Vitamins

Methomyl (MET) is used worldwide in agriculture and health programs. Besides its advantages in the agriculture, it causes several toxic effects. The objective of this study was to examine the potential ability of vitamin C and/or selenium (Se), to alleviate the oxidative damage parameters, against MET-induced changes in blood biochemical markers and oxidative damage in liver and kidney of male Wistar rats. The animals were randomized into five groups of eight each: group I served as control rats; group II received MET (8 mg/kg body weight (BW)) in drinking water; group III received both MET and vitamin C (200 mg/kg BW; by intraperitoneal injection); group IV received both MET and Se (0.6 mg/100 g BW). Animals of group V were treated with MET, vitamin C and Se. A significant increase in the levels of hepatic markers enzymes (alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase and lactate dehydrogenase) was determined. Furthermore, renal markers such as urea and creatinine were increased in MET-treated rats. Additionally, serum cholesterol and triglycerides were significantly enhanced. Exposure of rats to MET caused significant increase in malondialdehyde levels, thus causing a drastic alteration in antioxidant defense system, particularly in the activities of catalase and glutathione-S-transferase and glutathione peroxidase. However, simultaneous supplementation with vitamin C and Se restored these parameters partially. In conclusion, the results of the current study revealed that MET-induced toxicity caused perturbations of some biochemical parameters, lipid peroxidation and alterations in the antioxidant enzymes in liver and kidney homogenates. Administration of vitamin C and Se exhibited protective effect by inhibiting MET-induced toxicity in liver and kidney.

Topics: Animals; Antioxidants; Ascorbic Acid; Body Weight; Glutathione; Kidney; Lipid Peroxidation; Liver; Male; Methomyl; Organ Size; Oxidative Stress; Rats; Rats, Wistar; Selenium

Acerola contains high levels of vitamin C and rutin and shows the corresponding antioxidant properties. Oxidative stress on the other hand is an important factor in the development of obesity. In this study, we investigated the biochemical and antigenotoxic effects of acerola juice in different stages of maturity (unripe, ripe and industrial) and its main pharmacologically active components vitamin C and rutin, when given as food supplements to obese mice. Initial HPLC analyses confirmed that all types of acerola juice contained high levels of vitamin C and rutin. DPPH tests quantified the antioxidant properties of these juices and revealed higher antioxidant potentials compared to pure vitamin C and rutin. In an animal test series, groups of male mice were fed on a standard (STA) or a cafeteria (CAF) diet for 13 weeks. The latter consisted of a variety of supermarket products, rich in sugar and fat. This CAF diet increased the feed efficiency, but also induced glucose intolerance and DNA damage, which was established by comet assays and micronucleus tests. Subsequently, CAF mice were given additional diet supplements (acerola juice, vitamin C or rutin) for one month and the effects on bone marrow, peripheral blood, liver, kidney, and brain were examined. The results indicated that food supplementation with ripe or industrial acerola juice led to a partial reversal of the diet-induced DNA damage in the blood, kidney, liver and bone marrow. For unripe acerola juice food supplementation, beneficial effects were observed in blood, kidney and bone marrow. Food supplementation with vitamin C led to decreased DNA damage in kidney and liver, whereas rutin supplementation led to decreased DNA damage in all tissue samples observed. These results suggest that acerola juice helps to reduce oxidative stress and may decrease genotoxicity under obesogenic conditions.

Topics: Animals; Antioxidants; Ascorbic Acid; Beverages; Body Weight; Comet Assay; Diet, High-Fat; DNA Damage; Eating; Glucose Tolerance Test; Male; Malpighiaceae; Mice; Micronucleus Tests; Quercetin; Rutin

Here we investigate the possible involvement of the sympathetic nervous system in the respiratory properties of intermyofibrillar and subsarcolemmal mitochondrial populations from heart and gastrocnemius muscles. Mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation was assessed polarographically by using succinate (plus rotenone), and ascorbate plus N,N,N',N'-tetramethyl-p-phenyl-enediamine (plus antimycin) as respiratory substrates. We report that chronic chemical sympathectomy with guanethidine (150 mg/kg, daily for 3 weeks) induced a marked decrease in whole body metabolic and heart rates, in plasma metabolites (fatty acids and glucose) and norepinephrine levels. Guanethidine treatment decreased mainly the oxidative phosphorylation capacity of subsarcolemmal mitochondria in heart, irrespective of the substrate used. In contrast, both mitochondrial populations were affected by the treatment in skeletal muscle. This suggests that sympathetic nervous system activity can alter the energetic status of muscle cells, and to some extent play a thermogenic role in birds.

Topics: Animals; Antimycin A; Ascorbic Acid; Body Weight; Catecholamines; Ducks; Fatty Acids; Glucose; Guanethidine; Heart Rate; Male; Mitochondria; Oxidative Phosphorylation; Oxygen; Rotenone; Sarcolemma; Succinic Acid; Tetramethylphenylenediamine; Uncoupling Agents

We studied a total of eight developmental stages of capped brood and newly emerged workers of Apis mellifera carnica colonies naturally parasitized with Varroa destructor. During winter and early spring four colonies were fed syrup containing 1.8 mg vitamin C kg(-1) (ascorbic acid group; group AA) while four colonies were fed syrup without the vitamin C (control group C). Selected elements of the antioxidative system were analysed including total antioxidant status (TAS), glutathione content and antioxidative enzyme activities (superoxide dismutase, catalase, peroxidase and glutathione S-transferase). Body weight, protein content and indices of infestation were also determined. The prevalence (8.11%) and intensity (1·15 parasite per bee) of the infestation were lower in group AA compared with group C (11.3% and 1.21, respectively). Changes in the indicators of antioxidative stress were evidence for the strengthening of the antioxidative system in the brood by administration of vitamin C. In freshly emerged worker bees of group AA, despite the infestation, protein content, TAS, and the activity of all antioxidative enzymes had significantly higher values in relation to group C.

Topics: Animals; Antioxidants; Ascorbic Acid; Bees; Body Weight; Catalase; Diet; Glutathione; Glutathione Transferase; Host-Parasite Interactions; Mite Infestations; Oxidative Stress; Peroxidase; Proteins; Seasons; Superoxide Dismutase; Varroidae

ENA-actimineral resource A (ENA-A) is an alkaline mineral water and has a few biological activities such as antioxidant activity. The aim of this study was to examine the effects of ENA-A on lifespan in mice using senescence marker protein-30 knockout mice. The present study had groups of 18-week-old mice (n = 24), 26-week-old mice (n = 12), and 46-week-old mice (n = 20). Each differently aged mice group was divided into three subgroups: a control group, a 5 % ENA-A-treated group, and a 10 % ENA-A-treated group. Mice in the 18-week-old group were treated with vitamin C drinking water 1.5 g/L. However, the mice in the 26-week-old and 46-week-old groups were not treated with vitamin C. The experiments were done for 18 weeks. All vitamin C-treated mice were alive at week 18 (100% survival rate). In the non-vitamin C group, the 10% ENA-A-treated mice were alive at week 18. The control and 5% ENA-A-treated mice died by week 15. As expected, vitamin C was not detected in the non-vitamin C-treated group. However, vitamin C levels were increased in an ENA-A dose-dependent manner in the vitamin C-treated group. In the TUNEL assay, a number of positive hepatocytes significantly decreased in an ENA-A dose-dependent manner. Periodic acid Schiff positive hepatocytes were significantly increased in an ENA-A dose-dependent manner. In addition, the expression level of CuZnSOD was increased by the ENA-A treatment. These data suggest that the intake of ENA-A has a critical role in the anti-aging mechanism and could be applied toward the lifespans of humans.

Topics: Animals; Antioxidants; Apoptosis; Ascorbic Acid; Ascorbic Acid Deficiency; Body Weight; Bone and Bones; Calcium-Binding Proteins; Glycogen; Hepatocytes; Immunoblotting; Intracellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins; Liver; Longevity; Mice, Knockout; Minerals; Plant Preparations; Staining and Labeling; Superoxide Dismutase; Survival Analysis

The ameliorative effect of ascorbic acid (AA) on live weight following transportation is vital in animal husbandry. This study investigated the influence of AA on live weight, rectal temperature (rt), and oxidative status of transport stressed goats in a hot humid tropical environment. Twenty-four goats were divided into four groups, A, B, C and D of six animals each. Group A were administered AA 100 mg/kg intramuscularly 30 min prior to 3.5 h transportation. Group B was administered AA following transportation. Group C were transported but not administered AA as positive controls while group D were not transported but were administered normal saline as negative controls. Live weight, rt and blood samples were collected before, immediately post-transport (pt), 24 h, 3 days, 7 days and 10 days pt. Plasma was used for malondialdehyde (MDA) analysis while hemolysates were used for superoxide dismutase (SOD) analysis. There was minimal live weight loss in group A compared to groups B and C. Group A recorded reduced MDA activities and increased SOD activities compared to groups B and C which recorded significantly high MDA activities. This study revealed that AA administration ameliorated the stress responses induced by transportation in animals in hot humid tropical environments. The administration of AA to goats prior to transportation could ameliorate stress and enhance productivity.

Topics: Animals; Ascorbic Acid; Body Weight; Goats; Humidity; Organ Size; Oxidation-Reduction; Stress, Physiological; Transportation; Tropical Climate

Albeit the pathogenesis of cognitive impairment after exposure to melamine has not been fully elucidated, factors such as oxidative stress is thought to play potential roles. In the present study, we investigated the effect of treatment with vitamin C (150mg/kg) and vitamin E (200mg/kg) on the impairment induced by melamine. Three-week-old male Wistar rats were submitted to oral gavage with 300mg/kg melamine in 1% carboxymethylcellulose (CMC) for 28 days (MEL-SAL group). After treatment with melamine, animals received administration of a combination of vitamin C and vitamin E once a day for 7 days (MEL-VIT group). Both control (CT-SAL) group and pair-fed (CT-VIT) group received the same dosage of CMC and vitamin complex, respectively. Melamine-treated rats presented a marked decrease in learning and memory in the Morris water maze (MWM) as well as a reduced efficiency to find the platform in the reversal learning task. The rats treated with vitamins E and C had part of the above effects rescued in MWM tests, with mitigating the melamine-induced deficit in the learning and memory but slightly improving the reversal learning ability. The vitamins C plus E regimen mitigated melamine-induced impairment of hippocampal synaptic plasticity. It showed that the modulation of oxidative stress with vitamins E and C reduced melamine-induced damage. The data suggested that there was a novel therapeutic strategy to the cognitive dysfunction observed in melamine-induced neuropathy.

Topics: Animals; Ascorbic Acid; Body Weight; Hippocampus; Male; Neuronal Plasticity; Rats; Rats, Wistar; Reversal Learning; Spatial Learning; Triazines; Vitamin E

Although ascorbic acid (AA) is an antioxidant, under certain conditions it can facilitate oxidation, which may underlie the opposite actions of AA on brain excitability in distinct seizure models. Here, we investigated whether chronic AA administration during brain development alters cortical excitability as a function of AA dose, as indexed by cortical spreading depression (CSD) and by the levels of lipid peroxidation-induced malondialdehyde. Well-nourished and early-malnourished rats received per gavage 30, 60, or 120 mg/kg/d of AA, saline, or no gavage treatment (naïve group) at postnatal days 7-28. CSD propagation and malondialdehyde levels were analyzed at 30-40 days. Confirming previous observations, CSD velocities were significantly higher in the early-malnourished groups than in the well-nourished groups. AA dose was important: 30 mg/kg/d AA decelerated CSD and reduced malondialdehyde levels, whereas 60 mg/kg/d and 120 mg/kg/d accelerated CSD and augmented malondialdehyde levels compared with the corresponding saline and naïve groups. Our findings reinforce previous suggestion that AA acts as an antioxidant in the brain when administered at low doses, but as a prooxidant at high doses, as indicated by CSD propagation and malondialdehyde levels.

Topics: Animals; Antioxidants; Ascorbic Acid; Body Weight; Brain; Cortical Spreading Depression; Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; Lipid Peroxidation; Malnutrition; Malondialdehyde; Oxidants; Random Allocation; Rats, Wistar

To investigate the effect of diminazene aceturate (DA) alone or in combination with either levamisole and/or Vitamin C in albino rats experimentally infected with Trypanosoma brucei brucei.. Thirty adult male albino rats, randomly assigned into 6 groups (A-F) of 5 rats each were used. They were either infected with 1×10(6) trypanosomes intraperitoneally (groups A-E) or uninfected (group F). The different groups were treated respectively as follows: group A-with 3.5 mg/kg DA; group B-3.5 mg/kg DA and 7.5 mg/kg levamisole; group C-3.5 mg/kg DA and 100 mg/kg vitamin C; and group D-3.5 mg/kg DA and 7.5 mg/kg levamisole and 100 mg/kg vitamin C. Group E was left untreated. Parameters assessed include: rectal temperature, body weight changes, packed cell volume (PCV), Haemoglobin concentration (Hb), total leucocyte count (TLC) differential leucocyte count (DLC), parasitaemia, clinical signs and survivability.. Average pre-patent period of 5 days was recorded. Parasites in the blood were cleared in all treated groups (A-D) within 48 hours post treatment (PT). Untreated rats in group E died between 25 and 32 days post infection (PI). Relapse was not recorded in all the treated groups (A-D). The initial reduction in PCV, Hb, TLC and increases in rectal temperature following infection were reversed by the treatments. The rats that received drug combinations (groups B, C and D) showed faster and higher recovery rates than the uninfected control and group A.. Levamisole and/or Vitamin C combination with DA were more effective in the treatment of rats infected with Trypanosoma brucei brucei.

Topics: Animals; Ascorbic Acid; Body Temperature; Body Weight; Diminazene; Drug Therapy, Combination; Hemoglobins; Leukocyte Count; Levamisole; Male; Parasite Load; Rats; Trypanocidal Agents; Trypanosoma brucei brucei; Trypanosomiasis, African

Cisplatin, a platinum-derived chemotherapeutic agent, produces antineoplastic effects coupled with toxic neuropathic pain and impaired general health status. These side-effects complicate long term studies of neuropathy or analgesic interventions in animals. We recently demonstrated that pretreatment with sodium bicarbonate (4% NaHCO3) prior to cisplatin (3 mg/kg i.p. weekly up to 5 weeks) was associated with improved health status (i.e. normal weight gain, body temperature, creatinine and ketone levels, and kidney weight ratio) in rats (Neurosci Lett 544:41-46, 2013). To reduce the nephrotoxic effects of cisplatin treatment in mice, we compared effects of sodium bicarbonate (4% NaHCO3 s.c.), vitamin C (25 mg/kg s.c.), resveratrol (25 mg/kg s.c.) and saline (0.9% NaCl) pretreatment on cisplatin-induced changes in animal health status, neuropathic pain and proinflammatory cytokine levels in spinal cord and kidney.. Cisplatin-treated mice receiving saline pretreatment exhibited elevated ketone, creatinine and kidney weight ratios, representative of nephrotoxicity. Vitamin C and sodium bicarbonate lowered creatinine/ketone levels and kidney weight ratio whereas resveratrol normalized creatinine levels and kidney weight ratios similar to saline pretreatment. All pretreatments were associated with decreased ketone levels compared to saline pretreatment. Cisplatin-induced neuropathy (i.e. mechanical and cold allodynia) developed equivalently in all pretreatment groups and was similarly reversed by either morphine (6 mg/kg i.p.) or ibuprofen (6 mg/kg i.p.) treatment. RT-PCR showed that mRNA levels for IL-1β were increased in lumbar spinal cord of cisplatin-treated groups pretreated with either saline, NaHCO3 or resveratrol/cisplatin-treated groups. However, IL-6 and TNF-alpha were elevated in the kidneys in all cisplatin-treated groups. Our studies also demonstrate that 60 days after the last cisplatin treatment, body weight, body temperature, kidney functions and mRNA levels have returned to baseline although the neuropathic pain (mechanical and cold) is maintained.. Studies employing cisplatin should include NaHCO3 or vitamin C pretreatment to improve animal health status and reduce nephrotoxicity (lower creatinine and kidney weight ratio) without affecting the development of chemotherapy-induced neuropathy or analgesic efficacy.

Topics: Animals; Antineoplastic Agents; Ascorbic Acid; Blood Glucose; Body Temperature; Body Weight; Cisplatin; Creatinine; Disease Models, Animal; Drug Administration Schedule; Health Status; Hyperalgesia; Ketones; Male; Mice; Mice, Inbred C57BL; Pain Threshold; Peripheral Nervous System Diseases; Sodium Bicarbonate; Vitamins

Presence of numerous diet responsive comorbidities and high atherosclerotic burden among adults with intermittent claudication demands attention is given to diet in an effort to delay progression of peripheral artery disease. The aim of this study was to compare diet of adults with intermittent claudication: (a) against dietary recommendations; (b) following 12 weeks of supervised exercise training; and (c) against non-peripheral artery disease controls.. Diet was assessed using a food frequency questionnaire pre and post supervised exercise training. Pre-exercise diet was compared against Suggested Dietary Targets and against non-peripheral artery disease controls matched for gender, age and body weight. Pre-exercise diet was also compared against post-exercise diet.. Pre-exercise 25/31 participants, 5/31 participants, 16/31 participants and 4/31 participants achieved recommendations for protein, carbohydrate, total fat and saturated fat respectively. Few achieved recommended intakes for fibre (3/31 participants), cholesterol (8/31 participants), folate (11/31 participants), potassium (1/31 participants), sodium (4/31 participants), retinol equivalents (1/31 participants) and vitamin C (3/31 participants). There were no differences observed between participants compared to controls in achievement of recommendations. Post-exercise, marginally more participants were able to achieve targets for cholesterol, sodium and vitamin C but not for any other nutrients.. Despite evidence to support benefits of dietary modification in risk reduction of peripheral artery disease, adults with intermittent claudication continue to consume poor diets. Research is required to determine whether dietary changes can be achieved with greater attention to nutrition counselling and the impact assessed in terms of delayed disease progression and long term health outcomes.. ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT01871779.

Topics: Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Ascorbic Acid; Body Weight; Case-Control Studies; Cholesterol, Dietary; Cohort Studies; Diet; Dietary Carbohydrates; Dietary Fats; Dietary Fiber; Dietary Proteins; Energy Intake; Exercise; Feeding Behavior; Female; Humans; Intermittent Claudication; Male; Nutrition Assessment; Potassium, Dietary; Recommended Dietary Allowances; Risk Factors; Sodium, Dietary; Surveys and Questionnaires

Our goal was to assess the effects of weight loss on antioxidant enzymes of red blood cells and it's relation with vitamins A, E and C intake in 30 obese women.. General information, anthropometric measurements, 3-day food recall, and fasting blood samples were collected from 30 obese women at the beginning of the study and after 3 months intervention. Weight loss was set at about 10% of their weight before the intervention.. Glutathione reductase and catalase activities showed a significant increase (P < 0.01) after weight reduction, but no significant changes were seen in the superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase activities. There was a positive linear correlation between daily vitamin C intake with superoxide dismutase enzyme after intervention (P = 0.004, r = 0.507). There was a negative linear correlation between vitamin E intake and glutathione peroxidase activity before intervention (P = 0.005, r = -0.5). A negative correlation was found between daily vitamin A intake and glutathione reductase enzyme before and after intervention (r = -0.385, r = -0.397, P < 0.05) respectively. No significant correlation was observed between vitamins A, C, E amounts and catalase activity.. Ten percent weight reduction can have a significant role in increasing antioxidant enzymes activities, especially glutathione reductase, and catalase enzymes in obese women. However, it is important to take into consideration a balanced amount of certain nutrients while administering a diet with limited energy.

Topics: Adult; Antioxidants; Ascorbic Acid; Body Weight; Caloric Restriction; Catalase; Female; Glutathione Peroxidase; Glutathione Reductase; Hemoglobins; Humans; Middle Aged; Non-Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Obesity; Oxidoreductases; Superoxide Dismutase; Vitamin A; Vitamin E; Weight Loss; Young Adult

To explore the effects of computer radiation on weight and oxidant-antioxidant status of mice, and further to confirm that whether vitamin C has protective effects on computer radiation.. Sixty Male adult ICR mice were randomly divided into six groups. each group give different treatment as follows: group A was control, group B given vitamin C intake, group C given 8 h/day computer radiation exposure, group D given vitamin C intake and 8 h/day computer radiation group E given 16 h/day computer radiation exposure, group F given vitamin C intake plus exposure to 16 h/day computer radiation. After seven weeks, mice was executed to collect the blood samples, for detecting total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC) and alkaline phosphatases (ALP)content in serum or liver tissue were determined by ELISA.. No difference was found for the change of weight among six groups at different week. In the group C, D and F, the liver tissue T-AOC level were higher than the group A. In the group B, C and E, the serum ALP level were lower than the group A (P<0.05).. The study indicate that computer radiation may have an adverse effect on T-AOC and ALP level of mice, and vitamin C have protective effect against computer radiation.. Objetivos: Explorar los efectos de la radiación de ordenador sobre el peso y el estado oxidativo-antioxidativo de los ratones, y además para confirmar si la vitamina C tiene efectos protectores contra la radiación de ordenador. Métodos: Sesenta ratones machos adultos ICR fueron aleatoriamente divididos en seis grupos. Cada grupo recibió un tratamiento diferente del modo siguiente: el grupo A fue el grupo de control, el grupo B recibió vitamina C, el grupo C fue sometido a una exposicion a la radiacion de ordenador de 8 h/día, el Grupo D recibió vitamina C y fue sometido a una exposicion a la radiacion de ordenador de 8 h/día, el Grupo E fue sometido a una radiación de ordenador de 16 h/día, el grupo F recibió vitamina C y fue sometido a una exposicion a la radiacion de ordenador de 16 h/día. Al cabo de siete semanas, los ratones fueron ejecutados para extraer las muestras de sangre, para detectar la capacidad antioxidante total (T-AOC) y el contenido de fosfatasa alcalina (ALP) en suero o en tejido hepático fue determinado mediante ELISA. Resultados: No se encontraron diferencias en cuanto a cambio de peso entre los seis grupos diferentes. En los grupos C, D y F, el nivel en de T-AOC en tejido hepático fue más alto que en el grupo A. En los grupos B, C y E, el nivel de ALP en suero fue más bajo que en el Grupo A (P < 0,05). Conclusiones: El estudio indican que la radiación de ordenador puede tener un efecto adverso en los niveles de T-AOC y ALP de ratones, y que la vitamina C tendría un efecto protector contra la radiación del ordenador.

Topics: Alkaline Phosphatase; Animals; Antioxidants; Ascorbic Acid; Body Weight; Computers; Electromagnetic Radiation; Liver; Male; Mice; Mice, Inbred ICR; Oxidants; Oxidative Stress; Radiation-Protective Agents; Random Allocation

To evaluate the reliability and relative validity of a semi-quantitative FFQ for assessing the habitual intake of multiple nutrients in New Zealand (NZ) adults over the past 12 months.. A 154-item FFQ was developed. After initial pre-testing, reliability was assessed using intra-class correlations. Relative validity was assessed by comparing nutrient intakes derived from the FFQ v. those from an 8 d diet record (8dWDR) collected over 12 months and selected blood biomarkers, using Spearman correlations. Supplementary cross-classification and Bland-Altman analyses were performed to assess validity of the FFQ v. the 8dWDR.. Dunedin, NZ.. One hundred and thirty-two males and females aged 30-59 years who completed all FFQ and 8dWDR and provided a blood sample.. Reliability coefficients ranged from 0·47 for Ca to 0·83 for alcohol, with most values falling between 0·60 and 0·80. The highest validity coefficients for energy-adjusted data were observed for alcohol (0·74), cholesterol (0·65) and β-carotene (0·58), and the lowest for Zn (0·24) and Ca (0·28). For all energy-adjusted nutrients mean percentage correct classification was 77·9% and gross misclassification was 4·5%. Results of Bland-Altman analyses showed wide limits of agreement for all micronutrients but high agreement was observed for most macronutrients (99% for protein, 103% for total fat). When compared with biomarkers, energy-adjusted coefficients were 0·34 for β-carotene and 0·33 for vitamin C.. The FFQ provides highly repeatable measurements and good validity in ranking individuals' intake, suggesting that it will be a useful tool to assess nutrient intake of NZ adults in future research.

Topics: Adult; alpha-Tocopherol; Ascorbic Acid; beta Carotene; Biomarkers; Body Weight; Diet Records; Energy Intake; Feeding Behavior; Female; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; New Zealand; Prospective Studies; Reproducibility of Results; Surveys and Questionnaires

The aim of this study was to assess the micronutrient status of children receiving prolonged enteral nutrition.. This cross-sectional single-center study included all 64 children (median age 6.8 years) receiving enteral nutrition providing >50% of daily energy intake for more than 6 months (median duration of enteral nutrition 43 months). The characteristics of the patients and mode of enteral nutrition were recorded. The concentrations of iron, zinc, copper, selenium and vitamins A, D, E and C were measured in plasma.. Twelve children (19%) had iron deficiency. A high 25-hydroxyvitamin D concentration was recorded in 20% of the children, but none had associated hypercalcemia. Fifty-two children (81%) had low zinc concentrations in both plasma and erythrocytes. Plasma zinc, calcium, phosphorus and vitamin D concentrations were significantly lower in children receiving fiber supplementation. Abnormal micronutrient concentrations were found more frequently in the children receiving fiber supplementation. No other predisposing factors were associated with micronutrient deficiencies.. Long-term enteral nutrition can lead to micronutrient deficiencies in children, whose micronutrient concentrations may require regular checking. Fiber supplementation might reduce the bioavailability of zinc, calcium, phosphorus and vitamin D.

Topics: Adolescent; Ascorbic Acid; Body Height; Body Weight; Child; Child, Preschool; Copper; Cross-Sectional Studies; Dietary Fiber; Dietary Supplements; Energy Intake; Enteral Nutrition; Female; Follow-Up Studies; Humans; Infant; Iron, Dietary; Male; Micronutrients; Nutritional Status; Selenium; Time Factors; Vitamin A; Vitamin D; Zinc

The objective of this cross-sectional study was to evaluate the relationship between micronutrient status and obesity, lipids, insulin resistance and chronic inflammation in children. Weight, height, waist circumference and body composition (dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA)) were determined in 197 school-aged children. Lipids, glucose, insulin, C-reactive protein (CRP), zinc, iron and vitamins A, C and E were analyzed in blood. Vitamin C and vitamin E:lipids were negatively associated with Body Mass Index (BMI), waist-to-height ratio (WHR) and body and abdominal fat (p < 0.05). Vitamin A was positively associated with BMI, BMI-for-age, WHR and abdominal fat (p < 0.05). Iron and vitamin E:lipids were negatively associated with insulin (p < 0.05). Vitamins A, C and E and iron were negatively associated with CRP (p < 0.05). Interaction analysis showed that children who were overweight and obese who also had low concentrations of vitamin A had higher CRP and lower triglycerides (p < 0.1), children with low vitamin E had significantly lower glucose and triglycerides (p < 0.1) and higher low-density lipoprotein (LDL) concentrations (p < 0.05), and children with low zinc concentrations had higher insulin resistance compared with children with adequate weight (p < 0.05). In conclusion, low vitamin C concentration and vitamin E:lipids were associated with obesity. Furthermore, low concentrations of zinc, vitamins A and E in children who were overweight and obese were associated with lipids, inflammation and insulin resistance.

Topics: Ascorbic Acid; Blood Glucose; Body Composition; Body Mass Index; Body Weight; C-Reactive Protein; Child; Cholesterol, HDL; Cholesterol, LDL; Cross-Sectional Studies; Female; Humans; Inflammation; Insulin; Insulin Resistance; Iron, Dietary; Male; Mexico; Micronutrients; Motor Activity; Nutrition Assessment; Pediatric Obesity; Socioeconomic Factors; Triglycerides; Vitamin D; Waist Circumference; Zinc

Diabetic patients wound healing is slower than the healthy individuals. Three citrus peel extracts; Lemon (Citrus limon), Grapes fruits (Citrus paradise) and Orange (Citrus sinensis) promote wound healing in experimental animals. This study investigated the effect of oral treatment with citrus peel extracts on wound repair of the skin of diabetic rats. The extracts were estimated for vitamin C and total carotenoid contents prior to animal study. Diabetes mellitus was induced in rats by intraperitoneal injection of a single dose of streptozotocin (STZ, 75 mg kg(-1) b.wt.). One week after diabetes induction, full thickness excision wounds were made in hyperglycemic rats and were divided groups, each containing 6 rats. The different test group animals were treated with different citrus peel extract orally at the dose of 400 mg kg(-1) body weight daily for 12 days. The blood glucose, body weight and rate of wound closure of each rat were measured every 3rd day during the experimental period. At the end of experiment, granular tissues of wounds were removed and estimated for hydroxylproline and total protein content. The results showed significant reduction in blood glucose and time to wound closure. Tissue growth and collagen synthesis were significantly higher as determined by total protein and hydroxyl proline content. From our experimental data, we propose that oral administration of citrus peel extracts has a therapeutic potential in the treatment of chronic wounds in diabetes.

Topics: Administration, Oral; Alkaloids; Animals; Ascorbic Acid; Blood Glucose; Body Weight; Carotenoids; Citrus; Collagen; Diabetes Mellitus, Experimental; Male; Plant Extracts; Rats; Rats, Wistar; Skin; Wound Healing

There are potential health risks associated with the use of early weaning to prevent mother-to-child transmission of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) in resource-poor settings. Our objective was to examine growth and nutrient inadequacies among a cohort of children weaned early. Children participating in the Breastfeeding Antiretrovirals and Nutrition (BAN) Study in Lilongwe, Malawi, had HIV-infected mothers, were weaned at 6 months and fed LNS until 12 months. 40 HIV-negative, BAN-exited children were compared with 40 HIV-negative, community children matched on age, gender and local health clinic. Nutrient intake was calculated from 24-h dietary recalls collected from BAN-exited children. Anthropometric measurements were collected from BAN-exited and matched community children at 15-16 months, and 2 months later. Longitudinal random effects sex-stratified models were used to evaluate anthropometric differences between the two groups. BAN-exited children consumed adequate energy, protein and carbohydrates but inadequate amounts of fat. The prevalence of inadequate micronutrient intakes were: 46% for vitamin A; 20% for vitamin B6; 69% for folate; 13% for vitamin C; 19% for iron; 23% for zinc. Regarding growth, BAN-exited girls gained weight at a significantly lower rate {0.02 g kg(-1) per day [95% confidence interval (CI): 0.01, 0.03]} than their matched comparison [0.05 g kg(-1) per day (95% CI: 0.03, 0.07)]; BAN girls grew significantly slower [0.73 cm month(-1) (95% CI: 0.40,1.06)] than their matched comparison (1.55 cm month(-1) [95% CI: 0.98, 2.12]). Among this sample of BAN-exited children, early weaning was associated with dietary deficiencies and girls experienced reduced growth velocity. In resource-poor settings, HIV prevention programmes must ensure that breastfeeding stop only once a nutritionally adequate and safe diet without breast milk can be provided.

Topics: Adult; Anti-Retroviral Agents; Ascorbic Acid; Body Weight; Breast Feeding; Diet; Dietary Fats; Dietary Proteins; Energy Intake; Female; Folic Acid; Follow-Up Studies; HIV Infections; HIV Seronegativity; Humans; Infant; Iron, Dietary; Longitudinal Studies; Malawi; Male; Malnutrition; Micronutrients; Nutritional Status; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Risk Factors; Seasons; Socioeconomic Factors; Surveys and Questionnaires; Vitamin A; Vitamin B 6; Vitamins; Weaning; Young Adult; Zinc

Two months of experiments performed in outdoor vats in a 3 3 factorial design to evaluate the effects of three sublethal levels (0.0, 0.3 and 0.5 µg L(-1)) of cypermethrin on freshwater catfish Heteropneustes fossilis fed with three different levels (0.0, 0.5 and 1.0 g kg(-1)) of ascorbic acid (AA) in the diet. Even the lower sublethal level (0.3 µg L(-1)) of cypermethrin produced significant reduction in growth and deposition of protein in the body of H. fossilis. Dietary supplement of AA at 0.5 g kg(-1) failed to counter these ill effects of cypermethrin on H. fossilis, but a supplement of 1.0 g kg(-1) AA significantly increased the AA reserve in the body of the fish, and the ill effects of cypermethrin on growth were reversed. It was concluded that the catfish H. fossilis required an exogenous supply of AA to counter the stress of cypermethrin.

Topics: Analysis of Variance; Animals; Antioxidants; Ascorbic Acid; Body Weight; Catfishes; Diet; Pyrethrins

Sheep pregnancy in high-altitude environments frequently involves hypoxia and oxidative stress and causes intrauterine growth retardation. The adverse effects of altitude on fetal growth can be prevented by the administration of antioxidant vitamins, but the mechanisms responsible are not well known. The maintenance of a viable pregnancy depends largely on adequate placental steroidogenesis, especially in the last two-thirds of pregnancy. Thus, in the present study we evaluated the effect of antioxidant vitamins (C and E) on plasma concentrations of progesterone and 17β-oestradiol during the last two-thirds of high-altitude pregnancies in ewes both native and naïve to the high-altitude environment. In addition, pregnancy outcomes were evaluated by determining the bodyweight of newborn lambs. Sex steroid patterns differed between ewes with and without vitamin supplementation. Concentrations of plasma progesterone and 17β-oestradiol were significantly higher in the supplemented groups from approximately 40 days before parturition until near term. Newborn weights were significantly lower in animals not adapted to the higher altitude, and vitamin supplementation prevented this decrease. In conclusion, the administration of antioxidant vitamins in the present study enhanced placental steroidogenesis, thus favouring fetal development in pregnancies developing at high altitudes.

Topics: Altitude; Animals; Ascorbic Acid; Body Weight; Estradiol; Female; Fetal Growth Retardation; Hypoxia; Linear Models; Pregnancy; Progesterone; Sheep; Sheep Diseases; Steroids; Vitamin E

The present study investigated the effects of a 6-week swimming training on blood pressure, nitric oxide (NO) levels and oxidative stress parameters such as protein and lipid oxidation, antioxidant enzyme activity and endogenous non-enzymatic antioxidant content in kidney and circulating fluids, as well as on serum biochemical parameters (cholesterol, triglycerides, urea and creatinine) from Nω-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester hydrochloride (L-NAME)-induced hypertension treated rats. Animals were divided into four groups (n = 10): Control, Exercise, L-NAME and Exercise L-NAME. Results showed that exercise prevented a decrease in NO levels in hypertensive rats (P < 0·05). An increase in protein and lipid oxidation observed in the L-NAME-treated group was reverted by physical training in serum from the Exercise L-NAME group (P < 0·05). A decrease in the catalase (CAT) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activities in the L-NAME group was observed when compared with normotensive groups (P < 0·05). In kidney, exercise significantly augmented the CAT and SOD activities in the Exercise L-NAME group when compared with the L-NAME group (P < 0·05). There was a decrease in the non-protein thiols (NPSH) levels in the L-NAME-treated group when compared with the normotensive groups (P < 0·05). In the Exercise L-NAME group, there was an increase in NPSH levels when compared with the L-NAME group (P < 0·05). The elevation in serum cholesterol, triglycerides, urea and creatinine levels observed in the L-NAME group were reverted to levels close to normal by exercise in the Exercise L-NAME group (P < 0·05). Exercise training had hypotensive effect, reducing blood pressure in the Exercise L-NAME group (P < 0·05). These findings suggest that physical training could have a protector effect against oxidative damage and renal injury caused by hypertension.

Topics: Animals; Ascorbic Acid; Biomarkers; Blood Pressure; Body Weight; Catalase; Heart Rate; Hypertension; Kidney; Lipid Peroxidation; Lipids; Male; NG-Nitroarginine Methyl Ester; Nitric Oxide; Oxidation-Reduction; Oxidative Stress; Physical Conditioning, Animal; Protein Carbonylation; Rats; Rats, Wistar; Sulfhydryl Compounds; Superoxide Dismutase; Swimming; Systole; Thiobarbituric Acid Reactive Substances

Increased oxidative stress may contribute to cancer anorexia, which could be ameliorated by antioxidant supplementation. methylcholanthrene (MCA) sarcoma-bearing Fisher rats were studied. After tumour inoculation, rats were randomly assigned to standard diet (CTR group, n = 6), or to an antioxidant-enriched diet (AOX group, n = 8). Eight more rats (STD-AOX group) switched from standard to antioxidant diet when anorexia developed. At the end of the study, food intake (FI, g/d), body weight and tumour weight (g) were recorded, and plasma samples were obtained. On day 16, anorexia has appeared only in CTR and STD-AOX animals. At the end of the study, FI in AOX animals was still higher than in the other groups (p = 0.08). No differences in body and tumour weights were observed among groups. However, hydrogen peroxide and interleukin-1β levels were significantly reduced only in AOX rats. Data obtained suggest that early antioxidant supplementation improves cancer anorexia, ameliorates oxidative stress and reduces inflammation.

Topics: Animals; Anorexia; Antioxidants; Ascorbic Acid; Body Weight; Diet; Dietary Supplements; Disease Models, Animal; Drug Administration Schedule; Energy Intake; Hydrogen Peroxide; Interleukin-1beta; Male; Methylcholanthrene; Oxidative Stress; Random Allocation; Rats, Inbred F344; Sarcoma; Vitamin E

The present study was undertaken to elucidate the effect of ascorbic acid on alcohol-induced reproductive toxicity and also to compare it with that of abstention. A total of thirty-six male guinea pigs were divided into two groups and were maintained for 90 d as control and ethanol-treated groups (4 g/kg body weight (b.wt.)). After 90 d, ethanol administration was stopped and animals in the control group were divided into two groups and then maintained for 30 d as the control and control+ascorbic acid groups and those in the ethanol-treated group as ethanol abstention and ethanol+ascorbic acid (25 mg/100 g b. wt.) groups. Animals treated with ethanol showed a significant decline in sperm quality (P<0·001), decreased activity of steroidogenic enzymes (P<0·05) and reduced serum testosterone (P<0·05), luteinising hormone and follicle-stimulating hormone levels, decrease in the activity of testicular succinate dehydrogenase, adenosine triphosphatase, sorbitol dehydrogenase and reduction in fructose content (P<0·05). It also caused an increase in testicular malondialdehyde levels (P<0·05) and decrease in the levels of glutathione content (P<0·001) of testes. Ascorbic acid levels in testes and plasma were also reduced (P<0·001) in ethanol-fed animals. Ascorbic acid supplementation altered all these parameters and produced a better and faster recovery from alcohol-induced reproductive toxicity than abstention. The mechanism of action of ascorbic acid may be by reducing the oxidative stress and improving antioxidant status, which eventually changed the microenvironment of testes and enhanced the energy needed for motility of sperms, improved the sperm morphology and elevated the testosterone and gonadotropin levels.

Topics: Animals; Antioxidants; Ascorbic Acid; Body Weight; Cell Survival; Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid; Dietary Supplements; Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; Ethanol; Follicle Stimulating Hormone; Gonadotropins; Guinea Pigs; Luteinizing Hormone; Male; Oxidative Stress; Reproduction; Semen; Steroids; Testosterone

Excess fat intake induces hyperinsulinaemia, increases nutrient uptake and lipid accumulation, amplifies ROS generation, establishes oxidative stress and morphological changes leading to tissue injury in the liver, kidney and heart of high-fat diet (HFD)-fed mice. The effect of azelaic acid (AzA), a C9 α,ω-dicarboxylic acid, against HFD-induced oxidative stress was investigated by assaying the activities and levels of antioxidants and oxidative stress markers in the liver, kidney and heart of C57BL/6J mice. Mice were segregated into two groups, one fed standard diet (NC) and the other fed high-fat diet (HFD) for 15 weeks. HFD-fed mice were subjected to intragastric administration of AzA (80 mg/kg BW)/RSG (10 mg/kg BW) during 11-15 weeks. Glucose, insulin, triglycerides, hepatic and nephritic markers were analysed in the plasma and the activity of enzymatic, non-enzymatic antioxidants and lipid peroxidation markers were examined in the plasma/erythrocytes, liver, kidney and heart of normal and experimental mice. We inferred significant decrease in enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidants along with significant increase in glucose, insulin, hepatic and nephritic markers, triglycerides and lipid peroxidation markers in HFD-fed mice. Administration of AzA could positively restore the levels of plasma glucose, insulin, triglycerides, hepatic and nephritic markers to near normal. AzA increased the levels of enzymatic and nonenzymatic antioxidants with significant reduction in the levels of lipid peroxidation markers. Histopathological examination of liver, kidney and heart substantiated these results. Hence, we put forward that AzA could counteract the potential injurious effects of HFD-induced oxidative stress in C57BL/6J mice.

Topics: Animals; Antioxidants; Ascorbic Acid; Biomarkers; Blood Glucose; Body Weight; Dicarboxylic Acids; Diet, High-Fat; Eating; Erythrocytes; Glutathione; Glutathione Peroxidase; Glutathione Transferase; Heart; Hypoglycemic Agents; Insulin; Kidney; Liver; Male; Metabolic Syndrome; Mice; Mice, Inbred C57BL; Myocardium; Oxidative Stress; Rosiglitazone; Thiazolidinediones; Thiobarbituric Acid Reactive Substances; Triglycerides; Vitamin E

Ionizing radiation is one of the environmental factors that may contribute to reproductive dysfunction by a mechanism involving oxidative stress. We investigated the possible ameliorative effects of kolaviron (KV) (a biflavonoid from the seeds of Garcinia kola) on sperm characteristics, testicular lipid peroxidation (LPO) and antioxidant status after a whole body γ-irradiation in Wistar rats. Vitamin C (VC) served as standard antioxidant in this study. The study consists of four groups of 6 rats each. Group I received corn oil, whereas group II received a single dose of γ-radiation (5 Gy). The animals in groups III and IV were pretreated with KV (250 mg/kg) and VC (250 mg/kg) by oral gavage five times in a week, respectively, for 6 weeks prior to and 8 weeks after exposure to γ-radiation. Gamma-irradiation resulted in a significant (p<0.05) decrease in body weight and relative testes weight. Also, γ-irradiation significantly (p<0.05) decreased the activities of superoxide dismutase, catalase and glutathione S-transferase as well as glutathione level, but markedly elevated malondialdehyde levels in the serum and testes. Irradiated rats showed testicular degeneration with concomitant decrease in sperm motility and viability. Although sperm abnormalities significantly increased, it has no effect on the epididymal sperm count. KV and VC significantly (p<0.05) decreased the body weight loss and increased relative testes weights of the rats. Furthermore, supplementation of KV and VC ameliorated radiation-induced toxicity by increasing the activities of antioxidant enzymes, decreased LPO and abrogated testicular degeneration. Taken together, γ-irradiation caused reproductive dysfunction by depleting the antioxidant defence system in the rats, while administration of KV or VC ameliorated the radiation-induced testicular toxicity.

Topics: Animals; Antioxidants; Ascorbic Acid; Body Weight; Flavonoids; Gamma Rays; Garcinia kola; Male; Malondialdehyde; Organ Size; Oxidative Stress; Oxidoreductases; Plant Extracts; Radiation Injuries, Experimental; Radiation-Protective Agents; Rats; Rats, Wistar; Reproduction; Sperm Motility; Spermatozoa; Testicular Diseases; Testis; Whole-Body Irradiation

To evaluate the effects of alpha-lipoic acid (AL) in a model of doxorubicin (DOX)-induced cardiotoxicity, male Wistar rats were treated with DOX (1 mg/kg/d; 10 d) in combination or not with AL (50 mg/kg/d; 15 d). Plasma oxidative stress was determined by hydroperoxides (ROOH) and the ascorbyl radical/ascorbate ratio. One and two months later, the functional parameters of the hearts were determined in vivo by catheterization and cardiac oxidative stress was assessed by malonedialdehyde (MDA) and O₂*⁻ (dihydroethidium fluorescence) content in tissue. After two months, body weight was higher in the DOX-AL group than in DOX (+16%), but this was due to ascites. Histological liver alterations were observed in both the DOX and DOX-AL groups. Plasma ROOH concentrations decreased after 10 days of AL treatment, but were greater in both the DOX and DOX-AL groups. After two months, a decrease in the cardiac contractility index (-27% and -29%, respectively) and cardiac hypertrophy were observed in DOX and DOX-AL. These dysfunctions were associated with 1) a reduction in plasma ascorbate levels and an increase in the ascorbyl/ascorbate ratio and 2) an increase MDA and O₂*⁻ content in cardiac tissue. In conclusion, a cumulative dose of 10 mg/kg doxorubicin induced functional alterations in the heart associated with plasma and cardiac oxidative stress. The co-administration of the antioxidant compound AL had no beneficial effects in this situation.

Topics: Animals; Antibiotics, Antineoplastic; Antioxidants; Ascitic Fluid; Ascorbic Acid; Body Weight; Cardiotonic Agents; Cardiotoxins; Doxorubicin; Eating; Heart; Heart Diseases; Hematocrit; Hydrogen Peroxide; Liver; Male; Myocardium; Organ Size; Oxidative Stress; Rats; Rats, Wistar; Superoxides; Thiobarbituric Acid Reactive Substances; Thioctic Acid

Dichlorvos is an organophosphorus insecticide that is used worldwide for pest control in agriculture and household use. Vitamins C and E are potential antioxidants protecting cells from oxidative stress. Vitamin C+vitamin E, dichlorvos, a combination of vitamin C+vitamin E+dichlorvos, or corn oil (control) were given to rats via oral gavage for 7 weeks. Body and testis weights, sperm parameters, hormone levels, histo- and cytopathological changes in testes were investigated at the end of 24 h and the 4th and 7th weeks comparatively with the control group. Body and testis weights, sperm morphology, FSH, LH, and testosterone levels were decreased significantly at the end of 4th and 7th weeks in the dichlorvos- and vitamins+dichlorvos-treated groups. A statistically significant decline in sperm motility and testosterone levels occurred by the end of 7th week in the dichlorvos- and vitamins+dichlorvos-treated groups. Light and electron microscopy revealed necrosis, edema and cellular damage in testicular tissues of the dichlorvos- and vitamins+dichlorvos-treated rats at the end of 4th and 7th weeks. In conclusion, dichlorvos caused subacute and subchronic reproductive toxicity, but vitamins did not confer protection.

Topics: Animals; Antioxidants; Ascorbic Acid; Body Weight; Dichlorvos; Drug Synergism; Follicle Stimulating Hormone; Insecticides; Luteinizing Hormone; Male; Microscopy, Electron, Transmission; Organ Size; Rats; Rats, Wistar; Sperm Motility; Spermatozoa; Testis; Testosterone; Time Factors; Vitamin E

Hexavalent chromium (CrVI) is a highly toxic metal and major environmental pollutant and is extensively used in more than 50 industries. The major route of CrVI exposure for the general population is oral intake. Chromium is considered an important nutrient responsible for carbohydrate metabolism. However, excess CrVI exposure is associated with various pathological conditions including reproductive dysfunction. CrVI can traverse the placental barrier and cause wide range of abnormalities in fetal development. Cr is transported to offspring through mother's milk in lactating women exposed to CrVI. Therefore, the present study was carried out to determine the toxic effects of lactational CrVI exposure on ovary and uterus and the beneficial role of vitamin C in preventing/ameliorating the toxic effects of CrVI in developing female Wistar rats. Generation of oxidative stress is considered one of the plausible mechanisms behind Cr-induced cellular deteriorations. The present study evidenced a decrease in the specific activities of antioxidants, serum testosterone and progesterone and an increase in the levels of H₂O₂, lipid peroxidation (LPO) and follicle stimulating hormone in rats exposed to CrVI when compared to control. CrVI exposure also delayed the sexual maturation and extended the estrous cycle. Simultaneous administration of vitamin C significantly prevented the increase in LPO and enhanced the antioxidant status. These results suggest the protective effect of vitamin C against the CrVI exposure-induced toxicity and attest the significance of antioxidants in diet.

Topics: Animals; Antioxidants; Ascorbic Acid; Body Weight; Chromium; Estrous Cycle; Female; Follicle Stimulating Hormone; Hydrogen Peroxide; Lactation; Lipid Peroxidation; Luteinizing Hormone; Maternal Exposure; Organ Size; Ovary; Oxidative Stress; Oxidoreductases; Pregnancy; Rats; Rats, Wistar; Sexual Maturation; Uterus

This study was to investigate the effects of ascorbic acid on the hippocampus of suckling rats in the presence of lead (Pb)-induced oxidative stress. Pregnant Sprague-Dawley rats received treatment with drinking water, divided into three groups, as follows: (1) distilled water; (2) 0.2% Pb; (3) 0.2% Pb+ascorbic acid (100mg/kg/day). Rat pups were euthanized at the age of 21days and their brain tissue was examined using light microscopy. Protein levels of Cu/Zn superoxide dismutase (Cu/Zn SOD), manganese superoxide dismutase (Mn SOD), and catalase (CAT) in the hippocampus were determined by Western blotting. We found a significant decrease in levels of Cu/Zn SOD and Mn SOD among Pb-exposed pups. Ascorbic acid supplementation appeared to negate the decrease in protein levels for Cu/Zn SOD and Mn SOD. In the case of CAT, there was no effect from Pb administration alone and Pb plus ascorbic acid appeared to increase the levels. In histopathology, ascorbic acid decreased the number of damaged cells in cornu ammonis areas CA1, CA3, and the dentate gyrus (DG) in hippocampus. Our results showed that administration of ascorbic acid during pregnancy and lactation could ameliorate some of the oxidative damage induced by Pb exposure in the developing rat hippocampus.

Topics: Animals; Ascorbic Acid; Body Weight; Catalase; Environmental Pollutants; Female; Hippocampus; Lactation; Lead; Maternal Exposure; Neurons; Oxidative Stress; Pregnancy; Prenatal Exposure Delayed Effects; Rats; Rats, Sprague-Dawley; Superoxide Dismutase

Birth is characterized by an intense oxidative stress resulting in nucleotide alterations and gene overexpression in mouse lung. We showed that cigarette smoke (CS) is carcinogenic when exposure starts soon after birth and applied this bioassay to evaluate the efficacy of chemopreventive agents. The present study evaluated whether administration of the antioxidants N-acetyl-L-cysteine (NAC) and vitamin C or ascorbic acid (AsA) during pregnancy can protect strain H Swiss mice exposed to CS after birth. Exposure to CS, for 4 months, of newborns from untreated mice resulted in significant alterations at 8 months of life, including alveolar epithelial hyperplasia, emphysema, blood vessel proliferation, microadenomas, adenomas, and malignant tumors in lung, liver parenchymal degeneration and urinary bladder epithelium hyperplasia. Treatment throughout pregnancy with either NAC, a scavenger of reactive oxygen species, or AsA, an electron donor, did not affect fertility, parity, and body weight of newborns. Prenatal antioxidants significantly inhibited most lesions in adult mice exposed to CS since birth. For instance, the incidence of emphysema was reduced from 27.5% in CS-exposed mice that were untreated during pregnancy to 7.1% and 14.0% in those treated prenatally with NAC and AsA, respectively. Lung adenomas were reduced from 34.8% to 16.7% and 9.3%, respectively. Malignant lung tumors were reduced from 13.0% to 4.7% by prenatal AsA. Liver parenchymal degeneration was reduced from 58.0% to 14.3% by prenatal NAC. These data mechanistically support a "transplacental chemoprevention" strategy, aimed at protecting the newborn from oxidative stress and the adult from CS-related diseases appearing later in life.

Topics: Acetylcysteine; Animals; Animals, Newborn; Antioxidants; Ascorbic Acid; Body Weight; Female; Lung Neoplasms; Maternal-Fetal Exchange; Mice; Nicotiana; Placenta; Pregnancy; Reactive Oxygen Species; Smoke; Survival

The present study was aimed to evaluate the antihypertensive effect of diosmin in deoxycorticosterone acetate (DOCA)-salt induced hypertension in male Wistar rats. Hypertension was induced in uninephrectomized rats by weekly twice subcutaneous injection of DOCA (25 mg/kg body weight) and 1% NaCl in the drinking water for six consecutive weeks. The important pathological events that occurred in DOCA-salt treated rats were significant increase in systolic, diastolic blood pressure, sodium and chloride in serum and lipid peroxidation products (thiobarbituric acid reactive substances, lipid hydroperoxides and conjugated dienes) in plasma and tissues (liver, kidney, heart and aorta) and significant decrease in serum potassium, total nitrite and nitrate levels in plasma. The activities of hepatic aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, and gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase and the levels of renal urea, uric acid, creatinine in serum, water intake, and organ weight (kidney and heart) were significantly increased in DOCA-salt hypertensive rats. DOCA-salt treated rats also showed a significant decrease in body weight, activities of superoxide dismutase, catalase and glutathione peroxidase in erythrocyte and tissues and the levels of reduced glutathione, vitamin C and vitamin E in plasma and tissues. Treatment with diosmin (25, 50 and 100 mg/kg body weight) brings back all the above parameters to near normal level, in which 50 mg/kg body weight showed the highest effect than that of other two doses. Histopathology of heart and kidney also confirmed the protective effect of diosmin. Thus the experiment clearly showed that diosmin acts as an antihypertensive agent against DOCA-salt induced hypertension.

Topics: Animals; Antihypertensive Agents; Aorta; Ascorbic Acid; Blood Pressure; Body Weight; Desoxycorticosterone; Diosmin; Disease Models, Animal; Flavonoids; Glutathione; Heart; Hypertension; Kidney; Lipid Peroxides; Liver; Male; Myocardium; Nitrates; Nitrites; Oxidoreductases; Potassium; Rats; Rats, Wistar; Sodium Chloride; Vitamin E

An investigation was made to reveal the protective effects of veratric acid (VA), a phenolic acid against atherogenic diet-induced hyperlipidemic rats. Male albino Wistar rats were fed with atherogenic diet (4% cholesterol, 1% cholic acid, and 0.5% 2-thiouracil) daily for 30 days and treated with VA (40 mg/kg body weight) daily for a period of 30 days. Rats fed with atherogenic diet showed significant (P < 0.05) elevation in the level of plasma lipids, systolic and diastolic blood pressure, oxidative stress markers (thiobarbituric acid reactive substances, lipid peroxides) and significant (P < 0.05) reduction in the activities of enzymatic (superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase) and non-enzymatic (vitamin C, vitamin E, and reduced glutathione) antioxidants in erythrocytes, plasma, and tissues (liver, kidney, and aorta). Oral administration of VA (40 mg/kg body weight) for 30 days to atherogenic diet fed rats markedly attenuates systolic, diastolic blood pressure and lipid peroxidation products. Further, VA treatment significantly improved enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidants levels and showed beneficial effects on lipid profile in atherogenic diet rats. All the above alterations were supported by histopathological observations. These results indicate that oral administration of VA ameliorates atherogenic diet-induced hyperlipidemia in rats by its free radical scavenging; improving the antioxidants and lipid lowering properties.

Topics: Animals; Anticholesteremic Agents; Aorta, Thoracic; Ascorbic Acid; Blood Pressure; Body Weight; Catalase; Cholesterol; Diet, Atherogenic; Energy Metabolism; Erythrocytes; Glutathione; Glutathione Peroxidase; Hypercholesterolemia; Kidney; Lipid Peroxidation; Lipids; Liver; Male; Oxidative Stress; Rats; Rats, Wistar; Superoxide Dismutase; Thiobarbituric Acid Reactive Substances; Vanillic Acid; Vitamin E

Metabolic syndrome and oxidative stress are common complications of type 2 diabetes mellitus. The present study was designed to determine whether resveratrol, a widely used nutritional supplement, can improve insulin sensitivity, metabolic complication as well as hepatic oxidative stress in fructose-fed rats. Male Sprague Dawley rats (180-200 g) were divided into four groups with 8 animals each. Fructose-fed insulin resistant group (Dia) animals were fed 65% fructose (Research diet, USA) for a period of 8 weeks, whereas control group (Con) animals were fed 65% cornstarch (Research Diet, USA). Resveratrol, 10 mg/kg/day (Dia+Resv) or metformin 300 mg/kg/day (Dia+Met) were administered orally to the 65% fructose-fed rats for 8 weeks. At the end of the feeding schedule, Dia group had insulin resistance along with increased blood glucose, triglyceride, uric acid and nitric oxide (NO) levels. Significant (p<0.05) increase in hepatic TBARS and conjugated dienes, and significant (p<0.05) decrease in hepatic SOD and vitamin C was observed in Dia group compared to Con group. Administration of metformin or resveratrol significantly (p<0.05) normalized all the altered metabolic parameters. However, a marked insulin sensitizing action was only observed in the Dia+Resv group. Similarly, while metformin administration failed to normalize the increased TBARS levels and decreased SOD activity, resveratrol showed a more promising effect of all oxidative stress parameters measured in the present study. Attenuation of hepatic oxidative stress in fructose-fed rat liver after resveratrol administration was associated with significant (p<0.05) increase in nuclear level of NRF2 compared with other groups. The present study demonstrates that resveratrol is more effective than metformin in improving insulin sensitivity, and attenuating metabolic syndrome and hepatic oxidative stress in fructose-fed rats.

Topics: Animals; Ascorbic Acid; Blood Glucose; Body Weight; Catalase; Eating; Fructose; Glucose Tolerance Test; Glutathione; Insulin; Insulin Resistance; Liver; Male; Metabolic Syndrome; Metformin; NF-E2-Related Factor 2; Nitric Oxide; Oxidative Stress; Rats; Rats, Sprague-Dawley; Resveratrol; Stilbenes; Superoxide Dismutase; Thiobarbituric Acid Reactive Substances; Triglycerides; Uric Acid

Free radical-induced oxidative damage is considered to be the most important consequence of the aging process. The activities and capacities of antioxidant systems of cells decline with increased age, leading to the gradual loss of pro-oxidant/antioxidant balance and resulting in increased oxidative stress. Our investigation was focused on the effects of cordycepin (3'-deoxyadenosine) on lipid peroxidation and antioxidation in aged rats. Age-associated decline in the activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), glutathione reductase (GR), glutathione-S-transferase (GST), reduced glutathione (GSH), vitamin C and vitamin E, and elevated levels of malondialdehyde (MDA) were observed in the liver, kidneys, heart and lungs of aged rats, when compared to young rats. Furthermore, serum aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), urea, and creatinine were found to be significantly elevated in aged rats compared to young rats. Aged rats receiving cordycepin treatment show increased activity of SOD, CAT, GPx, GR and GST, and elevated levels of GSH, and vitamins C and E such that the values of most of these parameters did not differ significantly from those found in young rats. In addition, the levels of MDA, AST, ALT, urea and creatinine became reduced upon administration of cordycepin to aged rats. These results suggest that cordycepin is effective for restoring antioxidant status and decreasing lipid peroxidation in aged rats.

Topics: Aging; Animals; Antioxidants; Ascorbic Acid; Biomarkers; Body Weight; Catalase; Deoxyadenosines; Drug Evaluation, Preclinical; Eating; Glutathione; Lipid Peroxidation; Male; Oxidative Stress; Rats; Rats, Sprague-Dawley; Superoxide Dismutase; Vitamin E

The aim of this study was to investigate whether bisphenol A (BPA), nonylphenol (NP), and octylphenol (OP) induce oxidative stress on the kidney tissue of male rats and whether coadministration of vitamin C, an antioxidant, can prevent any possible oxidative stress. The Wistar male rats were divided into seven groups, including control, BPA, NP, OP, BPA+C, NP + C, OP +C. BPA, NP, and OP (25 mg/kg/day) was administered alone; vitamin C (60 mg/kg/day) was administered along with BPA, OP, and NP to the rats for 50 days. There was a decrease in serum concentration of blood urea nitrogen (BUN) in NP and OP groups compared with control group. Vitamin C coadministration with BPA, NP, and OP did not produce significant increase in BUN concentration in BPA +C, NP+ C, and OP + C group as compared with BPA, NP, and OP groups, respectively. The lowest serum creatinine activity and the highest lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) activity was present in kidney of BPA+C, NP+C and OP+C groups compared with BPA, NP, and OP groups. The malondialdehyde (MDA) levels were significantly higher while glutathione (GSH) levels were lower in treatment groups than controls. Furthermore, an increase was observed in MDA levels whereas a decrease was observed in GSH levels in BPA+ C, NP + C, and OP+ C groups compared with BPA, NP, and OP groups, respectively. These finding are in accordance with immunohistochemical staining of MDA and GSH. Histopathological examination of the kidneys of rats in BPA, OP, NP, BPA+ C, NP + C, and OP+ C groups revealed necrotic lesions, congestion, and mononuclear cell infiltration. In conclusion BPA, NP, and OP might induce oxidative damage in kidney of rats. In addition, coadministration of vitamin C with BPA, NP, and OP to male rats augments this damage in the kidney of male rats.

Topics: Animals; Antioxidants; Ascorbic Acid; Benzhydryl Compounds; Body Weight; Catalase; Creatinine; Endocrine Disruptors; Glutathione; Glutathione Peroxidase; Kidney; Male; Malondialdehyde; Organ Size; Oxidative Stress; Phenols; Rats; Rats, Wistar; Serum Albumin; Thiobarbituric Acid Reactive Substances

The present study was designed to investigate the effect of rutin on ethanol-induced hepatotoxicity in a dose-dependent manner in rats. Male albino rats were divided into six groups. Group 1 rats served as control and group 2 rats received rutin 100 mg/kg body weight. Hepatotoxicity was induced in groups 3-6 rats (20% ethanol) for 60 days. In addition, groups 4-6 rats received rutin at doses of 25, 50, 100 mg/kg body weight, respectively for the last 30 days of the experiment. We observed a significant increase in the activities of liver marker enzymes, serum amino transferases, alkaline phosphatase, γ-glutamyl transpeptidase the levels of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances, conjugated dienes, lipid hydroperoxides, and a decrease in the activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione and its related enzymes, vitamins C and E when compared to ethanol-fed rats. Rutin supplementation along with ethanol significantly decreased the levels of liver marker enzymes, lipid peroxidation and significantly elevated the activities of liver SOD, CAT, GSH, glutathione peroxidase, vitamins C and E when compared to untreated ethanol supplemented rats. Among the three doses, 100 mg/kg body weight of rutin was found to exert a more pronounced hepatoprotective effect against ethanol-induced toxicity. Our results were also confirmed by the histopathologic observations.

Topics: Administration, Oral; Alanine Transaminase; Alkadienes; Alkaline Phosphatase; Animals; Antioxidants; Ascorbic Acid; Aspartate Aminotransferases; Body Weight; Catalase; Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; Ethanol; gamma-Glutamyltransferase; Glutathione; Glutathione Peroxidase; Glutathione Transferase; Lipid Peroxides; Liver; Liver Diseases, Alcoholic; Male; Oxidative Stress; Rats; Rats, Wistar; Rutin; Superoxide Dismutase; Thiobarbituric Acid Reactive Substances; Vitamin E

Exposure to excessive fluoride poses a threat to human health, including increased susceptibility to developing the skeletal fluorosis. Despite its recognized importance as an endemic disease, little is known about how fluoride directly impacts on osteoblasts. We previously reported that fluoride-stimulating monolayer-cultured osteoblast proliferation or inhibiting cell viability depended on fluoride-exposure concentration and period, both accompanied with active oxidative stress. The purpose of this study was to provide extra insight into skeletal fluorosis by comparing their regulation of oxidative stress in rats and OS732 cells (a human osteoblast-like cell line) cultured in the three-dimensional approach. Our in vivo and in vitro studies proved that exposure to fluoride promoted varying extents of oxidative stress. Three-dimensional cultured OS732 cells revealed the action of fluoride on cell viability from excitatory to inhibitory trend according to fluoride-exposure concentration and time. The study provided insight into the mechanism of skeletal fluorosis. Also, this study distinguished itself by identifying oxidative stress as a potential modulator of osteogenesis in skeletal fluorosis.

Topics: Animals; Ascorbic Acid; Body Weight; Cell Line; Cell Survival; Fluorides; Glutathione; Glutathione Peroxidase; Humans; Lipid Peroxidation; Male; Malondialdehyde; Oxidative Stress; Rats; Rats, Wistar; Superoxide Dismutase

The present study investigates the bone maturity of suckling rats whose mothers were treated with gibberellic acid (GA(3)). Female Wistar rats were divided into two groups: group I that served as controls and group II that received orally GA(3) (200 ppm) from the 14th day of pregnancy until day 14 after delivery. In the GA(3) group, an increase in body and femur weights as well as in femur length of pups was noted when compared to controls. Lipid peroxidation was demonstrated by high femur malondialdehyde levels, while superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase activities, glutathione and vitamin C levels in femur decreased. GA(3) caused a decrease in calcium and phosphorus levels in bone. The calcium concentration in plasma increased and the phosphorus concentration decreased, while urinary levels of calcium decreased and those of phosphate increased. Moreover, plasma total tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase and total alkaline phosphatase increased. Bone disorders were confirmed by femur histological changes.

Topics: Acid Phosphatase; Animals; Animals, Suckling; Ascorbic Acid; Body Weight; Calcium; Catalase; Environmental Pollutants; Female; Femur; Gibberellins; Glutathione; Glutathione Peroxidase; Glutathione Reductase; Isoenzymes; Lipid Peroxidation; Male; Malondialdehyde; Oxidative Stress; Phosphorus; Pregnancy; Rats; Rats, Wistar; Superoxide Dismutase; Tartrate-Resistant Acid Phosphatase

In previous studies it was shown that maternal nicotine exposure during pregnancy and lactation interfered with fetal and neonatal lung growth and development. It was suggested that the adverse effects of maternal nicotine exposure on the lungs of the offspring may be due to inadequate protection of these lungs against oxidants. Wistar rats were used in this study. After mating the rats were randomly assigned into 4 groups, namely a control group, a group receiving only nicotine, a group exposed to only vitamin C, and a group exposed to both nicotine and vitamin C. The aim of this study was, firstly, to determine the effect of maternal nicotine exposure (1 mg/kg body weight/day, subcutaneously) during gestation and lactation on the lungs of the offspring; secondly, to test whether the subcutaneous administration of vitamin C (0.5 mg/kg body weight/day) influences lung development; and, lastly, to determine whether subcutaneous administration of vitamin C will prevent the adverse effects of maternal nicotine exposure on lung development in the offspring. Morphologic and morphometric techniques were used to determine the effect of nicotine and vitamin C on lung development in the offspring on postnatal days 14, 21, and 42. The results showed that maternal exposure to nicotine only or vitamin C only resulted in a gradual deterioration of the parenchyma of the lungs of the offspring. These changes, which resembled microscopic emphysema, only became evident after the lungs of the offspring reached maturation. Those animals that were exposed to both nicotine and vitamin C via the placenta and mother's milk were less severely affected. It is also not advisable to use subcutaneous administration of vitamin C during gestation and lactation to prevent smoke- and nicotine-related effects on the developing lung, and other strategies should be investigated.

Topics: Age Factors; Animals; Animals, Newborn; Antioxidants; Ascorbic Acid; Body Weight; Dietary Supplements; Female; Injections, Subcutaneous; Lactation; Litter Size; Lung; Lung Volume Measurements; Maternal Exposure; Nicotine; Nicotinic Agonists; Pregnancy; Pulmonary Alveoli; Pulmonary Emphysema; Rats; Rats, Wistar

Memory impairment induced by streptozotocin in rats is a consequence of changes in CNS that are secondary to chronic hyperglycemia, impaired oxidative stress, cholinergic dysfunction, and changes in glucagon-like peptide (GLP). Treatment with antihyperglycemics, antioxidants, and cholinergic agonists are reported to produce beneficial effect in this model. Berberine, an isoquinoline alkaloid is reported to exhibit anti-diabetic and antioxidant effect, acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibitor, and increases GLP release. However, no report is available on influence of berberine on streptozotocin-induced memory impairment. Therefore, we tested its influence against cognitive dysfunction in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats using Morris water maze paradigm. Lipid peroxidation and glutathione levels as parameters of oxidative stress and choline esterase (ChE) activity as marker of cholinergic function were assessed in the cerebral cortex and hippocampus. Thirty days after diabetes induction rats showed a severe deficit in learning and memory associated with increased lipid peroxidation, decreased reduced glutathione, and elevated ChE activity. In contrast, chronic treatment with berberine (25-100mg/kg, p.o., twice daily, 30 days) improved cognitive performance, lowered hyperglycemia, oxidative stress, and ChE activity in diabetic rats. In another set of experiment, berberine (100mg/kg) treatment during training trials also improved learning and memory, lowered hyperglycemia, oxidative stress, and ChE activity. Chronic treatment (30 days) with vitamin C or metformin, and donepezil during training trials also improved diabetes-induced memory impairment and reduced oxidative stress and/or choline esterase activity. In conclusion, the present study demonstrates treatment with berberine prevents the changes in oxidative stress and ChE activity, and consequently memory impairment in diabetic rats.

Topics: Acetylcholine; Administration, Oral; Analysis of Variance; Animals; Antioxidants; Ascorbic Acid; Berberine; Blood Glucose; Body Weight; Brain; Cholinesterase Inhibitors; Cholinesterases; Diabetes Mellitus, Experimental; Disease Models, Animal; Donepezil; Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; Drug Interactions; Exploratory Behavior; Glutathione; Hypoglycemic Agents; Indans; Lipid Peroxidation; Male; Maze Learning; Memory Disorders; Metformin; Piperidines; Rats; Rats, Wistar

Mycotoxin MT81 was isolated, purified, and identified from a fungal strain of Penicillium nigricans. It is a CNS depressant, hyperglycemic agent and produces massive bone marrow depression, hepatotoxicity, and nephrotoxicity. Its benzolylated analog (benzoylated-MT81) was synthesized in our laboratory having a LD₅₀ value of 87.1 mg/kg body weight in mice. This study was designed to assess the toxicological effects of mycotoxin MT81 and its analog on testicular spermatogenesis and steroidogenesis in mature albino rats. The sperm count and percentage of motile sperm were decreased markedly in MT81- and benzoylated-MT81-treated rats. The body weight and the weight of testis were reduced, whereas weight of adrenal gland was increased in a dose-dependent manner in the toxin-treated rats. MT81 and its derivative caused accumulation of ascorbic acid and total cholesterol in the testis and reduction in the activities of Δ⁵-3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (Δ⁵-3β-HSD) and glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G-6-P-D), whereas the ascorbic acid and cholesterol content of adrenal gland were decreased and enzyme activities were elevated. This experiment suggests that MT81 and benzoylated-MT81 both produce inhibition of testicular spermatogenesis and steroidogenesis but increase adrenal steroidogenesis and ultimately sterility of male rats.

Topics: 3-Hydroxysteroid Dehydrogenases; Adrenal Glands; Animals; Anthraquinones; Ascorbic Acid; Body Weight; Cholesterol; Glucosephosphate Dehydrogenase; Lethal Dose 50; Male; Mice; Mycotoxins; Organ Size; Rats; Rats, Wistar; Spermatogenesis; Testis; Testosterone; Toxicity Tests

Deltamethrin is a synthetic pyrethroid insecticide. It is known for its wide toxic manifestations. The present experiment pertains to the protective role of vitamin C against haematological and biochemical toxicity induced by deltamethrin during 4 weeks. Male Wistar rats were divided into four groups of eight each: Group I served as control rats; Group II received deltamethrin (1.28 mg/kg BW) in drinking water. Group III received both deltamethrin and vitamin C (200mg/kg BW; by i.p. injection); Group IV received vitamin C (200mg/kg BW). Exposure of rats to deltamethrin caused significant changes of some haematological parameters (red blood cells (RBC), haemoglobin (Hb), haematocrit (Ht), mean corpuscular volume (MCV), mean corpuscular haemoglobin (MCH), mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration (MCHC), platelet (Plt) and white blood cells (WBC)) in treated rats compared to controls. Significant increases in the levels of hepatic markers enzymes (alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), γ-Glutamyl transpeptidase (γ-GT)). Furthermore, renal markers such as urea and creatinine were increased in deltamethrin treated rats. Additionally, serum cholesterol and lipid peroxidation were significantly enhanced. Co-administration of vitamin C to the group III restored all the parameters cited above to near-normal values. Therefore, our investigation revealed that vitamin C appeared to be a promising agent for protection against deltamethrin-induced toxicity.

Topics: Alanine Transaminase; Alkaline Phosphatase; Animals; Antioxidants; Ascorbic Acid; Aspartate Aminotransferases; Body Weight; Eating; Erythrocyte Indices; gamma-Glutamyltransferase; Hematologic Tests; Insecticides; L-Lactate Dehydrogenase; Lipid Peroxidation; Male; Nitriles; Pyrethrins; Rats; Rats, Wistar; Weight Gain

Ascorbic acid (AA) is an antioxidant molecule that is highly concentrated in the brain and can exert both anticonvulsant and proconvulsant effects in distinct models of experimental seizures. Herein, we investigated whether chronic AA administration alters cortical excitability as indexed by the cortical spreading depression (CSD). Well-nourished (W) and malnourished (M) rats were treated, by gavage, with 60mg/kg/day of l-AA from postnatal days 7-28, and CSD propagation was analyzed at 30-40 days. Compared to the W groups, M rats presented higher (p<0.05) CSD amplitudes and velocities of propagation. In both nutritional conditions, AA-treatment significantly increased CSD amplitudes and propagation velocities (p<0.05), as compared to non-treated ('naïve'; Nv) and saline-treated (Sal) controls. The mean±standard deviation CSD velocities of propagation (in mm/min) for the Sal, AA and Nv groups were respectively 3.75±0.03, 4.26±0.08 and 3.81±0.04 for the W condition and 4.29±0.08, 4.51±0.04 and 4.30±0.04 for the M groups. The results demonstrate a CSD-facilitation by AA regardless of nutritional status. They also suggest that, at the dose of 60mg/kg/day chronically administered during brain development, AA may act as a prooxidant in brain, in view of the contrasting effect as compared with other antioxidants, which reduce CSD.

Topics: Animals; Antioxidants; Ascorbic Acid; Body Weight; Brain; Cortical Spreading Depression; Electroencephalography; Electrophysiological Phenomena; Enteral Nutrition; Malnutrition; Membrane Potentials; Nutritional Status; Potassium Chloride; Rats; Rats, Wistar

The insulinomimetic activity of a Zn(ii) complex is reported. The effects of the Zn(ii) complex with ascorbic acid (Vitamin C; VC), methylmethionine sulfonium chloride (Vitamin U; VU) and l-carnitine were assessed in diet-induced metabolic syndrome model rats. Zn(VU)(2)Cl(2) and Zn(VC)Cl(2) were suggested to be useful supplementary materials for preventing metabolic syndrome by reducing visceral adipose tissues or accelerating blood fluidity.

Topics: Adipocytes; Adipose Tissue; Animals; Ascorbic Acid; Body Weight; Carnitine; Cell Separation; Diet; Disease Models, Animal; Fatty Acids; Feeding Behavior; Glucose; Inhibitory Concentration 50; Insulin; Metabolic Syndrome; Rats; Vitamin U; Zinc

Effect of feeding partially saturated canthaxanthin (PSC), purified from Aspergillus carbonarius mutant, was studied using four groups of female albino rats (n=6) for 4 weeks. While the control group received basal diet ad libitum, Groups I, II and III were fed with basal diet containing 50, 100 and 250 ppm PSC, respectively. PSC feeding did not cause any significant changes in food intake and there was no gain in body weight either. PSC included in the diet significantly decreased cholesterol in blood. There was 44.75% and 60.54% decrease in LDL-cholesterol in rats fed with 50 and 100 ppm carotenoid. Hepatic ascorbic acid content increased by 44.59% in rats fed with 50 ppm PSC. Dietary PSC at 250 ppm lowered lipid peroxides by 19.49%. Activities of antioxidant enzymes, glutathione transferase and catalase were significantly higher in serum and liver of PSC fed rats compared to the controls. The results suggested that PSC feeding can induce hypocholesterolmic and antioxidant properties in rats.

Topics: Animals; Anticholesteremic Agents; Antioxidants; Ascorbic Acid; Aspergillus; Body Weight; Canthaxanthin; Catalase; Cholesterol, LDL; Female; Glutathione Transferase; Lipid Peroxidation; Lipid Peroxides; Liver; Rats; Rats, Wistar

Our main objective was to determine the effect of ascorbate supplementation in mice unable to synthesize ascorbic acid (gulo KO) when challenged with murine B16FO cancer cells.. Gulo KO female mice 36-40 weeks of age were deprived of or maintained on ascorbate in food and water for 4 weeks prior to subcutaneous injection of 2.5×10(6) B16FO murine melanoma cells in the right flank of mice. A control group of wild type mice were also injected with the melanoma cells and maintained on a regular murine diet. Mice were continued on their respective diets for another 2 weeks after injection. The mice were then sacrificed, blood was drawn and their tumors were measured, excised and processed for histology.. Mean weight of animals decreased significantly (30%, p < 0.0001) in the ascorbate-restricted group but increased slightly, but insignificantly, in the ascorbate-supplemented group. The mean tumor weight in ascorbate supplemented mice was significantly reduced (by 64%, p = 0.004) compared to tumor weight in ascorbate-deprived gulo mice. The mean tumor weight of wild type mice did not differ significantly from the ascorbate-supplemented mice. Gulo KO mice supplemented with ascorbate developed smaller tumors with more collagen encapsulation and fibrous capsule interdigitation, while gulo KO mice deprived of ascorbate hosted large tumors with poorly defined borders, showing more necrosis and mitosis. Ascorbate supplementation of gulo KO mice resulted in profoundly decreased serum inflammatory cytokine IL-6 (90% decrease, p = 0.04) and IL-1β (62% decrease) compared to the levels in gulo KO mice deprived of ascorbate.. Ascorbate supplementation modulated tumor growth and inflammatory cytokine secretion as well as enhanced encapsulation of tumors in scorbutic mice.

Topics: Animals; Antineoplastic Agents; Ascorbic Acid; Ascorbic Acid Deficiency; Body Weight; Cell Proliferation; Diet, Carbohydrate-Restricted; Female; Inflammation Mediators; Melanoma, Experimental; Mice; Mice, Inbred BALB C; Mice, Knockout; Neoplasm Metastasis; Tumor Burden

This study was performed to investigate whether bisphenol A (BPA), nonylphenol (NP), and octylphenol (OP) induce oxidative stress on the reproductive tract of male rats and if coadministration of vitamin C can prevent any possible oxidative stress. Wistar male rats were divided into seven groups as control (vehicle; olive oil), BPA, NP, OP, BPA+C, NP+C, and OP+C. BPA, OP, and NP groups (25 mg/kg/day) were administered orally to rats three times a week for 45 days. In BPA+C, NP+C, and OP+C groups, vitamin C (60 mg/kg/day) was administered orally along with BPA, OP, and NP (25 mg/kg/day) treatments. Malondialdehyde (MDA) appeared at significantly higher concentrations in BPA-, NP-, and OP-treated groups, when compared to control group. No significant decrease was observed in testes MDA levels of vitamin C coadministrated groups, compared with BPA, NP, and OP treatment groups. Decreased levels of reduced glutathione (GSH) were found in testes of BPA-, NP-, OP-treated rats. No significant increase was observed in testes GSH levels of BPA+C, NP+C, and OP+C groups, compared with BPA, NP, and OP treatment groups. Histological examination showed that vitamin C coadministrated groups had much more congestion areas, atrophy, and germinal cell debris in testes than those observed in other groups. Abnormal sperm percentages of BPA, BPA+C, NP+C, and OP+C groups were increased. In conclusion, the present results demonstrated that BPA, NP, and OP generate reactive oxygen species that cause oxidative damage in testes of rats. Coadministration of vitamin C aggravates this damage.

Topics: Administration, Oral; Animals; Ascorbic Acid; Benzhydryl Compounds; Body Weight; Drug Therapy, Combination; Glutathione; Lipid Peroxidation; Male; Malondialdehyde; Organ Size; Oxidative Stress; Phenols; Prostate; Rats; Rats, Wistar; Reactive Oxygen Species; Seminal Vesicles; Sperm Count; Spermatozoa; Testis

The aim of this study was to verify the effect of resistance training and antioxidant supplementation on fat-free mass (FFM) and insulin sensitivity (IS). The results demonstrate that 6 months of resistance training combined with antioxidant supplementation significantly increased FFM without concomitant significant improvement in IS in older adults.

Topics: Adipose Tissue; Aged; Antioxidants; Ascorbic Acid; Body Composition; Body Mass Index; Body Weight; Dietary Supplements; Double-Blind Method; Exercise; Female; Glucose Tolerance Test; Humans; Insulin; Male; Middle Aged; Physical Fitness; Reference Values; Resistance Training; Vitamin E

The objectives were to ascertain whether a yeast cell-wall derivative that was 1.8% beta-glucan in combination with ascorbyl-2-polyphosphate could improve innate immunity and mediate transportation stress in neonatal calves, and to compare the 1.8% beta-glucan yeast cell-wall derivative with a more purified yeast cell-wall derivative (70% beta-glucan). Treatments were 1) an unsupplemented control (CNT); 2) 113 g of a 1.8% (approximately 2%) beta-glucan derivative of yeast cell walls plus 250 mg of l-ascorbic acid phosphate (BG2); or 3) 150 mg of a purified beta-glucan fraction from yeast cell walls (approximately 70% beta-glucan) plus 250 mg/feeding of l-ascorbic acid phosphate (BG70). Calves (n = 39) were transported for 4 h, placed in outdoor hutches, and randomly assigned to treatments. Treatments (mixed with a milk replacer) were individually fed twice daily for 28 d. Calves were offered calf starter, free choice, throughout the study. Weekly starter intake and BW were measured, and fecal samples were collected for Salmonella Typhimurium and Escherichia coli O157:H7 PCR analysis. Blood was collected immediately before transport (d 0) and on d 3, 7, 10, 14, 21, and 28 after transport. Starter intake and DMI were less (P < 0.05) at d 28 for the BG2 and BG70 treatments compared with the CNT treatment. Hematocrit percentages increased (P = 0.002) throughout the experiment. White blood cell counts (treatment x time interaction, P = 0.066) were less for the calves supplemented with BG70 than for those supplemented with BG2 (P = 0.01) or for CNT calves (P = 0.04) on d 28. Granulocyte counts changed (P = 0.04) throughout the experiment. A trend (P = 0.077) for a treatment x time interaction was detected for peripheral blood mononuclear cell counts (PBMC). Counts of PBMC were greater (P = 0.006) for the BG2 treatment compared with the CNT treatment on d 3. Calves given the BG70 supplement had fewer PBMC than those given the BG2 supplement on d 21 (P = 0.03) and 28 (P = 0.05). Fibrinogen concentrations were affected only by time (P = 0.002). Time effects were detected for phagocytosis (P = 0.005), oxidative burst (P < 0.001), expression of cluster of differentiation 18 (P = 0.001), and increased cluster of differentiation 18 (P = 0.006). Phagocytosis was less (P = 0.05) for calves in the BG70 group than for those in the CNT group. Percentage of calves positive for E. coli O157:H7 was greatest (P

Topics: Animals; Animals, Newborn; Ascorbic Acid; beta-Glucans; Body Weight; Cattle; Cell Wall; Eating; Escherichia coli O157; Feces; Fibrinogen; Hematocrit; Immunity, Innate; Leukocyte Count; Leukocytes; Salmonella typhimurium; Stress, Psychological; Transportation; Yeast, Dried

Learning and memory deficits occur in diabetes mellitus. Although the pathogenesis of cognitive impairment in diabetes has not been fully elucidated, factors such as metabolic impairments, vascular complications and oxidative stress are thought to play possible roles. Here we investigated the effect of chronic treatment with vitamin C (50mg/kg, p.o), vitamin E (100mg/kg, p.o) and both together on passive avoidance learning (PAL) and memory in male Wistar control and diabetic rats. Treatments were begun at the onset of hyperglycemia. Passive avoidance learning was assessed 30 days later. Retention was tested 24h after training. At the end, animals were weighed and blood samples were drawn for plasma glucose measurement. Diabetes caused impairment in acquisition and retrieval processes of PAL and memory. The combination of vitamin C and E improved learning and memory in controls and reversed learning and memory deficits in diabetic rats. Combined treatment also affected the body weight and plasma glucose level of diabetic treated animals compared to untreated diabetic animals. Hypoglycemic effects and antioxidant properties of the vitamins may be involved in the nootropic effect of such treatment. These results show that combined treatment with vitamins C and E improved PAL and memory of control rats. In addition, combined vitamins administration to rats for 30 days from onset of diabetes alleviated the negative influence of diabetes on learning and memory. Therefore, combined vitamins treatment may provide a new potential alternative for prevention of impaired cognitive functions associated with diabetes and may warrant further clinical study.

Topics: Animals; Ascorbic Acid; Avoidance Learning; Blood Glucose; Body Weight; Diabetes Mellitus, Experimental; Drug Therapy, Combination; Learning Disabilities; Male; Memory; Memory Disorders; Neuropsychological Tests; Nootropic Agents; Rats; Rats, Wistar; Time Factors; Vitamin E

In this study, we examined whether ascorbic acid (AA) and dehydroascorbic acid (DHA), the oxidized form of AA, levels in tissues regulate the AA transporters, sodium-dependent vitamin C transporters (SVCT) 1 and SVCT2 and DHA transporters, glucose transporter (GLUT) 1, GLUT3, GLUT4 mRNA by using senescence marker protein-30 (SMP30)/gluconolactonase (GNL) knockout (KO) mice. These mice are incapable of synthesizing AA in vivo. AA depletion enhanced SVCT1 and SVCT2 mRNA expression in the liver and SVCT1 and GLUT4 mRNA expression in the small intestine, but not in the cerebrum or kidney. Next, we examined the actual impact of AA uptake by using primary cultured hepatocytes from SMP30/GNL KO mice. In the AA-depleted hepatocytes from SMP30/GNL KO mice, AA uptake was significantly greater than in matched cultures from wild-type mice. These results strongly affirm that intracellular AA is an important regulator of SVCT1 and SVCT2 expression in the liver.

Topics: Animals; Ascorbic Acid; Biological Transport; Body Weight; Calcium-Binding Proteins; Carboxylic Ester Hydrolases; Dehydroascorbic Acid; Female; Gene Expression Regulation; Glucose Transport Proteins, Facilitative; Hepatocytes; Intracellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins; Liver; Male; Mice; Mice, Knockout; Organic Anion Transporters, Sodium-Dependent; Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction; RNA, Messenger; Sodium-Coupled Vitamin C Transporters; Symporters

Postnatal glucocorticoid therapy in premature infants diminishes chronic lung disease, but it also increases the risk of hypertension in adulthood. Since glucocorticoid excess leads to overproduction of free radicals and endothelial dysfunction, this study tested the hypothesis that adverse effects on cardiovascular function of postnatal glucocorticoids are secondary to oxidative stress. Therefore, combined postnatal treatment of glucocorticoids with antioxidants may diminish unwanted effects.. Male rat pups received a course of dexamethasone (Dex), or Dex with vitamins C and E (DexCE), on postnatal days 1-6 (P1-6). Controls received vehicle (Ctrl) or vehicle with vitamins (CtrlCE). At P21, femoral vascular reactivity was determined via wire myography. Dex, but not DexCE or CtrlCE, increased mortality relative to Ctrl (81.3 versus 96.9 versus 90.6 versus 100% survival, respectively; P<0.05). Constrictor responses to phenylephrine (PE) and thromboxane were enhanced in Dex relative to Ctrl (84.7+/-4.8 versus 67.5+/-5.7 and 132.7+/-4.9 versus 107.0+/-4.9% Kmax, respectively; P<0.05); effects that were diminished in DexCE (58.3+/-7.5 and 121.1+/-4.3% Kmax, respectively; P<0.05). Endothelium-dependent dilatation was depressed in Dex relative to Ctrl (115.3+/-11.9 versus 216.9+/-18.9, AUC; P<0.05); however, this effect was not restored in DexCE (68.3+/-8.3, AUC). Relative to Ctrl, CtrlCE alone diminished PE-induced constriction (43.4+/-3.7% Kmax) and the endothelium-dependent dilatation (74.7+/-8.7 AUC; P<0.05).. Treatment of newborn rats with dexamethasone has detrimental effects on survival and peripheral vasoconstrictor function. Coadministration of dexamethasone with antioxidant vitamins improves survival and partially restores vascular dysfunction. Antioxidant vitamins alone affect peripheral vascular function.

Topics: Animals; Animals, Newborn; Antioxidants; Ascorbic Acid; Body Weight; Cardiovascular Diseases; Dexamethasone; Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; Female; Femoral Artery; Glucocorticoids; In Vitro Techniques; Male; Nitric Oxide Donors; Nitroprusside; Peritonitis; Potassium; Random Allocation; Rats; Rats, Wistar; Survival Rate; Time Factors; Vasoconstriction; Vitamin E

Experiments were performed with the aim of investigating the effect of road transportation for 12 hr on erythrocytes of goats during the hot-dry season and the modulatory role of ascorbic acid. Forty 2.5-3-year-old Red Sokoto goats weighing 23-25 kg and belonging to both sexes served as the subjects of the study. Twenty of the goats served as the experimental group and were administered ascorbic acid (AA) per os at a dosage rate of 100 mg/kg body weight; the other 20 served as controls and were given 10 ml each of sterile water. Forty minutes after the administration and loading, the goats were transported for 12 hr. EDTA blood samples collected before loading, after loading, immediately after transportation and subsequently on the 3rd and 7th days of post-transportation were used to determine the red blood cell (RBC) count, packed cell volume (PCV), hemoglobin (Hb), erythrocyte osmotic fragility (EOF), hematimetric (intrinsic) indices and hemoglobin index levels. The obtained results showed that handling, loading and transportation of the control goats induced significant (P<0.05) increases in RBC, Hb, EOF and hypochromic erythrocytes and a decrease (P<0.05) in the volume and average Hb content in RBCs. AA administration ameliorated all these changes. The present results suggest that road transportation for 12 hr during the hot-dry season could induce serious stress, resulting in hemolysis of erythrocytes, which was ameliorated by AA administration. In addition, the results demonstrated that EOF could be used as a diagnostic tool in road transportation stress.

Topics: Animals; Ascorbic Acid; Body Weight; Capillary Fragility; Erythrocyte Count; Female; Goats; Hemoglobins; Male; Temperature; Transportation

The in vivo activities of inulin and ascorbic acid were evaluated experimentally via using 450 Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) that were distributed into 3 equal groups (each of three replicates). Fish of the first group served as a control and received a balanced diet free from inulin and vitamin C. The second fed on balanced diet supplemented with inulin (5 g kg(-1)), whereas, the third one received a balanced diet supplemented with vitamin C (500 mg kg(-1)). The survival and growth performances were evaluated. Blood samples were collected from the experimented tilapia, one and two months from the onset of the experiment to measure the hematocrit (HCT) values, nitroblue tetrazolium (NBT), and lysozyme activity. The protective effect of the two compounds was evaluated via challenge infection using pathogenic Aeromonas hydrophila. The body weight gain (g); specific growth rate (%), and survival (%) were significantly increased (p < 0.05) in group supplemented with inulin and vitamin C after one and two months of exposures vs. the control. The HCT values showed non-significant changes in both supplemented groups after one and two months. The NBT was significantly increased (p < 0.05) in the 3rd and 2nd group after one and two months, respectively. On the other hand, a significant increase (p < 0.05) in the lysozyme activity has been observed in the 3rd group and in both supplemented groups at 1 and 2 months; respectively. The challenge infection showed an improved relative level of protection (RLP) in the 2 supplemented groups vs. the control. These results suggest that vitamin C at dose rate of 500 mg for one month could be a potential, less expensive, and promising dietary supplementation than inulin that would positively affect growth, hematology, innate immunity, and resistance of Nile tilapia (O. niloticus) in aquaculture.

Topics: Adjuvants, Immunologic; Aeromonas hydrophila; Animals; Ascorbic Acid; Body Constitution; Body Weight; Cichlids; Diet; Dietary Supplements; Female; Fish Diseases; Gram-Negative Bacterial Infections; Inulin; Male; Survival Analysis

Two experiments were carried out to determine the effect of dietary ascorbic acid supplementation levels on productivity, carcass characteristics, and mortality of indigenous Venda chickens. The first experiment determined the effect of dietary ascorbic acid supplementation levels on productivity and mortality rate of 175 unsexed Venda chickens between 1 and 6 weeks old. The second experiment determined the effect of dietary ascorbic acid supplementation levels on productivity, carcass characteristics, and mortality rate of 140 female Venda chickens between 8 and 13 weeks old. A completely randomized design was used in both experiments. Supplementation of grower diets with ascorbic acid ranged from 0 to 2,000 mg per kg DM feed in both experiments. Levels of ascorbic acid supplementation for optimum feed intake, feed conversion ratio, growth rate, live weight, and breast meat yield were determined using a quadratic equation. The optimal dietary ascorbic acid supplementation levels for feed conversion ratio, growth rate, and live weight of Venda chickens during the starter phase were 1,050, 1,301, and 1,500 mg/kg DM feed, while, at the grower phase, the optimal supplementation levels for feed conversion ratio, growth rate, live weight, and breast meat yield were 1,000, 1,250, 1,482, and 769 mg/kg DM feed, respectively. Results indicate that different levels of ascorbic acid supplementation optimized feed conversion ratio, growth rate, and live weight of Venda chickens at each growth phase. However, levels of ascorbic acid supplementation for optimum feed conversion ratio, growth rate, and live weight were higher than that for breast meat yield. These findings have implications on ration formulation for Venda chickens.

Topics: Animal Nutritional Physiological Phenomena; Animals; Ascorbic Acid; Body Constitution; Body Weight; Chickens; Dietary Supplements; Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; Female; Meat; Models, Statistical; Mortality

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is the most common indication for liver transplantation, but HCV recurrence is frequent after 1 year and is associated with increased morbidity and mortality. Oxidative stress (OxS) is involved in the pathogenesis of HCV, but little is known about its presence prior to disease recurrence.. To determine if at 6 months HCV-positive liver recipients (HCV-OLT) without recurrence were oxidatively stressed.. 33 HCV-OLTs, 12 controls, and 39 HCV-positive nontransplant patients (HCV-NTs). OxS was assessed by using commercial kits to measure liver lipid peroxidation (LPO) and antioxidant potential (AOP). Plasma vitamin E, retinol (HPLC), and vitamin C (spectrophotometry) were assessed. We collected Anthropometry and 3-day food records. We performed analysis by the Kruskal-Wallis test expressing data as mean values +/- standard errors of the mean.. Waist-hip ratio was higher in both HCV-OLTs and HCV-NTs compared to the controls. HCV-OLTs showed higher hepatic LPO (mumol malondialdehyde/g tissue) versus controls (1.4 +/- 0.20 vs 0.54 +/- 0.10; P = .010) and compared to HCV-NTs (0.98 +/- 0.17; P = .030). No significant differences were found among the groups regarding hepatic AOP. However, lower plasma AOP (micromols UEA) were observed in HCV-OLTs (0.07 +/- 0.008) versus controls (0.17 +/- .040; P = .021) or HCV-NTs (0.08 +/- 0.009; P = .015) versus controls. Plasma gamma-tocopherol was higher in HCV-OLTs and HCV-NTs compared to controls (P = .001). We observed lower vitamin A intake in HCV-OLTs compared with the other two groups (P = .001).. HCV-OLTs without disease recurrence are oxidatively stressed compared with control and HCV-NTs. Future research is needed to determine the impact of this increased oxidative stress on HCV disease recurrence.

