ascorbic-acid and Chronic-Disease

Endometriosis is a chronic, painful, estrogen-related inflammatory disease that affects approximately 10% of the female population. Endometriosis has a significant negative impact on quality of life. Nutrition may be involved in the development and severity of endometriosis. The purpose of this paper is to discuss in detail the nutritional recommendations for patients with endometriosis. This article discusses the importance of nutrients such as polyphenols, vitamins C, D and E, PUFAs, and iron in the development of endometriosis. Alternative diets, such as the Mediterranean, anti-inflammatory, vegetarian, low-nickel and low-FODMAP diets, have also been presented in the context of their potential beneficial effects on the course of endometriosis.

Topics: Ascorbic Acid; Chronic Disease; Diet; Endometriosis; Female; Humans; Quality of Life; Vitamins

Since the publication of the CEAP classification, new research has enriched our knowledge; notably on the heritability of CVD and the genetic and environmental factors involved in this condition, as well as the symptoms apparent within the spectrum of the CEAP clinical classes and the benefits of medical treatment. Using the CEAP classification as a special theme, a symposium with the same title as the present paper was held at the annual meeting of the 2019 European Venous Forum. The lectures presented much valuable information, from which some key points can be extracted. The influence of environmental factors was demonstrated, and the fact that a large amount of information can be obtained from comprehensive history taking. There is robust evidence for heritability. Many candidate genes/loci have been identified, potentially offering new targets for treatment. More research is needed, notably using genome-wide association studies and also on microbiota, which may play a role in CVD through the inflammation pathway. Ruscus + HMC + vitamin C acts by increasing venous and lymphatic tone, protecting microcirculation, and reducing inflammation. It improves quality of life in C0S to C3 CVD patients, while a review of clinical studies and a meta-analysis have confirmed its clinical efficacy across a wide spectrum of CVD clinical classes: C0S, C1S, C2, C3 and C4. It has been awarded a Grade 1A recommendation by the international guidelines.

Topics: Ascorbic Acid; Chalcones; Chronic Disease; Hesperidin; Humans; Phytotherapy; Plant Extracts; Ruscus; Treatment Outcome; Vascular Diseases; Veins

Micronutrients such as vitamins and trace elements are crucial for maintaining the health of all organisms. Micronutrients are involved in every cellular/biochemical process. They play roles in proper heart and brain functioning, influence immunological responses, and antioxidant defense systems. Therefore, prolonged deficiency in one or more micronutrients leads to cardiovascular or neurodegenerative disorders. Keeping micronutrients at adequate levels is especially important for seniors. They are prone to deficiencies due to age-associated functional decline and often to a diet poor in nutrients. Moreover, lack of micronutrients has an indirect impact on the genome. Their low levels reduce the activity of antioxidant enzymes, and therefore inhibit the efficiency of defense against free radicals which can lead to the formation of DNA lesions. The more DNA damage in the genetic material, the faster aging at the cellular level and a higher risk of pathological processes (e.g., carcinogenesis). Supplementation of crucial antioxidative micronutrients such as selenium, zinc, vitamin C, and vitamin E seems to have the potential to positively influence the condition of an aging organism, including minimizing inflammation, enhancing antioxidative defense, and limiting the formation of DNA lesions. In consequence, it may lead to lowering the risk and incidence of age-related diseases such as cardiovascular diseases, neurodegenerative diseases, and malnutrition. In this article, we attempt to present the synergistic action of selected antioxidant micronutrients (vitamin C, vitamin E, selenium, and zinc) for inhibiting oxidative stress and DNA damage, which may impede the process of healthy aging.

Topics: Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Aging; Antioxidants; Ascorbic Acid; Chronic Disease; Dietary Supplements; DNA Damage; DNA Repair; Elder Nutritional Physiological Phenomena; Female; Humans; Male; Malnutrition; Micronutrients; Nutritional Status; Oxidative Stress; Selenium; Trace Elements; Vitamin E; Vitamins; Zinc