Topics: Antioxidants; Ascorbic Acid; Body Height; Body Mass Index; Body Weight; Diabetes Complications; Diabetes Mellitus; Female; Hepatitis C; Humans; Lipid Peroxides; Liver Transplantation; Male; Middle Aged; Oxidative Stress; Recurrence; Vitamin A; Vitamin E; Waist-Hip Ratio

The purpose of this study was to investigate whether bisphenol A (BPA), nonylphenol (NP) and octylphenol (OP) induce oxidative stress in the liver of male rats and co-administration of vitamin C can prevent any possible oxidative stress. Wistar male rats were divided into seven groups (vehicle, BPA, NP, OP, BPA+C, NP+C, OP+C). BPA, OP and NP groups (25 mg kg(-1)day(-1)) were administered orally to rats three times a week for 50 days. In BPA+C, NP+C, OP+C groups, vitamin C (60 mg kg(-1)day(-1)) was administered along with BPA, OP and NP (25 mg kg(-1)day(-1)) treatments. Aspartate transaminase (AST), alanine transaminase (ALT), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances (TBARS) were increased, glutathione (GSH) levels were decreased in treatment groups. AST, ALT, LDH and TBARS levels were increased whereas GSH levels were decreased in BPA+C, NP+C and OP+C groups compared to BPA, NP, and OP groups, respectively. Hepatic necrosis and congestion were observed in livers of rats treated. In conclusion, the present results demonstrate that BPA, NP, and OP cause oxidative damage by disturbing the balance between ROS and antioxidant defenses system in liver of male rats. Vitamin C co-administration along with BPA, NP, OP aggravates the damage in liver of male rats.

Topics: Animals; Antioxidants; Ascorbic Acid; Benzhydryl Compounds; Blood Cell Count; Blood Chemical Analysis; Body Weight; Glutathione; Lipid Peroxidation; Liver; Male; Organ Size; Oxidative Stress; Phenols; Rats; Rats, Wistar; Thiobarbituric Acid Reactive Substances

In humans, growth hormone deficiency (GHD) and low circulating levels of insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) significantly increase the risk for cerebrovascular disease. Genetic growth hormone (GH)/IGF-1 deficiency in Lewis dwarf rats significantly increases the incidence of late-life strokes, similar to the effects of GHD in elderly humans. Peripubertal treatment of Lewis dwarf rats with GH delays the occurrence of late-life stroke, which results in a significant extension of life span. The present study was designed to characterize the vascular effects of life span-extending peripubertal GH replacement in Lewis dwarf rats. Here, we report, based on measurements of dihydroethidium fluorescence, tissue isoprostane, GSH, and ascorbate content, that peripubertal GH/IGF-1 deficiency in Lewis dwarf rats increases vascular oxidative stress, which is prevented by GH replacement. Peripubertal GHD did not alter superoxide dismutase or catalase activities in the aorta nor the expression of Cu-Zn-SOD, Mn-SOD, and catalase in the cerebral arteries of dwarf rats. In contrast, cerebrovascular expression of glutathione peroxidase 1 was significantly decreased in dwarf vessels, and this effect was reversed by GH treatment. Peripubertal GHD significantly decreases expression of the Nrf2 target genes NQO1 and GCLC in the cerebral arteries, whereas it does not affect expression and activity of endothelial nitric oxide synthase and vascular expression of IGF-1, IGF-binding proteins, and inflammatory markers (tumor necrosis factor alpha, interluekin-6, interluekin-1β, inducible nitric oxide synthase, intercellular adhesion molecule 1, and monocyte chemotactic protein-1). In conclusion, peripubertal GH/IGF-1 deficiency confers pro-oxidative cellular effects, which likely promote an adverse functional and structural phenotype in the vasculature, and results in accelerated vascular impairments later in life.

Topics: Animals; Ascorbic Acid; Biomarkers; Blood Vessels; Body Weight; Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid; Dwarfism; Endothelium, Vascular; Glutamate-Cysteine Ligase; Glutathione Peroxidase; Growth Hormone; Insulin-Like Growth Factor I; Longevity; NAD(P)H Dehydrogenase (Quinone); Nitric Oxide Synthase; Oxidative Stress; Phenotype; Rats; Rats, Inbred Lew; Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction; Stroke

Effects of insulin and ascorbic acid on expression of Bcl-2 family proteins and caspase-3 activity in hippocampus of diabetic rats were evaluated in this study.. Diabetes was induced in Wistar male rats by streptozotocin (STZ). Six weeks after verification of diabetes, the animals were treated for 2 weeks with insulin or/and ascorbic acid in separate groups. Hippocampi of rats were removed and evaluation of Bcl-2, Bcl-x(L), and Bax proteins expression in frozen hippocampi tissues were done by SDS-PAGE electrophoresis and blotting. The Bcl-2, Bcl-x(L), and Bax proteins bands were visualized after incubation with specific antibodies using enhanced chemiluminescences method. Caspase-3 activity was determined using the caspase-3/CPP32 Fluorometric Assay Kit.. Diabetic rats showed increase in Bax protein expression and decrease in Bcl-2 and Bcl-x(L) proteins expression. The Bax/Bcl-2 and Bax/Bcl-x(L) ratios were found higher compared with non-diabetic control group. Treatments with insulin and/or ascorbic acid were resulted in decrease in Bax protein expression and increase in Bcl-2 and Bcl-x(L) proteins expression. The Bcl-2/Bax and Bcl-x(L)/Bax ratios were found higher in treated groups than untreated diabetic group. Caspase-3 activity level was found higher in diabetic group compared with non-diabetic group. Treatment with insulin and ascorbic acid did downregulated caspase-3 activity.. Our data provide supportive evidence to demonstrate the antiapoptotic effects of insulin and ascorbic acid on hippocampus of STZ-induced diabetic rats.

Topics: Animals; Ascorbic Acid; bcl-2-Associated X Protein; bcl-X Protein; Blood Glucose; Body Weight; Caspase 3; Diabetes Mellitus, Experimental; Frozen Sections; Gene Expression Regulation; Hippocampus; Insulin; Male; Rats; Rats, Wistar; Streptozocin

Three hundreds, 21 d-old slow-growing chicks were randomly divided among 5 treatments, of 5 replicates each. Each replicate contained 12 unsexed chicks housed in (1 x 1) a floor pen. A group was kept under thermoneutral condition at 28 +/- 4 degrees C and RH was 55 +/- 3% during 21-84 d of age (positive control) and fed corn-soybean meal diet. The other four groups were kept for three successive days per week under heat stress (HS) at 38 +/- 1.4 degrees C and 49 +/- 2% RH from 12.00 to 16.00 pm. Chicks in HS treatments were fed corn-soybean meal diet without (negative control) or with 250 mg AA/kg diet and Bet at 0.5 and 1 g/kg diet. HS decreased productive performance, increased (P < 0.05) meat dry matter, plasma triglyceride and serum calcium whereas decreased (P > 0.05) plasma glucose, serum total protein and water holding capacity (WHC) of meat. AA and 1 g of Bet/kg diet was equally potent for partial relief (P < 0.05) of the negative effect of HS on growth, increased (P < 0.05) feed intake, protein digestibility (P < 0.05), dressing out percentage, liver and giblets, whilst improved (P < 0.05) feed conversion ratio (FCR). Also, a complete recovery from the negative effect (P < 0.05) of HS shown on plasma glucose and partial recovery (P < 0.05) observed in total protein, triglyceride, blood pH, packed cell volume (PCV), hemoglobin (Hgb), rectal temperature (RT) and respiration rate (RR) and improved humoral immune competence to sheep red blood cell (SBRCs) test.

Topics: Animals; Ascorbic Acid; Betaine; Blood Glucose; Blood Proteins; Body Temperature; Body Weight; Calcium; Chickens; Eating; Female; Heat Stress Disorders; Hematocrit; Hemoglobins; Hot Temperature; Male; Random Allocation; Respiration; Triglycerides; Tropical Climate

To analyse the effects of vitamin C (VC), a potent dietary antioxidant, oral supplementation on body weight gain, behavioural activity, lipolytic response and glucocorticoid metabolism in the early stages of diet-induced overweight in rats.. Food intake, locomotive activity and faecal corticosterone were assessed during the 14 day trial period. After 2 weeks, the animals were sacrificed and the body composition, biochemical markers and lipolytic response from isolated adipocytes from retroperitoneal white adipose tissue were examined.. The intake of a high-fat diet by rats induced a significant increase in body weight, adiposity and insulin resistance markers as well as a decrease in faecal corticosterone levels compared with standard diet-fed rats. Interestingly, the animals fed on the cafeteria diet showed a significant increase in the isoproterenol-induced lipolytic response in isolated adipocytes. Furthermore, this cafeteria-fed group showed a reduced locomotive behaviour than the control rats. On the other hand, oral VC supplementation in animals receiving the high-fat diet restored the cafeteria diet effect in some of the analysed variables such as final body weight and plasma insulin to control group levels. Remarkably, increases in locomotive behaviour and a significant decrease in the lipolytic response induced by isoproterenol on isolated adipocytes from animals treated with VC were observed.. This work demonstrates that an oral ascorbic acid supplementation has direct effects on behavioural activity and on adipocyte lipolysis in early obesity stages in rats, which could indicate a protective short-term role of this vitamin against adiposity induced by chronic high-fat diet consumption.

Topics: Adipocytes; Adiposity; Administration, Oral; Animals; Antioxidants; Ascorbic Acid; Biomarkers; Body Weight; Corticosterone; Dietary Fats; Feces; Glucocorticoids; Insulin; Insulin Resistance; Isoproterenol; Lipolysis; Male; Motor Activity; Overweight; Rats; Rats, Wistar

The protective effect of diphenyl diselenide, (PhSe)(2), on oxidative stress induced by cigarette smoke exposure in brains of rat pups was evaluated. Animals were exposed to passive cigarette smoke (15 min/day) in two different experimental protocols: P1 (1, 2, and 3 cigarettes) and P2 (4, 5, and 6 cigarettes) for 3 weeks. Before each period of smoke exposure, animals received an oral administration of (PhSe)(2) (0.5 mg/kg). A number of toxicological parameters in the brain were examined, such as lipid peroxidation, delta-aminolevulinate dehydratase (delta-ALA-D) activity, and components of enzymatic (superoxide dismutase and catalase activities) and non-enzymatic antioxidant defenses (ascorbic acid and non-protein thiol levels). In P1, smoke exposure induced an inhibition of catalase activity and an increase of ascorbic acid levels. (PhSe)(2) treatment was able to protect catalase activity but not ascorbic acid levels. In P2, an augmentation of lipid peroxidation, a reduction of enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidant status, and an inhibition of delta-ALA-D activity caused by smoke exposure were found. (PhSe)(2) protected the brains of rat pups against oxidative damage induced by smoke exposure. The results are consistent with the antioxidant effect of (PhSe)(2) demonstrated by the reduction of oxidative changes caused by smoke exposure in the brains of pups.

Topics: Animals; Antioxidants; Ascorbic Acid; Benzene Derivatives; Body Weight; Brain; Brain Diseases; Catalase; Lipid Peroxidation; Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy; Organoselenium Compounds; Oxidative Stress; Porphobilinogen Synthase; Rats; Rats, Wistar; Sulfhydryl Compounds; Superoxide Dismutase; Tobacco Smoke Pollution; Weight Gain

Aroclor 1254 (A1254) has been shown to have potential testicular toxicity. The mechanism of action of A1254 on male reproduction is not clear. The present study was designed to investigate the potential toxicity of A1254 on rat spermatogenesis. Oxidative stress was also assessed in testicular mitochondria as an underlying mechanism. Adult male Wistar rats were injected with A1254 (0, 0.75, 1.5 or 3mg/kg/day i.p.) or with vehicle (corn oil) for 20 consecutive days. A1254 at doses of 1.5 and 3mg/kg/day resulted in a significant decrease in body weight, testes weight, epididymal and relative epididymal weight. Similarly, the relative testis weight was significantly decreased at 3mg/kg/day. Sperm count, motility and daily sperm production were significantly decreased at 1.5 and 3mg/kg/day. The same two doses significantly inhibited the activities of testicular mitochondrial CAT, GPx and GR while the activity of SOD was significantly decreased by 0.75, 1.5 and 3mg/kg/day. The levels of H(2)O(2) generation and LPO were significantly increased in mitochondria in a dose-related pattern. GSH and Vit C were significantly decreased at 0.75, 1.5 and 3mg/kg/day. In conclusion, A1254 impairs spermatogenesis as evidenced, at least partly, by induction of oxidative stress in testicular mitochondria.

Topics: Animals; Antioxidants; Ascorbic Acid; Body Weight; Catalase; Chlorodiphenyl (54% Chlorine); Glutathione; Glutathione Peroxidase; Glutathione Reductase; Lipid Peroxidation; Male; Mitochondria; Organ Size; Oxidative Stress; Rats; Rats, Wistar; Sperm Count; Sperm Motility; Spermatogenesis; Superoxide Dismutase; Testis

Topics: Ascorbic Acid; Biomarkers; Body Weight; Diabetes Mellitus; Diet; Exercise; Humans; Satiety Response

The aim of this research was to investigate differential gene expression of cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitors (CKIs) in white adipose tissue (WAT) and liver from high-fat fed male Wistar rats with or without vitamin C (VC) supplementation (750 mg/kg of body weight). After 56 d of experimentation, animals fed on a cafeteria diet increased significantly body weights and total body fat. Reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) studies showed that cafeteria diet decreased p21 and p57 mRNA expression in subcutaneous WAT and increased p21 mRNA in liver. Overall, these data provide new information about the role of high fat intake on mRNA levels of several CKIs with implications in adipogenesis, cell metabolism and weight homeostasis. Interestingly, VC supplementation partially prevented diet-induced adiposity and increased p27 mRNA in liver without any changes in the other tissues and genes analyzed. Thus, hepatic mRNA changes induced by ascorbic acid indicate a possible role of these genes in diet-induced oxidative stress processes.

Topics: Adipogenesis; Adipose Tissue, White; Animals; Antioxidants; Ascorbic Acid; Body Weight; Cyclin-Dependent Kinase Inhibitor p21; Cyclin-Dependent Kinase Inhibitor p27; Cyclin-Dependent Kinase Inhibitor p57; Cyclin-Dependent Kinase Inhibitor Proteins; Dietary Fats; Disease Models, Animal; Energy Intake; Gene Expression Regulation; Leptin; Liver; Male; Malondialdehyde; Obesity; Organ Size; Oxidative Stress; Rats; Rats, Wistar; Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction; RNA, Messenger

Reserpine functions as an anti-stress agent providing relaxation to animals under stressful conditions. An attempt was made to find out functions of reserpine in unstressed albino rats and its role in steroidogenesis. The effects of the drug (25 and 35 microg, im daily for 3-5 days) were observed by recording the changes in body weights, concentration of ascorbate (liver and adrenals) and cholesterol (liver, adrenal and testes) of the animals. A dose of 25 microg reserpine 3-5 days was ineffective as there were no significant changes after the treatment. On the other hand 35 microg reserpine was found to be effective because there was significant increase in body weights, levels of ascorbate and cholesterol in respective tissues after 3-5 days administration. Therefore it is clear that in unstressed animals reserpine is stimulatory for liver but inhibitory for adrenal and testes under high doses.

Topics: Adrenal Glands; Adrenergic Uptake Inhibitors; Animals; Antioxidants; Ascorbic Acid; Behavior, Animal; Body Weight; Cholesterol; Liver; Male; Rats; Reserpine; Steroids; Testis

The high fructose-fed rat is widely used as a model of insulin resistance. Genistein, a soy isoflavone, has been shown to improve insulin sensitivity in this model. The present study investigated whether genistein could prevent fatty liver disease in this model.. Male Wistar rats were fed a diet containing starch (control) or 60% fructose (insulin-resistant model). Fifteen days later, rats in each dietary group were divided into two groups and were treated with either genistein (1 mg/kg per day) in dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO) or 30% DMSO alone. After 60 days, markers of liver injury, oxidative stress, interleukin (IL)-6, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, lipids, lipoprotein profile, nitrite, and nitrosothiol in the plasma and liver were quantified. Liver sections were examined for 3-nitrotyrosine (3-NT) expression and pathological lesions.. Fructose-fed rats displayed hyperlipidemia, significant changes in plasma lipoprotein profile, and increases in IL-6 and TNF-α levels compared with control. In addition, the accumulation of lipids, liver injury, a decline in liver function, inactivation of the glyoxalase system, depletion of antioxidants, and increased 3-NT expression were observed in the fructose-fed group. Administration of genistein to fructose-fed rats significantly reduced these biochemical and histological abnormalities.. Genistein activates the antioxidant profile, decreases IL-6 and TNF-α concentrations, prevents oxidative damage, and ameliorates fatty liver in insulin-resistant rats.

Topics: Animals; Ascorbic Acid; Body Weight; Cholesterol; Fatty Liver; Genistein; Glutathione Peroxidase; Glutathione Reductase; Insulin; Insulin Resistance; Interleukin-6; Liver; Liver Function Tests; Male; Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease; Organ Size; Phospholipids; Phytoestrogens; Rats; Rats, Wistar; Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha; Vitamin E

Bisphenol A (BPA), nonylphenol (NP) and octylphenol (OP) are endocrine-disrupting chemicals that has been shown to exert both toxic and estrogenic effects on mammalian cells. The aim of this study was to investigate if BPA, NP and OP induce oxidative stress on the brain tissue of male rats and if co-administration of vitamin C, an antioxidant, can prevent any possible oxidative stress. The male rats were divided into seven groups as control (vehicle), BPA, NP, OP, BPA+C, NP+C, OP+C. BPA, OP and NP (25 mg/(kg day)) were administrated orally to male Wistar rats for 45 days. In vitamin C co-administration groups (BPA+C, NP+C, OP+C), vitamin C (60 mg/(kg day)) were administrated orally along with BPA, OP and NP (25 mg/(kg day)) treatments. The rats in the control group received olive oil orally. The final body and absolute organ weights of treated rats did not show any significant difference when compared with the control group. Also, there were no significant difference in relative organ weights of BPA, NP, OP, BPA+C and NP+C groups when compared with control group. Only, relative organ weights were increased significantly in OP+C group compared with control group. Decreased levels of reduced glutathione (GSH) were found in the brains of BPA, NP, OP treated rats. The end product of lipid peroxidation, malondialdehyde (MDA), appeared at significantly higher concentrations in the BPA, NP, and OP treated groups when compared to the control group. On the other hand, there were no changes in the brain MDA and GSH levels of BPA+C, NP+C and OP+C groups compared with BPA, NP and OP treatment groups, respectively. In histopathologic examination, the vitamin C co-administrated groups had much more hyperchromatic cells in the brain cortex than that observed in the groups treated with only BPA, NP, and OP. The results of this study demonstrate that BPA, NP and OP generate reactive oxygen species that caused oxidative damage in the brain of male rats. In addition, vitamin C co-administration along with BPA, NP, and OP aggravates this oxidative damage in the brain of rats.

Topics: Administration, Oral; Animals; Antioxidants; Ascorbic Acid; Benzhydryl Compounds; Body Weight; Brain; Brain Diseases; Drug Antagonism; Estrogens, Non-Steroidal; Glutathione; Lipid Peroxidation; Male; Malondialdehyde; Organ Size; Oxidative Stress; Phenols; Rats; Rats, Wistar; Reactive Oxygen Species

The present study was conducted to investigate whether the conditionally essential amino acid taurine could play any protective role against the potent neurotoxin cadmium (Cd)-induced oxidative impairment in mice brain. Cd administration in the form of CdCl(2 )(at a dose of 4 mg kg(-1) body weight for 3 days, orally) increased the intracellular accumulation of metallic Cd, reactive oxygen species and super oxide radicals. The toxin also augmented the extent of lipid peroxidation, protein carbonylation and the levels of glutathione disulfide. Activities of the antioxidant enzymes and the levels of reduced glutathione as well as total thiols have been significantly decreased due to Cd exposure. In addition, the toxin also caused significant DNA degradation (as evidenced from DNA smearing and diphenylamine reaction). Oral administration of taurine (at a dose of 100 mg kg(-1) body weight for 5 days) was found to be very effective in the prevention of Cd-induced oxidative impairment in the brain tissue of experimental mice. In addition, taurine treatment could also prevent the reduction in the in vivo antioxidant power linearly up to a dose of 100 mg kg(-1) body weight. The preventive role of taurine against Cd-induced cerebral oxidative damage was supported by the observation under scanning electron microscope as well as histological examination of brain segments. To validate the experimental results, a well-known water soluble antioxidant, vitamin C, was used as the positive control in the study. In all, the results suggest that taurine plays a beneficial role against Cd-induced cerebral oxidative stress.

Topics: Animals; Antioxidants; Ascorbic Acid; Body Weight; Brain; Cadmium Chloride; DNA Fragmentation; Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; Glutathione; Lipid Peroxidation; Lipid Peroxides; Male; Malondialdehyde; Mice; Microscopy, Electron, Scanning; Nervous System Diseases; Organ Size; Protein Carbonylation; Reactive Oxygen Species; Sulfhydryl Compounds; Superoxides; Taurine

Oxidative stress resulting from an imbalance between radical-generating and radical scavenging systems plays an important role in the pathogenesis of pulmonary fibrosis. Epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG), a polyphenol and a major component of green tea, possess a potent antioxidant property. This study was designed to evaluate the potential antioxidative activity of EGCG in the plasma and lungs during bleomycin induced experimental pulmonary fibrosis. Intratracheal administration of bleomycin (6.5 U/kg body weight) to rats resulted in significant reduction of body weight, enzymic antioxidants (superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase and glutathione reductase) and non-enzymic antioxidants (reduced glutathione, vitamin C, vitamin E and vitamin A). Elevations in lung W/D (wet weight/dry weight) ratio, hydroxyproline content was observed with a synchronized increase in lipid peroxidation markers (thiobarbituric acid reactive substances and hydroperoxides). Intraperitoneal administration of EGCG at a dose of 20 mg/kg body weight significantly improved the body weight, enzymic and non enzymic antioxidants and considerably decreased the W/D ratio, hydroxyproline and lipid peroxidation marker levels. Histological observations also correlated with the biochemical parameters. Thus, this study confirms the beneficial use of EGCG in alleviating the oxidative stress induced during pulmonary fibrosis.

Topics: Animals; Antibiotics, Antineoplastic; Antioxidants; Ascorbic Acid; Bleomycin; Body Weight; Catechin; Glutathione; Injections, Intraperitoneal; Lung; Male; Organ Size; Pulmonary Fibrosis; Rats; Rats, Wistar; Thiobarbituric Acid Reactive Substances; Vitamin E

The antioxidant effects of exogenous salicylic acid (SA) and vitamin C (Vit C) on the oxidative stress induced by 56 mg/m(3) of sulfur dioxide (SO2) in mouse livers and brains were investigated. The exposure of SO2 caused significant elevation of thiobarbituric acid-reactive substance (TBARS) levels and reduction of enzyme activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), peroxidase (POD), and catalase (CAT) in brain and liver, accompanied by a decrease in relative growth rate, when compared with controls. Application of moderate concentrations of SA and Vit C markedly reduced the SO2-induced elevation of TBARS levels, with 5.5 mg/kg SA or 200 mg/kg Vit C being most effective. In contrast to the decrease of TBARS levels, the levels of SOD, POD, and CAT in liver and brain were significantly increased in comparison with controls. The polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (PAGE) of total liver proteins showed that the SO2 inhalation caused a 30-kD protein band disappearance compared with the control. However, the band remained unchanged in the samples treated with 5.5 and 8.25 mg/kg SA or 100, 200, and 400 mg/kg Vit C. Therefore, this protein band may serve as a marker for the damage induced by SO2 and an additional basis for drug screening and selection.

Topics: Administration, Inhalation; Air Pollutants; Animals; Antioxidants; Ascorbic Acid; Body Weight; Brain; Catalase; Disease Models, Animal; Lipid Peroxidation; Liver; Male; Malondialdehyde; Mice; Oxidative Stress; Peroxidase; Salicylic Acid; Sulfur Dioxide; Superoxide Dismutase; Thiobarbituric Acid Reactive Substances

Higher levels of urinary oxalate substantially increase the risk of calcium oxalate kidney stones. However, the determinants of urinary oxalate excretion are unclear. The objective was to examine the impact of dietary factors, age, body size, diabetes, and urinary factors on 24-h urinary oxalate.. We conducted a cross-sectional study of 3348 stone forming and non-stone-forming participants in the Health Professionals Follow-up Study (men), the Nurses' Health Study (older women), and the Nurses' Health Study II (younger women).. Median urinary oxalate was 39 mg/d in men, 27 mg/d in older women, and 26 mg/d in younger women. Participants in the highest quartile of dietary oxalate excreted 1.7 mg/d more urinary oxalate than participants in the lowest quartile (P trend 0.001). The relation between dietary and urinary oxalate was similar in individuals with and without nephrolithiasis. Participants consuming 1000 mg/d or more of vitamin C excreted 6.8 mg/d more urinary oxalate than participants consuming <90 mg/d (P trend < 0.001). Body mass index, total fructose intake, and 24-h urinary potassium, magnesium, and phosphorus levels also were positively associated with urinary oxalate. Calcium intake and age were inversely associated with urinary oxalate. After adjustment for body size, participants with diabetes excreted 2.0 mg/d more urinary oxalate than those without diabetes (P < 0.01).. The impact of dietary oxalate on urinary oxalate appears to be small. Further investigation of factors influencing urinary oxalate may lead to new approaches to prevent calcium kidney stones.

Topics: Adult; Age Factors; Aged; Ascorbic Acid; Body Mass Index; Body Weight; Circadian Rhythm; Cross-Sectional Studies; Diabetes Complications; Diet; Dietary Supplements; Female; Fructose; Humans; Kidney Calculi; Magnesium; Male; Middle Aged; Nutrition Assessment; Oxalates; Phosphorus; Potassium

Hydrogen is an established anti-oxidant that prevents acute oxidative stress. To clarify the mechanism of hydrogen's effect in the brain, we administered hydrogen-rich pure water (H(2)) to senescence marker protein-30 (SMP30)/gluconolactonase (GNL) knockout (KO) mice, which cannot synthesize vitamin C (VC), also a well-known anti-oxidant. These KO mice were divided into three groups; recipients of H(2), VC, or pure water (H(2)O), administered for 33 days. VC levels in H(2) and H(2)O groups were <6% of those in the VC group. Subsequently, superoxide formation during hypoxia-reoxygenation treatment of brain slices from these groups was estimated by a real-time biography imaging system, which models living brain tissues, with Lucigenin used as chemiluminescence probe for superoxide. A significant 27.2% less superoxide formed in the H(2) group subjected to ischemia-reperfusion than in the H(2)O group. Thus hydrogen-rich pure water acts as an anti-oxidant in the brain slices and prevents superoxide formation.

Topics: Animals; Antioxidants; Ascorbic Acid; Body Weight; Brain; Calcium-Binding Proteins; Carboxylic Ester Hydrolases; Hydrogen; Intracellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins; Mice; Mice, Knockout; Models, Biological; Oxidative Stress; Superoxides; Water

Carnitine is an essential cofactor in the transport of long-chain fatty acids into the mitochondrial matrix and plays an important role in energy production via beta-oxidation. Vitamin C (VC) has long been considered a requirement for the activities of two enzymes in the carnitine biosynthetic pathway, i.e., 6-N-trimethyllysine dioxygenase and gamma-butyrobetaine dioxygenase. Our present study using senescence marker protein-30 (SMP30)/gluconolactonase (GNL) knockout (KO) mice, which cannot synthesize VC in vivo, led to the conclusion that this notion is not true. After weaning at 40 d of age, SMP30/GNL KO mice were fed a diet lacking VC and carnitine, then given water containing 1.5 g/l VC (VC(+) mice) or no VC (VC(-) mice) for 75 d. Subsequently, total VC and carnitine levels were measured in the cerebrum, cerebellum, liver, kidney, soleus muscle, extensor digitorum longus muscle, heart, plasma and serum. The total VC levels in all tissues and plasma from VC(-) SMP30/GNL KO mice were negligible, i.e., <2% of the levels in SMP30/GNL KO VC(+) mice; however, the total carnitine levels of both groups were similar in all tissues and serum. In addition, carnitine was produced by incubated liver homogenates from the VC-depleted SMP30/GNL KO mice irrespective of the presence or absence of 1 mM VC. Collectively, these results indicate that VC is not essential for carnitine biosynthesis in vivo.

Topics: Animals; Ascorbic Acid; Ascorbic Acid Deficiency; Body Weight; Calcium-Binding Proteins; Carboxylic Ester Hydrolases; Carnitine; Glutathione; Intracellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins; Male; Mice; Mice, Knockout; Tissue Distribution

To investigate whether the micronutrients that were shown to reduce the risk of development of age-related macular degeneration in the Age-Related Eye Disease Study (AREDS) can have the same effect on the development of diabetic retinopathy in rats, and to understand the possible mechanisms.. Streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats received a powdered diet with or without supplemental micronutrients (ascorbic acid, vitamin E, beta-carotene, zinc, and copper). The retina was used after the rats had diabetes for 12 months to detect vascular histopathology and to measure the biochemical parameters and messenger RNA levels of the genes involved in oxidative and nitrative stress.. The AREDS-based micronutrients prevented a diabetes-induced increase in the number of retinal acellular capillaries. In the same rats, micronutrients inhibited increases in retinal oxidatively modified DNA and nitrotyrosine and decreases in manganese superoxide dismutase. Diabetes-induced alterations in the messenger RNA expression of mitochondrial electron transport complex III (coenzyme Q cytochrome-c reductase) and inducible nitric oxide synthase were also prevented.. Age-Related Eye Disease Study-based micronutrients inhibit the development of diabetic retinopathy in rodents by inhibiting oxidative and nitrative stress.. Micronutrients that slow down the onset and progression of age-related macular degeneration have the potential to inhibit the development of diabetic retinopathy.

Topics: Animals; Ascorbic Acid; beta Carotene; Body Weight; Copper; Deoxyadenosines; Diabetes Mellitus, Experimental; Diabetic Retinopathy; Diet; Eating; Electron Transport Complex III; Glycated Hemoglobin; Immunoenzyme Techniques; Male; Micronutrients; Nitric Oxide Synthase Type II; Oxidative Stress; Polymerase Chain Reaction; Rats; Rats, Inbred Lew; Retinal Vessels; RNA, Messenger; Superoxide Dismutase; Tyrosine; Vitamin E; Zinc Oxide

An enhanced oxidative stress status has been documented in obese patients and animal models, and a depletion of the antioxidant mechanisms in these conditions is a common feature. Therefore, we have tested the hypothesis that food supplementation with an antioxidant molecule such as vitamin C could prevent fat deposition induced by a high-fat diet in rodents. Ascorbic acid dietary supplementation reduced body weight and the retroperitoneal and subcutaneous fat depots in cafeteria diet-induced obese rats, without affecting food intake. Microarray technology has been applied in rat subcutaneous fat to assess the molecular mechanisms underlying the depletion of fat stores induced by ascorbic acid. Thus, expression of genes involved in cell proliferation, regulation of transcription, and host response are upregulated while a number of genes participating in lipid metabolism, cell adhesion, differentiation, and steroidogenesis (such as steroidogenic acute regulatory protein and hydroxysteroid 11-beta dehydrogenase 2) are downregulated. These data provide new insights to understand that not only calories count in weight gain, but also that the antioxidant status and other mechanisms affecting energy conversion efficiency could participate in energy homeostasis, in which glucocorticoids could be involved.

Topics: Adipose Tissue, White; Animals; Antioxidants; Ascorbic Acid; Body Composition; Body Weight; Dietary Fats; Eating; Gene Expression Regulation; Male; Obesity; Oligonucleotide Array Sequence Analysis; Organ Size; Oxidative Stress; Rats; Rats, Wistar; Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction; RNA, Messenger; Steroids

Vitamin C (VC) has a strong antioxidant function evident as its ability to scavenge superoxide radicals in vitro. We verified that this property actually exists in vivo by using a real-time imaging system in which Lucigenin is the chemiluminescent probe for detecting superoxide in senescence marker protein-30 (SMP30)/gluconolactonase (GNL) knockout (KO) mice, which cannot synthesize VC in vivo. SMP30/GNL KO mice were given 1.5 g/L VC [VC(+)] for 2, 4, or 8 weeks or denied VC [VC(-)]. At 4 and 8 weeks, VC levels in brains from VC(-) KO mice were <6% of that in VC(+) KO mice. Accordingly, superoxide-dependent chemiluminescence levels determined by ischemia-reperfusion at the 4- and 8 weeks test intervals were 3.0-fold and 2.1-fold higher, respectively, in VC(-) KO mice than in VC(+) KO mice. However, total superoxide dismutase activity and protein levels were not altered. Thus, VC depletion specifically increased superoxide generation in a model of the living brain.

Topics: Acridines; Animals; Antioxidants; Ascorbic Acid; Body Weight; Brain; Calcium-Binding Proteins; Carboxylic Ester Hydrolases; Intracellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins; Luminescent Agents; Mice; Mice, Knockout; Superoxides

Recent studies demonstrate that hyperhomocysteinemia is a risk factor for heart failure. Oxidant stress is a major mediator of the pathogenic effects of hyperhomocysteinemia.. We utilized a rat model of diet-induced hyperhomocysteinemia to examine whether treatment with an anti-oxidant vitamin (C&E) combination will prevent hyperhomocysteinemia-induced myocardial fibrosis.. Dietary anti-oxidant therapy attenuated hyperhomocysteinemia-induced increases in myocardial oxidant stress and myocardial fibrosis, and diastolic dysfunction.. Hyperhomocysteinemia acts via oxidant stress to promote myocardial fibrosis and dysfunction. Dietary anti-oxidant therapy could be an important preventive and therapeutic strategy in diastolic heart failure.

Topics: Animals; Antioxidants; Ascorbic Acid; Body Weight; Collagen; Coronary Vessels; Diastole; Endomyocardial Fibrosis; Heart; Homocysteine; Hyperhomocysteinemia; Male; Organ Size; Rats; Rats, Sprague-Dawley; Vitamin E

We had found a 14% higher incidence of pneumonia with vitamin E supplementation in a subgroup of the Alpha-Tocopherol Beta-Carotene Cancer Prevention (ATBC) Study cohort: participants who had initiated smoking by the age of 20 years. In this study, we explored the modification of vitamin E effect by body weight, because the same dose could lead to a greater effect in participants with low body weight.. The ATBC Study recruited males aged 50-69 years who smoked at least 5 cigarettes per day at the baseline; it was conducted in southwestern Finland in 1985-1993. The current study was restricted to 21,657 ATBC Study participants who initiated smoking by the age of 20 years; the median follow-up time was 6.0 years. The hospital-diagnosed pneumonia cases were retrieved from the national hospital discharge register (701 cases).. Vitamin E supplementation had no effect on the risk of pneumonia in participants with body weight in a range from 70 to 89 kg (n = 12,495), risk ratio (RR) = 0.99 (95% CI: 0.81 to 1.22). Vitamin E increased the risk of pneumonia in participants with body weight less than 60 kg (n = 1054), RR = 1.61 (1.03 to 2.53), and in participants with body weight over 100 kg (n = 1328), RR = 2.34 (1.07 to 5.08). The harm of vitamin E supplementation was restricted to participants with dietary vitamin C intake above the median.. Vitamin E supplementation may cause harmful effects on health in certain groups of male smokers. The dose of vitamin E used in the ATBC Study, 50 mg/day, is substantially smaller than conventional vitamin E doses that are considered safe. Our findings should increase caution towards taking vitamin E supplements.. ClinicalTrials.gov NCT00342992.

Topics: Aged; Ascorbic Acid; Body Weight; Cohort Studies; Dietary Supplements; Humans; Incidence; Male; Middle Aged; Pneumonia; Risk Factors; Smoking; Vitamin E

Bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (BM-MSCs) are multipotent stroma cells which can provide a potential therapy for diabetes mellitus. But the mechanism is still controversial. Also, the status of BM-MSCs under hyperglycemia is not known. In the present study, we investigated the status of BM-MSCs in experimental-diabetic rat and demonstrated the rescue of experimental diabetes by diabetic MSCs transplantation.. BM-MSCs were cultured and the potential of multiple-differentiation was identified through induction into osteoblasts. MSCs of passage 3 were used for the following experiment. The MSCs were labeled with 5-bromo-2?-deoxyuridine (BrdU). Diabetes in rats was induced by STZ injection. The rats were divided into three groups: normal control group (no DM, rats treated with saline through tail vein, n=10); DM control group (DM, no transplantation of MSCs, n=20); experimental group (DM and transplantation of MSCs, n=20). Body weight and blood glucose of the rats were monitored during the experiment after transplantation of MSCs. Paraffin sections of pancreas were obtained from rats of each group. Immuno-histochemistry analysis and double immunofluorescence were used to detect the BM-MSCs in the pancreatic tissue and their differentiating state.. MSCs were 89.5% labeled by BrdU and DAPI, which was green/blue double stained under fluorescent microscopy. Transplantation of diabetic MSCs resulted in a reduction of hyperglycemia on day 45 in experimental diabetic rats compared with control rats (17.7 mM +/-3.9 vs 27.8 mM +/- 2.1, P < 0.05), There was also a difference between MSC-treated experimental diabetic rats and control rats in body weight (232.7 g +/-19.7 vs 133.3g +/-13.1, P < 0.05). Histological and morphometric analysis of the pancreas of experimental diabetic rats showed the presence and differentiation of transplanted MSCs into insulin-producing cells which evidenced by double-staining of anti-BrdU and insulin. Also, there were many small islets throughout the sections. Their mean area and diameter analysis revealed that they were smaller than control islets (1835.7 +/- 175.8 microm2 vs 13257.2 +/- 1457.6 microm2; 43.5 +/- 3.7 microm vs 119.9 +/- 5.8 microm, respectively, P < 0.05).. Allogeneic MSCs transplantation can reduce blood glucose level in recipient rats. A relatively small quantity of transplanted diabetic MSCs survive and transdifferentiate into insulin-producing cells in the pancreas of recipient rats. Upon transplantation these cells initiate endogenous pancreatic regeneration by neogenesis of islet of recipient origin. The present study demonstrates that diabetic MSCs retains its stemness and potential to induce pancreatic regeneration on transplantation.

Topics: Animals; Ascorbic Acid; Blood Glucose; Body Weight; Bone Marrow Cells; Cell Differentiation; Cell Proliferation; Dexamethasone; Diabetes Mellitus, Experimental; Glycerophosphates; Immunohistochemistry; Insulin; Insulin-Secreting Cells; Male; Mesenchymal Stem Cell Transplantation; Mesenchymal Stem Cells; Osteoblasts; Rats; Rats, Wistar; Streptozocin; Transplantation, Homologous

Lower body fat percentage is positively associated with climbing performance. This may lead climbers to practice unhealthy diet restriction when no sport-specific nutrition information exists. This study examined whether prolonged diet restriction affects body composition, oxidative stress, or other potential health risks in outdoor rock climbers. Two healthy male climbers conducted a 5 week rock climbing trip with a limited food budget ($1 each per day). Subjects underwent an energy restriction of approximately 40%. Loss of body weight and fat mass at week 5 were 5.8% and 16.1%, respectively, and were accompanied by significant subcutaneous fat loss in the iliac crest and abdomen. Triacylglycerols (TG), free fatty acids and C-reactive protein (CRP) dramatically decreased from baseline to week 2, and then maintained the lower level until week 5. Plasma vitamin C was below the normal range, and F2-isoprostanes, a marker of oxidative stress, continuously increased to week 5. Superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase increased to week 2, but had returned to baseline levels at week 5. These results indicate that prolonged reduced energy intake while climbing may have an impact on weight loss and fat mass loss, which may contribute to low circulating TG and CRP, indicating improvements in markers of cardiovascular risk, and may lead to increased oxidative stress and reduced circulating antioxidants. Further studies are warranted to determine whether antioxidant supplementation or increased energy intake reduce oxidative stress.

Topics: Adipose Tissue; Adult; Ascorbic Acid; Biomarkers; Body Weight; C-Reactive Protein; Cardiovascular Diseases; Catalase; Diet, Reducing; Energy Intake; Fatty Acids, Nonesterified; Glutathione Peroxidase; Humans; Isoprostanes; Lipid Peroxidation; Male; Oxidative Stress; Reference Values; Sports; Superoxide Dismutase; Triglycerides; Young Adult

We investigated the effects of ascorbic acid (AsA) supplementation on lipid peroxidation and the lipid content in the liver and serum of magnesium (Mg)-deficient rats. Eighteen 3-week-old male Sprague-Dawley strain rats were divided into 3 groups and maintained on a control diet (C group), a low-Mg diet (D group), or a low-Mg diet supplemented with AsA (DA group) for 42 d. At the end of this period, the final body weight, weight gain, and serum Mg concentrations were significantly decreased in the Mg-deficient rats. Further, dietary AsA supplementation had no effect on the growth, serum Mg concentration, Mg absorption, and Mg retention. The serum concentration of AsA was significantly lower in the D group than in the C group but was unaltered in the DA group. The levels of phosphatidylcholine hydroperoxide (PCOOH) in the serum and of triglycerides (TGs) and total cholesterol (TC) in the serum and liver were significantly higher in the D group than in the C group. The serum PCOOH, liver TG, and liver TC levels were decreased in the DA group. These results indicate that Mg deficiency increases the AsA requirement of the body and that AsA supplementation normalizes the serum levels of PCOOH and the liver lipid content in Mg-deficient rats, without altering the Mg status.

Topics: Animals; Ascorbic Acid; Body Weight; Dietary Supplements; Lipid Peroxidation; Lipids; Liver; Magnesium Deficiency; Male; Rats; Rats, Sprague-Dawley; Reference Standards

To examine the effects of meso-2,3-dimercaptosuccinic acid (DMSA) on developmental toxicity resulting from exposure to lead in utero, female albino mice were exposed to lead by drinking water contaminated with lead acetate for 4 weeks. After the cessation of lead exposure, female mice were supplemented by gavage with saline solution, DMSA, or DMSA and calcium as well as ascorbic acid from the fourth day of gestation until parturition, respectively. Lead levels (blood, liver, and bone) were measured at birth. Pups were then tested about neural development including surface righting reflex, cliff avoidance and air righting reflex. The markers of physical maturation, such as body weight, pinna unfolding, incisor eruption, and eye opening were also recorded. DMSA treatment decreased blood lead levels of pregnant mice, however, increased lead levels in both liver and bone of fetus, and delayed the early physical and neural development of offspring. Calcium and ascorbic acid reduced the transfer of lead to fetus. In conclusion, DMSA treatment during pregnancy enhances lead-induced fetal developmental toxicity.

Topics: Animals; Ascorbic Acid; Body Burden; Body Weight; Calcium Carbonate; Chelating Agents; Female; Fetal Development; Growth; Hemoglobins; Lead; Male; Mice; Nervous System; Pregnancy; Succimer

Whereas there are numerous reports in the literature relating the impact of maternal nutritional status on subsequent birth outcome, much less is known about the long-term impact on infant growth after birth. Therefore, we conducted a prospective cohort study to investigate the association of maternal micronutrient status (vitamins A, C and E, folate) and oxidative stress status in pregnancy with infant growth during the first year of life.. Prospective cohort study.. Outpatient clinic of obstetrics, Ewha Womans University Hospital, Seoul, South Korea.. Two groups were constructed for this study - the Ewha pregnancy cohort (n = 677) and the infant growth cohort comprising follow-up live newborns of all the recruited pregnant women (n = 317). Maternal serum vitamin and urinary oxidative stress levels were collected and infant weights and heights were measured at birth and at 6 and 12 months after birth.. Division of the subjects into folate-deficient and normal groups revealed that infant weight and height at 0, 6 and 12 months were adversely affected by folate deficiency. High maternal vitamin C was associated with increased infant weight and height at birth and after birth.. Our findings indicate the importance of preventing folate deficiency and supplementing vitamin C during pregnancy.

Topics: Adult; Antioxidants; Ascorbic Acid; Body Height; Body Weight; Cohort Studies; Female; Folic Acid Deficiency; Humans; Infant; Infant Nutritional Physiological Phenomena; Infant, Newborn; Male; Maternal Nutritional Physiological Phenomena; Oxidative Stress; Pregnancy; Prenatal Nutritional Physiological Phenomena; Prospective Studies; Vitamins

The effect of dietary diphenyl diselenide (1 ppm) on N-nitroso-N-methylurea (NMU)-induced mammary carcinogenesis was examined in female Wistar rats. Beginning at 5 weeks of age, the animals were fed with either control or diphenyl-diselenide-supplied diets until the end of the study (210 days). At 50 days of age, mammary tumor was induced by the administration of three doses of NMU (50 mg/kg body wt, intraperitoneally) once a week for 3 weeks. In experimental trials, latency to tumor onset was extended in rats fed with diet supplemented with diphenyl diselenide (P < 0.05). The incidence and frequency of tumors were significantly small in animals supplemented with diphenyl diselenide. However, the multiplicity of tumors was not altered by dietary diphenyl diselenide. Diphenyl diselenide supplementation also restored superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity and vitamin C levels altered in the NMU group (P < 0.05). Our results suggest that diphenyl diselenide can be considered a chemopreventive agent, even when supplemented at a relatively low concentration.

Topics: Animals; Anticarcinogenic Agents; Ascorbic Acid; Benzene Derivatives; Biomarkers; Body Weight; Carcinogens; Comet Assay; Diet; Female; Lipid Peroxidation; Liver; Mammary Neoplasms, Animal; Methylnitrosourea; Neoplasm Proteins; Organ Size; Organoselenium Compounds; Rats; Rats, Wistar; Superoxide Dismutase

Purpose of this study was to examine the dose dependant effects of sesame seed powder as a dietary supplement on hypercholesteraemic and oxidative stress conditions in male albino rats. Sesame seed (Sesamum indicum) powder was administered at 5% and 10% dose levels along with either normal or hypercholesteraemic diet for duration of four weeks. Administration of sesame seed powder to hypercholesteraemic rats resulted in a significant decline in plasma, hepatic total lipid and cholesterol levels and, plasma LDL-cholesterol levels with an increase in plasma HDL-cholesterol levels. Further, these animals also showed increased fecal excretion of cholesterol, neutral sterol and bile acid along with increases in hepatic HMG-CoA reductase activity and bile acid content. Additionally sesame seed feeding improved the hepatic antioxidant status (catalase and SOD enzyme activities) with a reduction in lipid peroxidation. No significant changes in lipid and antioxidant profiles occurred in the normocholesteraemic rats administered with sesame seed powder. These beneficial effects of sesame seed on hypercholesteraemic rats appeared to be due to its fiber, sterol, polyphenol and flavonoid content, enhancing the fecal cholesterol excretion and bile acid production and as well as increasing the antioxidant enzyme activities.

Topics: Animals; Anticholesteremic Agents; Antioxidants; Ascorbic Acid; Bile Acids and Salts; Body Weight; Cholesterol; Diet; Eating; Feces; Hydroxymethylglutaryl CoA Reductases; Indicators and Reagents; Lipid Metabolism; Lipid Peroxidation; Lipids; Liver; Male; Organ Size; Phenylhydrazines; Phytosterols; Rats; Seeds; Sesamum; Sterols

The aim of this study was to determine whether changes in the activities of antioxidant enzymes occur in the brain of lead-exposed rats (300mgPb/L in drinking water) and to investigate the potential benefit of the administration of some natural antioxidants (Zn 20mg/L+vitamins A 50.000U/L, C 2g/L, E 500mg/L and B6 500mg/L) during pregnancy and lactation. Lead exposure caused a significant increase in brain TBARS (23%) vs. control, whereas co-administration of antioxidants+lead was effective in reducing TBARS levels. The catalase activity in brain samples of the lead group was enhanced 99% vs. control, but no changes were found in the remainder of the groups. No statistically significant effect of lead and/or antioxidants in brain SOD activity was noted. Acid phosphatase activity was enhanced in both lead groups but no changes were found in alkaline phosphatase activity. Finally, a statistically significant decrease (-35%) of acetylcholinesterase activity was noted in the lead+antioxidants group. This study provides evidence of the beneficial role of antioxidants in early status of brain development in rats against lead exposure.

Topics: Acetylcholinesterase; Animals; Antioxidants; Ascorbic Acid; Body Weight; Brain; Catalase; Female; Lead Poisoning, Nervous System; Lipid Peroxides; Organ Size; Oxidative Stress; Rats; Rats, Wistar; Superoxide Dismutase; Thiobarbituric Acid Reactive Substances; Vitamin A; Vitamin B 6; Vitamin E; Zinc

In clinical setting, uncomplicated diabetes mellitus type 2 is managed with anti-oxidants (e.g. ascorbic acid, alpha-tocopherol, etc.) with standard oral hypoglycaemic agents, which is aimed at limiting its glucose auto-oxidation and lipid peroxidation complications. The current study is an experimental animal study aimed at investigating the effect of co-administration of metformin and ascorbic acid (Vitamin C) on plasma glucose and lipid levels in non-diabetic rats which could serve as a template for future studies in this area. The hypoglycaemic and hypolipidaemic activities of metformin, ascorbic acid, and metformin-ascorbic acid combination were studied in 4 groups consisting of 6 rats per group and weighing 120 - 155 g, by administering oral doses of 5, 10 and 15 (for co-administration) mg/kg/day of the drugs, respectively, for 30 days. The acute oral toxicity of the combination was also conducted using limit dose test of Up and Down Procedure of Acute Oral Toxicity test. Results of the study showed that metformin and metformin-ascorbic acid combination induced significant and comparable hypoglycaemia. The drug combination also lowered plasma total cholesterol, low density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-c), very low density lipoprotein-cholesterol (VLDL-c) significantly but had no effect on plasma high density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-c). The LD50 estimate of the drug combination was greater than 5000 mg/kg body weight/oral route. The results of this study suggest the drug combination could have hypoglycaemic and lipid-lowering effects.

Topics: Administration, Oral; Animals; Ascorbic Acid; Blood Glucose; Body Weight; Drug Therapy, Combination; Hypoglycemic Agents; Lipids; Metformin; Rats; Rats, Wistar; Vitamins

This study evaluated the influence of diets supplemented with 500, 800, 1200 mg kg-1 of vitamin C (ascorbic acid or AA) and vitamin E (alpha-tocopherol or alpha-T) on the physiological responses of pirarucu fed for 2 months. Weight and mortality were not affected by dietary vitamin type or their concentrations. Significant increase (p<0.05) on the red blood cells count was obtained on treatments with 800 and 1200 mg AA kg-1 and on the hemoglobin concentration on treatment with 500 mg alpha-T kg-1 relatively to control. Mean corpuscular volume presented a significant decrease (p<0.05) on treatment with 800 and 1200 mg AA kg-1 when compared to control. Mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration was significantly high (p<0.05) on treatment with 500 mg alpha-T kg-1. Only in vitamin C treatments, we noticed a significant increase (p<0.05) in the number of leucocytes relative to control. All fish in the vitamin-supplemented treatments, except 500 mg AA kg-1, had high total protein values compared to control. Fish treated with 800 or 1200 mg alpha-T kg-1 also showed increases in plasma glucose concentrations. Our results suggest that 800 and 1200 mg AA kg-1 are probably the most suitable concentrations for pirarucu diets, although high vitamin E diets are not necessary for quantitative leucocyte increases for this species.

Topics: Animal Nutritional Physiological Phenomena; Animals; Ascorbic Acid; Blood; Blood Glucose; Body Weight; Dietary Supplements; Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; Erythrocyte Count; Fisheries; Fishes; Hematocrit; Hemoglobins; Leukocyte Count; Stress, Physiological; Vitamin E

PCBs are one of the environmental toxicants and neurotoxic compounds which induce the production of free radicals leading to oxidative stress. Oxidative stress is a contributing factor to alteration caused in neurodegenerative processes. The ability of Vitamin C to retard oxidative processes has been recognized for many years. Therefore, the present experiment was carried out to determine the antioxidant role of ascorbate on Aroclor 1254 induced oxidative stress in brain regions of albino rats. One group of rats received corn oil as vehicle for 30 days as control. The other group of rats were administered Aroclor 1254 at a dose of 2 mg/kg bw/day intraperitoneally for 30 days. One group of rats received Vitamin C (100 mg/kg bw/day) orally simultaneously with Aroclor 1254 for 30 days. The brain was dissected to cerebral cortex (Cc), cerebellum (C) and hippocampus (H). Enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidants such as superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), glutathione-S-transferase (GST), reduced glutathione (GSH) and Vitamin C were estimated. Hydrogen peroxide (H(2)O(2)), lipid peroxidation (LPO) and acetylcholine esterase activity (AchE) were determined. Activities of SOD, CAT, GPx, GST, AchE and the concentration of GSH, Vitamin C were decreased while an increase in H(2)O(2) and LPO were observed in brain regions of PCB treated animals. Vitamin C administration retrieved all the parameters except GST, significantly. These results suggest that PCB induces oxidative stress in rat brain by decreasing the activities of antioxidant enzymes, which can be protected by Vitamin C treatment.

Topics: Acetylcholinesterase; Animals; Antioxidants; Ascorbic Acid; Body Weight; Brain; Catalase; Chlorodiphenyl (54% Chlorine); Glutathione; Glutathione Peroxidase; Glutathione Transferase; Lipid Metabolism; Lipid Peroxidation; Male; Organ Size; Oxidative Stress; Rats; Rats, Wistar; Reactive Oxygen Species; Superoxide Dismutase

Approximately 12% of Americans do not consume the estimated average requirement for zinc and could be at risk for zinc deficiency. Since zinc has proposed antioxidant function, inadequate zinc consumption may lead to an enhanced susceptibility to oxidative stress through several mechanisms, including altered antioxidant defenses. In this study, we hypothesized that dietary zinc restriction would result in lower antioxidant status and increased oxidative damage. We fed weanling Sprague-Dawley rats (n=12 per group) a zinc-adequate (50 mg/kg of zinc) diet, a zinc-deficient (<0.05 mg/kg of zinc) diet or a pair-fed diet for 3 weeks and then assessed their antioxidant status and oxidative stress parameters. Rats were zinc deficient as indicated by a significant (P<.05) reduction in body weight (49%) and 19% lower (P<.05) hepatic zinc (20.6+/-2.1 mg/kg) as compared with zinc-adequate rats (24.6+/-2.2 mg/kg). Zinc deficiency resulted in elevated (P<.05) plasma F(2) isoprostanes. Zinc deficiency-mediated oxidative stress was accompanied by a 20% decrease (P<.05) in the ferritin-reducing ability of plasma assay and a 50% reduction in plasma uric acid (P<.05). No significant change in plasma ascorbic acid or in plasma alpha-tocopherol and gamma-tocopherol was observed. However, hepatic alpha-tocopherol and gamma-tocopherol concentrations were decreased by 38% and 27% (P<.05), respectively, as compared with those in zinc-adequate rats. Hepatic alpha-tocopherol transfer protein levels were unaltered (P>.05) by zinc deficiency, but cytochrome P450 (CYP) 4F2 protein levels were elevated (P<.05) as compared with those in zinc-adequate rats. Collectively, zinc deficiency increased oxidative stress, which may be partially explained by increased CYP activity and reductions in hepatic alpha-tocopherol and gamma-tocopherol and in plasma uric acid.

Topics: Animals; Antioxidants; Ascorbic Acid; Body Weight; Diet; Energy Intake; F2-Isoprostanes; Liver; Rats; Rats, Sprague-Dawley; Tocopherols; Uric Acid; Zinc

The effect of cigarette smoke exposure on lungs of rat pups was evaluated. Animals were exposed to passive cigarette smoke during 3 weeks and a number of toxicological parameters in lung of pups were examined, such as lipid peroxidation, delta-aminolevulic acid dehydratase (delta-ALA-D) activity, components of the enzymatic antioxidant defenses (superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase activities) and non-enzymatic antioxidant defenses (Vitamin C and non-protein thiol (NPSH) levels). Furthermore, a possible protective effect of diphenyl diselenide, (PhSe)(2), was studied. The results demonstrated an increase in lipid peroxidation, an inhibition of delta-ALA-D activity, a reduction of Vitamin C and NPSH levels induced by cigarette smoke exposure, indicating damage in lungs of rat pups. Oral administration of (PhSe)(2) (0.5mg/kg) restored TBARS levels, non-enzymatic antioxidant defenses and activity of delta-ALA-D. These results indicated that exposure to cigarette smoke enhanced oxidative stress, thereby disturbing the tissue defense system. (PhSe)(2) protected against oxidative damage induced by cigarette smoke exposure in lung of rat pups.

Topics: Aminolevulinic Acid; Animals; Animals, Suckling; Antioxidants; Ascorbic Acid; Benzene Derivatives; Body Weight; Catalase; Female; Lipid Peroxidation; Lung Diseases; Male; Organoselenium Compounds; Pregnancy; Rats; Rats, Wistar; Sulfhydryl Compounds; Superoxide Dismutase; Thiobarbituric Acid Reactive Substances; Tobacco Smoke Pollution

Ethological assessment of murine models of Huntington's disease (HD), an inherited neurodegenerative disorder, enables correlation between phenotype and pathophysiology. Currently, the most characterized model is the R6/2 line that develops a progressive behavioral and neurological phenotype by 6 weeks of age. A recently developed knock-in model with 140 CAG repeats (KI) exhibits a subtle phenotype with a longer progressive course, more typical of adult-onset HD in humans. We evaluated rotarod performance, open-field behavior, and motor activity across the diurnal cycle in KI mice during early to mid-adulthood. Although we did not observe any effects of age, relative to wild-type (WT) mice, KI mice showed significant deficits in both open-field climbing behavior and home-cage running wheel activity during the light phase of the diurnal cycle. An interesting sex difference also emerged. KI females spent more time in the open-field grooming and more time running during the diurnal dark phase than KI males and WT mice of both sexes. In striatum, the primary site of HD pathology, we measured behavior-related changes in extracellular ascorbate (AA), which is abnormally low in the R6/2 line, consistent with a loss of antioxidant protection in HD. KI males exhibited a 20-40% decrease in striatal AA from anesthesia baseline to behavioral activation that was not observed in other groups. Collectively, our results indicate behavioral deficits in KI mice that may be specific to the diurnal cycle. Furthermore, sex differences observed in behavior and striatal AA release suggest sex-dependent variation in the phenotype and neuropathology of HD.

Topics: Analysis of Variance; Animals; Ascorbic Acid; Behavior, Animal; Body Weight; Circadian Rhythm; Disease Models, Animal; Exploratory Behavior; Female; Huntingtin Protein; Huntington Disease; Male; Mice; Mice, Transgenic; Motor Activity; Neostriatum; Nerve Tissue Proteins; Nuclear Proteins; Rotarod Performance Test; Sex Factors; Trinucleotide Repeat Expansion

Juvenile matrinxã (Brycon amazonicus) were fed with different dietary vitamin C (ascorbic acid or AA) concentrations for 2 months in order to evaluate its effect on the physiological condition of this species. Five treatments were tested: Reference diet-RD (350 mg AA kg(-1) and 45% crude protein commercial feed); C400, C500, C600 and C800 with supplementation of 400, 500, 600 and 800 mg AA kg(-1). Fish fed 800 mg AA kg(-1) supplemented diets presented greater weight gain and survival. Hematocrit, hemoglobin concentrations and erythrocytes showed significant increase (p<0.05) in C600 and C800 relatively to the others. Total leukocyte values were significantly higher in fish fed vitamin C supplemented diets relatively to those fed RD and leukocytes count of C600 and C800 were the highest among the treatments. Monocytes were the only cells of fish defense mechanism that presented variation, and C600 and C800 presented the lowest values (P<0.05). Glucose level was significantly different relatively to RD only in C400 and the plasmatic total protein values for fish fed vitamin C supplemented diets were higher than for fish fed the RD. Fish plasmatic ions (Na(+) and Cl(-)) were significantly lower for C500, C600 and C800 relatively to C400 and RD. The physiological profile and the growth performance of matrinxã suggest that diet supplemented with 800 mg AA kg(-1) can improve its performance and increase the survival rate.

Topics: Animals; Ascorbic Acid; Blood Cells; Blood Glucose; Blood Proteins; Body Weight; Cell Size; Dietary Supplements; Erythrocyte Count; Fishes; Hematocrit; Hemoglobins; Leukocyte Count

Experimental induction of diabetes mellitus in animal models using chemical diabetogens is demonstrated to impair testicular function progressively leading to decreased fertility. Although, both steroidogenic and spermatogenic dysfunctions have been reported, the role of oxidative stress mechanism/s has been less understood. We have investigated the induction of oxidative damage during early diabetic phase in testis and epididymal sperm (ES) in mice administered an acute dose of streptozotocin (STZ). Our results show enhanced lipid peroxidation in testis (cytosol and mitochondria) and ES and increased ROS production as early as 5 days. Further, significant perturbations in the activities of antioxidant enzymes in testis/ES and enhanced protein carbonyl content were suggestive of increased oxidative stress during early diabetic phase. STZ-induced oxidative damage in both compartments was amenable for attenuation by treatment with oral supplements of either ascorbic acid (10mg/(kg(bw)day)) or taurine (1g/(kg(bw)day)). Furthermore, the oxidative impairments in testis/ES were persistent during the progressive phase (as measured at 2 and 4 weeks of sampling) and were associated with significant increase DNA damage (testis) and higher incidence of abnormal sperms. Interestingly, mating of STZ treated males sequentially for a period of 5 weeks with virgin untreated females resulted in a significant increase in the male-mediated dominant lethal-type mutations during the first 3 weeks, indicating a stage-specific genotoxic effect on post-meiotic germ cells. Based on the occurrence of oxidative impairments in STZ-treated mice both during both early and progressive phase, it is hypothesized that oxidative stress mechanisms may be wholly or in part contribute towards the development of testicular dysfunction and degeneration under situations of experimentally induced diabetes in animal models.

Topics: Animals; Antioxidants; Ascorbic Acid; Blood Glucose; Body Weight; Catalase; Diabetes Mellitus, Experimental; DNA Damage; Epididymis; Female; Fertility; Glutathione Peroxidase; Glutathione Transferase; Infertility, Male; Lipid Peroxidation; Male; Mice; Mutation; Organ Size; Oxidative Stress; Protein Carbonylation; Reactive Oxygen Species; Sperm Count; Spermatozoa; Streptozocin; Superoxide Dismutase; Taurine; Testis; Testosterone; Time Factors

Diethyl-2-phenyl-2-tellurophenyl vinylphosphonate (DPTVP) is an organotellurium compound with low toxicity after subcutaneous administration in mice. This study evaluated possible in vivo and ex vivo toxicological effects of daily injections of DPTVP for 12 days in mice, using the intraperitoneal administration. This route potentially increases the pharmacokinetics of absorption, distribution, metabolism and toxicity of DPTVP. Treatment with DPTVP (0, 30, 50, 75, 100, 250, 350 or 500 micromol/kg) were not associated with mortality or body weight loss. Nevertheless, the liver and liver-to-body weight ratio increased in groups treated with 350 and 500 micromol/kg of DPTVP. However, plasmatic aspartate and alanine aminotransferase activities (classical markers of hepatotoxicity) were not increased after diethyl-2-phenyl-2-tellurophenyl vinylphosphonate administration. Hepatic, renal and cerebral thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), delta-ALA-D activity and Vitamin C levels were not modified after DPTVP treatment. Renal and hepatic superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) were unchanged after DPTVP treatment. Conversely, SOD activity significantly increased in brain in groups treated with 50, 75, 100 and 500 micromol/kg of DPTVP treated groups. Our findings corroborates that brain is a potential target for organochalcogen action. The absence of severe overt signs of toxicity after sub-chronic exposure to DPTVP reinforces the necessity for more detailed pharmacological studies concerning this new organotellurium compound.

Topics: Animals; Ascorbic Acid; Body Weight; Brain; Catalase; Drug Administration Routes; Glutathione; Infusions, Parenteral; Kidney; Liver; Mice; Organ Size; Organometallic Compounds; Organophosphonates; Porphobilinogen Synthase; Superoxide Dismutase; Thiobarbituric Acid Reactive Substances; Tissue Distribution; Transaminases

Vitamin C is a necessary cofactor for collagen synthesis. A deficiency of vitamin C results in the breakdown of connective tissue in and around the walls of blood vessels. The disease is thus characterized by poor healing of wounds. Chronic leg ulcers are defined as wounds that do not heal.. To investigate whether patients with chronic leg ulcers have vitamin C deficiency.. Case control study; vitamin C was assayed in peripheral blood samples of 42 consecutive patients with chronic leg ulcers and in 37 consecutive patients without chronic leg ulcers. Patients without leg ulcers had peripheral vascular disease, or hypertension, or connective disorders. Patients with diabetes, immunodepression (cancer, HIV infection, corticosteroid therapy) and aged under 65 years were excluded. Reference range for plasma vitamin C was above 26 micromol/l (normal levels, group I), hypovitaminosis C as 6-26 micromol/l (group II) and concentrations<6 micromol/l as scurvy (group III).. Mean age was 77.2 years in the ulcers group and 73.8 in the control group (NS), mean weight 73.1 kg in the ulcers group and 67.5 kg in the control group (NS). Smoking was more frequent in the control group (P<0.001). Mean vitamin C levels were lower in the leg ulcers group: 23.9 vs 33.8 micromol/l (P<0.003). Normal levels of vitamin C (group I) were more frequent in the control group: 78.4 vs 50% (P<0.01). Hypovitaminosis C (group II) was more frequent in the leg ulcers group: 23.8 vs 16.2% (P<0.01). Scurvy was more frequent in the leg ulcers group: 26.2 vs 5.4% (P<0.01). C reactive protein levels were higher in the leg ulcers group: 31.8 vs 9.3 mg (P=0.002) and albumin levels were lower in the leg ulcers group: 25 vs 38 g/l (P=0.01) [retrospective data].. Patients with chronic leg ulcers have lower levels of vitamin C than patients without leg ulcers, although smoking was more frequent in patients without leg ulcers. The question is whether vitamin C deficiency is a cofactor of impaired healing or is a simple marker of poor healing? It would be interesting to conduct a randomized controlled study about treatment of chronic leg ulcers with vitamin C.

Topics: Aged; Ascorbic Acid; Ascorbic Acid Deficiency; Body Weight; Case-Control Studies; Female; Humans; Leg Ulcer; Male; Patient Selection; Reference Values

Amla (Emblica officinalis Gaertn.) is widely used in Indian medicine for the treatment of various diseases. We have investigated the effects of amla on the lipid metabolism and protein expression involved in oxidative stress during the ageing process. SunAmla or ethyl acetate extract of amla, a polyphenol-rich fraction, was administered at a dose of 40 or 10 mg/kg body weight per d for 100 d to young rats aged 2 months and aged rats aged 10 months. The lipid levels, such as cholesterol and TAG, in serum and liver were markedly elevated in aged control rats, while they were significantly decreased by the administration of amla. The PPARalpha is known to regulate the transcription of genes involved in lipid and cholesterol metabolism. The PPARalpha protein level in liver was reduced in aged control rats. However, the oral administration of amla significantly increased the hepatic PPARalpha protein level. In addition, oral administration of amla significantly inhibited the serum and hepatic mitochondrial thiobarbituric acid-reactive substance levels in aged rats. Moreover, the elevated expression level of bax was significantly decreased after the oral administration of amla, while the level of bcl-2 led to a significant increase. Furthermore, the expressions of hepatic NF-kappaB, inducible NO synthase (iNOS), and cyclo-oxygenase-2 (COX-2) protein levels were also increased with ageing. However, amla extract reduced the iNOS and COX-2 expression levels by inhibiting NF-kappaB activation in aged rats. These results indicate that amla may prevent age-related hyperlipidaemia through attenuating oxidative stress in the ageing process.

Topics: Aging; Animals; Ascorbic Acid; Body Weight; Cholesterol; Dyslipidemias; Eating; Flavonoids; Lipid Metabolism; Liver; Male; Oxidative Stress; Phenols; Phyllanthus emblica; Phytotherapy; Plant Extracts; Polyphenols; Proteins; Rats; Rats, Wistar; Triglycerides

The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of exogenous mouse leptin on ethanol-induced cardiac toxicity in mice. Administering ethanol (6.32 g/kg body weight p.o.) to 4-week-old healthy mice for 45 days resulted in significantly elevated plasma levels of leptin, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), cardiac lipid hydroperoxides (LOOH) and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) and significantly decreased cardiac superoxide dismutase, catalase, vitamin C, vitamin E, reduced glutathione and glutathione-dependent enzyme levels (glutathione peroxidase and glutathione S-transferase). Subsequent to the experimental induction of toxicity (i.e., after the initial period of 30 days) exogenous leptin was administered (230 microg/kg body weight i.p.) every alternate day for 15 days along with the daily dose of ethanol. Leptin administration to ethanol-treated mice significantly elevated the levels of plasma leptin, LDH and cardiac LOOH, TBARS, whereas the activity of antioxidant enzymes and the concentrations of vitamins C and E were further decreased significantly. These findings were consistent with our histological observations, confirming that leptin enhances cardiac toxicity in ethanol-supplemented mice.

Topics: Animals; Antioxidants; Ascorbic Acid; Body Weight; Catalase; Central Nervous System Depressants; Ethanol; Glutathione; Glutathione Peroxidase; Glutathione Transferase; Heart; L-Lactate Dehydrogenase; Leptin; Lipid Peroxidation; Male; Mice; Myocardium; Organ Size; Superoxide Dismutase; Thiobarbituric Acid Reactive Substances; Vitamin E

Because of the accessible and renewable nature of feedstock and the potential for the reduction of harmful combustion emissions and greenhouse gases, biodiesels have received increasing interest as an alternate fuel. Oral exposure to biodiesels is a concern because of contact during refuelling, accidental ingestion and exposure through ground water contamination. Although biodiesels from various feedstock are in use commercially and experimentally, very little is known about their potential adverse effects and no data is available on their potential for ground water contamination. A study was performed on male rats following oral treatment with experimental biodiesels (dissolved in corn oil) derived from canola oil (Bio-C), soy oil (Bio-S) and fish oil (Bio-F), at 500 mg/kg body weight/day, 5 days per week, for 4 weeks. Separate groups of animals were treated with low sulfur diesel (LSD) for comparison purpose, and with corn oil alone to serve as control. The potential for ground water contamination by biodiesels was investigated by the preparation of water-accommodated fractions (WAF) followed by gas chromatographic analysis. WAF from Bio-F and Bio-S was found to have the highest level of dichloromethane extractable materials. Gas chromatographic analysis indicated that the extractable materials from biodiesels contained much higher proportion of C15-C30 materials than LSD. Increased liver weight was observed in animal treated with Bio-C, Bio-S and LSD and decreased thymus weight was found in those treated with Bio-S. Histopathological changes typical of male-rat specific hyaline-droplet nephropathy were detected in kidney tubules of animals treated with LSD, Bio-S and Bio-C. Mild adaptive changes were observed in thyroids of animals treated with LSD, Bio-S and Bio-F. Clinical chemical and biochemical changes were confined to Bio-S and LSD treated rats and included elevation in some hepatic phase-I and phase-II drug metabolizing enzymes and hepatic palmitoyl Co-A oxidase, and elevated urinary concentrations of ascorbic acid and albumin. At the given dose level of 500 mg/kg bw/day, the overall treatment-related effects of biodiesels and LSD are mild, and the severity of the treatment effects may be ranked as: LSD>Bio-S>Bio-C>Bio-F. Considered together with the presence of a higher level of water extractable materials, Bio-S may be more of a concern for potential human health than Bio-C and Bio-F in an oral exposure scenario. Further studies are needed to

Topics: Algorithms; Animals; Antioxidants; Ascorbic Acid; Body Weight; Chromatography, Gas; Corn Oil; Fatty Acids, Monounsaturated; Fish Oils; Fuel Oils; Gasoline; Glycine max; Liver; Male; Organ Size; Pilot Projects; Rapeseed Oil; Rats; Rats, Sprague-Dawley; Risk Assessment; Sulfur

Chlorpyrifos (CPF) is one of the most widely used organophosphorous insecticides in agriculture with its attendant adverse health outcomes. This study aimed at evaluating the effect of subchronic oral CPF administration on hematological and serum biochemical indices, and the possible ameliorating effect of vitamin C on the indices in mice. Thirty mice divided into 3 groups of 10 mice each were used for this study. Mice in group I (control) were dosed with vegetable oil, while those in group II were given CPF (21.3 mg/kg~ 1/5(th) LD(50)) only. Mice in group III were pretreated with vitamin C (100 mg/kg) prior to dosing with CPF 30 min later (Vitamin C + CPF-treated group). This regime was given to each group of mice three times a week for a period of ten weeks. During the study period, mice were examined for signs of toxicity, and weight of each mouse was measured every week. At the end of the study period, blood samples were collected from the mice and analyzed for packed cell volume (PCV), total red blood cell (RBC), white blood cell (WBC) and total protein (TP). Serum obtained from the blood was analyzed for Na( +, K+ and Cl-), urea, creatinine, alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and alkaline phosphatase (ALP). The results showed that mice in the vitamin C + CPF-treated group exhibited milder signs of toxicity and significant increase in weight gain (p<0.01) compared to the CPF-treated group. No significant increase in weight in the CPF-treated group was observed compared to the control. There was a significant increase in PCV, RBC, Hb, TP and creatinine, but a significant decrease was obtained in WBC, ALT and AST in the CPF-treated group compared to the control. All the parameters with the exception of WBC, ALT and AST (which increased significantly), were significantly decreased in the vitamin C + CPF-treated group compared to CPF-treated group. ALP was significantly elevated in the CPF-treated group compared to both the control and vitamin C + CPF-treated group. No significant changes in urea and the measured electrolytes in all three groups, except a significant decrease in the concentration of Na(+) was observed in the CPF-treated group compared to the control. The study demonstrated that pretreatment of CPF-administered mice with vitamin C significantly altered some important hematological and serum biochemical parameters, revealing the protective action of the vitamin against some organ damage induced by CPF.

Topics: Animals; Antioxidants; Ascorbic Acid; Blood Proteins; Body Weight; Chemistry, Clinical; Chlorpyrifos; Drug Antagonism; Erythrocyte Indices; Female; Hematologic Tests; Insecticides; Leukocytes; Male; Mice; Poisoning

Oxidized LDL (oxLDL) has been shown to activate the sphingomyelinase pathway producing ceramide in vascular smooth muscle cells. Therefore ceramide, which is a biologically active lipid causing apoptosis in a variety of cells, may be involved in the apoptotic action of oxLDL. In this study, we examined whether cholesterol enriched diets affected ceramide metabolism and oxidation product of LDL, represented by degradation of apolipoprotein B-100 (apoB) in apoE-deficient (apoE-/-) mice. ApoE-/- and wild type mice were fed a standard (AIN-76) diet or 1% cholesterol-enriched diet for 8 weeks. Tissue ceramide levels were analyzed using electrospray tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). Ceramide levels in the plasma and the liver of apoE-/- mice were intrinsically higher than those of the wild type. In apoE-/- mice, dietary cholesterol significantly increased several ceramides and degradation products of apoB in plasma compared to those fed the control diet. Dietary cholesterol did not affect tissue ceramide levels in the wild type mice. Based on these results, plasma ceramides possibly correlate with the increase in LDL oxidation and are a risk factor for atherosclerosis.

Topics: Animals; Apolipoprotein B-100; Apolipoproteins E; Ascorbic Acid; Body Weight; Ceramides; Cholesterol, Dietary; Cholesterol, LDL; Liver; Male; Mice; Mice, Inbred C57BL; Oxidation-Reduction

We have previously shown that urinary sugars excretion in 24 h urine collections can serve as an independent biomarker of sugars consumption. In the European Prospective Investigation of Cancer (EPIC) Norfolk study of nutrition and cancer, this biomarker in spot urines has been assessed in a cross-sectional comparison of 404 obese individuals aged 45 to 75 years with a body mass index (BMI) of >30 kg/m(2) and 471 normal weight individuals aged 45 to 75 years with a BMI of <25 kg/m(2). In individuals of normal weight, sucrose, protein, and vitamin C intake were positively and highly significantly related to biomarkers in spot urine or plasma (P < 0.001), but there were no significant associations between biomarkers and food intake reports in the obese. Odds ratios for a BMI of >30 were significantly elevated for urinary sucrose [trend per milligram per liter quintile, 1.13; 95% confidence interval (95% CI), 1.02-1.25; P = 0.016], and the odds ratio for urinary sucrose/fructose ratio was highly significant (trend per quintile, 1.264; 95% CI, 1.142-1.401; P < 0.001). No associations for sugars intake and obesity were found using a food frequency questionnaire, and dietary vitamin C was apparently associated with increased risk (P < 0.001) despite an inverse association for plasma vitamin C. Nutritional biomarkers of consumption can complement existing methods for assessing cancer risk from diet in epidemiologic studies.

Topics: Aged; Ascorbic Acid; Biomarkers; Body Mass Index; Body Weight; Cohort Studies; Cross-Sectional Studies; Dietary Carbohydrates; Dietary Proteins; Dietary Sucrose; Eating; Epidemiologic Studies; Europe; Feeding Behavior; Female; Fructose; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Obesity; Prospective Studies; Vitamins

Accelerated formation of advanced glycation/lipoxidation and endproducts (AGEs/ALEs) has been implicated in the pathogenesis of various diabetic complications. Several natural and synthetic compounds have been proposed and tested as inhibitors of AGE/ALE formation. We have previously reported the therapeutic effects of several new AGE/ALE inhibitors on the prevention of nephropathy and dyslipidemia in streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rats. In this study, we investigated the effects of various concentrations of a compound, LR-90, on the progression of renal disease and its effects on AGE and receptor for AGE (RAGE) protein expression on the kidneys of diabetic STZ-rats. Diabetic male Sprague-Dawley rats were treated with or without LR-90 (0, 5, 20, 25, and 50 mg/l of drinking water). After 32 weeks, body weight, glycemic status, renal function, and plasma lipids were measured. Kidney histopathology and AGE/ALE accumulation and RAGE protein expression in tissues were also determined. In vitro studies were also performed to determine the possible mechanism of action of LR-90 in inhibiting AGE formation and AGE-protein cross-linking. LR-90 protected the diabetic kidneys by inhibiting the increase in urinary albumin-to-creatinine ratio and ameliorated hyperlipidemia in diabetic rats in a concentration-dependent fashion without any effects on hyperglycemia. LR-90 treatment also reduced kidney AGE/ALE accumulation and RAGE protein expression in a concentration-dependent manner. In vitro, LR-90 exhibited general antioxidant properties by inhibiting metal-catalyzed reactions and reactive oxygen species (OH radical) and reactive carbonyl species (methlyglyoxal, glyoxal) generations without any effect on pyridoxal 5' phosphate. The compound also prevents AGE-protein cross-linking reactions. These findings demonstrate the bioefficacy of LR-90 in treating nephropathy and hyperlipidemia in diabetic animals by inhibiting AGE accumulation, RAGE protein expression, and protein oxidation in the diabetic kidney. Additionally, our study suggests that LR-90 may be useful also to delay the onset and progression of diabetic atherosclerosis as the compound can inhibit the expression of RAGE and inflammation-related pathology, as well as prevent lipid peroxidation reactions.

Topics: Animals; Ascorbic Acid; Body Weight; Butyrates; Cholesterol; Creatinine; Diabetes Mellitus, Experimental; Diabetic Nephropathies; Dyslipidemias; Glycation End Products, Advanced; Glycosylation; Hydroxyl Radical; Hypoglycemic Agents; Kidney; Lipid Metabolism; Lipoproteins, LDL; Male; Molecular Structure; Oxidation-Reduction; Pyridoxal Phosphate; Rats; Rats, Sprague-Dawley; Receptor for Advanced Glycation End Products; Receptors, Immunologic; Triglycerides; Tyrosine

Environmental pollutants that disrupt endocrine system might also affect the modeling and remodeling of bone. Environmental factors, irrespective of age and sex contribute for the development of secondary osteoporosis. Polychlorinated biphenyls have adverse effects on various organs including bone. The present study was designed to investigate the effects of PCB (Aroclor 1254) on femur bone and the ameliorative role of vitamin C or E. In this regard, four groups of adult male albino rats were used as control, PCB (2mg/kgb.wt.), PCB+vitamin C (100mg/kgb.wt.) and PCB+vitamin E (50mg/kgb.wt.). The bone formation markers (ALP, Collagen), bone resorption marker (TRAP), antioxidant enzymes (SOD, GPX and GST) and lipid peroxidation in the femur were studied. Aroclor 1254 treatment decreased the ALP activity and collagen, but increased the TRAP activity and lipid peroxidation. While it decreased the SOD and GPX activity, GST was unaltered. Interestingly, simultaneous administration of vitamin C or E prevented the adverse effects of Aroclor 1254 in the femur. In conclusion, the present investigation suggests that Aroclor 1254 induced oxidative stress affects femoral bone metabolism. However, vitamin C or vitamin E protected the femur from the oxidative stress.

Topics: Acid Phosphatase; Animals; Antioxidants; Ascorbic Acid; Body Weight; Bone Remodeling; Chlorodiphenyl (54% Chlorine); Collagen; Endocrine Disruptors; Femur; Isoenzymes; Lipid Peroxidation; Male; Organ Size; Oxidative Stress; Rats; Rats, Wistar; Tartrate-Resistant Acid Phosphatase; Vitamin E

To examine the tumor modification activity of kojic acid (KA) by sodium ascorbic acid (AA), 5-week-old male ICR mice were administered intraperitoneally with N-diethylnitrosamine (DEN) as an initiation treatment. Two weeks after the initiation treatment, animals were fed basal diet containing 0 (Group 1: DEN alone) or 3% KA (Group 3: DEN+KA), drinking water containing 5,000 ppm AA (Group 2: DEN+AA) or 3% KA and 5,000 ppm AA (Group 4: DEN+KA+AA) for 6 weeks. One week after the administration of KA and/or AA, all mice were subjected to two-thirds partial hepatectomy. At the end of the experimental period, all surviving mice were sacrificed and removed the liver. The liver weights of the Groups 3 and 4 were significantly increased, and the number of proliferating cell nuclear antigen positive hepatocytes and the gene expressions of Ccnc, Ccnd1, Ercc and Cyp7a1 were significantly increased in the Group 4, as compared to the Group 1. These results of the present study suggest that AA enhances the hepatocellular proliferative activity of KA in mice.

Topics: Animals; Antioxidants; Ascorbic Acid; Body Weight; Diethylnitrosamine; Drug Interactions; Immunohistochemistry; Liver; Liver Neoplasms, Experimental; Male; Mice; Mice, Inbred ICR; Oligonucleotide Array Sequence Analysis; Organ Size; Pyrones; Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction; RNA, Messenger; Up-Regulation

Urate is a metabolic end product of purine metabolism that contributes about 66% of the antioxidant capacity of plasma. The objective of this study was to evaluate the importance of plasma urate as an antioxidant using pharmacological lowering and examining the impact on plasma antioxidant capacity and oxidative stress after intense exercise. Fifteen subjects ran for 45 min at approximately 80% VO2 max under the influence of probenecid (1 g/d) (PRO) or placebo (PLA) in a double-blind, crossover design. Blood samples obtained at baseline, pre-exercise, and immediately post-exercise were analyzed for F2-isoprostanes, lipid hydroperoxides (LHs), ferric-reducing ability of plasma (FRAP), urate, ascorbate (AA), and nitrite. A 2 (group)x2 (time) repeated-measures analysis of variance (ANOVA), one-way ANOVA, Tukey-Kramer multiple comparison tests, and Student's t tests were used for statistical analysis. PRO exhibited lowered urate and FRAP compared with baseline (p

Topics: Adolescent; Adult; Anaerobic Threshold; Antioxidants; Ascorbic Acid; Body Composition; Body Weight; Exercise; Ferric Compounds; Humans; Isoprostanes; Lactic Acid; Lipid Peroxidation; Male; Nitrates; Nitrites; Oxidation-Reduction; Oxidative Stress; Probenecid; Uric Acid; Uricosuric Agents

Previous reports from our laboratory have shown that in Swiss female mice exposed to an acute dose (3 Gy) of whole body irradiation (WBI), induced thymic lymphoma (TL) resulted after three to four weeks of exposure. The present study was aimed to further evaluate dependency on gender and effect of age of mice at the time of irradiation on TL incidence. A significant decrease in body weight gain was observed in female mice exposed to WBI, which was found to be correlated with the increase in weight and size of thymus, compared to their respective controls. An increase in TL incidence was observed with the increased postirradiation time, which was 47, 80, and 93% after 90, 120, and 150 days of WBI, respectively, in female mice. In irradiated female mice, the TL incidence was significantly higher and the growth of tumor in terms of weight and size was more aggressive than in males of the same age. Moreover, mice with higher age groups at the time of irradiation showed substantial decrease in TL incidence and its aggressiveness; and these effects were more conspicuous in males than in females. In mice irradiated at the age group of three to four weeks, the TL incidence was 83 and 72% in female and male, respectively, which was decreased to 74% in female and 14% in male in the age group of 12-13 weeks. It was further observed that the postirradiation feeding of animals with antioxidants resulted in a significant decrease in TL incidence, and the prevention in TL incidence was more in animals fed with curcumin (55%) than with ascorbic acid and eugenol (20%). These results have provided significant new findings on the phenomenon of radiation-induced TL incidence related to gender and age at the time of irradiation and its prevention by postirradiation antioxidant feeding to mice.

Topics: Aging; Animals; Antioxidants; Ascorbic Acid; Body Weight; Curcumin; Eugenol; Female; Gamma Rays; Lymphoma; Male; Mice; Neoplasms, Radiation-Induced; Organ Size; Sex Factors; Thymus Gland; Thymus Neoplasms; Whole-Body Irradiation

Previous in vivo studies from several laboratories had shown remarkable curative effect of methylglyoxal on cancer-bearing animals. In contrast, most of the recent in vitro studies have assigned a toxic role for methylglyoxal. The present study was initiated with the objective to resolve whether methylglyoxal is truly toxic in vivo and to reassess its therapeutic potential. Four species of animals, both rodent and non-rodent, were treated with different doses of methylglyoxal through oral, subcutaneous and intravenous routes. Acute (treatment for only 1 day) toxicity tests had been done with mouse and rat. These animals received 2, 1 and 0.3 g of methylglyoxal/kg of body weight in a day through oral, subcutaneous and intravenous routes respectively. Chronic (treatment for around a month) toxicity test had been done with mouse, rat, rabbit and dog. Mouse, rat and dog received 1, 0.3 and 0.1 g of methylglyoxal/kg of body weight in a day through oral, subcutaneous and intravenous routes respectively. Rabbit received 0.55, 0.3 and 0.1 g of methylglyoxal/kg of body weight in a day through oral, subcutaneous and intravenous routes respectively. It had been observed that methylglyoxal had no deleterious effect on the physical and behavioral pattern of the treated animals. Fertility and teratogenecity studies were done with rats that were subjected to chronic toxicity tests. It had been observed that these animals produced healthy litters indicating no damage of the reproductive systems as well as no deleterious effect on the offspring. Studies on several biochemical and hematological parameters of methylglyoxal-treated rats and dogs and histological studies of several organs of methylglyoxal-treated mouse were performed. These studies indicated that methylglyoxal had no apparent deleterious effect on some vital organs of these animals. A detailed pharmacokinetic study was done with mouse after oral administration of methylglyoxal. The effect of methylglyoxal alone and in combination with creatine and ascorbic acid on cancer-bearing animals had been investigated by measuring the increase in life span and tumor cell growth inhibition. The results indicated that anticancer effect of methylglyoxal was significantly augmented by ascorbic acid and further augmented by ascorbic acid and creatine. Nearly 80% of the animals treated with methylglyoxal plus ascorbic acid plus creatine were completely cured and devoid of any malignant cells within the peritoneal cavity.

Topics: Animals; Antineoplastic Agents; Ascorbic Acid; Body Weight; Carcinoma, Ehrlich Tumor; Creatine; Dogs; Drug Synergism; Enzymes; Female; Fertility; Longevity; Male; Mice; Neoplasm Transplantation; Pyruvaldehyde; Rabbits; Rats; Reproduction; Species Specificity; Survival Analysis; Teratogens; Vitamins

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of different phytosterols and their analogs on colonic mucosal cell proliferation in hamsters.. Hamsters (n=70) were randomly assigned to seven groups after a 2-week acclimation and fed the experimental diet for 5 weeks. Diets included (i) the semipurified diet with no cholesterol (Con), (ii) the Con diet plus 0.25% cholesterol (Ch-con), or the Ch-con diet with (iii) 1% phytosterols (Ste), (iv) 1% phytostanols (Sta), (v) 1.76% sterol esters (esterified to fish oil, SteF), (vi) 0.71% stanol esters (esterified to ascorbic acid [disodium ascorbyl phytostanol phosphate, FM-VP4], 0.7% StaA) and (vii) 1.43% stanol esters (1.4% StaA), respectively. After 5 weeks on experimental diet, hamsters were sacrificed, and colons were collected. Colonic mucosal cell proliferation was measured by immunohistochemistry using monoclonal antibodies against antigen Ki-67.. Colonic mucosal cell proliferation was 21.4% (P<.01) lower in the 0.7%, but not 1.4%, StaA relative to the Ch-con group. In addition, a lower (-13.9%) cell proliferation was observed in the SteF group in comparison to the Ch-con group; however, this difference achieved only a borderline level of statistical significance (P=.069). No differences were observed between Con and Ch-con, as well as among Ste, Sta, 1.4% StaA and Ch-con treatments.. Plant stanols esterified to ascorbic acid may possess anticarcinogenic properties in the colon by suppressing colonic mucosa cell proliferation; however, this effect was not observed with free plant sterols or stanols.

Topics: Animals; Anticarcinogenic Agents; Ascorbic Acid; Body Weight; Cell Division; Cholesterol, Dietary; Colon; Cricetinae; Eating; Esterification; Intestinal Mucosa; Male; Mesocricetus; Phytosterols

PCBs are one of the environmental toxicants and neurotoxic compounds which induce the production of free radicals leading to oxidative stress. Vitamin C is well known as an outstanding antioxidant. We determined the protective role of ascorbate on hypothalamic antioxidant system of Aroclor 1254 exposed rats.. The rats were injected Aroclor 1254 at a dose of 2 mg/kg bw/day intraperitoneally for 30 days. One group of rats received vitamin C (100 mg/kg bw/day) orally simultaneously with Aroclor 1254 for 30 days. Twenty-four hours after last treatment, the animals were killed and hypothalamic region was separated from brain tissue. Enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidants such as superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), glutathione reductase (GR) and vitamin C were estimated. Hydrogen peroxide (H(2)O(2)), lipid peroxidation (LPO) and acetylcholine esterase (AchE) activity were determined. Serum gonadotropins such as luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) were also assayed.. Activities of SOD, CAT, GPx, GR, AchE and the concentration of vitamin C were decreased while an increase in H(2)O(2) and LPO were observed in hypothalamus of PCB treated animals. LH and FSH concentrations were also decreased in serum of PCB exposed animals. Vitamin C administration retrieved all the parameters significantly except serum hormonal profiles.. PCB induces oxidative stress in hypothalamus by decreasing the activities of antioxidant enzymes, which can be protected by vitamin C treatment.

Topics: Acetylcholinesterase; Animals; Antioxidants; Ascorbic Acid; Body Weight; Catalase; Chlorodiphenyl (54% Chlorine); Follicle Stimulating Hormone; Glutathione Peroxidase; Glutathione Reductase; Hypothalamus; Luteinizing Hormone; Male; Organ Size; Oxidative Stress; Oxidoreductases; Rats; Rats, Wistar

The present study was conducted to evaluate the toxicity of the exposure to diphenyl diselenide [(PhSe)2] and diphenyl ditelluride [(PhTe)2] on reproductive system in Wistar rats. Adult male rats were exposed intraperitonealy (acute) or subcutaneously (sub-chronic, during 4 or 8 weeks) to (PhSe)2 or (PhTe)2 prior to mating. A number of biochemical parameters in rat testes were examined, such as delta-aminolevulinate dehydratase (delta-ALA-D) activity, lipid peroxidation, glycogen content and components of the antioxidant defenses (superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity and ascorbic acid concentration). Furthermore, a possible effect on fertility and reproductive performance in male rats were studied. Sperm counts of caudal epididymis were also evaluated. No lethality was noted in any group. Reduction on body weight in rats which received (PhTe)2 was only evidenced in acute exposure, while (PhSe)2-exposed rats presented significant loss of body weight in acute and 4 week-exposure. Mating and fertility indexes were not affected after acute and sub-chronic exposure. Regarding other parameters studied, except for a decrease in testes glycogen content in acutely (PhSe)2-treated group, no alterations were found in treated groups. Sperm counts of rats treated acutely and sub-chronically were unaffected by drugs exposure. Histological evaluation revealed no modification on testicular tissue in rats exposed to (PhSe)2 and (PhTe)2. The results suggest the absence of the male reproductive toxicity induced by (PhSe)2 and (PhTe)2 administered intraperitonealy (acute) or subcutaneously (sub-chronical) to adult rats Wistar.

Topics: Animals; Ascorbic Acid; Benzene Derivatives; Body Weight; Female; Fertility; Glycogen; Injections, Intraperitoneal; Injections, Subcutaneous; Lipid Peroxidation; Male; Organometallic Compounds; Organoselenium Compounds; Porphobilinogen Synthase; Pregnancy; Rats; Rats, Wistar; Reproduction; Sperm Count; Superoxide Dismutase; Testis; Thiobarbituric Acid Reactive Substances; Toxicity Tests, Acute; Toxicity Tests, Chronic

Breast cancer is one of the most common cancers in women of developed and developing countries. The optimum management of which requires a multidisciplinary approach including the use of certain biochemical and molecular markers. The effect of propolis along with paclitaxel on 7,12 dimethyl benz(a)anthracene (DMBA) induced experimental breast cancer was investigated in female Sprague Dawley rats. Female Sprague Dawley rats were divided into five groups of six animals each. Group I served as normal control animal. Group II animals received DMBA (20 mg in 0.5 ml sunflower oil and 0.5 ml of saline) i.p. to develop mammary tumor by the end of 90 days. Group III were breast cancer animals treated with 33 mg paclitaxel/kg body weight (bw) weekly once for 4 weeks. Group IV were breast cancer-bearing animals treated with 50 mg propolis/kg bw for 30 days. Group V were breast cancer-bearing animals treated with both paclitaxel and propolis as mentioned above. Administration of paclitaxel and propolis effectively suppressed breast cancer, which is revealed by the decrease in the extent of lipid peroxidation (LPO) with concomitant increase in the activities of enzymic antioxidants (superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx)) and non-enzymic antioxidants (reduced glutathione (GSH), Vitamin C and Vitamin E) levels when compared to breast cancer-bearing animals treated with either paclitaxel or propolis alone. From our results, we conclude that propolis is a potent antioxidant and, when given in combination with paclitaxel, offers maximum protection against DMBA induced mammary carcinogenesis.

Topics: 9,10-Dimethyl-1,2-benzanthracene; Animals; Anticarcinogenic Agents; Antineoplastic Agents, Phytogenic; Antioxidants; Ascorbic Acid; Body Weight; Carcinogens; Catalase; Female; Glutathione; Glutathione Peroxidase; Lipid Peroxidation; Mammary Neoplasms, Experimental; Paclitaxel; Propolis; Rats; Rats, Sprague-Dawley; Superoxide Dismutase; Vitamin E

Mice lacking the secreted extracellular superoxide dismutase (EC-SOD) or the cytosolic copper- and zinc-containing SOD (CuZn-SOD) show relatively mild phenotypes. To explore the possibility that the isoenzymes have partly overlapping functions, single and double knockout mice were examined. The absence of EC-SOD was found to be without effect on the lifespan of mice, and the reduced lifespan of CuZn-SOD knockouts was not further shortened by EC-SOD deficiency. The urinary excretion of isoprostanes was increased in CuZn-SOD knockout mice, and plasma thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances levels were elevated in EC-SOD knockout mice. These oxidant stress markers showed potentiated increases in the absence of both isoenzymes. Other alterations were mainly found in CuZn-SOD knockout mice, such as halved glutathione peroxidase activity in the tissues examined and increased glutathione and iron in the liver. There were no changes in tissue content of the alternative superoxide scavenger ascorbate, but there was a 25% reduction in ascorbate in blood plasma in mice lacking CuZn-SOD. No increase was found in the urinary excretion of the terminal metabolites of NO, nitrite, and nitrate in any of the genotypes. In conclusion, apart from the increases in the global urinary and plasma oxidant stress markers, our phenotype studies revealed no other evidence that the copper- and zinc-containing SOD isoenzymes have overlapping roles.

Topics: Animals; Antioxidants; Ascorbic Acid; Body Weight; Copper; Female; Genotype; Glucans; Glutathione; Iron; Isoprostanes; Mice; Mice, Inbred C57BL; Mice, Knockout; Nitric Oxide; Oxidants; Oxidative Stress; Phenotype; Superoxide Dismutase; Superoxides; Thiobarbituric Acid Reactive Substances; Time Factors; Zinc

Heat shock proteins (HSP) HSP72, HSC70 and HSP25 protein levels and mRNA levels of HSP72 genes (Hsp72-1, Hsp72-2, Hsp72-3) and HSC70 were examined in tibialis anterior muscles from young and old rats following 4.5 weeks of heavy resistance exercise. Young (3 months) (n=10) and old (30 months) (n=9) rats were subjected to 14 sessions of electrically evoked resistance training using stretch-shortening contractions of the left limb that activated the dorsiflexor muscle group, including the tibialis anterior muscle, while the right side served as the intra-animal control. Muscle wet weight of the left tibialis anterior increased by 15.6% in young animals compared to the untrained right side, while the aged rats demonstrated no significant hypertrophy based on muscle wet weight. There were no differences in mRNA expression between the control and experimental muscles in either the old or the young animals for any of the four genes examined. On the other hand, HSP72 levels as determined by Western blots were significantly (p<0.01) higher (968.8 and 409.1%) in the trained as compared to the contralateral control muscle in young and old animals, respectively. HSP25 expression was increased significantly (p<0.01) by training in muscles of young rats (943.1%) and old rats (420.3%). Moreover, there was no training by age interaction for HSP72, while a significant age and training by age effects were found in muscles for HSP25. There was no change in HSC70 protein expression in response to the training intervention in either age group. SOD-1 enzyme level increased by 66.6% in the trained muscles of the young rats, while this enzyme was 33% lower in trained muscles compared to the untrained control side in old rats. Moreover, a significant (p<0.05) training by age interaction was found for SOD-1 enzyme levels. This study suggests that fast contracting muscles in young and old animals are capable of increasing HSP expression in response to high intensity contractile stress. Furthermore, the data are consistent with the hypothesis that higher levels of oxidative stress in muscles of old animals limit HSP levels and/or function in response to high intensity contractile stress.

Topics: Aging; Animals; Ascorbic Acid; Blotting, Western; Body Weight; Electric Stimulation; Heat-Shock Proteins; HSP27 Heat-Shock Proteins; HSP72 Heat-Shock Proteins; Isometric Contraction; Male; Muscle, Skeletal; Neoplasm Proteins; Organ Size; Physical Exertion; Rats; Rats, Inbred F344; Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction; RNA, Messenger; Superoxide Dismutase; Superoxide Dismutase-1; Vitamin E

The insulin-like action of metal complexes on target tissues, including the heart, has been reported in experimental diabetes mellitus. Since streptozotocin-induced diabetes is associated with insulin deficiency and left ventricular dysfunction, this study was designed to determine whether the novel metal complex molybdenum ascorbate [MoO(2)(aa)(2)] would improve cardiac function in this model of diabetes.. Diabetes was induced in Sprague-Dawley rats (n = 6) following an intravenous injection of streptozotocin (60 mg/kg). After 8 weeks of diabetes, cardiac function was determined in isolated working hearts perfused with 11 mmol/L glucose, 1.2 mmol/L palmitate and 3% albumin. MoO(2)(aa)(2 )was added directly into the perfusate of working hearts at a concentration of 200 micromol/L for a period of 30 minutes. Age-matched control rats served as controls (n = 6).. Cardiac function, expressed as heart rate (HR) and aortic flow, was significantly decreased in diabetic hearts compared with control hearts. The diabetic state was associated with 23% and 60% reductions in HR and aortic flow, respectively. Short-term addition of MoO(2)(aa)(2) was beneficial and partially prevented the attenuation in diabetic rat heart function. MoO(2)(aa)(2 )increased HR by 15%, while aortic flow was increased by 85%. In control hearts, MoO(2)(aa)(2) had no effect on HR and increased aortic flow by 12%.. This study extends previous observations on the benefit of metal complexes in experimental diabetes. Our results indicate that short-term treatment with MoO(2)(aa)(2) partially reversed the left ventricular dysfunction associated with the streptozotocin model of diabetes.

Topics: Animals; Aorta; Ascorbic Acid; Blood Pressure; Body Weight; Coronary Circulation; Diabetes Mellitus, Experimental; Heart; Heart Rate; In Vitro Techniques; Male; Molybdenum; Organ Size; Rats; Rats, Sprague-Dawley; Ventricular Dysfunction, Left; Vitamins

We originally identified senescence marker protein 30 (SMP30) as a distinctive protein whose expression decreases in an androgen-independent manner with aging. Here, we report its sequence homology found in two kinds of bacterial gluconolactonases (GNLs) by using the blast search. Then, through a biochemical study, we identify SMP30 as the lactone-hydrolyzing enzyme GNL of animal species. SMP30 purified from the rat liver had lactonase activity toward various aldonolactones, such as d- and l-glucono-delta-lactone, d- and l-gulono-gamma-lactone, and d- and l-galactono-gamma-lactone, with a requirement for Zn(2+) or Mn(2+) as a cofactor. Furthermore, in SMP30 knockout mice, no GNL activity was detectable in the liver. Thus, we conclude that SMP30 is a unique GNL in the liver. The lactonase reaction with l-gulono-gamma-lactone is the penultimate step in l-ascorbic acid (AA) biosynthesis, and the essential role of SMP30 in this synthetic process was verified here by a nutritional study using SMP30 knockout mice. These knockout mice (n = 6), fed a vitamin C-deficient diet, did not thrive; i.e., they displayed symptoms of scurvy such as bone fracture and rachitic rosary and then died by 135 days after the start of receiving the deficient diet. The AA levels in their livers and kidneys at the time of death were <1.6% of those in WT control mice. In addition, by using the SMP30 knockout mouse, we demonstrate that the alternative pathway of AA synthesis involving d-glucurono-gamma-lactone operates in vivo, although its flux is fairly small.

Topics: Aging; Amino Acid Sequence; Animals; Ascorbic Acid; Biomarkers; Body Weight; Calcium-Binding Proteins; Carboxylic Ester Hydrolases; Intracellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins; Kinetics; Mice; Mice, Knockout; Molecular Sequence Data; Rats; Scurvy; Sequence Alignment; Sequence Homology, Amino Acid; Substrate Specificity; Sulfotransferases

ODS rat has a hereditary defect in ascorbic acid biosynthesis and is a useful animal model for elucidating the physiological role of ascorbic acid. We previously demonstrated by using ODS rats that ascorbic acid deficiency changes the hepatic gene expression of acute phase proteins, as seen in acute inflammation. In this study, we investigated the effects of ascorbic acid deficiency on the production of inflammatory chemokine, cytokine-induced neutrophil chemoattractant-1 (CINC-1), in ODS rats. Male ODS rats (6 wk of age) were fed a basal diet containing ascorbic acid (300 mg/kg diet) or a diet without ascorbic acid for 14 d. Obvious symptoms of scurvy were not observed in the ascorbic acid-deficient rats. Ascorbic acid deficiency significantly elevated the serum concentration of CINC-1 on d 14. The liver and spleen CINC-1 concentrations in the ascorbic acid-deficient rats were significantly elevated to 600% and 180% of the respective values in the control rats. However, the lung concentration of CINC-1 was not affected by ascorbic acid deficiency. Ascorbic acid deficiency significantly elevated the hepatic mRNA level of CINC-1 (to 480% of the value in the control rats), but not the lung mRNA level. These results demonstrate that ascorbic acid deficiency elevates the serum, liver and spleen concentrations of CINC-1 as seen in acute inflammation, and suggest that ascorbic acid deficiency stimulate the hepatic CINC-1 gene expression.

Topics: Animals; Apolipoprotein A-I; Apolipoproteins E; Ascorbic Acid; Ascorbic Acid Deficiency; Blotting, Northern; Body Weight; Chemokine CXCL1; Chemokines, CXC; Gene Expression; Genetic Predisposition to Disease; Haptoglobins; Liver; Lung; Male; Organ Size; Rats; Rats, Mutant Strains; RNA, Messenger; Scurvy; Spleen

Neuronal cell damage following hypoxic-ischemic (HI) brain injury is partly caused by production of free radicals and reactive oxygen species (ROS). Ascorbic acid (AA) is a potent antioxidant, which scavenges various types of ROS. Some studies have shown that it is neuroprotective, however, the issue is still controversial. In this study, we examined the effect of intraventricular AA administration on immature HI brain using the Rice-Vannucci model. After unilateral carotid artery ligation under isoflurane anesthesia, 7-day-old rat pups received varying concentrations of AA (0.04, 0.2, 1 and 5 mg/kg) by intraventricular injection and were exposed to 8% oxygen for 90 min. Vehicle controls received an equal volume of phosphate saline buffer. We assessed the neuroprotective effect of AA at 7 days post-HI. The percent brain damage measured by comparing the wet weight of the ligated side of hemisphere with that of contralateral one was reduced in both 1 and 5 mg/kg groups but not in either 0.04 or 0.2 mg/kg groups compared to vehicle controls (5 mg/kg 16.0 +/- 4.3%, 1 mg/kg 10.9 +/- 5.0%, vs. controls 36.7 +/- 3.6%, P < 0.05). Macroscopic evaluation of brain injury revealed the neuroprotective effect of AA in both 1 and 5 mg/kg groups (5 mg/kg 1.1 +/- 0.4, 1 mg/kg 0.4 +/- 0.3, vs. controls 2.9 +/- 0.3, P < 0.05). Western blots of fodrin on the ligated side also showed that AA significantly suppressed 150/145-kDa bands of fodrin breakdown products, which suggested that AA suppressed activation of calpain. Neuropathological quantitative analysis of cell death revealed that 1 mg/kg of AA injection significantly reduced the number of necrotic cells in cortex, caudate putamen, thalamus and hippocampus CA1, whereas that of apoptotic cells was only reduced in cortex. These findings show that intraventricular AA injection is neuroprotective after HI in immature rats.

Topics: Analysis of Variance; Animals; Animals, Newborn; Antioxidants; Apoptosis; Ascorbic Acid; Blotting, Western; Body Weight; Carrier Proteins; Cell Count; Functional Laterality; Hypoxia-Ischemia, Brain; Hypoxia, Brain; Injections, Intraventricular; Microfilament Proteins; Molecular Weight; Necrosis; Organ Size; Rats; Rats, Wistar

The concept that selenium-containing molecules may be better antioxidants than classical antioxidants, has led to the design of synthetic organoselenium compounds. The present study was conducted to evaluate the potential toxicity of long time oral exposure to diphenyl diselenide (PhSe)2 in rabbits. Male adult New Zealand rabbits were divided into four groups, group I served as control; groups II, III and IV received 0.3, 3.0 and 30 ppm of (PhSe)2 pulverized in the chow for 8 months. A number of parameters were examined in blood as indicators of toxicity, including delta-aminolevulinate dehydratase (delta-ALA-D), catalase, glutathione peroxidase (GPx), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), urea, creatinine, TBARS, non-protein-SH, ascorbic acid and selenium. The results demonstrated that 6 and 8 months of 30 ppm (PhSe)2 intake caused a significant increase in blood delta-ALA-D activity. Erythrocyte non-protein thiol levels were significantly increased after 2 months of 30 ppm (PhSe)2 intake and then return to control levels after prolonged periods of intake. Ingestion of 3.0 ppm of (PhSe)2 for 8 months significantly increased catalase activity in erythrocytes. Conversely, no alterations in GPx, ALT, AST, TBARS and selenium levels were observed in rabbit serum, conversely, selenium levels in peri-renal adipose tissue were significantly increased after 8 months of 30 ppm (PhSe)2 intake, indicating its great lipophylicity. The present results suggest that diphenyl diselenide was not hepato- or renotoxic for rabbits, but caused some biochemical alterations that can be related to some pro-oxidant activity of the compound (particularly the reduction in Vitamin C).

Topics: Administration, Oral; Animal Feed; Animals; Ascorbic Acid; Benzene Derivatives; Blood; Body Weight; Catalase; Creatinine; Glutathione Peroxidase; Male; Molecular Structure; Organoselenium Compounds; Porphobilinogen Synthase; Rabbits; Selenium; Sulfhydryl Compounds; Thiobarbituric Acid Reactive Substances; Time Factors

Streptozotocin (STZ) is an agent used in creating experimental diabetes. Varying findings have been reported about the striated muscle glycogen levels in diabetes. In this study, it was planned to observe interaction of vitamin C (AA), of which deficiency has been shown in diabetics, with soleus muscle glycogen levels and oxidative events on STZ-diabetic subjects.. In the study, 38 male adult Wistar Albino rats with weights 200 +/- 20 g were used by separating them into four groups: Control, Vitamin C, Diabetes, Diabetes + Vitamin C. Body weights and fasting blood glucose were measured at the beginning and end of the experiment. AA, TBARS, GSH, NOx and glycogen levels of soleus muscles, and AA level of blood were measured. The results were compared using Anova variance and Mann-Whitney U tests. Results showed that AA levels in blood increased with vitamin C administration; AA, GSH and NOx levels in the muscle were low and MDA and glycogen levels were high in diabetics; and that vitamin C in the given dosage partially corrected these values. These results indicate that higher dosage than daily 20 mg/kg Vitamin C is required for being effective on metabolic and oxidizing events in diabetic rats.

Topics: Animals; Ascorbic Acid; Blood Glucose; Body Weight; Diabetes Mellitus, Experimental; Glutathione; Glycogen; Male; Malondialdehyde; Muscle, Skeletal; Nitric Oxide; Organ Size; Oxidation-Reduction; Rats; Rats, Wistar

We assessed the ascorbic acid (AA) supplementation on the myenteric neurons in the duodenum of rats. Fifteen rats with 90 days of age were divided into three groups: control (C), diabetics (D) and ascorbic acid treated diabetics (DA). After 120 days of daily treatment with AA, the duodenum was submitted to the NADH-diaphorase (NADH-d) histochemical technique, which allowed us to evaluate the neuronal density in an area of 8.96 mm2 for each duodenum, and also to measure the cellular profile area of 500 neurons per group. The supplementation promoted an increase on AA levels. The neuronal density (p < 0.05) was higher in the group DA when compared to group D. There were no significant differences in the neuronal areas, when we compared groups C (204 +/- 16.5) and D (146.3 +/- 35.84) to groups D and DA (184.5 +/- 5.6) (p > 0.05). The AA-supplementation avoided the density reduction of the NADHd myenteric neurons in the duodenum of diabetic rats.

Topics: Animals; Ascorbic Acid; Body Weight; Cell Membrane; Diabetes Mellitus, Experimental; Dietary Supplements; Dihydrolipoamide Dehydrogenase; Duodenum; Male; Myenteric Plexus; Neurons; Rats; Rats, Wistar

Chronic intake of cassava has been thought to play a role in the pathogenesis of diabetes. We investigated the effects of dietary cassava (Manihot esculenta), which naturally contains cyanogenic glycosides, in the progression of diabetes mellitus in rats. Diabetes was induced by five mild doses of streptozotocin, in male Wistar rats which were fed a standard or cyanide-free cassava (CFC) diet containing or not containing exogenous cyanide with or without methionine. Methionine was employed to counterbalance the toxic effects of cyanide. During diabetes progression, we determined glycaemia and antioxidant status, by measuring vitamin C levels and activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) and glutathione reductase (GSSG-Red). Feeding CFC diet did not induce diabetes in control rats; rather this diet, in diabetic animals, aggravated hyperglycaemia the severity of which was increased in these animals fed CFC diet, supplemented with cyanide. Addition of methionine curtailed the toxic effects of cyanide supplementation in CFC diet-fed diabetic animals. In standard diet-fed animals, the activities of SOD, GSH-Px and GSSG-Red were lower in diabetic rats than control rats. Interestingly, all of the CFC diets with or without cyanide or methionine, increased vitamin C levels and antioxidant enzyme activities in both control and diabetic animals. However, supplementing cyanide to CFC diet (without methionine) curtailed SOD and GSH-Px activities in diabetic rats. Our study shows that cassava diet containing cyanide is 'diabetes-aggravating'.

Topics: Animals; Antioxidants; Ascorbic Acid; Blood Glucose; Body Weight; Cyanides; Diabetes Mellitus, Experimental; Diet; Disease Progression; Erythrocytes; Insulin; Male; Manihot; Methionine; Rats; Rats, Wistar

Obesity is considered as an inflammatory disease, in which free radical-induced oxidative stress and excessive intake of macronutrients exacerbate their symptoms. In this context, we assessed in rats the possible preventive effect of the supplementation with an antioxidant molecule, ascorbic acid, in order to reduce the adiposity induced by the intake of a high-fat diet. For this purpose, during 56 days, three groups of male Wistar rats were fed on: a) standard pelleted diet, b) Cafeteria diet, c) ascorbate-supplemented (750 mg/kg of body weight) Cafeteria diet. At the end of the experimental period, microarray analysis was used to identify genes transcriptionally induced or repressed by both experimental dietary models (Cafeteria diet supplemented or not with ascorbic acid) in subcutaneous adipose tissue. Dietary ascorbic acid was able to protect against high fat diet effects, reducing the increase of body weight, total body fat and enlargement of different adipose depots induced by the Cafeteria diet without affecting food intake. An association analysis accurately and differentially allowed the detection of gene expression changes related with adiposity and insulin resistance. The genes that more strongly correlated with body fat and HOMA insulin resistance index were involved in adipocyte differentiation, lipid and glucocorticoid metabolism, cell cycle regulation, as well as in several insulin-induced processes. Some other transcripts are regulated by the vitamin C-mediated reduction of adiposity, such as genes that participate in glucocorticoid metabolism, adipogenesis, pentose phosphate pathway, or tricarboxylic acid cycle. This strategy was able to link variations in adipose tissue gene expression with markers of diet-induced obesity in rats, such as insulin resistance and body fat content.

Topics: Animals; Ascorbic Acid; Body Composition; Body Weight; Dietary Fats; Down-Regulation; Energy Intake; Gene Expression; Male; Obesity; Oligonucleotide Array Sequence Analysis; Rats; Rats, Wistar; Subcutaneous Fat; Up-Regulation

Specific oxysterols acting as ligands for nuclear transcription factors were shown to affect expression of genes involved in lipid metabolism. However, the various biological effects of oxysterols such as cytotoxicity, atherogenicity or mutagenicity suggest that other genes may be also affected by oxysterols than lipid metabolism.. The present study was conducted to investigate the effects of dietary oxidized cholesterol containing significant amounts of oxysterols and its interactions with different dietary fats on gene expression profiles as assessed by DNA array technology in rats.. 54 male Sprague-Dawley rats were assigned to six groups and were fed six semisynthetic diets, which varied in the type of dietary fat (coconut oil vs. salmon oil) and dietary cholesterol (none cholesterol vs. 5 g unoxidized cholesterol/kg vs. 5 g oxidized cholesterol/kg).. Changes in gene expression as observed in response to dietary oxidized cholesterol were strongly dependent on the type of fat. In the rats fed coconut oil, the expression of 7 genes (5 up- and 2 down-regulated) was altered by dietary oxidized cholesterol, while in the rats fed salmon oil, the expression of 50 genes (16 up- and 34 down-regulated) was altered. 29 genes (22 up- and 7 down-regulated) were identified as possible targets for an altered gene expression by dietary salmon oil as compared to dietary coconut oil.. The present study showed that dietary oxidized cholesterol transcriptionally affects many genes involved in xenobiotic metabolism and stress response--an effect that was amplified by the administration of fish oil as dietary fat.

Topics: alpha-Tocopherol; Animals; Ascorbic Acid; Body Weight; Cholesterol, Dietary; Coconut Oil; Dietary Fats; Dietary Fats, Unsaturated; Fatty Acids; Fish Oils; Gene Expression Regulation; Glutathione; Hydroxycholesterols; Liver; Male; Oligonucleotide Array Sequence Analysis; Phosphatidylcholines; Plant Oils; Protein Biosynthesis; Proteins; Rats; Rats, Sprague-Dawley; Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction

The objective of this study was to determine the protective role of ascorbic acid (AA, 40 mg/kg BW) on reproductive performance of male New Zealand White rabbits given sublethal dose (20 mg/kg BW every other day for 12 weeks) of stannous chloride (SnCl2). Results showed that treatment with SnCl2 caused a decrease (P<0.05) in libido (by increasing the reaction time), ejaculate volume, sperm concentration, total sperm output, sperm motility (%), total motile sperm per ejaculate (TMS), packed sperm volume (PSV), total functional sperm fraction (TFSF), normal and live sperm and semen initial fructose. Dead sperm and initial hydrogen ion concentration (pH) were increased. While, relative weights of testes (RTW) and epididymis (REW) were decreased. On the other hand, live body weight (LBW) and dry matter intake (DMI) did not change. Treatment with AA alone caused significant increase in LBW, DMI, RTW, REW and semen characteristics compared to control group. Also, the presence of AA with SnCl2 minimized its harmful effects. Results obtained revealed suggest that assessment of reproductive toxicity of stannous chloride needs to be addressed, and may presently be underestimated. Also, the beneficial influences of AA in counteracting the toxic effects of SnCl2 and improved the reproductive performance of male rabbit was demonstrated.

Topics: Animals; Ascorbic Acid; Body Weight; Epididymis; Fructose; Hydrogen-Ion Concentration; Male; Organ Size; Protective Agents; Rabbits; Reproduction; Semen; Sexual Behavior, Animal; Sperm Count; Sperm Motility; Spermatozoa; Testis; Tin Compounds

We tested the hypothesis that green tea prevents diabetes-related tissue dysfunctions attributable to oxidation. Diabetic rats were treated daily with tap water, vitamins C and E, or fresh Japanese green tea extract. After 12 months, body weights were decreased, whereas glycated lysine in aorta, tendon, and plasma were increased by diabetes (P < 0.001) but unaffected by treatment. Erythrocyte glutathione and plasma hydroperoxides were improved by the vitamins (P < 0.05) and green tea (P < 0.001). Retinal superoxide production, acellular capillaries, and pericyte ghosts were increased by diabetes (P < 0.001) and improved by green tea and the vitamins (P variable). Lens crystallin fluorescence at 370/440 nm was ameliorated by green tea (P < 0.05) but not the vitamins. Marginal effects on nephropathy parameters were noted. However, suppressed renal mitochondrial NADH-linked ADP-dependent and dinitrophenol-dependent respiration and complex III activity were improved by green tea (P variable). Green tea also suppressed the methylglyoxal hydroimidazolone immunostaining of a 28-kDa mitochondrial protein. Surprising, glycoxidation in tendon, aorta, and plasma was either worsened or not significantly improved by the vitamins and green tea. Glucosepane cross-links were increased by diabetes (P < 0.001), and green tea worsened total cross-linking. In conclusion, green tea and antioxidant vitamins improved several diabetes-related cellular dysfunctions but worsened matrix glycoxidation in selected tissues, suggesting that antioxidant treatment tilts the balance from oxidative to carbonyl stress in the extracellular compartment.

Topics: Animals; Antioxidants; Ascorbic Acid; Blood Glucose; Body Weight; Camellia sinensis; Collagen; Cross-Linking Reagents; Diabetes Mellitus, Experimental; Diabetic Nephropathies; Diabetic Retinopathy; Feeding Behavior; Glycation End Products, Advanced; In Vitro Techniques; Male; Mitochondria; Oxygen Consumption; Phytotherapy; Rats; Rats, Inbred Lew; Tea; Vitamin E

Initiation activity of phenylethyl isothiocyanate (PEITC) was examined in a two-stage urinary bladder carcinogenesis model. Male 6-week-old Fischer 344 rats were fed diet containing 0.1% PEITC for 12 or 24 weeks, with or without subsequent administration of 5% sodium l-ascorbate (Na-AsA) in diet until week 48, or for the entire experimental period. After 12 weeks of PEITC-treatment, both simple hyperplasia and papillary or nodular (PN) hyperplasia had developed in all animals, but the majority of these lesions had disappeared at week 48, irrespective of the Na-AsA-treatment. The same lesions after 24 weeks of PEITC-treatment had progressed to dysplasia and carcinoma, in a small number of cases by week 48 (6% in incidence for each lesion), but enhancement by the Na-AsA-treatment was evident only with simple hyperplasias (from 56 to 100% in incidence) and PN hyperplasias (from 19 to 56%). The results suggest a limited initiation activity of PEITC with induction of irreversible lesions by 24 weeks of exposure.

Topics: Animals; Ascorbic Acid; Body Weight; Carcinoma; Diet; Hyperplasia; Isothiocyanates; Male; Rats; Rats, Inbred F344; Urinary Bladder Neoplasms

Ascorbic acid treatment significantly increased the activities of testicular delta5, 3beta-HSD and 17beta-HSD. Moreover, the treatment was also associated with significant decrease in oxidative stress in the testis. Ethanol induced oxidative stress and decreased steroidogenesis can be reversed by treatment with ascorbic acid.

Topics: Administration, Oral; Animals; Antioxidants; Ascorbic Acid; Body Weight; Ethanol; Glutathione; Gonadal Steroid Hormones; Lipid Peroxides; Male; Oxidative Stress; Rats; Testis

The nutritional status of 222 Khasi girls within age groups 4 to 6 y, 7 to 9 y, and 10 to 12 y was studied.. Personal interviews using questionnaires and 24-h dietary recall were used. Weights and heights were recorded, body mass index was calculated, and children were classified as normal or malnourished using Z scores and growth charts from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Based on weights and heights, children were classified as normal or undernourished according to classifications by Gomez, Waterlow, and the National Center for Health Statistics.. Heights of girls ages 7 to 9 y and 10 to 12 y and weights of all girls were significantly (P < 0.05) lower than the reference values for height (126.4 and 142.7 m) and weight (19, 26.9, and 31.5 kg), respectively. The lowest Z scores (-1.5 to -1.0) and percentiles (10th) for body mass index were seen in 12-y-old girls. Most girls ages 7 to 9 y had grade I malnutrition. Girls ages 10 to 12 y had the highest incidence of moderate malnutrition. Severe stunting was observed in all groups. Average energy consumption was significantly (P < 0.05) lower than the recommended dietary allowance in all the age groups. Consumption of protein by children ages 7 to 9 y and 10 to 12 y was also significantly lower than the recommended dietary allowance. Consumption of calcium, iron, and carotene in children 10 to 12 y old was significantly (P < 0.05) lower than the recommended dietary allowance.. Sociologic community factors are required to facilitate implementation of a nutritional package and availability of key nutrients to ensure growth in children.

Topics: Age Factors; Ascorbic Acid; Body Height; Body Mass Index; Body Weight; Calcium, Dietary; Carotenoids; Child; Child Nutrition Disorders; Child Nutritional Physiological Phenomena; Child, Preschool; Diet; Dietary Fats; Dietary Proteins; Energy Intake; Female; Humans; India; Interviews as Topic; Iron, Dietary; Nutrition Surveys; Nutritional Status; Surveys and Questionnaires

Oxidative stress has a key role in the pathogenesis of diabetes-induced cataract formation and nephropathy. Daily moderate exercise and vitamins C and E (VCE) supplementation can be beneficial to diabetes due to reducing blood glucose and free radical production. The aim of this study was to analyze the effect of moderate exercise with vitamin VCE on lipid peroxidation (LP) and antioxidative systems in the kidneys and lens of streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. Forty female Wistar rats were used. They were randomly divided into four groups. The first and second groups were used as control and diabetic groups. The third group was the diabetic-exercise group. VCE-supplemented feed was given to diabetic-exercise rats constituting the fourth group. Animals in the exercised groups were moderately exercised daily on a treadmill for three weeks (five days a week). Diabetes was induced on day zero of exercise. Body weights in the four groups were recorded weekly. Lens and kidney samples were taken from all animals on day 20. Glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), reduced glutathione (GSH), vitamin E, and beta-carotene levels in kidney and lens, albumin in plasma, and body weight were significantly lower in the diabetic group than in the control group, whereas there was a significant increase in LP of kidney and lens as well as plasma glucose, urea, and creatinine levels in the diabetic group. The decrease in antioxidant enzymes, vitamins, and albumin and the increase in LP and glucose levels in diabetic rats were significantly improved with exercise and VCE supplementation. In the diabetic animals, the decreased beta-carotene and vitamins A levels in kidney did not improve through exercise only, although their levels were increased by exercise plus VCE supplementation. In conclusion, these data demonstrate that lipid peroxidation increases in the lens and kidney of diabetic animals and this could be due to decreases in antioxidant vitamins and enzymes. However, dietary VCE with moderate exercise may strengthen the antioxidant defense system through the reduction of ROS and blood glucose levels. The VCE supplementations with exercise may play a role in preventing the development of diabetic nephropathy and cataract formation in diabetic animals.

Topics: Albumins; Animals; Antioxidants; Ascorbic Acid; beta Carotene; Blood Glucose; Body Weight; Creatinine; Diabetes Mellitus, Experimental; Dietary Supplements; Female; Glutathione; Glutathione Peroxidase; Kidney; Lens, Crystalline; Lipid Peroxidation; Oxidative Stress; Physical Conditioning, Animal; Rats; Rats, Wistar; Streptozocin; Urea; Vitamin A; Vitamin E

There is considerable evidence that phenytoin-induced birth defects in the rat are a consequence of a period of bradycardia and hypoxia in the embryos. Experiments were designed to test the hypothesis that phenytoin-induced birth defects result from free-radical damage to the embryos during the reoxygenation period posthypoxia. Female rats (>9 per group) were fed either a control diet or a diet high in antioxidants (vitamins C and E and coenzyme Q(10)) both before and during pregnancy and were then given a teratogenic dose of phenytoin (180 mg/kg) on GD 11. The rats were killed on GD 20 and the fetuses were examined for malformations. The initial results showed that the antioxidant diet had a significant protective effect, with far fewer antioxidant-group fetuses showing cleft lip or maxillary hypoplasia compared with the control group. However, this result was confounded by reduced food intake by the rats fed the antioxidant diet and a significantly lower maternal body weight at the time of phenytoin administration. Since the phenytoin was administered by intraperitoneal injection (i.p.) the control rats received higher absolute doses of phenytoin and it is speculated that this results in higher fetal exposure. A second experiment, in which the rats were pair-fed, failed to demonstrate any protective effect of the high antioxidant diet. These results do not support the reoxygenation hypothesis for phenytoin teratogenesis. An alternative explanation would be hypoxia-induced transcription-related changes resulting in cell cycle arrest and apoptosis.

Topics: Abnormalities, Drug-Induced; Animals; Anticonvulsants; Antioxidants; Ascorbic Acid; Body Weight; Cleft Lip; Coenzymes; Diet; Eating; Female; Male; Maxilla; Phenytoin; Pregnancy; Rats; Rats, Sprague-Dawley; Teratogens; Ubiquinone; Vitamin E

The effects of cadmium on performance, antioxidant defense system, liver and kidney functions, and cadmium accumulation in selected tissues of broiler chickens were studied. Whether the possible adverse effects of cadmium would reverse with the antioxidant ascorbic acid was also investigated. Hence, 4 treatment groups (3 replicates of 10 chicks each) were designed in the study: control, ascorbic acid, cadmium, and cadmium plus ascorbic acid. Cadmium was given via the drinking water at a concentration of 25 mg/L for 6 wk. Ascorbic acid was added to the basal diet at 200 mg/kg either alone or with cadmium. Cadmium decreased the body weight (BW), body weight gain (BWG), and feed efficiency (FE) significantly at the end of the experiment, whereas its effect on feed consumption (FC) was not significant. Cadmium increased the plasma malondialdehyde (MDA) level as an indicator of lipid peroxidation and lowered the activity of blood superoxide dismutase (SOD). Liver function enzymes, aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), and gamma glutamyl transferase (GGT) activities were not changed by cadmium. Cadmium ingestion did not alter serum creatinine levels. Although the serum cadmium level was not elevated, cadmium mainly accumulated in the kidneys, liver, pancreas, and muscle. Ascorbic acid supplementation resulted in a reduction of MDA level previously increased by cadmium and a restoration in SOD activity. However, ascorbic acid did not ameliorate the growth inhibitory effect of cadmium nor did it prevent accumulation of cadmium in analyzed tissues. These data indicate that oxidative stress, induced by cadmium, plays a role in decreasing the performance of broilers and that dietary supplementation by ascorbic acid might be useful in reversing the lipid peroxidation induced by cadmium and partly alleviating the adverse effect of cadmium on performance of broilers.

Topics: Animals; Antioxidants; Ascorbic Acid; Body Weight; Cadmium; Cadmium Poisoning; Chickens; Diet; Eating; Female; Lipid Peroxidation; Male; Malondialdehyde; Oxidative Stress; Superoxide Dismutase; Tissue Distribution; Weight Gain

Oxidative stress due to enhanced production of free radicals has been incriminated as one of the several mechanisms involved in arsenic-induced toxic effects in different organs. In the present study, ameliorative potential of certain amino acids like cysteine, methionine and vitamins like ascorbic acid and thiamine on some of the parameters indicative of oxidative stress in liver, kidney and blood and of hepatic and renal infliction was investigated in arsenic exposed rats. Rats were given 0 ppm (group I healthy controls) or 10 ppm arsenic in drinking water ad lib for a period of 12 weeks. During oral exposure to arsenic rats of different groups received daily oral dose of placebo, cysteine, methionine, ascorbic acid or thiamine at 25mg/kg body weight. After the end of the experimental period, animals were sacrificed under light anesthesia and blood, liver and kidney were collected. Samples were processed for estimation of arsenic, biochemical parameters indicative of oxidative stress and hepatic and renal function. Arsenic exposure resulted in significantly (P<0.05) higher accumulation of arsenic in blood, liver and kidney. It was associated with significant (P<0.05) rise in lipid peroxide level and decrease in superoxide dismutase and catalase activities in liver and kidneys. However, alterations in biochemical parameters did not reach statistical (P>0.05) significance. Treatment with vitamins and amino acids resulted in reversal of oxidative stress with significant (P<0.05) decline in tissue arsenic burden. All the treatment produced tissue specific changes in lipid peroxide level, antioxidant enzyme activities and tissue arsenic burden.

Topics: Alanine Transaminase; Animals; Antioxidants; Arsenic; Ascorbic Acid; Aspartate Aminotransferases; Blood Proteins; Body Weight; Creatinine; Cysteine; Erythrocytes; Kidney; Lipid Peroxides; Liver; Male; Malondialdehyde; Methionine; Oxidative Stress; Rats; Rats, Wistar; Thiamine; Urea

Several reports have shown that Vitamin C is depleted in animals with age. Based mainly on comparisons between young animals that have not yet reached maturity and old animals, it appears to be the general assumption that the change in Vitamin C status occurs at a late stage in life and that this phenomenon may either contribute to or result from the ageing process. In the present study, young (3 months old, n = 8) and old (36 months old, n = 8) female guinea pigs were followed for 6 months with monthly blood samplings and monitored for Vitamin C status as measured by plasma ascorbate and erythrocyte ascorbate recycling capacity after which the animals were euthanized. While remaining unchanged in the old animals, plasma Vitamin C status of the young animals significantly declined to that of the old animals within 3 months. During the following 3 months, the Vitamin C status of the young animals remained unchanged. Furthermore, post mortem Vitamin C analyses of the animals now aged 9 and 42 months, respectively, showed no effect of age on Vitamin C in plasma, liver, kidney, heart and brain between the groups while concentrations were significantly increased in cerebrospinal fluid and lung with age (p < 0.05). Moreover, a significantly elevated ascorbic acid oxidation ratio was observed in young compared to old animals (p < 0.05). The present data suggest that the decline in Vitamin C status with age occur early in life and is a phenomenon of maturation rather than of ageing. Data from other species and humans are discussed.

Topics: Age Factors; Aging; Analysis of Variance; Animals; Antioxidants; Ascorbic Acid; Ascorbic Acid Deficiency; Body Weight; Cerebrospinal Fluid; Erythrocytes; Female; Glutathione; Guinea Pigs; Oxidative Stress; Oxygen; Temperature; Time Factors

The antioxidant properties of amla extracts and their effects on the oxidative stress in streptozotocin-induced diabetes were examined in rats. Amla in the form of either the commercial enzymatic extract SunAmla (Taiyo Kagaku Co. Ltd., Yokkaichi, Japan) (20 or 40 mg/kg of body weight/day) or a polyphenol-rich fraction of ethyl acetate extract (10 or 20 mg/kg of body weight/day) was given orally for 20 days to the streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. Amla extracts showed strong free radical scavenging activity. Amla also showed strong inhibition of the production of advanced glycosylated end products. The oral administration of amla extracts to the diabetic rats slightly improved body weight gain and also significantly alleviated various oxidative stress indices of the serum of the diabetic rats. The elevated serum levels of 5-hydroxymethylfurfural, which is a glycosylated protein that is an indicator of oxidative stress, were significantly reduced dose-dependently in the diabetic rats fed amla. Similarly, the serum level of creatinine, yet another oxidative stress parameter, was also reduced. Furthermore, thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances levels were significantly reduced with amla, indicating a reduction in lipid peroxidation. In addition, the decreased albumin levels in the diabetic rats were significantly improved with amla. Amla also significantly improved the serum adiponectin levels. These results form the scientific basis supporting the efficacy of amla for relieving the oxidative stress and improving glucose metabolism in diabetes.

Topics: Adiponectin; Animals; Ascorbic Acid; Biphenyl Compounds; Body Weight; Creatinine; Diabetes Mellitus, Experimental; Drinking; Eating; Flavonoids; Glycation End Products, Advanced; Glycopyrrolate; Intercellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins; Male; Organ Size; Oxidative Stress; Phenols; Phyllanthus emblica; Picrates; Plant Extracts; Polyphenols; Rats; Rats, Wistar; Serum Albumin; Thiobarbituric Acid Reactive Substances

The present study was carried out to assess the influence of sesame oil on blood glucose, lipid peroxidation, and status of antioxidants in normal and streptozotocin (STZ) diabetic rats. Diabetes was induced in adult female albino Wistar rats weighing 180-200 g by administration of STZ (40 mg/kg of body weight) intraperitonially. Both normal and diabetic rats were fed with a commercial diet containing 2% oil supplemented with 6% sesame oil for 42 days. Diabetic rats had elevated levels of blood glucose (322.61 +/- 9.49 mg/dL), glycosylated hemoglobin, vitamin E, thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances (TBARS), and lipid hydroperoxides and decreased levels of hemoglobin, vitamin C, and reduced glutathione (GSH). An increase in glucose-6-phosphatase and fructose-1,6-bisphosphatase activities and a decrease in hexokinase activity were observed in liver and kidney tissues. When diabetic rats fed with sesame oil were compared with diabetic rats, a significant reduction in levels of blood glucose (222.02 +/- 8.27 mg/dL), glycosylated hemoglobin, TBARS, and lipid hydroperoxides and glucose-6-phosphatase and fructose-1,6-bisphosphatase activities and an elevation in hemoglobin, vitamin E, and GSH levels and hexokinase activity were observed. Thus, sesame oil consumption influences beneficially the blood glucose, glycosylated hemoglobin, lipid peroxidation, and antioxidant levels in diabetic rats.

Topics: Animals; Antioxidants; Ascorbic Acid; Blood Glucose; Body Weight; Diabetes Mellitus, Experimental; Female; Fructose-Bisphosphatase; Glucose-6-Phosphatase; Glutathione; Glycated Hemoglobin; Hemoglobins; Hexokinase; Kidney; Lipid Peroxidation; Lipid Peroxides; Liver; Oxidation-Reduction; Rats; Rats, Wistar; Sesame Oil; Thiobarbituric Acid Reactive Substances; Vitamin E

Current research into dietary factors contributing to the development of allergic diseases is directed towards new active approaches instead of passive elimination diets. The present study aimed to investigate the explanatory role of the diet in a probiotic intervention study on the appearance of atopic eczema (AE) in childhood and the safety of perinatal supplementation with probiotics (Lactobacillus rhamnosus strain GG; ATCC 53 103). A prospective follow-up study from birth to 48 months of children (n 159) with a family history of allergic disease was carried out. Outcome measures included growth, dietary intake assessed with 4 d food diaries and their association with AE by logistic regression models. Increased intakes of retinol, Ca and Zn, with perinatal administration of probiotics, reduced the risk of AE, whilst an increase in intake of ascorbic acid increased the likelihood of AE. Perinatal administration of probiotics was safe, as it did not influence the height (mean difference 0.04 (95 % CI -0.33, 0.40) sd scores, P=0.852) or the weight-for-height (mean difference -3.35 (95 % CI -7.07, 0.37)%, P=0.077) of the children at 48 months with and without perinatal administration of probiotics. Up to 48 months, AE did not affect height (mean difference -0.05 (95 % CI -0.42, 0.33) sd scores, P=0.815), but mean weight-for-height in children with AE was -5.1 % (95 % CI -8.9, -1.2 %) lower compared with children without (P=0.010). The joint effects of nutrients and probiotics need to be considered in active prevention and management schemes for allergic diseases.

Topics: Ascorbic Acid; Body Composition; Body Height; Body Weight; Calcium, Dietary; Child, Preschool; Dermatitis, Atopic; Diet; Dietary Supplements; Epidemiologic Methods; Female; Growth; Humans; Infant; Infant, Newborn; Lactobacillus; Male; Nutritional Status; Probiotics; Vitamin A; Vitamins; Zinc

2-O-(beta-D-Glucopyranosyl)ascorbic acid (AA 2 beta G) isolated from a popular traditional Chinese food (Lycium fruit) was synthesized using cellulase derived from Trichoderma sp. with cellobiose as a glucose donor. 6-O-(beta-D-Glucopyranosyl)ascorbic acid as well as AA 2 beta G was also synthesized in this reaction. The vitamin C activity of AA 2 beta G was also evaluated using inherently scorbutic (osteogenic disorder Shionogi [ODS]) rats. The rats were fed vitamin C-deficient food and water containing AA 2 beta G for 21. AA 2 beta G supported their growth and the level of vitamin C in tissues was moderately maintained. The vitamin C level in some tissues depended on the hydrolytic activity of AA 2 beta G (beta-glucosidase activity) although the correlation was not statistically significant (P=0.08). The results indicate that AA 2 beta G has pro-vitamin C activity.

Topics: Administration, Oral; Animals; Ascorbic Acid; Body Weight; Cellobiose; Cellulase; Dietary Supplements; Enzyme Activation; Male; Rats; Trichoderma

Insufficient ascorbate intake causes scurvy in certain species. Beyond its known functions, it has been suggested that ascorbate participates in oxidative protein folding in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER). Because redox imbalance in this organelle might cause ER stress and apoptosis, we hypothesized that this might contribute to the pathology of scurvy. Guinea pigs were divided into 7 groups: the control group was fed a commercial guinea pig food containing 0.1 g/100 g ascorbate for 4 wk, 5 groups consumed an ascorbate-free food for 0, 1, 2, 3, or 4 wk and 1 group was fed this scorbutic diet for 2 wk and then the commercial food plus 1 g/L ascorbate in drinking water for 2 wk. TBARS generation and the expression of some ER chaperones and foldases were determined in hepatic microsomes. The apoptotic index was assessed in histological sections. Although ascorbate, measured by HPLC, was undetectable in the livers of the guinea pigs after they had consumed the scorbutic diet for 2 wk, the microsomal TBARS level was elevated relative to the initial value only at wk 4. Western blot revealed the induction of GRP78, GRP94, and protein disulfide isomerase at wk 3 and 4. Apoptosis was greater than in the control, beginning at wk 3. None of the alterations occurred in the groups fed the commercial guinea pig food or ascorbate-free food followed by ascorbate supplementation. Therefore, persistent ascorbate deficiency leads to ER stress, unfolded protein response, and apoptosis in the liver, suggesting that insufficient protein processing participates in the pathology of scurvy.

Topics: Animals; Apoptosis; Ascorbic Acid; Blotting, Western; Body Weight; Endoplasmic Reticulum; Endoplasmic Reticulum Chaperone BiP; Guinea Pigs; Heat-Shock Proteins; Liver; Male; Membrane Glycoproteins; Microsomes, Liver; Molecular Chaperones; Organ Size; Proteins; Scurvy; Thiobarbituric Acid Reactive Substances

Undenutrition is known to be prevalent and largely unrecognised in older patients; however, aberrations in indicators of nutritional status may simply reflect effects of age and/or functional disability.. The aim of this study was to measure the effect, if any of age on nutritional status in older patients.. 445 randomly selected hospitalised patients consented to nutritional status assessment derived from anthropometric, haematological, and biochemical data within 72 hours of admission. Nutritional status was compared between those age < 75 years and those aged 75 years or more. Using multiple regression models, we measured the association between age and nutritional assessment variables after adjusting for disability, chronic illness, medications, smoking and tissue inflammation.. Body weight, body mass index, mid-upper arm circumference, haemoglobin, serum albumin and plasma ascorbic acid were all significantly lower in people aged > or = 75 years compared with those < 75 years of age. Although riboflavin (vitamin B2), 25OH VitD3, red-cell folate and vitamin B12 concentrations were lower in those aged > or = 75 years, differences were not statistically significant. After adjusting for disability and co-morbidity in a multivariate analysis, age alone had a significant and independent effect on important anthropometric and biochemical nutritional assessment variables.. Increasing age is independently associated with poor nutritional status. This may partly explain the poor clinical outcome in older patients.

Topics: Aged; Aging; Analysis of Variance; Anthropometry; Ascorbic Acid; Body Mass Index; Body Weight; Calcifediol; Cross-Sectional Studies; Erythrocytes; Folic Acid; Health Status; Hemoglobins; Humans; Nutrition Assessment; Nutritional Status; Regression Analysis; Riboflavin; Serum Albumin; Vitamin B 12

The effects of amla on low-density lipoprotein (LDL) oxidation and cholesterol levels were investigated in vitro and in vivo using Cu(2+)-induced LDL oxidation and cholesterol-fed rats. SunAmla and ethyl acetate (EtOAc) extract of amla significantly inhibited thiobarbituric acid (TBA)-reactive substance level in the Cu(2+)-induced LDL oxidation and the effects were stronger than those of probucol. In addition, the administration of SunAmla (at a dose of 20 or 40 mg/kg body weight/d) or EtOAc extract of amla (at a dose of 10 or 20 mg/kg body weight/d) for 20 d to rats fed 1% cholesterol diet significantly reduced total, free and LDL-cholesterol levels in a dose-dependent manner, and EtOAc extract of amla exhibited more potent serum cholesterol-lowering effect than SunAmla in the same amount. Furthermore, the oxidized LDL level in serum was markedly elevated in cholesterol-fed control rats as compared with normal rats, while it was significantly decreased by the administration of SunAmla or EtOAc extract of amla. Moreover, the serum TBA-reactive substance level was also significantly decreased after oral administration of SunAmla or EtOAc extract of amla. These results suggest that amla may be effective for hypercholesterolemia and prevention of atherosclerosis.

Topics: Animals; Ascorbic Acid; Body Weight; Cholesterol; Cholesterol, Dietary; Flavonoids; Hypercholesterolemia; Lipid Peroxidation; Lipoproteins, LDL; Liver; Male; Organ Size; Phenols; Phyllanthus emblica; Plant Extracts; Polyphenols; Rats; Rats, Wistar

Diet can influence on the balance between antioxidants and prooxidants in the organism. The activity of enzymatic components of antioxidant system can be changed, the amount of harmful substances can be increased. The purpose of this study was to assess the effect of diet on vitamin A, E, C serum concentration in patients with combined hyperlipidemia. The studied group consisted of 38 subjects, aged 20-60 years. Dietary assessment was based on 24-h dietary recall. Serum lipids concentrations were assessed by enzymatic methods, serum vitamins concentrations were assessed by HPLC method. The energy intake in men was 2269.6 kcal, vitamin A consumption was 888.3 microg, vitamin E 8.7 mg and vitamin C 68.6 mg. In women energy intake was 2112 kcal, consumption of vitamin A was 580 mcirog, vitamin E 7.8 mg and vitamin C 68.6 mg. Only in 1 men deficient concentration of vitamin C was stated. Deficient concentration of vitamin A was not found but the desirable concentration was stated only in 5 men. The desirable vitamin E level was found only in men, not in women. The correlation between vitamin intake and its serum level was not observed. However, in women the correlations between intake of protein, dietary fiber, percentage of energy derived from fat and vitamin A serum level were found. To conclude, the serum concentration of antioxidant vitamins is determined by diet composition, adequate in energy and nutrients content.

Topics: Adult; Antioxidants; Ascorbic Acid; Body Mass Index; Body Weight; Energy Intake; Female; Humans; Hyperlipidemia, Familial Combined; Lipids; Lipoproteins; Male; Middle Aged; Population Surveillance; Vitamin A; Vitamin E

Oxidation of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) may be a prelude to atherogenesis and directly age related. To assess whether there may be relationship between age and plasma lipoprotein (LP) oxidation, we studied copper-mediated LP oxidation isolated from the blood of 2 months, 7 months, and 15 months old rats. We determined whether the susceptibility of LP to oxidation might be related to vitamin C levels in serum, vitamin E levels in LP, or the total antioxidant capacity (TAC) of serum or LP. Serum vitamin C content was inversely related to age, malondialdehyde (MDA) propagation rate, and maximum change of MDA concentrations. However, there were no significant relationships between age and serum TAC, LP TAC, serum vitamin E, or the ratio of LP vitamin E to serum vitamin C content. The lag phase of MDA formation was significantly decreased with age and the ratio of LP vitamin E content to serum vitamin C content, increased with age. Maximum change of MDA concentration was positively correlated with the ratio of LP vitamin E contents to serum vitamin C concentration. Thus, as the rat ages, vitamin C status decreases with an increased LP susceptibility to oxidation. It is tempting to speculate that enhanced LP oxidation in older rats may reflect a reduced amount of recycling of LDL vitamin E by serum vitamin C.

Topics: Aging; Animals; Antioxidants; Ascorbic Acid; Body Weight; Indicators and Reagents; Lipoproteins; Male; Oxidation-Reduction; Rats; Rats, Sprague-Dawley; Thiobarbituric Acid Reactive Substances; Vitamin E

Overloads of reactive oxygen species in diabetes are associated with a number of pathological conditions, such as endothelial damage, which plays an important role in the initial stage of atherosclerosis. Plasma soluble thrombomodulin (sTM) and von Willebrand factor (vWF) have been found to be important markers of endothelial dysfunction.. 33 male Wistar rats were used for this experiment. All rats received standard rat chow and water. 25 rats were made diabetic by intra peritoneal injection of streptozotocin (STZ) (65 mg/kg) and divided into three groups. Group I was allowed free access to food and water, Group II received 30 mg vitamin C daily, and Group III received a-tocopherol in a dose of 600 mg/kg body weight.. At the end of the experimental period, there was significant elevation of sTM, vWF, fibrinogen, systolic blood pressure, and mean arterial blood pressure (MAP); however, there was a significant decrease in serum HDL cholesterol in the diabetic group in comparison to controls. Administration of antioxidants (vitamin C and a-tocopherol) caused attenuation of the endothelial damage, as vitamin C administration caused a significant decrease in sTM, vWF, fibrinogen and increased HDL-cholesterol, while a-tocopherol caused a significant decrease in vWF and sTM. Both vitamin C and a-tocopherol caused a significant decrease in systolic blood pressure and mean arterial pressure.. Our results suggest that administration of antioxidants may ameliorate the risk of thrombo-embolism in diabetes associated with hypertension.

Topics: alpha-Tocopherol; Animals; Antioxidants; Arteries; Ascorbic Acid; Biomarkers; Blood Pressure; Body Weight; Cholesterol, HDL; Diabetes Mellitus, Experimental; Endothelium, Vascular; Fibrinogen; Male; Rats; Rats, Wistar; Thrombomodulin; von Willebrand Factor

Dietary intake, especially of antioxidant vitamins A, C, E, and the carotenoids, has been linked with the presence and severity of asthma. From the Third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES III), conducted in the United States between 1988 and 1994, the authors selected 4,093 children (aged 6-17 years) for whom relevant medical, socioeconomic, and anthropometric data were complete. The children were 50.6% female, and 9.7% reported a diagnosis of asthma. Bivariate analyses showed that asthma diagnosis was associated with lower levels of serum vitamin C, alpha-carotene, beta-carotene, and beta-cryptoxanthin. However, antioxidant levels may be surrogate markers for socioeconomic variables such as race, poverty, tobacco exposure, or general nutritional status. In logistic models that included age, body mass index, socioeconomic variables, antioxidant levels, parental asthma, and household smoking, the only antioxidants significantly associated with asthma were vitamin C (odds ratio = 0.72 per mg/dl, 95% confidence interval = 0.55, 0.95) and alpha-carotene (odds ratio = 0.95 per micro g/dl, 95% confidence interval = 0.90, 0.99). The odds ratio for asthma in the highest quintile of serum vitamin C relative to the lowest was 0.65 (p < 0.05), whereas it was 0.74 for alpha-carotene (p = 0.066). The authors concluded that low vitamin C and alpha-carotene intakes are associated with asthma risk in children.

Topics: Adolescent; Ascorbic Acid; Asthma; Body Weight; Carotenoids; Child; Ethnicity; Female; Humans; Logistic Models; Male; Reference Values; Risk Assessment; Risk Factors; Socioeconomic Factors; Tobacco Smoke Pollution; United States; Urban Population; Vitamin A; Vitamin E; Vitamins

To investigate the effect of a dietary oxidized fat on the concentrations of cholesterol in liver, plasma, and lipoproteins and the susceptibility of low-density lipoproteins (LDL) to lipid peroxidation, and to explore the effects of vitamins E and C, male guinea pigs were divided into five groups. Four groups were fed diets with an oxidized fat supplemented with 35 or 175 mg alpha-tocopherol equivalents/kg and 300 or 1000 mg of vitamin C/kg for 29 days. One group, used as a control, was fed the same basal diet with fresh fat with 35 mg alpha-tocopherol equivalents/kg and 300 mg of vitamin C/kg. Guinea pigs fed the oxidized-fat diets, irrespective of dietary vitamin E and C concentrations, had significantly lower concentrations of total cholesterol in the liver and a lower concentration of cholesterol in LDL than the control animals fed the fresh fat. According to the lag time before onset of lipid peroxidation, LDL of guinea pigs fed the oxidized-fat diet with 35 mg alpha-tocopherol equivalents and 300 mg vitamin C/kg were significantly more susceptible to copper-induced lipid peroxidation than those of guinea pigs fed the fresh fat diet. Within the groups fed the oxidized fat diets, increasing the dietary vitamin E concentration from 35 to 175 mg/kg significantly (p < 0.05) and increasing the dietary vitamin C concentration from 300 to 1000 mg/kg in tendency (p < 0.10) reduced the susceptibility of LDL to oxidation. LDL of guinea pigs fed the oxidized fat diets with 175 mg alpha-tocopherol equivalents/kg were even more resistant to oxidation than LDL of guinea pigs fed the fresh diet. In conclusion, the study shows that dietary oxidized fat influences the cholesterol metabolism and the susceptibility of LDL to lipid peroxidation; the latter can be modified by dietary vitamins E and C.

Topics: alpha-Tocopherol; Analysis of Variance; Animals; Ascorbic Acid; Body Weight; Cholesterol; Copper; Dietary Fats; Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; Guinea Pigs; In Vitro Techniques; Lipid Peroxidation; Lipoproteins; Lipoproteins, LDL; Liver; Male; Oxidation-Reduction; Thiobarbituric Acid Reactive Substances; Vitamin E

1. The effects of ascorbic acid (L-ascorbic acid) and melatonin supplementation on performance, carcase characteristics, malondialdehyde (MDA) as lipid peroxidation indicator, ascorbic acid, retinol, tocopherol and mineral status in the Japanese quail (Coturnix coturnix japonica) exposed to high ambient temperature were evaluated. 2. Two hundred and forty Japanese quails (10 d old) were randomly assigned to 8 treatment groups consisting of 10 replicates of three birds each. The birds were kept in a temperature-controlled room at 22 degrees C (Thermoneutral, TN groups) or 34 degrees C (for 8 h/d; 09:00 to 17:00 h; Heat stress, HS groups). Birds in both TN and HS were fed either a basal (control) diet or the basal diet supplemented with 250 mg of L-ascorbic acid/kg of diet (Ascorbic acid group), 40 mg of melatonin/kg of diet (Melatonin group) or both (Ascorbic acid + Melatonin group). 3. Supplementing heat-stressed quails with ascorbic acid and melatonin improved performance compared with the control group. Effects generally were greatest in quails supplemented with both ascorbic acid and melatonin. 4. Although supplementation did not consistently restore the concentrations of serum ascorbic acid, retinol and tocopherol to those of TN groups, these concentrations increased significantly with supplementation. Furthermore, serum and liver MDA and serum cholesterol and glucose concentrations were lower in the supplemented groups than in the heat-stressed controls. 5. Within each environment, excretion of Ca, P, Mg, Zn, Fe and Cr were lowest in the combination group and, in all cases, highest in the HS group. Interactions between diet and temperature were detected for live weight gain, cold carcase weight, MDA, ascorbic acid, tocopherol concentrations and excretion of zinc. 6. The results of the study indicate that ascorbic acid and melatonin supplementation attenuate the decline in performance and antioxidant and mineral status caused by heat stress and such supplementation may offer protection against heat-stress-related depression in performance of Japanese quails.

Topics: Animals; Antioxidants; Ascorbic Acid; Blood Glucose; Body Weight; Cholesterol; Coturnix; Eating; Feces; Heat Stress Disorders; Malondialdehyde; Melatonin; Oxidative Stress; Tocopherols; Vitamin A

Factors affecting absorption of physiological doses of vitamin C in man have not been widely studied, partly because few suitable tools exist to distinguish recently absorbed vitamin C from endogenous vitamin. Stable isotope-labelled vitamin C provides such a tool. Fifteen healthy non-smoking subjects aged 26-59 years were studied. Each received 30 mg l-[1-(13)C]ascorbic acid orally on two occasions, 3-4 weeks apart. The ascorbate was given alone or with Fe (100 mg as ferrous fumarate) or with red grape juice, which is rich in polyphenols. Blood was collected at frequent intervals for 1 h, and then each hour for a further 3 h. Total concentration of vitamin C was measured fluorometrically and its (13)C-isotope enrichment was measured by GC-MS after conversion to volatile trimethylsilyl esters. Peak plasma enrichment occurred within 25-50 min. No kinetic variables were significantly altered by the iron fumarate supplement. Grape juice attenuated vitamin C absorption, reaching significance at the 20 min time point. There were weak correlations between isotope enrichment and body weight or endogenous ascorbate concentration. The increment in total plasma ascorbate was smaller if calculated from isotope enrichment than from vitamin C concentration increase. The dilution pool was much larger than the plasma ascorbate pool. Further studies are needed to resolve these paradoxes. Stable isotope-labelled ascorbate is potentially useful for measurement of vitamin C absorption by human subjects.

Topics: Absorption; Administration, Oral; Adult; Ascorbic Acid; Body Weight; Carbon Dioxide; Carbon Isotopes; Citrus paradisi; Dietary Supplements; Female; Ferrous Compounds; Humans; Male; Middle Aged

A considerable amount of clinical and experimental evidence now exists suggesting that many biochemical pathways strictly associated with diabetes increase the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS). However, daily moderate exercise and vitamins C and E (VCE) supplementation can be beneficial to diabetes due to reducing blood glucose and free radical production. In the present study, we investigated the effect of VCE and moderate exercise on lipid peroxidation (MDA) and scavenging enzyme activity in the blood of STZ-induced diabetic pregnant rats. Fifty female Wistar rats were used and were randomly divided into five groups. The first and second were used as the control and pregnant control groups, respectively. The third group was the pregnant diabetic group. The fourth group was the diabetic-pregnant-exercise group. VCE-supplemented feed was given to pregnant-diabetic-exercise rats constituting the fifth group. Animals in the exercised groups were moderately exercised daily on a treadmill (16.1 m/min, 45 min/d) for three weeks (five days a week). Diabetes was induced on day zero of the study. Body weights in the five groups were recorded weekly. Plasma and red blood cell (RBC) samples were taken from all animals on day 20. Glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), catalase and reduced glutathione (GSH) levels in plasma and RBCs, glucose, vitamins A, E and beta-carotene in plasma, the number of fetuses, and body weight were lower in pregnant diabetic rats than in control animals, whereas there was a significant increase in platelet counts and plasma and RBC MDA levels. The decreased antioxidant enzymes did not improve through exercise only. However, the decreased vitamins, and increased MDA, glucose levels and white blood cell (WBC) counts were improved either by exercise or exercise plus VCE supplementation. There were no significant changes in the RBC counts and hemoglobin values in the five groups. In conclusion, these data demonstrate that there is an increase in MDA in the blood of diabetic pregnant animals, whereas there is a decrease in the number of fetuses, antioxidant vitamins and enzymes. However, dietary VCE with moderate exercise may strengthen the antioxidant defense system due to reducing ROS. They may play a role in preventing diabetes-related diseases of pregnant subjects.

Topics: Animals; Ascorbic Acid; beta Carotene; Blood; Blood Cell Count; Blood Glucose; Body Weight; Catalase; Diabetes Mellitus, Experimental; Dietary Supplements; Erythrocytes; Female; Glutathione; Glutathione Peroxidase; Lipid Peroxidation; Litter Size; Malondialdehyde; Oxidative Stress; Physical Conditioning, Animal; Pregnancy; Rats; Rats, Wistar; Vitamin A; Vitamin E

Experimental hypercholesterolemia (HC) may lead to microvascular neovascularization, but the underlying pathogenic mechanism remains unclear. We tested the hypothesis that HC-induced intra-renal neovascularization is associated with inflammation and increased oxidative stress, and would be prevented by chronic antioxidant intervention. Kidneys were excised from pigs after a 12-wk normal (n = 10) or HC diet (n = 8), or HC diet supplemented daily with antioxidant vitamins C (1 g) and E (100 IU/kg) (HC + vitamins, n = 7). Renal cortical samples were then scanned three dimensionally with micro-computed tomography, and microvessels were counted in situ. Blood and tissue samples were removed for measurements of superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity, protein expression of the NADP(H)-oxidase subunits gp91phox, p47phox, and p67phox, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) levels and mRNA, VEGF receptors (Flt-1 and Flk-1), the proinflammatory transcription factor NFkappaB, and the oxidized LDL receptor LOX-1. Microvascular spatial density was significantly elevated in HC compared with normal kidneys but preserved in HC + vitamins. Expression of gp91phox and p67phox was decreased in HC pigs after antioxidant intervention, and SOD improved. The increased renal expression of VEGF and Flk-1 in HC was blunted in HC + vitamins, as were the significant increases in LOX-1, NFkappaB, and interstitial fibrosis. This study shows that renal cortical neovascularization elicited by diet-induced HC is associated with renal inflammation, fibrosis, and upregulation of VEGF and its receptor Flk-1, likely mediated by increased endogenous oxidative stress. Chronic antioxidant supplementation may preserve the kidney in HC.

Topics: Animals; Antioxidants; Ascorbic Acid; Blotting, Western; Body Weight; DNA, Complementary; Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay; Female; Fibrosis; Hypercholesterolemia; Image Processing, Computer-Assisted; Inflammation; Kidney; Membrane Glycoproteins; Microcirculation; NADPH Oxidase 2; NADPH Oxidases; Neovascularization, Pathologic; NF-kappa B; Oxidation-Reduction; Phosphoproteins; Receptors, Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor; Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction; RNA; RNA, Messenger; Superoxide Dismutase; Swine; Tomography, X-Ray Computed; Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A

Adrenocortical responses to diverse stressful situations (dehydration, formaldehyde treatment and salt loading) were studied in the adult female soft-shelled turtle, Lissenmys p. punctata. Dehydration, formaldehyde treatment (formalin, 1%: 0.1 ml/100 g body weight daily) or salt loading (NaCl, 1%: 0.1 ml/100 g body weight daily) treatments consecutively for 7 days caused hypertrophy of the adrenocortical cells with their nuclear diameter increased, and depletions of adrenal cholesterol and ascorbic acid concentrations followed by decreased acid phosphatase and alkaline phosphatase activities in turtles. Corticosterone levels were elevated in both the adrenal gland and serum of turtles after dehydration and formalin stress, but the hormone level remained unaltered after salt loading in turtles. The results suggest active involvement of adrenal cortex in stress for homeostasis in Lissemys turtles.

Topics: Acid Phosphatase; Adrenal Cortex; Alkaline Phosphatase; Animals; Ascorbic Acid; Body Weight; Cholesterol; Corticosterone; Dehydration; Female; Formaldehyde; Homeostasis; Salts; Stress, Physiological; Turtles

Ethanol by its property of generating free radicals during the course of its metabolism causes damage to cell structure and function. The study investigates the protective effects of the antioxidant aminoacid taurine on ethanol-induced lipid peroxidation and antioxidant status. Male Wistar rats of body weight 170-190 g were divided into 4 groups and maintained for 28 days as follows: a control group and taurine-supplemented control group, taurine supplemented and unsupplemented ethanol-fed group. Ethanol was administered to rats at a dosage of 3 g/kg body weight twice daily and taurine was provided in the diet (10 g/kg diet). Lipid peroxidation products and antioxidant potential were quantitated in plasma and in following tissues liver, brain, kidney and heart. Increased levels of thiobarbituric acid substances (TBARS) and lipid hydroperoxides (LHP) in plasma and tissues, decreased activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) were observed in hemolysate and tissues of ethanol-fed rats. The contents of reduced glutathione (GSH), alpha-tocopherol and ascorbic acid in plasma and tissues were significantly reduced in these animals as compared to control animals. Simultaneous administration of taurine along with ethanol attenuated the lipid peroxidation process and restored the levels of enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidants. We propose that taurine may have a bioprotective effect on ethanol-induced oxidative stress.

Topics: Animals; Antioxidants; Ascorbic Acid; Body Weight; Catalase; DNA, Mitochondrial; Ethanol; Glutathione Peroxidase; Lipid Peroxidation; Male; Organ Size; Oxidative Stress; Rats; Rats, Wistar; Superoxide Dismutase; Taurine; Thiobarbituric Acid Reactive Substances; Time Factors; Tissue Distribution; Vitamin E

It has been shown that lead (Pb) is able to induce lipid peroxidation, one of the main manifestations of oxidative stress. In this study we examined the relationship between chronic Pb exposure and level of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in reproductive system tissues of sexually mature male Wistar rats. One group of animals (control, K) was allowed to drink distilled water, the second group (Pb) was allowed to drink freely 1% aqueous solution of lead acetate. Another groups had a following supplements: rats were allowed to drink distilled water containing vitamin C (vit C) at concentration of 500 mg/l or Trolox (a vitamin E analog) at concentration of 48 mg/l or vit C (500 mg/l) + Trolox (48 mg/l). The similar groups among Pb-treated animals were examined after treatment with the same vitamins and using the same vitamin doses, dissolved in 1% aqueous solution of lead acetate. In all cases the time of drinking was 6 months. It was found that lead content in samples of tissues from testis, epididymis and in a whole blood in Pb- and Pb with antioxidants treated rats was significantly elevated. Chemiluminescence (CL) emitted by the Pb-treated tissues was significantly higher when compared to the light emission by tissues isolated from the animals of control group. The increase in the CL caused by lead occurs in the following increasing order within the studied tissues: cauda of epididymis < testis < caput of epididymis (19%, 39% and 51%, respectively). Dietary vit C supplementation to the Pb-treated rats for 6 months period decreased the CL from caput of epididymis, cauda of epididymis and testis (by 43%, 24%, 39%, respectively) more effectively in comparison to the control group (35%, 17%, 33%, respectively). Also stronger quenching effect on the light emission from the above mentioned tissues after Trolox supplementation was observed in the Pb-treated group (42%, 21%, 35%, respectively) than in the control group (23%, 13%, 13% respectively). The combination of both antioxidants treatments (vit C and Trolox) did not give a higher significant quenching effect compared to the treatment with the vitamins separately. No ultrastructural changes were found in the seminiferous epithelium of Pb-treated animals. However, we found abnormalities in ultrastructure of epididymal epithelial cells and epididymal spermatozoa in rats of Pb-treated groups. These findings provide ex vivo evidence that Pb causes oxidative cellular damage in reproductive system tissues of adult

Topics: Analysis of Variance; Animals; Antioxidants; Ascorbic Acid; Body Weight; Chromans; Epididymis; Lead; Luminescent Measurements; Male; Organ Size; Oxidative Stress; Rats; Rats, Wistar; Reactive Oxygen Species; Testis

The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the effect of a dietary vitamin C supplement on cadmium absorption and distribution in an animal model. An aqueous solution of cadmium chloride (labelled with cadmium-109) was given by gavage to male Wistar rats for 28 days at a daily dose corresponding to 10 mg Cd/kg diet (1.0-1.2 mg Cd/kg b.w.). The animals assigned to groups 1 and 2 (45 animals per group) received a standard laboratory diet LSM, and tap water or tap water supplemented with ascorbic acid (1.5 mg/l), respectively. The radioactivity of the samples was measured using a liquid scintillation counter (tissue samples) and a gas-flow automatic counter (ashed carcasses). The fractional uptake of cadmium-109 in the carcass and organs was evaluated within 32 days after treatment by dividing the cadmium-109 activity in the whole sample by the total activity of cadmium-109 administered for 28 days. Results were compared using AUC (areas under the concentration time curve) values. The vitamin C supplement decreased the carcass cadmium burden and the cadmium content in the liver, kidneys, testicles and muscles; the highest decreases were found in the testicles, the lowest ones in the muscles. In addition, the rats supplemented with vitamin C revealed an improved body weight gain during the experimental period.

Topics: Animals; Ascorbic Acid; Body Weight; Cadmium; Cadmium Chloride; Cadmium Poisoning; Evaluation Studies as Topic; Intestinal Absorption; Male; Organ Size; Rats; Tissue Distribution

We have previously reported the establishment of a novel rat strain, SHR-od, with both spontaneous hypertension and a defect of ascorbic acid biosynthesis. Blood pressure in mature SHR-od fed an ascorbic acid-supplemented diet is over 190-200 mmHg, while it decreased to around 120 mmHg at 4-5 weeks after the cessation of ascorbic acid supplementation. With regard to possible mechanisms of blood pressure lowering, we focused on catecholamine synthesis in adrenal glands, since catecholamine is a major factor for blood pressure regulation and ascorbic acid is a co-factor of dopamine beta-hydroxylase (DBH) in catecholamine biosynthesis. Male SHR-od (25-week-old) and normotensive ODS rats with a defect in ascorbic acid biosynthesis (25-week-old) were fed a Funabashi-SP diet with or without ascorbic acid (300 mg/kg diet) for 28 days or 35 days. In SHR-od, systolic blood pressure (191 +/- 6 mmHg) began to decrease from day 21 in the ascorbic acid-deficient group, whereas no significant difference was found in ODS rats. In spite of significant lowering of blood pressure, no significant differences were found in catecholamine levels in serum, adrenal glands and brain on day 28. On day 35, however, urinary excretion of norepinephrine and epinephrine in the ascorbic acid-deficient SHR-od were higher at 490% (P < 0.05) and 460% (P < 0.05) of the respective control. Serum catecholamine concentrations and the adrenal catecholamine content tended to be higher in the ascorbic acid-deficient SHR-od than the control of SHR-od and reached to similar level in ODS rats. The administration of ascorbic acid (intraperitoneal injection, 60 mg ascorbic acid/kg body weight, once a day) to the ascorbic acid-deficient SHR-od restored blood pressure to the range 180-190 mmHg within two days. These findings indicate that ascorbic acid deficiency affects catecholamine metabolism in the adrenal glands of SHR-od in response to blood pressure lowering, suggesting catecholamines are not involved in the mechanism for the remarkable reduction in blood pressure in response to ascorbic acid deficiency.

Topics: Adrenal Glands; Animals; Ascorbic Acid; Ascorbic Acid Deficiency; Blood Pressure; Blotting, Northern; Body Weight; Catecholamines; Diet; Dopamine; Epinephrine; Male; Norepinephrine; Organ Size; Rats; Rats, Inbred SHR; Tissue Distribution

To elucidate the role of peripheral dopamine D1 receptors in cisplatin-induced acute renal injury, effect of zelandopam (YM435, (-)-(S)-4-(3,4-dihydroxyphenyl)-7,8-dihydroxy-1,2,3,4-tetrahydroisoquinoline hydrochloride hydrate), a selective renal dopamine D1 receptor agonist, on cisplatin-induced acute renal failure in rats was studied. Rats were divided into six groups: control, cisplatin and cisplatin plus zelandopam (30, 100, 300 mg/kg p.o. twice, 75 and 15 min before cisplatin injection) or the free radical scavenger CV-3611 (2-O-octadecylascorbic acid, 10 mg/kg p.o., 75 min before cisplatin injection) treated groups. Rats received intraperitoneal injection of cisplatin at a dose of 5 mg/kg. Four days after cisplatin injection, plasma creatinine, blood urea nitrogen and body weight were measured and the kidneys were removed for histological examination. Cisplatin induced acute renal failure characterized by the increases in plasma creatinine and blood urea nitrogen with tubular damage, and decreased body weight. Zelandopam dose-dependently prevented all these changes. The free radical scavenger CV-3611 significantly attenuated a decrease in body weight and renal dysfunction without reducing tubular damage. The present study is the first demonstration for that a selective dopamine D1 receptor agonist is effective in preventing acute renal failure induced by cisplatin.

Topics: Acute Kidney Injury; Animals; Ascorbic Acid; Blood Urea Nitrogen; Body Weight; Cisplatin; Creatinine; Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; Epithelial Cells; Isoquinolines; Kidney Tubules; Male; Rats; Rats, Sprague-Dawley; Receptors, Dopamine D1; Tetrahydroisoquinolines

Benzanthrone (BA) and 3-bromobenzanthrone (3-BBA) are important dye intermediates used in the manufacture of various vat and disperse dyes. BA has been implicated as a cause of hepatic malfunctions and dermal lesions in workers. However, not much information on halogenated BAs, especially 3-BBA, is available. Experiments were designed to undertake a comparative safety assessment of both BA and 3-BBA, given orally at a dose of 50 mg/kg body weight for 10 days to guinea pigs. There was a significant decrease (25%) in body weight with 3-BBA, whereas BA treatment did not cause any change. Serum glutamate oxaloacetate transaminase and glutamate pyruvate transminase were found to be significantly (P<0.05) increased in 3-BBA- as well as in BA-treated animals. 3-BBA and BA led to substantial depletion of ascorbic acid in both liver and adrenal glands. However, depletion of ascorbic acid was more pronounced with 3-BBA (19.2-28.3%) than with BA (13.5-16.6%). 3-BBA and BA treatments caused 80% and 24% depletion of hepatic free sulfydryl content, while lipid peroxidation showed a significant enhancement of 73% and 47%, respectively. BA and 3-BBA caused decreases in cytochrome P-450 content and phase I enzymes particularly ethoxyresorufin- O-deethylase and aryl hydrocarbon hydroxylase, whereas phase II enzymes (quinone reductase and glutathione- S-transferase) were substantially increased. Activities of bio-antioxidant enzymes, viz., glutathione peroxidase, glutathione reductase, superoxide dismutase and catalase, were significantly increased by 153, 104, 20 and 67% in the 3-BBA-treated group, whereas the degree of increase in these parameters was relatively less in BA-treated group. The data indicate that both BA and 3-BBA can disturb membrane integrity by decreasing endogenous glutathione and ascorbic acid levels with a concomitant increase in lipid peroxidative damage. This may in turn lead to impairment of hepatic P-450-dependent monooxygenase, while the changes in antioxidant enzymes reveal oxidative stress. 3-BBA treatment caused dilation of portal triad with thickening of arterial wall, hyperplasia of Kupffer cells and influx of inflammatory cells between hepatic cords, which could be due to formation of Br(*) radical or due to formation of semiquinone type of intermediate following oxidation. The results may be interpreted to mean that industrial workers exposed to 3-BBA are at higher risk than those exposed to BA, and necessary precautions should be taken to

Topics: Administration, Oral; Adrenal Glands; Alanine Transaminase; Animals; Antioxidants; Ascorbic Acid; Aspartate Aminotransferases; Benz(a)Anthracenes; Body Weight; Catalase; Coloring Agents; Cytochrome P-450 Enzyme System; Glutathione Peroxidase; Glutathione Reductase; Guinea Pigs; Lipid Peroxidation; Liver; Male; Oxidoreductases; Superoxide Dismutase

Mild-to-moderate vitamin C depletion in weanling guinea-pigs affects pyridinoline:deoxypyridinoline (collagen cross-link) ratios in femur shaft and urine, attributed to impairment of hydroxylation of collagen lysine. We investigated: (1). whether the picture at two time points is compatible with progressive accumulation of abnormal collagen; (2). whether any changes are seen in skin, where little deoxypyridinoline occurs; (3). whether total food restriction has similar effects. Male weanling Dunkin-Hartley guinea-pigs were fed diets containing either 0.5 (vitamin C-restricted) or 160.0-320.0 (vitamin C-adequate) mg vitamin C/d. Two groups receiving the vitamin C-adequate diet received it ad libitum. Two other groups received the vitamin C-adequate diet in a restricted amount, limited to that which permitted nearly the same growth rate as in the vitamin C-restricted groups. Animals were fed for 4 or 8 weeks; urine was collected, and vitamin C and collagen indices were measured. In the femur shaft, the hydroxyproline content per unit weight was unaffected by vitamin C restriction or by total food restriction. Deoxypyridinoline was increased and the pyridinoline:deoxypyridinoline ratio was decreased in vitamin C-restricted groups, but not in food-restricted groups. Changes in the value of the ratio were greater after 8 than after 4 weeks. Urine indices mirrored bone indices. In skin, the main effect of vitamin C restriction was to reduce hydroxyproline. Here, the cross-link ratios changed less markedly than in bone, and there was less deoxypyridinoline. We conclude that the picture at two time points is compatible with a progressive accumulation of pyridinoline-enriched collagen in vitamin C-deprived animals, that the picture in skin differs from that of bone and urine, and that cross-link changes are not produced by total food restriction.

Topics: Amino Acids; Animals; Ascorbic Acid; Ascorbic Acid Deficiency; Body Weight; Bone and Bones; Collagen; Eating; Food Deprivation; Guinea Pigs; Male; Skin

Effects of dietary ascorbyl-2-phosphate on immune function after a 210-km trip were measured in 18 Holstein heifers. After transport on d 0, 10 g of ascorbyl-2-phosphate each were added to the diets of 10 heifers, whereas eight heifers were fed a control diet. Plasma cortisol concentrations increased by an average of 25.6 microgram/ml on d 0 following transport, but by d 7 after transport had decreased to pretransport levels. Average daily gain was lower in heifers fed ascorbyl-2-phosphate from d 28 to 49 d after transport, but did not differ over the entire study. Feeding ascorbyl-2-phosphate maintained plasma ascorbate concentrations on d 7 post-transport, which decreased in control heifers. Plasma keyhole limpet hemocyanin antibody titers were significantly higher in control heifers from d 7 to 49. Mononuclear leukocyte proliferation responses were decreased on d 0 in lymphocytes stimulated by mitogens, with pokeweed mitogen-stimulated cells showing less of a response than cells stimulated by the other mitogens. In the absence of mitogens, dietary ascorbyl-2-phosphate increased basal 3H-methyl thymidine incorporation by cultured lymphocytes. Across diets and mitogens, lymphocytes treated with cortisol showed decreased 3H-methyl thymidine incorporation. Transportation acted as a stressor, as evidenced by the increased plasma cortisol levels at d 0 immediately after transport, but immunological effects were not apparent by d 7. Feeding ascorbyl-2-phosphate maintained plasma ascorbate concentrations on d 7, but had negative effects on immune responses posttransport.

Topics: Animals; Ascorbic Acid; Body Weight; Cattle; Cell Division; Cells, Cultured; Diet; Female; Hydrocortisone; Immunity; Immunoglobulin G; Leukocytes, Mononuclear; Lymphocytes; Mitogens; Transportation; Weight Gain

Effects of dietary vitamin C (l-ascorbyl-2-monophosphate-Mg, C2MP-Mg) on growth, tissue copper (Cu) accumulation, and haemocyte superoxide anion production of juvenile grass shrimp, Penaeus monodon, fed with either adequate or high (8 x adequate) dietary Cu were studied. Three experimental diets were used: basal diet supplemented with adequate levels of both C2MP-Mg (40 mg kg diet(-1)) and Cu (20mg kg diet(-1)) (NC-NCu); basal diet supplemented with adequate C2MP-Mg and high Cu (8 x adequate) (NC-HCu); and basal diet supplemented with high C2MP-Mg (5 x adequate) and high Cu (HC-HCu). These were each fed to triplicate groups of shrimp (mean initial weight: 0.29+/-0.01 g) for 8 weeks. Highest (P< 0.01) weight gain, feed efficiency (FE) and protein efficiency ratio (PER) were observed in shrimp fed NC-NCu diet, intermediate in shrimp fed HC-HCu diet, and lowest in shrimp fed NC-HCu diet. Cu concentrations in hepatopancreas, muscle and haemolymph were highest in shrimp fed NC-HCu diet, followed by shrimp fed HC-HCu diet, and lowest for shrimp fed NC-NCu diet. Survival, total haemocyte count (THC) and intracellular superoxide anion (O-2) production were higher in shrimp fed NC-NCu diet than shrimp fed NC-HCu diet, whereas hepatosomatic index (HSI) was higher in shrimp fed NC-HCu diet than shrimp fed NC-NCu diet. However, all these parameters were similar in shrimp fed NC-NCu diet and shrimp fed HC-HCu diet. These data suggest that increase of dietary vitamin C improved haemocyte respiratory burst response and growth and prevented tissue Cu accumulation in P. monodon fed with high dietary Cu.

Topics: Animals; Ascorbic Acid; Body Weight; Copper; Diet; Hemolymph; Penaeidae; Random Allocation; Respiratory Burst; Superoxides

Endothelium-dependent relaxations are impaired in carotid artery of apolipoprotein E-deficient (apoE-/-) mice. This impairment seems to be due to increased formation of superoxide anions and inactivation of endothelial nitric oxide (NO). In the present study, we tested hypothesis that chronic treatment with vitamin C may prevent endothelial dysfunction by increasing release of NO from endothelial cells. C57BL/6 and apoE-/- mice were treated for 26 weeks with Western-type fat diet with and without 1% vitamin C. Vasomotor function of isolated carotid arteries was studied by video dimension analyzer. Expression of endothelial NO synthase (eNOS) and platelet-endothelial cell adhesion molecule-1 (PECAM-1) protein were evaluated by Western blotting. Levels of cGMP and cAMP were measured by radioimmunoassay. In apoE-/- mice, vitamin C significantly augmented relaxations to acetylcholine (10-9-10-5 mol/l), but did not affect relaxations to NO donor diethylammonium-(Z)-1-(N,N-diethylamino) diazen-1-1,2-diolate (DEA-NONOate; 10-9-10-5 mol/l). In contrast, vitamin C reduced relaxations to acetylcholine and DEA-NONOate in C57BL/6 mice. Interestingly, vitamin C significantly increased basal cGMP levels in C57BL/6 mice but did not affect cGMP formation in apoE-/-. Vitamin C treatment did not affect expression of eNOS protein, whereas elevated expression of PECAM-1 protein in apoE-/- mice was returned to normal level. Our findings demonstrate that chronic treatment with vitamin C prevents endothelial dysfunction of carotid artery induced by hypercholesterolemia. This effect seems to be mediated by preservation of NO bioavailability in endothelial cells.

Topics: Animals; Antioxidants; Apolipoproteins E; Ascorbic Acid; Body Weight; Carotid Arteries; Cholesterol; Cyclic AMP; Cyclic GMP; Male; Mice; Mice, Inbred C57BL; Mice, Knockout; Nitric Oxide Synthase; Nitric Oxide Synthase Type II; Nitric Oxide Synthase Type III; Platelet Endothelial Cell Adhesion Molecule-1

The Vitamin E (VE) effect was examined on oxidative damage to DNA, lipids, and protein in mice that were fed various levels of lipid diets after total body irradiation (TBI) with X-rays at 2 Gy. No increase of 8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine (8OHdG) by TBI was observed in the + VE group; however, in the case of the -VE group, a significantly higher 8OHdG level was observed in the high-lipid group than in the low- or basal-lipid group. In the groups with TBI, the concentration of thiobarbituric reactive substances (TBARS) only significantly increased in the high-lipid (-VE) group. These changes in TBARS, due to TBI, were not detected in other groups. The contents of protein carbonyls only increased in the (-VE) group. The contents of protein carbonyls was significantly different between the (+VE) and the (-VE) groups, regardless of the lipid levels. The concentrations of GSH, vitamins C and E in the liver were lower, and the concentration of non-heme iron in the liver was higher in the high-lipid group than in the low- and basal-lipid groups. These concentrations in the high-lipid group were significantly different between the (+VE) and the (-VE) groups. These results strongly suggest that mice that are fed a high-lipid diet are susceptible to TBI-induced oxidative damage. Also, decreases in the GSH levels and an increase in the iron level are involved in the mechanism of this susceptibility.

Topics: Administration, Oral; Animals; Antioxidants; Ascorbic Acid; Body Weight; Diet; Glutathione; Lipids; Liver; Male; Mice; Mice, Inbred ICR; Nonheme Iron Proteins; Oxidation-Reduction; Oxidative Stress; Vitamin E; Whole-Body Irradiation

The scurvy shows an inflammatory disease and gingival bleeding. Nevertheless, in an animal model for guinea pigs, described by Den Hartog Jager in 1985, scurvy was associated with a motor neuron disease with demyelinization of the pyramidal tract, provoking neurogenic atrophy of muscles. Aiming at searching the protective role of vitamin C in nervous system, a pharmacological, morphological and behavioral study was conducted. Three experimental groups were used: A100, animals receiving 100 mg/ vitamin C/ day; A5.0, animals receiving 5.0 mg/vitamin C/ day; and A0, animals without vitamin C. We analyzed the weight gain, muscular diameter and behavioral tests. In all tests examined, we found significant differences between the supplemented groups in comparison with scorbutic group (p<0.05). Thereafter, the animals were killed for histopathology of gastrocnemius muscle, spinal cord and tooth tissues. In addition, a morphometric study of periodontal thickness and alpha-motor neuron cell body diameter were done. The vitamin C-diet free regimen seemed to induce a disruption in spinal cord morphology, involving the lower motor neuron, as confirmed by a significant reduction in neuron perycaria diameter and muscular atrophy, complicated by increased nutritional deficit.

Topics: Animals; Antioxidants; Ascorbic Acid; Ascorbic Acid Deficiency; Body Weight; Guinea Pigs; Motor Neuron Disease; Motor Neurons; Muscle, Skeletal; Spinal Cord; Weight Gain

Bisphenol A, an environmental contaminant, widely used as a monomer in polycarbonate plastics, has been shown to cause abnormalities in liver of rats and mice. The nature and mechanism of action of bisphenol A on liver is not clear. The aim of the present study was to investigate if bisphenol A induces oxidative stress in the liver of rats and if co-administration of vitamin C, an antioxidant, can prevent oxidative stress. Bisphenol A (0.2, 2.0 and 20 micro g/kg body weight per day) and bisphenol A+vitamin C (0.2, 2.0, 20 micro g+40 mg/kg body weight per day) was orally administered to rats for 30 days. After 24 h of the last treatment, rats were killed using overdose of anesthetic ether. Body weights of the animals and the weights of liver showed no significant changes. The activities of antioxidant enzymes, superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione reductase and glutathione peroxidase were decreased in mitochondrial and microsome-rich fractions of liver. The levels of hydrogen peroxide and lipid peroxidation increased in the treated rats when compared with the corresponding group of control animals. Activity of alanine transaminase, a marker enzyme of hepatic injury remained unchanged in the treated rats as compared with the corresponding control rats. Co-administration of bisphenol A and vitamin C showed no changes in the activities of superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione reductase and glutathione peroxidase and in the levels of hydrogen peroxide and lipid peroxidation as compared with the corresponding control groups. The results indicated that bisphenol A induces oxidative stress in the liver of rats by decreasing the antioxidant enzymes. Co-administration of vitamin C reversed the effects of bisphenol A-induced oxidative stress in the liver of rats.

Topics: Air Pollutants; Alanine Transaminase; Animals; Ascorbic Acid; Benzhydryl Compounds; Body Weight; Catalase; Glutathione Peroxidase; Glutathione Reductase; Hydrogen Peroxide; Lipid Peroxides; Liver; Male; Microsomes, Liver; Organ Size; Oxidative Stress; Phenols; Rats; Rats, Wistar; Reactive Oxygen Species; Superoxide Dismutase

Metabolomic mapping is an emerging discipline geared at providing information on a large number of metabolites as a complement to genomics and proteomics. Here we have probed ascorbic acid homeostasis and degradation in diabetes using 6-deoxy-6-fluoro ascorbic acid (F-ASA) and 750 MHz (19)F-nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy with proton decoupling In vitro, Cu(2+)-mediated degradation of F-ASA revealed the formation of 4 major stable degradation products at 24 hours. However, when normal or diabetics rats were injected with F-ASA intraperitoneally (IP) for 4 days, up to 20 fluorine-labeled compounds were observed in the urine. Their composition resembled, in part, metal catalyzed degradation of F-ASA and was not explained by spontaneous degradation in the urine. Diabetes led to a dramatic increase in urinary F-ASA loss and a relative decrease in most other urinary F-compounds. Diabetes tilted F-ASA homeostasis toward oxidation in liver (P <.01), kidney (P <.01), spleen (P <.01), and plasma (P <.01), but tended to decrease oxidation in brain, adrenal glands, and heart. Surprisingly, however, besides the major oxidation product fluoro-dehydroascorbic acid (F-DHA), no F-ASA advanced catabolites were detected in tissues at 5 micromol/L sensitivity. These findings not only confirm the key role of the kidney in diabetes-mediated loss of ascorbic acid, but demonstrate that only selected tissues are prone to increased oxidation in diabetes. While the structure of most degradation products needs to be established, the method illustrates the power of high resolution (19)F-NMR spectroscopy for the mapping of complex metabolomic pathways in disease states.

Topics: 2,3-Diketogulonic Acid; Animals; Ascorbic Acid; Body Weight; Dehydroascorbic Acid; Diabetes Mellitus, Experimental; Fluorine; Fluorine Radioisotopes; Homeostasis; Kinetics; Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy; Male; Organ Size; Osmolar Concentration; Oxidation-Reduction; Rats; Rats, Sprague-Dawley

Lead is a common environmental toxin that affects neuromuscular junction and potentially might cause muscle weakness. Antioxidants like ascorbic acid may protect against lead induced myopathy. The present study measured isometric twitch tensions (evoked either directly by muscle stimulation or indirectly by nerve stimulation) to study effects of ascorbic acid on lead induced alterations at murine dorsiflexor skeletal muscle. Resting membrane potentials (RMPs), endplate potentials (EPPs) and miniature endplate potentials (MEPPs) were also recorded. Forty animals were divided into four groups of n = 10 each. (10 control, 10 lead alone, 10 ascorbic acid alone, 10 lead treated plus ascorbic acid). Lead (1 mg/kg) i.p, was administered daily for 2 weeks before the recording day and ascorbic acid (200 mg/kg, i.p) was given daily for 3 weeks prior to the experiment day. Lead treatment reduced twitch tension significantly (from 4.3 +/- 0.5 g to 2.7 +/- 0.2 g) and delayed half time of decay compared to the control. Similarly MEPPs frequencies were reduced following lead treatment. Application of ascorbic acid prevented twitch tension reduction in lead treated mice (3.3 +/- 0.3 g) and reversed lead induced delay in half time of decay. The negative actions of lead treatment on MEPPs frequencies were also modified with ascorbic acid. It appears that ascorbic acid exerts a protective role against lead induced peripheral nerve and muscle dysfunction. This effect of ascorbic acid on lead induced neuromyopathy is probably mediated via a free radical scavenging mechanism or modification of Ca(2+) homeostasis.