The recently published European Venous Forum (EVF) Guidelines 2018 update on the management of chronic venous disorders of the lower limbs has focused on several new aspects: a new place for early symptoms, new data on microcirculation alterations, and a re-evaluation of veno-active drugs (VADs), based on new criteria. The symposium "Chronic Venous Disease (CVD): From Symptoms to Microcirculation", held at the annual meeting of the EVF on 28 June 2018 in Athens, Greece, highlighted this perspective by answering three questions: What do symptoms mean and how do they influence our choice of investigations? Is there a link between symptoms and microcirculation alterations? How to choose the right VAD for the right patient based on the updated EVF guidelines? The answers given led the speakers to three conclusions: early symptoms reveal the initial stage of CVD and patients with C0S disease should be properly diagnosed, investigated, and treated; damage to the microcirculation is likely to be the first evidence of the onset of venous disease; Ruscus+HMC+VitC has proven efficacy in randomized controlled trials, and has been given a strong recommendation (Grade 1A) by the 2018 EVF guidelines for treatment of pain, heaviness, feeling of swelling, paresthesia, and edema, and should be considered as one of the preferred treatments to relieve these symptoms in CVD patients.

Topics: Ascorbic Acid; Chronic Disease; Congresses as Topic; Edema; Greece; Humans; Microcirculation; Phytotherapy; Plant Extracts; Practice Guidelines as Topic; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Ruscus; Vascular Diseases; Veins

With our increasing knowledge of the epidemiology, pathophysiology, investigation and clinical aspects of chronic venous disease (CVD) and new data on the various therapies available, an update of the recommendations on CVD and its management appears to be necessary. The symposium New Data on Chronic Venous Disease: A New Place for Cyclo 3® Fort, held during the annual meeting of the European Venous Forum on June 30th, 2017 in Porto, Portugal, reported the recent developments on the Ruscus, hesperidin methyl chalcone (HMC), and vitamin C combination (Cyclo 3® Fort), including the results of a series of in-vivo pharmacological experiments and a recent meta-analysis. Additionally, the symposium provided first-hand information on the process, rules, main findings, and expected contents of the prospective 2018 CVD guidelines. Analysis of the evidence showed that the effect of the Ruscus, HMC, and vitamin C combination on pain, heaviness, feeling of swelling, tingling, ankle circumference and global symptoms score reached Grade A. Therefore, the new guidelines should specify that the Ruscus, HMC, and vitamin C combination merits a Grade 1A recommendation.

Topics: Animals; Ascorbic Acid; Chalcones; Chronic Disease; Congresses as Topic; Drug Therapy, Combination; Hesperidin; Humans; Phytotherapy; Plant Extracts; Practice Guidelines as Topic; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Ruscus; Venous Insufficiency

The beneficial role of the Mediterranean diet in the prevention of chronic diseases, including cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, and obesity, is well-recognized. In this context,

Topics: Ascorbic Acid; Biofortification; Brassicaceae; Cardiovascular Diseases; Carotenoids; Chronic Disease; Diabetes Mellitus; Glucosinolates; Humans; Hydroxybenzoates; Obesity; Phytochemicals; Vegetables

Despite continuous improvement in our knowledge and management of chronic venous disease (CVD), certain areas, such as the role of muscarinic receptors in the pathology and treatment of CVD, remain unexplored. The symposium "The place of Ruscus extract, hesperidin methyl chalcone, and vitamin C in the management of CVD", held at the Annual Meeting of the European Venous Forum on 7-9 July 2016 in London, presented an update on the pathophysiology of CVD and highlighted how the combination of Ruscus extract, hesperidin methyl chalcone, and vitamin C (Ruscus/HMC/VitC; Cyclo 3® Fort), may counteract the deleterious processes underlying CVD. The data presented during this symposium are reported here. The pathophysiology of CVD is driven by a complex process involving numerous factors, with the two key players being venous hypertension and the inflammatory response. The cascade of reactions induced by disturbed venous flow, inflammation, and tissue alterations results in the early appearance of symptoms and progressive development of clinical signs of disease. Previous studies have shown that Ruscus extract acts at three levels: on the veins, capillaries and lymphatics, and has anti-inflammatory properties. A series of recent experiments has shed new light on the mechanism of action of the combination of Ruscus/HMC/VitC. The efficacy of Ruscus/HMC/VitC in CVD is supported by clinical studies, while two meta-analyses have confirmed a significant decrease of several symptoms and ankle circumference in response to treatment with this agent, leading to the conclusion that Ruscus/HMC/VitC deserves a Grade A rating.

Topics: Ascorbic Acid; Chalcones; Chronic Disease; Congresses as Topic; Drug Therapy, Combination; Hesperidin; Humans; London; Phytotherapy; Plant Extracts; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Ruscus; Treatment Outcome; Vascular Diseases; Veins

This paper focuses on Ruscus aculeatus extract (Ruscus extract) and its combination with hesperidin methyl chalcone (HMC) and ascorbic acid (AA), which have been safely and effectively used in CVD treatment for more than 50 years in some European countries. It presents the effects of that drug on veins and on venous hypertension, its effect on microcirculation and on lymphatics demonstrated by preclinical studies and the clinical evidence issued from clinical trials supporting its use to relieve the symptoms of venous disease. In addition to its venoconstrictive effect on veins, its pharmacological action is on the microcirculation impairment caused by venous hypertension that is at the heart of the pathophysiological mechanism underlying venous disease.

Topics: Ascorbic Acid; Chalcones; Chronic Disease; Drug Therapy, Combination; Hesperidin; Humans; Phytotherapy; Plant Extracts; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Ruscus; Vascular Diseases; Veins

Ascorbic acid (AA), also known as vitamin C, was initially identified as the factor preventing the scurvy disease, and became very popular for its antioxidant properties. It is an important co-substrate of a large class of enzymes, and regulates gene expression by interacting with important transcription factors. AA is important in all stressful conditions that are linked to inflammatory processes and involve immunity. It has been known for decades that the persistence of an inflammatory stimulus is responsible for the onset of many diseases. AA is essential to stimulate the immune system by increasing the strength and protection of the organism. Therefore, its immunostimulant, antinflammatory, antiviral and antibacterial roles are well known, we have summarized its main functions in different types of diseases related to the immune system and chronic inflammation. We can conclude that AA, due to its effects and diversity of regulated pathways, is suitable for use in various fields of medicine including immunology, toxicology, radiobiology and others. AA is not preferable to be used as an isolated mode of treatment, but it can be co-applied as an adjuvant to regulate immunity, gene expression and other important physiological processes. However, we propose that future studies will take into consideration the research of new combinations of antioxidant natural substances and drugs.

Topics: Animals; Antioxidants; Ascorbic Acid; Chronic Disease; Humans; Immune System; Inflammation

The association between dietary antioxidants and asthma or exercise-induced bronchoconstriction (EIB) is not fully understood. Vitamin C and vitamin E are natural antioxidants that are predominantly present in fruits and vegetables; inadequate vitamin E intake is associated with airway inflammation. It has been postulated that the combination may be more beneficial than either single antioxidant for people with asthma and exercise-induced bronchoconstriction.. To assess the effects of supplementation of vitamins C and E versus placebo (or no vitamin C and E supplementation) on exacerbations and health-related quality of life (HRQL) in adults and children with chronic asthma. To also examine the potential effects of vitamins C and E on exercise-induced bronchoconstriction in people with asthma and in people without a diagnosis of asthma who experience symptoms only on exercise.. Trials were identified from the Cochrane Airways Review Group Specialised Register and from trial registry websites. Searches were conducted in September 2013.. We included randomised controlled trials of adults and children with a diagnosis of asthma. We separately considered trials in which participants had received a diagnosis of exercise-induced bronchoconstriction (or exercise-induced asthma). Trials comparing vitamin C and E supplementation versus placebo were included. We included trials in which asthma management for treatment and control groups included similar background therapy. Short-term use of vitamins C and E at the time of exacerbation or for cold symptoms in people with asthma is outside the scope of this review.. Two review authors independently screened the titles and abstracts of potential studies and subsequently screened full-text study reports for inclusion. We used standard methods as expected by The Cochrane Collaboration.. It was not possible to aggregate the five included studies (214 participants). Four studies (206 participants) addressed the question of whether differences in outcomes were seen when vitamin C and E supplementation versus placebo was provided for participants with asthma, and only one of those studies (160 children) included a paediatric population; the remaining three studies included a combined total of just 46 adults. An additional study considered the question of whether differences in outcomes were noted when vitamin C and E supplementation was compared with placebo for exercise-induced asthma; this trial included only eight participants. The randomisation process of the trials were unclear leading us to downgrade the quality of the evidence. Four of the studies were double blind while the other study was single blind.None of these studies provided data on our two prespecified primary outcome measures: exacerbations and HRQL. Lung function data obtained from the studies were inconclusive. The only studies that provided any suggestion of an effect, and only with some outcomes, were the paediatric study, especially for children with moderate to severe asthma, and the small study on exercise-induced asthma. Even so, this evidence was judged to be at moderate/low quality. Only one study contributed data on asthma symptoms and adverse events, reporting no evidence of an effect of the intervention for symptoms and that one participant in the treatment group dropped out due to cystitis.. It is not possible to draw firm conclusions from this review with respect to the comparison of vitamin C and E supplementation versus placebo in the management of asthma or exercise-induced bronchoconstriction. We found only one study relevant to exercise-induced bronchoconstriction; most included participants came from studies designed to assess the effect of vitamin supplementation on the impact of atmospheric pollutants (such as ozone). Evidence is lacking on the comparison of vitamin C and E supplementation versus placebo for asthma with respect to outcomes such as HRQL and exacerbations, which were not addressed by any of the included studies.When compared with lung function tests alone, HRQL scores and exacerbation frequency are better indicators of the severity of asthma, its impact on daily activities and its response to treatment in a patient population. These end points are well recognised in good quality studies of asthma management. However, clinical studies of vitamins C and E in the management of asthma using these important end points of exacerbations and effects on quality of life are not available, and evidence is insufficient to support robust conclusions on the role of vitamin C and E supplementation in asthma and exercise-induced breathlessness.