Topics: Animals; Antioxidants; Ascorbic Acid; Body Weight; In Vitro Techniques; Isometric Contraction; Lead; Male; Membrane Potentials; Mice; Mice, Inbred C57BL; Motor Endplate; Muscle Contraction; Muscle, Skeletal; Neurotransmitter Agents; Synaptic Transmission

The alcoholic extract of Trewia polycarpa roots (TPE), which exhibited significant anti-inflammatory activity, was evaluated for the possible mode of action by studying its antioxidant potential in adjuvant-induced arthritic rats. The biological defence system constituting the superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, ascorbic acid showed a significant increase while the lipid peroxide content was found to decrease to a large extent on TPE treatment thereby indicating the extracts free radical scavenging property. Histopathological studies too supported anti-arthritic potential of the roots of Trewia polycarpa.

Topics: Animals; Anti-Inflammatory Agents; Arthritis, Experimental; Ascorbic Acid; Body Weight; Edema; Ethanol; Euphorbiaceae; Female; Free Radical Scavengers; Freund's Adjuvant; Glutathione; Glutathione Peroxidase; Indomethacin; Lipid Peroxidation; Medicine, Ayurvedic; Phytotherapy; Plant Extracts; Plant Roots; Rats; Superoxide Dismutase; Synovial Fluid; Toxicity Tests

Ascorbic acid is a potent antioxidant and is involved in many metabolic activities including collagen biosynthesis. In the present investigation, ascorbic acid and lipid peroxides were monitored in the blood and liver samples during the progression of experimentally induced hepatic fibrosis.. Liver injury was induced by intraperitoneal injections of dimethylnitrosamine (DMN) on three consecutive days of every week over a period of 21 days. The progression of fibrosis was assessed by histopathological examination and by monitoring of the collagen content of the liver tissue. Ascorbic acid and lipid peroxides were monitored in both blood and liver samples on days 0, 7, 14, and 21 after the start of DMN administration. The liver total protein was also measured during the investigation.. Histopathological examination demonstrated centrilobular necrosis, fibrosis, and early cirrhosis during DMN treatment. The collagen content increased four-fold on the 21st day of investigation. Lipid peroxides were elevated significantly in both blood and liver specimens on days 7, 14, and 21. A drastic decrease was observed in the ascorbic acid concentrations in both liver and blood samples on all days after the start of DMN administration. Liver total protein concentrations were significantly reduced during DMN administration.. The exact mechanism of the decrease of ascorbic acid during DMN-induced hepatic fibrosis is not clear. The most probable reason for the decreased blood and liver ascorbic acid during DMN-induced hepatic fibrosis is the increased utilization of ascorbic acid for free radical scavenging in order to reduce the highly elevated oxidative stress.

Topics: Animals; Ascorbic Acid; Body Weight; Collagen; Dimethylnitrosamine; Lipid Peroxides; Liver; Liver Cirrhosis, Experimental; Male; Rats; Rats, Wistar

The influence of the origin and level of dietary protein on oxidative damage of lipid, protein, and DNA in mice after total body irradiation (TBI) was examined. Male mice were fed two types of dietary protein (casein and soybean protein) and different dietary protein levels (casein, 8% and 20%; soybean protein, 8% and 20%), and then treated with TBI with X-rays. The levels of lipid peroxides and chromosomal damage did not differ among the groups that did not receive TBI. However, the oxidative damage of lipid increased due to TBI only in the 8% protein group. The chromosomal damage in bone marrow increased due to TBI regardless of the different protein diets, and the damage was higher in the 8% protein group than that in the 20% protein group. Protein carbonyl levels were consistently higher in the 8% protein group than in the 20% protein group. In the 8% protein group, a greater decrease in the relative spleen weight was also observed. Concentrations of antioxidants [vitamins C, E, and glutathione (GSH)] in the liver were lower, and the concentration of non-heme iron in the liver was higher in the 8% protein group than in the 20% protein groups. Mice fed a low-protein diet became susceptible to TBI-induced oxidative damage regardless of the origin of protein. Vitamin C and E values of the soybean protein group were markedly lower than those of the casein group.

Topics: Analysis of Variance; Animals; Ascorbic Acid; Body Weight; Dietary Proteins; DNA Damage; Glutathione; Lipid Peroxidation; Liver; Male; Mice; Mice, Inbred ICR; Nonheme Iron Proteins; Organ Size; Oxidative Stress; Vitamin E; Whole-Body Irradiation

Gymnema montanum is widely used in ancient medicine for the ailment of various diseases. Oral administration of 200 mg kg(-1) (body weight) BW of the alcoholic extract of the leaf for 3 weeks resulted in a significant reduction in blood glucose and an increase in plasma insulin, whereas the effect of 50 and 100 mg kg(-1) BW was not significant. The alcoholic extract also resulted in decreased free radical formation in plasma of diabetic rats. Thus, this study shows that Gymnema montanum leaf extract (GLEt) possess antihyperglycemic and antiperoxidative effect. The decrease in lipid peroxides and increase in reduced glutathione (GSH), ascorbic acid (Vitamin C) and alpha-tocopherol (Vitamin E) clearly show the antioxidant properties of GLEt. The effect of GLEt was most prominently seen in the case of animals given 200 mg kg(-1) BW. In addition, the results suggest that GLEt was highly effective than the reference drug glibenclamide.

Topics: Animals; Antioxidants; Ascorbic Acid; Blood Glucose; Body Weight; Diabetes Mellitus, Experimental; Eating; Free Radicals; Glutathione; Glyburide; Gymnema; Hydrogen Peroxide; Hypolipidemic Agents; Lipid Peroxidation; Male; Oxidative Stress; Phytotherapy; Plant Extracts; Plant Leaves; Rats; Rats, Wistar; Thiobarbituric Acid Reactive Substances

Impaired homeostasis under diabetic conditions is connected with the increased production of free radicals and deficiency of antioxidative systems. The aim of this study was to analyze the effect of new oral antidiabetic drug-pioglitazone on activity of antioxidant factors and lipid peroxidation in vivo. The liver and kidney of alloxan-induced diabetic rabbits were examined after 4 and 8 weeks of treatment. After 4 weeks of diabetes the superoxide dismutase (Cu,Zn-SOD) activity in the liver was diminished while the catalase (CAT) activity and the level of ascorbic acid (AA) were elevated in comparison with the control group. Pioglitazone treatment during 4 weeks decreased the catalase activity in relation to the control diabetic animals. After 8 weeks of diabetes the CAT activity in the liver was elevated in comparison with the control group. Pioglitazone treatment during 8 weeks decreased the CAT activity and the level of lipid peroxidation products (LPO), and increased the Cu,Zn-SOD activity in relation to control diabetic animals. After 4 weeks of diabetes in the kidney the Cu,Zn-SOD activity and the level of ascorbic acid (AA) were diminished while the CAT activity and the LPO level were elevated in comparison with the control group. Pioglitazone treatment during 4 weeks increased the AA and decreased the LPO levels in relation to non-treated diabetic animals. After 8 weeks of disease the Cu,Zn-SOD activity in the kidney was diminished in comparison with the control group. Pioglitazone during 8 weeks decreased the LPO level in relation to non-treated diabetic animals. This study shows that diabetic animals undergo an important oxidative stress, which is partially corrected by pioglitazone treatment.

Topics: Animals; Ascorbic Acid; Blood Glucose; Body Weight; Diabetes Mellitus, Experimental; Hypoglycemic Agents; Kidney; Lipid Peroxidation; Liver; Male; Oxidative Stress; Pioglitazone; Proteins; Rabbits; Superoxide Dismutase; Thiazolidinediones

We recently reported that PL-AG, a Schiff base of pyridoxal and aminoguanidine, was more effective than aminoguanidine (AG), a well-known anti-diabetic-complication compound, in preventing nephropathy in diabetic mice and presented brief data indicating the antioxidant activity of the adduct. In the present study, we additionally investigated the inhibitory activity of PL-AG in comparison with that of AG against in vitro and in vivo oxidation. PL-AG was more potent than AG and reference compounds such as pyridoxal and pyridoxamine in any of the five antioxidant activities examined in vitro, i.e., hydrogen peroxide-scavenging, hydroxyl radical-scavenging, superoxide radical-scavenging, ascorbic acid-autoxidation inhibitory, and low-density lipoprotein (LDL)-oxidation inhibitory activities, the last two of which were assessed in the presence of Cu(2+). Unlike AG, PL-AG did not show the pro-oxidant activity. The inhibitory activity of PL-AG against lipid peroxidation in diabetic rats was higher than that of AG, for example, the amounts of malondialdehyde in erythrocytes (nmol/g hemoglobin; mean +/- SD) in normal, untreated diabetic, AG-treated diabetic, and PL-AG-treated diabetic rats were 3.53 +/- 0.35, 4.99 +/- 0.23, 4.65 +/- 0.45, and 4.06 +/- 0.35, respectively. A fluorescent substance different from PL-AG was found in the plasma and urine of rats treated with PL-AG. The chemical structure of this substance, i.e., oxidized PL-AG, was determined by a combination of nuclear magnetic resonance, mass, and infrared spectrometry. AG dramatically decreased the pyridoxal phosphate level in the diabetic rat liver, whereas PL-AG only moderately affected it. Our results indicate that the antioxidant activity of PL-AG is due to its chelation with transition metal ions and to scavenging of reactive oxygen species. They also suggest that PL-AG is more promising for the treatment of diabetic complications than AG.

Topics: Animals; Antioxidants; Ascorbic Acid; Aspartate Aminotransferases; Benzoates; Blood Glucose; Body Weight; Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid; Cytochrome P-450 Enzyme System; Diabetes Mellitus; Diabetes Mellitus, Experimental; Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; Erythrocytes; Fluorescent Dyes; Guanidines; Hydrogen Peroxide; Ions; Lipid Peroxidation; Lipoproteins, LDL; Liver; Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy; Male; Malondialdehyde; Mass Spectrometry; Mice; Microsomes, Liver; Models, Chemical; Oxidants; Oxygen; Pyridoxal; Rats; Rats, Wistar; Reactive Oxygen Species; Spectrophotometry; Spectrophotometry, Infrared; Superoxides; Time Factors

The aim of this study was to analyze the effect of vitamins C and E on malondialdehyde (MDA) content and activities of key antioxidant enzymes: superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) as well as glomerular basement membrane (GBM) thickness in streptozotocin-induced diabetic kidney in rats. Wistar male rats were divided into following groups (12 rats each): the control, diabetic rats, diabetic rats whose drinking water was supplemented with vitamin C in a dose of 1.0 g/l or diet was supplemented with 200 mg of vitamin E/100 g fodder. Body weight, blood glucose and HbA1C levels and 24-hour urinary albumin excretion (UAE) were studied every week (0-12 weeks). After 6 and 12 weeks, MDA content and activities of SOD, CAT and GSH-Px were measured in the kidney homogenate supernatants. Electron micrographs of glomeruli were scanned and morphometric investigations were performed by means of computer image analysis system to compare GBM thickness. The blood glucose and HbA1C concentrations and UAE in diabetic rats were significantly higher than in the control group. An increase in the MDA level and decrease in the SOD, CAT and GSH-Px activities in the kidney of diabetic rats were observed after 6 and 12 weeks of experiment. Administration of vitamins C and E did not affect body weight, blood glucose and HbA1C levels. Both vitamin C and vitamin E decreased lipid peroxidation and augmented the activities of antioxidant enzymes studied in the kidneys of diabetic rats as well as reduced UAE, decreased kidney weight and GBM thickness. The results indicate the potential utility of antioxidant vitamins in the protection against the development of diabetic nephropathy.

Topics: Albuminuria; Animals; Antioxidants; Ascorbic Acid; Basement Membrane; Blood Glucose; Body Weight; Catalase; Diabetes Mellitus, Experimental; Dietary Supplements; Glomerular Mesangium; Glutathione Peroxidase; Glycated Hemoglobin; Male; Malondialdehyde; Organ Size; Rats; Rats, Wistar; Superoxide Dismutase; Time Factors; Vitamin E

By breeding and feeding salt to spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) continuously over a long period (until 60 wk old), rats with systolic blood pressures (SBP) of over 270 mmHg were prepared. It was studied whether or not supplying large amounts of vitamin C (200 mg/rat/d) over this period might bring any beneficial effect to blood pressure. Moreover, physico-chemical studies were performed to measure the components and enzymes in the blood and urine at 53 and 60 wk-old, and biochemical studies on vitamin C were also carried out in this experiment. Male (14 rats: 7 wk-old, 100-105 g) and female (15 rats: 7 wk-old, 95-100 g) SHR were divided into three groups and bred continuously for 53 wk. The A group rats were given salt (2.5 g/100 g of diet), the B group rats were given salt and vitamin C (500 mg/100 mL of drinking water), and the C group rats were controls. The results showed almost the same tendencies between male and female rats. The body weights of the SHR in groups A and B were slightly lower than group C. The amount of food intake in groups A and B was almost the same as group C. The amount of water intake was, in the order from highest to lowest, group A, B and C. The SBP of group A rats exhibited the highest value among the three groups. The SBP of group B rats given vitamin C simultaneously with the salt resulted in a low blood pressure level close to that of the controls (group C). Furthermore, the DBP (diastolic blood pressure) also reflected the antihypertensive effect of vitamin C as well. The heartbeat of the rats was highest in group A, and was comparable to the value in the rats receiving vitamin C simultaneously with salt. For the tests on occult blood and protein in the urine, group A rats showed strong positive reactions, whereas the group B and C rats had decreased results for both tests. The organ weights of the liver, stomach, spleen, adrenal gland and kidneys per 100 g rat body weight were not different among the three groups. The values for the bilirubin content, and the enzyme activities of ALT and AST in the blood showed to be the highest in the male rats of group A. The values from the group B rats decreased near to the normal value like the control group. Vitamin C was found to decrease the blood pressure in SHR, and also to work effectively to protect liver and kidney functions even under the condition of very high blood pressure, as high as 250 mmHg.

Topics: Alanine Transaminase; Animals; Ascorbic Acid; Aspartate Aminotransferases; Body Weight; Drinking; Eating; Female; Hematuria; Hypertension; Male; Organ Size; Proteinuria; Rats; Rats, Inbred SHR; Sodium Chloride, Dietary

Collagen crosslinking during aging in part results from Maillard reaction endproducts of glucose and oxoaldehydes. Because of the tight link between oxidative and carbonyl stress, we hypothesized that natural antioxidants and "nutriceuticals" could block collagen aging in C57BL/6 mice. Six groups of young and adult mice received vitamin C, vitamin E, vitamin C&E, blueberry, green tea extract (GTE), or no treatment for a period of 14 weeks. Body weights and collagen glycation were unaltered by the treatment. However, GTE or vitamin C&E combined blocked tendon crosslinking at 10 months of age (p < 0.05, adult group). GTE also blocked fluorescent products at 385 and 440 nm (p = 0.052 and < 0.05, respectively) and tended to decrease skin pentosidine levels. These results suggest that green tea is able to delay collagen aging by an antioxidant mechanism that is in part duplicated by the combination of vitamin C and E.

Topics: Aging; Animals; Antioxidants; Ascorbic Acid; Body Weight; Collagen; Cross-Linking Reagents; Fluorescence; Maillard Reaction; Mice; Mice, Inbred C57BL; Plant Extracts; Random Allocation; Tea; Vitamin E

Ascorbic acid (AA) recycling, i.e. the intracellular regeneration of AA from its oxidized forms semidehydroascorbyl radical and dehydroascorbic acid (DHA), presumably has a key function in maintaining redox homeostasis. Like humans, guinea pigs cannot synthesize AA. In the present paper, the effects of severe AA deficiency on the AA recycling capacity in erythrocytes (RBCs) and liver homogenates were studied in young and mature guinea pigs. Twelve animals of each age category were divided into weight-matched groups of six animals and fed either an AA deficient or sufficient diet. After 5 weeks, they were sacrificed and RBC and liver ascorbate recycling was estimated along with glutathione, tocopherols, AA, SOD, and malondialdehyde (MDA). For young animals, AA recycling capacity was significantly increased in RBCs from the deficient group as compared to the controls (p < 0.001). RBC MDA was not increased by incubation with t-butylhydroperoxide (TBH) while the initial MDA level was significantly elevated (p < 0.001). In mature animals, neither RBC recycling nor MDA levels depended on AA status. Liver recycling capacity was not affected by age or diet, while liver MDA was significantly higher in young but not in mature deficient animals compared to respective controls (p < 0.01). In young animals, incubation with TBH resulted in significant MDA formation in the deficient compared to sufficient animals in both liver and RBCs (p < 0.05). RBC glutathione was not significantly changed by age or diet indicating that the observed changes in recycling capacity are enzyme dependent. The results suggest that young guinea pigs may have a more adaptable antioxidant defense system compared to mature animals while also being more susceptible to oxidative stress.

Topics: Aging; Animals; Antioxidants; Ascorbic Acid; Ascorbic Acid Deficiency; Body Weight; Catalase; Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; Erythrocytes; Glutathione; Guinea Pigs; Lipid Peroxidation; Liver; Male; Malondialdehyde; Oxidative Stress; Superoxide Dismutase; Vitamin E

Propionic acidemia is an inherited neurometabolic disorder characterized by progressive neurological deterioration with psychomotor delay/mental retardation, convulsions and coma, and whose pathophysiology is poorly unknown. In the present study, we investigated the effect of chronic administration (from the 5th to the 28th days of life) of propionic acid (PA), the major metabolite accumulating in tissues of patients affected by propionic acidemia, on the cognitive performance of adult rats in the Morris water maze task. PA doses ranged from 1.44 to 1.92 micromol/g body weight as a function of animal age. Control rats were treated with saline in the same volumes. Chronic postnatal days (5-28) PA treatment had no effect on body weight. However, it impaired spatial performance in the water maze. We also determined the effect of ascorbic acid (AA) administered, alone or combined with PA, on the same behavioral parameters in order to test whether free radicals could be responsible for the behavioral alterations observed in PA-treated animals. AA was able to prevent the behavioral alterations provoked by PA, implying that oxidative stress may be involved in these effects. Furthermore, we also investigated the total radical-trapping antioxidant potential (TRAP) in the hippocampus of the animals. We observed that TRAP was significantly reduced in the brain of propionic acidemic rats and that co-administration of AA prevented this effect. The results provide evidence that early PA treatment induces long-lasting behavioral deficits, which are possibly caused by oxygen reactive species generation, and suggest that oxidative stress may be involved in the neuropathology of propionic acidemia.

Topics: Animals; Ascorbic Acid; Body Weight; Cognition Disorders; Free Radical Scavengers; Hippocampus; Male; Maze Learning; Propionates; Rats; Rats, Wistar; Reactive Oxygen Species; Reversal Learning; Swimming

The effects of vitamin C and/or E deficiency on lipoprotein metabolism were investigated in the inherently scorbutic Osteogenic Disorder Shionogi (ODS) rat. In the vitamin C-deficient (C-def) group, marked increases in plasma VLDL and LDL cholesterol were observed (by comparison with the vitamins C- and E-sufficient control group). In rats kept deficient in both vitamin C and vitamin E (C,E-def), LDL cholesterol was significantly higher than in the C-def group even though the levels of VLDL and HDL cholesterol were similar between the two groups. TBARS values for the LDL fraction in the C-def group were of the same magnitude as in the E-def group, and these values were significantly higher than those obtained for the control group. In the C,E-def group, the values were even higher than in the E-def and C-def groups. The nondenatured PAGE of the LDL fraction indicated the appearance of HDLc in the C-def and C,E-def groups. The SDS-PAGE of the LDL fraction showed increased apo B-48 in the C-def and C,E-def groups and increased apo E in the C,E-def group. Decreased plasma LCAT activity in the E-def, C-def, and C,E-def groups indicated an alteration in HDL metabolism as a result of oxidation. These results suggest that lipid peroxidation and some distinct features of lipoprotein metabolism resulting from vitamin C deficiency become more significant when vitamin E is also deficient along with vitamin C deficiency.

Topics: Animals; Ascorbic Acid; Ascorbic Acid Deficiency; Body Weight; Cholesterol, LDL; Cholesterol, VLDL; Lipids; Lipoproteins; Male; Random Allocation; Rats; Rats, Inbred Strains; Rats, Mutant Strains; Thiobarbituric Acid Reactive Substances; Vitamin E; Vitamin E Deficiency

To study the detrimental effects of cyclophosphamide on the testicular androgenic and gametogenic activities through endocrine inhibition and/or induction of oxidative stress in male albino rats and to evaluate the protective effect of ascorbic acid.. The testicular D5, 3b-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (HSD), 17b-HSD, peroxidase and catalase activities along with the levels of malondialdehyde (MDA) and conjugated dienes in testicular tissue were measured for the evaluation of testicular oxidative stress. The plasma testosterone (T) level was measured by immunoassay. Various germ cells at stage VII of spermatogenic cycle were quantified from testicular stained sections.. Cyclophosphamide treatment results in a significant inhibition in the testicular D5, 3b-HSD and 17b-HSD activities, a decrease in plasma T level and a diminution in the counts of various germ cells. Moreover, this treatment was also associated with a significant inhibition of the peroxidase and catalase activities along with high levels of MDA and conjugated dienes in the testis. All these changes were reversed by ascorbic acid co-administration.. Cyclophosphamide treatment at the dosage used caused testicular gametogenic and androgenic disorders as well as induced testicular oxidative stress that can be reversed by ascorbic acid co-administration.

Topics: Animals; Antioxidants; Ascorbic Acid; Body Weight; Catalase; Cyclophosphamide; Hydroxysteroid Dehydrogenases; Infertility, Male; Lipid Peroxidation; Male; Mutagens; Peroxidase; Rats; Rats, Wistar; Spermatogenesis; Testosterone

Oral administration of sodium fluoride (NaF; 40 mg/kg body weight) daily from day 6 of gestation to day 21 of lactation caused, compared with the distilled water control (group 2), significant reductions in body weight and feed consumption as well as concentration of glucose and protein in the serum of P- and F(1)-generation rats; however, sodium and potassium concentrations in the serum were significantly higher than those of the vehicle control (group 2). Administration of either vitamins C (50 mg/kg body weight/day), D (2 ng/0.2 ml olive oil/animal/day) or a combination of vitamins C+D+E along with NaF caused significant amelioration in body weight and feed consumption, as well as glucose, protein, sodium and potassium concentrations in the serum of P- and F(1)-generation rats compared with the NaF-only treated group. Withdrawal of NaF treatment during lactation caused significant amelioration in feed consumption (days 15-21 only), sodium, potassium, glucose and protein concentrations in the serum of both P- and F(1)-generation rats. Co- treatment with vitamin E (2 mg/0.2 ml olive oil/animal/day) caused significant amelioration in body weight (days 15 and 20 of gestation only), sodium, potassium, glucose (only in P-generation females) and protein (only in P-generation female) concentrations in the serum of rats than in NaF-treated rats alone. It is concluded that co-treatment with vitamins C, D and C+D+E were found more effective in ameliorating NaF-induced effects than vitamin E and withdrawal of NaF treatment during lactation.

Topics: Administration, Oral; Animals; Animals, Newborn; Animals, Suckling; Antioxidants; Ascorbic Acid; Blood Glucose; Blood Proteins; Body Weight; Drug Therapy, Combination; Eating; Female; Hypoglycemia; Hypoproteinemia; Lactation; Male; Potassium; Pregnancy; Prenatal Exposure Delayed Effects; Rats; Sodium; Sodium Fluoride; Vitamin D; Vitamin E; Vitamins

The present study examined the effect of supplemental ascorbic acid (AsA) and ascertained if genotype is a determinant of biosynthesis and the response of strains to dietary AsA. Slow- (Ottawa Meat Control; OMC) and fast-growing (Peterson Enhanced x Hubbard; PEH) chicks were fed 1000 mg/kg AsA from 1 to 10 weeks of age. The activity of l-gulonolactone oxidase (GLO) was used to measure biosynthesis and estimated synthetic capacity (ESC) computed. Body weight was not affected by diets and relative kidney weight decreased with age. In 1 week, dietary AsA increased plasma AsA and inhibited GLO activity with a greater reduction in OMC birds. At 10 weeks, GLO activity was depressed almost uniformly in both strains. Strain by age and diet by age interactions were detected for GLO activity and ESC with significantly greater decline in PEH birds and birds fed supplemental AsA. The results demonstrated that dietary AsA inhibited biosynthesis in meat type chickens and the response at 10 weeks was not influenced by growth rate; and the age dependent decline in biosynthesis was more pronounced in the commercial PEH birds. The result suggests that such strains may be compromised in some situations. Research using multiple dietary levels of AsA, commercial strains, and defined stressors is warranted.

Topics: Age Factors; Animal Feed; Animal Nutritional Physiological Phenomena; Animals; Ascorbic Acid; Body Weight; Chickens; Genotype; Kidney; L-Gulonolactone Oxidase; Liver; Organ Size; Random Allocation; Sugar Alcohol Dehydrogenases; Tissue Distribution

In fructose-induced hypertension in Wistar-Kyoto (WKY) rats, excess endogenous aldehydes bind sulfhydryl groups of membrane proteins, altering membrane Ca2+ channels and increasing cytosolic free calcium and blood pressure. The thiol compound N-acetyl cysteine prevents fructose-induced hypertension by binding excess endogenous aldehydes and normalizing membrane Ca2+ channels and cytosolic free calcium. The aim of the present study was to investigate whether dietary supplementation of vitamin E and vitamin C which are known to increase tissue glutathione, a storage form of cysteine, prevents this hypertension and its associated biochemical and histopathological changes. Starting at 7 weeks of age, animals were divided into four groups of six animals each and treated as follows: control group, normal diet and normal drinking water; fructose group, normal diet and 4% fructose in drinking water; fructose + vitamin E group, diet supplemented with vitamin E (34 mg/ kg feed) and 4% fructose in drinking water; fructose + vitamin C group, diet supplemented with vitamin C (1,000 mg/kg feed) and 4% fructose in drinking water. At 14 weeks, systolic blood pressure, platelet [Ca2+]i and kidney and aortic aldehyde conjugates were significantly higher in the fructose group. These animals also displayed smooth muscle cell hyperplasia in the small arteries and arterioles of the kidneys. Dietary vitamin E and C supplementation in fructose-treated WKY rats prevented the increase in systolic blood pressure by normalizing cytosolic [Ca2+]i and kidney and aortic aldehyde conjugates and preventing adverse renal vascular changes.

Topics: Animals; Ascorbic Acid; Blood Platelets; Body Weight; Calcium; Drinking Behavior; Feeding Behavior; Fructose; Hypertension; Organ Size; Rats; Rats, Inbred WKY; Vitamin E

The effects of lycopene on blood oxidant-antioxidant balance during N-methyl-N'-nitro-N-nitrosoguanidine (MNNG)-induced gastric carcinogenesis in the presence of saturated sodium chloride (S-NaCl) as promoting agent were investigated. Enhanced lipid peroxidation in the blood of tumour-bearing animals was accompanied by significant decreases in the levels of reduced glutathione (GSH), ascorbic acid and vitamin E and the activities of glutathione peroxidase (GPx), glutathione-S-transferase (GST) and glutathione reductase (GR). Administration of lycopene significantly lowered the concentrations of lipid peroxides and enhanced antioxidant levels. We suggest that the modulatory effects of lycopene on the blood oxidant-antioxidant balance may be responsible for its chemopreventive potential.

Topics: Animals; Ascorbic Acid; Body Weight; Carotenoids; Erythrocytes; Glutathione; Glutathione Peroxidase; Glutathione Reductase; Glutathione Transferase; Lipid Peroxidation; Lycopene; Male; Methylnitronitrosoguanidine; Neoplasms, Experimental; Rats; Rats, Wistar; Sodium Chloride; Stomach Neoplasms; Thiobarbituric Acid Reactive Substances; Vitamin E

Children's self perception of body weight and the medical definition of obesity show poor correlation. This study examined the independent associations of body mass index (BMI) and self-perceived weight status (considered self over-, under-, or right weight) with food reporting, nutrient intake estimates, and biomarkers of dietary exposure.. Dietary (one 24-hour recall), anthropometric, and biochemical data were from the third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (1269 boys and 1385 girls, ages 12 to 18 years). Sex-specific multiple regression analyses were used to determine the association of BMI and self-perceived body weight status with reported intakes of energy, macronutrients, low-nutrient-dense foods, micronutrients, and serum concentrations of selected vitamins and carotenoids.. Reported intakes of energy, macronutrients, number of eating occasions, percentage of energy from low-nutrient-dense foods, likelihood of meeting the standard of intake of micronutrients, and biomarkers were not different among boys and girls who perceived themselves as overweight relative to those who perceived themselves at the right weight (p > 0.05). In boys, BMI was a negative predictor of percentage of energy from low-nutrient-dense foods (p = 0.004) and intake of ascorbic acid (p = 0.04). BMI was inversely related to serum concentrations of most carotenoids (p < or = 0.002).. Perceiving oneself as overweight was not associated with reporting of low-nutrient-dense foods, macronutrients, micronutrients, and biomarker status; BMI, however, was a significant predictor of several outcomes.

Topics: Adolescent; Ascorbic Acid; Body Image; Body Mass Index; Body Weight; Carotenoids; Child; Diet; Diet Records; Dietary Fats; Dietary Proteins; Energy Intake; Female; Folic Acid; Food; Humans; Male; Mental Recall; Micronutrients; Nutrition Surveys; Regression Analysis; Self Concept; United States; Vitamins

The effect of antioxidant, 0.25% 1-O-hexyl-2,3,5-trimethylhydroquinone (HTHQ) or 0.25% ascorbic acid (AsA), on carcinogenesis induced by administration of 0.05% aminopyrine (AP) and 0.05% sodium nitrite (NaNO2), was examined using a rat multi-organ carcinogenesis model. Groups of twenty F344 male rats were treated sequentially with an initiation regimen of N-diethylnitrosamine, N-methyl-N-nitrosourea, N-butyl-N-(4-hydroxybutyl)nitrosamine, N,N'-dimethylhydrazine and 2,2'-dihydroxy-di-n-propylnitrosamine during the first 4 weeks, followed by AP+NaNO2, AP+NaNO2+HTHQ, AP+NaNO2+AsA, NaNO2+HTHQ, NaNO2+AsA, each of the individual chemicals alone or basal diet and tap water as a control. All surviving animals were killed at week 28, and major organs were examined histopathologically for development of preneoplastic and neoplastic lesions. In the AP+NaNO2 group, the incidences of hepatocellular adenomas and hemangiosarcomas were 95% and 35%, respectively. When HTHQ or AsA was simultaneously administered, the incidences decreased to 58% and 11%, or to 80% and 15%, respectively. On the other hand, in the AP+NaNO2 group and the NaNO2-alone group, when HTHQ, but not AsA, was simultaneously administered, the incidence of carcinomas in the forestomach significantly increased. The results suggest that HTHQ can prevent tumor production induced by AP and NaNO2 more effectively than AsA. On the other hand, an enhancing or possible carcinogenic effect of simultaneous administration of HTHQ and NaNO2 only on the forestomach is suggested, while simultaneous treatment with the same dose of AsA and NaNO2 may not be carcinogenic to the forestomach or other organs.

Topics: Aminopyrine; Animals; Antioxidants; Ascorbic Acid; Body Weight; Glutathione Transferase; Hydroquinones; Male; Neoplasms, Experimental; Organ Size; Rats; Rats, Inbred F344; Sodium Nitrite

Previous studies have implied a relationship between Se-deficiency and oxidative stress. In the present study, the occurrence of oxidative stress due to Se-deficiency was investigated by evaluating the age dependence of growth and indices of oxidative damage for the liver of Se-deficient (SeD) rats. The ratios of liver weight to body weight of the SeD rats were greater than those of the normal rats. The values of AST and ALT (clinical indices of liver damage) were higher in the SeD rats than the normal ones especially in the young (6-12 weeks of age). The TBARS level of the 4-week-old SeD group were higher than the normal group while the level decreased with age. Conversely, the TBARS level of the normal group gradually increased and became higher than SeD group in older rats (12-20 weeks of age). Vitamin E rather than vitamin C may be consumed during oxidative stress due to Se-deficiency. Damage induced by Se-deficiency may be related to growth and the mechanisms of this damage may alter with age.

Topics: Age Factors; Alanine Transaminase; Animals; Antioxidants; Ascorbic Acid; Aspartate Aminotransferases; Body Weight; Glutathione Peroxidase; Liver; Male; Oxidative Stress; Rats; Rats, Wistar; Selenium; Thiobarbituric Acid Reactive Substances; Time Factors; Vitamin E

The extracellular fluid of the striatum contains a high level of ascorbate, an antioxidant vitamin known to play a key role in behavioral activation. We assessed the extracellular dynamics of ascorbate in R6/2 mice engineered to express the gene for Huntington's disease (HD), an autosomal dominant condition characterized by the loss of striatal neurons. Slow-scan voltammetry was used to measure striatal ascorbate during anesthesia and subsequent behavioral recovery. Although both the HD mice and their littermate controls had comparable ascorbate levels during anesthesia, the gradual return of behavioral activation over the next 120 min led to dramatically different ascorbate responses: a progressive increase in controls and a 25-50% decline in HD mice. In contrast, 3,4-dihydroxyphenylacetic acid, a major dopamine metabolite, showed no group differences. Behaviorally, HD mice were less active overall than controls and showed a relatively restricted range of spontaneous movements. Both the ascorbate and behavioral deficits were evident in 6-week-old HD mice and persisted in all subsequent test sessions through 10 weeks of age. Collectively, although these results are consistent with inadequate antioxidant protection in the HD striatum, they indicate that the ascorbate deficit is confined to periods of behavioral activation.

Topics: 3,4-Dihydroxyphenylacetic Acid; Animals; Ascorbic Acid; Behavior, Animal; Body Weight; Corpus Striatum; Disease Models, Animal; Disease Progression; Electrochemistry; Extracellular Space; Huntington Disease; Male; Mice; Mice, Transgenic; Microelectrodes; Motor Activity; Phenotype; Spatial Behavior

This study aims to compare the effect of early and late onset administration of oral antioxidants on number and quality of oocytes retrieved from aged mice after exogenous ovarian stimulation. Control hybrid females were fed a standard diet supplemented or not supplemented with pharmacological doses of vitamins C and E either from the first day of weaning or from the age of 32 weeks until they were autopsied at the age 40-42, 50-52, or 57-62 weeks after exogenous ovarian stimulation. Analysis of chromosomal distribution, DNA organization and cellular morphology was performed in ovulated cumulus-enclosed and -free oocytes, ovarian non-germinal vesicle oocytes enclosed by or free of mucous cumulus cells and in vitro-matured ovarian germinal-vesicle oocytes. Both early and late onset administration of oral antioxidants counteracted the negative effects of female aging on number of ovarian oocytes and total percentage of oocytes retrieved from oviducts and ovaries exhibiting a normal distribution of chromosomes in the metaphase-II plate and/or morphological traits of apoptosis. Although both early and late onset administration of oral antioxidants can counteract the negative effects of female aging on number and quality of oocytes, transference of these results to human beings should be made with caution because of the potential side effects of high doses of vitamins on reproductive function as well as many other undesirable systemic disorders.

Topics: Administration, Oral; Aging; Animals; Antioxidants; Ascorbic Acid; Body Weight; Cell Count; Cell Size; Cellular Senescence; Chromosome Aberrations; Dietary Supplements; Eating; Estrous Cycle; Female; Mice; Oocytes; Oogenesis; Ovary; Time Factors; Vitamin E

A 9-mo field trial was conducted to evaluate the effects of dietary L-ascorbic acid (AA) on semen traits of 144 male turkey breeders. Dietary AA treatments were initiated when birds were 30 wk of age. Semen and blood collection began at 32 wk of age. Three treatments with four pens per treatment and 12 birds per pen were fed 0, 75, and 150 mg/kg AA during the first 4 mo of their reproductive cycle. Levels of AA were doubled in the supplemented diets to 150 and 300 mg/kg during Months 5 to 9. Semen traits and blood AA were unaffected by dietary AA. When birds were 65 wk of age, testes were removed from 12 birds per treatment for histological analysis. Multinucleated giant cells (MCG), indicative of degeneration, were observed in the testes of 7 of the 12 control birds but were absent from AA-supplemented birds (P < 0.02). The antioxidant properties of AA may delay formation of these degenerative cells. In conclusion, dietary AA levels employed in the current study did not affect semen traits or testis weight but were associated with reduced formation of MGC in the testes of 65 wk-old breeder toms.

Topics: Animals; Antioxidants; Ascorbic Acid; Body Weight; Cell Survival; Diet; Giant Cells; Male; Semen; Sperm Count; Testis; Turkeys

The effects of dietary vitamin C supplementation on glucose homeostasis and insulin glycation were examined in adult lean and obese hyperglycemic (ob/ob) mice. In lean mice, supplementation of the drinking water with vitamin C (25 g/L) for 14 days did not affect food intake, fluid intake, glycated hemoglobin, plasma glucose, or plasma insulin concentrations. Total pancreatic insulin content and the percentage of glycated pancreatic insulin were also similar to control lean mice. In ob/ob mice, vitamin C supplementation caused significant reductions by 26% to 48% in food intake and fluid intake, glycated hemoglobin, plasma glucose, and insulin concentrations compared with untreated control ob/ob mice. The total insulin content and the extent of insulin glycation in the pancreas of ob/ob mice were also significantly decreased by 42% to 45% after vitamin C supplementation. This change was accompanied by a significant 80% decrease in the percentage of glycated insulin in the circulation of vitamin C-supplemented ob/ob mice. These data demonstrate that vitamin C supplementation can decrease insulin glycation and ameliorate aspects of the obesity-diabetes syndrome in ob/ob mice.

Topics: Animals; Ascorbic Acid; Blood Glucose; Body Weight; Dietary Supplements; Drinking Behavior; Energy Intake; Glycated Hemoglobin; Homeostasis; Hyperglycemia; Insulin; Insulin Secretion; Mice; Mice, Obese; Obesity; Reference Values

Juvenile hybrid striped bass (initially 12.0 g) were fed diets containing deficient, adequate or excessive amounts of vitamin C and/or vitamin E in a factorial arrangement to investigate potential nutritional interaction and effects on immune responses. Nine semipurified diets were supplemented with 0, 25 or 2500 mg vitamin C/kg and 0, 30 or 300 mg vitamin E/kg and fed to fish in triplicate aquaria for 10 wk. Weight gain, feed efficiency, mortality and tissue vitamin levels were significantly (P < or = 0.05) affected by dietary vitamin levels. In addition, a significant interaction between vitamin C and vitamin E was observed. At inclusion levels of 25 and 2500 mg/kg, dietary vitamin C improved feed efficiency and protected fish fed vitamin E-deficient diets from growth depression and mortality. At inclusion levels of 30 and 300 mg/kg, vitamin E prevented mortality in fish fed vitamin C-deficient diets; however, 300 mg vitamin E/kg was necessary to prevent growth depression in vitamin C-deficient fish but was unable to improve feed efficiency. Lysozyme, bacterial killing ability, as well as plasma protein and total immunoglobulin levels of fish were not affected by dietary vitamin levels, whereas respiratory burst activity increased with vitamin E supplementation. Thus, interactions between vitamin C and vitamin E were observed in hybrid striped bass. These interactions may be due to the ability of vitamin C to regenerate vitamin E to its functional form but also suggest an ability of vitamin E to spare vitamin C.

Topics: Analysis of Variance; Animals; Antibody Formation; Antioxidants; Ascorbic Acid; Bass; Body Weight; Diet; Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; Drug Interactions; Growth; Tissue Distribution; Vitamin E

To assess effects of high dietary amounts of vitamin C or vitamin E and oxidative stress on the heart and growth performance of broilers maintained at an altitude of 2,200 m above sea level.. 360 chicks (1-day-old broilers).. Birds were randomly assigned to 3 groups (120 chicks/group). Each group of birds was fed a specific diet (control group, basal diet containing 12 mg of vitamin E (DL-alpha-tocopherol acetate)/kg of feed without additional ascorbic acid; vitamin E group, basal diet supplemented with 75 mg of vitamin E/kg of feed; and vitamin C group, basal diet supplemented with 400 mg of ascorbic acid/kg of feed) throughout the entire 7 weeks of the study. Feed consumption and body weight of chicks were recorded on a weekly basis. Nine randomly selected birds from each group were euthanatized each week. Remaining birds were euthanatized at the end of the study. Samples of cardiac tissues were obtained to measure thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), an indicator of oxidative stress.. Vitamin E-supplemented diets resulted in better growth performance, lower rates of feed conversion, and lower TBARS content. Vitamin C-supplemented diets resulted in lower feed consumption and lower rates of feed conversion. When used separately, neither of the vitamins had any effect on mortality attributable to ascites syndrome.. It is recommended that diets supplemented with vitamin C, vitamin E, or both be fed to broilers maintained at an altitude of 2,200 m above sea level to improve growth performance.

Topics: Altitude; Animals; Ascites; Ascorbic Acid; Body Weight; Chickens; Dietary Supplements; Eating; Lipid Peroxidation; Lipid Peroxides; Mexico; Myocardium; Oxidative Stress; Poultry Diseases; Random Allocation; Thiobarbituric Acid Reactive Substances; Vitamin E

This study aims to ascertain whether oral administration of pharmacological doses of Vitamins C and E has any detrimental effect on reproductive fitness of female mice. We fed hybrid female mice from the first day of weaning a standard diet supplemented or not supplemented with pharmacological doses of Vitamins C and E. At the age of 28 weeks, we individually caged females with a male for the rest of their reproductive life. We performed a series of mating experiments to ascertain the number of oocytes ovulated and the potential for embryo development in vitro to the blastocyst stage and in vivo to Day 12 of gestation. The antioxidant diet decreased the frequency of litters, litter size, total number of offspring born and survival of male pups to weaning. This effect was associated with lower number of corpora lutea in the left ovary, decreased percentage of viable fetuses, and higher number of fetal resorptions in the left uterine horn when compared to the control group. The strategy of supplementing the diet with antioxidant vitamins to prevent the age associated decrease in reproductive potential should not be implemented in human beings until a safe and efficient diet is designed.

Topics: Animals; Antioxidants; Ascorbic Acid; Blastocyst; Body Weight; Dietary Supplements; Embryonic and Fetal Development; Female; Fertilization in Vitro; Gestational Age; Litter Size; Male; Mice; Mice, Inbred C57BL; Mice, Inbred CBA; Oocytes; Ovary; Ovulation; Reproduction; Uterus; Vitamin E; Weaning

Antioxidant plasma activities of ascorbate, alpha-tocopherol and glutathione peroxidase were analysed in adult male sea bass, Dicentrarchus labrax, in normal conditions and after hypoxia-recovery. In addition, tank measurements of temperature, pH, salinity and chlorine changes were carried out. Ascorbate and alpha-tocopherol were measured using a high-pressure liquid chromatography method and glutathione peroxidase activity enzymatically. Ascorbate and alpha-tocopherol showed a relationship with the velocity of body growing in normal and hypoxia-recovery conditions. In sea bass exposed to hypoxia, only ascorbate and alpha-tocopherol levels were significantly lower compared with the control group. Slope study and expression percent of antioxidants reduction after stress conditions revealed a predominant role of plasma alpha-tocopherol. Sea bass subjected to variations of salinity and chlorine showed a significant decrease in plasma alpha-tocopherol. A relationship could be suggested between antioxidant defence and fish response in aquaculture.

Topics: alpha-Tocopherol; Animals; Antioxidants; Aquaculture; Ascorbic Acid; Bass; Body Weight; Chlorine; Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid; Glutathione Peroxidase; Hydrogen-Ion Concentration; Hypoxia; Male; Osmolar Concentration; Seawater; Stress, Physiological; Temperature

Dietary antioxidant vitamins and retinol have been proposed to be protective against breast cancer on the basis of their ability to reduce oxidative DNA damage and their role in cell differentiation. Epidemiologic studies have not been convincing in supporting this hypothesis, but women with high exposure to free radicals and oxidative processes have not been specifically considered. We explored these issues in the Swedish Mammography Screening Cohort, a large population-based prospective cohort study in Sweden that comprised 59,036 women, 40-76 years of age, who were free of cancer at baseline and who had answered a validated 67-item food frequency questionnaire. During 508,267 person-years of follow-up, 1,271 cases of invasive breast cancer were diagnosed. Cox proportional hazards models were used to obtain hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). There was no overall association between intake of ascorbic acid, beta-carotene, retinol or vitamin E and breast cancer incidence. High intake of ascorbic acid was inversely related to breast cancer incidence among overweight women (HR=0.61; 95% CI 0.45-0.82, for highest quintile of intake among women with body mass index>25 kg/m(2)) and women with high consumption of linoleic acid (HR=0.72; 95% CI 0.52-1.02, for highest quintile of ascorbic acid intake and average consumption of more than 6 grams of linoleic acid per day). Among women with a body mass index of 25 or below, the hazard ratio for breast cancer incidence was 1.27 (95% CI 0.99-1.63), comparing the highest to the lowest quintile of ascorbic acid intake. Consumption of foods high in ascorbic acid may convey protection from breast cancer among women who are overweight and/or have a high intake of linoleic acid.

Topics: Adult; Aged; Antioxidants; Ascorbic Acid; beta Carotene; Body Weight; Breast Neoplasms; Cell Differentiation; Cohort Studies; Diet; DNA Damage; Female; Follow-Up Studies; Humans; Linoleic Acid; Mammography; Middle Aged; Oxygen; Proportional Hazards Models; Surveys and Questionnaires; Sweden; Vitamin A; Vitamin E

The purpose of the present study was to describe the longitudinal development of nutrient intake and to determine the stability of this intake from adolescence into adulthood. Longitudinal data of the Amsterdam Growth and Health Longitudinal Study were analysed; the dietary intake of 200 subjects (males and females) was repeatedly measured (eight times) over a period of 20 years, covering the age period of 13-33 years. Dietary intake was determined with the detailed crosscheck dietary history interview. With use of multivariate ANOVA for repeated measurements, trends in macro- and micronutrients over time and differences between genders were analysed. Furthermore, stability coefficients, corrected for time-dependent (biological age) and time-independent covariates (gender) were calculated, taking into account all the measurements. The results showed significant time and gender effects for energy intake (kJ) and the following macronutrients: protein (g and % total energy supply), fat (g) and carbohydrate (g). Interaction effects between time and gender diminished when the macronutrients were calculated as a percentage of total energy intake. The micronutrients Ca, Fe and vitamins changed significantly over time and showed an interaction effect with gender, with the exception of cholesterol intake (mg/MJ), which did not show an interaction effect of time and gender. The tracking of the nutrient intake showed relatively low but significant stability coefficients for all macro- and micronutrients (0.28-0.52). In conclusion, dietary intake does change considerably over time, with the exception of polyunsaturated fat intake (% total energy supply) for both males and females and fat intake in females. Furthermore, stability coefficients for nutrients appeared to be low to moderate. Although these coefficients may be somewhat attenuated as a result of the relatively large measurement error of the dietary intake measurement, they suggest moderate stability of diet over time. These findings may imply that dietary intake is changeable and suggest that disease prevention measures can be implemented in adulthood.

Topics: Adolescent; Adult; Aging; Ascorbic Acid; Body Weight; Diet; Dietary Carbohydrates; Dietary Fats; Dietary Proteins; Energy Intake; Feeding Behavior; Female; Humans; Longitudinal Studies; Male; Micronutrients; Multivariate Analysis; Sex Factors

In spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRs) excess endogenous aldehydes bind sulfhydryl groups of membrane proteins, altering membrane Ca2+ channels and increasing cytosolic free calcium and blood pressure. The thiol compound, N-acetyl cysteine, normalizes elevated blood pressure in SHRs by binding excess endogenous aldehydes. Vitamin C can increase tissue cysteine and glutathione levels. The aim of the present study was to investigate whether a dietary supplementation of vitamin C can lower tissue aldehydes and blood pressure and normalize associated biochemical and histopathological changes in SHRs. Starting at 12 weeks of age, animals were divided into 3 groups of 6 animals each. Animals in the WKY-control group and SHR-control group were given a normal diet and the SHR-vitamin C group a diet supplemented with vitamin C (1000 mg/kg feed) for the next 9 weeks. After nine weeks, systolic blood pressure, platelet [Ca2+]i, plasma insulin and liver, kidney and aortic aldehyde conjugates were significantly higher in SHR controls as compared to WKY controls and the SHR-vitamin C group. SHR-controls also showed smooth muscle cell hyperplasia in the small arteries and arterioles of the kidneys. Dietary vitamin C supplementation in SHRs lowered the systolic blood pressure, tissue aldehyde conjugates and attenuated adverse renal vascular changes.

Topics: Aldehydes; Animals; Antioxidants; Ascorbic Acid; Blood Platelets; Blood Pressure; Body Weight; Calcium; Dietary Supplements; Drinking; Eating; Hyperplasia; Hypertension; Liver; Organ Size; Rats; Rats, Inbred SHR; Rats, Inbred WKY

Aflatoxins are toxic to a wide variety of animals, including man. The antioxidant ascorbic acid (AA) plays an important role in various physiological processes in the body including detoxification of different toxic compounds. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of AA on productive and reproductive characteristics of mature male rabbits given two sublethal doses (15 or 30 microg/kg of body weight; every other day) of aflatoxin B(1) (AFB(1)). The experiment lasted 18 weeks and included two periods: a treatment period (first 9 weeks) where the animals were given the tested materials, and a recovery period (second 9 weeks) where all the drugs were withdrawn. Results showed that live body weight (LBW), dry matter intake (DMI), relative testes weight (RTW), and serum testosterone were significantly reduced (P<0.05) by treatment with AFB(1) in a dose-dependent manner, and these effects continued during the recovery period. Aflatoxin treatment also decreased (P<0.05) ejaculate volume, sperm concentration, total sperm output, sperm motility index, and semen initial fructose concentration. The negative effects of aflatoxin on semen characteristics were dose-dependent and continued during the recovery period. Treatment with AA increased (P<0.05) LBW, DMI, RTW, serum testosterone concentration, improved semen characteristics, and alleviated the negative effects of AFB(1). Aflatoxin treatment increased (P<0.05) the numbers of abnormal and dead sperms in a dose-dependent manner, and this effect continued during the recovery period. Treatment with AA alleviated the negative effects of AFB1 during treatment and recovery periods. Results demonstrated the beneficial influences of AA in reducing the negative effects of AFB(1) on production and reproduction of male rabbits.

Topics: Aflatoxin B1; Animal Feed; Animals; Antioxidants; Ascorbic Acid; Blood Chemical Analysis; Body Weight; Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; Ejaculation; Fructose; Male; Organ Size; Rabbits; Semen; Spermatozoa; Testis; Testosterone; Time Factors

The effect of the oral administration of high dosages of vitamins C and E on the innate immune system of the seabream was investigated. Gilthead seabream (Sparus aurata L.) were fed four different diets for 45 days: a commercial diet as control, a 3g/kg vitamin C-supplemented diet, a 1.2g/kg vitamin E-supplemented diet or a diet containing both vitamin supplements. After 15, 30 and 45 days, serum ascorbic acid and alpha-tocopherol levels, growth, complement titers and head-kidney leucocyte phagocytic and respiratory burst activities were evaluated. The results showed that serum vitamin levels reflected dietary input. Fish fed the vitamin C-supplemented diet showed an enhanced respiratory burst activity, while fish fed the vitamin E-supplemented diet exhibited increased complement and phagocytic activities. All of these positive effects were found in fish fed the joint diet, as well as a synergistically enhanced respiratory burst activity at day 30. The results demonstrate that in vivo vitamins C and E exert a synergistic effect enhancing the respiratory burst activity of seabream phagocytes.

Topics: Administration, Oral; Animals; Ascorbic Acid; Body Weight; Complement Hemolytic Activity Assay; Complement System Proteins; Flow Cytometry; Leukocytes; Phagocytosis; Random Allocation; Respiratory Burst; Sea Bream; Vitamin E

Antitumor agents are used as a common therapy against some kinds of cancer. However, as with many agents that have mammalian cell toxicity as a target, physiological adverse effects can occur such as nephrotoxicity and genotoxicity that can be induced in non-tumor cells by generating activated oxygen species, which attack the DNA frequently resulting in oxidative DNA damage. To diminish the undesirable side-effects of therapy and to reduce the levels of oxidative DNA damage, it is recommended for patients to ingest food supplements and vitamins combinations containing substantial amounts of antioxidants. In the present study, we investigated the effects of cisplatin and vitamin C on the renal toxicity and on the oxidative DNA damage. Rats were co-treated with the chemotherapeutic agent cisplatin (5 mg kg(-1) body weight) and dietary doses of vitamin C (50 and 100 mg kg(-1) body weight). Results demonstrated that depending on the treatment protocol, we observed alterations in parameters such as body weight, urinary volume and urinary creatinine, indicating some kidney toxicity. We also observed changes in the urinary levels of 8-OHdG, suggesting possible oxidative DNA damage.

Topics: 8-Hydroxy-2'-Deoxyguanosine; Animals; Antineoplastic Agents; Antioxidants; Ascorbic Acid; Body Weight; Cisplatin; Creatine; Deoxyguanosine; Dietary Supplements; DNA Damage; Kidney; Male; Oxidative Stress; Rats; Rats, Wistar

Oxidant stress is one of the factors proposed to be responsible for damaged erythrocytes observed during and after exercise. The impact of exertional oxidant stress after acute exhaustive treadmill running on erythrocyte damage was investigated in sedentary (Sed) and exercise-trained (ET) rats treated with or without antioxidant vitamins C and E. Exhaustive exercise led to statistically significant increments in the levels of thiobarbituric acid-reactive substance (TBARS) and H2O2-induced TBARS in Sed rats and resulted in functional and structural alterations in erythrocytes (plasma hemoglobin concentrations, methemoglobin levels, and rise in osmotic fragility of erythrocytes with decrease in erythrocyte deformability). Administration of antioxidant vitamin for 1 mo before exhaustive exercises prevented lipid peroxidation (TBARS, H2O2-induced TBARS) in Sed rats without any functional or structural alterations in erythrocytes. Parameters indicating erythrocyte lipid peroxidation and deterioration after exhaustive exercise in rats trained regularly with treadmill running for 1 mo were not different from those in Sed controls. Erythrocyte lipid peroxidation (TBARS) increased in exhausted-ET rats compared with ET controls; however, the plasma hemoglobin, methemoglobin levels, and erythrocyte osmotic fragility and deformability did not differ. Exhaustive exercise-induced lipid peroxidation in ET rats on antioxidant vitamin treatment was prevented, whereas functional and structural parameters of erythrocytes were not different from those of the ET controls. We conclude that exertional oxidant stress contributed to erythrocyte deterioration due to exercise in Sed but not in ET rats.

Topics: Animals; Antioxidants; Ascorbic Acid; Body Weight; Erythrocyte Deformability; Erythrocytes; Hemolysis; Hydrogen Peroxide; Male; Methemoglobin; Organ Size; Osmotic Fragility; Oxidants; Oxidative Stress; Physical Conditioning, Animal; Physical Exertion; Rats; Rats, Wistar; Thiobarbituric Acid Reactive Substances; Vitamin E

Oxidative stress has a key role in the pathogenesis of diabetic complications. We have previously reported that taurine (T), which is known to counteract oxidative stress in tissues (lens, kidney, retina) of diabetic rats, attenuates nerve blood flow and conduction deficits in early experimental diabetic neuropathy (EDN). The purpose of this study was to evaluate whether dietary T supplementation counteracts oxidative stress and the nerve growth factor (NGF) deficit in the diabetic peripheral nerve. The experiments were performed in control rats and streptozotocin-diabetic rats fed standard or 1% T-supplemented diets for 6 weeks. All measurements were performed in the sciatic nerve. Malondialdehyde (MDA) plus 4-hydroxyalkenals (4-HA) were quantified with N-methyl-2-phenylindole. GSH, GSSG, dehydroascorbate (DHAA), and ascorbate (AA) were assayed spectrofluorometrically, T by reverse-phase HPLC, and NGF by ELISA. MDA plus 4-HA concentration (mean +/- SEM) was increased in diabetic rats (0.127 +/- 0.006 vs 0.053 +/- 0.003 micromol/g in controls, P < 0.01), and this increase was partially prevented by T (0.096 +/- 0.004, P < 0.01 vs untreated diabetic group). GSH levels were similarly decreased in diabetic rats treated with or without taurine vs controls. GSSG levels were similar in control and diabetic rats but were lower in diabetic rats treated with T (P < 0.05 vs controls). AA levels were decreased in diabetic rats (0.133 +/- 0.015 vs 0.219 +/- 0.023 micromol/g in controls, P < 0.05), and this deficit was prevented by T. DHAA/AA ratio was increased in diabetic rats vs controls (P < 0.05), and this increase was prevented by T. T levels were decreased in diabetic rats (2.7 +/- 0.16 vs 3.8 +/- 0.1 micromol/g in controls, P < 0.05) and were repleted by T supplementation (4.2 +/- 0.3). NGF levels were decreased in diabetic rats (2.35 +/- 0.20 vs 3.57 +/- 0.20 ng/g in controls, P < 0.01), and this decrease was attenuated by T treatment (3.16 +/- 0.28, P < 0.05 vs diabetic group). In conclusion, T counteracts oxidative stress and the NGF deficit in early EDN. Antioxidant effects of T in peripheral nerve are, at least in part, mediated through the ascorbate system of antioxidative defense. The findings are consistent with the important role for oxidative stress in impaired neurotrophic support in EDN.

Topics: Aldehydes; Animals; Ascorbic Acid; Blood Glucose; Body Weight; Diabetes Mellitus, Experimental; Diabetic Neuropathies; Dietary Supplements; Disease Models, Animal; Glutathione; Lipid Peroxidation; Male; Malondialdehyde; Nerve Growth Factor; Oxidative Stress; Rats; Rats, Wistar; Sciatic Nerve; Streptozocin; Taurine

The purpose of this study was to modify the amount of 22:4 n-6, 22:5 n-6 and 20:5 n-3 in cardiac phospholipids and to evaluate the influence of these changes on the functioning of working rat hearts and mitochondrial energy metabolism under normoxic conditions and during postischemic reperfusion. The animals were fed one of these four diets: (i) 10% sunflower seed oil (SSO); (ii) 10% SSO + 1% cholesterol; (iii) 5% fish oil (FO, EPAX 3000TG, Pronova) + 5% SSO; (iv) 5% FO + 5% SSO + 1% cholesterol. Feeding n-3 PUFA decreased n-6 PUFA and increased n-3 PUFA in plasma lipids. In the phospholipids of cardiac mitochondria, this dietary modification also induced a decrease in the n-6/n-3 PUFA ratio. Cholesterol feeding induced marked hepatic steatosis (HS) characterized by the whitish appearance of the liver. It also brought about marked changes in the fatty acid composition of plasma and mitochondrial phospholipids. These changes, characterized by the impairment of deltaS- and delta6-desaturases, were more obvious in the SSO-fed rats, probably because of the presence of the precursor of the n-6 family (linoleate) in the diet whereas the FO diet contained large amounts of eicosapentaenoic and docosahexaenoic acids. In the mitochondrial phospholipids of SSO-fed rats, the (22:4 n-6 + 22:5 n-6) to 18:2 n-6 ratio was decreased by HS, without modification of the proportion of 20:4 n-6. In the mitochondrial phospholipids of FO-fed rats, the amount of 20:5 n-3 tended to be higher (+56%). Cardiac functioning was modulated by the diets. Myocardial coronary flow was enhanced by HS in the SSO-fed rats, whereas it was decreased in the FO-fed animals. The rate constant k012 representing the activity of the adenylate kinase varied in the opposite direction, suggesting that decreased ADP concentrations could cause oxygen wasting through the opening of the permeability transition pore. The recovery of the pump function tended to be increased by n-3 PUFA feeding (+22%) and HS (+45%). However, the release of ascorbyl free radical during reperfusion was not significantly modified by the diets. Conversely, energy production was increased by ischemia/reperfusion in the SSO group, whereas it was not modified in the FO group. This supports greater ischemia/reperfusion-induced calcium accumulation in the SSO groups than in the FO groups. HS did not modify the mitochondrial energy metabolism during ischemia/reperfusion. Taken together, these data suggest that HS- and n-3 PUFA-induced de

Topics: Adenine; Animals; Aorta; Ascorbic Acid; Body Weight; Cardiac Output; Cell Respiration; Cholesterol, Dietary; Coronary Circulation; Dietary Fats; Fatty Acids, Unsaturated; Fish Oils; Free Radicals; Heart; Liver; Mitochondria, Heart; Myocardial Ischemia; Organ Size; Oxygen; Palmitoylcarnitine; Phosphates; Plant Oils; Pyruvic Acid; Rats; Reperfusion Injury; Sunflower Oil

In two experiments was investigated whether feeding with an air-dry feed mixed with different amounts of water and/or supplemental ascorbic acid affect performance and carcass compositions of broilers exposed to a high ambient temperature (35 to 37 degrees C for 8 h/d and thermoneutral for 16 h/d). In the first trial, 64 one-week-old male broiler chicks were fed ad libitum in four dietary treatment groups for a 6-week period. Experimental mash diets were prepared by mixing a maize-soybean based standard broiler starter or finisher with tap water in the ratios of 0.0:1.0, 0.5:1.0, 1.0:1.0 and 1.5:1.0 (water:air-dry feed, w/w). More water in the diet increased BWG, DMI, abdominal fat and carcass weight, carcass CP, crude fat, but it deteriorated DM conversion efficiency. In the second experiment, 64 one-week-old male broiler chicks were given air-dry or wet (water:feed, 1.5:1) starter or finisher diets without or with ascorbic acid supplementation (0 and 250 mg/kg air-dry feed, resp.) ad libitum for a 6-week period. Ascorbic acid supplementation increased BWG, carcass weight and carcass CP significantly, while reducing carcass crude fat content. However, feeding broilers with a diet mixed with water in a ratio of 1.5:1.0 increased BWG, DMI, carcass weight and carcass lipid markedly, but deteriorated DM conversion efficiency. There was also a significant interaction between ascorbic acid and wet feeding, whereby ascorbic acid supplementation induced a significant reduction in carcass lipid contents of broilers fed on air-dry diets but not on wet diets. It is concluded that wet feeding, especially an addition of 150% water to produce a porridge like consistency, improved growth performance by increasing fat, ash and protein deposition in the body, while reducing DM conversion efficiency. It is also concluded that under heat stress supplemental ascorbic acid in air-dry diets stimulates broiler performance but not in wet diets.

Topics: Adipose Tissue; Animal Feed; Animals; Ascorbic Acid; Body Composition; Body Weight; Chickens; Dietary Supplements; Energy Intake; Male; Proteins; Temperature; Water

Oral administration of sodium fluoride (40 mg/kg body weight) from day 6 to 19 of gestation caused, as compared to control, significant reductions in body weight, feed consumption, absolute uterine weight and number of implantations. Significantly higher incidence of skeletal (wavy ribs, 14th rib, <6 sternal centre, dumbell-shaped second and fifth sternebrae, incomplete ossification of skull and thickening of tibia) and visceral (subcutaneous haemorrhage) abnormalities were also observed in NaF-treated dams than that of control. Oral administration of vitamin C (50 mg/kg body weight) and vitamin E (2 mg/0.2 ml olive oil/animal/day) from day 6 to 19 of gestation along with NaF significantly ameliorates NaF-induced reductions in body weight, feed consumption, absolute uterine weight (only with vitamin E treatment) and number of implantations. As compared with NaF-treated alone, the total percentage of skeletal and visceral abnormalities were significantly lowered in fluoride plus vitamin C-treated animals. Vitamin E was less effective. These findings suggest that vitamin C significantly reduced the severity and incidence of fluoride-induced embryotoxicity in rats.

Topics: Abnormalities, Drug-Induced; Administration, Oral; Animals; Ascorbic Acid; Body Weight; Bone and Bones; Eating; Embryo Implantation; Embryo, Mammalian; Female; Organ Size; Pregnancy; Rats; Rats, Wistar; Sodium Fluoride; Teratogens; Uterus; Vitamin E

It has been suggested that oxidative stress plays an important role in the chronic complications of diabetes. The experimental findings regarding the changes in tissue antioxidant enzymes and lipid peroxidation of diabetic tissues have been inconsistent. Previous studies in our laboratory demonstrated that the reducing power of a specific tissue correlates with its low molecular weight antioxidant (LMWA) capacity. In the present study, the overall LMWA capacity (reducing equivalents) of plasma and tissues of streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rats (1-4 weeks) and insulin treated diabetic rats were measured by cyclic voltammetry. Levels of water and lipid soluble LMWA capacity progressively decreased in the diabetic plasma, kidney, heart and brain, while the diabetic liver, at 2, 3 and 4 weeks after STZ injection, showed a significant increase in the overall lipid soluble LMWA capacity (p < 0.001). Subsequently, analysis of specific components by high pressure liquid chromatography (electrochemical detection) showed decreased levels of ascorbic acid in plasma, kidney, heart and brain of diabetic animals. The alpha-tocopherol level dropped in all tissues, except for the liver in which there was a significant increase (p < 0.01 and p < 0.001 at 2-4 weeks). Lipid peroxidation was assessed by conjugated diene levels, which increased significantly in all diabetic tissues except the liver. Insulin treatment that was started after 3 weeks of diabetes and continued for 3 weeks showed no change in the conjugated dienes and in the overall LMWA capacity in all organs. Our results suggest a unique behavior of the liver in the STZ-induced diabetic rats to the stress and indicate its higher capacity to cope with oxidative stress as compared to other organs.

Topics: Animals; Antioxidants; Ascorbic Acid; Blood Glucose; Body Weight; Diabetes Mellitus, Experimental; Electrochemistry; Free Radical Scavengers; Lipid Peroxidation; Liver; Male; Rats; Rats, Wistar; Time Factors; Vitamin E

To use longitudinal nutrient intake data to determine whether dietary patterns remain consistent (or "track") as U.S. females progress from age 12 to 18 years.. Three-day diet records were collected at regular intervals over 6 years from participants in the Penn State Young Women's Health Study. Eighty-one subjects remained in the cohort during the study period. Tracking in body weight, in dietary intake of fat, sugar, iron, vitamin C, and in a total dietary score (TDS) was assessed using quartile-ranking analysis, year-to-year Pearson correlation analysis, and longitudinal linear analysis.. Rank analysis revealed that subjects maintained their relative quartile positions for body weight throughout the study period, and year-to-year correlation coefficients for this variable were .93-.94. In contrast, rank and correlation analyses showed that the subjects did not track strongly with respect to any nutrient variable. Age 12 to 18 years correlation coefficients ranged from r = .04 for fat intake to r = .15 for the TDS. In longitudinal linear models, slopes differed in direction and significance across the original quartiles for nutrient intake, indicating varying dietary trends over time within the study population.. Nutrient intake patterns do not track strongly throughout adolescence among U.S. females.

Topics: Adolescent; Age Factors; Ascorbic Acid; Body Weight; Child; Diet Surveys; Dietary Carbohydrates; Dietary Fats; Energy Intake; Feeding Behavior; Female; Humans; Iron, Dietary; Linear Models; Longitudinal Studies; Pennsylvania; Women's Health

Our purpose was to determine whether the administration of anti-oxidant vitamins could reduce dose-limiting toxicity from radio-immunotherapy (RAIT) and thereby allow higher escalation of RAIT doses. Lipophilic vitamins A and E were administered i.p. and hydrophilic vitamin C was administered i.m. for 14 days (3 days pre-RAIT through 11 days post-RAIT) alone or with bone marrow transplantation (BMT) to either BALB/c mice for toxicity studies or to nude mice bearing s.c. GW-39 human colonic cancer xenografts for therapy studies. The maximal tolerated dose (MTD) of RAIT ((131)I-MN14 anti-CEA IgG) that results in no lethality was determined for mice that did not receive vitamins or BMT and those that did receive one or both interventions. Body weight, peripheral white blood cell (pWBC) and platelet (PLT) counts and tumor growth were also measured. Administration of vitamins (equivalent of 3.5 IU/day vitamin A, 0.107 IU/day vitamin E and 4.0 mg/day ascorbic acid) to mice along with BMT increased the MTD by 42% and reduced body weight loss associated with RAIT. Vitamins also reduced the magnitude of RAIT-induced myelosuppression. As early as day 7 after RAIT, vitamins increased WBC counts following both a 400 microCi and a 500 microCi dose. On day 14 after the 400 microCi dose of RAIT (day 7 post-BMT), the additive effect of BMT and vitamin could be detected. Tumor growth was not adversely affected by vitamin administration.

Topics: Animals; Antioxidants; Ascorbic Acid; Body Weight; Bone Marrow Diseases; Bone Marrow Transplantation; Colonic Neoplasms; Humans; Intestinal Diseases; Leukocyte Count; Mice; Mice, Inbred BALB C; Mice, Nude; Neoplasm Transplantation; Platelet Count; Radioimmunotherapy; Vitamin A; Vitamin E

Previous investigations have demonstrated that 1,2-dichloroethane (DCE) poisoning affects dolichol (Dol) concentration in rat liver. Dol, a long-chain polyprenol, is considered an important membrane component: as dolichyl phosphate, it is rate limiting for the synthesis of glycoprotein; as free or fatty acid, it is highly concentrated in the Golgi apparatus (GA) where it can increase membrane fluidity and permeability, required glycoprotein maturation and secretion. DCE biotransformation may stimulate pro-oxidant events through hepatocellular glutathione depletion. Since the molecules of Dol are susceptible to oxidative degradation, the aim of this investigation is to verify whether vitamin E (vit. E) supplementation in rats is able to prevent Dol breakdown during acute DCE treatment. Before acute DCE administration (628 mg/kg body weight), a group of male Wistar rats were pretreated with vit. E (33 mg/kg body weight) for 3 days. High-performance liquid chromatography analysis has shown that within 5-60 min after DCE administration, the Dol concentration decreased in liver homogenate, cytosol, microsomes and GA. Particularly, 60 min after the treatment, Dol levels in the trans Golgi fraction were 71% lower than in controls. Rat pre-treatment with vit. E prevented the DCE-induced decrease in Dol concentrations of all liver fractions considered, in particular the reduction of total-Dol observed in the trans Golgi fraction 60 min after treatment was only 40%. These data suggest that hepatic metabolism of DCE is able to promote peroxidative attacks which lead to the degradation of Dol molecules. The pre-treatment of rats with vit. E results in a good, although not complete, prevention of total-Dol depletion after DCE poisoning.

Topics: Animals; Ascorbic Acid; Body Weight; Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid; Dolichols; Ethylene Dichlorides; Golgi Apparatus; Iron; Lipid Peroxidation; Liver; Male; Oxidants; Rats; Rats, Wistar; Subcellular Fractions; Vitamin E

Age-related neurodegenerative conditions are the principal cause of declining cognitive and motor function during aging. Evidence support that fruits and vegetables containing generous amounts of antioxidant nutrients are important for neurological function. We investigated the effect of diets enriched with fruits or vegetables but low in vitamin E and a diet high in vitamin E on the distribution of vitamins C and E in the brain and dopamine release of Fischer 344 rat model, over an 8-month period. The low-vitamin E diet resulted in lowered alpha-tocopherol levels in brain and peripheral tissues, whereas the animals that received a diet enriched in vitamin E showed a significant increase, between 500-900%. Vitamin C concentration in plasma, heart, and liver was reduced in the vitamin E-supplemented group. It is concluded that supplementation or depletion of alpha-tocopherol for 8 months results in marked changes in vitamin E levels in brain tissue and peripheral tissues, and varied distribution of alpha-tocopherol throughout the different brain regions examined. In addition, compared to control group, rats supplemented with strawberry, spinach, or vitamin E showed a significant enhancement in striatal dopamine release. These findings suggest that other nutrients present in fruits and vegetables, in addition to the well-known antioxidants, may be important for brain function.

Topics: Aging; Animals; Ascorbic Acid; Body Weight; Brain Chemistry; Cerebellum; Cerebral Cortex; Corpus Striatum; Diet; Eating; Fruit; Hippocampus; Liver; Male; Myocardium; Rats; Rats, Inbred F344; Vegetables; Vitamin E

Poor compliance to oral medication and diet is common in hemodialysis (HD) patients and limits the ability of oral iron therapy to support erythropoiesis. Intravenous (i.v.) iron may be associated with undesirable and sometimes life-threatening complications.. We hypothesized that intradialytic oral iron therapy can overcome compliance problems and support effective maintenance erythropoiesis, which will keep Hct in the range of 33% to 36% and EPO requirements up to 50 units/week/kg. In a prospective observational study, SC EPO-treated hospital-based HD patients without conditions known to cause EPO resistance, were managed on intradialytic oral administration of iron and vitamin C. The primary endpoints were EPO requirements and resistance to EPO which standardized EPO requirements by the Hct level. Secondary endpoints included parameters that might affect the primary endpoints. Exclusion criteria were refusal to take oral medication, prestudy Hct < 27%, recent i.v. iron therapy or transfusions, bleeding, clinical conditions obligating Hct > 30% and known causes of EPO resistance. Twelve patients completed minimal follow-up period of 9 months.. Mean Hct was 34.4% (range: 31.8% - 40.2%). EPO requirements were 61.7 +/- 28.2 units/kg and below 52.5 units/kg in 50% of patients. Patients were classified into equal groups according to resistance to EPO, which was positively correlated (r = 0.71 p < 0.01) with body weight and Kt/V (r = -0.38, p < 0.05).. In conclusion, intradialytic oral iron therapy can support effective maintenance erythropoiesis in 50% of patients without known causes for EPO resistance. High response to EPO and low EPO requirement are correlated with lower body weight and possibly improved dialysis.

Topics: Administration, Oral; Anemia, Iron-Deficiency; Ascorbic Acid; Body Weight; Erythropoiesis; Humans; Iron; Middle Aged; Renal Dialysis

Diet restriction (DR) has been shown to extend the life spans of various laboratory animals, the mechanism may involve a decrease in oxidative stress. When determining if the total tissue defense has been altered, it is important to observe the overall direct antioxidant capacity, which consists of low molecular weight antioxidants (LMWA) and enzymes.. To determine DR induced changes in total reducing power and overall direct antioxidant capacity of various mouse tissues.. Young female Sabra mice were fed a 60% food restricted diet for 40 days (DR group). Organs of the DR group and of ad libitum (AL) fed controls were then dissected and examined. A cyclic voltammetry method was used to quantify the total reducing power, which correlates with the overall LMWA activity. Specific LMWA were identified by HPLC-ECD. Superoxide dismutase activity and H2O2 degrading ability were measured in order to include the enzymatic antioxidant component.. Short-term DR caused alterations in the total reducing power of various mouse tissues, indicating changes in the total scavenging ability of these tissues. Overall direct antioxidant capacity of heart, kidney and muscle was enhanced; liver and small intestine deteriorated; brain did not differ between DR and AL groups; lung and spleen exhibited a mixed response.. We have shown for the first time that DR causes changes in the total reducing power of different mouse tissues, thus, affecting the overall direct antioxidant capacity. These findings support the suggestion that there may be a biological regulation of the antioxidant system.

Topics: Animals; Antioxidants; Ascorbic Acid; Body Weight; Brain; Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid; Diet, Reducing; Electrochemistry; Female; Hydrogen Peroxide; Intestine, Small; Kidney; Liver; Lung; Mice; Muscle, Skeletal; Myocardium; Oxidants; Oxidation-Reduction; Oxidative Stress; Spleen; Superoxide Dismutase

Increased oxidative stress has been suggested to be involved in the pathogenesis and progression of diabetic tissue damage. Several antioxidants have been described as beneficial for oxidative stress-associated diseases. Boldine ([s]-2,9-dihydroxy-1, 10-dimethoxyaporphine) is a major alkaloid found in the leaves and bark of boldo (Peumus boldus Molina), and has been shown to possess antioxidant activity and anti-inflammatory effects. From this point of view, the possible anti-diabetic effect of boldine and its mechanism were evaluated. The experiments were performed on male rats divided into four groups: control, boldine (100 mg kg(-1), daily in drinking water), diabetic [single dose of 80 mg kg(-1)of streptozotocin (STZ), i.p.] and diabetic simultaneously fed with boldine for 8 weeks. Diabetic status was evaluated periodically with changes of plasma glucose levels and body weight in rats. The effect of boldine on the STZ-induced diabetic rats was examined with the formation of malondialdehydes and carbonyls and the activities of endogenous antioxidant enzymes (superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase) in mitochondria of the pancreas, kidney and liver. The scavenging action of boldine on oxygen free radicals and the effect on mitochondrial free-radical production were also investigated. The treatment of boldine attenuated the development of hyperglycemia and weight loss induced by STZ injection in rats. The levels of malondialdehyde (MDA) and carbonyls in liver, kidney and pancreas mitochondria were significantly increased in STZ-treated rats and decreased after boldine administration. The activities of mitochondrial manganese superoxide dismutase (MnSOD) in the liver, pancreas and kidney were significantly elevated in STZ-treated rats. Boldine administration decreased STZ-induced elevation of MnSOD activity in kidney and pancreas mitochondria, but not in liver mitochondria. In the STZ-treated group, glutathione peroxidase activities decreased in liver mitochondria, and were elevated in pancreas and kidney mitochondria. The boldine treatment restored the altered enzyme activities in the liver and pancreas, but not the kidney. Boldine attenuated both STZ- and iron plus ascorbate-induced MDA and carbonyl formation and thiol oxidation in the pancreas homogenates. Boldine decomposed superoxide anions, hydrogen peroxides and hydroxyl radicals in a dose-dependent manner. The alkaloid significantly attenuated the production of superoxide anions, hydrogen

Topics: Animals; Aporphines; Ascorbic Acid; Blood Glucose; Body Weight; Diabetes Mellitus; Drug Interactions; Free Radicals; Iron; Lipid Peroxidation; Male; Mitochondria; Nitric Oxide; Oxidation-Reduction; Oxidative Stress; Pancreas; Protective Agents; Rats; Rats, Sprague-Dawley; Reactive Oxygen Species; Streptozocin; Sulfhydryl Compounds; Superoxide Dismutase

It has been suggested that increased oxidative stress might be involved in the pathophysiology of diabetic complications. In this study, we investigated the effect of diabetes on the susceptibility of synaptosomes to oxidative stress (induced by the oxidizing pair ascorbate/Fe(2+)) and on the uptake of the amino acid neurotransmitters gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) and glutamate. We found a lower susceptibility of synaptosomes isolated from Goto-Kakizaki (GK) rats, a model of non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus, to lipid peroxidation as compared with synaptosomes isolated from Wistar control rats (6.40+/-1.05 and 12.14+/-1.46 nmol thiobarbituric acid reactive substance/mg protein, respectively). The lower susceptibility of GK rat synaptosomes to membrane lipid peroxidation correlates with an increase in synaptosomal vitamin E levels (835+/-58.04 and 624.26+/-50.26 pmol/mg protein in diabetic and normal rats, respectively). In the absence of ascorbate/Fe(2+), no significant differences were observed between the levels of lipid peroxidation of synaptosomes isolated from diabetic and normal rats. Studies of neurotransmitter uptake show that the [(3)H]glutamate uptake was decreased by about 30% in diabetic GK rats as compared with control Wistar rats, whereas the [(3)H]GABA uptake was not significantly different from controls. Under oxidizing conditions, the glutamate uptake in diabetic rats was unaffected, and a decreased GABA uptake (41.39+/-4.41 and 60.96+/-6.4% of control in GK and Wistar rats, respectively) was observed. We conclude that the increased resistance to oxidative stress in GK rat synaptosomes may be due to the increased vitamin E content and that diabetic state and oxidative stress conditions differentially affected the uptake of the neurotransmitters GABA and glutamate.

Topics: Animals; Ascorbic Acid; Blood Glucose; Body Weight; Brain; Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2; Disease Models, Animal; gamma-Aminobutyric Acid; Glucose; Glutamic Acid; Glycated Hemoglobin; Lipid Peroxidation; Male; Oxidative Stress; Rats; Rats, Inbred Strains; Synaptosomes; Tritium

In previous studies we have described structural and functional changes in rat bone tissue caused by 3,3',4,4',5-pentachlorobiphenyl (PCB126). Some of the effects caused by PCB126 resemble those found in vitamin C-deficient rats, as well as those found in rats with a high dietary intake of vitamin A. The present investigation was designed to determine if these PCB126-induced changes could be inhibited by addition of vitamin C to the drinking water and if they could be evoked by vitamin A administration. Five groups of female rats were used in this study, which lasted for 12 weeks. Three of the groups were exposed to PCB126 (total dose 320 microgram/kg, bw), either alone or in combination with vitamin C added to the drinking water (1 and 10 g/l, respectively). One group was given feed with increased level of vitamin A (600000 U/kg pellet) and the fifth group served as controls. Using peripheral quantitative computed tomography (pQCT), it was found that PCB126 increased trabecular density and cortical thickness, but reduced the trabecular area. Furthermore, maximum torque and stiffness of the humerus during torsional testing and serum osteocalcin levels were reduced by PCB126. Of the PCB126 induced effects observed, addition of vitamin C only inhibited the reduction of serum osteocalcin. Like PCB126 vitamin A supplementation increased the inorganic content and the bone density and also reduced the trabecular area and polar moment of inertia but did not increase the cortical thickness or reduce maximum torque, stiffness or serum osteocalcin level. Apparently, the effects induced by PCB126 are not mediated either via decreased vitamin C level or increased vitamin A level.

Topics: Animals; Ascorbic Acid; Body Weight; Bone and Bones; Diaphyses; Diet; Epiphyses; Estrogen Antagonists; Female; Humerus; Organ Size; Osteocalcin; Polychlorinated Biphenyls; Rats; Rats, Sprague-Dawley; Tomography, X-Ray Computed; Vitamin A

Aim of this work was to study the efficacy of procyanidins from Vitis vinifera seeds, a standardized mixture of polyphenol antioxidants, on cardiac mechanics following ischemia/reperfusion stunning in the rat, after 3 weeks supplementation. Young and aged male rats were fed a diet enriched with procyanidins complexed (1:3 w/w) with soybean lecithin (2.4%); control animals (CTR-young and CTR-aged) received an equal amount of lecithin and 2 additional groups of animals the standard diet. At the end of the treatment, the total plasma antioxidant defense (TRAP), vitamin E, ascorbic acid and uric acid were determined in plasma and the hearts from all groups of animals subjected to moderate ischemia (flow reduction to 1 ml/min for 20 min) and reperfusion (15 ml/min for 30 min). In both young and aged rats supplemented with procyanidins the recovery of left ventricular developed pressure (LVDP) at the end of reperfusion was 93% (p < 0.01) and 74% (p < 0.01) of the preischemic values and the values of coronary perfusion pressure (CPP) were maintained close to those of the preischemic period. Also creatine kinase (CK) outflow was restrained to baseline levels, while a 2-fold increase in prostacyclin (6-keto-PGF1alpha) in the perfusate from hearts of young and aged rats was elicited during both ischemia and reperfusion. In parallel, procyanidins significantly increased the total antioxidant plasma capacity (by 40% in young and by 30% in aged rats) and the plasma levels of ascorbic acid, while tend to reduce vitamin E levels; no significant differences were observed in uric acid levels. The results of this study demonstrate that procyanidins supplementation in the rat (young and aged) makes the heart less susceptible to ischemia/reperfusion damage and that this is positively associated to an increase in plasma antioxidant activity.

Topics: Aging; Angiotensin II; Animals; Antioxidants; Ascorbic Acid; Biflavonoids; Blood Glucose; Body Weight; Catechin; Cholesterol; Chromans; Creatine Kinase; Dietary Supplements; Epoprostenol; Heart; Male; Myocardial Reperfusion Injury; Myocardium; Proanthocyanidins; Rats; Rats, Wistar; Triglycerides; Uric Acid; Vitamin E

In this study, the antioxidant protection of ascorbic acid (AA) supplementation during different unfed periods (24, 48, 120 h) was determined with blood lipid peroxidation level (thiobarbituric acid reactive substances, TBARS) and compared with plasma antioxidant sulfydryl group (RSH) content. Weight loss was induced by increasing the unfed period together with vitamin C supplementation. Blood AA levels decreased by starvation but increased by vitamin C supplementation. RSH content in plasma also decreased with the unfed period; these decreases became apparent by vitamin C supplementation. TBARS formation increased significantly by AA supplementation in the 120-h starvation period.

Topics: Animals; Antioxidants; Ascorbic Acid; Body Weight; Dietary Supplements; Guinea Pigs; Lipid Peroxidation; Thiobarbituric Acid Reactive Substances

Several studies indicate that intake of calcium can inhibit iron absorption especially when taken simultaneously. In the CALEUR study, a cross-sectional study among girls (mean 13.5 y) and young women (mean 22.0 y) in six European countries, the association between calcium intake and iron status was studied. In 1,080 girls and 524 women, detailed information on calcium intake was collected by means of a 3-d food record, and serum ferritin, serum iron, serum transferrin and transferrin saturation were measured as indicators of iron status. The mean levels of serum iron, ferritin and transferrin were 15.8 +/- 6.1 mmol/L, 34.5 +/- 19.1 microg/L and 3. 47 +/- 0.47 g/L, respectively, in girls and 16.9 +/- 7.5 mmol/L, 40. 2 +/- 30.5 and microg/L, 3.59 +/- 0.60 g/L, respectively, in women. A consistent inverse association between calcium intake and serum ferritin was found, after adjusting the linear regression model for iron intake, age, menarche, protein, tea and vitamin C intake and country, irrespective of whether calcium was ingested simultaneously with iron. The adjusted overall regression coefficients for girls and women were -0.57 +/- 0.20 and -1.36 +/- 0.46 per 100 mg/d increase in calcium intake, respectively. Only in girls, transferrin saturation as a measure for short-term iron status was inversely associated with calcium intake (adjusted overall coefficient -0.18 +/- 0.08). However, analysis per country separately showed no consistency. We conclude that dietary calcium intake is weakly inversely associated with blood iron status, irrespective of whether calcium was ingested simultaneously with iron.

Topics: Adolescent; Adult; Aging; Ascorbic Acid; Body Height; Body Weight; Calcium, Dietary; Child; Dietary Proteins; Drug Interactions; Energy Intake; Europe; Female; Ferritins; Humans; Iron; Iron, Dietary; Nutritional Status; Transferrin

Male F344 and Wistar Shionogi (WS) rats were treated with 0.05% N-butyl-N-(4-hydroxybutyl)nitrosamine (BBN) for 20 weeks and then killed at week 36 (experiment 1). Although reduction of body weight increase was found, no effects on liver weights were noted. Formalin-fixed and paraffin-embedded liver tissues from rats killed terminally were cut and stained for glutathione S-transferase placental form (GST-P) immunohistochemically. Marked elevation of quantitative values of small GST-P positive (GST-P+) foci were apparent in both strains of rat administered BBN. In experiment 2, both sexes of F344 rats were given 0.05% BBN in the drinking water for 4 weeks and then fed diet containing 0 or 5.0% sodium L-ascorbate (SA) for 32 weeks. No body and liver weight changes were evident in any group. Quantitative values for small GST-P+ foci were increased in both sexes of rats exposed to BBN but were not modified by additional SA treatment. Thus, it was confirmed that the selective bladder carcinogen BBN also acts as a liver carcinogen. These results, from the quantitative analysis of small GST-P+ foci as end point marker lesions, indicate that the liver tumor modifying potential of test chemicals can be evaluated in rats by using an initiation/promotion protocol for urinary bladder carcinogenesis.

Topics: Animals; Ascorbic Acid; Body Weight; Butylhydroxybutylnitrosamine; Female; Liver; Liver Neoplasms, Experimental; Male; Rats; Rats, Inbred F344; Rats, Wistar

At high altitude (HA), cold stress is aggravated by hypoxia, perhaps due to the increased formation of free radicals which trigger oxidative stress. This may be one of the contributing factors for adverse effects including disturbances in microcirculation and capillary permeability resulting in decreased peripheral blood flow. This leads to altered cold-induced-vasodilatation (CIVD) response on exposure to HA. The present study was conducted on 40 male volunteers (4 groups of 10 each) to evaluate the utility of supplementation of vitamin C (500 mg/d)and vitamin E (400 mg/d) singly, as well as in combination, in modulating peripheral vascular response by assessing CIVD response under local cold stimulus both at Delhi (200 m) and at HA (3,700 m). On exposure to 3,700 m, decreased CIVD response was observed in all the groups. The responses were better in vitamin supplemented groups, in general, as compared to the placebo group. The best CIVD response was seen in the vitamin C (singly)-treated group. Administration of vitamin C and E together did not result in any additional benefit. Facilitation of CIVD response due to supplementation of vitamin C may be attributed to its (a) antioxidant effect, and (b) major physiological functions of increased metabolism and thermogenic properties, facilitation of collagen synthesis, restoration of intercellular substances and better maintenance of the rheological status of the blood. Hence, vitamin C is effective for improving peripheral blood flow and thereby reduces the incidence of cold injuries during acclimatization or outdoor duties at HA.

Topics: Adaptation, Physiological; Adult; Altitude; Antioxidants; Ascorbic Acid; Body Weight; Cold Temperature; Hemodynamics; Humans; Male; Vasodilation; Vitamin E

Effects of ascorbic acid supplementation on the activity of acid phosphatase (ACP), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase (GOT) and glutamic pyruvic transaminase (GPT) on liver, kidney and serum in cyclophosphamide-treated female virgin rats were investigated. Oral administration of cyclophosphamide at the dose of 5 mg/kg body weight/day for 12 days resulted in a significant elevation in ACP and ALP activities in liver, kidney and serum. Ascorbic acid supplementation at the dose of 25 mg/kg body weight/day showed a significant protection in the activity of ACP in liver, kidney and serum, but only in ALP activity in kidney. ALP activities in liver and serum were not restored to control level by ascorbic acid supplementation. Activities of GOT and GPT were elevated significantly in liver, kidney and serum after cyclophosphamide treatment, and were protected and restored to control level by ascorbic acid supplementation.

Topics: Acid Phosphatase; Alanine Transaminase; Alkaline Phosphatase; Animals; Antineoplastic Agents, Alkylating; Ascorbic Acid; Aspartate Aminotransferases; Body Weight; Cyclophosphamide; Diet; Female; Kidney; Liver; Organ Size; Rats; Rats, Wistar

Vitamin E (alpha-gamma-tocopherol) is an important component in biological membranes. A decrease in its concentration imposes structural and functional damage to the cells. The object of this study was to assess the effect of a graded dietary vitamin E (E) intake on E concentration in specific regions of the brain, and its influence on vitamin C levels and neurological function. Following a 2-month period, rats supplemented with 5, 30, 60, 250 or 500 mg all-rac-alpha-tocopherol-acetate/kg diet (mg E/kg diet) exhibited a significant increase of E concentration in brain and peripheral tissues. However, while blood and liver showed a dose response increase in E concentration which correlated well with the different levels of E in the diet, the central nervous system (CNS) followed the same pattern of increase of vitamin E in brain tissue only when the diet was supplemented with 5, 30, or 60 mg E/kg diet. No further increase in E concentration was observed when the diet was supplemented with 250 or 500 mg E/kg diet. Similarly, the heart tissue showed a significant increase in its E concentration when the was enriched with 5, 30, or 60 mg E/kg diet, with no further increases at 250 or 500 mg. Vitamin C concentration in brain cortex and cerebellum, plasma, liver, and heart was reduced in the groups receiving 250 or 500 mg E/kg diet. Compared to the low E group, rats supplemented with the 60, 250 or 500 mg E/kg diet showed a significant enhancement in striatal dopamine (DA) release, but no differences were observed among the latter three groups.

Topics: Animals; Ascorbic Acid; Body Weight; Brain Chemistry; Cerebellum; Cerebral Cortex; Eating; Heart; Hippocampus; Liver; Male; Myocardium; Nutrition Policy; Rats; Rats, Inbred F344; Vitamin E

Oxidative stress is produced under diabetic conditions and possibly causes various forms of tissue damage in patients with diabetes. The aim of this study was to examine the involvement of oxidative stress in the progression of pancreatic beta-cell dysfunction in type 2 diabetes and to evaluate the potential usefulness of antioxidants in the treatment of type 2 diabetes. We used diabetic C57BL/KsJ-db/db mice, in whom antioxidant treatment (N-acetyl-L-cysteine [NAC], vitamins C plus E, or both) was started at 6 weeks of age; its effects were evaluated at 10 and 16 weeks of age. According to an intraperitoneal glucose tolerance test, the treatment with NAC retained glucose-stimulated insulin secretion and moderately decreased blood glucose levels. Vitamins C and E were not effective when used alone but slightly effective when used in combination with NAC. No effect on insulin secretion was observed when the same set of antioxidants was given to nondiabetic control mice. Histologic analyses of the pancreases revealed that the beta-cell mass was significantly larger in the diabetic mice treated with the antioxidants than in the untreated mice. As a possible cause, the antioxidant treatment suppressed apoptosis in beta-cells without changing the rate of beta-cell proliferation, supporting the hypothesis that in chronic hyperglycemia, apoptosis induced by oxidative stress causes reduction of beta-cell mass. The antioxidant treatment also preserved the amounts of insulin content and insulin mRNA, making the extent of insulin degranulation less evident. Furthermore, expression of pancreatic and duodenal homeobox factor-1 (PDX-1), a beta-cell-specific transcription factor, was more clearly visible in the nuclei of islet cells after the antioxidant treatment. In conclusion, our observations indicate that antioxidant treatment can exert beneficial effects in diabetes, with preservation of in vivo beta-cell function. This finding suggests a potential usefulness of antioxidants for treating diabetes and provides further support for the implication of oxidative stress in beta-cell dysfunction in diabetes.