Topics: Adult; Antioxidants; Ascorbic Acid; Asthma; Asthma, Exercise-Induced; Bronchoconstriction; Child; Chronic Disease; Exercise; Humans; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Vitamins

Dietary supplements are frequently used for the treatment of several medical conditions, both prescribed by physicians or self administered. However, evidence of benefit and safety of these supplements is usually limited or absent.. To assess the efficacy and safety of dietary supplementation for people with chronic gout.. We performed a search in the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), MEDLINE, EMBASE and CINAHL on 6 June 2013. We applied no date or language restrictions. In addition, we performed a handsearch of the abstracts from the 2010 to 2013 American College of Rheumatology (ACR) and European League against Rheumatism (EULAR) conferences, checked the references of all included studies and trial registries.. We considered all published randomised controlled trials (RCTs) or quasi-RCTs that compared dietary supplements with no supplements, placebo, another supplement or pharmacological agents for adults with chronic gout for inclusion. Dietary supplements included, but were not limited to, amino acids, antioxidants, essential minerals, polyunsaturated fatty acids, prebiotic agents, probiotic agents and vitamins. The main outcomes were reduction in frequency of gouty attacks and trial participant withdrawal due to adverse events. We also considered pain reduction, health-related quality of life, serum uric acid (sUA) normalisation, function (i.e. activity limitation), tophus regression and the rate of serious adverse events.. We used standard methodological procedures expected by The Cochrane Collaboration.. We identified two RCTs (160 participants) that fulfilled our inclusion criteria. As these two trials evaluated different diet supplements (enriched skim milk powder (SMP) and vitamin C) with different outcomes (gout flare prevention for enriched SMP and sUA reduction for vitamin C), we reported the results separately.One trial including 120 participants, at moderate risk of bias, compared SMP enriched with glycomacropeptides (GMP) with unenriched SMP and with lactose over three months. Participants were predominantly men aged in their 50's who had severe gout. The frequency of acute gout attacks, measured as the number of flares per month, decreased in all three groups over the study period.The effects of enriched SMP (SMP/GMP/G600) compared with the combined control groups (SMP and lactose powder) at three months in terms of mean number of gout flares per month were uncertain (mean ± standard deviation (SD) flares per month: 0.49 ± 1.52 in SMP/GMP/G60 group versus 0.70 ± 1.28 in control groups; mean difference (MD) -0.21, 95% confidence interval (CI) -0.76 to 0.34; low-quality evidence). The number of withdrawals due to adverse effects was similar in both groups although again the results were imprecise (7/40 in SMP/GMP/G600 group versus 11/80 in control groups; risk ratio (RR) 1.27, 95% CI 0.53 to 3.03; low-quality evidence). The findings for adverse events were also uncertain (2/40 in SMP/GMP/G600 group versus 3/80 in control groups; RR 1.33, 95% CI 0.23 to 7.66; low-quality evidence). Gastrointestinal events were the most commonly reported adverse effects. Pain from self reported gout flares (measured on a 10-point Likert scale) improved slightly more in the SMP/GMP/G600 group compared with controls (mean ± SD reduction -1.97 ± 2.28 points in SMP/GMP/G600 group versus -0.94 ± 2.25 in control groups; MD -1.03, 95% CI -1.96 to -0.10; low-quality evidence). This was an absolute reduction of 10% (95% CI 20% to 1% reduction), which may not be of clinical relevance. Results were imprecise for the outcome improvement in physical function (mean ± SD Health Assessment Questionnaire (HAQ)-II (scale 0 to 3, 0 = no disability): 0.08 ± 0.23 in SMP/GMP/G60 group versus 0.11 ± 0.31 in control groups; MD -0.03, 95% CI -0.14 to 0.08; low-quality evidence). Similarly, results for sUA reduction were imprecise (mean ± SD reduction: -0.025 ± 0.067 mmol/L in SMP/GMP/G60 group versus -0.010 ± 0.069 in control groups; MD -0.01, 95% CI -0.04 to 0.01; low-quality evidence). Th. While dietary supplements may be widely used for gout, this review has shown a paucity of high-quality evidence assessing dietary supplementation.