Topics: Acetylcysteine; Animals; Antioxidants; Ascorbic Acid; Blood Glucose; Body Weight; Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2; Female; Insulin Resistance; Islets of Langerhans; Mice; Mice, Inbred C57BL; Mice, Mutant Strains; Vitamin E

The rate of oxidative metabolism after a single i.p. dose of ethanol-1-(14)C was studied in male guinea pigs, previously treated with two different levels of vitamin C (traces or 0.5 g/100 g) in their diet for 5 weeks. While the body weight did not differ between these two groups after 5 weeks of the dietary regimen, the vitamin C concentration in the liver was five times higher in the group with the high vitamin C intake. The cumulative amounts of breathing 14CO2 measured at short time intervals during 24 hours after an ethanol-14C injection (23 mg ethanol and 160 kBq per kg body weight or 2.35 g ethanol and 165 kBq per kg body weight in a parallel experiment) were significantly different. The half-time of ethanol turnover reached a value of 5.1 h versus 6.9 h (9.9 vs 14.4 h in a parallel experiment) in the high and low saturated group respectively. The long-term pretreatment of guinea pigs with large doses of vitamin C accelerated ethanol metabolism. Improvement of the redox state and activation of the cytochrome P450 system in vitamin C-supplemented organism are considered to be the reason for the increased ethanol catabolism.

Topics: Animals; Ascorbic Acid; Body Weight; Breath Tests; Carbon Dioxide; Carbon Radioisotopes; Cytochrome P-450 Enzyme System; Enzyme Activation; Ethanol; Guinea Pigs; Liver; Male; Oxidation-Reduction

The protective effect of selenium on the neurotoxicity of vanadium in different brain regions of rats was investigated. The lipid peroxidation was significantly accentuated after intraperitoneal (i.p.) administration of vanadium (1.5 mg kg-1 b.wt) for a period of 12 consecutive days to rats. The increase in lipid peroxidation was inhibited by selenium treatment (0.02 mg kg-1 b.wt., i.p.) for 12 consecutive days. Vanadium exposure produced a decrease in nonprotein sulfhydryl group. Selenium treatment prevented the depression in nonprotein sulfhydryl group in all the brain regions of the vanadium exposed rats. The concentration of ascorbic acid was decreased after co-administration of selenium and vanadium. These results suggest that selenium protects neuronal cells against neurotoxic effects of vanadium by maintaining the availability of antioxidant nonprotein sulfhydryl groups. The decrease in ascorbic acid levels may have been due to its consumption in forming complexes with vanadium.

Topics: Animals; Ascorbic Acid; Body Weight; Brain; Brain Diseases; Drug Interactions; Lipid Peroxidation; Male; Rats; Rats, Sprague-Dawley; Selenium; Vanadium

Preliminary short-term toxicity studies of sucrose acetate isobutyrate (SAIB) in the dog demonstrated that addition of this additive to the diet was associated with an increase in liver size and elevated serum alkaline phosphatase activity with no evidence of pathological change by light microscopy. To determine the basis for these changes, a 12-week oral toxicity study of SAIB was conducted in the dog and a similar study was performed in the rat. SAIB was fed in the diet to groups of six beagle dogs of each sex at 0, 0.5, 1.0, 2.0 and 4.0%. SAIB was also fed to groups of 40 Sprague-Dawley rats of each sex at levels of 0, 2.5, 5.0 and 10.0%. In the rat study, in addition to routine toxicology parameters, hepatic microsomal enzyme induction was determined using a zoxazolamine hypnotic test, urinary ascorbic acid excretion and determination of hepatic carboxylesterase activity. Sodium phenobarbital was fed to groups of 20 rats of each sex at a dose of 100 mg/kg body weight/day by gavage as a positive control for hepatic microsomal enzyme induction. In the dog study, routine toxicological tests were supplemented by tests for bromsulfophthalein (BSP) retention, histochemical staining of liver sections for glycogen, phosphorylase, succinate dehydrogenase, and acid and alkaline phosphatases. Levels of liver lipid, protein, glycogen and carboxylesterase activity were also determined. Electron microscopic examinations were made on liver sections from the dog study at the end of the 12-week SAIB feeding period and after a 2-week withdrawal period. Administration of SAIB to rats did not reveal evidence of any effect on hepatobiliary function, and there was no indication of microsomal enzyme induction. Body weight gain of male rats fed SAIB was decreased, probably as the result of decreased palatability of the diet; SAIB did not affect body weight gain in females. The changes observed in the dogs fed SAIB included increased serum alkaline phosphatase activity with no change in serum alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase or lactic dehydrogenase activity and no change in serum electrolyte, serum protein, glucose or bilirubin levels. No haematological changes were observed. BSP retention was observed at all SAIB dose levels. There were no SAIB-related pathological changes in any organ when examined by light microscopy. Examination by electron microscope revealed dilatation of bile canaliculi and an increase in smooth endoplasmic reticulum compared with c

Topics: Alkaline Phosphatase; Animal Feed; Animals; Ascorbic Acid; Biomarkers; Body Weight; Carboxylesterase; Carboxylic Ester Hydrolases; Dogs; Enzyme Induction; Female; Food Additives; Liver; Male; Microsomes, Liver; Organ Size; Phenobarbital; Rats; Rats, Sprague-Dawley; Species Specificity; Sucrose; Sulfobromophthalein; Zoxazolamine

Food restriction increases maximal life span in rodents. Male rats that exercise in voluntary running wheels do not have an increase in maximal longevity despite a relative caloric deficit. In contrast, sedentary rats that are food restricted so as to cause the same caloric deficit have an extension of maximal longevity. It seemed possible that exercise-induced oxidative stress might prevent a maximum life span-extending effect of a caloric deficit to manifest itself. This study was done to determine if antioxidants would allow a maximal longevity-extending effect of exercise to manifest itself in male rats. The antioxidant diet had no effect on longevity of the runners (Antiox., 951 +/- 158 days versus control 937 + 171 days), or of the sedentary controls (875 +/- 127 versus 858 +/- 152 days). As in previous studies, wheel running modestly increased average longevity (approximately 9%), but had no effect on maximal life span. The finding that antioxidants had no effect on longevity of the wheel runners supports the interpretation that the caloric deficit induced by exercise in male rats does not have a life-extending effect that is countered by oxidative tissue damage.

Topics: Animals; Antioxidants; Ascorbic Acid; Body Weight; Dietary Supplements; Eating; Longevity; Male; Physical Exertion; Rats; Vitamin E

This study was undertaken to investigate whether treatment with vitamin E (VE) and/or vitamin C (VC) protects rat sperm by inhibiting reactive oxygen species generation induced by lead (Pb) exposure. Male Sprague-Dawley rats were assigned to the following five groups: vitamin-unsupplemented; 150 mg VE/kg chow supplemented; 300 mg VE/kg chow supplemented; 500 mg VC/l drinking water supplemented and 150 mg VE/kg chow + 500 mg VC/l drinking water supplemented group. Rats in each group were divided into Pb-unexposed and Pb-exposed subgroups, received weekly intraperitoneal injection of 10 mg sodium acetate or 10 mg Pb acetate/kg for 6 weeks, respectively. The blood and sperm Pb levels were analyzed by graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrophotometer. Chemiluminescence was measured to evaluate the generation of sperm reactive oxygen species (ROS). Motility and sperm-oocyte penetration rate (SOPR) were measured. In Pb-unexposed rats, epididymal sperm counts, motility, ROS, and SOPR were not different in the five supplemented groups. Lead exposure might decrease the defense capacity of sperm to the oxidative stress and therefore elevate the ROS generation, reduce sperm motility, and reduce SOPR. Supplementation with VE and/or VC reduced ROS generation, prevented loss of motility and capacity of oocyte penetration in Pb-exposed rats. This study suggests that supplementation with VE and/or VC inhibits Pb-related ROS generation, protects spermatozoa from loss of motility and oocyte penetration capability.

Topics: Animals; Ascorbic Acid; Body Weight; Epididymis; Female; In Vitro Techniques; Lead; Male; Oocytes; Organ Size; Rats; Rats, Sprague-Dawley; Reactive Oxygen Species; Sperm Motility; Sperm-Ovum Interactions; Spermatozoa; Vitamin E

The aim of this study was to determine the nutritional status of Finnish elite male ski jumpers (N = 21) and age-matched controls (N = 20).. Nutritional status was assessed by estimating body composition with dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA), dietary intake with 4-d food records, and assessment of nutritional status was complemented with biochemical and hematological indices.. Mean (SD) age (19.7 (3.6) vs 19.8 (3.9) yr, P = 0.675) and stature (176.4 (6.0) vs 178.5 (5.5) cm, P = 0.259) were similar in ski jumpers and in controls, respectively. However, ski jumpers had a lower mean (SD) body weight (61.9 (4.8) vs 71.5 (9.0) kg, P < 0.001) and body fat percentage (8.6 (1.9) vs 16.1 (7.2)%, P < 0.001) than controls. The amount of bone-free lean soft tissue and bone mineral content (BMC) did not differ between the groups, but age- and bone-free lean soft tissue-adjusted bone mineral density (BMD) in lumbar spine (L2-4) and in proximal femur was greater in ski jumpers. Mean (SD) energy intake was lower in ski jumpers than in controls (7.4 (3.3) vs 11.0 (2.6) MJ, P = 0.001), respectively, whereas the percentage of energy derived from carbohydrates was higher in athletes. Despite the markedly lower energy consumption, intake of thiamin, riboflavin, folate, vitamin C, calcium, and iron was similar in both groups, whereas intake of vitamins D and E, magnesium, and zinc was lower in ski jumpers than in controls (P-values range from 0.012 to 0.004). Biochemical and hematological indices showed no abnormalities in either group.. These data suggest that despite the lower body weight and energy intake, nutritional status of the elite Finnish ski jumpers was not compromised as compared with that of nonathletic controls.

Topics: Absorptiometry, Photon; Adipose Tissue; Adolescent; Adult; Age Factors; Ascorbic Acid; Body Composition; Body Height; Body Weight; Bone Density; Calcium; Case-Control Studies; Diet; Dietary Carbohydrates; Energy Intake; Femur; Finland; Folic Acid; Humans; Iron; Lumbar Vertebrae; Male; Muscle, Skeletal; Nutrition Assessment; Nutritional Status; Riboflavin; Skiing; Thiamine

The contents of ascorbic acid (AsA) and erythrobic acid (ErA) in the tissues of guinea pigs intraperitoneally injected with AsA and/or ErA were determined to learn the difference in their retention in the tissues. After 10 d of AsA depletion, the guinea pigs were intraperitoneally injected with 5 mg of AsA, or 5 mg of ErA, or 5 mg of each. At day 5 of repletion, the guinea pigs were killed and liver, adrenal glands, spleen, and kidneys were removed. AsA and ErA in these tissues were measured by using HPLC. The contents of AsA in the tissues of only the AsA-injected guinea pigs were similar to those of the AsA- + ErA-injected guinea pigs. The contents of ErA in the tissues of the ErA-injected guinea pigs were higher than those of the AsA- + ErA-injected guinea pigs, but apparently lower than the contents of AsA in the AsA-injected guinea pigs. ErA was scarcely retained in the tissues of guinea pigs.

Topics: Adrenal Glands; Alkaline Phosphatase; Aniline Hydroxylase; Animals; Antioxidants; Ascorbic Acid; Ascorbic Acid Deficiency; Body Weight; Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid; Cytochrome P-450 Enzyme System; Guinea Pigs; Injections, Intraperitoneal; Kidney; Liver; Male; Spleen; Stereoisomerism

The systemic toxicity of tris(4-chlorophenyl)methanol (TCPM) was studied in male and female rats following 4 weeks dietary exposure dosed at 1, 10 and 100 ppm. An increased spleen to body weight ratio was observed in males at 10 and 100 ppm and in females at 100 ppm. An increased liver to body weight ratio was detected in both sexes at 100 ppm. Dose-related increases in hepatic Phase-I (AH, APDM, EROD and PROD) and Phase-II (UDPGT, GST) enzyme activities were observed generally at 10 and 100 ppm, with the elevation in PROD activity being the most marked. Increased urinary ascorbic acid was detected in both males and females after 1 week of treatment at 100 ppm and after 4 weeks of treatment at 10 and 100 ppm. At 10 and 100 ppm, elevated % lymphocytes were found in males, and higher white blood cell and lymphocyte counts were observed in females. In the liver, mild to moderate cytoplasmic changes consistent with proliferation of smooth endoplasmic reticulum were present in rats of both sexes at 10 and 100 ppm, and increased number of hepatocytes undergoing apoptosis were observed in male rats at 100 ppm. Mild splenic changes consisting of sinus hyperplasia in males and females at 100 ppm and mantle zone atrophy in males at 100 ppm were also observed. It was concluded that TCPM at a dietary concentration of 10 ppm (equivalent to 1.2 mg/kg/day) produced systemic changes in rats that included various hepatic effects, increased splenic weight, and modulations in white blood cells and lymphocyte counts.

Topics: Administration, Oral; Analysis of Variance; Animals; Ascorbic Acid; Body Weight; Cytochrome P-450 Enzyme System; Cytoplasm; Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; Endoplasmic Reticulum, Smooth; Female; Isoenzymes; Kidney; Leukocytes; Liver; Lymphocyte Count; Male; Organ Size; Rats; Spleen; Trityl Compounds

Rat strain differences in sensitivity to the promoting effect of sodium L-ascorbate (SA) on the development of urinary bladder tumors were investigated. In experiment 1, WS/Shi (WS), ODS/Shiod/od (ODS), and LEW/Crj (LEW) rats were initiated with 0.05% N-butyl-N-(4-hydroxybutyl)-nitrosamine (BBN) in their drinking water and subsequently given basal Oriental MF diet (M) with or without a 5% SA supplement. In LEW rats the SA treatment increased the induction of neoplastic lesions in the urinary bladder, whereas WS and ODS animals proved unresponsive to its promoting effects. In experiment 2, WS and F344 rats were maintained on two kinds of commercial basal diets, M and CLEA CA-1 (C), during administration of SA, since dietary factors can influence promoting effects. Feeding M during the promotion period in F344 rats yielded significantly more neoplastic lesions than feeding C, but in WS rats no such dietary influence was apparent. In experiment 3, strain differences in biosynthesis of alpha-2u-globulin (alpha 1a-g) were assessed because both alpha 2a-g in the urine and administration of sodium salts of organic acids such as SA have been reported to be involved in tumor promotion. Immunohistochemical analysis of renal tubules and Western blotting analysis of urine revealed the presence of alpha 2a-g in all three strains examined. These data suggest that differences in susceptibility to promotion are due to genetic factors rather than dietary factors and the ability to synthesize alpha 2a-g.

Topics: Animals; Ascorbic Acid; Body Weight; Butylhydroxybutylnitrosamine; Carcinogens; Male; Organ Size; Rats; Rats, Inbred Lew; Rats, Inbred Strains; Species Specificity; Survival Rate; Urinary Bladder; Urinary Bladder Neoplasms; Water Supply

Topics: Animals; Ascorbic Acid; Body Weight; Cell Division; Cell Transplantation; Graft Survival; Growth Substances; Intercellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins; L-Gulonolactone Oxidase; Liver; Liver Regeneration; Male; Peptides; Portal System; Rats; Rats, Mutant Strains; Spleen; Sugar Alcohol Dehydrogenases; Swine; Transplantation, Heterotopic; Transplantation, Isogeneic

To investigate the influence of dietary vitamin E (VE) on DNA damage in bone marrow, we fed mice either a low VE diet (-VE), a basal VE diet (+30 mg VE/kg) or a high VE diet (+1000 mg VE/kg) for 50 weeks. DNA damage was evaluated by two cytogenetic methods: micronucleus (MN) assay using peripheral blood, and examination of sister chromatid exchanges (SCE) in bone marrow cells. The MN assay was performed periodically from 6 to 50 weeks, and showed that the incidence of reticulocytes containing MNs did not increase in the low VE diet group, and did not decrease in the high VE diet group. SCE assay done at 50 weeks also showed no difference among the VE diet groups. VE in bone marrow was markedly lower in the low VE diet group and higher in the high VE diet group compared to that in the basal VE diet group at 6 weeks. The VE at 50 weeks was not markedly different from that at 6 weeks. Corresponding to the changes in the VE, lipid peroxide in bone marrow was higher in the low VE diet group, but was not lower in the high VE diet group. Glutathione and vitamin C in the bone marrow, which were about 100-1000 times higher than that of VE, were not different among the groups.

Topics: Aldehydes; Animals; Antioxidants; Ascorbic Acid; Body Weight; Bone Marrow; Bone Marrow Cells; Diet; DNA; DNA Damage; Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; Glutathione; Lipid Peroxides; Male; Mice; Mice, Inbred ICR; Micronucleus Tests; Oxidation-Reduction; Reticulocytes; Sister Chromatid Exchange; Time Factors; Vitamin E

The relationship between intake of iron with ascorbic acid and their uptake into the plasma and liver of guinea pigs was studied. The influence on the antioxidant/pro-oxidant balance of liver microsomes was also determined. Animals were fed a standard pelleted diet low in iron and ascorbic acid for 35 days. The pellet diet was supplemented by oral dosing with a solution containing either maintenance dietary levels of ascorbic acid and iron, or one of three regimens that increased the dosage of these substances ten fold. There were no significant differences in animal growth rate or food intake between these regimens. Liver and plasma total ascorbate levels were significantly increased (p < 0.05) in animals receiving either ascorbic acid alone (liver 126 +/- 36 micrograms/g tissue wet wt. and plasma 51.7 +/- 17.0 microM; n = 9) or ascorbic acid and iron (105 +/- 18 micrograms/g and 40.3 +/- 15.3.0 microM; n = 8) compared to controls (84 +/- 36 micrograms/g and 15.3 +/- 8.5 microM; n = 11). Total iron levels in the liver (76.7 +/- 7.3 micrograms/g; control; n = 6) and plasma (2.4 +/- 0.03 mg/l; control) were not significantly raised in animals under these conditions of iron or ascorbate intake. Liver microsomes isolated from animals receiving iron had a greater susceptibility to oxidative stress in terms of malondialdehyde production during auto-oxidation compared to those from control animals under the same conditions. This effect was eliminated on combining ascorbic acid with the iron supplementation, suggesting that oral administration of vitamin C has a protective rather than a pro-oxidant effect under these circumstances.

Topics: Administration, Oral; Animals; Antioxidants; Ascorbic Acid; Body Weight; Eating; Guinea Pigs; Iron; Iron, Dietary; Liver; Male; Malondialdehyde; Microsomes, Liver; Oxidative Stress; Vitamin E

The study was designed to investigate whether sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO3) and/or L-ascorbic acid (AsA) promote urinary bladder carcinogenesis in male ODS/Shi-od/od (ODS) rats, which, unlike male F344 rats, are resistant to sodium L-ascorbate (Na-AsA)-promoting effects. Whereas F344 rats can synthesize AsA and alpha 2 mu-globulin (A2 mu-G), only A2 mu-G in produced in ODS rats. The two strains were given 0.05% N-butyl-N-(4-hydroxybutyl)nitrosamine (BBN) in their drinking water for 2 wk and then were fed basal CA-1 diet supplemented with 3% NaHCO3 plus 5% AsA (NaHCO3 + AsA), 3% NaHCO3, 5% AsA, or no chemicals for 32 wk. ODS rats given BBN-NaHCO3 or BBN-(NaHCO3 + AsA) had only a few small carcinomas in the urinary bladder, like those receiving BBN alone or BBN-AsA. In contrast, F344 rats administered BBN-NaHCO3 or BBN-(NaHCO3 + AsA) had many more, larger, carcinoma than animals of the same strain given BBN alone or BBN-AsA. AsA alone did not have any effect in either strain. Administration of NaHCO3 alone or NaHCO3 + AsA was associated with significant elevation of urinary pH and Na+ concentration to the same extent in both strains but, again, AsA alone was without effect. NaHCO3 + AsA and AsA alone increased the urinary concentration of total ascorbic acid in both strains but the observed levels wer lower in ODS rats. The results indicate that ODS rats are resistant to the modifying effects of NaHCO3 and/or AsA on two-stage urinary bladder carcinogenesis, and thus that the susceptibility to the promotional activity of sodium-salt-type compounds may be regulated by factors other than A2 mu-G-synthesizing ability and urinary levels of pH, Na+ and total ascorbic acid.

Topics: alpha-Macroglobulins; Animals; Ascorbic Acid; Body Weight; Butylhydroxybutylnitrosamine; Carcinogens; Carcinoma; Cocarcinogenesis; Drug Combinations; Eating; Hydrogen-Ion Concentration; Male; Rats; Rats, Inbred F344; Rats, Mutant Strains; Sodium; Sodium Bicarbonate; Urinalysis; Urinary Bladder Neoplasms

An excess of reactive oxygen species (ROS) has been associated with the increased rate of congenital malformations in experimental diabetic pregnancy. Previous in vitro and in vivo studies show that antioxidants can protect the embryonic development in a diabetic environment. In the present investigation we examined the antiteratogenic capacity of vitamin C, an antioxidative agent not previously evaluated as a dietary supplement in diabetic pregnancy. Normal and streptozotocin diabetic rats were either fed a standard diet or a diet enriched with 0.9, 1.8 or 4% sodium ascorbate throughout pregnancy. On gestational day 20, the litters of normal and diabetic rats without vitamin C supplement contained 9 and 12% early resorptions, 2 and 17% late resorptions and 1 and 27% malformations, respectively. Vitamin C treatment reduced the rates of late resorptions and malformations in the diabetic groups in proportion to the dose administered. Thus, in the diabetic group with 4% ascorbate treatment we found unchanged numbers of early resorptions, but only 7% late resorptions (p < 0.05 vs untreated diabetic pregnancy) and 8% malformations (p < 0.05 vs untreated diabetic pregnancy). Maternal diabetes did not alter tissue levels of ascorbic acid in the fetuses at term, whereas vitamin C treatment caused accumulation of ascorbic acid in the placenta, maternal and fetal liver. Vitamin C supplementation yielded increased alpha-tocopherol concentration in the placenta and caused a reduction of the high concentrations of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) in serum of pregnant diabetic rats. Vitamin C treatment reduces the rates of congenital malformations and late resorptions, thereby supporting that ROS are involved in the embryonic dysmorphogenesis of diabetic pregnancy.

Topics: Animals; Ascorbic Acid; Body Weight; Brain; Congenital Abnormalities; Diabetes Mellitus, Experimental; Diet; Female; Fetus; Liver; Organ Size; Placenta; Pregnancy; Pregnancy in Diabetics; Pregnancy Outcome; Rats; Rats, Sprague-Dawley; Thiobarbituric Acid Reactive Substances; Vitamin E

We determined whether dietary ascorbic acid (0.3 or 3 g/kg diet) modulates hepatic microsomal mixed function oxidase (MFO) system and plasma alpha 1 acid glycoprotein (AGP) concentration in chicks treated with Escherichia coli lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Injection of LPS (250 micrograms/kg body weight every other day) intraperitoneally for 14 days decreased cytochromes P450 and b, content and NADPH-cytochrome c reductase activity in hepatic microsomes in male broilers. Content of cytochromes P450 and b5 was negatively correlated with plasma AGP concentration. Feeding ascorbic acid partly alleviated the reduction of cytochromes P450 and b5 in males. Plasma AGP concentration also increased with the LPS injection and was partly lowered by feeding ascorbic acid. The results indicate that dietary ascorbic acid modulates the responses of the microsomal MFO system and of plasma AGP concentration against repeated injection of LPS in male broiler chicks.

Topics: Animals; Ascorbic Acid; Body Weight; Chickens; Cytochrome P-450 Enzyme System; Cytochromes b5; Dietary Supplements; Escherichia coli; Lipopolysaccharides; Male; Microsomes, Liver; Mixed Function Oxygenases; NADPH-Ferrihemoprotein Reductase; Orosomucoid

A 2 x 2 x 2 factorial experiment was conducted using two dietary levels each (mg/kg of diet) of silicon, 0 and 500; iron, 35 and 187; and ascorbic acid, 0 and 900, to identify biochemical interactions occurring among these nutrients. Supplemental silicon, in conjunction with the higher dietary-iron level, prevented the plasma-iron decreasing effect observed for the higher level of iron in the absence of silicon. In the absence of ascorbic acid, silicon also increased iron concentration in the liver. Lower growth of the silicon and iron-supplemented rats is believed to be a response to a subsequent iron-imposed aberration of copper or zinc metabolism. This is supported by decreased intestinal metallothionein, increased weights (g/100 g body weight) of liver, heart, and testes, and decreased packed-cell volume and hemoglobin concentration. The lower plasma-iron level associated with the higher level of dietary iron appeared to be an expression of the iron-imposed reduction of liver copper stores. Ascorbic acid decreased plasma-iron concentration and prevented the silicon-related increase in liver iron.

Topics: Animals; Ascorbic Acid; Body Weight; Copper; Diet; Iron; Male; Organ Size; Rats; Rats, Sprague-Dawley; Silicon; Zinc

We have recently shown that ascorbate has a hypocholesterolemic and hypotriglyceridemic effect on rats fed a diet enriched with 1.5% cholesterol and 25% hydrogenated coconut oil (Nath diet). In this study we evaluated the effect of intraperitoneal ascorbate administration on susceptibility to lipoperoxidation either in rats fed standard or Nath diet. In normal rats ascorbate treatment decreased (p<0.05) the susceptibility to lipoperoxidation induced by incubation of serum for 24 hours with 2.2 mM Cu++, without altering the normal serum fatty acid profile. In rats fed Nath diet we observed a reduced susceptibility of serum to CU++-induced lipoperoxidation (36%), according with their low levels of serum unsaturated fatty acids (40% less than rats fed standard diet). In these animals ascorbate administration affects serum fatty acid profile leading to a decrease of S/U ratio from 1.6 to 1.2 without significantly modifying the susceptibility of serum to lipoperoxidation. Moreover, the production of spontaneous lipid peroxides in liver homogenates, measured as TBARS levels, was strongly inhibited by ascorbate (p<0.01) in rats fed either standard or Nath diet. These data indicate that ascorbate administration exerts an antioxidant effect and that in hypercholesterolemic rats, in addition to a lipid lowering effect, ascorbate exerts a protective role against the peroxidative damage of lipids.

Topics: Animals; Ascorbic Acid; Body Weight; Cholesterol, Dietary; Copper; Copper Sulfate; Fatty Acids; Hypercholesterolemia; Lipid Peroxidation; Lipid Peroxides; Liver; Male; Rats; Rats, Wistar; Thiobarbituric Acid Reactive Substances

Rats initially weighing 138 +/- 14 g were fed the following diets for 150 days: control (Co), control plus nitrite-bacon-proline 24 mg/kg, 100 g/kg and 10 mg/kg, respectively (NB), NB plus 0.04 micrograms/g selenium (NBSe) and NB plus 0.020 g/kg ascorbic acid (NBC). The NB diet provoked body weight and feeding efficiency enhancement with a reduction in body density increasing serum lactic acid, uric acid and cholesterol levels. The serum selenium decreased by the presence of NB in the diet. The addition of selenium and ascorbic acid to the NB diet prevented the reduction in body density and also affected uric acid and cholesterol levels. It is suggested that the NB diet has adverse effects and that some of the alterations it causes are prevented by the reducing elements selenium and ascorbic acid.

Topics: Animals; Antioxidants; Ascorbic Acid; Blood Glucose; Body Mass Index; Body Weight; Cholesterol; Diet; Eating; Lactates; Male; Meat; Nitrites; Proline; Rats; Selenium; Swine; Uric Acid

The effects of vitamins E and E, beta-carotene and selenium on development of N-nitrosobis(2-oxopropyl)amine (BOP)-induced pancreatic tumours in hamsters were investigated. Dietary supplementation of vitamin C, alone as well as in combination with beta-carotene resulted in consistently lower numbers of advanced ductular lesions. The differences with the controls, however, did not reach the level of statistical significance. Beta-Carotene alone demonstrated no inhibitory effect on the development of (pre)neoplastic lesions in the pancreas. Vitamin E or Se, either alone or in combination, had no effect on the development of advanced ductular lesions in BOP-treated hamsters.

Topics: Adenocarcinoma; Animals; Ascorbic Acid; beta Carotene; Body Weight; Carcinogens; Carcinoma, Ductal, Breast; Carotenoids; Cricetinae; Diet; Male; Mesocricetus; Nitrosamines; Organ Size; Pancreatic Neoplasms; Selenium; Vitamin E

Six experiments were conducted to study the effect of diet on growth and plasma ascorbic acid in chickens. D-Glucuronolactone failed to improve growth with either a crude yeast-fish meal diet or a purified diet based on casein and gelatin. With the purified diet, D-glucuronic acid and L-gulonolactone also failed to improve growth and did not influence plasma ascorbic acid levels. Dietary ascorbic acid improved growth of chicks with a purified diet in most cases, but not with a corn-soybean diet. Meat meal and fish meal caused slight increases in plasma ascorbic acid, whereas soybean meal, safflower meal, and cottonseed meal caused greater increases when used in a purified diet. Gulonolactone oxidase activity in the kidney was not different between chicks fed the purified or the corn-soybean diets, but was reduced by 0.1% dietary ascorbic acid. The mechanism for the increase in plasma ascorbic acid with the addition of soybean meal and other plant protein sources to the diet is not known.

Topics: Animals; Ascorbic Acid; Body Weight; Chickens; Food, Fortified; Glucuronates; Glucuronic Acid; Male; Sugar Acids

Elderly persons are at risk for developing malnutrition due to a number of age-related factors, and conversely, malnutrition can worsen declining physiological and psychosocial conditions. The purpose of this study was to determine the nutritional status of an elderly, ambulatory outpatient population, and to evaluate change in nutritional status over a 2-year period. The 209 subjects were male veterans, over 65 years of age without acute disease-related nutritional risk factors. Nutrient intake was determined through food recalls and food frequency questionnaires. Anthropometrics included circumferences and skinfolds. Laboratory measures included selected minerals and vitamins, as well as hematological and lipid profiles. Mean intake of nutrients generally met or exceeded the Recommended Dietary Allowances with the exception of calories, although > 25% of subjects consumed inadequate amounts of thiamine, vitamin A, vitamin C, and calcium. Few subjects were found to be extremely underweight or obese, although skinfolds decreased over the two years. Mean laboratory measures were within normal range with the exception of selenium, cholesterol, and low density lipoprotein. Dietary, biochemical, and anthropometric data indicate good nutritional status in general, although dietary vitamin C, vitamin A, and calcium may be poor in subgroups; body fat as assessed by skinfolds appeared to decline; and selenium, lipid profiles, and hematological profiles warrant further investigation.

Topics: Aged; Aging; Anthropometry; Ascorbic Acid; Body Mass Index; Body Weight; Calcium, Dietary; Cholesterol; Energy Intake; Food; Geriatric Assessment; Humans; Lipoproteins, LDL; Longitudinal Studies; Male; Minerals; Nutrition Assessment; Nutrition Disorders; Nutrition Policy; Nutritional Status; Outpatients; Risk Factors; Selenium; Skinfold Thickness; Thiamine; Veterans; Vitamin A; Vitamins

We examined the modifying effect of hemicalcium ascorbate (Ca-Asc), and its lipophilic derivatives, 2-O-octadecylascorbic acid (CV-3611) and ascorbyl palmitate (AscP), on hepatocarcinogenesis by 3'-methyl-4-dimethylaminoazobenzene (3'-Me-DAB) in ODS rats (a mutant unable to synthesize ascorbic acid). Male 14-week-old ODS rats were given a modified AIN-A diet or the diet containing 0.06% 3'-Me-DAB, and drinking water containing 0.1% ascorbic acid. Rats were divided into the following eight groups: Group 1, no treatment (basal diet alone); Group 2, Ca-Asc; Group 3, CV-3611; Group 4, AscP;Group 5, 3'-Me-DAB; Group 6, 3'-Me-DAB + Ca-Asc; Group 7, 3'-Me-DAB + CV-3611; and Group 8, 3'-Me-DAB + AscP. Ca-Asc (2 g/kg), CV-3611 (0.2 g/kg), and AscP (0.6 g/kg) was administered once every day by gavage. 3'-Me-DAB was given in the basal diet. After 17 weeks, animals were killed by exsanguination, and the liver was weighed and processed for histological examination. Treatment by CV-3611 exerted a marked inhibitory effect on the development of 3'-Me-DAB-induced hepatocellular carcinomas (HCC) as measured by multiplicity. Although less effective than CV-3611, Ca-Asc and AscP also showed inhibitory effect. We have also studied the correlation of erythrocyte (RBC) polyamine levels and HCC development. RBC polyamine levels were inhibited by Ca-Asc and its derivatives, indicating it may be a marker of hepatocarcinogenesis.

Topics: Animals; Antimutagenic Agents; Ascorbic Acid; Body Weight; Carcinogens; Erythrocytes; Free Radical Scavengers; Liver; Liver Neoplasms, Experimental; Male; Methyldimethylaminoazobenzene; Organ Size; Putrescine; Rats; Spermidine; Spermine

The effect of long-term (1 y) low to excess ascorbic acid (AA) intake on bone mass was evaluated using guinea pigs that were 12-14 d old at the start of the experiment. Dietary AA was low (0.15 g/ kg diet) (n = 7), normal (0.50 g/kg) (n = 8) or excess (10 g/kg) (n = 8). After 12 mo, total body bone mineral density (BMD, mg/cm2) and bone mineral content (BMC, g) were determined by dual energy X-ray absorptiometry. Histomorphometric analysis of the cancellous bone of the proximal tibial metaphysis was completed after in vivo dual fluorochrome labeling. Total body BMD of the low AA group was 4.9% lower (P < 0.05), and total body BMC was 12.4% lower (P < 0.05) than in the normal AA group. Total body BMD and BMC were similar in normal and excess AA groups and in the low and excess AA groups. Histomorphometric analysis indicated significantly greater (P < 0.05) double-labeled bone surface, mineralizing surface, and bone formation rate in the low AA guinea pigs compared with the normal AA animals. Thus, there was greater bone turnover in the low AA group than in the normal AA guinea pigs. No differences in histomorphometric endpoints existed between the normal AA and excess AA groups. Long-term AA deficiency, during the period of rapid growth and slower phases of skeletal maturation, resulted in bone abnormalities in adult guinea pig skeletons. Long-term dietary AA excess caused no such abnormalities.

Topics: Absorptiometry, Photon; Adrenal Glands; Animals; Ascorbic Acid; Body Weight; Bone Density; Calcium; Diet; Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; Female; Guinea Pigs; Liver; Tibia; Time Factors

We investigated the effect of Fe deficiency on the nutritive utilization of Fe, Ca, P and Mg in rats. Aside from the well known depletion of Fe in liver, femur and sternum with low values of Hb, Fe deficiency impaired Ca, P and Mg metabolism at different degrees. Iron deficiency altered Mg absorption, lowered the concentration of Ca in the liver, femur and sternum, raised the concentration of P and Mg in the liver, and decreased P in the femur. The altered status was not completely rectified by iron supplementation as the animals were still slightly anemic at the end of the study. The second purpose of the study was to evaluate the ability of three iron compounds (ferric citrate, ferrous sulfate and ferrous ascorbate) to correct the undesirable effects of Fe deficiency. Ten days after treatment with these diets, Fe-deficient rats still had reduced Mg absorption, especially those fed ferric citrate. The concentrations of hemoglobin approached normal values in all groups; however, serum Fe remained low, indicating that Fe reserves were still depleted. Hepatic and femoral Fe concentrations were also lower in all Fe-deficient groups regardless of the diet given, compared with their respective controls, whereas Fe concentrations in the sternum increased significantly with all three diets, suggesting an increase in erythropoiesis. The concentration of Ca, P and Mg in liver approached normal values, and appeared to normalize in the femur, except that Ca and P concentrations remained low with the citrate diet. In the sternum, a site assumed to have higher requirements for these minerals, the concentrations of Ca, P and Mg also increased. These findings indicate that Fe is involved in the bone mineralization, and that in physiological terms, Fe interacts favorably with Ca, P and Mg metabolism, since Fe deficiency altered the status of these metals. These findings also suggest that ferrous ascorbate and ferrous sulfate were more effectively absorbed than was ferric citrate.

Topics: Analysis of Variance; Anemia, Iron-Deficiency; Animal Feed; Animals; Ascorbic Acid; Body Weight; Calcium; Eating; Ferric Compounds; Ferrous Compounds; Food, Fortified; Hemoglobins; Iron; Iron Deficiencies; Magnesium; Male; Phosphorus; Random Allocation; Rats; Rats, Wistar; Tissue Distribution

There is growing evidence that oxygen free radical production and subsequent lipid peroxidation are normal sequelae to the rise in oxygen consumption concomitant with exercise. In addition, increased lipid peroxidation has also been shown in vitamin B6-deficient rat plasma, liver, and kidney. To investigate the potential for a role of vitamin B6 in exercise-induced oxidative stress, 36 male Sprague-Dawley rats received 0 (n = 12), 2 (n = 12), and 8 mg pyridoxine (PN)-HCl/kg diet (n = 12) and were trained by a 9-week swimming program. After 9-weeks of training, six rats (exhausted: E rats) of each vitamin group were exercised to exhaustion by swimming while the other six rats rested (nonexhausted: NE rats). Ascorbate, ascorbate free radical and antilipoperoxidant capability (AC) were evaluated in plasma. These parameters were higher in E rats than in NE rats. Free radical-mediated lipid peroxidation was measured in tissue and plasma by evaluation of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) content. This index of peroxidation was significantly increased in liver of E rats but not in plasma, heart, and gastrocnemius muscle. Concentration of TBARS in liver was the highest in vitamin B6-deficient rats (consuming 0 mg PN-HCl/kg diet) and the lowest in vitamin B6-sufficient rats (consuming 8 mg PN-HCl/kg diet). Vitamin E (alpha-tocopherol) levels in liver and heart were negatively related to vitamin B6 levels in the diet. Independently of vitamin B6, liver and muscle alpha-tocopherol levels were significantly higher in E animals than in NE animals. There is good evidence according to our results that exercise induced an oxidative stress, as indicated by a significant increase of ascorbyl radical levels in the plasma. The effects of vitamin B6 deficiency on the free radical metabolism are low in trained rats. On the contrary, exhaustive exercise induced modifications in the metabolism pathways of vitamin C and E objectivated by variations of levels of vitamin C in the plasma and vitamin E in liver.

Topics: Animals; Antioxidants; Ascorbic Acid; Body Weight; Dehydroascorbic Acid; Free Radicals; Heart; Iron; Lipid Peroxidation; Liver; Male; Muscle, Skeletal; Organ Size; Oxygen Consumption; Physical Conditioning, Animal; Physical Exertion; Pyridoxine; Rats; Rats, Sprague-Dawley; Swimming; Time Factors; Vitamin B 6 Deficiency; Vitamin E

Five experiments involving 3,100 settable eggs with living embryos of commercial broiler parent stock were conducted to determine the effect of ascorbic acid (AA) and cooling during egg incubation on embryonic weight, hatchability, percentage of cull chicks, embryonic mortality, and body weights of the hatched chicks. The treatments were carried out at 15, 15, 17, 11 and 19 d of incubation for Experiments 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5, respectively. The treatments for the experiments were as follows: 1) eggs injected with 0.1 mL of sterile saline solution; 2) eggs injected with saline containing 0.5, 1, 3, and 12 mg of AA per egg; and 3) control for Experiment 1; 1) eggs injected with 3 mg of AA per egg; 2) eggs cooled at 22 C for 24 h; and 3) control for Experiments 2 and 3; 1) eggs injected with 3 mg AA per egg; and 2) control for Experiments 4 and 5. Ascorbic acid at a dose of 3 mg during egg incubation improved hatchability and body weight, and decreased number of cull chicks, whereas a dose of 12 mg decreased embryo weight and hatchability and increased the number of cull chicks and embryonic mortality. Injection of AA hatchability improved when injected on Days 11 and 15 of incubation; effects diminished if AA was injected on Day 19 of incubation. Cooling eggs at 22 C for 24 h had no significant effect on any of the variables studied when compared with controls. Comparison of AA injection at a dose of 3 mg per egg and egg cooling to 22 C for 24 h at 15 to 17 d of incubation led to the conclusion that AA had two advantages over cooling. These advantages were 1) low embryonic death and 2) greater chick weight at hatch and on Days 15 and 17 of incubation.

Topics: Animals; Ascorbic Acid; Body Weight; Chick Embryo; Chickens; Cold Temperature; Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; Eggs; Embryonic and Fetal Development; Female; Random Allocation; Temperature

The impact of aging on the Ca2+ pump function of skeletal muscle sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) was investigated using SR-enriched membrane vesicles isolated from the slow-twitch soleus muscle (SM) and the relatively fast-twitch gastrocnemius muscle (GM) isolated from adult (6-8 mo old) and aged (26-28 mo old) Fischer 344 rats. In addition, isometric twitch characteristics of SM and GM were determined in situ in adult and aged rats under anesthesia. The rates of ATP-supported Ca2+ uptake by SM SR was markedly lower ( approximately 50%) in the aged compared with adult at varying Ca2+ (0.11-8.24 microM) concentrations. Kinetic analysis of the data revealed age-associated decrease in maximum activity reached (Vmax) and increase in the concentration of Ca2+ giving half of Vmax. In contrast, no significant age-related difference was observed in ATP-supported Ca2+ uptake activity of GM SR. The Ca(2+)-stimulated adenosinetriphosphatase (ATPase) activities and the amount of Ca(2+)-ATPase protein did not vary significantly with aging in SM or GM SR. Also, no significant age-related difference was observed in the content of the ryanodine receptor (Ca(2+)-release channel) or the Ca2+ binding protein, calsequestrin in SM and GM SR. In isometrically contracting SM, the time to peak force, half-relaxation time, and contraction duration were significantly prolonged in the aged compared with adult, whereas there was no age-related difference in maximum developed force. None of these isometric twitch parameters differed significantly with age in the GM. These results demonstrate that the effects of aging on skeletal muscle contractile properties and SR function are muscle specific. Furthermore, the data strongly suggest that impairment in SR Ca2+ pump function, apparently due to uncoupling of ATP hydrolysis from Ca2+ transport, contributes to the age-associated slowing of relaxation in the soleus muscle.

Topics: Aging; Animals; Antioxidants; Ascorbic Acid; Biological Transport, Active; Body Weight; Calcium; Calcium Channels; Calcium-Transporting ATPases; Calsequestrin; Cell Compartmentation; Male; Muscle Contraction; Muscle Proteins; Muscle, Skeletal; Rats; Rats, Inbred F344; Ryanodine Receptor Calcium Release Channel; Sarcoplasmic Reticulum

Dietary treatment with three diets differing in vitamin E, Low E (15 mg of vitamin E/kg diet), Medium E (150 mg/kg), or High E (1,500 mg/kg), resulted in guinea pigs with low (but nondeficient), intermediate, or high heart alpha-tocopherol concentration. Neither the antioxidant enzymes superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase, and reductase, nor the nonenzymatic antioxidants, GSH, ascorbate, and uric acid were homeostatically depressed by increases in heart alpha-tocopherol. Protection from both enzymatic (NADPH dependent) and nonenzymatic (ascorbate-Fe2+) lipid peroxidation was strongly increased by vitamin E supplementation from Low to Medium E whereas no additional gain was obtained from the Medium E to the High E group. The GSH/GSSG and GSH/total glutathione ratios increased as a function of the vitamin E dietary concentration closely resembling the shape of the dependence of heart alpha-tocopherol on dietary vitamin E. The results show the capacity of dietary vitamin E to increase the global antioxidant capacity of the heart and to improve the heart redox status in both the lipid and water-soluble compartments. This capacity occurred at levels six times higher than the minimum daily requirement of vitamin E, even in the presence of optimum dietary vitamin C concentrations and basal unstressed conditions. The need for vitamin E dietary supplementation seems specially important in this tissue due to the low constitutive levels of endogenous enzymatic and nonenzymatic antioxidants present of the mammalian heart in comparison with those of other internal organs.

Topics: Animals; Antioxidants; Ascorbic Acid; Body Weight; Catalase; Diet; Electron Transport Complex IV; Glutathione; Glutathione Peroxidase; Glutathione Reductase; Guinea Pigs; Lipid Peroxidation; Male; Myocardium; Oxidation-Reduction; Superoxide Dismutase; Uric Acid; Vitamin E

The effect of vitamin C supplementation on hepatic cytochrome P450 expression was investigated in streptozotocin (STZ) diabetic male Wistar Albino rats. STZ-treated rats displayed the usual characteristics of diabetes including; hyperphagia, polydipsia, decreased body weight gain and also the increased expression and activity of hepatic CYP1A, 2B, 2E and 4A proteins. Vitamin C administration in drinking water (2% w/v) was associated with significant decreases in the levels of hyperglycaemia (P < 0.05), glycosylated haemoglobin (P < 0.05), hyperlipidaemia (P < 0.001), and hyperketonaemia (P < 0.001) associated with STZ-diabetes. Vitamin C-treatment selectively reduced the activity and expression of CYP2E proteins (P < 0.001). These effects on CYP2E expression may be mediated by the reduced levels of circulating ketone bodies, however, a direct effect on CYP2E expression in diabetes cannot be discounted.

Topics: Animals; Ascorbic Acid; Blood Chemical Analysis; Body Weight; Cytochrome P-450 Enzyme System; Diabetes Mellitus, Experimental; Drinking; Eating; Male; Rats; Rats, Wistar; Streptozocin

Rats with hereditary defects in ascorbic acid (AsA) synthesis (ODS rats) subjected to AsA-deficiency for 3 weeks showed reductions of plasma alkaline phosphatase and dry and ash weights of the tibia, but no body weight alteration. In accordance with the chemical changes, bone loss and decrease of bone formation by AsA deficiency but not by malnutrition were observed in contact microradiographs of the tibia and by a tetracycline double labeling technique, respectively. The mechanical properties of femora measured by a three point-bending procedure were also altered by AsA deficiency for 3 weeks and showed decreases of 59% in toughness, 32% in strength, 32% in ductility and 22% in stiffness. The biomechanical changes by AsA deficiency were greater than the chemical changes in bone, indicating the usefulness of measuring mechanical properties as a sensitive method for the evaluation of the bone status. The second moment of the area of the femur was not changed by AsA deficiency. These results suggest that AsA deficiency in ODS rats causes marked bone loss and reduction in bone formation, which is accompanied by a greater reduction in biomechanics of the femur without causing macroarchitectural changes.

Topics: Animals; Ascorbic Acid; Body Weight; Bone and Bones; Bone Diseases; Disease Models, Animal; Femur; L-Gulonolactone Oxidase; Male; Rats; Rats, Inbred Strains; Sugar Alcohol Dehydrogenases; Tibia; Time Factors

We studied the effect of supplementation with vitamins C, E and beta-carotene (PARABION, produced by Syndipharma) on antioxidative status in kidneys of male Wistar rats with diabetes induced by intravenous application of streptozotocin (45 mg.kg-1 of body weight). The animals received subtherapeutic doses of Insulin Interdep (6 U.kg-1 of body weight). A significant decrease of malondialdehyde (MDA), reduced (GSH) and oxidized (GSSG) glutathione and reduction of the activities of Se-glutathione peroxidase (Se-GSH-PX, EC. 1.11.1.9.) and glutathione S-transferase (GST, EC. 2.5.1.18.) were observed in kidneys of diabetic rats treated with these vitamins. On the contrary, the activity of CuZn-superoxide dismutase (CuZn-SOD, EC. 1.15.1.1) and the level of vitamin C (vit. C) increased significantly. No changes were observed for vitamin E (vit. E), beta-carotene and catalase (CAT, EC. 1.11.1.6). Supplementation with vitamins C, E and beta-carotene resulted in an improvement of antioxidative status of kidneys of rats with streptozotocin-induced diabetes.

Topics: Animals; Antioxidants; Ascorbic Acid; beta Carotene; Body Weight; Carotenoids; Diabetes Mellitus, Experimental; Glutathione; Kidney; Male; Malondialdehyde; Organ Size; Rats; Rats, Wistar; Vitamin E

Paraquat dichloride at 250 ppm in the diet was fed continuously to rats. Though no apparent effect of paraquat was observed until 10 d, some rats then began to show several symptoms such as diarrhea, anorexia, epistaxis, and hypokinesia, and in some cases rats died after this period. The biochemical examination of plasma components revealed appreciable changes in the concentrations of an acute-phase reactant protein and some vitamins that act as antioxidants. alpha-Cysteine proteinase inhibitor increased by 5-fold, and vitamin C and its radical increased by 1.5- and 1.7-fold, respectively, whereas alpha 1 proteinase inhibitor decreased slightly. Paraquat enhanced the cysteine proteinase inhibitor levels in lung, liver, and kidney by 6.2-, 6.0-, and 4.5-fold of control, respectively. Among three components of alpha-cysteine proteinase inhibitor, the T kininogen level of treated rat plasma was about eight-fold higher than control, whereas the high-molecular-weight kininogen level was unchanged. The large increment of T kininogen was also seen in lungs of the treated rats.

Topics: Acute-Phase Proteins; Administration, Oral; Animals; Antioxidants; Ascorbic Acid; Body Weight; Cysteine Endopeptidases; Cysteine Proteinase Inhibitors; Immunodiffusion; Kininogens; Male; Organ Size; Paraquat; Rats; Rats, Wistar; Tissue Distribution; Vitamin E

The effect of seasonal changes in household food availability on the dietary intakes and the nutritional status of 24 lactating women from smallholder rural households in Nakuru district Kenya, were investigated over a 15-month period in 1992/93 agricultural cycle. Dietary intakes and body weights were measured on monthly basis. Significant seasonal differences were found in intakes of calcium, vitamin A, vitamin C, riboflavin, and niacin respectively (P < 0.01), as well as in the intake of protein, iron, and thiamin (P < 0.05), but not with energy and fat intake. Large interseasonal weight losses of 5.6 kg (about 9%) at the rate of 1.1 kg/month, were observed between baseline measurements and the peak of the lean months when the energy intakes were 36.7 kcal/kg/day and protein at 1.1 g/kg/day. About 50% of the lost weight (2.8 kg) were recovered during the harvest months of January and February, when energy intakes improved to 41.0 kcal/kg/day, and protein to 1.2 g/kg/day. However, further weight losses of 1.6 kg or 0.5 kg/month occurred in the immediate postharvest months between March and June. While much of the weight loss may have been due to reduced energy intake during periods of food scarcity, part of the lost weight may have been due to increased energy requirement as a result of lactation and to increased physical activities. Further investigations are recommended.

Topics: Adult; Anthropometry; Ascorbic Acid; Body Weight; Calcium; Diet; Eating; Female; Food Analysis; Food Supply; Humans; Iron; Kenya; Lactation; Maternal Welfare; Niacin; Nutritional Status; Riboflavin; Rural Health; Seasons; Thiamine; Vitamin A; Weight Loss

The vitamin C activity of erythorbic acid (ErA) in ascorbic acid (AsA)-deficient guinea pigs was evaluated. The guinea pigs depleted AsA for 16 days were divided into two groups: one group (control group) was supplemented with 1, 5, or 100 mg/day AsA and the other group (experimental group) was supplemented with 1, 5, 20, or 100 mg/day ErA for 4 days. The contents of AsA and ErA in the tissues of guinea pigs were determined by using HPLC, and the activities of liver aniline hydroxylase, of serum alkaline phosphatase and the content of liver cytochrome P-450 were measured. The AsA tissue content of AsA-supplemented guinea pigs was much higher than the ErA tissue content of ErA-supplemented ones, and also, the activities of liver aniline hydroxylase, of serum alkaline phosphatase and the content of liver cytochrome P-450 of AsA-supplemented animals were much higher than those of ErA-supplemented animals, even when the supplemented amount of ErA was equal to that of AsA. Based on these results, the vitamin C activity of ErA seems to be much lower than that of AsA in the AsA-deficient guinea pigs. This suggested that the apparent vitamin C activity of ErA was dependent on the AsA tissue levels of guinea pigs.

Topics: Adrenal Glands; Alkaline Phosphatase; Aniline Hydroxylase; Animals; Ascorbic Acid; Ascorbic Acid Deficiency; Body Weight; Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid; Cytochrome P-450 Enzyme System; Guinea Pigs; Liver; Male; Stereoisomerism

The antiscorbutic activity of 6-bromo-6-deoxy-L-ascorbic acid (I) in guinea pigs was compared to that of ascorbic acid (AsA). The growth test results in guinea pigs did not show any significant difference between the body weight increase in the respective 2 groups given compound (I) and that in the group given AsA. Scorbutic guinea pigs were found to completely recover from the disease after administration of the compound (I). There were no significant differences in the plasma alkaline phosphatase activity and the hydroxyproline content in the tibia between the group given compound (I) and that given AsA. The total vitamin C contents in the various tissues were similar in the 2 groups given compound (I) and the C-deficient group but they were lower than the levels for the group given AsA. It was shown that antiscorbutic activity was characteristic of compound (I) and it was almost equal to the effect of AsA.

Topics: Alkaline Phosphatase; Animals; Ascorbic Acid; Body Weight; Brain Chemistry; Guinea Pigs; Hydroxyproline; Kidney; Liver; Male; Scurvy; Spleen; Tibia

To monitor adults older than 65 years living in nursing facilities and who experience unintentional weight loss of more than 10% of actual body weight in 6 months or more than 5% in 1 month or who have stage II, III, or IV pressure ulcers.. We reviewed 290 medical records for unintentional weight loss and 265 for pressure ulcers.. Two data-collecting instruments were used: one for pressure ulcers and one for unintentional weight loss. Indicators for each instrument were selected to monitor clinical conditions that tend to be problem-prone areas for these two populations.. Descriptive statistics were used to calculate the frequency of each indicator for each population.. Of the 24 indicators for unintentional weight loss, the 6 indicators present most often, in descending order, were reduced functional ability, intake of 50% or less of food served for the past 3 consecutive days, chewing problems, serum albumin level less than 35 g/l with normal hydration status, cholesterol level less than 4.1 mmol/L, and refusal of 50% or more of food replacement for the past 7 days. For the residents with pressure ulcers, the indicator present most often was serum albumin level less than 35 g/L with normal hydration status. The three highest intervention indicators were receives 1.2 g protein per kilogram of actual body weight, receives 120 mg or more of vitamin C daily, and receives 1 1/2 times the energy required based on goal body weight. When serum albumin level was documented in the medical record, it was a valid indicator for both diagnoses.. Inappropriate dietary intake, disease, and disability place residents in nursing facilities at risk for malnutrition. Thus, it is important to obtain laboratory values when assessing elderly residents and determining their nutritional status.

Topics: Aged; Ascorbic Acid; Body Weight; Cholesterol; Cross-Sectional Studies; Disability Evaluation; Eating; Humans; Incidence; Mastication; Medical Records; Nursing Homes; Nutrition Assessment; Pressure Ulcer; Retrospective Studies; Serum Albumin; Weight Loss

Live performance and carcass quality of female broilers were evaluated under four coccidiostat programs (CP) and two feed treatments. The CP consisted of halofuginone (H) and salinomycin (S), fed either continuously (HH and SS) or in rotational programs (HS and SH), during the starter (1 to 21 d) and grower (22 to 35 d) periods, respectively. All groups received an unmedicated withdrawal feed from 36 to 42 d. Feed treatments consisted of a control and a fortified diet high in proline and supplemented with additional ascorbic acid and zinc (50 birds per pen; 4 pens per feed; 8 pens per CP). In addition to live performance and skin puncture strength, carcass quality attributes following processing (at 43 d of age) were assessed. No CP by feed interactions were detected for any of the variables measured. The CP treatments did not differ for live performance. Birds on fortified feed were heavier at 21 d (P < .001) and had an improved feed conversion at 42 d (P < .05). Skin puncture strength was significantly reduced for the birds fed H, either in continuous (HH) or rotational programs (HS and SH). Skin sores-scratches and tears were lowest for the SS and SH groups. The HH treatment resulted in fewer grade A carcasses (P < .001). Halofuginone, when fed continuously or in the starter feed, affected carcass quality of broilers. Higher dietary proline or supplementation with ascorbic acid and zinc did not appear to alleviate the effects of halofuginone on skin quality.

Topics: Animals; Ascorbic Acid; Body Weight; Chickens; Coccidiostats; Female; Food, Fortified; Piperidines; Proline; Pyrans; Quinazolines; Quinazolinones; Skin; Skin Physiological Phenomena; Tensile Strength; Zinc

Since Vitamin C (ascorbate, AH2) is an important airway antioxidant and is an essential component of tissue repair, and since acute (4 hr) O3 toxicity is enhanced by AH2 deficiency, we hypothesized that longer-term O3 effects might also be increased. Female Hartley guinea pigs (260-330 g) were fed either an AH2-sufficient or an AH2-deficient diet 1 week prior to exposure, and were maintained on their respective diets during 1 week of continuous exposure to O3 (0, 0.2, 0.4, and 0.8 ppm, 23 hr/day), and during 1 week postexposure recovery in clean air. The AH2-deficient diet caused lung AH2 to drop to about 30% of control in 1 week, and to below 10% by the end of exposure and recovery. Body weight gains during exposure were decreased in the 0.8 ppm O3 group, while the AH2 deficiency began to affect body weights only during recovery. O3 caused a concentration-dependent decrease in total lung capacity, vital capacity, carbon monoxide diffusing capacity, nitrogen washout, and static compliance, while increasing forced expiratory flow rates and residual or end-expiratory volume (suggestive of pulmonary gas-trapping). The lung/body weight ratio and fixed lung displacement volume were also increased in O3-exposed animals. Lung pathology consisted of mononuclear cell and neutrophil infiltration, airway as well as alveolar epithelial cell hyperplasia, and general decrease in epithelial cell cytoplasm. Thickening of the interstitium and an apparent increase in collagen staining were seen at the terminal bronchiolar regions. Some of these effects were marginally exacerbated in AH2-deficient guinea pigs. One week postexposure to air reversed all O3-induced abnormalities, irrespective of AH2 deficiency. Whole lung hydroxyproline and desmosine were not changed at any time by either O3 or AH2 deficiency. Measurement of lung prolyl hydroxylase activity suggested that AH2 deficiency as well as O3 exposure may have increased the tissue levels of this enzyme. The lack of a significant increase in toxicity with the longer-term exposure scenario suggests that AH2 has minimal influence on other compensatory mechanisms developed over time.

Topics: Animals; Ascorbic Acid; Ascorbic Acid Deficiency; Body Weight; Collagen; Desmosine; Elastin; Female; Guinea Pigs; Hydroxyproline; Lung Diseases; Lung Volume Measurements; Organ Size; Ozone; Procollagen-Proline Dioxygenase; Respiratory Function Tests; Tissue Fixation

The present study investigated the effects of ascorbic acid (AA) supplementation on the cardiac performance and the plasma levels of glucose, insulin, triglycerides, cholesterol and free fatty acid in diabetic and non-diabetic rats. Diabetes was induced by intravenous injection of streptozotocin (STZ) 55 mg/kg. AA was given in drinking water in concentrations of 1 g/l or 2 g/l for 8 weeks after STZ injection. Myocardial performance was determined using the isolated perfused working heart preparations. Following AA supplementation, there were no significant changes in any of the parameters measured in non-diabetic rats; however, the occurrence of polydipsia, hyperphagia, hyperlipidemia and myocardial dysfunction in STZ-diabetic rats was significantly alleviated in a dose-dependent manner. Nevertheless, the decreased body weight gain, hypoinsulinemia and hyperglycemia in diabetic animals were not affected. The data show that AA supplementation in STZ-diabetic rats improves both hyperlipidemia and cardiac function. However, the mechanisms of these effects and the correlation between these improvements are not clear.

Topics: Administration, Oral; Analysis of Variance; Animals; Ascorbic Acid; Blood Glucose; Body Weight; Cholesterol; Diabetes Mellitus, Experimental; Fatty Acids, Nonesterified; Heart; Heart Atria; Insulin; Male; Rats; Rats, Wistar; Triglycerides; Water

Changes in serum and liver lipids, hepatic ascorbic acid (AA) and cytochrome P-450 were investigated in female guinea pigs divided into three groups with different AA intake in drinking water (10, 100 and 1000 mg AA per liter) for 10 weeks. Serum and liver total cholesterol significantly decreased in guinea pigs receiving 100 and 1000 mg AA per liter of drinking water when compared with guinea pigs with suboptimal AA intake (10 mg/l). Similarly, serum triglycerides were decreased in the groups with higher AA intake. Liver AA concentration increased significantly in accordance with rising AA doses. High AA intake (1000 mg/l) for 10 weeks resulted in significant increase of both cytochromes P-450 and cytochrome b5 and total haeme content in liver microsomes when compared to guinea pigs with suboptimal AA intake. A significant positive correlation between hepatic AA concentration and cytochrome P-450 content was observed. A close negative correlation between liver total cholesterol and cytochrome P-450 content in hepatic microsomes was also seen. Long-term suboptimal AA intake may unfavourably alter the blood and liver lipid profile as well as the capacity of hepatic drug metabolizing enzymes in both male and female guinea pigs.

Topics: Animals; Ascorbic Acid; Body Weight; Cytochrome P-450 Enzyme System; Diet; Female; Guinea Pigs; Lipid Metabolism; Lipids; Liver; Sex Factors; Spectrophotometry

To investigate the role of iron, ascorbate, and fructose on copper depletion and the effect of copper depletion on neonatal lung collagen, elastin, and surfactant, female rabbits were fed a control diet [10 parts per million (ppm) copper], a basal marginal copper diet (1.5 ppm), or a basal diet containing a high concentration of iron (1,750 ppm), ascorbic acid (1%, wt/wt), or fructose (20% of carbohydrates, wt/wt) or a combination of iron, ascorbic acid, and fructose throughout gestation. Whereas 10% of neonates in the control group died in the first 24 h, 27-67% of the offspring of rabbits fed the marginal copper diet died. Birth weight was also lower for the pups of the females fed the marginal copper diets. Lungs of neonates born to females fed iron or ascorbate and marginal copper diets had low levels of copper, high proportions of acid-extractable, high-molecular-weight collagen, and low lysyl-oxidase activities, consistent with incomplete maturation of collagen. The bronchoalveolar lavage fluids of newborns whose mothers were fed marginal copper diets alone or in combination with iron and/or ascorbate had lower levels of total surfactant phospholipids than the fluids from lungs of control newborns. The lower surfactant phospholipid content of these groups could be attributed mainly to lower phosphatidylcholine and, in particular, dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine levels. These results suggest that high maternal intakes of iron, ascorbate, or their combination in pregnancy deplete biologically available copper, which in turn induces neonatal lung abnormalities.

Topics: Animals; Animals, Newborn; Ascorbic Acid; Body Weight; Collagen; Copper; Elastin; Female; Iron; Lung; Pregnancy; Pregnancy, Animal; Protein-Lysine 6-Oxidase; Pulmonary Surfactants; Rabbits

The development of V toxicity was followed over a 28-d period in 25-wk-old Leghorn layers fed 20 mg ammonium metavanadate/kg diet (Days 1 to 14) followed by 30 mg/kg diet (Days 15 to 28). Then, over a second 28-d period, the responses to V and supplemental ascorbic acid (AA) fed at 500 or 1,000 mg/kg diet (Days 29 to 42) followed by 1,500 or 3,000 mg/kg diet (Days 43 to 56) were examined. Feed consumption, egg weight, Haugh units (HU), and BW measurements indicated that the response to V was multifactorial, but of differing intensities and time-frames for the variables. Haugh units were lowered rapidly (3 d, P < .05) in response to V feeding, but HU values decreased only slightly when dietary V was increased to 30 mg/kg. In contrast, egg production was decreased moderately by 20 mg V/kg and a considerable further reduction in egg production resulted from increasing the V to 30 mg/kg. Ascorbic acid supplementation differentially affected these responses: BW, egg production, and egg weight were improved significantly in the V-fed group receiving an AA supplement, as compared with those fed V only. Haugh unit values, however, were not improved by AA supplementation in groups receiving V. Foam functional properties, which also were changed by V feeding, were not corrected by AA feeding. The results suggest that the toxic effects of V are mediated through more than one physiological mechanism. One mechanism, which includes negative effects on BW, egg production, and egg weight, is responsive to the additional reducing equivalents provided by supplemental AA. Another mechanism, which is apparent from the effect of V on egg HU values, is not ameliorated by AA supplementation after toxicity developed.

Topics: Animals; Ascorbic Acid; Body Weight; Chickens; Eating; Eggs; Female; Food, Fortified; Oviposition; Time Factors; Vanadium

Whether a reduction in urinary protein excretion in rats coadministered puromycin aminonucleoside and antioxidants was associated with a reduction in alterations to glomerular epithelial cell (podocyte) ultrastructure was examined. Daily urinary protein excretion was measured in rats that received a single i.v. injection of saline or puromycin aminonucleoside with or without coadministration of antioxidants. The coadministration of alpha-tocopherol/ascorbic acid, dimethyl thiourea, or superoxide dismutase to puromycin aminonucleoside-treated rats reduced proteinuria by approximately 90, 40, and 60%, respectively, over the 18-day period studied. For a second group of rats, daily urinary protein excretion was measured and kidneys were processed for light microscopy and transmission and scanning electron microscopy 4, 5, and 10 days after injection. Transmission electron microscopic morphometric analysis of glomeruli from puromycin aminonucleoside-treated rats coadministered antioxidants revealed significantly reduced foot process effacement on Days, 4, 5, and 10 compared with rats that received puromycin aminonucleoside alone. Thus, at Day 10, puromycin aminonucleoside-treated rats coadministered alpha-tocopherol/ascorbic acid, dimethyl thiourea, or superoxide dismutase contained 90, 74, and 88% (P < 0.01 in all cases) more glomerular epithelial cell filtration slits per unit length of glomerular basement membrane than rats treated with puromycin aminonucleoside alone. In contrast, by scanning electron microscopy, the antioxidants were found to provide no protection against the changes occurring in glomerular epithelial cell bodies and major processes. These results provide further evidence of a role for reactive oxygen species in puromycin aminonucleoside nephrosis and indicate that the antioxidants provide protection against the changes occurring in glomerular epithelial cell foot processes.

Topics: Animals; Antioxidants; Ascorbic Acid; Body Weight; Diuresis; Female; Kidney Glomerulus; Microscopy, Electron; Proteinuria; Puromycin Aminonucleoside; Rats; Rats, Sprague-Dawley; Superoxide Dismutase; Thiourea; Vitamin E

Chromium (Cr) potentiates the effects of insulin and a role for insulin in ascorbic acid transport has been reported. Therefore, the effects of Cr and ascorbate depletion on tissue ascorbic acid and 14C distribution and excretion after a 14C ascorbate dose were investigated in guinea pigs. As utilization of dietary Cr is affected by interaction with other minerals, tissue manganese (Mn), zinc (Zn), copper (Cu), and iron (Fe) were examined. For 20 wk, 40 weanling animals were fed either a Cr-deficient (< 0.06 micrograms Cr/g diet, -Cr) or a Cr-adequate (2 micrograms Cr from CrCl3/g diet, +Cr) casein-based diet and were given 1 mg ascorbate/d (-C) or 10 mg ascorbate/d (+C) for 20 wk. Animals fed the Cr-depleted diet had decreased weight at 20 wk (p < 0.01). Six hours before necropsy, animals were dosed by micropipette with 1.8 microCi of L-[carboxyl-14C] ascorbic acid and placed in metabolic cages. Ascorbate supplementation increased Fe concentrations in most analyzed tissues, hepatic 14C, tissue ascorbate and Mn concentration in the adrenal and testes, but decreased the concentrations of Cu in the kidney and Mn in the spleen. Liver Mn concentration was higher and kidney Mn concentration was lower in +Cr animals. Interactions between Cr and ascorbic acid affected Mn concentrations in bone and brain. These results indicate that ascorbate and Cr may affect Mn distribution. Chromium supplementation decreased plasma cortisol, brain 14C and the amount of 14C expired as carbon dioxide. These findings suggest that dietary Cr may affect ascorbic acid metabolism and the metabolic response to stress.

Topics: Adrenocorticotropic Hormone; Animals; Ascorbic Acid; Body Weight; Carbon Radioisotopes; Chromium; Guinea Pigs; Hydrocortisone; Male; Manganese

Male Sprague-Dawley rats were fed a diet containing either 0.005% beta-carotene, 0.02% sodium ascorbate or 1.5% cellulose for 14 weeks. Beginning on day 3, all animals were also given weekly subcutaneous injections of 1,2-dimethylhydrazine (DMH; 20 mg/kg body wt.) throughout a 12-week period. The experimental diet was continued for an additional 14 weeks. At the end of the 26th week, surviving animals were sacrificed and the incidence of intestinal carcinomas was examined. A significantly lower incidence of carcinomas was observed in the beta-carotene-fed group (55.0%), compared with that in the control group given DMH (82.1%).

Topics: 1,2-Dimethylhydrazine; Animals; Anticarcinogenic Agents; Ascorbic Acid; beta Carotene; Body Weight; Carotenoids; Cellulose; Dimethylhydrazines; Intestinal Neoplasms; Male; Rats; Rats, Sprague-Dawley

Guinea pigs were fed during 5 weeks with three different levels of vitamin C in the diet: 33 (marginal deficiency), 660, or 13,200 mg of vitamin C per kg of diet. The group fed 660 mg of vitamin C/kg of diet showed strongly reduced levels of protein carbonyls (46% decrease), malondialdehyde (HPLC; 72% decrease), and in vitro production of TBARS (both stimulated with ascorbate-Fe2+ and with NADPH-ADP-Fe2+; 68% and 71% decrease), increased glutathione reductase activity, and increased vitamin C content (48 times higher) in the liver in relation to the group fed 33 mg/kg. The treatment with 660 mg of vitamin C/kg did not decrease any of the antioxidant defenses studied: superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase, glutathione reductase, GSH, vitamin E, or uric acid. Further supplementation with 13,200 mg vitamin C/kg also reduced protein and lipid peroxidation, but decreased hepatic glutathione reductase and uric acid and resulted in a lower body weight of the animals. Both low (33 mg/kg) and very high (13,200 mg/kg) levels of vitamin C decreased body weight, glutathione reductase, and unsaturation of fatty acids in membrane lipids. The results show that a diet supplying an amount of vitamin C 40 times higher than the minimum daily requirement to avoid scurvy increases the global antioxidant capacity and is of protective value against endogenous lipid and protein oxidation in the liver under normal nonstressful conditions.

Topics: Animals; Antioxidants; Ascorbic Acid; Body Weight; Diet; Eating; Fatty Acids; Free Radical Scavengers; Guinea Pigs; Lipid Peroxidation; Liver; Male; Malondialdehyde; Oxidation-Reduction; Oxidative Stress; Proteins

The ascorbic acid (AA)-status of 14 marathon runners, 12 soccer players, 9 wrestlers, 9 basketball players and 16 controls was determined. A 7-day food weighed record was kept to quantify the AA-intake. In addition, the AA-serum concentrations and urinary ascorbate excretion were measured. The AA-intake of all 44 athletes (median, 26th-75th percentile) was 180.7 (188-239) mg/d, the serum concentration 70.6 (65.7-80.2 mumol/l) and the urine ascorbate excretion 1531 (391-2934) mumol/g creatine. No significant differences could be observed between the various sport groups, or between the sport groups and controls with respect to absolute (mg/d) and relative (mg/g body weight) AA-intake, serum and urine concentrations. Only a few of the athletes had AA-intake below the RDA or serum- or urine levels smaller than the decision limit. The absolute AA-intake (n = 44) from the 7-day record (r = 0.49, p < 0.0009) and the AA-intake on the last day (1-day) prior to urine collection (r = 0.90, p < 0.0000) correlate moderately/strongly with the urinary excretion. Between AA-intake (7-day) and serum concentration there is a correlation of r = 0.59, p < 0.0000. The AA-status of highly trained athletes does not differ significantly from the control group in spite of intensive daily training. Thus, AA-supplementation beyond the normal daily intake does not appear necessary.

Topics: Adult; Ascorbic Acid; Basketball; Body Weight; Creatine; Diet; Diet Records; Energy Intake; Humans; Male; Nutrition Policy; Nutritional Status; Running; Soccer; Sports; Wrestling

The susceptibility to induction of epithelial cell proliferation by three urinary bladder cancer promoters was investigated in NCI-Black-Reiter (NBR) rats, which lack alpha 2u-globulin-synthesizing ability. Six-week-old male NBR and F344 rats were given 5% sodium saccharin (Na-Sac), 5% sodium L-ascorbate (Na-AsA), or 3% uracil in the basal diet for 8 weeks. Administration of uracil evoked a marked cell proliferation response and papillomatosis associated with calculus formation in NBR as well as F344 rats. This result indicates that NBR rats are also susceptible to direct mechanical stimulation. In contrast, both strains of rats given Na-Sac or Na-AsA demonstrated an alkalization of urinary pH and an increase in urinary Na ion concentration, but increase in cell proliferation in the urinary bladder transitional epithelium was only observed in F344 rats. Since previous studies revealed that elevation of urinary pH and Na ion concentration are essential factors for exertion of promotion activity by Na-Sac and Na-AsA, the results of the present investigation suggest that alpha 2u-globulin might also be a necessary component of the mechanisms of their promotion of male rat urinary bladder carcinogenesis.

Topics: Animals; Ascorbic Acid; Body Weight; Carcinogens; Cell Division; DNA; Epithelial Cells; Epithelium; Hydrogen-Ion Concentration; Male; Rats; Rats, Inbred F344; Saccharin; Uracil; Urinary Bladder; Urinary Bladder Neoplasms; Urine

We tested the hypothesis that ascorbic acid in the diet of rats lowers the concentration of soluble Cu in the small intestine, causing a decrease in apparent Cu absorption. Male rats were fed on diets adequate in Cu (5 mg Cu/kg) without or with 10 g ascorbic acid/kg. The diet with ascorbic acid was fed for either 6 or 42 d. Ascorbic acid depressed tissue Cu concentrations after a feeding period of 42, but not after 6 d. Dietary ascorbic acid lowered apparent Cu absorption after 6, but not after 42 d. The lowering of tissue Cu concentrations after long-term ascorbic acid feeding may have increased the efficiency of Cu absorption, and thus counteracted the inhibitory effect of ascorbic acid. Dietary ascorbic acid caused a significant decrease in the Cu concentrations in the liquid phase of both the proximal and distal parts of the small intestinal lumen. This effect was due to both a decrease in the amount of Cu in the liquid digesta and an increase in the volume of the liquid phase; only the latter effect for the distal intestine was statistically significant. We conclude that ascorbic acid supplementation lowers Cu absorption by decreasing the concentration of soluble Cu in the small intestine.

Topics: Animals; Ascorbic Acid; Body Weight; Copper; Diet; Intestinal Absorption; Intestine, Small; Male; Rats; Rats, Wistar; Time Factors

Duplicate lots of 150 Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar), average weight 0.5 g, were fed NRC diet H-440 base containing L-ascorbic acid (C1) or L-ascorbyl-2-sulfate (C2S); or L-ascorbyl-2-monophosphate (C2MP): at 0 or 100 mg C1; 50, 100, 300 mg C2S; or 50, 100 mg C2MP per kg dry diet in 12 degrees C freshwater tanks. After 12 weeks, negative controls (no vitamin C) exhibited reduced growth, scoliosis, lordosis, and petechial hemorrhages typical of fish scurvy. All other lots grew normally. Four 100-fish lots of scorbutic salmon, average weight 3.3 g, were placed on recovery diets of 0, 50, or 300 mg C2S, or 100 mg C2MP per kg dry diet. After 5 weeks, fish fed either level of C2S intake had recovered and resumed growth. Negative controls continued to develop acute scurvy. The 41 survivors in this no-vitamin-C group all had advanced scurvy, whereas all fish in both C2S-fed recovery groups appeared normal. Tissue assays for C vitamers disclosed normal levels of C1 and C2S in the recovery groups. All other test treatment lots containing C1, C2S, or C2MP had fish with normal appearance and no significant differences in growth response for the 17-week test period. C2S at 50 mg or more per kg diet as the sole vitamin C source promoted normal growth in young Atlantic salmon for more than 20-fold increase in weight.

Topics: Animals; Ascorbic Acid; Body Weight; Fish Diseases; Liver; Salmon; Scurvy

Topics: Animals; Ascorbic Acid; Ascorbic Acid Deficiency; Body Weight; Cell Division; Graft Survival; L-Gulonolactone Oxidase; Liver; Liver Regeneration; Liver Transplantation; Male; Rats; Rats, Mutant Strains; Spleen; Sugar Alcohol Dehydrogenases; Time Factors; Transplantation, Heterologous

Prior studies have shown that the absorption of dietary nonheme iron in rats is much higher and less responsive to dietary variables than in human subjects. The aim of the present study was to determine whether this dissimilarity is explained by species differences in ascorbic acid status or metabolism. Iron absorption studies were performed with normal rats and with a genetic strain that lacks the ability to synthesize the vitamin. Ascorbic acid deficiency was produced in these animals by removing supplemental vitamin C from the diet for a brief period before the study. Iron absorption was measured from meals tagged extrinsically with 59Fe and measured by whole-body counting. We studied the effect on iron absorption of adding meat, ascorbic acid, soybean, tea, or bran to the test meal. A significant but modest effect of bran on iron absorption was observed in normal rats and of ascorbic acid and tea in ascorbate-depleted animals. However, the overall sensitivity of rats to dietary facilitators or inhibitors of nonheme iron absorption was not altered dramatically by ascorbic acid depletion. The relative insensitivity of rats to dietary factors affecting nonheme iron absorption in humans is not explained by differences in ascorbic acid metabolism between rats and humans.

Topics: Administration, Oral; Animals; Ascorbic Acid; Ascorbic Acid Deficiency; Body Weight; Diet; Female; Intestinal Absorption; Iron; Liver; Male; Rats; Rats, Mutant Strains; Rats, Wistar; Species Specificity

In experiment I, short-term effects of combined treatment with anti-oxidants, sodium ascorbate (NaAsA) and sodium nitrite (NaNO2) on forestomach cell proliferation were examined in F344 male rats. Groups of 5 animals aged 6 weeks were treated for 4 weeks with 0.8% catechol, 0.8% hydroquinone, 1% tert-butyl-hydroquinone (TBHQ), 2% gallic acid or 2% pyrogallor alone or in combination with 0.3% NaNO2 in the drinking water and/or 1% NaAsA in the diet. The thicknesses of forestomach mucosa in rats treated with anti-oxidants and NaNO2 in combination were greater than those with antioxidant alone and additional NaAsA treatment further enhanced the thickening of mucosa. It was noteworthy that values for mucosae of animals treated with NaNO2 and NaAsA without anti-oxidant were similar to those for anti-oxidants. In experiment 2, effects of combined treatment with NaAsA or ascorbic acid (AsA) and NaNO2 on carcinogenesis were examined in F344 male rats with or without N-methyl-N'-nitro-N-nitrosoguanidine (MNNG) pre-treatment. Groups of 20 or 15 rats, respectively, aged 6 weeks, were given a single intra-gastric administration of 150 mg/kg body weight of MNNG in DMSO:water = 1:1 or the vehicle alone by stomach tube. Starting 1 week later, they received supplements of 1% NaAsA or 1% AsA in the diet and 0.3% NaNO2 in drinking water in combination, each of the individual chemicals alone, or basal diet until the end of week 52. In MNNG-treated animals, incidences of forestomach papillomas and carcinomas were significantly enhanced in the NaNO2 alone group (84 and 47%, respectively) as compared with the basal diet group (30 and 10%), with further significant increase in carcinomas occurring with additional NaAsA (79%, p < 0.05) or AsA (85%, p < 0.05) treatment. In animals without MNNG, all animals in the NaNO2 group demonstrated mild hyperplasia, additional administration of NaAsA or AsA remarkably enhancing the grade of hyperplasia, and resulting in 53% and 20% incidences, respectively, of papillomas. Thus NaNO2 was demonstrated to exert promoter action for forestomach carcinogenesis, with NaAsA and AsA acting as co-promoters. The results strongly indicate that combined treatment with NaAsA or AsA and NaNO2 may induce forestomach carcinomas in the long term.

Topics: Animals; Ascorbic Acid; Body Weight; Carcinoma, Squamous Cell; Drug Interactions; Kidney; Liver; Male; Methylnitronitrosoguanidine; Organ Size; Papilloma; Rats; Rats, Inbred F344; Sodium Nitrite; Stomach Neoplasms

Plasma lipid and apolipoprotein (apo) A-I and B concentrations and habitual dietary intakes were determined in 306 free-living elderly individuals (119 men and 187 women, age range 60-100 y). Plasma lipid and apo A-I concentrations were significantly higher in women than in men. In older men, plasma triglyceride, total cholesterol, and apo B concentrations were significantly lower than in younger men, whereas a significant trend towards lower LDL-cholesterol concentrations was observed in older women. Energy intake and percent macronutrient intake were not influenced by age. Higher carbohydrate intake was associated with lower HDL cholesterol and apo A-I concentrations, whereas higher total fat intake was associated with higher apo A-I concentrations. Higher vitamin A intake was associated with higher plasma concentrations of HDL cholesterol and apo A-I. Our data indicate that both dietary and plasma concentrations of vitamin A, body mass index, age, and sex are important determinants of plasma lipid concentrations in the elderly.

Topics: Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Analysis of Variance; Apolipoproteins; Ascorbic Acid; Body Mass Index; Body Weight; Coronary Disease; Diabetes Mellitus; Diet; Diet Surveys; Female; Humans; Hypertension; Lipids; Lipoproteins; Male; Middle Aged; Vitamin A

The effect of heated sunflower oil consumption on alpha-tocopherol status, fatty acid composition and oxidative stability of chicken tissues was investigated. Chicks were fed on diets containing (g/kg): fresh sunflower oil (FSO) 40, heated sunflower oil (HSO) 40 or heated sunflower oil (40) supplemented with alpha-tocopheryl acetate (HSE) to a similar alpha-tocopherol concentration as the FSO diet. Concentrations of alpha-tocopherol in tissues of chicks fed on HSO and HSE were significantly lower than those of chicks fed on FSO. Significant correlations were observed between plasma alpha-tocopherol concentration and the alpha-tocopherol concentrations of other tissues (r > or = 0.67, P < 0.005) and between log plasma alpha-tocopherol and plasma thiobarbituric acid-reacting substances (TBARS) concentrations (r -0.851, P < 0.001). The concentrations of TBARS in tissues of chicks fed on the various diets were generally very similar before stimulation of peroxidation with Fe-ascorbate. Susceptibility of tissues to Fe-ascorbate-induced lipid peroxidation was increased by feeding HSO. Supplementation with alpha-tocopheryl acetate reduced susceptibility to lipid oxidation to varying degrees, depending on the tissue. The results suggest that chronic ingestion of oxidized lipids may compromise free-radical-scavenging activity in vivo by depleting alpha-tocopherol in the gastrointestinal tract, or possibly in plasma and other tissues.

Topics: alpha-Tocopherol; Animals; Ascorbic Acid; Body Composition; Body Weight; Chickens; Dietary Fats, Unsaturated; Fatty Acids; Female; Ferric Compounds; Helianthus; Hot Temperature; Lipid Peroxidation; Nutritional Status; Plant Oils; Sunflower Oil; Thiobarbituric Acid Reactive Substances; Tocopherols; Vitamin E

It has been established that prophylactic oral administration of the new derivative of n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids--P-55 in a daily dose of 0.2 g/kg during 30 days prevents some morphological and physiological manifestations of the chronic stress-syndrome in white rats. There were normalized body and some internal organs weights, content and distribution of ascorbic acid in the adrenal tissue; decreased intensity of gastric ulcerogenesis. The behaviour of animals became more quiet. It is concluded that the preparation P-55 has a stress-protective effect during its prophylactic administration.

Topics: Animals; Ascorbic Acid; Body Weight; Chronic Disease; Drug Evaluation, Preclinical; Fatty Acids, Omega-3; Histocytochemistry; Male; Organ Size; Rats; Rats, Wistar; Sleep Deprivation; Stomach Ulcer; Stress, Physiological

The effects of trimethyltin (TMT) on behavioral and histological parameters were investigated in rats maintained on low, mid, and high levels of ascorbic acid (AA). Male osteogenic disorder Shionogi (ODS) rats were used. Like man, ODS rats are unable to synthesize AA. AA was administered in the drinking water. Radial arm maze (RAM) performance and locomotor activity were measured before (i.e., baseline) and after (i.e., retest) TMT administration. During baseline, all rats learned the RAM task. Also during baseline, locomotor activity of rats maintained on high levels of AA was found to be lower than the other groups. After administration of 7.5 mg/kg TMT chloride (p.o.), RAM performance of all the groups declined, but RAM performance of rats maintained on low levels of AA appeared least affected by TMT. Also, rats in the high AA group had a significant increase in locomotor activity compared to baseline. These results suggest that in the ODS rat, TMT toxicity may be influenced by levels of AA intake.

Topics: Animals; Ascorbic Acid; Body Weight; Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; Learning; Male; Motor Activity; Osteogenesis; Rats; Rats, Inbred Strains; Trimethyltin Compounds

Effects of iron supplementation on growth and hematological status of Indonesian anemic preschool children with low weight-for-age were investigated. A treatment group (n = 39) received daily supplements of 30 mg Fe and 20 mg vitamin C, whereas a control group (n = 37) received 20 mg vitamin C only for a period of 2 mo. Supplement allocation was double blind. At the start and finish of the study, body weight, height, food intake, and hemoglobin and serum ferritin concentrations were determined. Only the treatment group showed a significant increase in all hematological values (P < 0.001). Height and weight of all children increased (P < 0.01). Increases in height and height-for-age Z score in the treatment group were larger (P = 0.001) than the increase in the control group. The positive effect of iron supplementation on linear growth was not caused by increased food intake, but seems to be influenced by decreased morbidity. Iron supplementation may be a relatively inexpensive way to help decrease the high prevalence of stunting.

Topics: Aging; Anemia; Ascorbic Acid; Body Height; Body Weight; Child Development; Child, Preschool; Energy Intake; Humans; Iron

Wistar-Shi (genotype +/+), heterozygous Gunn (j/+) and homozygous Gunn (j/j) rats was injected intraperitoneally with 3-methylcholanthrene (3MC) dissolved in corn oil. In rats of all genotypes the hepatic concentration of UDP glucuronosyltransferase (UDPGT) mRNA was increased at 48 and 96 h after the treatment with 3MC. Hepatic activity of 4-nitrophenol UDPGT was increased by 3MC in Wistar-Shi rats and heterozygous Gunn rats but not in homozygous Gunn rats. Urinary ascorbic acid excretion increased 72 and 96 h after the injection with 3MC in Wistar-Shi and heterozygous Gunn rats but not in homozygous Gunn rats. Ninety-six hours after the injection with 3MC, the hepatic concentration of ascorbic acid in Wistar-Shi rats was 90% higher than that in the corresponding control group, whereas in heterozygous and homozygous Gunn rats the increases were 70 and 30%, respectively. Wistar-Shi rats and homozygous Gunn rats were also injected daily for 3 d with sodium phenobarbital. In rats of both genotypes, the activity and hepatic concentration of chloramphenicol-UDPGT mRNA and liver and urine ascorbic acid concentration were increased by sodium phenobarbital. The data indicate that the stimulation of the expression of both the 4-nitrophenol and chloramphenicol UDPGT genes plays a key role in the ascorbic acid biosynthesis induced by 3MC and sodium phenobarbital.

Topics: Analysis of Variance; Animals; Ascorbic Acid; Base Sequence; Blotting, Northern; Body Weight; Chloramphenicol; Gene Expression Regulation, Enzymologic; Glucuronosyltransferase; Injections, Intraperitoneal; Liver; Methylcholanthrene; Molecular Sequence Data; Nitrophenols; Organ Size; Phenobarbital; Polymerase Chain Reaction; Rats; Rats, Gunn; Rats, Inbred Strains; RNA, Messenger; Time Factors; Xenobiotics

L-threo-hex-2-enaro-1,4-lactone ethyl ester (II) was synthesized by the modified Fisher's esterification and its sodium salt was obtained almost quantitatively. Confirmation of the compound was made by elementary analysis, as well as IR, UV, MS and NMR spectra. The antiscorbutic activity was compared to that of ascorbic acid and the result showed that (II) did not have Vitamin C activity. The results of this investigation indicate that a close relationship exists between the chemical structure of the C-6 position of ascorbic acid analogues and the development of vitamin C activity.

Topics: Alkaline Phosphatase; Animals; Ascorbic Acid; Body Weight; Brain Chemistry; Guinea Pigs; Hydroxyproline; Kidney; Liver; Male; Scurvy

The effects of 3-O-dodecylcarbomethylascorbic acid (3-O-DAsA), 3-O-ethylascorbic acid (3-O-EAsA) and 1-O-hexyl-2,3,5-trimethylhydroquinone (HTHQ) on 2-amino-6-methyldipyrido[1,2-a:3',2'-d]-imidazole (Glu-P-1)-induced mutagenesis and hepatocarcinogenesis were examined. In a Salmonella assay, addition of 2.5 to 20.0 mg of HTHQ to Salmonella TA 98 in the presence of S-9 mixture dose-dependently inhibited Glu-P-1-induced mutagenesis. The highest dose showed a 99% reduction in revertants. 3-O-DAsA and 3-O-EAsA were without effect. In an animal study using the medium-term bioassay system for the detection of hepatocarcinogens or hepatopromoters in F344 male rats, treatment with Glu-P-1 alone was associated with a significant increase in the number and area of GST-P-positive foci (47.5 +/- 8.9 and 11.1 +/- 4.7, respectively). Combined treatment with 1.0% HTHQ significantly reduced the number and area of GST-P-positive foci (to 8.1 +/- 2.1 and 0.6 +/- 0.2) while 3-O-DAsA exerted marginal inhibition and 3-O-EAsA had no effect. On the other hand, all three of these compounds slightly enhanced the numbers and areas of foci when given alone. The results indicate that HTHQ is a potent chemopreventer of Glu-P-1-induced hepatocarcinogenesis.

Topics: Animals; Anticarcinogenic Agents; Antimutagenic Agents; Antioxidants; Ascorbic Acid; Body Weight; Hydroquinones; Imidazoles; Liver Neoplasms, Experimental; Male; Mutagens; Rats; Rats, Inbred F344

The study investigated the possibility of influencing immunotoxic effects of Cd through ascorbic acid. Guinea pigs with high and low intake of ascorbic acid were perorally exposed to cadmium chloride (1 mg Cd/animal/day). The daily vitamin C intake was 2 and 100 mg per animal, respectively. Phagocytic activity of polymorphonuclear leucocytes and monocytes as well as the percentage of active and total T lymphocytes in peripheral blood of animals were evaluated. Five- and 12-week experiments showed a mutual potentiation of negative effects of Cd on the immune system by suboptimal intake of ascorbic acid. Toxic effects of Cd on the immune system can be reduced by a sufficient intake of vitamin C.

Topics: Animals; Ascorbic Acid; Ascorbic Acid Deficiency; Body Weight; Cadmium; Cadmium Poisoning; Drug Interactions; Environmental Exposure; Guinea Pigs; Immunity, Cellular; Liver; Lymphocyte Activation; Male; Monocytes; Neutrophils; Organ Size; Phagocytosis; Rosette Formation; Spleen; T-Lymphocytes

To clarify the toxicological mechanism of action of paraquat and diquat, the level of ascorbate radical, an oxidized product of ascorbic acid, was examined using the electron spin resonance (ESR) method. The ascorbate radical level increased to twice the normal level in sera from humans acutely intoxicated with a 1:1 mixture of paraquat and diquat, and to more than 1.5 times the normal level in rat plasma containing moderate levels of paraquat. The dosage level for rats was 0.025% paraquat dichloride in the diet. The ascorbate radical in both intoxicated human sera and rat plasma decayed much faster than that in normal samples.

Topics: Aged; Animals; Ascorbic Acid; Body Weight; Colorimetry; Diquat; Drug Stability; Electron Spin Resonance Spectroscopy; Female; Free Radicals; Humans; Liver; Lung; Male; Middle Aged; Organ Size; Paraquat; Rats; Rats, Wistar; Time Factors; Tissue Distribution

The biological consequences of biotin deficiency in rats were investigated using osteogenic disorder Shionogi rats which have a hereditary defect in ascorbic acid synthesizing ability. Decrease of liver ascorbic acid content and fasting plasma glucose and an increase of plasma non-esterified fatty acid (NEFA) appeared in biotin deficient rats fed a diet containing 200 mg ascorbic acid per 100 g diet, compared with the pair fed control. On the other hand, in the case of rats fed a diet containing 500 mg ascorbic acid, although the clinical features of biotin deficiency developed, the ascorbic acid contents of liver and adrenal gland increased in comparison with those of AsA 200 mg groups, and the alterations of plasma levels of glucose and NEFA were improved partially in glucose and greatly in NEFA, respectively. This suggests that ascorbic acid may be consumed in the improvement of the metabolic impairments induced by biotin deficiency.

Topics: Animals; Ascorbic Acid; Biotin; Blood Glucose; Body Weight; Fasting; Fatty Acids, Nonesterified; Osteogenesis; Rats; Rats, Mutant Strains

The effect of four menstrual cycle phases on changes in dietary intake, urinary nitrogen excretion, and urinary volume was examined in nine women confined to a metabolic unit, maintained at a constant activity level, and fed an ad libitum, rotating, staff-weighed diet. No significant changes in intakes of energy, protein, and fat occurred throughout the menstrual cycle although significant changes were found for intakes of ascorbic acid and water in food. A significant increase in consumption of carbonated, sugar-containing beverages was found in the luteal phase as was a significant increase in urine volume. Results suggest food choices and urine volume may be responsive to physiological regulators associated with hormonal changes in the menstrual cycle. Findings also suggest that energy intake is not altered across the menstrual cycle when physical activity is controlled and an accurate dietary assessment method is employed.

Topics: Adult; Ascorbic Acid; Beverages; Body Weight; Candy; Dietary Carbohydrates; Dietary Fats; Dietary Proteins; Drinking; Eating; Energy Intake; Female; Humans; Menstrual Cycle; Motor Activity; Nitrogen

Four experiments were conducted using broilers (Experiments 1 and 2) or White Leghorn hens (Experiments 3 and 4) to determine the effects of large doses of dietary ascorbic acid on performance, plasma concentration of total and ionic calcium, bone characteristics, and eggshell quality. A total of 564 male broilers were fed diets containing ascorbic acid (ranging from 0 to 3,000 ppm) from 3 to 7 wk of age. Weight gain and feed conversion were measured, and blood plasma was analyzed for total and ionic calcium. Leg bones (femur, tibia, and metatarsus) were analyzed for bone mineral content, density, and breaking strength. In Experiments 3 and 4, a total of 484 Leghorn hens were fed diets containing ascorbic acid (ranging from 0 to 3,000 ppm) for 4 wk. Egg weight and specific gravity were determined, and plasma and tibiae were analyzed as in Experiments 1 and 2. Results of the broiler experiment (Experiment 2) indicated that plasma ionic calcium was significantly increased (P < .05) in ascorbic-acid-treated birds. Among leg bones examined, femur strength was improved by 16% in birds fed 2,000 ppm of ascorbic acid (Experiment 2). Other bone characteristics were not affected. In the layer experiments (Experiments 3 and 4), egg weight increased up to 5% and egg specific gravity was improved in hens fed 2,000 or 3,000 ppm of ascorbic acid, which also had increased calcium in the blood. Results suggest that large doses of ascorbic acid in the diet influence calcium metabolism, affecting bone and eggshell mineralization in chickens.

Topics: Animals; Ascorbic Acid; Body Weight; Bone and Bones; Bone Density; Calcium; Chickens; Diet; Eating; Egg Shell; Female; Male; Specific Gravity

Calcium/magnesium salts of L-glutamate and L-ascorbate were tested for modification potential using a rat multiorgan carcinogenesis bioassay. Following sequential treatment with three different carcinogens (diethylnitrosamine, N-methylnitrosourea, and dihydroxydi-N-propylnitrosamine) over a 4-wk period, rats were given diet containing 5% monocalcium di-L-glutamate tetrahydrate (Ca-glutamate), 2.5% monomagnesium di-L-glutamate tetrahydrate (Mg-glutamate), 5% L-glutamic acid, 5% monocalcium di-L-ascorbate dihydrate (Ca-ascorbate), 2.5% monomagnesium di-L-ascorbate dihydrate (Mg-ascorbate), or 5% L-ascorbic acid for 16 wk. Body weight increase was slightly suppressed in the groups receiving Ca-ascorbate, Mg-ascorbate, and ascorbic acid supplementation after the carcinogen treatments. While administration of Ca-glutamate or Ca-ascorbate raised urinary pH, ascorbic acid values were decreased. Concentrations of calcium and magnesium ions in the urine increased after ingestion of Ca-glutamate or Ca-ascorbate, and Mg-glutamate or Mg-ascorbate, respectively, but phosphorus levels decreased in all groups given calcium and magnesium salts. No consistent treatment-related changes in the concentrations of sodium or potassium ions in the urine were detected. Histopathological investigation at wk 20 did not demonstrate any modification of tumorigenesis with regard to the incidence of frequency of lesions developing in the various target organs/tissues. The present results thus revealed no apparent enhancement of carcinogenesis at any site, including the urinary system, by calcium or magnesium salts using the present rat multiorgan carcinogenesis bioassay.

Topics: Animals; Ascorbic Acid; Body Weight; Carcinogens; Diethylnitrosamine; Glutamates; Male; Methylnitrosourea; Neoplasms, Experimental; Nitrosamines; Organ Size; Rats; Rats, Inbred F344

1. Effects of subcutaneous injections of either L-glucose, L-alanine or L-ascorbate into newly-hatched, fasted turkey poults were examined. 2. There were no effects of injections on blood glucose concentrations at 20 hr post-injection. 3. Glucose injections inhibited hepatic glucose-6-phosphatase activity while alanine injections did not. 4. Both glucose and alanine injections enhanced hepatic glycogen reserves at 20 hr post-injection.

Topics: Alanine; Animals; Ascorbic Acid; Blood Glucose; Body Weight; Glucose; Glucose-6-Phosphatase; Liver; Liver Glycogen; Male; Organ Size; Turkeys

Accumulation of cadmium in organs of guinea pigs after subchronic oral cadmium treatment (1 mg Cd/animal/24 h) was in the following order: kidneys > liver > heart > testes > brain. The preventive effects of high doses of ascorbic acid (AA) against cadmium deposition were more pronounced in the testes, heart and brain, and in the kidney only after short-term cadmium treatment. Ascorbic acid had no protective effect on cadmium accumulation in the liver.

Topics: Analysis of Variance; Animals; Ascorbic Acid; Body Weight; Brain; Cadmium; Guinea Pigs; Heart; Kidney; Liver; Male; Myocardium; Regression Analysis; Spectrophotometry, Atomic; Testis; Tissue Distribution

The vitamin C activity of 2-O-alpha-D-glucopyranosyl-L-ascorbic acid (AA-2G), which is one of chemically stable derivatives of L-ascorbic acid (AsA), in guinea pigs was investigated. Male guinea pigs were divided into 9 groups and fed AsA-deficient diet for 24 days with the following supplement: AA-2G- or AsA-supplemented groups were orally supplemented with 0.96, 1.92, 9.6 and 192 AA-2G mg/animal/day or equimolar amounts of AsA (0.5, 1, 5 and 100 mg/animal/day, respectively); AsA-deficient group received neither of them. The body weight gain, serum alkaline phosphatase activity, and the concentration of AsA and AA-2G in the liver, adrenals and urine of the guinea pigs were measured at the end of the experimental period. The AA-2G-supplemented guinea pigs showed similar body weight gain to the animals supplemented with equimolar amount of AsA. Serum alkaline phosphatase activity in both AA-2G- and AsA-supplemented groups was significantly higher than that of AsA-deficient group. But there was no significant difference between the groups supplemented with AA-2G and the equimolar amount of AsA. AA-2G-supplemented guinea pigs showed no apparent symptoms of scurvy. In AA-2G-supplemented groups, AA-2G was not detected in the liver, adrenals and urine, but AsA was found and the AsA concentration increased with increasing AA-2G dosage. The AsA concentration in the tissues of each AA-2G-supplemented groups was higher than that of AsA-deficient group, which was similar to that of the groups supplemented with equimolar amount of AsA. These results showed that AA-2G has the same vitamin C activity as AsA on a molar basis for the orally supplemented guinea pigs.

Topics: Adrenal Glands; Alkaline Phosphatase; Animals; Ascorbic Acid; Body Weight; Guinea Pigs; Liver; Male

Topics: Animals; Ascorbic Acid; Ascorbic Acid Deficiency; Body Weight; Cell Separation; Cells, Cultured; Graft Survival; Liver; Liver Transplantation; Male; Peritoneal Cavity; Portal Vein; Rats; Spleen; Transplantation, Heterotopic

The aim of this study is to evaluate the iron nutritional status of infants breast-fed exclusively and for a prolonged period in relation to their growth rate and dietary changes. Forty subjects (25 breast-fed; 15 formula-fed) were studied from 0 to 9 months of age. Milk (human or formula) was the only source of food during the first 6 months. From the sixth month onward mothers were instructed to use iron- and ascorbic acid-rich foods to supplement breast-feeding. At the ninth month, prevalence of anemia was 27.8% in the breast-fed group and 7.1% in the formula-fed group. Storage iron was absent in 27.8% of the breast-fed infants vs none of the formula-fed infants. These findings reinforce the recommendation that breast-fed infants be given supplemental iron from the fourth month of life.

Topics: Age Factors; Anemia, Hypochromic; Ascorbic Acid; Body Weight; Bottle Feeding; Breast Feeding; Diet; Female; Growth; Hemoglobins; Humans; Infant; Infant Food; Infant Nutritional Physiological Phenomena; Infant, Newborn; Iron; Male; Milk, Human; Nutritional Status

Marginally vitamin C-deficient guinea-pigs treated with the diabetogenic agent streptozotocin were compared with those liberally supplied with vitamin C, for functional indices of vitamin C status, particularly in the eye lens. Weanling male Dunkin-Hartley guinea-pigs were fed on diets with 0.1 g vitamin C/kg (marginally deficient), or 5 g/kg (liberally supplied), and some received intraperitoneal streptozotocin (two doses of 150 mg/kg body-weight). About half the streptozotocin-treated animals had high urinary glucose following an oral glucose dose; these animals also grew more slowly than the others. At 4 months after streptozotocin the animals were killed for measurement of tissue vitamin C, glucose and sorbitol. Streptozotocin moderately increased the concentration of glucose in plasma, lens and aqueous humour. Lens sorbitol levels increased only in the group exposed to streptozotocin plus marginal vitamin C. There was a significant (P less than 0.02) positive correlation between urinary glucose and lens sorbitol levels overall. Liberal vitamin C intake may thus counteract the effect of streptozotocin diabetes on lens sorbitol, suggesting a new function of vitamin C, possibly related to cataractogenesis and to the biochemical lesions associated with diabetes.

Topics: Adenosine Triphosphate; Animals; Aqueous Humor; Ascorbic Acid; Ascorbic Acid Deficiency; Blood Glucose; Body Weight; Diabetes Mellitus, Experimental; Diet; Glycosuria; Guinea Pigs; Lens, Crystalline; Liver; Male; Sorbitol; Streptozocin; Time Factors

Because ascorbic acid (AA) and the thyroid hormones are known to influence eggshell formation, the effects of AA on body weight, total plasma thyroxine (T4), egg production, and eggshell quality of Single Comb White Leghorn (SCWL) hens concurrently and previously treated with thiouracil (TU) were determined. Hens were provided feed containing either 0 or 100 ppm AA from 47 to 67 wk of age and either 0 or .1% TU from 47 to 57 wk of age. A three-way split-plot analysis was employed to test for the effects of AA, TU, and time, and their interactions. Dietary TU increased body weight between 53 and 59 wk, and increased thyroid weight at 67 wk; however, TU only depressed plasma T4 level at 51 wk. Dietary TU depressed egg production from 50 to 56 wk and egg weight at 49, 51, and 57 wk. Dietary TU depressed eggshell weight per unit surface area at 49 wk. There was no significant effect due to AA and no AA by TU interaction for any of the parameters examined. It was concluded that .1% dietary TU from 47 to 57 wk of age did not alter eggshell quality and that dietary AA at the 100 ppm level did not influence the effects of .1% TU on body weight, egg production, or egg weight of SCWL hens.

Topics: Animals; Ascorbic Acid; Body Weight; Chickens; Egg Shell; Eggs; Female; Organ Size; Oviposition; Thiouracil; Thyroid Gland; Thyroxine

A burned guinea-pig model (30 per cent BSA) was used to study the effect of vitamin C on immune and metabolic responses following burn trauma. Thirty-six guinea-pigs received identical enteral diets (175 kcal/kg) except for the amount of vitamin C. Groups I, II, III and IV were given formulae delivering no vitamin C, (1 RDA) 15 mg/kg/day, 75 mg/kg/day or 375 mg/kg/day, respectively. Resistance to infection was evaluated by injecting each animal with 0.1 ml of 1 x 10(9) Staph. aureus 502A subcutaneously on day 10. On day 14, Staph. aureus abscesses were excised and the numbers of viable colonies were determined. Results showed no statistical differences between groups in the clearance of Staph. aureus. From days 2 to 12, animals in groups I, II and III had body weights of approximately 97 per cent of preburn body weight. Animals in group IV, however, had a body weight gain, 102 per cent of preburn body weight on day 12. Animals in group IV also had significantly lower metabolic rates on day 12 as compared to the animals in the other groups. These results suggest that large amounts of vitamin C have beneficial effects on the maintenance of body weight and metabolic rate following burn trauma.

Topics: Animals; Ascorbic Acid; Body Weight; Burns; Enteral Nutrition; Female; Guinea Pigs; Organ Size; Staphylococcal Infections

Curcumin, a major yellow pigment of turmeric obtained from powdered rhizomes of the plant Curcuma longa Linn., is commonly used as a coloring agent in foods, drugs and cosmetics. Ascorbyl palmitate is a lipid soluble derivative of ascorbic acid. Both curcumin and ascorbyl palmitate have antioxidant activity and are potent inhibitors of 12-O-tetradecanoyl-phorbol-13-acetate-induced tumor promotion in mouse skin. The effects of dietary curcumin and ascorbyl palmitate on azoxymethanol (AOM)-induced hyperproliferation of colonic epithelial cells and the incidence of focal areas of dysplasia (FADs) were evaluated in female CF-1 mice fed an AIN 76A diet. Subcutaneous injections of AOM (10 mg/kg body wt. once weekly for 6 weeks) caused hyperplasia and the formation of FADs in the colon. Administration of 2% curcumin in the diet inhibited AOM-induced formation of FADs while administration of 2% ascorbyl palmitate in the diet did not demonstrate inhibition. This result suggests that dietary curcumin may inhibit AOM-induced colonic neoplasia in mice.

Topics: Animals; Antioxidants; Ascorbic Acid; Body Weight; Colon; Curcumin; Diet; Epithelium; Female; Methylazoxymethanol Acetate; Mice; Tetradecanoylphorbol Acetate

The effect of a 30-d pretreatment with vitamin C (L-ascorbic acid) in the drinking water and vitamin E (all-rac-alpha-tocopherol) in the diet on the clastogenic activity induced by X-rays and 6-mercaptopurine was investigated in female ICR/Jcl mice by the bone-marrow micronucleus test. Prefeeding with vitamin E-deficient diets led to a significant decrease in serum vitamin E concentration and to an enhancement of micronucleus formation by X-rays in bone marrow cells. Although dietary supplementation with vitamin E significantly increased the vitamin E concentration in serum, it did not affect the frequency of X-ray-induced micronuclei. Treatment with a high level of vitamin C in drinking water was effective in protecting against micronucleus formation by X-rays. The increase in micronucleus frequency in the vitamin E-deficient mice compared with the mice fed vitamin E-normal diets was no longer observed when a high level of vitamin C in drinking water was given simultaneously. The most efficient protective action against X-rays was observed when vitamin E-supplemented diets and a high level of vitamin C in drinking water were used together as a pretreatment. Any combination of the vitamins did not affect the micronucleus induction by 6-mercaptopurine.

Topics: Animals; Ascorbic Acid; Body Weight; Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid; Diet; Female; Mercaptopurine; Mice; Mice, Inbred ICR; Micronucleus Tests; Radiation Injuries, Experimental; Vitamin E

1. Blood antioxidants were measured in venous blood samples from 20 runners and six sedentary individuals. All subjects were male, between 20 and 40 years old, and in steady state with respect to body weight and physical activity patterns. Dietary analysis was undertaken using a 7-day weighed food intake. Correlations were sought between antioxidants in blood and (1) weekly training distance and (2) maximum oxygen uptake. In addition, 12 runners could be classified into two groups undertaking either low (range 16-43 km, n = 6) or high (80-147 km, n = 6) weekly training. 2. Body weight (range 55.3-90.0 kg) and percentage body fat (range 7-19%) both showed negative correlations with the weekly training distance (both P less than 0.001). Energy intake and maximum oxygen uptake were both correlated with the weekly training distance (both P less than 0.001). 3. Plasma creatine kinase activity, an indicator of muscle damage, was significantly correlated with the weekly training distance (P less than 0.01), whereas the plasma concentration of thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances, an indicator of free-radical-mediated lipid peroxidation, decreased with increased maximum oxygen uptake (P less than 0.01). 4. Erythrocyte alpha-tocopherol content was greater in the two running groups (P less than 0.05) compared with the sedentary group, and lymphocyte ascorbic acid concentration was significantly elevated in the high-training group (P less than 0.01) compared with the low-training group. 5. Erythrocyte activities of the antioxidant enzymes, glutathione peroxidase and catalase, were significantly and positively correlated with the weekly training distance (P less than 0.01 and P less than 0.05, respectively).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Topics: Adult; Antioxidants; Ascorbic Acid; Body Mass Index; Body Weight; Catalase; Creatine Kinase; Energy Intake; Erythrocytes; Glutathione; Glutathione Peroxidase; Humans; Lymphocytes; Male; Muscles; Oxygen Consumption; Physical Endurance; Running; Thiobarbiturates; Vitamin E

As part of the Dutch Nutrition Surveillance System, cardiovascular risk factors and food consumption (24 h recall) as well as haematological, Fe and vitamin status (A, B6, C) were assessed in 126 Dutch boys aged 10-11 years (response 71%). Body mass index (BMI) and the sum of four skinfolds were strongly associated (r 0.85, P less than 0.01) and 8% of the boys were overweight (BMI greater than 20.1 kg/m2). Elevated serum total cholesterol levels (greater than 4.4 mmol/l) were observed in 38%; total cholesterol and low-density-lipoprotein-cholesterol levels were strongly associated (r 0.88, P less than 0.001). Intake of fat was high (38% of energy) and too much fat was saturated (polyunsaturated: saturated 0.44, guideline: 0.5-1.0), whereas intake of carbohydrate (49% of energy) and dietary fibre was low. About 12% of the boys had insufficient Fe stores (plasma ferritin less than 12.0 micrograms/l) and the mean Fe intake (9.0 mg/d) was below recommended daily allowance (10.0 mg/d). Plasma ferritin was, however, not associated with haematological indices and no frank anaemias were observed. No marginal values were observed for vitamins A, B6 and C status. In conclusion, the main nutritional risks in boys aged 10-11 years are cardiovascular risk factors and Fe nutrition.

Topics: Ascorbic Acid; Blood Pressure; Body Weight; Cardiovascular Diseases; Child; Cholesterol; Dietary Carbohydrates; Dietary Fats; Dietary Fiber; Energy Intake; Humans; Iron; Male; Netherlands; Nutritional Status; Pyridoxine; Risk Factors; Vitamin A

1. Plasma magnesium, cortisol, lactate and ascorbic acid were examined in common carp subjected to various dietary treatments and following handling stress. 2. Under conditions of satisfied dietary magnesium and ascorbate requirements, plasma cortisol concentration after stress increased less pronouncedly than in fish fed large doses of ascorbate and/or magnesium. 3. Plasma lactate increased significantly in all groups after stress, although the increase seemed to be more severe (detrimental) in fish on large doses of ascorbate, either as ascorbic acid (AA) or ascorbic monophosphate Mg salt (AP). 4. Large doses of dietary ascorbate, both AA and AP, resulted in a significant increase of total ascorbate concentration in kidney and hepatopancreas of carp in comparison to pre-experimental level. 5. Kidney total ascorbate concentration decreased by 10-23% in all groups but one in which fish fed diet supplemented with AA displayed a significant increase (30%) of tissue ascorbate. The opposite trend was found in hepatopancreas of AA group with 21.5% ascorbate depletion. 6. The present results suggest that plasma cortisol and kidney (steroidogenesis site) and hepatopancreas ascorbate concentration responses to stress may not be related. Our results also do not support the hypothesis of the primary role of the high concentration of ascorbate in the kidney inhibiting steroidogenesis.

Topics: Animals; Ascorbic Acid; Body Weight; Carps; Handling, Psychological; Hydrocortisone; Lactates; Magnesium; Stress, Physiological

Five non-genotoxic chemicals previously demonstrated to be bladder cancer promoters in 36-week in vivo assays for carcinogenesis were reevaluated in a 20-week experiment in order to assess the summation influence of dietary uracil, a component of RNA, on the development of (pre)neoplastic lesions. The test chemicals, sodium bicarbonate, sodium L-ascorbate, sodium citrate, butylated hydroxytoluene and ethoxyquin, were mixed into the diet at concentrations of 3%, 5%, 5%, 1% and 0.8%, respectively, and administered to male F344 rats after initiation with 0.05% N-butyl-N-(4-hydroxybutyl)nitrosamine (BBN) in their drinking water for 4 weeks. The test chemicals were given from the 4th to the 8th and the 11th to 20th experimental weeks, uracil being administered at the level of 3% in the diet during the intervening period. Rats in the control group received only BBN and uracil. All animals were killed at week 20 and the bladders were evaluated for the occurrence of putative preneoplastic papillary or nodular (PN) hyperplasia and tumors. Significant increase in the occurrence of PN hyperplasia was observed in all groups initiated with BBN and fed uracil and test chemicals. Quantitative values for papillomas were also significantly increased except in the ethoxyquin-treated group. The results confirm that uracil given in the middle of the post-initiation stage enhances the promoting activity of chemicals and suggest that the use of this chemical might be useful to reduce the duration of current bioassays for bladder chemical carcinogens.

Topics: Animals; Ascorbic Acid; Body Weight; Butylated Hydroxyanisole; Butylated Hydroxytoluene; Butylhydroxybutylnitrosamine; Carcinogens; Epithelium; Ethoxyquin; Male; Mucous Membrane; Organ Size; Papilloma; Precancerous Conditions; Rats; Rats, Inbred F344; Uracil; Urinary Bladder; Urinary Bladder Neoplasms

It is well known that vitamins E and C exhibit synergistic action in in vitro systems, but with regard to in vivo systems, much of the available data are confusing. To elucidate this problem we used a new mutant of Wistar-strain rats that cannot synthesize vitamin C, namely, ODS rats. Two experiments were planned: (1) during development of vitamin E deficiency, whether vitamin C could spare the consumption of vitamin E; and (2) under conditions of a regular level of vitamin E intake, whether different dose levels of vitamin C can affect vitamin E concentration in tissues. The results obtained show that with vitamin C intake, higher levels of vitamin E were deposited in tissues in both experiments. With the development of vitamin E deficiency, rats in the group with a higher dose of vitamin C deposited higher concentrations of alpha-tocopherol. With simultaneous administration of vitamin E and vitamin C to the same mutant rats, the rats in the group with a higher dose of vitamin C deposited higher levels of vitamin E in all tissues tested. Thus, we concluded that vitamin C can spare the consumption of vitamin E in vivo as well as in vitro.

Topics: Animals; Ascorbic Acid; Body Weight; Diet; Drug Synergism; Erythrocytes; Male; Mutation; Rats; Rats, Inbred Strains; Rats, Mutant Strains; Tissue Distribution; Vitamin E; Vitamin E Deficiency

Effects of deficiency in ascorbic acid on in vivo production of corticosterone and testosterone were examined using a mutant strain of rats unable to synthesize ascorbic acid. The adrenal weight of scorbutic rats was larger, and corticosterone levels in plasma and adrenal tissues were higher than those of ascorbic acid-supplied (ascorbutic) rats. Acute and chronic stimulation with ACTH increased corticosterone levels in both ascorbutic and scorbutic rats. In contrast, weights of seminal vesicles and ventral prostates in unstimulated scorbutic rats were smaller, and testosterone levels in plasma and testicular tissues were lower than those in ascorbutic rats. Acute stimulation with hCG increased testosterone levels only slightly in plasma and not in testicular tissues of scorbutic rats, when testosterone levels in ascorbutic rats reached a maximum. Chronic stimulation with hCG increased testosterone levels remarkably in both ascorbutic and scorbutic rats. These findings seem to indicate that ascorbic acid is not essential for the synthesis of steroid hormones. The scurvy seems to increase plasma ACTH levels secondary to the stress, resulting in the stimulation of the adrenals. In contrast, a prolonged deficiency in ascorbic acid appears to decrease plasma gonadotropin levels, and may reduce the sensitivity of testes to gonadotropins.

Topics: Adrenal Glands; Adrenocorticotropic Hormone; Animals; Ascorbic Acid; Body Weight; Chorionic Gonadotropin; Circadian Rhythm; Cortisone; Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; Male; Organ Size; Prostate; Rats; Rats, Mutant Strains; Seminal Vesicles; Testis; Testosterone

In a study of absorption of iron from meals by preadolescent children (Tanner stage 1), we had noted that erythrocyte incorporation of the extrinsic iron label was somewhat greater by girls than by boys. Although the difference was not significant, the observation seemed to warrant further study. Study A: A precisely determined quantity of ferrous sulfate enriched with the stable isotope 58Fe was given without food to 15 boys and 15 girls (Tanner stage 1) after an overnight fast and was immediately followed by a dose of 70 mg of ascorbic acid. 58Fe enrichment of the erythrocytes was determined by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry at baseline and 14 and 42 d after administration of the 58Fe dose. Geometric mean erythrocyte incorporation of the 58Fe label was 35.2% of intake by boys and 45.0% of intake by girls. The difference was significant (analysis of covariance with serum ferritin as covariate, p = 0.035). Study B: Fifteen boys and 15 girls (Tanner stage 1) were fed a breakfast labeled with 58Fe. Geometric mean erythrocyte incorporation of the 58Fe label was 14.8% of intake by boys and 24.7% of intake by girls. The difference was significant (analysis of covariance with serum ferritin as covariate, p = 0.004). Because serum ferritin concentrations were similar in boys and girls, the gender-related difference in iron absorption (as reflected by erythrocyte incorporation of the label) does not appear to be explained by a difference in body stores of iron. We hypothesize that hormonal differences between boys and girls in Tanner stage 1 favor iron absorption by girls.

Topics: Ascorbic Acid; Body Height; Body Weight; Chelating Agents; Child; Female; Ferritins; Ferrous Compounds; Humans; Intestinal Absorption; Male; Sex Characteristics; Sexual Maturation

The Osteogenic Disorder Shionogi (ODS) rat, Clea Inc., Tokyo, Japan lacks the ability to synthesize L-ascorbic acid (AA). As with man, monkey and the guinea pig, this rat lacks L-gulonolactone oxidase necessary for the synthesis of AA from glucose. This study shows this animal to be an alternative to the guinea pig in AA studies. The anti-scorbutic potency of Ester C (EC), a calcium ascorbate and calcium threonate mixture, was compared with an AA dose of equal ascorbate activity equivalents (AAE) for anti-scorbutic activity in the ODS rat. The minimal anti-scorbutic dose of EC was determined to be 0.44 mg/kg/day (AAE), while an AA dose of 0.51 mg/kg/day (AAE) was not anti-scorbutic in a 24 day study. At 24 days EC rats gained 125% of initial body weight (BW) and the AA rats only 45% BW. Scorbutic signs at 24 days were scored on a 0 (min) to 3 (max) scale. The EC/AA ratio scores were: hemorrhage 0/1.4, behavior change 0/2.0, piloerection 0/2.2, mobility 0.4/2.2, dysbasia 0.6/2.8 and ataxia 0.4/1.0. Pearson's correlation coefficient for BW versus AAE was r = .34 for the AA group and r = .90 for the EC group. The morbidity index for EC was 0/5 and for the AA group 2/5. The AAE dose of AA which was 16% higher/day than the EC AAE dose was not anti-scorbutic, while the EC dose was anti-scorbutic. EC rats had 3.5X greater weight gain, a sensitive indicator of scurvy, than the AA rats. EC rats had 3-4 times less, if any, scorbutic signs than AA rats. The results clearly show that, based on ascorbate activity equivalents, EC has more available ascorbate activity/potency than AA. The mechanism of this increased potency is believed to be due to the facilitated transport of AAE into the cell by the threonate (a normal in vivo metabolite of AA) present in the EC product. In addition, previous studies have shown EC (AAE) to be higher in plasma and excreted less rapidly than the AAE derived from AA administered orally.

Topics: Animals; Ascorbic Acid; Body Weight; Dehydroascorbic Acid; Drug Combinations; Random Allocation; Rats; Rats, Mutant Strains; Scurvy; Threonine

The promoting effects of sodium L-ascorbate (Na-AsA) on two-stage urinary bladder carcinogenesis were investigated in male ODS/Shi-od/od rats. This strain genetically lacks L-ascorbic acid-synthesizing ability, which is controlled by a single autosomal recessive od gene; heterozygous ODS/Shi(-)+/od, normal ODS/Shi(-)+/+ or F344 rats are able to synthesize L-ascorbic acid. In experiment 1, ODS/Shi-od/od and F344 rats were given 0.05% N-butyl-N-(4-hydroxybutyl)nitrosamine (BBN) in their drinking water for 2 weeks and then basal CA-1 diet with or without 5% Na-AsA for 32 weeks. F344 rats were sensitive to the promoting effects of Na-AsA, whereas ODS/Shi-od/od rats were resistant. Administration of Na-AsA increased the urinary pH and the urinary concentrations of Na+ and total ascorbic acid in all strains. In experiment 2, DNA synthesis in the urinary bladder epithelium of F344 rats fed MF diet or CA-1 diet was increased by exposure to 5% Na-AsA for 8 weeks, but not in ODS/Shi-od/od rats fed CA-1 diet. In experiment 3, ODS/Shi-od/od, ODS/Shi(-)+/od and ODS/Shi(-)+/+ rats were given 0.05% BBN for 4 weeks and then CA-1 diet with or without 5% Na-AsA for 32 weeks. ODS/Shi-od/od, ODS/Shi(-)+/od and ODS/Shi(-)+/+ rats were resistant to the promoting effects of Na-AsA in two-stage urinary bladder carcinogenesis. The urinary pH and the urinary concentrations of Na+ and total ascorbic acid in ODS/Shi-od/od, ODS/Shi(-)+/od and ODS/Shi(-)+/+ rats were increased by the administration of Na-AsA. These results indicate that ODS/Shi-od/od rats are resistant to the promoting effects of Na-AsA in two-stage urinary bladder carcinogenesis, and that the susceptibilities of ODS/Shi-od/od rats are regulated by genes different from the gene at the od locus.

Topics: Animals; Ascorbic Acid; Body Weight; Butylhydroxybutylnitrosamine; Epithelium; Hydrogen-Ion Concentration; Male; Rats; Rats, Inbred F344; Rats, Inbred Strains; Sodium; Urinary Bladder Neoplasms

A study was made on the effects of long-term dietary administration of beta-carotene, vitamin C, vitamin E and selenium, either alone or in combination, on azaserine-induced pancreatic carcinogenesis in rats. Male Wistar rats were given two i.p. injections of 30 mg azaserine per kg body weight at 19 and 26 days of age. The rats were allocated to eight groups of 40 animals each and were fed an AIN-76 diet rich in saturated fat (20% lard), either as such or after supplementation with beta-carotene, vitamin C, beta-carotene + vitamin C, vitamin E, selenium, vitamin E + selenium, or the combination of all micronutrients investigated. Fifteen months after the last treatment with azaserine the survivors were killed. The pancreata were examined for the number and size of advanced putative preneoplastic lesions and the number of neoplasms as well. Rats maintained on a diet high in either beta-carotene, vitamin C or selenium developed significantly less atypical acinar cells nodules, adenomas and carcinomas as compared to controls. The number of tumour-bearing animals was significantly lower in the groups fed the diet high in beta-carotene or selenium. In animals of the group given a diet high in all micronutrients investigated, both the number and incidence of pancreatic tumours was lower than in all other groups. It was concluded that selenium, beta-carotene and vitamin C, alone as well as in combination, have an inhibitory effect on pancreatic carcinogenesis induced in rats by azaserine.

Topics: Animals; Ascorbic Acid; Azaserine; beta Carotene; Body Weight; Carotenoids; Diet; Drug Combinations; Liver; Male; Organ Size; Pancreas; Pancreatic Neoplasms; Precancerous Conditions; Rats; Rats, Inbred Strains; Regression Analysis; Selenium; Vitamin E

Ascorbic acid (AA), dehydroascorbic acid (DHAA), and vitamin E were measured in tissues and plasma of 30 control and 30 spontaneously diabetic BioBreeding rats (BBdp) during development and before the onset of diabetes. At weaning, rats were fed an AIN-76 semisynthetic diet for 30, 64, or 113 days, after which plasma and tissues from 10 rats of each group were collected and analysed for AA, DHAA, and vitamin E. AA and DHAA levels were significantly increased in plasma and spleen of the diabetes-prone rats compared with those of the control group at 30 and 64 days, but the difference disappeared by 113 days. No differences were observed in liver, adrenals, thymus, and pancreas at any of the time periods. However, lower levels of vitamin E were observed in adrenal gland, thymus, and pancreas of the diabetes-prone rats. It is concluded that BBdp rats have an altered metabolism of AA, DHAA, and vitamin E, before the onset of diabetes. These changes could be due to genetic and physiological factors operating during development of this rat strain.

Topics: Adrenal Glands; Animals; Ascorbic Acid; Body Weight; Diabetes Mellitus; Male; Pancreas; Rats; Rats, Inbred BB; Spleen; Thymus Gland; Time Factors; Vitamin E

We measured ascorbic acid (AA) uptake across the intestinal brush border in vitro in intact tissue from guinea pigs fed maintenance AA (200 mg/kg diet) or made hypervitaminotic (5,000 mg/kg diet) or hypovitaminotic (chronically and acutely). Total uptake per centimeter ileum was 25-50% lower in hypervitaminotic juvenile, adult male, and lactating guinea pigs compared with their respective controls, whereas carrier-mediated D-glucose uptake and Na(+)-independent AA uptake were similar. High dietary ascorbate specifically reduced the Vmax for carrier-mediated AA uptake. Hypovitaminosis had no significant effect on uptake of AA or other solutes. We performed diet-switching experiments (high-AA diet to maintenance diet) with young and adult guinea pigs to determine the reversibility of the downregulation. In adult guinea pigs, the downregulation of AA uptake was reversible within 7 days. In the young of mothers fed high AA during pregnancy and lactation, and which fed on high AA for 14 days after weaning, the downregulation was reversible within 14 days. Thus regulation of AA uptake is reversible and therefore probably does not play a significant role in the development of vitamin C dependency in human adults, or their young, after ingestion of megadoses of ascorbic acid.

Topics: Amino Acids; Animals; Ascorbic Acid; Body Weight; Diet; Eating; Energy Intake; Female; Guinea Pigs; Intestinal Absorption; Lactation; Pregnancy; Pregnancy, Animal; Weaning

Sodium saccharin and sodium ascorbate are known to promote urinary bladder carcinogenesis in rats following initiation with N-[4-(5-nitro-2-furyl)-2-thiazolyl]formamide (FANFT) or N-butyl-N-(4-hydroxybutyl) nitrosamine. Sodium salts of other organic acids have also been shown to be bladder tumor promoters. In addition, these substances increase urothelial proliferation in short term assays in rats when fed at high doses. When they have been tested, the acid forms of these salts are without either promoting or cell proliferative inducing activity. The following experiment was designed to compare the tumor promoting activity of various forms of saccharin and to evaluate the role in promotion of urinary sodium, calcium, and pH as well as other factors. Twenty groups of 40 male F344 rats, 5 weeks of age, were fed either FANFT or control diet during a 6-week initiation phase followed by feeding of a test compound for 72 weeks in the second phase. The chemicals were administered to the first 18 groups in Agway Prolab 3200 diet and the last 2 groups were fed NIH-07 diet. The treatments were as follows: (a) FANFT----5% sodium saccharin (NaS); (b) FANFT----3% NaS; (c) FANFT----5.2% calcium saccharin (CaS); (d) FANFT----3.12% CaS; (e) FANFT----4.21% acid saccharin (S); (f) FANFT----2.53% S; (g) FANFT----5% sodium ascorbate; (h) FANFT----4.44% ascorbic acid; (i) FANFT----5% NaS plus 1.15% CaCO3; (j) FANFT----5.2% CaS plus 1.34% NaCl; (k) FANFT----5% NaS plus 1.23% NH4Cl; (l) FANFT----1.15% CaCO3; (m) FANFT----1.34% NaCl; (n) FANFT----control; (o) control----5% NaS; (p) control----5.2% CaS; (q) control----4.21% S; (r) Control----control; (s) FANFT----5% NaS (NIH-07 diet); (t) FANFT----control (NIH-07 diet). NaS, CaS and S without prior FANFT administration were without tumorigenic activity. NaS was found to have tumor promoting activity, showing a positive response at the 5 and 3% dose levels, with significantly greater activity at the higher dose. CaS had slight tumor promoting activity but without a dose response, and S showed no tumor promoting activity. In addition, NaCl showed weak tumor promoting activity, but CaCO3 was without activity. NH4Cl completely inhibited the tumor promoting activity of NaS when concurrently administered with it. NaCl administered with CaS or CaCO3 administered with NaS showed activity similar to that of NaS. Sodium ascorbate was also shown to have tumor promoting activity, with slightly less activity than NaS. Ascorbic acid showed no

Topics: Animals; Ascorbic Acid; Body Weight; Butylhydroxybutylnitrosamine; Calcium Carbonate; Diet; Drinking; Drug Synergism; FANFT; Hydrogen-Ion Concentration; Kidney; Male; Rats; Rats, Inbred F344; Saccharin; Urinary Bladder; Urinary Bladder Neoplasms; Urine

The dose dependence of K2CO3 promotion of two-stage urinary bladder carcinogenesis and the amplifying effects of additional L-ascorbic acid (AsA) administration were investigated. Male F344 rats were given 0.05% N-butyl-N-(4-hydroxybutyl)nitrosamine in their drinking water for 4 weeks and then fed basal diet containing K2CO3 at levels of 0, 1, 1.5, 2.2, and 3% with or without 5% AsA or 3% NaHCO3 supplementation from weeks 5 to 8 (4 weeks) and weeks 12 to 20 (9 weeks). During weeks 9 to 11 (3 weeks), the rats were fed 3% uracil in their diet. For controls, rats without N-butyl-N-(4-hydroxybutyl)nitrosamine treatment were given either 3% K2CO3, 5% AsA, or both plus the uracil treatment. The total observation period was 20 weeks. K2CO3 dose dependently increased the numbers of the putative preneoplastic lesion, papillary or nodular hyperplasia, and papillomas in rats initiated with N-butyl-N-(4-hydroxybutyl)nitrosamine. AsA (5%), while itself exerting no promoting effect, amplified the enhancing influence of K2CO3 on the induction of papillary or nodular hyperplasia and papillomas. The dose-dependent elevation of urinary pH and K+ concentration was associated with K2CO3 treatment with or without AsA. Thus, increased urinary pH and K+ concentration appear to play important roles in K2CO3 promotion, and AsA amplifies this promotion.

Topics: Animals; Ascorbic Acid; Body Weight; Carbonates; Carcinoma; Drug Synergism; Hyperplasia; Male; Organ Size; Papilloma; Potassium; Rats; Rats, Inbred F344; Reference Values; Urinary Bladder; Urinary Bladder Neoplasms

A cross-sectional study on 64 institutionalized and 65 noninstitutionalized elderly women has been undertaken. The age range was 60 through 90 years. Vitamin C status was assessed by serum ascorbic acid measurement and the nutritional status was evaluated by a three-day dietary record and main anthropometric measurements. Mean concentration of ascorbic acid was 1.03 mg/dl in the noninstitutionalized and 0.67 mg/dl in the institutionalized group (p less than 0.001). A serum ascorbic acid level less than 0.2 mg/dl was found in one (1.5%) and seven (10.9%) subjects respectively (p less than 0.03). Mean intake of vitamin C was 104.1 mg/d in the former and 87.3 mg/d in the latter group (p = NS), being less than 45 mg/d in 16 living at home and 11 institutionalized women. Serum ascorbic acid level did not correlate significantly to dietary nutrient intake but correlated to activity of daily living level (r = 0.29), vitamin C intake (r = 0.23), ideal body weight (r = -0.15), relative body weight (r = 0.15) and body mass index (r = 0.14). Suggestions are made concerning a higher intake of vitamin C and a more careful catering to improve the health status of the elderly people living in large institutions. The authors also suggest to include the serum ascorbic level determination in the assessment of the general health status of the elderly.

Topics: Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Anthropometry; Ascorbic Acid; Ascorbic Acid Deficiency; Body Weight; Cross-Sectional Studies; Depression; Eating; Energy Metabolism; Female; Humans; Institutionalization; Middle Aged; Nutritional Status; Risk Factors; Rome; Surveys and Questionnaires

Potential second-stage modifying effects of 8 antioxidants on lung tumorigenesis initiated by N-bis(2-hydroxypropyl)nitrosamine (DHPN) were examined in male F344 rats. After an initial 2-week treatment with DHPN (0.1% in drinking water), rats were administered one of the antioxidants supplemented in the diet for 30 weeks. Although the incidences of lung adenomas were not affected, those of carcinomas were lowered by 2% butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA, 2 rats/20 rats), 1% butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT, 1/20), 0.8% ethoxyquin (EQ, 3/20) and 1% a-tocopherol (a-TP, 2/20) treatments as compared to the control level (9/20), while 5% sodium L-ascorbate (SA), 0.8% catechol (CC), 0.8% resorcinol (RN), and 0.8% hydroquinone (HQ) did not exert any significant effect on incidence. Quantitative analysis of adenomas and carcinomas (numbers and areas of lesions per unit area of lung section) revealed obvious inhibitory effects of SA, CC, and RN as well as BHA, BHT, EQ, and a-TP. Among the antioxidants, BHT exerted the strongest inhibitory activity. In contrast, DHPN-induced thyroid tumorigenesis was significantly enhanced by BHT (14/20) and EQ (20/20) treatments (control = 5/20). Thus the antioxidants showed opposite effects on lung and thyroid carcinogenesis in the rat.

Topics: Adenoma; Animals; Antioxidants; Ascorbic Acid; Body Weight; Butylated Hydroxyanisole; Butylated Hydroxytoluene; Carcinoma; Catechols; Ethoxyquin; Hydroquinones; Kidney Neoplasms; Lung Neoplasms; Male; Nitrosamines; Organ Size; Rats; Rats, Inbred F344; Resorcinols; Thyroid Neoplasms; Urinary Bladder Neoplasms; Vitamin E

The chemopreventive actions of sodium selenite (SS), magnesium chloride (MC), ascorbic acid (AA) and retinyl acetate (RA), given singly or in combinations, on mammary carcinogenesis induced by 30 mg of 7,12-dimethylbenz[a]anthracene (DMBA) in female adult rats were evaluated. Administration of modulators was carried out from the age of 40 +/- 3 days to 240 +/- 3 days. When DMBA alone was given 100% of the rats developed mammary tumors. When modulators were given singly the tumor incidences were reduced to 51.77% (SS), 46.4% (MC), 57.1% (AA) and 48.1% (RA). When the modulators were given in combination of twos, the tumor incidences were further reduced to 29.5% (SS + MC), 31% (SS + AA), 29.6% (SS + RA), 25.9% (MC + AA), 31.8% (MC + RA) and 34.6% (AA + RA). Administration of modulators in combinations of threes resulted in still further reduction of tumor incidences to 22.2% (SS + MC + AA), 19.2% (SS + MC + RA), 16% (MC + AA + RA) and 23.1% (AA + RA + SS). When all four modulators were given concurrently the tumor incidence was only 12%. Further, the number of tumors per tumor-bearing animal declined with the increase in the number of agents used in combination for modulation.

Topics: 9,10-Dimethyl-1,2-benzanthracene; Adenocarcinoma; Adenofibroma; Animals; Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols; Ascorbic Acid; Body Weight; Diterpenes; Drug Administration Schedule; Female; Magnesium Chloride; Mammary Neoplasms, Experimental; Rats; Retinyl Esters; Selenic Acid; Selenium; Selenium Compounds; Vitamin A

Marked formation of N-nitrosothioproline (N-nitrosothiazolidine-4-carboxylic acid) by stimulation with Escherichia coli lipopolysaccharide (LPS) was demonstrated in ascorbic acid-deficient mutant rats (osteogenic disorder syndrome rats; ODS rats) unable to synthesize ascorbic acid. The amounts of urinary nitrate and N-nitrosothioproline excretion after thioproline administration was measured in ODS rats with and without ascorbic acid supplement before and after the injection of LPS. LPS caused marked increase of urinary nitrate excretion in both groups. Urinary N-nitrosothioproline excretion increased 6-fold after LPS injection in ODS rats not supplied with ascorbic acid, but supplement with ascorbic acid markedly decreased the excretion of N-nitrosothioproline.

Topics: Adrenal Glands; Animals; Ascorbic Acid; Ascorbic Acid Deficiency; Body Weight; Bone Diseases, Metabolic; Escherichia coli; Female; Kidney; Lipopolysaccharides; Liver; Nitrates; Nitroso Compounds; Rats; Rats, Mutant Strains; Spleen; Thiazoles; Thiazolidines

The effect of ascorbic acid deficiency on serum and liver cholesterol, phospholipid and triglyceride levels, serum lipoprotein levels and serum lipoprotein cholesterol levels were examined in male rats with a hereditary defect in ascorbic acid synthesis (ODS rats). Male homozygotes (od/od) and male rats of their parent strain (+/+) were each divided into four treatment groups and were fed vitamin C-deficient or vitamin C-replete diets containing either 0 or 0.5% cholesterol. During the 3-wk feeding-period the ODS (od/od) rats fed the vitamin C-deficient diet gradually decreased food intake, resulting in a lower body weight than that of od/od rats given ascorbic acid. The serum cholesterol level was significantly higher in the vitamin C-deficient od/od rats fed the cholesterol diet, and it tended to be higher in those fed the control (0% cholesterol) diet, whereas the liver lipid levels remained unchanged relative to those in od/od rats fed the vitamin C-replete diet. The serum very low density lipoprotein and high density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol levels were lower in od/od rats fed the vitamin C-deficient diet without cholesterol, but intermediate density lipoprotein and low density lipoprotein cholesterol levels were markedly higher in the vitamin C-deficient od/od rats than in od/od rats given ascorbic acid, regardless of dietary cholesterol level. The ratio of HDL2 cholesterol to HDL3 cholesterol was also higher in the vitamin C-deficient od/od rats. The parent strain of the od/od rats (+/+) showed no change due to vitamin C deficiency. These results suggest that vitamin C deficiency delays low density lipoprotein metabolism and produces hypercholesterolemia in male od/od rats.

Topics: Animals; Ascorbic Acid; Ascorbic Acid Deficiency; Body Weight; Cholesterol, Dietary; Lipoproteins; Liver; Male; Phospholipids; Rats; Rats, Mutant Strains; Triglycerides

The specific cause of short stature in juvenile rheumatoid arthritis (JRA) is unknown. One hypothesis links altered growth to inadequate dietary intake. In this study, nutritional status was assessed in 34 children with JRA (8 with systemic JRA, 14 with polyarticular JRA, and 12 with pauciarticular JRA) and 9 healthy controls using 3-day diet records, anthropometrics, and biochemical analyses. Differences in growth were found among the three types of JRA. One third of all subjects were at or below the 10th percentile in height for age (these being predominantly among the systemic and polyarticular groups). With few exceptions, the mean dietary intake for calories and essential nutrients was found to be adequate for each of the three groups. However, more than half of those with systemic JRA reportedly consumed less than the recommended caloric intake for their age and weight. No significant correlations were found linking dietary intake to growth percentiles in any of the groups studied. Biochemical abnormalities were found among the systemic and polyarticular groups. These abnormalities included low plasma levels of vitamins A and C, proteins (albumin, prealbumin, and retinol binding protein) and zinc; and increased levels of copper and glutathione peroxidase activity. Plasma selenium and vitamin E levels were unchanged. The discrepancy between intake and certain circulating nutrient levels may reflect alterations in the requirements, absorption, or use of these nutrients in the presence of chronic inflammation.

Topics: Adolescent; Arthritis, Juvenile; Ascorbic Acid; Blood Proteins; Body Height; Body Weight; Child; Child Development; Child, Preschool; Diet; Humans; Nutritional Status; Steroids; Vitamin A

Ascorbic acid (AsA) is known to be required for the synthesis of carnitine. The present study was designed to clarify the effect of AsA on the carnitine synthesis and lipid metabolism in guinea pigs. The animals were divided into four groups, and fed AsA-free diets for three weeks. Each group was supplemented with AsA in the following doses; high-AsA group, 100 mg AsA/day/animal; control group, 5 mg AsA/day/animal; AsA-deficient group, 0.1 mg AsA/day/animal; pair-fed group, 5 mg AsA/day/animal. The pair-fed group was restricted to the amount of diet consumed by the AsA-deficient group. Tissue carnitine levels of the AsA-deficient group were significantly lower than not only the control group but the pair-fed group. Total cholesterol and phospholipid levels in plasma of the AsA-deficient group were found to be similar to those of the pair-fed group; however, plasma triglyceride levels were significantly higher than that of the pair-fed group. Furthermore, there was an inverse relationship between tissue AsA and plasma triglyceride levels. We concluded that carnitine synthesis and triglyceride metabolism in guinea pigs may be impaired by the decrease of tissue AsA level rather than by the insufficient food intake. It is suggested that tissue carnitine level altered by tissue AsA content affects plasma triglyceride level.

Topics: Alkaline Phosphatase; Animals; Ascorbic Acid; Ascorbic Acid Deficiency; Body Weight; Carnitine; Cholesterol; Guinea Pigs; Lipids; Male; Organ Specificity; Phospholipids; Triglycerides

Guinea pigs adapted (6-10 weeks) to low supply with vitamin C in the food show the tendency to increased levels of cholesterol and triacylglycerides in the blood and to decreased levels of hemoglobin and of glucose in comparison to guinea pigs adapted to medium and high supply.

Topics: Animals; Ascorbic Acid; Blood Glucose; Body Weight; Cholesterol; Guinea Pigs; Hemoglobins; Triglycerides

The effect of ascorbic acid deficiency on the urinary excretion of nitrate was investigated using a mutant strain of rats (osteogenic disorder syndrome rats; ODS rats) unable to synthesize ascorbic acid. The amount of urinary nitrate excreted by ODS rats with or without ascorbic acid supplementation were measured before and after the intraperitoneal injection of Escherichia coli lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Urinary nitrate excretion increased markedly after LPS injection. Urinary nitrate excretion by ODS rats not supplied with ascorbic acid was significantly less than that of those supplied with ascorbic acid both before and after LPS injection. These results show that ascorbic acid enhances both LPS-stimulated and constitutive nitrate production in vivo.

Topics: Adrenal Glands; Analysis of Variance; Animals; Ascorbic Acid; Ascorbic Acid Deficiency; Body Weight; Female; Kidney; Lipopolysaccharides; Liver; Nitrates; Rats; Rats, Mutant Strains; Spleen

The effect of large intake of dietary ascorbic acid on heat-induced eye lens protein damage has been studied. Male guinea pigs of the Hartley strain were used. Ascorbic acid was administered to the experimental animals in the drinking water. The mean daily ascorbic acid intakes for the control and experimental animals were 10 and 366 mg/kg body weight, respectively. The ascorbic acid level in the lens of the experimental animals was significantly higher than in the controls, but no differences in the content of water-soluble lens proteins were observed. When a solution of water-soluble protein was incubated at 60 degrees C, insoluble aggregates were formed. The loss of water-soluble proteins from the lens of the experimental animals was significantly less than that of the controls. The results indicated that large quantities of dietary ascorbic acid were able to protect lens constituents against heat-induced damage.

Topics: Animals; Ascorbic Acid; Body Weight; Cataract; Crystallins; Diet; Guinea Pigs; Hot Temperature; Lens, Crystalline; Male

Four experiments were conducted to investigate further the effects of V on hen performance and egg quality as well as on the ability of ascorbic acid and Cr to counteract the deleterious effects of V on interior egg quality. At 10 ppm, added V significantly reduced albumin quality as measured by Haugh units; and at 30 ppm and 100 ppm, respectively, significantly reduced rate of lay and feed consumption and also increased body weight loss. As measured by shell breaking strength or shell thickness, shell quality was not affected significantly by V (added to a maximum of 100 ppm). Ascorbic acid (100 to 5,000 ppm) effectively protected the hens from the reduction in albumen quality resulting from the addition of 10 ppm of V to the basal diet. Hen performance and egg quality were not significantly affected by adding 10 or 50 ppm of Cr to a diet with 10 ppm of added V, nor by adding 30 or 150 ppm of Cr to a diet with 30 ppm of added V. The added Cr failed to counteract the depressing effects of V on the Haugh units recorded, regardless of the composition of the basal diet.

Topics: Analysis of Variance; Animal Feed; Animals; Ascorbic Acid; Body Weight; Chromium; Diet; Eating; Eggs; Female; Oviposition; Random Allocation; Vanadium

Rats were treated for 1 week each with 0.05% N-butyl-N-(4-hydroxybutyl)nitrosamine (BBN), 0.2% N-bis(2-hydroxypropyl)-nitrosamine (DHPN) and 0.2% N-ethyl-N-hydroxyethylnitrosamine (EHEN) in the drinking water, and then administered diet containing 5% sodium L-ascorbate (Na-AsA), 1% butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT) or 0.05% phenobarbital (PB), or weekly intraperitoneal injections of 2 mg of pepleomycin per kg body weight until week 36. Histopathological examination revealed that all exerted significant modulation effects on tumor development in the various target organs. Na-AsA was found to inhibit liver but promote renal pelvis and bladder carcinogenesis. BHT similarly decreased liver and enhanced bladder lesion development. PB, in contrast promoted hepatocarcinogenesis. However both PB and BHT were associated with increased incidences of adenomas and adenocarcinomas of the thyroid. Thus the wide-spectrum initiation model allowed confirmation of site-specific modification potential and in addition demonstrated potentiation of kidney and bladder carcinogenesis promotion by pepleomycin.

Topics: Animals; Ascorbic Acid; Bleomycin; Body Weight; Butylated Hydroxytoluene; Cocarcinogenesis; Kidney Neoplasms; Liver Neoplasms; Lung Neoplasms; Male; Neoplasms, Experimental; Peplomycin; Phenobarbital; Rats; Rats, Inbred F344; Thyroid Neoplasms; Urinary Bladder Neoplasms

The effect of acute or chronic ascorbic acid deficiency on the activity of hepatic cholesterol 7 alpha-hydroxylase and fecal excretion of bile acids was investigated in ODS-od/od (OD) rats (a rat mutant unable to synthesize ascorbic acid) fed a purified basal diet or purified diets containing either cholesterol (2%) or polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) (200 mg/kg). In OD rats, the dietary requirement of ascorbic acid to maintain normal growth and normal levels of cholesterol in serum and liver is about 300 mg of ascorbic acid/kg diet. In OD rats fed the basal diet, acute or chronic ascorbic acid deficiency did not affect the activity of hepatic cholesterol 7 alpha-hydroxylase and fecal excretion of bile acids. However, in OD rats fed diets containing either cholesterol or PCB, acute ascorbic acid deficiency caused a higher level of serum cholesterol, a lower activity of hepatic cholesterol 7 alpha-hydroxylase and a lower excretion of fecal bile acids than in OD rats fed a basal diet containing an adequate level of ascrobic acid. It is concluded that acute ascorbic acid deficiency causes a hypercholesterolemia due to the depression of bile acid synthesis in OD rats fed a purified diet with cholesterol or PCB.

Topics: Animals; Ascorbic Acid; Ascorbic Acid Deficiency; Bile Acids and Salts; Body Weight; Cholesterol; Cholesterol 7-alpha-Hydroxylase; Cholesterol, Dietary; Cytochrome P-450 Enzyme System; Diet; Feces; Lipid Metabolism; Liver; Male; Organ Size; Polychlorinated Biphenyls; Rats; Rats, Inbred Strains; Rats, Mutant Strains

In two experiments, bobwhite quail chicks were given 0, 50, or 500 ppm ascorbic acid (AA) in the drinking water from 1 to 7 days of age. Both levels of AA significantly decreased mortality for the first 7 days and for the 3-wk average. Feed conversion during the entire 3-wk study was improved by 500 ppm AA. Body weight was not affected by AA supplementation.

Topics: Administration, Oral; Animals; Ascorbic Acid; Body Weight; Colinus; Drinking; Eating; Quail

To investigate gender difference in serum ascorbic acid levels in healthy elderly, its status was studied in 175 free-living and healthy elderly people aged 63-81, who were not using ascorbic acid supplement. Both mean dietary ascorbic acid intake (3.2 +/- 1.3 mg/kg of body weight/day) and its serum concentration (1.11 +/- 0.23 mg/100 ml) for females (n = 96) were significantly higher than for males (2.7 +/- 1.1 mg/kg/day and 0.91 +/- 0.30 mg/100 ml; n = 79). It was estimated that intakes needed to maintain a serum ascorbic acid concentration of 1.0 mg/100 ml would be about 2 mg/kg of body weight/day for females and about 3 mg/kg/day for males. In this population, dietary ascorbic acid intake was the most important predictor of its serum concentration, but sex was also significantly related to it, accounting about 7% of its total variation.

Topics: Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Ascorbic Acid; Body Weight; Diet; Female; Humans; Japan; Male; Middle Aged; Nutritional Status; Regression Analysis; Risk Factors; Sex Factors; Smoking; Socioeconomic Factors

This study was undertaken to assess the effects of dietary ascorbic acid on the growth and immunoresponsiveness of chickens when subjected to particular types of stress. White Leghorn chicks were fed diets containing no supplemental ascorbic acid, and ascorbic-acid diet (330 ppm) for 2 days or for 19 days before challenge. Then, half of the females were inoculated with Escherichia coli; half of the males were challenged with dietary corticosterone (30 ppm) for 12 days; and the remaining chicks were maintained as controls. These chicks, reared under "good" husbandry procedures, did not realize advantages in growth or feed efficiency due to the short- or long-term consumption of diets containing ascorbic acid. Incubation with E. coli resulted in considerably higher heterophil-to-lymphocyte ratios 24 h after inoculation, and E. coli-induced mortality was higher for pullets on short-term ascorbic acid than for those on long-term or no ascorbic acid. Dietary corticosterone caused differences in body weight and the relative weights of certain organs, regardless of dietary levels of ascorbic acid. The antibody response to red-blood-cell antigens from sheep was enhanced in unchallenged cockerels (no dietary corticosterone) fed ascorbic acid on a long-term basis, but dietary corticosterone overshadowed the advantageous effects of dietary ascorbic acid. These data showed that the effects of supplemental ascorbic acid on growth and on immunoresponsiveness were related to the quality of the husbandry, length of supplemental feeding, age of the chicks, endogenous-exogenous balance for ascorbic acid, and the relationship with corticosterone.

Topics: Animals; Antibody Formation; Ascorbic Acid; Body Weight; Chickens; Corticosterone; Erythrocytes; Escherichia coli Infections; Female; Granulocytes; Immunity; Leukocyte Count; Lymphocytes; Male; Organ Size; Poultry Diseases; Sex Characteristics

The effect of dietary ascorbic acid on the serum mineral nutrients, Ca, Cu, Fe, K, Mg, Mn, Na and Zn in guinea pigs has been studied. Large amounts of ascorbic acid were administered to experimental animals in their drinking water. The daily ascorbic acid intake from the diet for the control animals was 10 mg/kg body weight. The mean ascorbic acid intakes for the two groups of experimental animals were 366 (37 times control) and 722 (72 times control) mg/kg body weight/day. In the ascorbic acid-treated animals, there was a significant increase in serum ascorbic acid levels in comparison with the controls. No substantial differences were observed in the body weights. The large quantities of dietary ascorbic acid did not influence serum levels of all eight minerals studied when the experimental and control values were compared using the two-tailed Student's t-test. However, serum level of copper in the guinea pigs ingesting a daily dose of 722 mg of ascorbic acid per kg body weight was slightly below control value when one-tailed Student's t-test was used.

Topics: Animals; Ascorbic Acid; Body Weight; Diet; Guinea Pigs; Male; Minerals

The objective of this study was to determine the effect of a broad range of dietary intake levels of ascorbate on the distribution of both total and reduced ascorbate in guinea pig tissues. Young male Hartley guinea pigs were fed for 2 mo a modified Reid-Briggs purified diet containing five different levels of total ascorbate that provided 0.8-52 mg ascorbate/d. We also fed aged guinea pigs two different levels of ascorbic acid (1.5 or 60 mg/d) for 2 mo. Reduced and total ascorbate was measured in eye lens and aqueous humor, liver, kidney and plasma. The data indicate that it is possible to markedly enhance the level of ascorbate in tissues above that obtained by feeding a diet that contains only enough ascorbate to prevent scurvy. In all tissues, as the level of total ascorbate present in the tissue increased, so did the proportion present in the reduced form. In old guinea pigs, the eye lens was the only tissue in which both reduced and total ascorbate were significantly lower than in the young guinea pigs at both high and low intake levels.

Topics: Animals; Ascorbic Acid; Body Weight; Diet; Female; Guinea Pigs; Male; Reference Values; Scurvy; Tissue Distribution

1. Studies were carried out on the distribution of ascorbic acid in human fetal tissues with the progress of gestation. 2. Fetuses and stillborn babies varying in gestational age from 12 to 38 weeks were obtained from various Baroda hospitals. Ascorbic acid levels were determined in selected tissues: brain, adrenal, liver, kidney, lung, heart and placenta. 3. Ascorbic acid concentration in the brain was higher than that in the adrenal at all gestational ages, suggesting the importance of this vitamin in brain development. The concentrations of this vitamin in liver, kidney, lung and placenta were comparable, but that in the heart tended to be lower. In all the tissues, there was a fall in ascorbic acid during late gestation. However, the levels in tissues of stillborn babies were higher than those reported for adults.

Topics: Ascorbic Acid; Body Weight; Female; Fetal Growth Retardation; Fetus; Gestational Age; Humans; Placenta; Pregnancy; Tissue Distribution

An investigation of sequential changes in urine composition, levels of DNA synthesis and morphology of bladder epithelium following administration of the tumor promoters sodium ascorbate (AsA-Na) or butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA) and the non-promoter ascorbic acid (AsA) for 36 weeks was performed. In addition, prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), cAMP and AsA content were assessed in bladder tissue after 16 weeks. While AsA-Na caused increase in pH, sodium content and volume, and a decrease in osmolality of the urine throughout the study, these changes were not observed with AsA administration which resulted in a decrease in urinary pH. BHA treatment was not associated with any urinary changes. AsA-Na brought about a significant elevation of DNA synthesis in the bladder epithelium from weeks 2 to 16 and was associated with simple hyperplasia at week 8, which, however, decreased by week 16 and was no longer evident at weeks 24 and 36 when DNA synthesis returned to normal. Under the scanning electron microscope (SEM), morphologic alterations of the urothelial surface in rats given AsA-Na were observed at weeks 8 and 16, but the appearance at week 36 was almost normal. AsA did not cause any changes in these parameters at any time point. BHA induced a significant elevation of DNA synthesis throughout the study, produced simple hyperplasia at week 36 and alterations of the epithelial surface from weeks 4 to 36. Significant increases of PGE2 and AsA in bladder tissue were noted for the AsA-Na or BHA, but not AsA groups. Moreover, cAMP levels in bladder tissue of rats exposed to AsA-Na or BHA were slightly higher than in the controls. The results suggest that changes in PGE2, cAMP and AsA may be involved in promotion of rat bladder carcinogenesis.

Topics: Animals; Ascorbic Acid; Body Weight; Butylated Hydroxyanisole; Carcinogens; Dinoprostone; DNA Replication; Epithelial Cells; Epithelium; Hyperplasia; Male; Rats; Rats, Inbred F344; Reference Values; Sodium; Urinary Bladder; Urinary Bladder Neoplasms; Urine

The modulation of the phase I and phase II biotransformation enzymes upon treatment with tobacco extract (TE) and N'-nitrosonornicotine (NNN) was investigated using male Sprague-Dawley rats fed differential protein diets. It was observed that the animals fed a low protein diet showed an overall decrease in the basal levels of hepatic and pulmonary phase I and II enzymes. TE and NNN significantly decreased the detoxifying system in the low-protein-fed animals. Animals fed 20% protein, however, showed significant increases in glutathione and glutathione S-transferase upon treatment. Furthermore, TE and NNN treatment brought about a significant depletion in the hepatic pool of vitamin A with a concomitant increase in the vitamin C levels.

Topics: Animals; Ascorbic Acid; Biotransformation; Body Weight; Carcinogens; Cytochrome b Group; Cytochrome P-450 Enzyme System; Cytochromes b5; Diet; Dietary Proteins; Lethal Dose 50; Male; Microsomes, Liver; Nicotiana; Nitrosamines; Plant Extracts; Plants, Toxic; Rats; Rats, Inbred Strains; Vitamin A

The influence of methoxyflurane anesthesia alone compared to anesthesia and laparotomy surgery on plasma cortisol (PC) levels and tissue ascorbic acid (AA) levels was examined in adult male albino guinea pigs (485 +/- 7 g) consuming 500 mg AA/kg diet. Anesthesia resulted in a 60% decrease in food intake on day 1 after treatment, while surgery resulted in a 71% decrease. By day 4, food intake for both groups was equal to that of control animals. Body weight decreased 5-7% on day 1 after both treatments; recovery of body weight to pre-treatment levels was slowest in the animals exposed to surgery. After anesthesia alone, PC levels were twice that of controls by 1 hr and the five-fold higher peak PC level was observed at 9 hr. Surgery induced a more immediate five-fold rise in PC level that plateaued at 1 hr. PC levels decreased to levels similar to the control animals after 72 hr after both treatments. Weight, percent water, and AA levels of tissues examined at seven days after treatment were similar among groups. The results indicate that the adrenal cortical response to surgery is of the same magnitude as for anesthesia alone, although the peak PC level is more quickly achieved. Tissue AA levels are similar seven days after surgery or anesthesia alone even though elevated PC levels sustained for several days.

Topics: Abdomen; Anesthetics; Animals; Ascorbic Acid; Body Weight; Eating; Guinea Pigs; Hydrocortisone; Male; Methoxyflurane

Effects of ascorbic acid ingestion on the severity of vitamin B-12 deficiency were investigated by feeding weanling rats experimental diets containing 0-100 micrograms of vitamin B-12 activity per kg of diet, with or without 6.0 mg of ascorbic acid per ml supplied in drinking water for 15 wk. This daily consumption of up to 150 mg of ascorbic acid did not impair growth, but did result in significantly higher concentrations of ascorbic acid in plasma, liver, adrenal glands and feces. When rats were fed diets deficient or marginally deficient in vitamin B-12, liver concentrations of vitamin B-12 were markedly lower than in liver of rats fed adequate vitamin B-12. Ascorbic acid ingestion raised values significantly in the vitamin B-12-deficient diet group. Urinary methylmalonic acid was significantly elevated in the deficient rats. However, it was significantly reduced to more normal values by ascorbic acid in rats with both low and marginal vitamin B-12 status, as defined by dietary and liver concentrations of vitamin B-12 activity. Although coprophagy was not prevented, rats showed no increased consumption of feces with the higher ascorbic acid content. Thus, the results of this research indicate that vitamin C ingestion partially protects rats from vitamin B-12 deficiency.

Topics: Adrenal Glands; Animals; Ascorbic Acid; Body Weight; Coprophagia; Diet; Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; Feces; Liver; Male; Methylmalonic Acid; Random Allocation; Rats; Vitamin B 12

Topics: Animals; Ascorbic Acid; Body Weight; Creatine; Kidney; Male; Nephrectomy; Oxalates; Rats; Rats, Inbred Strains; Time Factors

An examination of the number of remaining teeth was performed in a sample of women representative of middle-aged women in the city of Gothenburg, Sweden. A dietary history was recorded in a subsample comprising altogether 437 women. When carrying out multivariate analyses of the total series, taking age into consideration as a background factor, significant correlations were observed between prevalence of edentulousness on one hand and intake of energy, fat and calcium on the other. Edentulous women had lower intake of ascorbic acid than other women.

Topics: Adult; Alcohol Drinking; Ascorbic Acid; Body Weight; Diet; Feeding Behavior; Female; Humans; Jaw, Edentulous; Jaw, Edentulous, Partially; Middle Aged; Random Allocation

Male broiler chicks were fed diets containing either 0 or 300 ppm ascorbic acid from hatch to 49 days of age. At 35 days of age, chicks were implanted with 50 mg of corticosterone to study a possible interaction between dietary ascorbic acid and corticosterone on body, liver, adrenal, and abdominal fat pad weights. In vitro lipogenesis was determined from the incorporation of 20 mM [2-14C] sodium acetate into hepatic lipids during a 2-h incubation at 37 C. The corticosterone implants increased (P less than .05) liver and abdominal fat pad weights and in vitro lipogenesis but decreased (P less than .05) body and adrenal weights. Dietary ascorbic acid had little affect upon these traits.

Topics: Adipose Tissue; Adrenal Glands; Animals; Ascorbic Acid; Body Weight; Chickens; Corticosterone; Diet; Drug Implants; Lipid Metabolism; Liver; Male; Organ Size

The effects of feeding vitamin E-deficient diets to rats for one year were investigated to analyse the relationship of the vitamin with other antioxidants and some antioxidative enzymes. Long-term vitamin E deficiency lowered the levels of antioxidants like vitamin E, ascorbic acid and glutathione (GSH) in all tissues analysed and thus increasing the extent of tissue peroxidisability. Vitamin E deficiency had also influenced the activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase and glutathione peroxidase, the enzymes that are involved in detoxification mechanisms of products arising from free radical metabolism.

Topics: Animals; Ascorbic Acid; Body Weight; Brain; Glutathione; Glutathione Reductase; Lipid Peroxidation; Liver; Male; Muscles; Peroxidases; Rats; Rats, Inbred Strains; Superoxide Dismutase; Vitamin E; Vitamin E Deficiency

Male broiler chicks were grown to 21 days of age under normal conditions, then placed in environmental chambers maintained under constant (24 C) or cyclic (24 to 35 C) heat conditions. Chicks were acclimated for 1 wk on a standard grower basal diet. Standard grower basal diets were fortified with 0, 125, 250, 500, or 1,000 ppm coated ascorbic acid (AA) or 0, 125, 250, or 500 ppm acetylsalicylic acid (ASA). Test diets were fed for 14 days in two separate studies. Cyclic heat conditions reduced feed intake and significantly reduced weight gains in both trials. Feed efficiency was not significantly affected by heat stress. Neither AA or ASA had beneficial effects on broiler growth or feed efficiency.

Topics: Animals; Ascorbic Acid; Aspirin; Body Weight; Chickens; Diet; Hot Temperature; Male; Stress, Physiological

Topics: Animals; Ascorbic Acid; Body Weight; Catalase; Diethylhexyl Phthalate; Eating; Female; Lipid Peroxidation; Liver; Malondialdehyde; Organ Size; Phthalic Acids; Rats; Rats, Inbred Strains; Urate Oxidase; Uric Acid

The enzyme activities which depended on the ascorbic acid (AsA) tissue levels were assayed to investigate the effect of erythorbic acid (ErA) administration on the AsA availability in the guinea pigs administered 5 mg of AsA/day or 1 mg of AsA/day. The guinea pigs were given 5 mg of AsA and 1, 5, 20, 100 mg of ErA/day, or 1 mg of AsA and 1 or 20 mg of ErA/day for 16 days. The animals were sacrificed, blood was collected, and their livers were removed. The activities of liver aniline hydroxylase, liver acid phosphatase, and serum alkaline phosphatase, as well as the liver cytochrome P-450 content were measured. These enzyme activities and the liver cytochrome P-450 content of animals administered 5 mg of AsA seemed to show no change regardless of ErA supplement. Animals administered 1 mg of AsA showed different activities of liver aniline hydroxylase and liver acid phosphatase compared with those of animals administered 5 mg of AsA; however, the enzyme activities in animals administered 20 mg of ErA together with 1 mg of AsA were similar to those of the animals administered only 5 mg of AsA. These results indicated that ErA administration had no effect on the enzyme activities and the liver cytochrome P-450 content in the 5 mg AsA-supplemented animals, but administration of 20 mg of ErA was effective to maintain at normal levels the activities of liver aniline hydroxylase and liver acid phosphatase in the 1 mg AsA-supplemented animals.

Topics: Acid Phosphatase; Alkaline Phosphatase; Aniline Hydroxylase; Animals; Ascorbic Acid; Body Weight; Cytochrome P-450 Enzyme System; Guinea Pigs; Liver; Male

Groups of male Swiss-Webster mice were gavaged with acetaminophen (APAP), APAP + ascorbyl stearate (AS), or APAP + ascorbyl palmitate (AP) at a dose of 600 mg/kg for each chemical. APAP alone caused a significant increase in liver weight/body weight ratio and hepatic glutathione (GSH) depletion. Co-administration of the ascorbate esters AP or AS with APAP prevented an increase in liver weight/body weight ratios and hepatic glutathione depletion. APAP + AS treatments caused significantly greater reductions in rectal temperature at 15-30 min post-dosing periods when compared to APAP + AP or AS treatments. Blood levels of APAP had the same relationship. The study indicates a correlation between APAP blood levels and antipyretic effect of APAP + AS and APAP + AP coadministrations. While both ascorbate esters probably afford protection against APAP-induced hepatotoxicity in mice by reducing the reactive intermediate back to the parent compound, the APAP + AS combination provides better therapeutic efficacy as an antipyretic at the 15-30 min post-dosing periods.

Topics: Acetaminophen; Animals; Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal; Ascorbic Acid; Body Weight; Drug Therapy, Combination; Fever; Glutathione; Liver; Male; Mice; Organ Size

Ascorbic acid (vitamin C) was given to 144-days-old layer chickens mixed with their ration at three concentrations: 30, 60 and 90 p.p.m. for 6 months. Cholesterol levels in blood serum (CS) and egg yolk (CE) were measured every 6 weeks (four periods); there was a marked decrease in CS in most treated birds, especially those receiving the highest concentration of vitamin C. There was also a slight decrease in CE in most treated birds. Thyroidal weight showed a significant increase in most treated groups, especially those receiving the highest concentration of vitamin C.

Topics: Animals; Ascorbic Acid; Body Weight; Chickens; Cholesterol; Egg Yolk; Female; Organ Size; Thyroid Gland

L-Ascorbic acid, citric acid or their sodium salts (at levels equivalent to 5% sodium L-ascorbate) were fed in the diet simultaneously with N-butyl-N-(4-hydroxybutyl)nitrosamine (BBN) or N-ethyl-N-(4-hydroxybutyl)nitrosamine (EHBN) (0.025% BBN or 0.021% EHBN) in the drinking water to male F344 rats for 20 weeks to determine whether urinary pH changes affect the carcinogenicity of BBN or EHBN. In the urine, pH was decreased in rats fed the acidic chemicals and increased in rats fed their corresponding sodium salts. Histopathologically, the incidences and numbers of preneoplastic and neoplastic lesions in groups treated with each test chemical were not different from those in control groups except for sodium citrate-treated groups in which induction of carcinomas was higher, resulting from increased intake of either carcinogen and also from increased urinary excretion of main carcinogenic metabolites. These results show that the test chemicals do not affect the carcinogenicity of BBN or EHBN on the rat urinary bladder when simultaneously administered despite significant differences in urinary pH.

Topics: Animals; Ascorbic Acid; Body Weight; Butylhydroxybutylnitrosamine; Citrates; Citric Acid; Diethylnitrosamine; Drug Interactions; Hydrogen-Ion Concentration; Male; Nitrosamines; Organ Size; Rats; Rats, Inbred F344; Urinary Bladder Neoplasms

The data quality control of the first 4 years of an ongoing study (10 years duration) in a few hundred women and an additional control group is presented with regard to the measurements of the usual nutrient intake, covering a 1 year period, by means of the cross-check dietary history method. The results show that with regard to the disturbing time factors the cross-check dietary history method is (a) reasonably reproducible for most nutrients except vitamin A and vitamin C, (b) does not show test effects when interviews were taken only once a year, (c) does show observer effects. The method has a reasonable validity. It is concluded that, on an individual basis, the nutrient variables are not appropriate for a detailed calculation of changes per unit time but are useful as a general measure for the development of the individual (e.g. the average change per time unit over a longer period). For this reason the method can be reliably used in longitudinal studies to evaluate the role of diet in relation to chronic disease.

Topics: Aged; Ascorbic Acid; Body Height; Body Weight; Calcium; Creatinine; Diet Surveys; Dietary Carbohydrates; Dietary Fats; Dietary Fiber; Dietary Proteins; Energy Intake; Female; Humans; Interviews as Topic; Longitudinal Studies; Middle Aged; Nitrogen; Nutrition Surveys; Phosphorus; Quality Control; Sodium; Vitamin A

Since evidence suggests that ascorbic acid deficits may provoke certain diabetic complications, it becomes necessary to develop a diabetic animal model which, like man, is unable to synthesize this vitamin. To this end, the present study monitored the diabetogenic effects of streptozotocin (STZ, 150 mg/kg) in the male guinea pig, a species rarely used in diabetes research. Over a 3-week period, body weight and relative food intake were lower in the STZ group compared to controls. The mean daily water intake and urine volume of the STZ group after 1 week were 175 and 270% of their initial pretreatment values, respectively, while control values were unchanged. The STZ group also exhibited a persistent glycosuria throughout the study. At the end of 3 weeks, aldehyde fuchsin staining of pancreatic beta cell granules (an index of stored insulin) was 58% lower in the STZ group compared to controls. Plasma C-peptide (indicator of insulin secretion) was expressed in human equivalents (mean +/- SEM). C-peptide was reduced in the STZ group (103 +/- 65 pg/ml) compared to controls (549 +/- 96 pg/ml); however, no change in plasma glucose was observed. Plasma ascorbic acid levels also were lower for STZ animals (150 +/- 26 micrograms%) versus controls (410 +/- 28 micrograms%). This study 1) demonstrates a diabetic syndrome in the STZ-treated guinea pig based on a reduced growth rate, beta cell dysfunction, polydipsia, polyuria and glycosuria, and 2) suggests the usefulness of this diabetic model in studies of pathologic mechanisms influenced by ascorbic acid.

Topics: Animals; Ascorbic Acid; Body Weight; Diabetes Mellitus, Experimental; Drinking Behavior; Eating; Glycosuria; Guinea Pigs; Islets of Langerhans; Male; Streptozocin; Water-Electrolyte Balance

Long-term feeding of purified diets containing (per kg diet) 100 mg of polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) and 1000 mg of vitamin E (RRR-alpha-tocopheryl acetate) to male Wistar rats was carried out. Rats fed a diet containing PCB rapidly became hypercholesterolemic and maintained high cholesterol levels throughout the 240 d of the experiment. Rats fed a high dietary level of vitamin E plus PCB had higher serum cholesterol and lower liver cholesterol than rats fed a lower level of vitamin E plus PCB. In rats fed PCB, urinary excretion of ascorbic acid was higher than in rats not fed PCB. Urinary ascorbic acid was lower in rats fed high levels of vitamin E plus PCB than in those fed the normal levels of vitamin E plus PCB. Rats fed PCB had lower liver vitamin A storage and higher vitamin A in kidney than rats not fed PCB. This implies that a redistribution of vitamin A occurred in rats fed PCB. Histological observations revealed that central halves of the hepatic lobules of rats fed PCB showed distinct changes consisting of hypertrophy of hepatocytes in the perivenous region and accumulation of vacuoles (lipid droplets) in the cells in the remaining affected portion. Administration of a high dose of vitamin E could not ameliorate this lesion while the treatment depressed effectively the lipid peroxidation. This suggests that the lipid peroxidation was not responsible for the hepatic damage induced by PCB.

Topics: Animals; Ascorbic Acid; Body Weight; Diet; Hypercholesterolemia; Lipid Metabolism; Lipid Peroxides; Liver; Male; Polychlorinated Biphenyls; Rats; Rats, Inbred Strains; Time Factors; Vitamin A; Vitamin E

Studies were carried out on ascorbic acid and glutathione concentration in human fetal tissues with the progress of gestation. The glutathione concentration in human fetal liver and adrenal showed a decline during late gestation, the decline in the brain being earlier. This is consistent with the fall in ascorbic acid concentration in all tissues during late gestation. Glutathione concentration and glutathione/ascorbic acid ratio was significantly lower in the low income group than the high income group, confirming previous observations that state of nutrition may influence cellular glutathione.

Topics: Adrenal Glands; Ascorbic Acid; Body Weight; Brain; Female; Fetus; Gestational Age; Glutathione; Humans; Income; Liver; Maternal-Fetal Exchange; Nutritional Status; Oxidation-Reduction; Placenta; Pregnancy

When a nutritionally complete basal diet containing 10% protein from casein was supplemented with 20% protein from unheated casein, wheat gluten or soy protein isolate, weanling mice exhibited significantly increased weight gains. In contrast, weight gains were markedly reduced compared to those with the basal diet; that is, growth was inhibited, when the supplement was soy protein or gluten that had been heated at 200 or 215 degrees C for 72 min in the dry state to stimulate crust baking. Addition of various carbohydrates to the gluten during heating prevented such growth inhibition. After heating with sodium ascorbate (but not L-ascorbic acid), soy protein (at 200 degrees C) and gluten (at 215 degrees C) completely prevented growth when added to the basal diet. Growth inhibition also occurred with a heated casein-ascorbate mixture, but was less than with the other proteins. The extent of growth inhibition increased sharply with temperature of heating in the range 180-215 degrees C and with sodium ascorbate concentration in the range 1-20%. Possible physical and chemical changes during heating of protein-ascorbate mixtures are discussed, as are possible mechanisms for the growth inhibition.

Topics: Amino Acids; Animal Nutritional Physiological Phenomena; Animals; Ascorbic Acid; Body Weight; Diet; Dietary Carbohydrates; Dietary Proteins; Drug Interactions; Food Handling; Hot Temperature; Male; Mice; Nutritive Value; Oxalates; Oxalic Acid

A 2 X 3 factorial arrangement was used in each of two trials with two levels of floor space allowance (.25, .13 m2/pig) and three dietary treatments (basal, basal + 660 ppm vitamin C, basal + 55 ppm carbadox). The reduction in floor space allowance was achieved in trial 1 by doubling the number of pigs/pen from eight to 16 and in trial 2 by reducing the size of pens by half. An 18% protein starter diet was used as the basal diet. Total numbers of pigs used were 216 in trial 1 and 144 in trial 2. Pigs were weaned between 4 and 5 wk of age (7.5 kg average wt) and fed ad libitum for 28 d. Reducing floor space allowance caused a (P less than .05) reduction in weight gain of weanling pigs in both trials. When the reduction of floor space allowance was done by increasing number of pigs/pen (trial 1), pigs responded with a significantly reduced feed intake with no change in efficiency of feed utilization. However, when floor space allowance was reduced by changing the size of the pen (trial 2), feed intake of pigs was not affected but efficiency of feed utilization was reduced significantly. Neither form of crowding affected vitamin C concentration in adrenal glands and weights of adrenal glands, spleen and thymus. Dietary supplementation of carbadox, but not vitamin C, produced significantly greater weight gain, feed efficiency, and spleen weight of pigs in both trials. Although there was no interaction between crowding and dietary treatment in affecting the performance of pigs, supplemental carbadox improved the performance of crowding-stressed pigs by maintaining an adequate level of feed intake and improving feed efficiency, whether crowding was caused by increased pig density or by reduced pen size. No significant differences in phytohemagglutinin (PHA) skin test response or in the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (N/L) were observed among treatments in trial 1, while a significantly reduced response to PHA and a higher N/L were detected in crowding-stressed pigs in trial 2.

Topics: Animals; Ascorbic Acid; Body Weight; Carbadox; Crowding; Leukocyte Count; Organ Size; Quinoxalines; Stress, Physiological; Swine

It is known that nitrates, nitrites and dimethylamine may react in the gastro-intestinal tract synthesizing the powerful hepatotoxic and carcinogenic dimethylnitrosamine. The purpose of this study was to investigate hepatotoxicity due to the daily intake of nitrates and nitrites administered to rats during 14 weeks together with dimethylamine in drinking water, and to evaluate the protecting effect of ascorbic acid against the hepatotoxicity of the presumably endogenous formed dimethylnitrosamine. The toxicity criteria studied were weight of liver (absolute and relative), free and total bilirubin, alkaline phosphatase and pyruvic glutamic transaminase, all in the form of serum, and histopathologic tests of the liver. The results gave evidence of hepatotoxicity induced by the intake of nitrate, nitrite and dimethylamine all together, and not through the only intake of nitrate or nitrite or of amine. Daily doses of ascorbic acid [(211 +/- 40) and (18 +/- 4) mg/kg] seemed to hinder hepatotoxicity according to the criteria under investigation.

Topics: Alanine Transaminase; Alkaline Phosphatase; Animals; Ascorbic Acid; Bilirubin; Body Weight; Chemical and Drug Induced Liver Injury; Diet; Dimethylamines; Female; Liver; Nitrates; Organ Size; Rats; Rats, Inbred Strains

Dietary administration of 5% L-ascorbic acid plus 3% K2CO3 to male F344 rats clearly enhanced the development of preneoplastic and neoplastic lesions of the urinary bladder initiated with N-butyl-N-(4-hydroxybutyl)nitrosamine. Promotion of carcinogenesis by L-ascorbic acid and K2CO3 was associated with changes in urinary parameters: elevation of pH, increased K+ concentration, and increase in total ascorbic acid.

Topics: Animals; Ascorbic Acid; Body Weight; Butylhydroxybutylnitrosamine; Hydrogen-Ion Concentration; Male; Organ Size; Potassium; Rats; Rats, Inbred F344; Sodium; Urinary Bladder Neoplasms

The influence on the survival of ascitic liver tumor (TLT)-bearing mice of combined vitamins C and K3 administered before or after a single i.p. dose of 6 different cytotoxic drugs, all commonly used in human cancer therapy, was investigated. Combined i.p. administration of these vitamins produced a distinct chemotherapy-potentiating effect for all drugs examined, especially when injected before chemotherapy. This potentiating treatment did not increase the general and organ toxicity that accompanies cancer chemotherapy. The possible generation of peroxides followed by membrane lipid alteration, DNase activation and DNA destruction by combined vitamin C and K3 in catalase-deficient cancer cells might be involved in the mechanisms of this selective potentiation.

Topics: Animals; Antineoplastic Agents; Ascorbic Acid; Body Weight; Catalase; Cyclophosphamide; Deoxyribonucleases; DNA Damage; Drug Synergism; Enzyme Activation; Liver Neoplasms; Male; Mice; Organ Size; Vitamin K

The erythorbic acid (ErA) content in the tissues of guinea pigs administered ErA was compared with that of ascorbic acid (AsA). Guinea pigs were administered 1, 5, 20, and 100 mg ErA/day or 1, 5, and 100 mg AsA/day for 16 days and then sacrificed. The liver, adrenal glands, spleen, and kidneys were removed to determine the contents of ErA and AsA using HPLC. Only a small amount of ErA was found in four tissues of the animals administered 20 mg or more of ErA/day. On the contrary, AsA was found in the tissues of all animals administered 1 mg or more of AsA/day. The ErA content in the tissues was much lower than that of AsA even when the amount of ErA administered was the same as that of AsA. However, the body weight gains of animals administered ErA were similar to those of animals administered AsA. These observations suggested that the mechanism of the retention of ErA in the tissues was much different from that of AsA and that the vitamin C activity of ErA might be more than one-twentieth that of AsA.

Topics: Adrenal Glands; Animals; Ascorbic Acid; Body Weight; Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid; Diet; Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; Guinea Pigs; Kidney; Liver; Male; Spleen; Stereoisomerism; Time Factors

Administration of ascorbic acid (0.3, 0.75 or 1.5%) in drinking water started after the treatment of female CBA mice with 1,2-dimethylhydrazine and estradiol-dipropionate inhibited the growth of uterine sarcomas. The inhibitory effect depended upon dosage to some extent. When administered together with estradiol-dipropionate to intact mice, ascorbic acid arrested uterine growth associated with estrogen treatment.

Topics: 1,2-Dimethylhydrazine; Animals; Ascorbic Acid; Body Weight; Dimethylhydrazines; Estradiol; Estrogen Antagonists; Female; Mice; Mice, Inbred CBA; Organ Size; Sarcoma, Experimental; Uterine Neoplasms; Uterus

Liver weight, liver and urinary ascorbic acid levels and serum cholesterol concentration were higher in rats fed polychlorinated biphenyls (PCB) than in controls. The influences of methionine, cystine and potassium sulfate on these metabolic responses were studied. Methionine or equivalent moles of cystine or potassium sulfate were added to a basal diet containing 10% soy protein isolate. The basal diet contained 0.3% of total sulfur-containing amino acids (S-AAs). When methionine was added to the basal diet, maximum gain in body weight was obtained with 0.5% of dietary S-AAs, while the highest values in serum cholesterol and urinary ascorbic acid were obtained with 0.8% of dietary S-AAs in rats fed PCB. Dietary addition of cystine had little effect on body weight gain. Nevertheless, in rat fed PCB, urinary ascorbic acid and serum cholesterol were significantly higher in rats fed the cystine-supplemented diet than in those fed the unsupplemented diet. Addition of potassium sulfate had no effect on body weight gain, urinary ascorbic acid or serum cholesterol. These results suggest that more S-AAs are required for the highest metabolic response to PCB than for maximum growth, and the higher requirement for S-AAs cannot be replaced by inorganic sulfate.

Topics: Animals; Ascorbic Acid; Body Weight; Cholesterol; Cystine; Diet; Dietary Proteins; Liver; Male; Methionine; Polychlorinated Biphenyls; Rats; Rats, Inbred Strains; Sulfates

The effects of dietary carbohydrate and ascorbic acid on the development of copper deficiency were investigated. Male Sprague-Dawley rats (n = 48) were fed one of eight diets in a 2 X 2 X 2 factorial design for 21 d. These diets varied in copper (1.11 or 8.96 micrograms Cu/g diet), carbohydrate (sucrose or cornstarch, 62.3%) and ascorbic acid (0 or 1%). Compared to controls, copper-deficient rats had lower hematocrit and ceruloplasmin levels, lower levels of copper and iron in several tissues, higher heart weights and lower spleen weights. During copper deficiency, liver iron levels were higher than control levels when cornstarch, but not sucrose, was the carbohydrate source, while liver and gastrointestinal tract weights were higher with sucrose compared to cornstarch. Copper-deficient rats fed ascorbic acid had significantly (P less than 0.05) lower hematocrits when fed sucrose compared to starch [29.6 +/- 1.2 vs. 36.8 +/- 1.2 g/dl (mean +/- SEM), respectively]. In copper-deficient rats, sucrose tended to lower the apparent absorption of copper compared to cornstarch, while ascorbic acid reduced the apparent absorption of iron. Thus, sucrose and ascorbic acid appeared to reduce hematocrit levels through effects on mineral absorption.

Topics: Absorption; Administration, Oral; Analysis of Variance; Animals; Ascorbic Acid; Body Weight; Ceruloplasmin; Copper; Dietary Carbohydrates; Drug Interactions; Feces; Hematocrit; Iron; Liver; Male; Rats; Rats, Inbred Strains; Sucrose; Tissue Distribution; Zinc

Protection against the toxic effects of chronic alcohol consumption was observed in male guinea pigs maintained on a high-ascorbic-acid diet (vitamin C-deficient chow plus 2.0 mg ascorbic acid/ml drinking water) as compared to animals on a low-ascorbic-acid diet (vitamin C-deficient chow and from 0.025 to 0.050 mg ascorbic acid/ml drinking water). Alcohol was orally administered to the guinea pigs at a dose of 2.5 g/kg for up to 14 weeks. Levels of serum aspartate aminotransferase and serum alanine aminotransferase were significantly elevated in animals on the low-ascorbic-acid diet that received alcohol, 120 and 250%, respectively. In contrast, in animals on the high-ascorbic-acid diet that received alcohol, levels of alanine aminotransferase were not significantly elevated and levels of aspartate aminotransferase were elevated 50%. In addition, some of the animals on the low-ascorbic-acid diet that received alcohol for 12 to 14 weeks developed hepatic steatosis and necrosis, whereas none of the animals on the high-ascorbic-acid diet that received alcohol for the same length of time manifested these changes.

Topics: Administration, Oral; Alanine Transaminase; Alcoholic Intoxication; Animals; Ascorbic Acid; Ascorbic Acid Deficiency; Aspartate Aminotransferases; Body Weight; Cytochrome P-450 Enzyme System; Fatty Liver, Alcoholic; Guinea Pigs; Male; Organ Size; Oxygenases

Topics: Adrenal Glands; Aminolevulinic Acid; Animals; Ascorbic Acid; Body Weight; Catecholamines; Cholesterol; Lead; Lead Poisoning; Male; Organ Size; Rats; Time Factors

Almost one-third of American adults regularly take vitamins and supplements. If taken incorrectly or in excess, these vitamins may be a potential health hazard. Vitamins are essential nutrients which, in combination with other nutrients (e.g., fats, carbohydrates and proteins), foster normal metabolism. Vitamins also interact with each other. For example, vitamin C participates in the metabolism of folic acid, and vitamin E facilitates the absorption and storage of vitamin A. Because the biological functions of vitamins are interrelated, a diet poor in vitamins, carbohydrates, fats and proteins is not necessarily enhanced by vitamin supplementation. When vitamins are taken in excess of the Recommended Dietary Allowances or the individual's needs, the vitamins no longer function as vitamins but instead act as drugs, with such pharmacological effects as clinical toxicities and the abnormal utilization of vitamins. There are six categories that require vitamin supplements and, in some cases, megadoses. These will be discussed in detail. In addition, a brief table showing the Recommended Dietary Allowances will be given which the nurse practitioner can use in assessing nutritional needs of the client so that necessary adjustments can be made. Finally, a brief review of the potential risks and benefits of megadoses in normal, healthy adults will be given.

Topics: Ascorbic Acid; Body Weight; Diet; Dietary Proteins; Energy Intake; Energy Metabolism; Health Status; Humans; Nurse Practitioners; Nutritional Requirements; Orthomolecular Therapy; Risk; Vitamins

Three trials using 240 weanling pigs were conducted during winter months to determine the influence of nursery temperature ("comfortable" vs "cold") on the response of weanling pigs to added vitamin C (700 ppm) or E (55 IU/kg) to a corn-soybean meal diet. A "comfortable" temperature schedule (27 C initially with a weekly 2 C drop) was maintained in one nursery, with the temperature schedule in the "cold" nursery about 8 C lower. Plasma concentrations of vitamin C and vitamin E were elevated when the respective vitamins were added to the diet, but were not consistently influenced by nursery temperatures. Daily gain, daily feed intake and feed efficiency were not improved with the added C or E. Daily feed intake was increased and feed-to-gain ratios were larger for pigs housed in the "cold" nursery compared with pigs housed in the "comfortable" nursery; however, daily gains were similar in the two environments. Pigs housed in the "cold" nursery were slightly stressed, as indicated by heavier adrenal glands, but the antibody response and serum glucocorticoid concentrations were not significantly affected by either diet or temperature.

Topics: Adrenal Glands; Animals; Antibody Formation; Ascorbic Acid; Body Weight; Female; Glucocorticoids; Housing, Animal; Male; Organ Size; Swine; Temperature; Vitamin E; Weaning

The effect of erythorbic acid (ErA) on ascorbic acid (AsA) content in the tissues of normal and AsA-deficient guinea pigs was studied. The animals were sacrificed at varying intervals during the experimental period, and the liver, adrenal glands, spleen and kidneys were removed. The amounts of AsA and ErA in the tissues were measured by HPLC. The content of AsA in the tissues of the animals administered both AsA and ErA was lower than that of the animals administered only AsA. But the disappearance rate of AsA from the tissues of the AsA-deficient animals was similar to that of the animals administered only ErA. The amount of AsA in the tissues of the animals administered both AsA and ErA during the repletion period was lower than that of the animals administered only AsA. These results suggest that ErA administration may affect the amount of AsA in the tissues by inhibiting its tissue uptake or its storage in the tissues, and not by accerelating the catabolism of AsA in the tissues.

Topics: Adrenal Glands; Animals; Ascorbic Acid; Ascorbic Acid Deficiency; Biological Availability; Body Weight; Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid; Guinea Pigs; Kidney; Liver; Male; Spleen

The antiscorbutic effect of dehydro-L-ascorbic acid (DAsA) was investigated in vitamin C-deficient guinea pigs. Male guinea pigs were fed vitamin C-deficient diets for 16 days to deplete body L-ascorbic acid (AsA) pools and then fed the deficient diet supplemented with DHA and/or AsA intraperitoneally for 14 days. During the repletion period, most of the animals injected with 0.5 mg DAsA/day developed scurvy, their body weights decreased and their mortality rate was higher than that of the other groups injected with 0.5 mg AsA/day or 5 mg DAsA/day. Injecting animals with 0.5 mg AsA/day resulted in the disappearance of the typical scorbutic symptoms and regaining of body weight. These data indicate that DAsA has considerably less antiscorbutic activity than AsA in vitamin C-deficient guinea pigs.

Topics: Adrenal Glands; Animals; Ascorbic Acid; Ascorbic Acid Deficiency; Body Weight; Dehydroascorbic Acid; Guinea Pigs; Kidney; Liver; Male; Scurvy; Spleen

The organospecific, 1,2-dimethylhydrazine-induced rat tumor model was used to test tumor formation in groups of animals receiving regular chow, powdered chow with 7%/wt ascorbic acid supplement, pelleted chow with 1%/wt beta-carotene supplement, and pelleted chow with placebo beadlets. Following a 16-week induction period, animals were killed and tumor formation was recorded. Tumor formation in the ascorbic acid supplement group was found to be significantly less than the control group. The beta-carotene group showed no difference in tumor formation compared with the placebo-beadlet control group. Tumor incidence was generally the same between the two control groups, and the ascorbic acid group had significantly fewer tumors than the beta-carotene group. In sum, ascorbic acid supplements in high doses significantly decreased tumor formation, whereas beta-carotene supplements in moderately high doses had no effect on tumor formation in this model.

Topics: 1,2-Dimethylhydrazine; Animals; Ascorbic Acid; beta Carotene; Body Weight; Carotenoids; Colonic Neoplasms; Diet; Dimethylhydrazines; Male; Rats; Rectal Neoplasms

Water solubility and non-toxic properties of ascorbic acid are taken as criteria for beneficial effects of large doses of the vitamin. In the present study, male guinea pigs, dosed daily with 15, 30 or 50 mg/100g body weight for 10 weeks, demonstrated no differences in effect on liver and lung weights, body growth and microsomal protein contents of liver and lung when compared with controls. When guinea pigs were fed excessive ascorbic acid, there was a small non-significant increase (p less than 0.05) in hepatic and pulmonary cytochrome P-450, and significant increase (p less than 0.05) in hepatic cytochrome b5 which was accompanied with a significant increase in arylhydrocarbon hydroxylase activity in the two organs. Activity of NADPH-dependent cytochrome c-reductase was decreased in liver and remained unaffected in lung and colon. Drug detoxifying enzymes responded in different ways to increased intake of ascorbic acid. Activity of UDP-glucuronyltransferase remained unchanged on feeding excessive ascorbic acid, whereas glutathione S-transferase was decreased significantly in liver and was unaltered in lung and colon. Reduced glutathione was decreased only in the lung. The observed changes in drug activating and detoxifying enzymes appear to be important from drug pharmacokinetics and carcinogenesis point of view.

Topics: Animals; Aryl Hydrocarbon Hydroxylases; Ascorbic Acid; Body Weight; Colon; Cytochrome Reductases; Cytochromes; Female; Glutathione; Guinea Pigs; Intestinal Mucosa; Liver; Lung; Organ Specificity; Pharmaceutical Preparations

Feeding a basal diet free of vitamins E and C to weanling male rats for 8 months resulted in biochemical changes characteristic of vitamin E deficiency. These included increased liver thiobarbituric acid values; decreased blood GSH levels, plasma vitamin E levels, and glutathione peroxidase activities; and increased activities of plasma pyruvate kinase, glutamic-oxaloacetic transaminase, creatine kinase, lactic dehydrogenase, and malic dehydrogenase. Tube-feeding vitamin C for 21 days resulted in partial reversal effects on the above parameters except activities of glutathione peroxidase, lactic dehydrogenase, and malic dehydrogenase. The results suggest that vitamin C may spare in part the metabolism of vitamin E through its antioxidant property.

Topics: Animals; Ascorbic Acid; Body Weight; Creatine Kinase; Diet; Glutathione; Glutathione Peroxidase; L-Lactate Dehydrogenase; Malate Dehydrogenase; Male; Pyruvate Kinase; Rats; Rats, Inbred Strains; Superoxide Dismutase; Vitamin E; Vitamin E Deficiency

Since the sodium salt of ascorbic acid (AA) promoted two-stage urinary bladder carcinogenesis in rats, whereas AA itself did not, the roles of the urinary sodium ion concentration and pH on urinary bladder carcinogenesis were investigated. Male F344 rats were given 0.05% N-butyl-N-(4-hydroxybutyl)nitrosamine in their drinking water for 4 weeks and then treated with basal diet containing 5% AA plus 3% sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO3), 5% AA, 3% NaHCO3 or 5% sodium L-ascorbate (SA), 5% SA plus 1% ammonium chloride (NH4Cl) or 1% NH4Cl, or no added chemical for 32 weeks. NaHCO3 significantly increased the induction of neoplastic and preneoplastic lesions of the urinary bladder. Like SA, AA plus NaHCO3 induced high incidences of neoplastic and preneoplastic lesions of the urinary bladder, whereas AA alone did not. NH4Cl reduced the promoting activity of SA in urinary bladder carcinogenesis. These results suggest important roles for urinary sodium ion concentration and pH in modulating urinary bladder carcinogenesis. Moreover, AA was found to act as a copromoter under conditions of increased urinary pH and sodium ion concentration.

Topics: Animals; Ascorbic Acid; Bicarbonates; Body Weight; Butylhydroxybutylnitrosamine; Dehydroascorbic Acid; Hydrogen-Ion Concentration; Male; Rats; Rats, Inbred F344; Sodium; Urinary Bladder; Urinary Bladder Neoplasms

Female, adult guinea pigs were fed a low ascorbic acid diet ad libitum. Oral administrations of either estinyl (5 micrograms) or progestogen (250 micrograms) in combination with 5 mg of ascorbic acid (minimum requirement) daily for 21 d, resulted in significantly lower (P less than 0.05) concentrations of ascorbic acid in plasma, liver, adrenals and urine than in animals receiving only 5 mg of the vitamin. None of these animals showed any clinical signs of ascorbic acid deficiency. Clinical manifestations of scurvy were exhibited, however, when animals receiving no ascorbic acid supplement were treated with the steroid hormones for 7 d. All of these animals died by d 10. On the other hand, the animals receiving neither ascorbic acid nor the steroids remained free from any signs of scurvy, except one (out of six), which died by d 12. In vitro studies revealed a markedly higher rate of oxidation of ascorbic acid in the presence of either estinyl or progestogen than in untreated controls. These results were further supported by a higher level of plasma ceruloplasmin in animals receiving a combination of estrogen and progestogen than in animals receiving no hormones. An in vivo dose-related effect of ascorbic acid indicated that the steroid-mediated lowering effect of the vitamin status could be counteracted by increasing the dose of ascorbic acid from 5 to 10 mg/d for 2 wk. These results suggest that the interactions between oral contraceptive hormones and ascorbic acid may be of clinical importance only in the case of borderline intake of the vitamin.

Topics: Adrenal Glands; Animals; Ascorbic Acid; Ascorbic Acid Deficiency; Body Weight; Contraceptives, Oral, Combined; Estradiol Congeners; Female; Guinea Pigs; In Vitro Techniques; Liver; Oxidation-Reduction; Progesterone Congeners

In previous studies several metabolic and hormonal adaptations were detected as a consequence of food restriction schedule (single daily meal offered during two hours from 7:30 to 9:30 a.m.) imposed for four weeks. During this period, the most prominent metabolic adaptations were: high alimentary efficiency, delayed gastric emptying, high hepatic glycogen concentration during the intermeal periods, glycemic maintenance during 22 hours of intermedal period as were low mobilization of free fatty acids. In the present work these metabolic adaptations were studied for twenty weeks. The results obtained show that the metabolic and hormonal pattern, defined during four weeks of training to such alimentary scheme, was maintained even after the 20th week. Moreover, it was clear that neither did the body weight increase rapidly nor did it reach that of free-fed rats, after adaptation phase, as reported by other authors.

Topics: Adaptation, Physiological; Adrenal Glands; Animals; Ascorbic Acid; Body Weight; Energy Metabolism; Food Deprivation; Gastric Emptying; Liver Glycogen; Male; Metabolism; Rats; Rats, Inbred Strains

Anthropometric and biochemical indices of nutrition were measured in 450 elderly women in six groups spanning a wide range of physical dependency. Data from the group of active subjects living at home was used to derive reference ranges for elderly women. Although the index values of this group did not differ greatly from those seen in young subjects, there were large differences between this and some of the other elderly groups where the frequency of low values was as high as 50% for some parameters. Food intakes were measured in four of the six groups and relationships were found between energy, protein and vitamin C intake and body weight, plasma protein levels and vitamin C concentration, respectively. Our findings suggest that, among elderly women, low levels of nutrient intake make a significant contribution to poor anthropometric and biochemical nutritional status. Improvements in diet should be reflected in the indices measured and might, in turn, have beneficial effects on health.

Topics: Adolescent; Adult; Aged; Aging; Anthropometry; Ascorbic Acid; Body Composition; Body Weight; Diet; Dietary Proteins; Energy Intake; Female; Hospitalization; Humans; Middle Aged; Nutritional Physiological Phenomena; Outpatients; Prealbumin; Reference Values; Serum Albumin; Skinfold Thickness

The effects of ascorbic acid deficiency and acute fasting (with ascorbate supplementation) on the synthesis of collagen and proteoglycan in costal cartilages from young guinea pigs was determined by in vitro labeling of these components with radioactive proline and sulfate, respectively. Both parameters were coordinately decreased by the second week on a vitamin C-free diet, with a continued decline to 20-30% of control values by the fourth week. These effects were quite specific, since incorporation of proline into noncollagenous protein was reduced by only 30% after 4 weeks on the deficient diet. The time course of the decrease in collagen and proteoglycan synthesis paralleled the loss of body weight induced by ascorbate deficiency. Hydroxylation of proline in collagen synthesized by scorbutic costal cartilage was reduced to about 60% of normal relatively early, and remained at that level thereafter. Neither collagen nor proteoglycan synthesis was returned to normal by the addition of ascorbate (0.2 mM) to cartilage in vitro. Administration of a single dose of ascorbate to scorbutic guinea pigs increased liver ascorbate and restored proline hydroxylation to normal levels by 24 h, but failed to increase the synthesis of collagen or proteoglycan. Synthesis of both extracellular matrix components was restored to control levels after four daily doses of ascorbate. A 96-h total fast, with ascorbate supplementation, produced rates of weight loss and decreases in the synthesis of these two components similar to those produced by acute scurvy. There was a linear correlation between changes in collagen and proteoglycan synthesis and changes in body weight during acute fasting, scurvy, and its reversal. These results suggest that it is the fasting state induced by ascorbate deficiency, rather than a direct action of the vitamin in either of these two biosynthetic pathways, which is the primary regulatory factor.

Topics: Animals; Ascorbic Acid; Body Weight; Collagen; Diet; Fasting; Guinea Pigs; Hydroxylation; In Vitro Techniques; Proline; Proteoglycans; Ribs; Scurvy; Sulfates

Dietary intakes of energy and nutrients were calculated from diet history interviews in 30 patients with dermatitis herpetiformis, before and after 18 months on a gluten-free diet. In spite of great changes in the intake of different foods, the mean intake of dietary fibre did not decrease. There was only a small decrease in the intake of iron in women, while the intake in men did not change. Patients with a previous high intake of gluten had indirect evidence of malabsorption.

Topics: Adult; Aged; Ascorbic Acid; Body Weight; Dermatitis Herpetiformis; Dietary Fiber; Energy Intake; Female; Glutens; Humans; Intestinal Mucosa; Iron; Jejunum; Male; Middle Aged

The effect of dietary iron on the development of copper-deficiency anemia in the growing rat was investigated. For up to 80 d, female rats (75 g) were fed purified diets containing adequate, marginal or low levels of iron, and either 0.7 or 10 ppm copper. Hemoglobin levels and factors postulated to affect liver iron mobilization, including ferroxidase (Fox) I and II, ascorbate and liver xanthine dehydrogenase (XDH) were assayed. By d 7, Fox I activity in the copper-deficient groups was 10% that of the copper-sufficient groups; thereafter, Fox I activity remained low, and was not affected by dietary iron. Fox II activity in the copper-deficient groups after d 28 was 50-75% of values from rats adequate in copper. On d 49, hemoglobin levels in the copper-deficient groups were lower than in the copper-sufficient groups fed low and marginal levels of iron, but were similar to those fed adequate iron. Liver iron was similar in both groups fed adequate iron, but was higher in the copper-deficient than in the copper-sufficient rats fed low or marginal levels of iron. Copper deficiency tended to result in slightly lower ascorbate levels on d 80 at all levels of iron. Liver XDH activity tended to be lower in the copper-deficient groups than in the copper-sufficient groups on d 28 and 49. These results show that copper deficiency may impair liver iron mobilization in the growing rat if dietary iron is low. Possible mechanisms include decreased Fox activity and/or decreased iron reduction by ascorbate or XDH.

Topics: Anemia; Animal Nutritional Physiological Phenomena; Animals; Ascorbic Acid; Body Weight; Ceruloplasmin; Copper; Diet; Drug Interactions; Female; Hematocrit; Hemoglobins; Iron; Kidney; Liver; Myocardium; Organ Size; Oxidoreductases; Rats; Rats, Inbred Strains; Spleen; Xanthine Dehydrogenase; Xanthine Oxidase; Zinc

A study of the effect of different amounts of L-ascorbic acid (vitamin C), between 0.076% and 8.3%, contained in the food has been carried out with ten groups of RIII mice (seven ascorbic acid and three control groups), with 50 mice in each group. With an increase in the amount of ascorbic acid there is a highly significant decrease in the first-order rate constant for appearance of the first spontaneous mammary tumor after the lag time to detection by palpation. There is also an increase in the lag time. The mean body weight and mean food intake were not significantly different for the seven ascorbic acid groups. Striking differences were observed between the 0.076% ascorbic acid and the control groups (which synthesize the vitamin): smaller food intake, decreased lag time, and increased rate constant of appearance of the first mammary tumor. This comparison cannot be made experimentally for guinea pigs and primates because the control groups would develop scurvy.

Topics: Animals; Ascorbic Acid; Body Weight; Diet; Energy Intake; Female; Mammary Neoplasms, Experimental; Mice; Mite Infestations; Statistics as Topic

Injecting White Leghorn chicks every other day with 20 mg ascorbic acid significantly reduced the increase in liver weight and lipids caused by feeding a diet with 0.1% dienestrol diacetate. In chicks fed two different basal diets containing 0.1% dienestrol diacetate, injecting chicks every other day with 20 mg alpha-tocopherol did not significantly reduce liver weight or lipids while the ascorbic acid injections did. Injecting meat-type chicks implanted with estradiol with 10 mg ascorbic acid daily significantly reduced liver weight, liver lipids, and plasma estradiol, but injecting with 8 mg alpha-tocopherol daily had no significant effect.

Topics: Animals; Ascorbic Acid; Body Weight; Chickens; Dienestrol; Estradiol; Lipids; Liver; Male; Organ Size; Phenols; Vitamin E

Weight loss often results from various experimental conditions including scurvy in guinea pigs, where we showed that decreased collagen synthesis was directly related to weight loss, rather than to defective proline hydroxylation (Chojkier, M., Spanheimer, R., and Peterkofsky, B. (1983) J. Clin. Invest. 72, 826-835). In the study described here, this effect was reproduced by acutely fasting normal guinea pigs receiving vitamin C, as determined by measuring collagen and non-collagen protein production after labeling tissues in vitro with [3H]proline. Collagen production (dpm/microgram of DNA) decreased soon after initiating fasting and by 96 h it had reached levels 8-12% of control values. Effects on non-collagen protein were much less severe, so that the percentage of collagen synthesis relative to total protein synthesis was 20-25% of control values after a 96-h fast. These effects were not due to changes in the specific radioactivity of free proline. Refeeding reversed the effects on non-collagen protein production within 24 h, but collagen production did not return to normal until 96 h. The effect of fasting on collagen production was independent of age, sex, ascorbate status, species of animal, and type of connective tissue and also was seen with in vivo labeling. Pulse-chase experiments and analysis of labeled and pre-existing proteins by gel electrophoresis showed no evidence of increased collagen degradation as a result of fasting. Procollagen mRNA was decreased in tissues of fasted animals as determined by cell-free translation and dot-blot hybridization with cDNA probes. In contrast, there was no decrease in translatable mRNAs for non-collagen proteins. These results suggest that loss of nutritional factors other than vitamin C lead to a rapid, specific decrease in collagen synthesis mainly through modulation of mRNA levels.

Topics: Age Factors; Animals; Ascorbic Acid; Body Weight; Bone and Bones; Collagen; Electrophoresis, Polyacrylamide Gel; Fasting; Female; Food, Fortified; Guinea Pigs; Nucleic Acid Hybridization; Protein Biosynthesis; RNA, Messenger; Sex Factors; Time Factors

This study was conducted to determine if ascorbic acid (AA) 1) increases resistance to high environmental temperature in young chickens and 2) alters heat-induced changes in several physiological responses. Groups of male chicks received either a standard ration containing 1,000 mg/kg (ppm) of AA or the ration without AA. Chicks were brooded for 3 wk and then maintained at 22 +/- 0.8 degrees C. At 4 wk of age, both AA-supplemented and control chicks were exposed to 30 min of heating (43 +/- 0.1 degrees C and 40 +/- 2% rh) on each of 3 consecutive h in an environmentally controlled chamber. Chicks were challenged with sheep erythrocytes (1 ml, 10(5) cells, iv) 12 h postheating. Heating reduced plasma potassium, body weight gain, relative bursa and spleen weights, and anti-sheep erythrocyte levels. Heating increased cloacal temperature, plasma protein, corticosteroid levels, and mortality. AA ameliorated many of these stress-related responses.

Topics: Animals; Ascorbic Acid; Body Temperature Regulation; Body Weight; Bursa of Fabricius; Chickens; Diet; Erythrocytes; Heat Exhaustion; Hot Temperature; Immune Sera; Male; Organ Size; Potassium; Spleen

The purpose of this study was to determine if plasma mineral levels and plasma or hepatic ascorbic acid would be affected by the composition of the diet fed to chickens with higher circulating estrogen levels. Three-week-old broiler chicks were implanted with estradiol dipropionate to give estimated release rates of 0, 3.2, and 8.0 micrograms/bird/day. The chicks were fed a corn-soy diet (CS) or a diet containing 5% fish meal, 5% alfalfa meal and 10% torula yeast (FAY). The FAY diet resulted in significantly lower hepatic lipid and plasma iron, copper, manganese, and zinc in chicks administered the highest level of estrogen. In two experiments laying hens were fed either CS or diets containing fish meal (FM), alfalfa meal (AM), distillers dried grains with solubles (DDGS) or wheat-soy (WS) for 4 weeks. In the first experiment, liver lipid content was not significantly affected by diet composition, but plasma iron was significantly reduced by the AM, DDGS, and WS diets. No significant effects on copper, manganese, and zinc in plasma were observed among the dietary treatments. In the second experiment, relative liver weight was significantly reduced with the AM, DDGS, and WS diets and liver lipid by the AM diet. Plasma iron levels were significantly reduced by feeding all diets compared with the CS diet, but no significant differences in total iron binding capacity were observed. Plasma and hepatic ascorbic acid were significantly increased by the AM, DDGS, and WS diets, but no significant differences in hepatic ascorbic acid were observed when calculated per unit of fat-free dry matter.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Topics: Animal Feed; Animals; Ascorbic Acid; Body Weight; Chickens; Copper; Drug Implants; Estradiol; Female; Iron; Lipid Metabolism; Liver; Male; Manganese; Minerals; Organ Size; Oviposition; Zinc

Two distinctly different basal diets were used to test the influence of supplementary ascorbic acid on the occurrence of tibial dyschondroplasia. Addition of either .1 or .25% ascorbic acid to these diets did not alter the occurrence of tibial dyschondroplasia in 25-day-old broiler chickens. However, supplementary ascorbic acid did increase the amounts of ascorbic acid present in blood plasma. Also, individual differences in circulating ascorbic acid were not associated with this disease. Furthermore, two strains of chickens selected for high or low incidence of tibial dyschondroplasia had similar amounts of this vitamin in blood plasma. In contrast to the results reported for the Willow Ptarmigan, ascorbic acid does not appear to be involved in the development of tibial dyschondroplasia in the young broiler chicken.

Topics: Animals; Ascorbic Acid; Body Weight; Chickens; Food, Fortified; Osteochondrodysplasias; Poultry Diseases; Tibia

Weanling (52 +/- 4 g) or adult (259 +/- 16 g) male Sprague-Dawley rats were fed ad libitum casein-based diets containing 4 or 16% protein. A third group (food restricted) was fed daily the 16% protein diet, but at the food intake level of the 4% protein group. After 3 wk (weanling) or 5 wk (adults), half of the rats in each group were continuously exposed to 0.64 ppm ozone for 7 d. Ascorbic acid and reduced glutathione levels were then measured. In the heart and liver from weanling rats, ascorbic acid concentrations were lower in the protein-deficient group than in either control group. In the liver from weanling rats glutathione concentrations were also reduced in response to protein deficiency. Exposure to ozone produced no additional response. For adult rats the response for liver glutathione was similar to that of the weanlings. The liver ascorbate concentration, however, was consistently lower in adult rats compared to weanlings exposed to ozone. In lungs from adult rats, the ascorbic acid concentration was lower in the protein-deficient group than in either control group. On a whole-organ basis, both ascorbic acid and glutathione were usually higher in lungs from rats exposed to ozone than from those exposed to air. Interestingly, protein deficiency did not appear to compromise the lung's ability to maintain, in relative terms, the ascorbic acid or glutathione concentration in response to ozone.

Topics: Aging; Animals; Ascorbic Acid; Body Weight; Dietary Proteins; Food Deprivation; Glutathione; Heart; Liver; Lung; Male; Myocardium; Organ Size; Ozone; Protein Deficiency; Rats; Rats, Inbred Strains; Weaning

The present study was conducted to determine if dietary ascorbic acid (AA) would improve growth, feed efficiency, and livability of broilers following an acute heating episode. Supplemental AA was provided in the diets at calculated levels of 0, 250, 500, and 1000 ppm, continuously. Females that received 1000 ppm exhibited significantly greater body weights at 2 and 4 weeks of age. No significant effects due to AA supplementation were observed in body weights of males. At 4 weeks of age, chicks were heated on two consecutive days by increasing the ambient temperature (38.3 C at bird level) in the production facility. Heating significantly reduced body weights in males, but not females, at 5 and 7 weeks of age. Feed conversions were increased after heating, but significant effects due to AA were not found. Ascorbic acid did not improve overall livability significantly in either sex, but heat-associated mortality was reduced in supplemented females.

Topics: Age Factors; Animal Feed; Animals; Ascorbic Acid; Body Weight; Chickens; Energy Metabolism; Female; Food, Fortified; Hot Temperature; Male; Mortality; Sex Factors

An experiment was conducted to investigate the effect of one percent dietary citric and ascorbic acid additions on performance and intestinal pH of young chicks. The citric and ascorbic acid additions did not affect chick performance or pH of the duodenal lumen contents. Also, pH of the duodenal lumen contents was not affected by 1:2 to 1:8 dilutions with distilled water.

Topics: Animals; Antacids; Ascorbic Acid; Body Weight; Chickens; Citrates; Citric Acid; Duodenum; Food, Fortified; Gastrointestinal Contents; Hydrogen-Ion Concentration; Male

The influence of prolonged exposure of guinea pigs to excessive ascorbic acid (AA) on the outcome of pregnancy, as well as the adaptive effect of the vitamin either during preweanling life or following weaning, were examined. Continuous exposure to AA (1 mg/mL drinking water) from the time they were first mated up to the time of second pregnancy, had no significant effect on the number of offspring and on their weights at birth, when compared with that of the animals receiving 0.1 mg AA/mL drinking water. However, change in AA intake from 1 to 0.1 mg/mL drinking water, at the age of 21 days, resulted in a significant loss in body weight and reductions in the plasma, leukocyte, and adrenal concentrations of AA, as compared with those of the pair-fed animals receiving 0.1 mg/mL drinking water throughout. The present study also indicated that the conditioning effect is less pronounced in guinea pigs when exposed to the high AA following weanling age than in utero.

Topics: Adrenal Glands; Animals; Ascorbic Acid; Birth Weight; Body Weight; Female; Growth; Guinea Pigs; Leukocytes; Pregnancy; Substance Withdrawal Syndrome

Phenytoin was fed to rats and mice in their diet for 6 wk. The dosage was about 80 mg/kg. In rats, phenytoin treatment had no effect on tissue and body weights and had a minimal effect on the hepatic mixed-function oxidase (MFO, EC 1.14.14.1) system. Plasma ascorbic acid levels were higher in the phenytoin group than in the controls, but tissue levels and the rate of ascorbic acid synthesis were similar in the two groups. Also, copper concentration in liver and kidney was significantly higher in phenytoin-treated rats than in controls. Iron, zinc and manganese levels were unchanged in comparison to control values in liver, kidney, heart and brain. In contrast to the results with rats, phenytoin treatment in mice resulted in a lower body weight and a clear induction in the hepatic MFO system compared to that in controls. Phenytoin treatment resulted in higher liver ascorbic acid tissue levels than in controls. Liver copper and kidney zinc were lower and liver and kidney calcium and bone iron were higher in phenytoin-fed mice than in controls. This study shows that for both species phenytoin feeding affected ascorbic acid and tissue trace element metabolism. The clinical significance of these findings with regard to the nutritional status of the human patient undergoing treatment with phenytoin needs to be considered.

Topics: Administration, Oral; Animals; Ascorbic Acid; Body Weight; Kidney; Liver; Male; Mice; Mixed Function Oxygenases; Organ Size; Phenytoin; Rats; Rats, Inbred Strains; Species Specificity; Spectrophotometry, Atomic; Trace Elements

The activities of several enzymes involved in hepatic ascorbic acid synthesis and the requirement of dietary ascorbic acid were investigated in the OD (osteogenic disorder) rat, which has a hereditary defect in ascorbic acid-synthesizing ability. No activity of hepatic L-gulonolactone oxidase was detected in OD rats. However, OD rats maintained the normal activities of hepatic UDPglucose dehydrogenase, UDPglucuronyl transferase and beta-glucuronidase. Hemorrhage in muscle and leg joints, lower hepatic content of cytochrome P-450 and lower activities of hepatic drug-metabolizing enzymes, higher serum and adrenal levels of corticosterone and lower urinary excretion of hydroxyproline were observed in ascorbic acid-deficient OD rats than in OD rats fed 300 mg ascorbic acid/kilogram diet. Consequently, we conclude that OD rats cannot synthesize ascorbic acid because of the lack of activity of hepatic L-gulonolactone oxidase and that the dietary addition of about 300 mg ascorbic acid (per kilogram diet) is enough to prevent signs of vitamin C deficiency and to achieve maximum growth, and that more than 300 mg ascorbic acid per kilogram diet may be required for the maximum activity of hepatic drug-metabolizing enzymes.

Topics: Adrenal Glands; Animals; Ascorbic Acid; Body Weight; Corticosterone; Cytochrome P-450 Enzyme System; Diet; Hydroxyproline; Liver; Nutritional Requirements; Organ Size; Rats; Rats, Mutant Strains; Spleen

Since nutritional deficiencies might worsen the severity of symptoms and prolong the length of illness in non-nutritional disorders, particularly in the elderly, we examined the nutritional status of 216 elderly women newly admitted to a mental hospital. Compared to healthy elderly women, they had lower values for plasma prealbumin, vitamin C, and B vitamins. This was particularly common in senile dementia, and appeared to be the result of inadequate intake of protein or vitamins. Regular hospital diet for one month corrected the very low levels of prealbumin, but supplements were essential to remove deficiency of the water-soluble vitamins. Although vitamin supplements did not influence the length of stay in hospital, we did not exclude the possibility that nutritional deficiencies have a significant effect on the severity of mental illness.

Topics: Aged; Ascorbic Acid; Avitaminosis; Body Weight; Dementia; Dietary Proteins; Female; Humans; Mental Disorders; Prealbumin; Protein Deficiency; Pyridoxine; Riboflavin; Riboflavin Deficiency; Vitamin B 6 Deficiency; Vitamins

The modifying effects of 3 antioxidants, sodium L-ascorbate (SA), ascorbic acid (AA) and sodium erythorbate (SE) on two-stage gastric carcinogenesis in F344 rats initiated with N-methyl-N'-nitro-N-nitrosoguanidine (MNNG) were investigated. Administration of 5% SE in the diet significantly decreased the incidence of dysplasia of the pylorus and, more marginally the incidence of papilloma of the forestomach, whereas administration of 5% and 1% SA and 5% AA in the diet was not associated with effect. These results suggest that SE exerts a weak inhibitory effect on gastric carcinogenesis.

Topics: Animals; Ascorbic Acid; Body Weight; Cocarcinogenesis; Male; Methylnitronitrosoguanidine; Rats; Rats, Inbred F344; Stomach Neoplasms; Urinary Bladder Neoplasms

Ascorbic acid (246 mg/kg body weight/day) was administered orally to 9-week old female guinea pigs of the Hartley strain over a period of 20 months. The controls received 40 mg/kg body weight/day of ascorbic acid in the diet. Observations were made on body weight, food and water consumption, plasma ascorbic acid, and the total calcium and ionic calcium levels at various times during the growth of these animals. A second experiment was carried out when the guinea pigs were 18 months old. In addition to the oral intake, they received intraperitoneally 623 mg/kg body weight/day of sodium ascorbate for 6 weeks. With this treatment, the ascorbic acid intake for the test animals was 20 times that for the controls. The plasma ascorbic acid and calcium levels of these animals were measured during the treatment. In the ascorbic acid-treated animals, there was a significant elevation in plasma ascorbic acid level in comparison with the controls, but no substantial differences were observed in the body weight, total calcium or ionic calcium levels in the plasma. The results suggest that the administration of large quantities of ascorbic acid does not affect total calcium or ionic calcium levels in the plasma of these animals.

Topics: Animals; Ascorbic Acid; Body Weight; Calcium; Diet; Female; Guinea Pigs

Our preliminary data suggest that supplementation of premature neonates with vitamin C is required to maintain adequate ascorbate plasma levels and may have a sparing effect on vitamin E metabolism. Further studies are required to validate our findings and evaluate the possible antioxidant advantage of ascorbic acid administration.

Topics: Ascorbic Acid; Birth Weight; Body Weight; Gestational Age; Humans; Infant, Newborn; Infant, Premature; Vitamin E

During the first 21 d of feeding a casein-glucose liquid diet the performance of pigs weaned at 1-3 d of age was not affected by ascorbic acid (AA) added at levels ranging from 165 to 990 ppm in two experiments. However, AA tended to improve growth rate from d 22 to 36 in experiments where pigs were fed a dry diet, but not when fed the diet in liquid form. The concentrations of AA in plasma, spleen and small intestinal tissues increased linearly with increasing dietary AA. No evidence of variability of AA concentration in adrenals was observed, whereas its content in the liver was increased only at 990 ppm AA. The AA concentrations in the small intestinal tissue increased progressively from the duodenum, jejunum to the ileum, mainly due to the increase in AA in the mucosal compared with the serosal layer. Dietary AA had no effect on the blood hematocrit, hemoglobin or on the concentrations of glucose or urea-N in plasma and protein in organs and intestinal tissues.

Topics: Adrenal Glands; Animals; Animals, Newborn; Ascorbic Acid; Body Weight; Diet; Food, Formulated; Intestine, Small; Liver; Spleen; Swine; Tissue Distribution

Topics: Animals; Ascorbic Acid; Bacitracin; Body Weight; Caffeine; Choline; Dietary Proteins; Drug Synergism; Energy Metabolism; Ethanolamine; Ethanolamines; Food Additives; Male; Methionine; Rats

Glycemia, free fatty acids, insulinemia, hepatic glycogen, adrenal ascorbic acid, the amount of food ingested and of feces eliminated, gastric emptying and body weight were measured in two groups of rats of the same age. The F, free fed group was subjected to fast during 22 hours and then had a final meal for two hours. The R rats, subjected to food restriction from one to four weeks, had also a final two hour meal after the regular period of 22 hours with no access to food, and then both groups were treated equally. Coincidently, gastric emptying was more delayed, liver glycogen concentration was highest and glycemia was better maintained in the R than the F rats, particularly after three and four weeks of training. Probably due to their greater dependence upon the more frequent supply of nutrients, the F group had a larger free fatty acids mobilization during fast. Adrenal hyperactivity was induced in both groups and the amount of food ingested progressively increased in the R group and decreased in the F group. In general the metabolic efficiency tended to converge to a similar order of magnitude in both groups of animals by the end of the third week. A delayed gastric emptying seems to be a major factor in the adaptations to food restriction.

Topics: Adrenal Glands; Animals; Ascorbic Acid; Blood Glucose; Body Weight; Defecation; Fatty Acids, Nonesterified; Food Deprivation; Insulin; Liver Glycogen; Rats; Rats, Inbred Strains

Topics: Ascorbic Acid; Body Height; Body Weight; Diet; Exercise Test; Humans; Nutrition Disorders; Vitamin A

Carcinogenicity of sodium erythorbate, a widely used antioxidant food additive, was evaluated using a total of 306 eight-week-old male and female F344/DuCrj rats. Test rats were given 1.25 or 2.5% aqueous solution as drinking water for 104 weeks. Controls were given tap water. All the rats were fed commercial pellets. None of the tumors observed was attributable to sodium erythorbate in drinking water. Neither concentration of sodium erythorbate changed the pattern of spontaneous tumor development in both sexes, except for a slight reduction in aggregate tumor incidence in the 2.5% Group females. Additionally, 2.5% solution suppressed body weight gains in both males and females. These results and prior data by others together suggest that weak mutagens may be noncarcinogenic under certain conditions.

Topics: Aging; Animals; Antioxidants; Ascorbic Acid; Body Weight; Female; Food Additives; Male; Neoplasms; Rats; Rats, Inbred F344

Plasma cholesterol and triglycerides in young female rats fed for 5 weeks on three experimental diets containing vitamin C and/or lard in comparison with the commercial pellet diet, were studied. The rats fed vitamin C showed no change of body weight whilst the animals fed lard gained in body weight. The variations in comparison with control are statistically significant. Plasma levels, cholesterol and triglycerides increased significantly in rats fed lard supplements. The cholesterol and triglycerides content did not change significatively with supplementary ascorbic acid.

Topics: Animals; Ascorbic Acid; Body Weight; Cholesterol; Dietary Fats; Female; Rats; Rats, Inbred Strains; Triglycerides

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the systemic effects of varying levels of orally administered ascorbic acid during wound healing in guinea pig oral mucosa. Forty five Murphy/Hartley guinea pigs were randomly placed into four groups and fed an ascorbic acid deficient diet for 2 weeks. Each group of animals then received a daily oral supplement of the following doses of ascorbic acid: 0.5 mg, 5.0 mg, 50 mg, and 250 mg. All animals were weighed twice a week. Twenty eight days later, a standardized wound was made in the premaxilla. On day 35, all animals were sacrificed. Blood samples were evaluated for levels of ascorbic acid. Thirty nine samples showed insignificant levels of vitamin C, 32 of which showed no ascorbic acid. Organ to body weight ratios were calculated and compared. Spleen to body weight ratios were not affected by different ascorbic acid levels. High levels of ascorbic acid caused a significant increase in adrenal gland to body weight ratios. Varying the levels of ascorbic acid did not affect growth prior to surgical wounding. Increased levels of ascorbic acid enhanced body weight recovery post surgically.

Topics: Adrenal Glands; Animals; Ascorbic Acid; Ascorbic Acid Deficiency; Body Weight; Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; Guinea Pigs; Kidney; Organ Size; Spleen; Wound Healing

Carcinogenesis studies of L-ascorbic acid were conducted by offering diets containing 0, 25,000 or 50,000 ppm L-ascorbic acid to groups of 50 F344/N rats and 50 B6C3F1 mice of each sex for 103 wk. Survival of dosed and control female rats and of dosed and control female mice were comparable. Survival of high-dose male rats was slightly greater than that of the controls, whereas survival of high-dose male mice was significantly greater than that of the controls. There was no observed differences in neoplasms between treated and control groups that were considered related to L-ascorbic acid. In female rats, several lesions usually seen in aged animals showed a dose-related decline. Under the conditions of these studies, L-ascorbic acid given at 2.5% or 5.0% in the diet for 103 wk was not toxic or carcinogenic for male and female F344/N rats or for male and female B6C3F1 mice.

Topics: Animals; Ascorbic Acid; Body Weight; Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; Female; Hematopoietic System; Liver; Male; Mice; Neoplasms, Experimental; Pituitary Gland; Rats; Rats, Inbred F344; Sex Factors

Feeding C57BL/6J male mice 1% ascorbic acid (1,430 mg/kg body weight) in their drinking water for life increased the average life span by 8.6% (p less than 0.05) and perhaps by as much as 20.4%. The ascorbic acid group weighed 6-7% less than the control group up until 800 days of age. The maximum life span for the control group was 965 days and 993 days for the ascorbic acid group, representing an increase of only 2.9% in the maximum life span. The copper content of heart, liver, kidney, and brain was unchanged after feeding 1% ascorbic acid for 48 days. The copper content of heart declined by 20.4% after feeding 2% ascorbic acid. Liver, kidney, and brain were unchanged.

Topics: Animals; Ascorbic Acid; Body Weight; Brain; Copper; Diet; Kidney; Liver; Longevity; Male; Mice; Mice, Inbred C57BL; Myocardium

The results of a survey of indicators of nutritional status in patients on admission to wards in the Department of Health Care of the Elderly in Nottingham are reported. Results outside conventional limits of normality are common. Little or none of the observed variance in the biochemical indicators in this population is explained by age or sex. Weight, mid-arm circumference, triceps skinfold thickness, albumin, retinol binding protein and retinol tend to be lower in patients who subsequently die, in patients who are clinically classified as thin or wasted, in patients with poor appetites and in patients with a diagnosis of malignancy. Plasma vitamin C, erythrocyte glutathione reductase activation coefficient and erythrocyte transketolase activation coefficient do not show these trends and are likely to be determined by different factors.

Topics: Aged; Appetite; Arm; Ascorbic Acid; Body Weight; Erythrocytes; Female; Hospitalization; Humans; Male; Nutrition Disorders; Retinol-Binding Proteins; Retinol-Binding Proteins, Plasma; Serum Albumin; Sex Factors; Skinfold Thickness; Vitamin A

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

A 2 X 2 factorial arrangement with two levels (0, 660 ppm) of vitamin C and two levels (0, 55 ppm) of carbadox supplementation was used in two experiments with 112 crossbred pigs weaned between 4 and 5 wk of age. An 18% protein corn-soybean meal-oats-dried whey starter diet was used as the basal diet. Each diet was fed ad libitum for a 4-wk period to three replicates of four pigs in Exp. 1 and to four replicates of four pigs in Exp. 2. Vitamin C supplementation produced a significantly higher plasma vitamin C concentration in weanling pigs, but, contrary to results of our previous study, failed to improve average daily gain of the pigs. Daily gain was, however, improved significantly by carbadox supplementation. Carbadox also produced a significantly higher plasma vitamin C concentration in pigs after a 7-d lag period. Plasma Fe concentration of pigs was not affected by supplemental vitamin C, but was significantly higher in those fed carbadox-supplemented diets. Plasma ceruloplasmin concentration increased significantly in all treatment groups from the initial sampling period (d 0) to subsequent periods. No interactions between supplemental vitamin C and carbadox were observed in daily gain, feed efficiency and the measured plasma constituents.

Topics: Animals; Ascorbic Acid; Body Weight; Carbadox; Ceruloplasmin; Eating; Food, Fortified; Iron; Quinoxalines; Swine; Weaning

Topics: Ascorbic Acid; Body Weight; Diet, Reducing; Female; Humans; Male; Obesity

The promoting effects of ascorbic acid, sodium erythorbate and ethoxyquin on two-stage urinary bladder carcinogenesis in F344 rats initiated with N-butyl-N-(4-hydroxybutyl)nitrosamine (BBN) at a dose of 0.05% in the drinking water were examined. Administration of 5% sodium erythorbate in the diet significantly increased the incidences of preneoplastic lesions, papilloma and cancer of the urinary bladder, whereas administration of 5% ascorbic acid in the diet did not. Administration of 0.8% ethoxyquin also increased the incidence of neoplastic lesions. Administrations of 5% sodium L-ascorbate and 5% sodium erythorbate caused increases in the pH, the sodium content and crystals of MgNH4PO4 in the urine. These results show that sodium erythorbate and ethoxyquin promote urinary bladder carcinogenesis, while ascorbic acid does not.

Topics: Animals; Ascorbic Acid; Body Weight; Butylhydroxybutylnitrosamine; Carcinogens; Cocarcinogenesis; Electrolytes; Ethoxyquin; Hydrogen-Ion Concentration; Hyperplasia; Male; Nitrosamines; Organ Size; Osmolar Concentration; Papilloma; Quinolines; Rats; Urinary Bladder; Urinary Bladder Neoplasms

The effects of long-term chronic ascorbic acid deficiency and excessive ascorbic acid consumption on bile acid metabolism and biliary lipid composition were studied in guinea pigs. Male, weanling guinea pigs were fed a cereal-based scorbutigenic diet for 19 or 21 weeks. Ascorbic acid was administered either orally at 0.15 (group A) or 2.0 (group B) mg/100 g body weight, or it was mixed in the diet at levels of 500 (group C), 16-22 (group D), or 20,000 mg/kg (group E). Chronic ascorbic acid deficiency (groups A and D) caused depression of hepatic cytochrome P-450 levels and elevation of plasma cholesterol. Excessive ascorbate consumption did not alter these parameters relative to control levels. In contrast to results obtained in guinea pigs fed low or high amounts of ascorbate for 7-9 weeks, prolonged consumption of inadequate or excessive ascorbate resulted in little or no change in bile acid metabolism and biliary lipid composition except that bile acid pool size was increased 12% as a result of excessive ascorbate ingestion. Results of the present study suggest that there may be important differences in the guinea pig's metabolic response to ascorbic acid deficiency and ascorbic acid excess, depending on the length of the experimental period.

Topics: Administration, Oral; Animals; Ascorbic Acid; Ascorbic Acid Deficiency; Bile Acids and Salts; Body Weight; Cholesterol; Cytochrome P-450 Enzyme System; Guinea Pigs; Male; Microsomes, Liver

1. The effectiveness of dietary ascorbic acid and procaine penicillin in ameliorating the response to the stressors glucagon, corticotrophin, withdrawal of food and water and extremes of environmental temperature, both short and long-term, has been assessed. 2. No consistent changes in the responses were found, but it is suggested that the rates of inclusion of the substances may be important.

Topics: Adrenal Glands; Adrenocorticotropic Hormone; Aging; Animals; Ascorbic Acid; Blood Glucose; Body Weight; Chickens; Cholesterol; Corticosterone; Diet; Glucagon; Organ Size; Penicillin G Procaine; Temperature

The dietary addition of several xenobiotics, such as PCB, DDT, aminopyrine, chloretone, BHT and BHA, caused significant increases in the ascorbic acid in urine and liver of rats. The administration of all types of xenobiotics used in the present experiments increased the activity of hepatic UDP-glucose dehydrogenase (1.3-2.8-fold), and the administration of PCB, DDT, BHT or BHA significantly increased the activity of hepatic UDP-glucuronyl transferase (2.2-13.1-fold). The activity of beta-glucuronidase was slightly increased with feeding of PCB, DDT, chloretone or aminopyrine. However, the activity of hepatic UDP-glucuronic acid pyrophosphatase, the conversion of D-glucuronic acid or D-glucuronolactone into L-ascorbic acid and the activity of hepatic L-gulonolactone oxidase did not increase with the administration of PCB or DDT. It is suggested that the increases in the activities of UDP-glucose dehydrogenase and UDP-glucuronyl transferase would have a major role in the stimulation of ascorbic acid synthesis in xenobiotic treated rats.

Topics: Aminopyrine; Animals; Ascorbic Acid; Body Weight; Butylated Hydroxyanisole; Butylated Hydroxytoluene; Chlorobutanol; DDT; Glucuronates; Glucuronic Acid; Glucuronidase; Glucuronosyltransferase; L-Gulonolactone Oxidase; Liver; Male; Polychlorinated Biphenyls; Pyrophosphatases; Rats; Rats, Inbred Strains; Sugar Alcohol Dehydrogenases; Uridine Diphosphate Glucose Dehydrogenase

The effects of ascorbic acid supplementation on the pulmonary toxicity induced by bleomycin were examined. Swiss-Webster mice were fed an ascorbate-free diet supplemented with ascorbic acid at 0%, 0.2%, or 1.0% of the diet for 2 weeks. Bleomycin (0.15 units) was instilled intratracheally and the mice were killed 1 week later. Bleomycin caused pulmonary inflammation and edema as noted by the increases in lung wet weight and lung wet-weight-to-dry-weight ratios. The activity of prolyl hydroxylase was increased 1.4-fold to 1.6-fold in response to bleomycin, but only minor increases were observed in the collagen and elastin content of the lung. Prior dietary ascorbic acid supplementation did not reverse the effects induced by bleomycin. Interestingly, each dietary level of supplemental ascorbic acid resulted in a slight increase in the elastin and collagen content of the lung in comparison with lungs from mice consuming no ascorbic acid in their diet. The data suggest that high levels of ascorbic acid supplementation may aggravate the response to bleomycin.

Topics: Animals; Ascorbic Acid; Bleomycin; Body Weight; Collagen; Connective Tissue; Desmosine; Diet; Drug Interactions; Elastin; Hydroxyproline; Lung; Mice; Organ Size; Procollagen-Proline Dioxygenase

The question whether ascorbate regulates collagen production solely through its direct role in proline hydroxylation was investigated. Proteins in calvarial bones from control and scorbutic weanling guinea pigs were labeled in short-term cultures with radioactive proline. Proteins were digested with purified bacterial collagenase to distinguish between effects on collagen polypeptide production and hydroxyproline formation. There was a preferential decrease in the absolute rate of collagen biosynthesis beginning after 2 wk of ascorbate deficiency, and this effect was temporally dissociated from decreased proline hydroxylation. There were no significant changes in the absolute rates of collagen degradation or noncollagen protein production. In vitro inhibition of proline hydroxylation in normal bone with alpha, alpha'-dipyridyl did not affect the relative rate of collagen synthesis, further dissociating these functions. Ascorbate added to scorbutic bone cultures reversed defective proline hydroxylation but not defective collagen synthesis, suggesting that the latter was an indirect effect of scurvy. There was a linear correlation between the extent of body weight lost during the 3rd and 4th wk of scurvy and the rate of collagen synthesis in scorbutic bone. This correlation also applied to control animals receiving ascorbate, but with weight loss induced by food restriction. These studies establish for the first time that ascorbate deficiency in guinea pigs leads to a specific decrease in collagen polypeptide synthesis and suggest that this decrease results from the reduced food intake and/or weight-loss characteristic of scurvy.

Topics: Animals; Ascorbic Acid; Body Weight; Bone and Bones; Collagen; Female; Guinea Pigs; Hydroxyproline; Liver; Procollagen-Proline Dioxygenase; Protein Biosynthesis; Scurvy

Endogenous levels of ascorbic acid may play a role in regulating the biosynthesis of cyclooxygenase metabolites in lungs of male guinea pigs. The in vitro biosyntheses of prostaglandins, prostacyclin and thromboxane were examined using isolated microsomal membranes from control and ascorbic acid deficient guinea pigs, under conditions in which the substrate concentration ( [3H]-arachidonic acid) was varied from 10-100 microM. Maintenance of guinea pigs for two weeks on an ascorbic acid deficient diet did not alter lung/body weight ratios, nor protein content of the lungs. Lung microsomes from ascorbic acid deficient guinea pigs demonstrated a greater biosynthesis of total cyclooxygenase metabolites at low substrate concentrations. A significant increase in the PGF2 alpha synthesis was observed in the scorbutic microsomes at 20 microM arachidonic acid. At higher substrate concentrations the production of PGF2 alpha was significantly reduced in ascorbic acid deficient animals. By contrast, biosynthesis of thromboxane or prostacyclin in treated animals was not significantly different from control microsomes. At a substrate concentration of 100 microM, there was equivalent synthesis of total cyclooxygenase metabolites in control and vitamin C deficient animals. The changes in prostaglandin biosynthesis were not due to an interaction of ascorbic acid with glutathione levels in the lung. These results support the hypothesis that ascorbic acid may modulate cyclooxygenase activity in the lung in a substrate dependent nature.

Topics: Animals; Arachidonic Acid; Arachidonic Acids; Ascorbic Acid; Ascorbic Acid Deficiency; Body Weight; Guinea Pigs; Kinetics; Lung; Male; Microsomes; Organ Size; Prostaglandin-Endoperoxide Synthases; Prostaglandins; Sulfhydryl Compounds

A squamous cell carcinoma (ASB XIII) and a large cell carcinoma (ASB XIV) induced from mouse lung cells by chrysotile asbestos were established in serial transplant in BALB/c mice. New hosts were treated with retinoids by ip injection at 10 mg/kg 5 days/week. Growth inhibition of ASB XIII was 58%-64% (P less than 0.005) after treatments with all-trans retinoic acid, 52% after trimethylmethoxyphenyl analog, ethyl ester, 26% (not significant) after 13-cis retinoic acid. Growth inhibition of ASB XIV was 39% (P less than 0.02) after injections of all-trans retinoic acid, and 33% (P greater than 0.05) after trimethylmethoxyphenyl analog, ethyl ester. After daily oral administration of 10 mg/kg of all-trans retinoic acid in feed, there was 61%-81% inhibition (P less than 0.005) of ASB XIII. Growth of ASB XIII was not significantly inhibited by daily im injections of 200 mg/kg of vitamin C.

Topics: Animals; Ascorbic Acid; Body Weight; Carcinoma; Carcinoma, Squamous Cell; Diet; Female; Injections, Intraperitoneal; Lung Neoplasms; Male; Mice; Mice, Inbred BALB C; Neoplasm Transplantation; Probability; Retinoids

Radiolabelled U-14C oxalic acid uptake was measured in the intestine of scorbutic and ascorbic acid (AA) supplemented guinea pigs. The feeding of vitamin C deficient diet to the animals for 26 days resulted in a significant fall in the ascorbic acid levels in the various tissues studied. Supplementation of vitamin C (10, 25 or 50 mg per 200 g body weight) increased ascorbic acid levels of spleen, adrenals, liver and leucocytes. The intestinal uptake of oxalate follows a passive diffusion mechanism in normally fed guinea pigs. The oxalate uptake rate was significantly increased (p less than 0.001) in the vitamin C administered group. Vitamin C depletion significantly decreased the oxalate uptake rate as compared to control animals. The changes observed in the uptake rate appear to be related with the chemical aberrations produced in the brush border membranes.

Topics: Animals; Ascorbic Acid; Body Weight; Diet; Guinea Pigs; Intestinal Absorption; Male; Oxalates; Oxalic Acid; Scurvy; Tissue Distribution

We studied the capacity of various chemicals to promote urinary bladder cancer in male F344 rats after initiation by N-nitroso-n-butyl-(4-hydroxybutyl)amine (BBN). The rats were given initially 0.01% BBN in the drinking-water for 4 wk and then the test compound in the diet for 34 wk. Effects were judged by measuring the formation of preneoplastic lesions papillary or nodular hyperplasia (PN hyperplasia) of the urinary bladder. Administration of 5%, but not 0.5% (w/w) sodium saccharin in the diet significantly increased the incidence and extent of PN hyperplasia. This finding could be related to the induction of cancers in the rat urinary bladder by high levels of saccharin. Sodium ascorbate (5%). DL-tryptophan (5%) and allopurinol (0.02%) also significantly increased the extent of PN hyperplasia in the affected animals, but other test chemicals, such as acetazolamide (0.35%) and quercetin (5%) did not. The results with sodium saccharin and DL-tryptophan were consistent with previous findings and suggest that sodium ascorbate and allopurinol have promoting activities in urinary bladder carcinogenesis in rats. No correlation was found between the extent of crystalluria and promotion of preneoplastic lesions.

Topics: Acetazolamide; Allopurinol; Animals; Ascorbic Acid; Body Weight; Butylhydroxybutylnitrosamine; Carcinogens; Hyperplasia; Male; Neoplasms, Experimental; Nitrosamines; Quercetin; Rats; Rats, Inbred F344; Saccharin; Tryptophan; Urinary Bladder; Urinary Bladder Neoplasms

A study on chickens was conducted to investigate whether or not: a) excess dietary tyrosine increases the content of tyrosine metabolites in plasma and excreta, b) these elevations of tyrosine metabolites are presented by increasing dietary protein level or supplementing with ascorbic acid (AA), and c) urine is a major excretory route of tyrosine metabolites. Chicks fed a 10% protein diet with excess tyrosine developed external foot lesions accompanied by retarded growth and depressed feed intake. These adverse effects were alleviated by elevating dietary protein level or supplementing with AA. Excreta and plasma of chicks fed the 10% protein diet contained small or undetectable amounts of free tyrosine, 4-hydroxyphenylpyruvate (4-HPP), 4-hydroxyphenylacetate (4-HPL), and 4-hydroxyphenylacetate (4-HPA), while these metabolites were markedly increased by the addition of excess tyrosine to the 10% protein diet. From the results with colostomized cocks, the major source of 4-HPP, 4-HPL, and 4-HPA excreted by chicks fed a tyrosine excess diet was considered more likely to be of urinary than fecal origin. Elevated contents of tyrosine and its metabolites in plasma were partially counteracted by increasing dietary protein level or AA supplementation. In excreta, elevated contents of tyrosine and its metabolites caused by excess tyrosine were reduced by increasing dietary protein level and supplementing with AA when expressed in the proportion of tyrosine intake. These results suggest that the beneficial effects of increased dietary protein level and supplementation with AA are related to enhanced ability of chicks to degrade excessively ingested tyrosine.

Topics: Animals; Ascorbic Acid; Body Weight; Chickens; Dietary Proteins; Male; Phenylacetates; Phenylpropionates; Phenylpyruvic Acids; Tyrosine

Topics: Animals; Ascorbic Acid; Body Weight; Copper; Diet; Hematocrit; Hemoglobins; Swine; Weaning

The promoting effect of sodium L-ascorbate on two-stage urinary bladder carcinogenesis in F344 rats initiated with N-butyl-N-(4-hydroxybutyl)nitrosamine at levels of 0.01 and 0.05% in drinking water was studied. Administration of 5.0% but not of 1.0% sodium L-ascorbate in the diet significantly increased the incidence and number of preneoplastic lesions, papillary or nodular hyperplasia, papilloma, and cancer of the urinary bladder. In groups given 5.0% sodium L-ascorbate, the urine was characterized by an apparent elevation of pH, a decrease of osmolality, and an increase of MgNH4PO4 crystalline. Addition of sodium L-ascorbate to the diet also resulted in increase in the content of ascorbic acid and its metabolite, dehydroascorbic acid, in the urine. These results show that an extremely high dose of sodium L-ascorbate (5.0%) promotes urinary bladder carcinogenesis under the present experimental conditions, while a high dose (1.0%) does not.

Topics: Animals; Ascorbic Acid; Body Weight; Carcinogens; Male; Neoplasms, Experimental; Rats; Rats, Inbred F344; Urinary Bladder Neoplasms

The effect of ascorbic acid supplementation on CF1 mice fed ascorbic acid for approximately six months at dose levels of 1%, 5%, and 10% of diet was investigated by analysis of tissue ascorbic acid concentration in the liver, kidney, stomach, small intestine, and large bowel. The effect on epithelial cell proliferation was also examined in the small and large bowel but only at the 5% level. In the control animals, ascorbic acid concentration was lowest in the liver (0.406 +/- 0.07 mg/g) and highest in the small bowel (0.754 +/- 0.16 mg/g). Dietary intake of 5% and 10% ascorbic acid significantly elevated levels in the liver (0.741 +/- 0.13; p less than 0.05), and all doses of ascorbic acid significantly raised tissue concentrations in the kidney and colon. No difference was observed in the percentage of DNA-synthesizing cells in the jejunum of controls or animals fed 5% ascorbic acid at 1 or 24 hours after 3HTdR injection. However, at 1 hour a significantly decreased level of proliferation was observed in the distal colon of ascorbic-acid-treated mice compared with controls (labeling index [L.I.] = 7.3 +/- 0.28 vs. 10.1 +/- 1.15; p less than 0.05), and an even greater suppression of DNA synthesis was achieved by 24 hours (L.I. = 11.4 +/- 1.06 vs. 18.6 +/- 1.61; p less than 0.01). None of the doses of ascorbic acid employed was toxic to the experimental mice.

Topics: Animals; Ascorbic Acid; Body Weight; Cell Division; Diet; Kidney; Liver; Mice; Organ Size; Tissue Distribution

Appetite for vitamin C varies between individuals who consume it for control of inflammatory respiratory, and central nervous symptoms, all of which may have an allergic etiology. The mechanisms affecting appetite for vitamin C are discussed. Ascorbic acid is involved in the appreciation of taste which is diminished in allergic disease, as is appetite in scorbutic conditions. The actions of some appetite-depressant drugs such as fenfluramine, are reduced by administration of vitamin C. It appears that appetite diminished when brain ascorbic levels are reduced below a critical level. When tissue ascorbic acid concentrations are reduced, cellular electric potential is diminished. Cellular electric potential is diminished in allergic disease concurrently with development of symptoms. It is suggested that patho-physiological changes in the nervous system may occur in consequence of increased utilisation of ascorbic acid resulting from allergic and iatrogenic challenge. Appetite for vitamin C would be then be affected on an idiosyncratic basis. It is possible that this appetite is controlled by a neurological feed-back mechanism, activation of which is determined by reduction in cellular electric potential of tissues depleted by ascorbic acid.

Topics: Absorption; Appetite; Ascorbic Acid; Body Weight; Brain; Cheek; Energy Metabolism; Female; Humans; Hypersensitivity; Male; Mouth Mucosa; Taste; Time Factors

The few literature references suggesting adverse effects of high doses of ascorbic acid are outnumbered by a large number of clinical studies in which no adverse effects have been observed. Up to 5 g ascorbic acid daily may be administered safely even over a long term. Favourable effects of even higher doses in man may justify therapeutic trials in the range of 15 g daily which in our trials have proven safe during treatment of up to 2 years. Nevertheless, trials in the high dosage range mentioned should always be closely supervised by a physician, being aware that exceptional behaviour can occur at any time, as exception proves the rule.

Topics: Animals; Ascorbic Acid; Body Weight; Cats; Circadian Rhythm; Dogs; Drug Tolerance; Guinea Pigs; Humans; Hydrogen-Ion Concentration; Lethal Dose 50; Mice; Oxalates; Oxidation-Reduction; Rabbits; Rats

Two strains of mice (Swiss and CF1), male and female, were used in this study. The mice drank either distilled water or 0.1% ascorbic acid in distilled water for one week prior to and during the experiments. Mice were irradiated in groups of 10; they received total body X-irradiation in a single exposure ranging from 200 R to 750 R. Time of death was recorded daily while weight changes and volume of water consumed were recorded every other day. At the low exposure levels, our results indicated that: a) mice drinking ascorbic acid in distilled water died about one week earlier than those drinking distilled water only, and b) the LD 50/30 was higher in mice drinking only distilled water. The differences between both groups were noticeable at exposures up to 550 R; at higher exposures, there was no difference. This study showed that high levels of ascorbic acid potentiated the effect of X-ray whole body irradiation.

Topics: Animals; Ascorbic Acid; Body Weight; Dose-Response Relationship, Radiation; Mice; Radiation-Protective Agents; Time Factors; Whole-Body Irradiation

We have carried out a study of large malignant skin tumours (squamous-cell carcinomas) and other lesions in "hairless" mice (in groups of 45 or 60 mice) intermittently exposed to ultraviolet light over a period of 15 weeks, beginning when the mice were about 8 weeks old. Various groups were given a standard diet (Wayne Lab-Blox) or the same food with added vitamin C or vitamin E throughout the study. Lesions, classified by histopathologic study as atypical squamous-cell proliferations varying from early actinic keratoses to invasive poorly differentiated squamous-cell carcinomas, had begun to develop by the end of the period of irradiation. They were counted twice a month for five months. The observed fraction of mice that developed lesions during successive time periods was analyzed by the statistical method recommended by a committee of the International Agency for Research on Cancer. A pronounced effect of vitamin C in decreasing the incidence of the malignant lesions was observed with very high statistical significance. No significant effect of vitamin E was observed. We conclude that vitamin C should be given special attention with respect to the relation between diet and cancer.

Topics: Animals; Ascorbic Acid; Body Weight; Carcinoma, Squamous Cell; Diet; Female; Mice; Mice, Hairless; Neoplasms, Experimental; Neoplasms, Radiation-Induced; Skin Neoplasms; Ultraviolet Rays; Vitamin E

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

Topics: Animals; Ascorbic Acid; Body Weight; Diet; Glutathione Peroxidase; Lung; Male; Organ Size; Rats; Rats, Inbred Strains; Smoke; Smoking; Vitamin E; Vitamin E Deficiency

Topics: Animals; Ascorbic Acid; Blood Glucose; Body Weight; Chickens; Cysteamine; Diabetes Mellitus, Experimental; Insulin; Pancreatic Polypeptide; Time Factors

Topics: Animals; Ascorbic Acid; Body Weight; Glanders; Horses; Injections, Intravenous

1. The effects of dietary or parenteral administration of ascorbic acid on the adverse effects of excess tyrosine were investigated with young male White Leghorn chicks in a 2-week experiment. 2. Addition of 10 g ascorbic acid/kg to the control diet (without excess tyrosine) produced no beneficial effects on performance. Excess dietary tyrosine caused depressions in all measures of performance. 3. Adding 0.1, 1, 10 or 20 g ascorbic acid/kg to the diet containing excess tyrosine tended to improve performance. 4. Subcutaneous injection of 50 mg ascorbic acid/bird d to chicks receiving excess tyrosine brought about a significant improvement in body-weight gain. 5. The elevation of plasma free tyrosine caused by excess dietary tyrosine decreased as dietary ascorbic acid increased. 6. Ascorbic acid can alleviate, though not completely counteract, the adverse effect of excess dietary tyrosine.

Topics: Animals; Ascorbic Acid; Body Weight; Chickens; Diet; Male; Tyrosine

The administration of large doses (5 mg/kg b.wt./day) of ethynylestradiol to adult female hamsters did not induce cholestasis or modifications of bile lipid composition. These findings are in contrast with the data of other authors who in different experimental conditions described the sensitivity of hamsters to the estrogen-induced hepatobiliary toxicity. Ascorbic acid alone or added to ethynylestradiol did not impair bile secretion. However, it significantly increased the plasma levels of radioactivity tested 24 hours after the oral administration of a tracer dose of radiolabelled ethynylestradiol. These results confirm previous data showing in humans the capability of ascorbic acid to favour the rise of plasma concentrations of ethynylestradiol.

Topics: Animals; Ascorbic Acid; Bile; Bile Acids and Salts; Body Weight; Cholesterol; Cricetinae; Ethinyl Estradiol; Female; Liver; Mesocricetus; Organ Size; Phospholipids

The relationship between the metabolic changes in tissue ascorbic acid (AA) and the release of 11-hydroxy corticosteroids (cortisol) into the blood of male and female guineapigs fed on vitamin C-deficient diet, has been investigated. The animals received the diet for 30 and 36 days (males and females respectively) during which tissue AA and Corticol concentrations were analysed at six-day intervals. Bodyweight and adrenal weights were also recorded. When guineapigs are deprived of vitamin C in their diet, tissue cortisol and ascorbic acid concentrations undergo concurrent metabolic changes. There is a close association between the metabolic changes in adrenal cortisol secretion and ascorbic acid release into the plasma as shown by the regression and correlation values. Adrenal ascorbic acid concentration falls as cortisol secretion into the plasma increases. These results indicate that adrenal ascorbic acid operates a modulating role over the production of adrenal steroids during stress in guineapigs.

Topics: Adrenal Glands; Animals; Ascorbic Acid; Ascorbic Acid Deficiency; Body Weight; Female; Guinea Pigs; Hydrocortisone; Leukocytes; Liver; Male; Sex Factors

Half-lives of ascorbate depletion in 9 organs proved the same in guinea pigs receiving minimum maintenance dose of ascorbic acid (0.5 mg/animal/day) during 15 weeks of the pre-experimental period, as in those on very high doses (0.5% ascorbic acid in diet = 300 mg/kg body weight/day). The survival on the ascorbate-free diet proved longer in guinea pigs receiving high vitamin C doses (0.5% in diet) for 7 months previously, than in those with a tenfold lower vitamin C supply (0.05% in diet). Permanently high vitamin C intake does not induce induce systemic conditioning in adult guinea pigs.

Topics: Animals; Ascorbic Acid; Ascorbic Acid Deficiency; Body Weight; Guinea Pigs; Half-Life; Kinetics; Male; Tissue Distribution

Eight hundred and thirty elderly subjects who were seen in a nutritional survey were followed up after eight years. A marked decline of body weight with age, which had been evident in the original cross-sectional data, appeared to be due to a loss of weight in individuals rather than to any survival advantages of less obese persons. Indeed, over the age of 70 years the survivors tended to have been heavier when originally seen than those who died, suggesting that an above-average weight is a favourable prognostic factor in old age. There was a tendency for the women who died to have had lower ascorbic-acid levels than those who survived, but this was not obviously related to any one cause of death. Although it is possible that a poor vitamin C status increases mortality, the associations reported are probably due to the fact that elderly persons who are biologically younger than their contemporaries tend in consequence to be heavier and to have higher ascorbic acid levels and lower mortality rates than others of their chronological age.

Topics: Age Factors; Aged; Aging; Ascorbic Acid; Body Weight; Female; Follow-Up Studies; Humans; Male; Mortality; Prognosis; Skinfold Thickness

Vanadium added to laying rations as NH4 VO3, VOCl2 or VOSO4 at levels of 20 to 80 ppm resulted in a rapid and substantial reduction in albumen quality as measured by Haugh units. Dietary vanadium also resulted in reduced egg production, egg weight, body weight, feed consumption, and poorer shell quality as measured by specific gravity. Ascorbic acid at .4 to .5% effectively protected the hen from the reduction in albumen quality, egg production, and body weight for up to 40 ppm vanadium, but not the reduction of egg weight. Replacement of soybean meal by 20% dietary cottonseed meal also protected the hen from the reduction in albumen quality, egg production, and body weight for up to 40 ppm vanadium. Added at levels of 4 to 8 times the molecular concentration of vanadium, EDTA had no consistent effect on vanadium toxicity. Dehydrated grass, at levels of 6 to 12%, maintained egg production but had no effects on the reduction in albumen quality caused by 40 ppm vanadium. Replacement of soybean meal with herring fish meal and part of the grain with sucrose intensified the depression of albumen quality, egg production, and loss of body weight caused by added vanadium. Neither varying dietary protein levels from 12 to 25% using soybean meal nor the addition of 20 ppm chromium had any effect on the toxicity of added vanadium. It appears that vanadium expresses its toxicity in laying hens by several routes since the protective effects of different dietary changes and additives differentially affected the loss of albumen quality, egg production, body weight, and egg weight.

Topics: Animal Feed; Animals; Ascorbic Acid; Body Weight; Chickens; Chromium; Dietary Proteins; Edetic Acid; Eggs; Female; Ovalbumin; Vanadium

In the period from acceptance to the large-scale calf-house to six months of age, 42 calves (20 bullocks and 22 heifers) were studied for the dependence between the dynamics of glycaemia, ascorbaemia, and weights and weight gains. In both sexes, the highest level of glycaemia was obtained at the age from 14 to 21 days (kappa = 5.3 mmol.1(-1)). This high level was followed by a gradual decrease which resulted in the statistically significantly lowest average level at the age of six months (2.0 mmol.1(-1)). In heifers the level of glucose decreased to 1.7 mmol.1(-1) in the fifth month; in bullocks the values were significantly higher at this age (2.8 mmol.1(-1)). The values were subjected to correlation analysis and regression analysis, but no statistically significant dependence was found between weight gains and the levels of glycaemia, either in heifers or in bullocks. Higher coefficients of correlation were only found between the weight of the calves when accepted to the calf-house and the level of glucose. The ascorbaemia of the calves of both sexes at the age from the 7th to the 11th week ranged from 59.1 to 79.5 mumol.1(-1); from the fourth month of age it decreased conspicuously, the lowest values being obtained in the fifth month (22.7 mumol.1(-1)) when the values of vitamin C in the blood serum of heifers (11.4 mumol.1(-1)) were lower than in the bullocks. The correlations between the weight gains and ascorbaemia were statistically significantly negative in the bullocks between the second and 22nd week of age.

Topics: Animals; Ascorbic Acid; Blood Glucose; Body Weight; Cattle; Female; Housing, Animal; Male

Topics: Animals; Ascorbic Acid; Ascorbic Acid Deficiency; Body Weight; Cholesterol; Cholesterol 7-alpha-Hydroxylase; Diet; Guinea Pigs; Hydroxymethylglutaryl CoA Reductases; Intestinal Mucosa; Liver; Male; Steroid Hydroxylases

The weight and ascorbic acid (AA) content of the adrenal glands was measured in pigs with carcase weights ranging from about 10 to 100 kg. Appropriate conditions for the removal and storage of glands without loss of AA were also investigated. No AA was lost from adrenals kept at 4 degrees C for 24 hours after removal and frozen glands could be stored for six weeks at -14 degrees C with no loss of AA. Resting in lairage for 16 hours before slaughter was sufficient time to allow recovery of adrenal AA depleted by stress. No significant differences were found between Large White and Large White cross Landrace pigs for adrenal weight or AA content, however, the pure bred animals tended to have slightly lighter adrenals. In 86.2 per cent of pigs the left gland was heavier than the right and on average left glands were 10.9 per cent heavier. AA concentration was 5.6 per cent higher in the right glands. The concentration of AA remained more or less constant with increasing body size while the relative adrenal gland weight decreased.

Topics: Adrenal Glands; Animals; Ascorbic Acid; Body Weight; Female; Male; Organ Size; Stress, Physiological; Swine

A comparison has been made of the effects of d(+) fenfluramine, Mazindol and Diethylpropion on the changes in body weight and brain ascorbic acid concentrations in male and female guinea pigs receiving vitamin C-deficient diet daily with or without daily supplementary vitamin C for 24 days. Bodyweight increases initially; the subsequent decrease was more rapid in scorbutic male than in the female guinea pigs. The weight-reducing drugs prevented the initial rise in weight of these ascorbutic guinea pigs. Fenfluramine caused the greatest fall in weight in both sexes, the effect being more pronounced in the males. Supplementary vitamin C reduced the anti-obesity actions of fenfluramine, Mazindol and Diethylpropion. Brain ascorbic acid level in scorbutic guinea pigs was more significantly reduced by fenfluramine than by either Mazindol or Diethylpropion after 24 days administration. These drugs prevented the rise in brain ascorbic acid normally produced by supplementary vitamin C. The reduction brain ascorbic acid appears to be related to the loss of weight more in the males than in the females.

Topics: Animals; Appetite Depressants; Ascorbic Acid; Body Weight; Brain; Diethylpropion; Female; Fenfluramine; Guinea Pigs; Male; Mazindol

The effect of feeding 0.25% ethionine for 3-10 weeks to male and female rats on urinary and tissue ascorbate contents were studied. The concentrations of ascorbic acid in the urine, blood, liver and adrenals were significantly reduced in the rats receiving ethionine as compared to those receiving stock diet. This decrease was not apparently due to feed intake, not reversed by supplementation of methionine, but can be partially restored by removing ethionine from stock diet. The response to trichloro-2-methyl-2-propanol stimulation of urinary ascorbic acid was considerably suppressed by ethionine administration. In vitro the enzymatic synthesis of the vitamin from glucuronolactone by liver homogenate of ethionine-fed rats was significantly decreased from that of stock diet-fed controls. These results indicate that ethionine reduces the capacity to synthesize ascorbate which, in turn, causes a decrease of ascorbic acid contents in the urine, blood, liver and adrenals.

Topics: Adrenal Glands; Animals; Ascorbic Acid; Body Weight; Chlorobutanol; Ethionine; Female; Glucuronates; Liver; Male; Methionine; Rats

Topics: Animals; Ascorbic Acid; Blood Pressure; Blood Vessels; Body Weight; In Vitro Techniques; Iron; Male; Nephrectomy; Procollagen-Proline Dioxygenase; Propranolol; Rats

Topics: Adrenal Glands; Animals; Ascorbic Acid; Body Weight; Chlorides; Kidney; Lithium; Lithium Chloride; Liver; Male; Organ Size; Organ Specificity; Rats

Broiler chickens were reared in batteries and fed diets designed to determine the effects of either ascorbic acid, aspirin (acetylsalicylic acid), lysine, or thiouracil on thyroid weight and serum thyroid hormone concentrations. Thyroxine (T4) and 3,5,5'-triiodothyronine (T3) concentrations in serum were determined by radioimmunoassay. Neither ascorbic acid nor lysine affected T3 or T4 concentration, but thiouracil significantly reduced T3 concentration after 1 day and reduced T4 concentration after 3 days. After 3 days or more of thiouracil feeding, relative reduction was greater for T4 than T3. Dietary aspirin significantly reduced T3 concentration at 7 of 16 sampling times but significantly reduced T4 concentration at only 1 of 16 sampling times. After 11 days of the dietary treatment, chickens fed thiouracil had significantly heavier thyroids than the controls but ascorbic acid, aspirin, and lysine had no effect on thyroid weight.

Topics: Animals; Ascorbic Acid; Aspirin; Body Weight; Chickens; Diet; Lysine; Organ Size; Thiouracil; Thyroid Gland; Thyroid Hormones; Thyroxine; Triiodothyronine

The ascorbate requirements of 4 monkeys were investigated by comparison of the plasma and whole blood ascorbate levels to known amounts of ascorbate supplements. The monkeys were conditioned to the experimental procedures to minimize environmental stress which increases ascorbate requirements. Trained monkeys required 3 and 6 mg AA/kg body weight fed daily to mature and young monkeys, respectively, to maintain blood ascorbate levels proposed as necessary to prevent the development of scurvy. Young monkeys (sexually immature) required twice the amount of the vitamin to maintain acceptable ascorbate levels than did the mature monkeys. Smaller amounts of ascorbate were required by the monkeys to maintain similar blood ascorbate levels when the vitamin was incorporated into the diet in comparison to the single and oral supplement. Only small variations were measured between the plasma and whole blood ascorbate levels in the same monkey. The leucocyte ascorbate levels suggest that the tissue ascorbate concentration may be minimal although the blood ascorbate concentration is in an acceptable range.

Topics: Aging; Animals; Ascorbic Acid; Body Weight; Diet; Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; Haplorhini; Leukocytes; Macaca; Macaca fascicularis; Male; Nutritional Requirements; Time Factors

Topics: Animals; Ascorbic Acid; Body Weight; Calcification, Physiologic; Chickens; Diet; Vitamin A

Toxic levels of dietary cadmium (5-200 ppm) interfered with iron absorption and produced an iron deficiency. Supplements of iron (particularly the divalent form) and ascorbic acid protected against the cadmium. With very low levels of dietary cadmium (about 0.06-0.08 ppm), typical of those in the diets of humans, supplements of iron(II) and ascorbic acid markedly decreased cadmium concentrations in the liver, kidney, and small intestine. Iron deficiency changed the distribution of cadmium within the body. The effect of ascorbic acid on cadmium metabolism appears to depend primarily, if not entirely, on its influence in improving iron absorption. Maintenance of modest iron stores appears to be very important in minimizing cadmium absorption.

Topics: Animals; Ascorbic Acid; Body Weight; Cadmium; Intestine, Small; Iron; Kidney; Liver; Organ Specificity; Quail

Four diets, each containing different levels of ascorbic acid were fed to duplicate groups of steelhead trout (Salmo gairdneri) in two four-week periods. Tolerance to nitrites increased when the concentration of ascorbic acid was high. Flow-through bioassays in fingerlings showed that when the temperature increased the percent of methemoglobin in their blood also increased. The tolerance to nitrite toxicity was less in large fish than in those smaller fed the same concentration of ascorbic acid. Possibly ascorbic acid acts in the reduction of methemoglobin to hemoglobin, and also it has a protective effect against stress in the fish. A "safe" level of 200 mg/kg of ascorbic acid in practical diets was reached.

Topics: Animal Feed; Animals; Ascorbic Acid; Body Weight; Methemoglobin; Methemoglobinemia; Nitrites; Salmonidae; Temperature; Trout

The cause of the Premature Infant Anemia (PIA) is mainly an insufficient erythropoiesis, a shorter mean-life of the red cells and in increased hemolysis. On these basis of prophylaxis has been attempted by treating newborns with folic acid, alpha-tocopherol and vitamins B1, B2, B6 and C. 208 premature babies have been treated (birth weight higher than 1750 nr. 171; birth weight less than 1750 nr. 37). Several parameters have been evaluated: weight gain, erythrocyte and reticulocyte count, jaundice occurrence and number of transfusions needed. The results on the blood parameters was good for the small babies group and sufficient for the others. Differences have been observed between the two groups for the occurrence of jaundice and transfusions.

Topics: Anemia, Neonatal; Ascorbic Acid; Body Weight; Erythrocyte Count; Erythropoiesis; Folic Acid; Humans; Infant, Newborn; Infant, Premature; Jaundice, Neonatal; Vitamin B Complex; Vitamin E

Topics: Adult; Animals; Ascorbic Acid; Body Weight; Cattle; Child; Dogs; Humans; Liver; Mathematics; Mice; Models, Biological; Organ Size; Rabbits; Rats; Swine

Mice were exposed to concentrations of 20, 40 and 200 ppm ozone in air for 30 min. Ozone exposure decreased lung ascorbic acid levels and increased lung weight by up to 50% in a dose related manner. On incubation in Krebs-phosphate solution, lung slices from mice exposed to 200 ppm ozone released a smaller fraction of their content of ascorbic acid into the medium than did lung slices from control mice, suggesting that there was a preferential loss of extracellular ascorbic acid during oxone exposure. These results are consistent with the proposed function of ascorbic acid as an extracellular antioxidant in lungs.

Topics: Animals; Ascorbic Acid; Body Weight; Depression, Chemical; In Vitro Techniques; Lung; Male; Mice; Organ Size; Ozone

Topics: Adult; Anthropometry; Ascorbic Acid; Body Weight; Cholesterol; Diet; Diet, Vegetarian; Female; Folic Acid; Humans; Iron; Male; Nutrition Surveys; Riboflavin; Vitamin B 12

Topics: Animals; Ascorbic Acid; Body Temperature; Body Weight; Catecholamines; Diet; Guinea Pigs; Male; Reserpine; Scurvy; Sympathetic Nervous System; Time Factors

One hundred and sixteen three to five year old Aboriginal children were included in an evaluation of the effect of preschool meals programmes on their nutritional health. Sixty-one children attending preschools in five communities were examined at the beginning and end of the school year. Fifty-five control children in five matched communities had two examinations, 38 weeks apart. Height, weight and haemoglobin concentrations were determined on all children and serum levels of ascorbic acid, ferritin, iron, total protein, albumin, cholesterol and triglycerides were determined on a subsample. Aboriginal children in both groups had initial measurements and nutrient levels below acceptable levels. The 61 children who received preschool meals had consistently better growth than the control children. A negative correlation was found between gains in weight and height and serum levels of ferritin, haemoglobin and ascorbic acid, indicating that more rapidly growing children may have been rapidly utilizing nutrients for growth.

Topics: Ascorbic Acid; Australia; Body Height; Body Weight; Child Nutritional Physiological Phenomena; Child, Preschool; Female; Ferritins; Food Services; Hematocrit; Hemoglobins; Humans; Male; Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander

Rhesus monkeys fed an ascorbic acid-free, purified liquid diet, developed scurvy in 70 to 105 days as evidenced by loss of weight, anemia, bleeding gums, inflamed palate, diarrhea, and inability to stand. Oral administration of either 10 mg/kg body weight of ascorbic acid or an equimolar amount of the magnesium salt of 1-ascorbic acid phosphate cured all symptoms of scurvy. Similarly, oral administration of 1-ascorbic acid phosphate cured all symptoms of scurvy in the guinea pig and resulted in liver ascorbate levels equal to those of animals feed ascorbic acid. It is concluded that ascorbic acid phosphate is a readily available source of ascorbic acid activity in vivo.

Topics: Animals; Ascorbic Acid; Body Weight; Guinea Pigs; Haplorhini; Liver; Macaca mulatta; Male; Organophosphorus Compounds; Scurvy; Species Specificity; Structure-Activity Relationship

Plasma ascorbic acid (PAA) in normal Labrador Retriever dogs less than one year of age averaged 1.22 +/- 0.05 mg/dl (x +/- sem) and was significantly higher than the value of 0.89 +/- 0.03, for Labrador Retrievers two years of age and older. No significant diurnal variation in PAA was observed. Oral or intravenous administration of 0.5 or 1.0 g of ascorbic acid (AA) elevated PAA for less than 8 hours. Injection of ACTH caused a significant decline in PAA for the initial 2 days, with variable results thereafter. Labrador Retriever puppies fed a ration high in protein, energy and calcium developed the typical skeletal diseases of overnutrition, including hypertrophic osteodystrophy (HOD). The addition or oral AA (0.5 g twice daily) had no ameliorating effect on the skeletal lesions. Instead AA supplementation resulted in relatively higher serum calcium values which, presumably by enhanced hypercalcitoninism, decreased bone resorption. Thus, AA treatment of dogs with HOD is contraindicated, as it can only aggravate the osseous lesions of HOD. The decreased PAA reported in dogs with HOD is interpreted to be the result of stress from pain.

Topics: Adrenocorticotropic Hormone; Animals; Ascorbic Acid; Ascorbic Acid Deficiency; Body Weight; Bone Diseases, Developmental; Calcium; Cortisone; Dog Diseases; Dogs; Humerus

Urinary calculi composed of calcium oxalate were produced in male hooded Wistar rats fed a vitamin B6 deficient diet over 16 weeks. This basic diet was modified by doubling the phosphate content or loading with vitamin C or D3 in three treatment groups. The number of rats developing oxalate stones was not altered by the addition of vitamin D3 or phosphate, but there was a significant increase in total weight of stone formed and histological evidence of extensive renal damage in rats on the high vitamin D3 diet. The addition of vitamin C to the vitamin B6 deficient rats resulted in a reduction in the number of rats with uroliths and a fall in urinary oxalate excretion, while similarly loaded vitamin B6 supplemented controls were free of oxalate calculi. It is concluded that the oxalate urolithiasis induced by vitamin B6 deficiency was exacerbated by added vitamin D3 and reduced by vitamin C.

Topics: Animals; Ascorbic Acid; Body Weight; Calcium Oxalate; Cholecalciferol; Diet; Kidney; Male; Phosphates; Pyridoxine; Rats; Urinary Calculi; Vitamin B 6 Deficiency

1. This study tested the hypothesis that black death, the ascorbic acid (AsA) related disease of penaeid shrimp, is related to collagen underhydroxylation. 2. Collagen measured as hydroxyproline (HYP) in healthy Penaeus californiensis (Holmes) and P. stylirostris (Stimpson) of a wide range of masses were determined. The results revealed a logarithmic relationship between total body collagen HYP and body weight fitting the equation y = 90x1.18 where y = total collagenous HYP (microgram) and x = body weight (g). 3. Shrimp tissues most subject to mechanical trauma (subcutis, hindgut and gills) had the highest collagenous HYP levels and were most consistently and severely affected by an ascorbic acid (AsA) deficiency disease. 4. Prolyl hydroxylase (PH) activity was demonstrated in tissues of P. californiensis and P. stylirostris by hydroxylation of [3,4-3H]proline. 5. AsA was required for shrimp PH activity using a chicken embryo substrate. 6. Nutritional trials revealed that dietary AsA was required for proline hydroxylation in collagen formation in P. californiensis.

Topics: Animals; Ascorbic Acid; Ascorbic Acid Deficiency; Body Weight; Collagen; Decapoda; Diet; Hydroxyproline; Procollagen-Proline Dioxygenase

Topics: Animals; Ascorbic Acid; Body Weight; Drinking; Drug Administration Schedule; Drug Therapy, Combination; Eating; Liver Neoplasms, Experimental; Male; Methylprednisolone; Organ Size; Rats; Vitamin A

Topics: Animals; Ascorbic Acid; Blood Glucose; Body Weight; Diabetes Mellitus, Experimental; Insulin; Male; Rats; Time Factors

1. The synthesis of collagen in several tissues, including the C1q component of complement in serum, was measured in vitamin C-deficient and control guinea pigs by incorporating labelled proline into hydroxyproline in vivo. 2. Of the tissues examined, by far the greatest specific effect of vitamin C deficiency was observed in skin. Bone was second in order of sensitivity; skeletal muscle, lung, heart and kidney exhibited only small effects, which were difficult to distinguish from those of inanition, while liver, C1q, and the ethanol-soluble components of serum were virtually insensitive. The effect on urinary hydroxyproline was also extremely small. 3. The lack of sensitivity of C1q confirms previous conclusions (BATES, LEVENE, OLDROYD and LACHMANN 1978), based on total protein bound hydroxyproline levels and total C1 activity in plasma. Since C1q, which turns over rapidly, is insensitive, the high sensitivity of "repair" tissues to vitamin C deficiency is unlikely to be connected with their high turnover rate. Differential concentration of vitamin C by different tissues seems more likely to be the critical factor.

Topics: Adrenal Glands; Animals; Ascorbic Acid; Ascorbic Acid Deficiency; Blood Proteins; Body Weight; Collagen; Complement C1; Guinea Pigs; Hydroxyproline; Liver; Organ Size; Proline; Spleen

Plasma cholesterol, plasma and white blood cell ascorbic acid concentrations were estimated in 30 untreated, 32 salbutamol-treated patients with bronchial asthma and in 57 normal controls. Treated and untreated asthmatics had significantly higher plasma cholesterol but lower plasma and white cell ascorbic acid levels than normal controls. A negative correlation was found between white cell ascorbic acid level and plasma cholesterol concentration in both treated and untreated asthmatics. These findings are discussed.

Topics: Adult; Age Factors; Albuterol; Ascorbic Acid; Asthma; Body Weight; Cholesterol; Humans; Leukocyte Count; Leukocytes

Topics: Animals; Ascorbic Acid; Ascorbic Acid Deficiency; Body Weight; Female; Galvanic Skin Response; Guinea Pigs

Following initial weight gain, reduction in appetite and pronounced weight loss occurred in scorbutic unsupplemented guinea-pigs. Hepatic ascorbic acid levels were significantly reduced and cholesterol concentration increased in the liver. Fenfluramine administration caused immediate loss of weight and appetite in the scorbutic guinea-pigs, these changes being more pronounced in the males. Hepatic ascorbic acid, cholesterol and triglycerides were reduced to lower levels in the fenfluramine-treated scorbutic animals than in the scorbutic guinea-pigs receiving diet alone. In contrast, weight and appetite increased in vitamin-C-supplemented animals while they were receiving fenfluramine. Their hepatic cholesterol and triglyceride levels became significantly reduced. It has been shown that supplementary vitamin C can inhibit the anti-obesity and anorectic actions of fenfluramine and counteract its effect in raising tissue cholesterol.

Topics: Animals; Ascorbic Acid; Ascorbic Acid Deficiency; Body Weight; Cholesterol; Disease Models, Animal; Female; Fenfluramine; Growth; Guinea Pigs; Lipid Metabolism; Liver; Male; Obesity; Sex Factors; Triglycerides

The effect of oral administration of megadoses of ascorbate was studied on some haemopoietic factors in young apparently normal guinea pigs. Supplementation of 150 mg of the vitamin for 7 days resulted in significantly increased haematocrit value and haemoglobin concentration. Total and unsaturated iron binding capacity were also increased in association with elevated plasma iron concentration. The difference of these results from the control animals, however, was not statistically significant. The improved haematological status in guinea pigs by ascorbate treatment could be attributed to haemoconcentration rather than to an effect of iron metabolism.

Topics: Animals; Ascorbic Acid; Blood Proteins; Body Weight; Erythrocyte Membrane; Guinea Pigs; Hematocrit; Hematopoietic System; Hemoglobins; Iron; Male; Osmotic Fragility

Increasing doses of fenfluramine were given to female guinea-pigs on a scorbutogenic diet with or without Ascorbic Acid (AA) supplementation. AA alone increased weight and appetite, hepatic and plasma AA. AA deficiency reduced weight after an initial rise. 10 mg/kg fenfluramine in association with the diet produced a gain in weight. Larger doses caused weight loss and reduced appetite. These effects were prevented by AA supplementation. Fenfluramine reduced hepatic and plasma AA significantly in comparison with the animals receiving the diet alone, or the diet with AA supplementation in the absence of fenfluramine administration. It is concluded that AA release plays an important role in the anti-obesity and anorectic actions of fenfluramine.

Topics: Animals; Appetite; Ascorbic Acid; Ascorbic Acid Deficiency; Body Weight; Female; Fenfluramine; Guinea Pigs; Liver; Obesity

Rainbow trout maintained on ascorbic acid deficient and three grades of ascorbic acid supplemented diets (160--1280 mg ascorbic acid pr kg feed) for a period of 53 weeks, were studied for effects on plasma lipid levels. Fish fed the diet with no ascorbic acid manifested lethargy, lordosis, scoliosis, internal hemorrhages and low body weight. With regard to blood properties, ascorbic acid deficient fish had low hematocrit and high plasma levels of triglycerides and cholesterol but low level of free fatty acids. Plasma level of free fatty acids was low also in fish fed the diet containing the highest amount of ascorbic acid.

Topics: Administration, Oral; Animals; Ascorbic Acid; Body Weight; Cholesterol; Diet; Fatty Acids, Nonesterified; Hematocrit; Lipids; Triglycerides; Trout

Topics: Adrenocorticotropic Hormone; Age Factors; Animals; Ascorbic Acid; Body Weight; Chickens; Corticosterone; Female; Male; Sex Factors

Effects of L-ascorbate 2-sulfate (AAS) on lipid metabolism and on pathological changes of aorta and visceral organs were investigated in cholesterol fed rabbits, with ascorbic acid (AA) and clofibrate (CPIB) as reference compounds. Administration of AAS (300 and 150 mg/kg) inhibited an increase in the levels of serum total cholesterol, free cholesterol, triglycerides and phospholipids caused by cholesterol feeding. A high dose of AAS prevented an increase of liver weight. An increase in the level of liver cholesterol was inhibited by a high dose of AAS. Both doses of AAS effectively prevented an accumulation of cholesterol in the aorta. The area rate of atheromatous plaque in aorta was less in specimens from both groups of AAS than in those from control I. Pathological changes in intima and media of aorta were milder in specimens from both groups of AAS. Developed of patholoigcal changes in arteries of various organs were prevented with both doses of AAS.

Topics: Animals; Aorta, Thoracic; Arteriosclerosis; Ascorbic Acid; Body Weight; Cholesterol; Clofibrate; Hypolipidemic Agents; Liver; Male; Phospholipids; Rabbits; Triglycerides

Topics: Adrenal Cortex; Adrenal Cortex Hormones; Animals; Animals, Newborn; Ascorbic Acid; Body Weight; Corticosterone; Female; Male; Organ Size; Rats; Time Factors

Although most researchers are concerned with the major side effects of oral contraceptives, swelling, nausea, depression, poor circulation, and weight gain are labeled ''minor'' and ignored. A few researchers have found that these side effects seem related to nutritional depletion in oral contraceptive users, especially: 1) Vitamin-B6, which is linked to depression and tryptophan level abnormalities in pill users and may be associated with nausea and weight gain. Studies show a daily need 10-30 times greater than that for women not on the pill. 2) Folic acid deficiency, common among women but a 25% deficiency rate has been noted in pill users. This has been associated with cell malformation and may be a reason for the high spontaneous abortion rate in women who conceive immediately after discontinuing the pill. 3) B1 and B12, the vitamins affecting energy, skin, and hair. Although not linked to any side effects, levels are low in pill users. 4) Vitamin-C, definitely depleted in pill users. This may be part of the bodily change resulting in cardiac problems and thrombosis. Full vitamin supplementation is recommended for all women taking oral contraceptives, including these vitamins as well as Vitamin-E and bioflavinoids. Vitamin supplements are routine for pregnancy. They should also be routine for the pseudopregnancy of oral contraception.

Topics: Anthropometry; Ascorbic Acid; Biology; Body Weight; Central Nervous System; Child Development; Contraception; Contraceptives, Oral; Depression; Digestive System; Disease; Family Planning Services; Growth; Mental Disorders; Nausea; Physiology; Signs and Symptoms; Vitamin A; Vitamin B Complex; Vitamins

Indices of nutritional state were measured in 105 surgical patients. The indices were chosen to give information on protein-calorie malnutrition, anaemia, vitamin deficiency. Abnormal values for the various indices were common in the group as a whole and most frequent (50%) in patients who were still in hospital more than a week after major surgery. These patients had a high frequency of anaemia, vitamin deficiency, weight-loss, loss of arm-muscle bulk, and low plasma levels of transferrin and albumin. These abnormalities had gone almost entirely unrecognised, even in patients with sepsis after major surgery, who would benefit from improvement in nutritional state.

Topics: Adolescent; Adult; Aged; Anemia; Anthropometry; Ascorbic Acid; Ascorbic Acid Deficiency; Avitaminosis; Body Weight; England; Female; Folic Acid; Hemoglobins; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Nutritional Requirements; Protein-Energy Malnutrition; Serum Albumin; Surgical Procedures, Operative; Transferrin; Vitamin B Complex; Vitamin B Deficiency

Topics: Animals; Ascorbic Acid; Blood Proteins; Body Weight; Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; Erythrocytes; Female; Folic Acid; Hemoglobins; Humans; Infant; Iron; Lebanon; Male; Milk; Nutritional Requirements; Prostaglandins A; Serum Albumin; Vitamin B 12; Vitamin E

Two studies were conducted to determine if variation of sex, dietary energy, meat protein, ascorbic acid or iron had any effect on collagen metabolism in broilers. In the first experiment day-old broiler type chicks were fed diets which contained 3190 or 3410 kcal. M.E./kg. of diet, 0 or 15% meat and bone meal and 0 or 1 g./kg. ascorbic acid. In the second experiment the day-old broiler chicks were fed diets which had 3190 or 3410 kcal. M.E./kg. of diet and 60 or 260 p.p.m. of iron. At 56 days of age the broilers were weighed, a representative number of birds killed from each group and skin samples collected. The skin samples were analyzed for the degree of collagen cross-linking and the total and insoluble collagen contents. An alteration of energy, meat protein, ascorbic acid or iron in the diet had no effect on collagen formation in the skin of broilers reared in cool environmental temperatures. Female broilers had a significantly higher percentage of insoluble collagen in the skin tissue but the level of total collagen and insoluble collagen was higher in the male birds.

Topics: Animals; Ascorbic Acid; Body Weight; Chickens; Collagen; Dietary Proteins; Energy Metabolism; Female; Iron; Male; Sex Factors; Skin

Topics: Ascorbic Acid; Body Height; Body Weight; Child; Child Nutritional Physiological Phenomena; Child Welfare; Child, Preschool; Creatinine; Dietary Proteins; Female; Growth; Hematocrit; Hemoglobins; Humans; Hydroxyproline; Indians, North American; Iron; Male; Nutrition Surveys; Wisconsin

1. Rats toxicated with vanadium pentoxide showed drastic retardation in growth rate and supplementation of L-ascorbic acid to these rats could not reverse this effect. The urinary excretion of L-ascorbic acid and D-glucuronic acid was decreased in the toxicated group of rats. 2. Considerable lowering of L-ascorbic acid content of the liver tissues of rats was observed under vanadium toxicated conditions. Supplementation of L-ascorbic acid to this group raised the tissue Vitamin C reserve considerably. 3. The normal histological patterns of the liver and kidney tissues of rats were severely disturbed under vanadium toxicated conditions. L-ascorbic acid supplementation to this group of rats showed marked signs of restoration in this respect. 4. Vanadium pentoxide treatment brought about a significant reduction in the biosynthetic capacity of L-ascorbic acid, along with an enhanced utilization of this vitamin. Subsequent supplementation of L-ascorbic acid to the toxicated group of rats was found to be effective in reversing these effects almost to the basal level.

Topics: Animals; Ascorbic Acid; Body Weight; Glucuronates; Growth Disorders; Hemoglobins; Kidney; Liver; Male; Organ Size; Rats; Time Factors; Vanadium

Bilateral injections of 4.8 or 12 microgram of 6-hydroxydopamine hydrobromide were made in the midbrain path of the ascending norepinephrine (NE) fibers. Maximum NE depletion was obtained with the 4 microgram dose. Increasing the dose did not increase NE depletion in either the hypothalamus or the telencephalon. Increases in food intake were observed following the 12 microgram dose only. Electrolytic, copper sulfate, or 5,6-dihydroxytryptamine lesions at the same site caused increases in both food intake and body weight with only moderate (-32 to -58%) decreases in NE levels. Behavioral changes were seen in only those groups in which a large amount of non-specific tissue damage was also observed. Therefore, the behavioral effects were attributed to general tissue damage in the area and not the NE fibers specifically.

Topics: 5,6-Dihydroxytryptamine; Afferent Pathways; Animals; Ascorbic Acid; Body Weight; Copper; Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; Feeding Behavior; Hydroxydopamines; Mesencephalon; Norepinephrine; Rats

1. Though the growth-rate of the guinea pigs of both the groups - control and experimental were almost same, the gain in body weight in the offspring of experimental group animals were observed to be less when they were fed 1, 2 and 3 mg ascorbic acid per 100 g body weight per day. 2. Ascorbic acid content in the tissues of the offspring maintained on 1, 2 and 3 mg ascorbic acid belonging to the experimental group were low. 3. The rate of growth and the tissue content of ascorbic acid were found to be normal in the same group of animals when they were supplemented with 4 mg ascorbic acid per 100 g body weight daily.

Topics: Animals; Ascorbic Acid; Birth Weight; Body Weight; Brain; Female; Guinea Pigs; Kidney; Lactation; Liver; Maternal-Fetal Exchange; Pregnancy; Pregnancy, Animal

Patties were prepared from ground beef--some with and some without calcium, vitamin A, or ascorbic acid, either singly or in various combinations. After cooking, the patties were mixed with buns and mayonnaise, ground, and then fed to weanling rats. No single added nutrient or combination of added nutrients seemed to affect flavor, texture, or cooking losses of fat or water. Fortification with calcium and ascorbic acid increased liver storage of vitamin A and decreased liver:body weight ratios.

Topics: Animals; Ascorbic Acid; Body Weight; Calcium; Calcium, Dietary; Cattle; Cooking; Diet; Food, Fortified; Liver; Male; Meat; Organ Size; Rats; Vitamin A

Five experiments were carried out in which various levels of calcium and ascorbic acid or citric acid were fed to adult male chickens, young chickens, or young coturnix. Observations were made on body weight, feed efficiency, plasma calcium and tibia mineral content. One percent dietary ascorbic acid had no adverse effect on body weight, tibia ash or tibia calcium content of adult male chickens over a 224-day period, even at calcium levels as low as 0.026% of the diet. In growing chicks, body weight and plasma calcium and tibia mineral content varied with the calcium level of the diet, but were not influenced by ascorbic acid even at 0.65% of the diet. Citric acid at the same molar level was also ineffective in altering calcium metabolism in growing chickens. Growing coturnix showed differences in growth and tibia ash content with 0.4% and 0.85% calcium, but there were no pronounced effects caused by dietary ascorbic acid. There is no evidence in this work that these relatively high levels of ascorbic acid or citric acid have any adverse effect on calcium metabolism because of their chelating properties.

Topics: Animals; Ascorbic Acid; Ascorbic Acid Deficiency; Body Weight; Bone and Bones; Calcium; Calcium, Dietary; Chelating Agents; Chickens; Citrates; Coturnix; Diet; Female; Hypocalcemia; Male; Minerals; Mortality; Quail; Species Specificity

The flank gland becomes functional by about the 9th day after parturition and exhibits a secretory rhythm with a nocturnal peak. Lipids constitute the major biochemical constituent of the total solids. Relatively, cholesterol, ascorbic acid and alkaline phosphatase contents of the flank gland were much higher than those of the control skin samples. Disc electrophoretic pattern of glandular secretion reveal that male and female shrews have 6 & 8 protein fractions respectively. The flank gland was observed to be androgen-dependent in male shrews. Ethological observations indicate that secretions of this gland are used for marking purposes.

Topics: Age Factors; Alkaline Phosphatase; Animals; Ascorbic Acid; Body Weight; Castration; Cholesterol; Female; Glycogen; Lipid Metabolism; Male; Minerals; Organ Size; Phospholipids; Proteins; Sebaceous Glands; Sebum; Shrews; Skin

Adrenal glands of eight Indian species of birds, namely Columba livia, Passer domesticus, Corvus splendens, Acridotheres tristis, Acridotheres ginginianus, Milvus migrans, Francolinus pondicerianus and Bubulcus ibis were examined during the sexually active and inactive phases of their annual reproductive cycles. Excepting A ginginianus and M. migrans, among members of either sex of the remaining six species the weight of the adrenal gland increases during the period of sexual activity. Histologically, the interrenal tissue of these birds could be divided into a peripheral subcapsular zone and a central zone. The cytochemical content of these two zones varies between sexual activity and inactivity. In sexually active birds of both sexes, interrenal cells of the central zone exhibit an increased concentration of alkaline phosphatase, glycogen, acid mucopolysaccharides and gross lipids, while in the subcapsular interrenal cells there is a prominent increase of ascorbic acid content. Cytochemical contents of chromaffin cells remain unchanged except acid phosphatase, which increases during the sexually active phase.

Topics: Acid Phosphatase; Adrenal Glands; Alkaline Phosphatase; Animals; Ascorbic Acid; Birds; Body Weight; Female; Glycogen; Glycosaminoglycans; Lipid Metabolism; Male; Organ Size; Reproduction; Seasons; Species Specificity

Oral administration of 10 mg per kilogram of body weight of ascorbic acid (AA) completely prevented development of scurvy in juvenile rhesus monkey (Mucaca mulata) fed an AA-free liquid diet. The same dose cured scurvy when injected intramuscularly. An equimolar dose of ascorbic acid 2-sulfate (AA-2-S) did not prevent or cure scurvy. Neither AA nor AA-2-S altered serum cholesterol. AA but not AA-2-S reduced serum triglyceride. A case of scurvy in an AA-2-S treated monkey is described in detail.

Topics: Alkaline Phosphatase; Animals; Ascorbic Acid; Body Weight; Cholesterol; Drug Stability; Haplorhini; Macaca; Macaca mulatta; Scurvy; Species Specificity; Triglycerides

Guinea pigs were fed a vitamin C-deficient diet and at various time periods thereafter their peritoneal cells were tested for biological activity. The serum levels of vitamin C in the deficient animals indicated a progressive state of ascorbic acid deficiency with time and this correlated well with clinical signs and symptoms of scurvy. Fewer macrophages were obtained from the peritoneal cavities of deficient animals and in structural appearance under the phase contrast and light microscope they were smaller in size. They showed no significant impairment in phagocytosis of bacterial cells. The macrophages, however, exhibited significantly reduced migration on glass as compared to the normal cells. In vitro addition of vitamin C partially reversed this reduced migration.

Topics: Animals; Ascitic Fluid; Ascorbic Acid; Ascorbic Acid Deficiency; Body Weight; Cell Movement; Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; Female; Glass; Guinea Pigs; Macrophages; Phagocytosis; Staphylococcus aureus

Following withdrawal from chronic barbital administration, 6-hydroxydopamine pretreated rats show a greater number and an earlier onset of spontaneous convulsive seizures than do rats pretreated with the saline-ascorbic acid vehicle.

Topics: Animals; Ascorbic Acid; Barbital; Barbiturates; Body Weight; Dopamine; Humans; Hydroxydopamines; Male; Norepinephrine; Rats; Seizures; Substance Withdrawal Syndrome; Substance-Related Disorders; Telencephalon

Topics: Adrenal Glands; Animals; Ascorbic Acid; Body Weight; Brain; Citrus; Flavonoids; Guinea Pigs; Hesperidin; Leukocytes; Liver; Male; Scurvy; Spleen

Topics: Animals; Ascorbic Acid; Body Weight; Columbidae; Leukocytes; Male; Mice; Mice, Inbred C57BL; Phosphates; Phosphorus Radioisotopes; Radiation Injuries; Radiation, Ionizing

Topics: Age Factors; Alkaline Phosphatase; Animals; Ascorbic Acid; Body Weight; Bone Development; Calcium, Dietary; Citrates; Diet; Female; Growth; Guinea Pigs; Male; Maternal-Fetal Exchange; Pregnancy; Rats; Sex Factors; Time Factors

The effect of vitamin C or carotene either in the authentic form or naturally occurring as in orange, parsley and pepper juices on calcium absorption was studied. Results obtained revealed that ascorbic acid, orange and pepper juices enhanced intestinal calcium absorption. Carotene and parsley proved to be without effect.

Topics: Animals; Ascorbic Acid; Blood Proteins; Body Weight; Calcium; Carotenoids; Citrus; Female; Intestinal Absorption; Male; Oils; Rats; Vegetables; Zea mays

The aim of the present investigation is to study the relative influence of neuohypophysis, adrenal cortex and adrenal medulla under dehydration stress in the parakeet. Birds subjected to dehydration for 7 days lost body weight. Neurosecretory material (NSM) was partially depleted from the neurohypophysis. Adrenal gland weight was increased followed by a hypertrophy of the cortical tissue. A fall in adrenal cholesterol and ascorbic acid level was marked. Adrenaline and noradrenaline contents of the adrenal medulla were suppressed as was evident from cytochemical and biochemical findings. It is suggested that neurohypophysis, adrenal cortex and adrenal medulla are involved in maintaining water homeostasis in this avian species.

Topics: Adrenal Cortex; Adrenal Medulla; Animals; Ascorbic Acid; Body Weight; Cholesterol; Epinephrine; Neurosecretion; Norepinephrine; Organ Size; Parakeets; Pituitary Gland, Posterior; Pituitary-Adrenal System; Psittaciformes; Water Deprivation

Derivatives of ascorbic acid were synthesized, and the studies were made on their effects in Ehrlich ascites carcinoma cells, in regard to the inhibition and the prolongation of survival time as well as on the morphological degeneration in HeLa cells. In a model infection study carried out by using tetraacetyl-bis-dehydroascorbic acid in dd mice infected with Ehrlich cells, it was proved that the prolongation of survival time was nearly double in comparison to the control group mice. Also, it was noted that hypertrophy due to abdominal dropsy and body weight were reduced much more than in the control group. From these results, the inhibiting effect of tetraacetyl-bis-dehydroascorbic acid was confirmed. While in the case of DHA and other derivatives, almost no inhibition and prolongation of survival time were observed. As for HeLa cells in a tissue culture, tetraacetyl-bis-DHA, in a dosage of 125-250 mug/ml, demonstrated definitely its morphological degeration. After 125 mug/ml of tetraacetyl-bis-DHA was added to a tissue culture solution of HeLa cells, the cells were washed and recultured. No growth of the cells was observed. Consequently, this substance was confirmed to be anti-HeLa substance with a low toxicity.

Topics: Animals; Ascorbic Acid; Body Weight; Carcinoma, Ehrlich Tumor; Dehydroascorbic Acid; HeLa Cells; Humans; Lethal Dose 50; Mice

Topics: Animals; Ascorbic Acid; Ascorbic Acid Deficiency; Body Weight; Citrus; Flavonoids; Guinea Pigs; Hesperidin

White female Wistar rats were used in order to study the influence of long-term oral application of 7-chloro-4-(4-diethylamino-1-methylbutylamino) quinoline (chloroquine) in doses of 30, 40 and 80 mg of base/kg upon the suprarenal gland. Histological, histochemical and biochemical findings give evidence of adrenocortical activation induced by chloroquine at all dose levels tested. The differences between the signs of adrenocortical activation as observed after the various doses were only those of quantity and time onset. The results indicate that the stimulation of the suprarenal cortex produced by repeated administration of chloroquine is not solely a manifestation of toxic action of chloroquine.

Topics: Adrenal Glands; Alkaline Phosphatase; Animals; Ascorbic Acid; Body Weight; Chloroquine; Cholesterol; Female; Lipids; Organ Size; Rats; Thymus Gland; Time Factors

After a vitamin C depletion period of 12 days supplementing erythorbic acid (50 mg/day/kg bodyweight) over 16 days significantly accelerated the catabolism of a newly ingested tracer dose of (1-14C) ascorbic aicd in guinea pigs in comparison to animals supplemented with ascorbic acid (5 mg/day/kg bodyweight), but this effect of erythorbic acid could not be normalized by additional supplementation with ascorbic acid. Half-lives for (1-14C) ascorbic acid (50% of the dose excreted) were drastically reduced from 97 h to 50 h and 59 h, respectively. Also figures on the retention of radioactivity showed the availability of ascorbic acid to be reduced. This is in accordance with the significant reduction in size of ascorbic acid bodypool, and in weight gain in the groups receiving erythorbic acid, or erythorbic and ascorbic acids. The bioavailability was calculated to be strongly depressed to nearly 50% of the total ingested biologically active material (ascorbic plus erythorbic acids), assuming erythorbic acid to have only one-twentieth of the biological activity of ascorbic acid.

Topics: Animals; Ascorbic Acid; Body Weight; Drug Interactions; Guinea Pigs; Half-Life; Liver; Male

Those organochlorine pesticides which possess both high lipoid solubility and high resistance to biodegradation are prone to accumulation in animal tissues and produce relatively long-term effects as toxicants. Such compounds, typified by DDT, Dieldrin, and Lindane, are profound inducers of hepatic microsomal enzymes, including parts of the glucuronic acid and ascorbic acid biosynthetic pathways. Consequently, administering such pesticides to rats in accompanied by enhanced formation and excretion of D-glucuronic acid and L-ascorbic acid, or D-glucaric acid in the case of guinea pigs. Secondarily, the efficiency in biodegrading the pesticides is reduced in ascorbic-acid-deficient guinea pigs with correspondingly greater residue accumulation in tissue. This would aggravate chronic toxic effects of the compounds. Finally, the capacity of the liver to adapt to the presence of such toxicants through enhanced microsomal enzymatic levels appears to be sensitive to its ascorbate status. Impaired enzyme induction is apparent quite early during ascorbic acid depletion in guinea pigs. The enhanced turnover of ascorbate produced by such pesticides, the poor enzymatic adaptation to them during ascorbate depletion and the dependency of the oxidase system upon adequate ascorbate, all point to the central significance of ascorbate status in the liver, and possibly other tissues, as a determinant of their chronic toxicity.

Topics: Animals; Ascorbic Acid; Ascorbic Acid Deficiency; Body Weight; Cytochrome P-450 Enzyme System; DDT; Dieldrin; Enzyme Induction; Female; Glucuronates; Guinea Pigs; Hexachlorocyclohexane; Insecticides; Liver; Liver Glycogen; Rats

The reproductibility, the experimental and statistical procedures of FSH and LH bioassays are studied. The estrogen pretreatment of animals increases, considerably the responsiveness and reliability of the LH bioassays. FSH levels have been determined, by the methods for parallel line assays, in the pituitary gland of normal rats and three days or seventeen days orchiectomized rats.

Topics: Animals; Ascorbic Acid; Biological Assay; Body Weight; Castration; Estrogens; Female; Follicle Stimulating Hormone; Gonadotropins, Pituitary; Luteinizing Hormone; Male; Organ Size; Ovary; Rats

1. Treating chicks, from 1 d or 5 weeks of age with ACTH three times weekly for 3 weeks depresses growth and causes adrenal hypertrophy at dose rates of 30 IU/kg or more, and depletion of adrenal cholesterol (greater than 10 IU/kg). 2. Treating chicks five times weekly at a dose rate of 30 IU/kg was as effective as a dose of 120 IU/kg three times weekly. 3. Plasma glucose and FFA concentrations of chicks treated thrice weekly with 120 IU ACTH/kg for 3 weeks were within the normal range. 4. Rhode Island Reds were more sensitive to ACTH than Light Sussex. 5. Adrenal cholesterol stores in normal chicks show significant variations with season.

Topics: Adrenal Glands; Adrenocorticotropic Hormone; Age Factors; Animals; Ascorbic Acid; Blood Glucose; Body Weight; Chickens; Cholesterol; Fatty Acids, Nonesterified; Female; Injections, Intramuscular; Male; Organ Size

The response of intact and bursectomized chicks to stressful stimuli has been examined. The stressors imposed were: a. fast-acting ACTH adminstration; b. immersion in cold water; c. starvation. In Bursa-intact chicks the results were as follows: 1. Plasma corticosterone was increased by all stimuli. 2. Adrenal corticosterone was decreased by ACTH treatment while it was increased by immersion in cold water and by starvation. 3. Plasma glucose was increased by ACTH administration and cold water immersion and decreased by starvation of the birds. 4. Adrenal ascorbic acid concentration was not influenced by all stimuli. 5. Adrenal weights were found to be increased by ACTH and starvation treatments only. 6. Bursa weights were increased by ACTH administration. 7. A very low concentration of corticosterone was found in the Bursa of Fabricius. Bursectomized chicks differed from the intact ones in the following: 1. Plasma and adrenal corticosterone concentrations were not increased by starvation. 2. Plasma glucose increased moderately with ACTH administration. 3. Adrenal ascorbic acid was depleted by all stimuli but was not related to the corticosterone level in the adrenals and blood plasma.

Topics: Adrenal Glands; Adrenocorticotropic Hormone; Animals; Ascorbic Acid; Blood Glucose; Body Weight; Bursa of Fabricius; Chickens; Cold Temperature; Corticosterone; Male; Poultry Diseases; Starvation; Stress, Physiological

Topics: Agglutination Tests; Animals; Antibodies, Bacterial; Ascorbic Acid; Ascorbic Acid Deficiency; Blood Cell Count; Body Weight; Brucella abortus; Brucella Vaccine; Complement Fixation Tests; Female; Guinea Pigs; Immunity; Injections, Intramuscular; Organ Size; Reticulocytes; Spleen

Topics: Animals; Ascorbic Acid; Ascorbic Acid Deficiency; Body Weight; Collagen; Diet; Epithelial Cells; Epithelium; Feeding Behavior; Guinea Pigs; Male; Mouth Mucosa; Permeability; Tongue

The maximal response of a selection of ascorbic-acid-dependent parameters to a range of intakes of ascorbic acid has been shown to occur at virtually one level of intake in the present experiments. Further, this response occurred with intakes that produced only 1/2 saturation or less of tissues with ascorbic acid. Excessive intakes did not enhance effects, and, as in the case of serum copper levels, may have a detrimental effect. In view of the known factors that may influence requirements and the intralaboratory variability in experimental conditions, the more reasonable approach to the interpretation of dose response data is likely to relate the response to the accompanying degree of tissue saturation, rather than to an absolute level of ascorbic acid intake.

Topics: Animals; Ascorbic Acid; Ascorbic Acid Deficiency; Body Weight; Cholesterol; Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; Glycine; Guinea Pigs; Hematocrit; Hemoglobins; Hydroxyproline; Iron; Male; Organ Size; Organ Specificity; Phospholipids; Proline; Tooth; Wound Healing

Guinea pigs were fed a control (0.05%) or a high (0.5%) ascorbic acid diet during the last half of pregnancy. When the pups were tested at 5 and 10 days of life the ones from the high-ascorbic-acid group demonstrated a marked increase in 14CO2 excretion, compared with the control pups, following an intraperitoneal injection of 14C-labeled ascorbic acid. When the animals were weaned to an ascorbic-acid-deficient diet signs of scurvy appeared earlier in the pups from the high vitamin C group and their survival was shorter. When excretion of labeled CO2 in both groups was correlated with the day of onset of scurvy signs, a linear correlation was found between these two parameters, suggesting that the earlier appearance of signs of scurvy in the experimental pups is secondary to an increased rate of ascorbic acid catabolism.

Topics: Animals; Animals, Newborn; Ascorbic Acid; Ascorbic Acid Deficiency; Birth Weight; Body Weight; Carbon Dioxide; Diet; Feeding Behavior; Female; Fertility; Guinea Pigs; Maternal-Fetal Exchange; Nutritional Requirements; Pregnancy; Pregnancy, Animal

Topics: Adult; Ascorbic Acid; Blood Glucose; Body Height; Body Surface Area; Body Weight; Fatty Acids, Nonesterified; Heart Rate; Humans; Muscles; Nutritional Requirements; Oxygen Consumption; Physical Exertion; Placebos; Sports Medicine; Vanilmandelic Acid

The 1974 RDA is 60 mg per day for pregnant women and 80 mg per day for lactating women. In the present study an attempt was made to simulate this intake in the guinea pig and study reproduction performance in relation to guinea pigs fed chronically low and high levels. In animals that conceived and carried the young to term, all 3 dietary levels of ascorbic acid appeared to be adequate for maintaining viability of fetuses and of offspring, and for growth of offspring during the nursing period. The chronically low intake level was not adequate for growth after weaning. The control group was superior to the chronically low-intake group but inferior to the high-intake group in conceiving, producing litters, and carrying litters to term. The level of intake in the control group was inadequate to maintain tissue stores. Even the high intake was inadequate to maintain some tissues at saturation levels. The results suggest that the requirement for ascorbic acid during pregnancy and lactation has been markedly underestimated.

Topics: Adrenal Glands; Aging; Animals; Ascorbic Acid; Birth Weight; Body Weight; Brain; Contraceptives, Oral; Diet; Female; Fertility; Guinea Pigs; Humans; Maternal-Fetal Exchange; Nutritional Requirements; Ovary; Pituitary Gland; Pregnancy; Reproduction; Uterus

The nutritional values of the whole grain principal cereals, namely, wheat, rice, corn, and a millet bajra, were investigated by growth studies and studies on ascorbic acid metabolism in rats and guinea pigs. Growth was markedly retarded by feeding the rats unfortified whole grain cereals. Among the whole grain cereals, rice provided the lowest nutritional value, and the cooking of rice affected the nutritional value further. In weanling rats, ascorbic acid synthesis at the subcellular level was inhibited, and tissue storage of ascorbic acid was decreased in rats fed whole grain cereals. In guinea pigs fed whole grain cereals, the utilization of ascorbic acid was increased. Ascorbic acid supplementation at various levels indicated that the requirement for ascorbic acid increased five times in guinea pigs fed whole grain cereals. The increased intake of the vitamin was not needed when the whole grain cereals were enriched with 15% casein.

Topics: Animal Nutritional Physiological Phenomena; Animals; Ascorbic Acid; Body Weight; Cooking; Diet; Edible Grain; Food, Fortified; Guinea Pigs; Oryza; Panicum; Rats; Triticum; Zea mays

Topics: Adrenal Glands; Age Factors; Animals; Animals, Newborn; Ascorbic Acid; Behavior, Animal; Body Weight; Female; Handling, Psychological; Male; Maternal Deprivation; Motor Activity; Rats; Sex Factors; Weaning

The ADP:O ratios and State 3 (ADP-stimulated) and State 4 (controlled) rates of succinate, beta-hydroxybutyrate, isocitrate, glutamate, pyruvate + malate, alpha-ketoglutarate, and ascorbate + N,N,N',N'-tetramethylphenylenediamine (TMPD) oxidation were examined in liver mitochondria from germ-free and conventional rats of both Lobund Wistar (100-day-old) and Fisher (120-day-old) strains. The State 3 respiration rates of isolated mitochondria from germ-free and conventional rats were comparable except for the rate of succinate oxidation in the Wistar rats, which was significantly lower (approx. 10%). The State 4 respiration rates were generally lower in mitochondria isolated from germ-free Fisher rats (approx. 8%) and significantly lower (approx. 18%) in germ-free Wistar rats. The ADP:O ratios were similar in germ-free and conventional rats. Serum thyroxine concentrations indicated delayed maturation of thyroid function in young germ-free rats, but adult animals had concentrations similar to those found in conventional rats. The results indicate that, although absence of a microflora results in a 20-30% reduction in metabolic rate, the germ-free state has little influence on the functional respiration or oxidative phosphorylation of mitochondria isolated from the liver of the adult rat.

Topics: Adenosine Diphosphate; Animals; Ascorbic Acid; Body Weight; Energy Metabolism; Germ-Free Life; Glutamates; Glycerolphosphate Dehydrogenase; Hydroxybutyrates; Isocitrates; Ketoglutaric Acids; Liver; Malates; Male; Mitochondria, Liver; Organ Size; Oxidative Phosphorylation; Oxygen Consumption; Phenylenediamines; Pyruvates; Rats; Succinates; Thyroxine

Three feeding studies on the vitamin C requirements of channel catfish were conducted with practical and semipurified diets. In a long-duration study in which fish achieved almost a 4,000% increase in weight, 50 mg of l-ascorbic acid/kg diet was required for maximal growth and food efficiency. A diet stability study revealed that excessive losses in activity of l-ascorbic acid occurred when practical diets were stored for 16 weeks at 20 degrees. The typical scoliosis condition associated with severe vitamin C deficiency in fish occurred in the nonsupplemented groups in the study with practical diets. Severe growth reductions were obtained from fish fed nonsupplemented semi-purified diets, yet no incidences of spinal abnormalities were noted.

Topics: Animal Nutritional Physiological Phenomena; Animals; Ascorbic Acid; Ascorbic Acid Deficiency; Body Weight; Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; Drug Stability; Fishes; Hematocrit; Nutritional Requirements; Scoliosis; Spinal Diseases

Topics: Animals; Ascorbic Acid; Body Weight; Consummatory Behavior; Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; Eating; Female; Food Preferences; Guinea Pigs; Nutritional Physiological Phenomena; Nutritional Requirements; Scurvy; Taste; Time Factors

In 25 schoolchildren (7-15 years old) a survey has been carried out in spring and fall on vitamin C intake by chemical analysis and plasma level of ascorbic acid. The inter-variation in the intake was very great and correspondingly the standard deviation was large. The values obtained by computation with food composition tables agreed with those by chemical analysis. There was no correlation between plasma ascorbic acid and vitamin C intake expressed also per kg body weight. But the values obtained with this study, together with those of other studies, indicate that in children a higher intake of vitamin C is necessary than in adults to achieve a certain plasma ascorbic acid concentration.

Topics: Adolescent; Age Factors; Ascorbic Acid; Body Weight; Child; Diet; Female; Follow-Up Studies; Food Analysis; Humans; Male; Sex Factors

Topics: Animals; Appetite Depressants; Ascorbic Acid; Body Weight; Feeding Behavior; Guinea Pigs

Topics: Animal Feed; Animal Nutritional Physiological Phenomena; Animals; Ascorbic Acid; Body Weight; Female; Guinea Pigs; Housing, Animal; Litter Size; Male; Nutritional Requirements; Pregnancy; Reproduction

A long-term vasoligation operation in gerbils, Meriones hurrianae Jerdon did not reveal any consistent change in the weights of androgen dependent organs such as seminal vesicles, ventral prostate, epididymes and perineal complex (levator ani muscle and penis). Histological structure of the testis and caput epididymis remains normal after vasectomy. There was no effect of bilateral vasectomy on androgen production of the testes as reflected by fructose content of coagulating gland. No compensatory hypertrophy of the contralateral testis was observed in unilaterally vasectomized gerbils. The RNA content of the testis and epididymis and ascorbic acid content of adrenal gland did not show appreciable change. No change in protein content of the testis was found but a significant increase was observed in the protein content of epididymis after the operation.

Topics: Adrenal Glands; Animals; Ascorbic Acid; Body Weight; Fructose; Genital Diseases, Male; Genitalia, Male; Gerbillinae; India; Male; Organ Size; Proteins; RNA; Species Specificity; Spermatogenesis; Testis; Time Factors; Vasectomy

Topics: Adult; Ascorbic Acid; Australia; Body Height; Body Weight; Calcium, Dietary; Child; Child, Preschool; Dietary Proteins; Educational Status; Employment; Ethnicity; Feeding Behavior; Female; Housing; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander; Obesity; Rural Population; Thiamine

Rats fed a control casein diet, when exposed to immobilization, loose more nitrogen, urea and vitamin C in urine. Animals receiving a protein deficient diet excrete less nitrogen, urea and ascorbic acid in urine than their controls. When protein deficiency and immobilization are associated, there is not an increase on the urinary excretion of those substance compared to the deficient animals.

Topics: Animals; Ascorbic Acid; Body Weight; Male; Nitrogen; Protein Deficiency; Stress, Physiological

Topics: Adrenergic alpha-Antagonists; Adrenergic beta-Antagonists; Animals; Ascorbic Acid; Body Weight; Bucladesine; Catecholamines; Epinephrine; Histamine; Isoproterenol; Lung; Male; Mice; Norepinephrine; Organ Size; Phenoxybenzamine; Phenylephrine; Propranolol; Pulmonary Edema; Serotonin

Topics: Analysis of Variance; Animals; Ascorbic Acid; Body Weight; Cholesterol; Female; Haplorhini; Lipids; Male; Papio; Phospholipids; Seasons; Sex Factors

Topics: Adrenocorticotropic Hormone; Age Factors; Amino Acids; Animal Nutritional Physiological Phenomena; Animals; Animals, Newborn; Ascorbic Acid; Body Weight; Gluconeogenesis; Glucose; Liver; Organ Size; Starvation; Swine; Thirst; Time Factors

Topics: Adrenal Cortex Hormones; Adrenal Glands; Adrenocorticotropic Hormone; Animals; Ascorbic Acid; Body Weight; Carbon Radioisotopes; Fasting; Guinea Pigs; Male; Time Factors

Topics: Animals; Antioxidants; Ascorbic Acid; Body Weight; Chickens; Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; Ethyl Ethers; Female; Glutathione Reductase; Male; Microsomes, Liver; Nutritional Requirements; Oxidation-Reduction; Peroxides; Poultry Diseases; Quinolines; Selenium; Vitamin A; Vitamin E; Vitamin E Deficiency

Topics: Animal Nutritional Physiological Phenomena; Animals; Ascorbic Acid; Body Weight; Chickens; Deficiency Diseases; Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; Female; Male; Microsomes, Liver; Nutritional Requirements; Oxidation-Reduction; Peroxides; Selenium; Vitamin E; Vitamin E Deficiency

Topics: Administration, Oral; Animals; Ascorbic Acid; Benzoates; Blood Transfusion; Body Weight; Calcium; Carboxylic Acids; Catechols; Chelating Agents; Copper; Deferoxamine; Disease Models, Animal; Feces; Hemochromatosis; Hydroxylation; Injections, Intraperitoneal; Iron; Iron Chelating Agents; Iron Radioisotopes; Lethal Dose 50; Magnesium; Mice; Mice, Inbred Strains; Rats; Zinc

Topics: Administration, Oral; Anemia, Hypochromic; Animals; Ascorbic Acid; Biological Transport; Body Weight; Diet; Erythropoietin; Female; Genetic Linkage; Hematocrit; Hemorrhage; Hypoxia; Injections, Intraperitoneal; Intestinal Absorption; Iron; Iron Radioisotopes; Male; Mice; Mice, Inbred Strains; Phenobarbital; Sex Chromosomes; Statistics as Topic

Topics: Adolescent; Anemia, Hypochromic; Ascorbic Acid; Body Height; Body Weight; Bread; Child; Child Nutritional Physiological Phenomena; Deficiency Diseases; Diet; Female; Growth; Humans; Income; Iron; Male; Margarine; New York; Nutrition Surveys; Proteins; Sweden; United Kingdom; United States; Vitamin A; Vitamin B Complex; Vitamin D Deficiency

Topics: Adrenal Cortex; Animals; Ascorbic Acid; Body Weight; Cobalt Radioisotopes; Radiation Injuries; Radiation Injuries, Experimental; Radiation-Protective Agents; Rats

Topics: Adrenal Glands; Age Factors; Animals; Ascorbic Acid; Body Weight; Handling, Psychological; Male; Morphine; Pentobarbital; Rats; Stress, Physiological; Time Factors

Topics: Adrenal Glands; Animals; Ascorbic Acid; Body Weight; Brain Chemistry; Depression, Chemical; Guinea Pigs; Kidney; Liver; Male; Mercury; Organ Size; Spleen

Topics: Animals; Ascorbic Acid; Ascorbic Acid Deficiency; Body Weight; Diet; Guinea Pigs; Incisor; Male; Odontoblasts; Time Factors; Tooth Eruption

Topics: Animals; Ascorbic Acid; Body Weight; Bone Resorption; Dental Caries; Dextranase; Glycoside Hydrolases; Hemoglobins; Leukopenia; Pancreatic Extracts; Penicillium; Rats; Swine

Topics: Adult; Ascorbic Acid; Body Weight; Calcium, Dietary; Diet; Diet, Reducing; Dietary Carbohydrates; Dietary Fats; Dietary Proteins; Evaluation Studies as Topic; Female; Food Analysis; Humans; Iron; Methods; Middle Aged; Obesity; Prisons; Skinfold Thickness; Vitamin A

Topics: Adrenal Glands; Animals; Ascorbic Acid; Body Weight; Bone and Bones; Cadmium Poisoning; Chemical and Drug Induced Liver Injury; Coturnix; Deficiency Diseases; Duodenum; Erythrocytes; Esophagus; Female; Heart; Hematocrit; Hemoglobinometry; Iron; Kidney; Liver; Male; Poisoning; Spleen; Testis; Zinc

Topics: Animals; Ascorbic Acid; Body Weight; Cerebral Ventricles; Coturnix; Environment, Controlled; Growth; Hydroxydopamines; Luteinizing Hormone; Male; Organ Size; Photic Stimulation; Testis; Time Factors

Topics: Adrenal Glands; Animals; Ascorbic Acid; Ascorbic Acid Deficiency; Body Weight; Brain Chemistry; Brain Stem; Diencephalon; Discrimination Learning; Guinea Pigs; Liver; Male

Topics: Animal Nutritional Physiological Phenomena; Animals; Ascorbic Acid; Body Weight; Ceruloplasmin; Copper; Deficiency Diseases; Female; Hematocrit; Hemoglobins; Intestinal Mucosa; Iron; Iron Radioisotopes; Kidney; Liver; Male; Metabolic Clearance Rate; Protein Binding; Radioisotopes; Spleen; Swine; Zinc

Topics: Adolescent; Adult; Ascorbic Acid; Body Composition; Body Weight; Erythrocytes; Hematocrit; Humans; Leukocyte Count; Leukocytes; Male; Physical Exertion; Potassium; Sports

Topics: Administration, Oral; Animal Nutritional Physiological Phenomena; Animals; Ascorbic Acid; Body Weight; Guinea Pigs; Hemorrhage; Hindlimb; Injections, Intraperitoneal; Joints; Liver; Male; Ribs; Scurvy; Structure-Activity Relationship; Sulfuric Acids

Topics: Adipose Tissue; Adrenal Glands; Animals; Ascorbic Acid; Body Weight; Cholesterol; Fatty Acids, Nonesterified; Female; Glycerol; Lipid Metabolism; Lipids; Liver; Organ Size; Phospholipids; Vitamin A

Topics: Administration, Oral; Animals; Ascorbic Acid; Body Weight; Female; Gastric Mucosa; Rats; Starvation; Stomach; Stomach Ulcer; Time Factors

Topics: Animals; Ascorbic Acid; Ascorbic Acid Deficiency; Body Weight; Carbon Dioxide; Carbon Radioisotopes; Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; Feces; Guinea Pigs; Male; Time Factors; Urine

Topics: Adrenal Glands; Age Factors; Animals; Ascorbic Acid; Body Weight; Circadian Rhythm; Common Cold; Diet; Female; Gonadal Steroid Hormones; Guinea Pigs; Hematopoiesis; Humans; Hydrogen-Ion Concentration; Iron; Leukocytes; Liver; Male; Saliva; Scurvy; Sex Factors; Time Factors

Topics: Alabama; Ascorbic Acid; Black or African American; Body Height; Body Weight; Calcium, Dietary; Child Nutritional Physiological Phenomena; Child, Preschool; Diet; Dietary Proteins; Female; Hematocrit; Hemoglobins; Humans; Iron; Male; Nutrition Surveys; Nutritional Requirements; Socioeconomic Factors; Vitamin A

Topics: Abortion, Spontaneous; Animals; Ascorbic Acid; Blood Glucose; Body Weight; Carbohydrates; Diet; Extraembryonic Membranes; Female; Fetus; Glycogen; Liver; Organ Size; Placenta; Pregnancy; Pregnancy, Animal; Rats; Time Factors; Uterus

Topics: Adult; Ascorbic Acid; Body Weight; Chlormadinone Acetate; Contraceptives, Oral; Corpus Luteum; Dimethisterone; Educational Status; Ethinyl Estradiol; Ethynodiol Diacetate; Female; Humans; Leukocytes; Medroxyprogesterone; Menstruation; Mestranol; Norethindrone; Norethynodrel; Norgestrel; Ovarian Follicle; Parity; Time Factors

Topics: Age Determination by Skeleton; Ascorbic Acid; Blood Proteins; Body Height; Body Weight; Bone Development; Calcium, Dietary; Carotenoids; Child; Child Nutritional Physiological Phenomena; Child, Preschool; Creatinine; Diet; Femur; Growth; Hemoglobinometry; Humans; Metacarpus; Nitrogen; Riboflavin; Serum Albumin; Thiamine; Time Factors; Triticum; Vegetables; Vitamin A

The oral treatment of rats with sodium ascorbate in combination with sodium nitrite and aminopyrine prevents the rise in serum alanine aminotransferase (EC 2.6.1.2) observed when nitrite and aminopyrine are given alone. Ascorbic acid also affords protection, whereas dehydroascorbic acid exerts no protective effect.

Topics: Alanine Transaminase; Aminopyrine; Animals; Ascorbic Acid; Body Weight; Drug Interactions; Liver; Male; Nitrites; Rats

Topics: Alcohol Oxidoreductases; Animals; Ascorbic Acid; Ascorbic Acid Deficiency; Body Weight; Female; Guinea Pigs; Liver; Male; Sex Factors; Time Factors

Topics: Aeromonas; Animal Nutritional Physiological Phenomena; Animals; Ascorbic Acid; Ascorbic Acid Deficiency; Bacterial Infections; Body Weight; Environment; Eukaryota; Fish Diseases; Fisheries; Fishes; Gills; Kidney; Liver; Lordosis; Nutritional Requirements; Pigmentation Disorders; Scoliosis

Topics: Animal Nutritional Physiological Phenomena; Animals; Ascorbic Acid; Body Weight; Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; Fertilizers; Guinea Pigs; Hemoglobins; Male; Methemoglobin; Methemoglobinemia; Methionine; Nitrates; Nitrites; Plants; Vegetables

Topics: Animal Nutritional Physiological Phenomena; Animals; Anisoles; Antioxidants; Ascorbic Acid; Barbiturates; Body Weight; Cysteine; Cystine; Diet; Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; Drug Synergism; Glutathione; Liver; Male; Methionine; Organometallic Compounds; Oxidation-Reduction; Peroxides; Rats; Selenium; Sodium; Vitamin E; Vitamin E Deficiency

Topics: Adrenal Glands; Alcohol Oxidoreductases; Animals; Ascorbic Acid; Body Weight; Chickens; Chromium; Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; Esterases; Glucuronates; Keto Acids; Kidney; Lactones; Liver; Male; Pentoses; Rats; Species Specificity; Spleen; Stereoisomerism; Sugar Acids; Tungsten

Topics: Apgar Score; Ascorbic Acid; Birth Weight; Body Weight; Diet Therapy; Female; Food Preservation; Histidine; Humans; Infant Food; Infant Nutritional Physiological Phenomena; Infant, Newborn; Infant, Newborn, Diseases; Infant, Premature; Isoleucine; Leucine; Lysine; Male; Methionine; Phenylalanine; Threonine; Tryptophan; Valine

Topics: Ascorbic Acid; Body Weight; Carbon Isotopes; Chromatography, Thin Layer; Humans; Leukocytes

Topics: Animal Nutritional Physiological Phenomena; Animals; Ascorbic Acid; Avitaminosis; Body Weight; Coumarins; Diet; Ethanol; Flavonoids; Injections, Intravenous; Ligation; Lymph Nodes; Lymphatic System; Lymphedema; Male; Plethysmography; Rats; Rutin; Sodium Chloride; Structure-Activity Relationship; Vitamin B Complex; Vitamin B Deficiency; Vitamins

Topics: Age Factors; Aging; Animals; Ascorbic Acid; Body Weight; Glycogen; Lizards; Male; Muscle Proteins; Muscles; Species Specificity; Water

Topics: Aging; Animals; Ascorbic Acid; Body Weight; Hepatectomy; Liver; Lizards; Organ Size; Water

Topics: Acetates; Animals; Ascorbic Acid; Body Weight; Creatinine; Diet; Heme; Lead; Lead Poisoning; Levulinic Acids; Male; Nicotinic Acids; Phenylhydrazines; Pyridoxine; Rats; Vitamin B 12; Vitamins

Topics: Adolescent; Adult; Age Factors; Ascorbic Acid; Body Weight; Calcium, Dietary; Diet; Dietary Fats; Dietary Proteins; Educational Status; Female; Food Preferences; Health Education; Humans; Iron; Metabolism; Nicotinic Acids; Nutrition Surveys; Nutritional Physiological Phenomena; Nutritional Requirements; Pregnancy; Riboflavin; Socioeconomic Factors; Thiamine; Vitamin A

Topics: Amino Acids; Amino Acyl-tRNA Synthetases; Animals; Ascorbic Acid; Ascorbic Acid Deficiency; Body Weight; Brain; Carbon Isotopes; Chromatography, Gel; Cytoplasm; Guinea Pigs; Liver; Male; Nerve Tissue Proteins; Organ Size; Phenylalanine; Polyribosomes

Topics: Animals; Ascorbic Acid; Bile; Bile Acids and Salts; Body Weight; Carbon Isotopes; Erythritol; Ethanol; Glucose; Glucuronates; Liver; Male; Organ Size; Perfusion; Radioisotopes; Rats; Time Factors

Topics: Adrenal Glands; Amino Acids; Animals; Ascorbic Acid; Blood Proteins; Body Weight; Brain Chemistry; Carbon Isotopes; Dietary Proteins; DNA; Edema; Guinea Pigs; Kwashiorkor; Liver; Male; Organ Size; Ribosomes; RNA

Topics: Animals; Ascorbic Acid; Body Weight; Cholesterol; Diet; Female; Fenfluramine; Guinea Pigs; Lipid Mobilization; Liver; Male; Sex Factors; Triglycerides

Topics: Animals; Ascorbic Acid; Body Weight; Estrus; Female; Lead; Liver; Male; Organ Size; Ovary; Pregnancy; Prostate; Rats; Reproduction; Testis

Topics: Aging; Animals; Antioxidants; Ascorbic Acid; Body Weight; Calcium; Cresols; Diet; Kidney Function Tests; Lipid Metabolism; Male; Methionine; Mice; Mice, Inbred Strains; Microsomes; Mortality; Muscles; Myocardium; Oxidation-Reduction; Physical Exertion; Pigments, Biological; Selenium; Spectrometry, Fluorescence; Testis; Vitamin E

Topics: Alcohol Oxidoreductases; Anemia; Animals; Ascorbic Acid; Body Weight; Cadmium; Cadmium Poisoning; Esterases; Hepatitis, Animal; Ketones; Kidney; Liver; Male; Pentoses; Poisoning; Rats; Sugar Acids

Topics: Animal Nutritional Physiological Phenomena; Animals; Ascorbic Acid; Body Weight; Caseins; Diet; Dietary Proteins; Female; Food, Fortified; Guinea Pigs; Lactation; Liver; Lysine; Male; Nutritional Requirements; Pregnancy; Rats; Species Specificity; Triticum; Vitamins

Topics: Alkaline Phosphatase; Animal Nutritional Physiological Phenomena; Animals; Ascorbic Acid; Ascorbic Acid Deficiency; Behavior, Animal; Blood Cell Count; Blood Platelets; Body Weight; Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; Drug Tolerance; Guinea Pigs; Leukocytes; Male; Sodium

Topics: Administration, Oral; Adrenal Glands; Animal Feed; Animals; Ascorbic Acid; Blood Glucose; Body Weight; Carbohydrate Metabolism; Chickens; Corticosterone; Female; Glycogen; Male; Organ Size; Poultry Diseases; Vitamin A; Vitamin A Deficiency

Topics: Adrenal Glands; Analysis of Variance; Animals; Ascorbic Acid; Behavior, Animal; Body Weight; Brain; Carbon Radioisotopes; Chromatography, Thin Layer; Drug Stability; Freezing; Gastric Mucosa; Guinea Pigs; Injections, Subcutaneous; Intestinal Absorption; Kidney; Liver; Male; Nicotine; Organ Size; Phosphoric Acids; Time Factors

Topics: Adrenal Glands; Animals; Animals, Newborn; Ascorbic Acid; Body Weight; Embryonic and Fetal Development; Female; Gestational Age; Liver; Organ Size; Pregnancy; Swine

Topics: Ascorbic Acid; Body Weight; Calcium; Calorimetry; Carbohydrates; Dietary Proteins; Fats; Fish Products; Germany, East; Humans; Income; Iron; Meat; Minerals; Nutrition Surveys; Phosphorus; Riboflavin; Socioeconomic Factors; Thiamine; Vegetables; Vitamin A

Topics: Abnormalities, Drug-Induced; Abortion, Spontaneous; Administration, Oral; Animals; Ascorbic Acid; Birth Weight; Body Weight; Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; Female; Fetal Death; Fetus; Gestational Age; Lactation; Mice; Pregnancy; Rats; Reproduction

Topics: Administration, Oral; Analysis of Variance; Animals; Ascorbic Acid; Body Weight; Cytochrome P-450 Enzyme System; Cytochromes; Gluconates; Guinea Pigs; Injections, Intraperitoneal; Isomerism; Liver; Microsomes, Liver; Organ Size; Time Factors

Topics: Aged; Ascorbic Acid; Asia; Blood Proteins; Body Weight; Calcium; Cholesterol; England; Female; Folic Acid; Humans; Male; Nutrition Surveys; Vitamin B 12

Topics: Animals; Ascorbic Acid; Body Weight; Cholesterol; Esters; Fatty Acids, Nonesterified; Female; Lipoproteins, LDL; Lipoproteins, VLDL; Liver; Male; Organ Size; Perfusion; Phospholipids; Rats; Sex Factors; Tetracycline; Time Factors; Triglycerides

Topics: Adrenal Glands; Adrenocorticotropic Hormone; Animals; Animals, Newborn; Ascorbic Acid; Body Weight; Organ Size; Stimulation, Chemical; Swine; Weaning

Topics: Age Determination by Skeleton; Aged; Alkaline Phosphatase; Ascorbic Acid; Body Height; Body Weight; Bone and Bones; Calcium; Calcium, Dietary; Diet; Dietary Proteins; Female; Humans; Male; Osteoporosis; Phosphates; Sex Factors; Vitamin D Deficiency

Topics: Adrenal Glands; Animal Nutritional Physiological Phenomena; Animals; Ascorbic Acid; Biotin; Body Water; Body Weight; Bone and Bones; Dietary Carbohydrates; Glucose; Kidney; Lipid Metabolism; Liver; Minerals; Sucrose; Turkeys; Vitamin B Deficiency

Topics: Acid Phosphatase; Adrenal Glands; Animal Nutritional Physiological Phenomena; Animals; Ascorbic Acid; Atrophy; Body Weight; Deoxyribonucleases; Fatty Acids, Unsaturated; Hyaluronoglucosaminidase; Hydrogen-Ion Concentration; Hydrolases; Liver; Male; Organ Size; Rats; Testicular Diseases; Testis; Vitamin A; Vitamin A Deficiency

Topics: Ascorbic Acid; Birth Weight; Body Height; Body Weight; Breast Feeding; Calcium; Child; Child Nutritional Physiological Phenomena; Child, Preschool; Diet; Feeding Behavior; Female; Humans; Infant; Infant Nutritional Physiological Phenomena; Infant, Newborn; Iron; Male; Mother-Child Relations; Obesity; Phosphorus; Socioeconomic Factors; United States; Vitamins

Topics: Animal Nutritional Physiological Phenomena; Animals; Ascorbic Acid; Ascorbic Acid Deficiency; Body Weight; Carbon Dioxide; Carbon Isotopes; Cholesterol; Dietary Fats; Guinea Pigs; Male; Nutritional Requirements; Oxidation-Reduction

Topics: Animals; Ascorbic Acid; Body Weight; Carbon Isotopes; Drug Stability; Guinea Pigs; Hydroxylamines; Male; Methemoglobinemia; Nitrites; Oxygen Consumption; Thiocyanates; Time Factors

Topics: Adrenal Glands; Animal Nutritional Physiological Phenomena; Animals; Ascorbic Acid; Ascorbic Acid Deficiency; Body Weight; Brain; Chromatography, Thin Layer; Female; Guinea Pigs; Iodine; Iodine Isotopes; Organ Size; Oxidation-Reduction; Pituitary Gland; Sodium; Thyroid Gland; Thyrotropin; Time Factors

Topics: Adult; Alloys; Ascorbic Acid; Body Height; Body Weight; Calcium, Dietary; Dietary Carbohydrates; Dietary Fats; Dietary Proteins; Humans; Iron; Male; Metallurgy; Middle Aged; Nicotinic Acids; Nutritional Physiological Phenomena; Nutritional Requirements; Occupational Medicine; Phosphorus; Riboflavin; Seasons; Thiamine; Vitamin A

Topics: Ascorbic Acid; Body Height; Body Weight; Calcium, Dietary; Child; Child Nutritional Physiological Phenomena; Diet; Dietary Proteins; Financing, Government; Hematocrit; Hemoglobinometry; Humans; Iron; New York; Nutritional Requirements; School Health Services; Vitamin A; Vitamin B Complex

Topics: Aniline Compounds; Animals; Ascorbic Acid; Ascorbic Acid Deficiency; Body Weight; Cytochromes; Guinea Pigs; Hexobarbital; Hydroxylation; Kinetics; Liver; Male; Microsomes, Liver; Morphinans; Organ Size; Pharmaceutical Preparations; Phenobarbital; Proteins; Time Factors

Topics: Adolescent; Adult; Age Factors; Aged; Ascorbic Acid; Body Weight; Bone and Bones; Bone Development; Calcium, Dietary; Child; Child, Preschool; Computers; Densitometry; Dietary Proteins; Female; Fingers; Health Surveys; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Nutrition Surveys; Radiography; Sex Factors; Tennessee

Topics: Adolescent; Ascorbic Acid; Birth Weight; Body Weight; Calcium, Dietary; Diet Therapy; Dietary Proteins; Educational Status; Ethnicity; Family Characteristics; Female; Humans; Iron; Menarche; Nutritional Physiological Phenomena; Nutritional Requirements; Phosphorus; Pregnancy; Pregnancy Complications; Prenatal Care; Socioeconomic Factors; Time Factors; Vitamin A; Vitamin B Complex

Topics: Acrylamides; Adrenal Glands; Amino Acids; Animals; Ascorbic Acid; Biological Assay; Body Weight; Cattle; Chromatography, Gel; Electrophoresis; Electrophoresis, Disc; Female; Luteinizing Hormone; Male; Organ Size; Ovary; Pituitary Gland; Prostate; Sex Factors; Species Specificity

Topics: Animal Nutritional Physiological Phenomena; Animals; Ascorbic Acid; Biological Assay; Body Weight; Chromatography, Gel; Copper; Egg Yolk; Female; Hemoglobins; Hot Temperature; Iron; Male; Methylene Blue; Oxidation-Reduction; Phosphoproteins; Protein Binding; Rats

Topics: Adrenal Glands; Animal Feed; Animals; Ascorbic Acid; Body Weight; Brain; Dietary Proteins; Fish Products; Glutens; Growth; Guinea Pigs; Isomerism; Lens, Crystalline; Male; Milk; Spleen

Topics: Adipose Tissue; Adult; Ascorbic Acid; Blood Pressure; Body Composition; Body Height; Body Weight; Calcium, Dietary; Diet; Dietary Carbohydrates; Dietary Fats; Dietary Proteins; Female; Heart Rate; Humans; Iron; Nicotinic Acids; Nutritional Physiological Phenomena; Oxygen Consumption; Physical Exertion; Riboflavin; Skinfold Thickness; Thiamine; Vitamin A

Topics: Anemia, Hypochromic; Ascorbic Acid; Bacterial Vaccines; Body Weight; Bone Marrow Examination; Deficiency Diseases; Female; Fever; Humans; Infant; Intestinal Absorption; Iron; Iron Isotopes; Jamaica; Kwashiorkor; Male; Pertussis Vaccine; Radiometry

Topics: Analysis of Variance; Animals; Ascorbic Acid; Binding Sites; Body Weight; Castration; Estrogens; Female; Hypertrophy; Male; Organ Size; Pituitary Diseases; Pituitary Gland; Rats

Topics: Animals; Ascorbic Acid; Body Weight; Caseins; Diet; Dietary Proteins; Growth; Guinea Pigs

1. Adrenocortical hyperactivity caused by a marked increase in circulating corticotrophin occurred in guinea-pigs on a diet deficient in ascorbic acid.2. Betamethasone prevented the rise in the blood ACTH concentration in scorbutic animals and also the increased steroid production per gramme adrenal tissue in vitro. It diminished the adrenal hypertrophy and partially suppressed the rise in plasma cortisol.3. Ninety minutes after the injection of ascorbic acid corticotrophin could no longer be detected in the plasma of scorbutic animals.4. Neither the survival time nor the weight loss was affected by betamethasone treatment.

Topics: Adrenal Glands; Adrenocorticotropic Hormone; Animals; Ascorbic Acid; Ascorbic Acid Deficiency; Betamethasone; Body Weight; Diet; Female; Guinea Pigs; Hydrocortisone; Hypertrophy; Time Factors

Topics: Alkaline Phosphatase; Animals; Ascorbic Acid; Body Weight; Bone and Bones; Bone Development; Calcinosis; Calcium; Calcium, Dietary; Dietary Proteins; Disease Models, Animal; Fluoride Poisoning; Fluorides; Haplorhini; Macaca; Phosphorus; Radiography; Statistics as Topic

Topics: Animals; Ascorbic Acid; Body Weight; Bone and Bones; Calcium; Calcium Isotopes; Calcium, Dietary; Dietary Proteins; Disease Models, Animal; Fluoride Poisoning; Haplorhini; Phosphorus

Topics: Adult; Antigens; Ascorbic Acid; Blood Glucose; Blood Protein Disorders; Body Weight; Carbon Isotopes; Cholesterol; Diet Therapy; Epinephrine; Epithelium; Fatigue; Gingival Diseases; Hemorrhage; Humans; Immunization; Insulin; Joint Diseases; Keratosis; Lipids; Male; Middle Aged; Muscular Diseases; Nutritional Requirements; Pain; Plasma; Scurvy; Time Factors; Typhoid Fever; Water

Topics: Ascorbic Acid; Black People; Body Height; Body Weight; Calcium, Dietary; Cephalometry; Child Nutritional Physiological Phenomena; Child, Preschool; Computers; Creatinine; Diet; Dietary Proteins; Ethnicity; Evaluation Studies as Topic; Female; Hemoglobins; Humans; Hydroxyproline; Iron; Male; Mass Screening; Mathematics; Methods; Mississippi; Nutrition Disorders; Nutrition Surveys; Riboflavin; Serum Albumin; Sex Factors; Socioeconomic Factors; Statistics as Topic; Thiamine; Vitamin A

Topics: Adolescent; Adrenal Glands; Adult; Animals; Ascorbic Acid; Body Weight; Brain; Cholinesterases; Chronaxy; Electroencephalography; Environmental Health; Formaldehyde; Humans; Liver; Lung; Male; Maximum Allowable Concentration; Rats; RNA; Succinate Dehydrogenase

Topics: Anemia; Animals; Antioxidants; Ascorbic Acid; Birds; Body Weight; Bone and Bones; Cadmium; Cadmium Poisoning; Calcium; Copper; Deficiency Diseases; Depression, Chemical; Erythrocytes; Growth; Hematocrit; Hemoglobins; Iron; Kidney; Liver; Metals; Poisoning; Stereoisomerism; Zinc

Topics: Adipates; Adult; Age Factors; Animals; Ascorbic Acid; Body Weight; Dicarboxylic Acids; Humans

Topics: Adipose Tissue; Anemia, Hemolytic; Animals; Ascorbic Acid; Body Weight; Cholesterol; Choline; Cottonseed Oil; Creatine; Creatinine; Dietary Fats; Dietary Proteins; Erythrocytes; Fatty Acids; Guinea Pigs; Intestinal Absorption; Lipid Metabolism; Lipids; Liver; Male; Metabolism; Muscles; Phospholipids; Tartrates; Time Factors; Vitamin E; Vitamin E Deficiency

Topics: Aged; Animals; Ascorbic Acid; Body Height; Body Weight; Calcium, Dietary; Chronic Disease; Diet; Dietary Proteins; Edible Grain; Female; Food Analysis; Food Preferences; Food Service, Hospital; Humans; Iron; Male; Mathematics; Middle Aged; Milk; Nicotinic Acids; Nutritional Physiological Phenomena; Riboflavin; Thiamine; Time Factors; Vitamin A; Vitamin D

Topics: Animals; Aorta; Ascorbic Acid; Ascorbic Acid Deficiency; Bile; Bile Acids and Salts; Body Weight; Carbon Dioxide; Carbon Isotopes; Cholesterol; Chronic Disease; Disease Models, Animal; Feces; Guinea Pigs; Hydrogen-Ion Concentration; Hydroxylation; Liver; Male; Oxidation-Reduction; Sterols; Thoracic Arteries; Time Factors

Topics: Adrenal Glands; Animals; Ascorbic Acid; Ascorbic Acid Deficiency; Body Weight; Diet; Female; Guinea Pigs; Hydrocortisone; Liver

Topics: Administration, Oral; Aging; Animals; Ascorbic Acid; Body Weight; Cysteine; Duodenum; Intestinal Absorption; Male; Rats; Sulfur Isotopes

Topics: Alkaline Phosphatase; Animal Nutritional Physiological Phenomena; Animals; Ascorbic Acid; Ascorbic Acid Deficiency; Body Weight; Diet; Dietary Fats; Guinea Pigs; Male; Scurvy; Vitamin E

Topics: Abnormalities, Drug-Induced; Alkaline Phosphatase; Animals; Ascorbic Acid; Body Weight; Corpus Luteum; Depression, Chemical; Embryo, Mammalian; Female; Fertility; Fetal Death; Gestational Age; Glycogen; Histocytochemistry; Nucleic Acids; Organ Size; Placenta; Placenta Diseases; Pregnancy; Rats; Tetracycline

Topics: Alkaline Phosphatase; Animals; Ascorbic Acid; Avitaminosis; Body Weight; Brain Chemistry; Cecum; Diet; Kidney; Liver; Salmonidae; Scoliosis; Spine; Vitamin A

Topics: Acid Phosphatase; Animals; Ascorbic Acid; Body Weight; Guinea Pigs; Hyaluronoglucosaminidase; Lysosomes; Male; Organ Size; Testis

Topics: Adrenal Glands; Animal Nutritional Physiological Phenomena; Animals; Ascorbic Acid; Ascorbic Acid Deficiency; Biological Assay; Body Weight; Fruit; Guinea Pigs; Male; Spleen

Topics: Adolescent; Ascorbic Acid; Body Weight; Calcium; Carbohydrates; Child; Child, Preschool; Fats; Feeding Behavior; Female; Humans; Iron; Male; Nicotinic Acids; Nutrition Surveys; Nutritional Physiological Phenomena; Nutritional Requirements; Proteins; Riboflavin; Social Class; Socioeconomic Factors; Sweden; Thiamine; Vitamin A; Vitamin D

Topics: Animals; Ascorbic Acid; Body Weight; Diet

Topics: Animal Feed; Animals; Ascorbic Acid; Body Weight; Chickens; Coccidiosis; Deficiency Diseases; Food Additives; Pantothenic Acid; Poultry Diseases; Protozoan Infections; Protozoan Infections, Animal; Thiamine Deficiency

Topics: Animals; Ascorbic Acid; Biological Assay; Body Weight; Female; Infertility, Female; Luteinizing Hormone; Organ Size; Ovary; Pituitary Gland; Polycystic Ovary Syndrome; Rats; Testosterone; Uterus

Topics: Anabolic Agents; Animals; Ascorbic Acid; Body Weight; Carbon Tetrachloride Poisoning; Drug Synergism; Female; Guinea Pigs; Injections, Subcutaneous; Liver Cirrhosis; Male; Nicotinic Acids; Organ Size; Prednisone; Sex Factors; Vitamin B 12

Topics: Adrenal Glands; Animals; Ascorbic Acid; Body Weight; Brain; Cholesterol; Growth; Guinea Pigs; Lens, Crystalline; Liver; Male; Organ Size; Physical Exertion; Spleen; Swimming; Testis; Time Factors

Topics: Adrenal Glands; Animals; Ascorbic Acid; Avitaminosis; Body Weight; Capillaries; Female; Flavonoids; Kidney; Liver; Male; Rats; Skin; Spleen

Topics: Adolescent; Anthropometry; Arizona; Ascorbic Acid; Attitude to Health; Black or African American; Body Height; Body Weight; Calcium, Dietary; Child; Child Development; Child Nutritional Physiological Phenomena; Deficiency Diseases; Diet, Reducing; Ethnicity; Feeding Behavior; Female; Humans; Indians, North American; Iron; Male; Mexico; Nutrition Surveys; Nutritional Requirements; Nutritional Sciences; School Health Services; Sex Factors; Skinfold Thickness; Socioeconomic Factors; Surveys and Questionnaires; Thiamine; Vitamin A

Topics: Ascorbic Acid; Body Weight; Civil Defense; Dehydration; Diet; Electrocardiography; Humans; Hunger; Male; Military Medicine; Nitrogen; Nutritional Physiological Phenomena; Osmolar Concentration; Pantothenic Acid; Pyridoxine; Riboflavin; Sodium; Survival; Thiamine; Thirst; Urine; Water-Electrolyte Balance

Topics: Animals; Ascorbic Acid; Body Weight; Bursa of Fabricius; Chickens; Corticosterone; Lymph Nodes; Lymphatic System; Male; Organ Size; Rats; Spleen; Testosterone; Thymus Gland

Topics: Adrenal Glands; Animals; Ascorbic Acid; Body Weight; Glucosephosphate Dehydrogenase; Guinea Pigs; Histocytochemistry; L-Lactate Dehydrogenase; Male; Scurvy; Staining and Labeling; Succinate Dehydrogenase; Time Factors

Topics: Adenine Nucleotides; Adenosine Triphosphatases; Aniline Compounds; Animals; Ascorbic Acid; Biological Transport; Body Weight; Calcium; Endoplasmic Reticulum; Female; Malates; Mitochondria, Muscle; Muscles; Muscular Atrophy; Oligomycins; Organ Size; Oxidative Phosphorylation; Oxygen Consumption; Polarography; Pyruvates; Rats; Rotenone; Succinates; Time Factors; Triamcinolone; Triamcinolone Acetonide; Uncoupling Agents

1. Guinea-pigs kept on a diet deficient in ascorbic acid lost weight and became moribund in about 24 days.2. The adrenal ascorbic acid concentration fell rapidly during the first 2 weeks, and the plasma corticosteroid concentration and 17-oxogenic steroid excretion rose sharply in the third week of ascorbic acid deficiency.3. Both histamine and corticotrophin increased the plasma corticosteroid concentration when injected during the second week but failed to change the pre-existing high concentration of the steroid in the third week of ascorbic acid deficiency.4. The observations confirm that ascorbic acid is not involved in corticoidogenesis and that scurvy is a severe stress which increases adrenocortical activity to such an extent that the rate of synthesis of corticosteroids is incapable of matching the rate of their release.

Topics: Adrenal Cortex Hormones; Adrenal Glands; Adrenocorticotropic Hormone; Animals; Ascorbic Acid; Ascorbic Acid Deficiency; Body Weight

Topics: Adrenal Glands; Animals; Ascorbic Acid; Body Weight; Diet

Topics: Adrenalectomy; Animals; Ascorbic Acid; Body Weight; Cysteine; Glucose; Histamine; Male; Mice; Stress, Physiological; Survival; Swimming; Temperature

Topics: Aniline Compounds; Animals; Ascorbic Acid; Body Weight; Female; Liver; Male; Microsomes, Liver; Organ Size; Progesterone; Proteins; Sex Factors

Topics: Adolescent; Ascorbic Acid; Australia; Body Height; Body Weight; Child; Child Nutritional Physiological Phenomena; Child, Preschool; Cholesterol; Deficiency Diseases; Female; Folic Acid; Growth; Humans; Infant; Infant Nutrition Disorders; Intestinal Diseases, Parasitic; Iron; Malabsorption Syndromes; Male; Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander; Nutrition Surveys; Protein Deficiency; Respiratory Tract Infections; Serum Albumin; Vitamins

Topics: Abnormalities, Drug-Induced; Aniline Compounds; Animals; Animals, Newborn; Ascorbic Acid; Body Weight; DNA; Enzyme Induction; Female; Fetus; Lactation; Liver; Mammary Glands, Animal; Microsomes, Liver; Milk; Organ Size; Phenobarbital; Placenta; Pregnancy; Pregnancy, Animal; Rats; RNA; Steroids

Topics: Age Factors; Animals; Ascorbic Acid; Blood Cell Count; Body Weight; Diet; Disulfiram; Female; Growth; Liver; Longevity; Male; Molybdenum; Oxygen Consumption; Rats; Reproduction; Sex Factors; Xanthine Oxidase

Topics: Adrenal Glands; Age Factors; Animals; Ascorbic Acid; Ascorbic Acid Deficiency; Body Weight; Deoxyribonucleases; Guinea Pigs; Male; Testis

Topics: Animals; Ascorbic Acid; Body Weight; Guinea Pigs; Ileum; Intestinal Absorption; Intestinal Mucosa; Leukocytes; Scurvy

Topics: Adaptation, Physiological; Adrenal Glands; Animals; Ascorbic Acid; Body Weight; Brain; Brain Chemistry; Corticosterone

Topics: Ascorbic Acid; Beverages; Body Weight; Condiments; Diet; Dietary Carbohydrates; Dietary Fats; Dietary Proteins; Humans; Sports Medicine; Thiamine; Water

Topics: Adrenal Glands; Adrenalectomy; Aggression; Animals; Ascorbic Acid; Body Weight; Female; Formaldehyde; Humans; Hypothalamo-Hypophyseal System; Maternal-Fetal Exchange; Organ Size; Pentobarbital; Pregnancy; Rats; Time Factors

Topics: Animals; Ascorbic Acid; Basal Metabolism; Body Weight; Female; Guinea Pigs; Oxygen Consumption; Rats

Topics: Animals; Ascorbic Acid; Body Weight; Niacinamide; Phenytoin; Rats

Topics: Adrenal Glands; Animals; Ascorbic Acid; Ascorbic Acid Deficiency; Body Weight; Chloromercuribenzoates; Cyanides; Depression, Chemical; Embryonic and Fetal Development; Female; Fluorometry; Guinea Pigs; Male; Microsomes; NAD; Organ Size; Oxidation-Reduction; Oxidoreductases; Placenta; Pregnancy; Time Factors

Topics: Adrenal Glands; Adrenocorticotropic Hormone; Alanine; Amino Acids; Aminobutyrates; Animals; Ascorbic Acid; Biological Transport; Body Weight; Carbon Isotopes; Cold Temperature; Glycine; Lactates; Male; Organ Size; Pituitary Gland; Rats

Topics: Aminopyrine; Aniline Compounds; Animals; Ascorbic Acid; Ascorbic Acid Deficiency; Body Weight; Diphenhydramine; Electron Transport; Guinea Pigs; Hexobarbital; Kidney; Liver; Male; Meperidine; Microsomes; NAD; NADP; Nitrobenzenes; Nitrophenols; Organ Size; p-Dimethylaminoazobenzene; Time Factors; Zoxazolamine

Topics: Agglutination Tests; Animals; Ascorbic Acid; Ascorbic Acid Deficiency; Blood Sedimentation; Body Weight; Colon; Diet; Dysentery, Bacillary; Erythrocyte Count; Fluorescent Antibody Technique; Haplorhini; Hematocrit; Leukocyte Count; Shigella; Shigella dysenteriae

Topics: Adult; Ascorbic Acid; Blood Cell Count; Blood Glucose; Blood Pressure; Body Weight; Diet Therapy; Feces; Female; Folic Acid; Gastric Acidity Determination; Humans; Ileum; Interpersonal Relations; Iron; Jejunum; Liver Function Tests; Malabsorption Syndromes; Methods; Middle Aged; Obesity; Postoperative Complications; Psychology; Water-Electrolyte Balance

Topics: Ascorbic Acid; Body Weight; Child; Child, Preschool; Feeding and Eating Disorders; Female; Fish Oils; Humans; Infant; Male; Thiamine

Topics: Adrenal Glands; Animals; Ascorbic Acid; Atrophy; Body Weight; Corticotropin-Releasing Hormone; Cortisone; Hypothalamus; Male; Organ Size; Pituitary Gland; Rats

Topics: Anemia, Hypochromic; Ascorbic Acid; Body Height; Body Weight; Calcium; Child; Child Nutritional Physiological Phenomena; Child, Preschool; Demography; Diet; Dietary Proteins; Humans; Infant; Iron; Mississippi; Nutrition Disorders; Nutrition Surveys; Nutritional Requirements; Physical Examination; Poverty; Sampling Studies; Socioeconomic Factors; Vitamin A

Topics: Animals; Ascorbic Acid; Azo Compounds; Body Weight; Chemical and Drug Induced Liver Injury; Female; Food Additives; Food Preferences; Hyperplasia; Leukocyte Count; Liver; Liver Diseases; Lymphocytes; Male; Naphthalenes; Organ Size; Rats; Sulfonic Acids

Topics: Adrenal Glands; Animal Communication; Animals; Ascorbic Acid; Body Weight; Mice; Organ Size; Pheromones; Sex Factors

Topics: Ascorbic Acid; Blood; Body Weight; Humans; Naval Medicine; Tropical Climate; USSR

Topics: Adrenal Glands; Animals; Ascorbic Acid; Ascorbic Acid Deficiency; Body Weight; Brain Chemistry; Diet; Guinea Pigs; Kidney; Liver; Myocardium; Organ Size; Stereoisomerism

Topics: Adrenal Glands; Alanine Transaminase; Alkaline Phosphatase; Animals; Ascorbic Acid; Ascorbic Acid Deficiency; Aspartate Aminotransferases; Body Weight; Brain; Catechols; Ceruloplasmin; Cholesterol; Flavonoids; Glycogen; Guinea Pigs; Kidney; Lipoproteins; Liver; Liver Glycogen; Male; Myocardium; Spleen

Topics: Adrenal Glands; Animals; Ascorbic Acid; Body Weight; Brain Chemistry; Female; Guinea Pigs; Intestine, Small; Kidney; Liver; Myocardium; Oxidation-Reduction; Spleen; Tetracycline

Topics: Adrenal Glands; Animals; Arteriosclerosis; Ascorbic Acid; Body Weight; Cholesterol; Disease Models, Animal; Histocytochemistry; Hypercholesterolemia; Lipids; Male; Methods; Organ Size; Rabbits; Time Factors

Topics: Animals; Ascorbic Acid; Body Weight; Cholesterol; Diet; Dietary Fats; Dietary Proteins; Lipids; Swine

Topics: Animals; Antioxidants; Aorta; Ascorbic Acid; Body Weight; Cholesterol; Choline Deficiency; Coronary Vessels; Depression, Chemical; Ethers; Kidney; Lipid Metabolism; Lipids; Liver; Male; Myocardium; Phospholipids; Rats; Stimulation, Chemical; Toluene; Vitamin E

Topics: Adrenal Glands; Animals; Ascorbic Acid; Body Weight; Chromatography, Paper; Guinea Pigs; Injections, Intramuscular; Intestinal Absorption; Male; Spleen

Topics: Adrenal Glands; Animals; Ascorbic Acid; Body Weight; Cold Temperature; Formaldehyde; Liver; Male; Organ Size; Rats; Shock; Stilbenes; Stress, Physiological; Testis

Topics: Amino Acids; Animal Nutritional Physiological Phenomena; Animals; Ascorbic Acid; Body Weight; Caseins; Diet; Liver; Male; Mixed Function Oxygenases; Organ Size; Phenylpyruvic Acids; Rats; Time Factors; Tyrosine; Tyrosine Transaminase

Topics: Animal Nutritional Physiological Phenomena; Animals; Ascorbic Acid; Ascorbic Acid Deficiency; Body Weight; Haplorhini; Hematocrit; Hemorrhage

1. d-Glucuronolactone reductase, l-gulonolactone oxidase, uronolactonase, dehydroascorbatase, l-gulonate dehydrogenase and l-gulonate decarboxylase have been measured in the tissues of rats fed on diets containing variable amounts of protein. Rats fed on a protein-free or a 2% casein diet for 15 days showed a marked decline in the activities of d-glucuronolactone reductase, l-gulonolactone oxidase, uronolactonase and dehydroascorbatase in the liver, and no change in l-gulonate dehydrogenase and l-gulonate decarboxylase activities in the kidney when compared with rats fed on diets containing 9%, 18% or 25% casein. Giving diets containing 60% or 88% casein to rats did not appreciably alter the activities of uronolactonase, dehydroascorbatase, l-gulonate dehydrogenase and l-gulonate decarboxylase, but inhibited considerably the activities of d-glucuronolactone reductase and l-gulonolactone oxidase in the liver, resulting in decreased synthesis of ascorbic acid. 2. Rats fed on a 25% casein diet showed maximal weight gain, higher tissue reserve of ascorbic acid and higher urinary excretion of both ascorbic acid and glucuronic acid when compared with rats fed on diets containing lower or higher amounts of protein.

Topics: Alcohol Oxidoreductases; Animals; Ascorbic Acid; Body Weight; Caseins; Dietary Proteins; Esterases; Glucuronates; Kidney; Liver; Male; Organ Size; Pentoses; Rats

Topics: Adolescent; Adult; Aged; Ascorbic Acid; Body Height; Body Weight; Cholesterol; Czechoslovakia; Female; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Nutrition Disorders; Nutrition Surveys; Obesity; Phospholipids

Topics: Adrenal Glands; Animals; Arteriosclerosis; Ascorbic Acid; Body Weight; Cholesterol; Cold Temperature; Diet, Atherogenic; Environmental Exposure; Hypercholesterolemia; Lipid Metabolism; Liver; Male; Organ Size; Rabbits

Topics: Animals; Ascorbic Acid; Biological Transport; Body Weight; Copper; Deficiency Diseases; Depression, Chemical; Diet; Duodenum; Intestinal Absorption; Male; Radioisotopes; Rats; Time Factors

Topics: 17-Hydroxycorticosteroids; 17-Ketosteroids; Ascorbic Acid; Body Height; Body Weight; Child; Creatinine; Female; Humans; Male; Nicotinic Acids; Palmitic Acids; Pantothenic Acid; Pyridoxine; Riboflavin; Tryptophan; Vitamins; Xanthurenates

Topics: Adrenal Glands; Animals; Animals, Newborn; Ascorbic Acid; Biological Assay; Body Weight; Castration; Estradiol; Feedback; Female; Follicle Stimulating Hormone; Hypothalamo-Hypophyseal System; Luteinizing Hormone; Male; Organ Size; Ovary; Pituitary Gland; Prostate; Rats; Seminal Vesicles; Testis

Topics: Anabolic Agents; Ascorbic Acid; Birth Weight; Body Weight; Female; Humans; Infant Nutritional Physiological Phenomena; Infant, Newborn; Infant, Premature; Infant, Premature, Diseases; Pediatric Nursing; Thiamine

Topics: Animal Nutritional Physiological Phenomena; Animals; Ascorbic Acid; Birds; Body Weight

Topics: Adolescent; Adult; Appetite; Ascorbic Acid; Australia; Body Weight; Breast Feeding; Diet; Feeding Behavior; Female; Humans; Iron; Lactation; Motor Activity; Nutrition Surveys; Pregnancy

Topics: Aging; Animals; Ascorbic Acid; Body Weight; Liver; Lizards; Male

Topics: Adipose Tissue; Adrenal Glands; Animals; Aorta; Ascorbic Acid; Ascorbic Acid Deficiency; Blood Proteins; Body Weight; Brain Chemistry; Duodenum; Erythrocyte Count; Guinea Pigs; Hemoglobins; Hydroxyproline; Kidney; Leukocyte Count; Liver; Male; Models, Biological; Spleen

Topics: Adolescent; Adult; Ascorbic Acid; Body Weight; Calcium, Dietary; Diet; Dietary Proteins; Eating; Female; Humans; Iron; Nutrition Surveys; Pregnancy; Smoking; Vitamin A

Topics: Animals; Ascorbic Acid; Body Weight; Diet; Female; Humidity; Male; Stress, Physiological; Swine; Temperature

Topics: Adrenal Glands; Animals; Ascorbic Acid; Body Weight; Guinea Pigs; Hemorrhage; Liver; Male; Spleen

Topics: Animals; Appetite; Ascorbic Acid; Body Weight; Cold Temperature; Diet; Dietary Proteins; Liver; Male; Rats

Topics: Age Factors; Aged; Ascorbic Acid; Body Height; Body Weight; Carotenoids; Female; Hematocrit; Hexoses; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Nutrition Surveys; Riboflavin; Seasons; Sex Factors; Socioeconomic Factors; Thiamine; Vitamin A

Topics: Adrenal Glands; Animals; Ascorbic Acid; Ascorbic Acid Deficiency; Body Weight; Diet; Guinea Pigs; Liver; Lung; Lung Diseases; Organ Size; Oxygen

Topics: Adolescent; Age Factors; Anthropometry; Ascorbic Acid; Black People; Body Constitution; Body Height; Body Weight; Calcium, Dietary; Child; Dietary Carbohydrates; Dietary Fats; Dietary Proteins; Female; Humans; Iron; Male; Nutrition Surveys; Phosphorus; Riboflavin; Sex Factors; South Africa; Thiamine; Vitamin A; White People

Topics: Animals; Anura; Ascorbic Acid; Body Weight; Gonadotropins; Hot Temperature; Male; Spermatozoa; Testis

Topics: Ascorbic Acid; Body Weight; Child, Preschool; Diet Therapy; Humans; Intellectual Disability; Male; Metabolism, Inborn Errors; Nervous System Diseases; Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder; Pedigree; Self Mutilation; Uric Acid

Topics: Adrenal Glands; Age Factors; Animal Nutritional Physiological Phenomena; Animals; Ascorbic Acid; Body Weight; Caseins; Dietary Proteins; Glycine max; Methionine; Organ Size; Rats

Topics: Animals; Ascorbic Acid; Ascorbic Acid Deficiency; Body Weight; Deoxyribonucleases; DNA; Guinea Pigs; Kidney; Liver; Lysosomes; Male; Muscles; Organ Size; Scurvy; Spleen; Testis

Topics: Adrenal Glands; Animals; Ascorbic Acid; Body Weight; Brain Stem; Chlorpromazine; Male; Mesencephalon; Organ Size; Rats; Reticular Formation; Stereotaxic Techniques

Topics: Animals; Ascorbic Acid; Body Weight; Diet; Guinea Pigs; Male; Nutritional Physiological Phenomena; Scurvy

Topics: 5-Hydroxytryptophan; Adrenal Glands; Animal Feed; Animals; Ascorbic Acid; Blood-Brain Barrier; Body Weight; Brain; Brain Chemistry; Carboxy-Lyases; Corticosterone; Diet; Dopamine; Female; Glutamates; Leucine; Liver; Male; Mixed Function Oxygenases; Monoamine Oxidase; Norepinephrine; Organ Size; Oxygenases; Phenylalanine; Rats; Serotonin; Transaminases; Tryptophan; Tryptophan Oxygenase

Topics: Abdomen; Alkaline Phosphatase; Animals; Ascorbic Acid; Back; Body Weight; Guinea Pigs; Histocytochemistry; In Vitro Techniques; Injections, Subcutaneous; Intestine, Small; Liver; Magnesium; Male; Organ Size; Phosphates; Scurvy; Skin

Topics: Animals; Ascorbic Acid; Biological Assay; Body Weight; Female; Luteinizing Hormone; Methods; Organ Size; Ovary; Rats; Species Specificity; Spectrophotometry

Topics: Animals; Ascorbic Acid; Body Weight; Diet; Guinea Pigs; Indoles; Liver; Scurvy

Topics: Adrenal Glands; Adrenocortical Hyperfunction; Animals; Ascorbic Acid; Body Weight; Carbon Tetrachloride Poisoning; Female; Hypertrophy; Organ Size; Rats

Topics: Adrenal Glands; Animals; Ascorbic Acid; Body Weight; Drug Synergism; Flavonoids; Guinea Pigs; Hot Temperature; Intestines; Kidney; Liver; Male; Oxygen Consumption; Stress, Physiological

Topics: Alanine Transaminase; Alkaline Phosphatase; Animals; Aqueous Humor; Ascorbic Acid; Aspartate Aminotransferases; Blood Cell Count; Blood Glucose; Blood Proteins; Blood Urea Nitrogen; Body Weight; Cataract; Cholesterol; Eosinophils; Eye; Fructose-Bisphosphate Aldolase; Intraocular Pressure; L-Lactate Dehydrogenase; Lens, Crystalline; Leukocytes; Potassium; Proteins; Rabbits; Triamcinolone Acetonide

Topics: Alanine; Amino Acids; Animals; Ascorbic Acid; Biotin; Body Weight; Canavanine; Caproates; Citrates; Depression, Chemical; Diet; Glycoproteins; Hepatectomy; Imidazoles; Indoles; Iron; Liver Regeneration; Metals; Nicotinic Acids; Picolinic Acids; Pyridines; Quaternary Ammonium Compounds; Rats; Sulfates; Sulfonic Acids; Taurine; Thiophenes; Tyrosine

Topics: Aged; Ascorbic Acid; Body Height; Body Weight; Calcium; Carotenoids; Dietary Fats; Dietary Proteins; Female; Food Analysis; Humans; Iron; Methods; Nutritional Physiological Phenomena; Nutritional Requirements; Vitamin A

Topics: Alkaline Phosphatase; Animals; Ascorbic Acid; Ascorbic Acid Deficiency; Body Weight; Cholesterol; Enzymes; Guinea Pigs; Lipoproteins; Male; Models, Biological; Pancreas

Topics: Animals; Ascorbic Acid; Body Weight; Carbon Tetrachloride; Depression, Chemical; Estrus; Female; Male; Organ Size; Ovary; Pregnancy; Rats; Seminal Vesicles; Stress, Physiological; Testis; Uterus; Vaginal Smears

Topics: Animals; Ascorbic Acid; Body Weight; Diet Therapy; Humans; Infant Nutritional Physiological Phenomena; Infant, Newborn; Infant, Premature, Diseases; Metabolic Diseases; Milk; Tyrosine

Topics: Animals; Ascorbic Acid; Blood Glucose; Body Weight; Diabetes Mellitus, Experimental; Female; Flavonoids; Folic Acid; Hydroxocobalamin; Islets of Langerhans; Male; Niacinamide; Organ Size; ortho-Aminobenzoates; Pyridoxine; Rats; Thiamine; Vitamin B 12

Topics: Adrenal Glands; Adrenalectomy; Adrenocorticotropic Hormone; Aniline Compounds; Animals; Ascorbic Acid; Body Weight; Corticosterone; Fats; Growth Hormone; Liver; Liver Glycogen; Neoplasm Transplantation; Neoplasms, Experimental; Organ Size; Pituitary Neoplasms; Prolactin; Rats

Topics: Adrenal Glands; Adrenalectomy; Adrenocorticotropic Hormone; Animals; Ascorbic Acid; Body Weight; Corticosterone; Diabetes Insipidus; Genetics; Hypothalamo-Hypophyseal System; Organ Size; Pituitary Gland; Pituitary-Adrenal System; Rats; Stress, Physiological; Vasopressins

Topics: Ascorbic Acid; Black or African American; Blood Proteins; Body Weight; Female; Humans; Infant; Infant Mortality; Male; Nutrition Surveys; Serum Albumin; Serum Globulins; South Carolina

Topics: Adrenal Glands; Animals; Ascorbic Acid; Body Weight; Diethylstilbestrol; Drug Antagonism; Male; Organ Size; Stress, Physiological

Topics: Ascorbic Acid; Body Weight; Calcium; Calcium, Dietary; California; Cardiovascular Diseases; Diet; Dietary Carbohydrates; Dietary Fats; Dietary Proteins; Follow-Up Studies; Geriatrics; Humans; Iron; Morbidity; Mortality; Neoplasms; Nutrition Surveys; Vitamin A; Vitamin B Complex

Topics: Animals; Ascorbic Acid; Body Weight; Chickens; Copper; Diet; Dietary Supplements; Diethylstilbestrol; Hematocrit; Hematopoiesis; Hemoglobinometry; Meat; Pathology; Pharmacology; Poultry; Research; Reserpine; Rupture, Spontaneous; Toxicology; Vascular Diseases

Topics: Animals; Ascorbic Acid; Ascorbic Acid Deficiency; Body Weight; DNA; Guinea Pigs; Histocytochemistry; Humans; Kidney; Liver; Male; Myocardium; Nitrogen; Organ Size; Proteins; Research; RNA; Spleen; Statistics as Topic; Testis; Vitamins

Topics: Adolescent; Ascorbic Acid; Black or African American; Blood Chemical Analysis; Body Height; Body Weight; Carbohydrate Metabolism; Child; Erythrocytes; Female; Folic Acid; Hematocrit; Humans; Male; New York; Nutrition Surveys; Proteins; Riboflavin; Thiamine; Urine

Topics: Adrenal Glands; Animals; Ascorbic Acid; Body Weight; Organ Size; Rats; Vitamin A

Topics: Adrenal Glands; Animals; Appetite; Ascorbic Acid; Body Weight; Consummatory Behavior; Humans; Physiology; Rats; Research; Stomach Ulcer; Stress, Physiological

Topics: Ascorbic Acid; Body Height; Body Weight; Calcium, Dietary; Diet; Dietary Carbohydrates; Dietary Fats; Dietary Proteins; Female; Humans; Lactation; Minerals; Niacin; Nutritional Physiological Phenomena; Nutritional Sciences; Pregnancy; Riboflavin; Sex; Thiamine; Vitamin A; Vitamin D; Vitamins

Topics: Anemia; Anemia, Hypochromic; Ascorbic Acid; Body Weight; Carbohydrate Metabolism; Digestion; Gastrectomy; Humans; Lipid Metabolism; Proteins

Topics: Adipose Tissue; Adrenal Glands; Adrenocorticotropic Hormone; Ascorbic Acid; Blood Chemical Analysis; Body Height; Body Weight; Breast; Corticosterone; Growth Hormone; Heart; Humans; Intestines; Kidney; Liver Glycogen; Metabolism; Organ Size; Pancreas; Pharmacology; Physiology; Pituitary Gland; Prolactin; Rats; Research; Spleen; Thymus Gland

Topics: Animals; Ascorbic Acid; Blood Chemical Analysis; Body Weight; Castration; Estrus; Female; Humans; Luteinizing Hormone; Ovary; Ovulation; Physiology; Rats; Research; Uterus

Topics: Adipose Tissue; Ascorbic Acid; Biomedical Research; Blood Chemical Analysis; Body Height; Body Weight; Carbohydrate Metabolism; Cholesterol; Czechoslovakia; Dietary Carbohydrates; Dietary Fats; Dietary Proteins; Food; Hemoglobinometry; Humans; Lipid Metabolism; Lipids; Nutritional Physiological Phenomena; Nutritional Sciences; Nutritional Status; Obesity; Phospholipids; Vitamins

This series presents further evidence for an association between reticulosis of the intestine and steatorrhoea. Although some patients have a definite past history of gluten enteropathy, it seems likely that in certain patients the reticulosis itself is the primary cause of the steatorrhoea.

Topics: Ascorbic Acid; Blood Transfusion; Body Weight; Bone Marrow Examination; Celiac Disease; Diet; Diet Therapy; Fats; Feces; Folic Acid; Humans; Intestinal Neoplasms; Intestinal Perforation; Intestine, Small; Iron; Lymphoma, Large B-Cell, Diffuse; Lymphoma, Non-Hodgkin; Nandrolone; Neomycin; Neoplasms; Pathology; Prednisone; Sarcoma; Steatorrhea; Surgical Procedures, Operative; Vitamin A; Vitamin B 12; Vitamin B Complex; Vitamins; Water-Electrolyte Balance

Topics: Acetazolamide; Adrenal Cortex; Adrenal Glands; Ascorbic Acid; Body Weight; Cholesterol; Diuretics; Hydrochlorothiazide; Organomercury Compounds; Pharmacology; Rats; Research; Spironolactone

Topics: Adrenal Glands; Animals; Ascorbic Acid; Blood Cell Count; Blood Chemical Analysis; Blood Glucose; Blood Proteins; Body Weight; Guinea Pigs; Lipids; Metabolism; Noise; Research; Stress, Physiological; Vibration

Topics: Adrenal Glands; Animals; Ascorbic Acid; Body Weight; Cooking; Fats; Guinea Pigs; Heating; Lipid Metabolism; Oils; Plant Oils; Research; Sunflower Oil

Topics: Adolescent; Alkaline Phosphatase; Ascorbic Acid; Blood Chemical Analysis; Body Height; Body Weight; Body Weights and Measures; Child; Female; Growth; Hemoglobinometry; Humans; Iowa; Menstruation; Nutrition Surveys; Nutritional Status

Topics: Animals; Ascorbic Acid; Body Weight; Rats; Thiamine; Vitamins; Weight Gain

Topics: Adrenal Cortex; Animals; Ascorbic Acid; Body Weight; Carbohydrate Metabolism; Cold Temperature; Rats

Topics: Ascorbic Acid; Body Weight; Brassica napus; Carotenoids; Nitrogen; Vegetables; Vitamins

Topics: Adrenal Cortex; Adrenal Cortex Hormones; Animals; Ascorbic Acid; Body Weight; Cholesterol; Rats; Seizures; Stress, Physiological; Vitamins

Topics: Adrenal Cortex; Animals; Ascorbic Acid; Blood; Body Weight; Diabetes Mellitus, Experimental; Potassium; Rats; Sodium; Sodium, Dietary

Topics: Adrenal Cortex; Adrenal Glands; Adrenocorticotropic Hormone; Animals; Ascorbic Acid; Blood; Body Weight; Cold Temperature; Pituitary Gland; Rats

Topics: Ascorbic Acid; Body Weight; Cations; Dehydroascorbic Acid; In Vitro Techniques; Lens, Crystalline; Oxidation-Reduction

Topics: Adrenocorticotropic Hormone; Animals; Ascorbic Acid; Body Weight; Body Weights and Measures; Immunotherapy, Adoptive; Rats

Topics: Adrenal Glands; Animals; Ascorbic Acid; Body Weight; Cholesterol; Lipid Metabolism; Male; Pyridoxine; Rats; Vitamin B 6 Deficiency

Topics: Adrenal Cortex; Adrenal Glands; Animals; Ascorbic Acid; Body Weight; Male; Pituitary Gland; Rats

Topics: Adrenal Glands; Alloxan; Animals; Ascorbic Acid; Body Weight; Body Weights and Measures; Carbohydrate Metabolism; Rats

Topics: Adrenocorticotropic Hormone; Ascorbic Acid; Body Weight; Cortisone; Liver; Vitamins

Topics: Animals; Ascorbic Acid; Body Weight; Body Weights and Measures; Carbohydrate Metabolism; Cysteamine; Ethylamines; Liver; Mice

Topics: Adrenal Cortex; Adrenal Glands; Ascorbic Acid; Body Weight; Body Weights and Measures; Cholesterol; Propylthiouracil; Thiouracil

Topics: Animals; Ascorbic Acid; Body Weight; Body Weights and Measures; Humans; Male; Penis; Rats

Topics: Ascorbic Acid; Body Weight; Guinea Pigs; Humans; Odontoblasts; Vitamins

Topics: Adrenal Glands; Adrenocorticotropic Hormone; Animals; Ascorbic Acid; Body Weight; Rats; Vitamins

Topics: Adrenal Glands; Ascorbic Acid; Body Weight; Thiouracil; Thyroidectomy; Vitamins

Topics: Adrenal Glands; Ascorbic Acid; Body Weight; Cold Temperature