Topics: Adult; Allopurinol; Animals; Ascorbic Acid; Chronic Disease; Dietary Supplements; Gout; Humans; Lactose; Milk; Peptides; Powders; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic

The role of plant antioxidants as factors of civilization diseases prevention was described. The free-radical theory as a mechanism of action of antioxidants was mentioned. The main substances e.g. polyphenols including flavonoids, ascorbic acid, carotenoids and tocoferols were presented. Resveratrol of wine, as an example of possible health beneficial agent was stressed. On the other handsome doubts of beneficial effects of antioxidants e.g. beta-carotene, as supplement of diet, were mentioned. It is possible, that supplementation with flavonoids might create some health risk. But there was highlighted, that vegetables as a source of natural antioxidants are beneficial for health.

Topics: Antioxidants; Ascorbic Acid; beta Carotene; Chronic Disease; Dietary Supplements; Flavonoids; Health Promotion; Humans; Neoplasms; Phenols; Phytotherapy; Plant Extracts; Polyphenols; Resveratrol; Stilbenes

Consumption of vitamin C is essential for life in humans because the body does not synthesize it. Numerous studies have demonstrated that supplementation with vitamin C enhances the immune system, avoids DNA damage, and significantly decreases the risk of a wide range of pathologies, such as cancers, and degenerative and chronic diseases. Moreover, it has been demonstrated that modern crop production, transport, and food storage severely impair the quality of food and provoke a loss in micronutrients, such as vitamin C.. In this paper, we report that the Recommended Daily Allowance (RDA) in vitamin C is lower than the bodily needs. In fact, it does not seem to ensure true health protection and it appears difficult to reach an effective dose of vitamin C only through food consumption. Furthermore, the literature shows that vitamin C intake higher than the RDA is safe. Therefore, in order to achieve optimal health and avoid a number of diseases, we suggest that, in the present situation, vitamin C supplementation is required.. According to the current literature, we would like to emphasize that to ensure an optimal allowance of vitamin C, we advise 1 g daily intake of vitamin C supplementation, accompanied by a diet rich in fruits and vegetables.

Topics: Antioxidants; Ascorbic Acid; Ascorbic Acid Deficiency; Chronic Disease; Fruit; Health Education; Health Promotion; Humans; Nutrition Policy; Nutritional Requirements; Vegetables

A 50-year-old man presented with a complaint of low-back pain and widespread joint pain for the previous 20 years. Conventional radiography revealed wide areas of calcification in the intervertebral discs and degenerative changes in the peripheral joints. A diagnosis of ochronosis was made by the observation of bluish-brown pigmentation in the nose and ears, dark urine colors following alkalization, and high levels of homogentisic acid in the urine. Ochronosis should be considered in the differential diagnosis of patients with chronic low-back pain regarding features of widespread calcification in the intervertebral discs at radiography and bluish-brown pigmentation in the nose and ears.

Topics: Alkaptonuria; Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal; Arthralgia; Ascorbic Acid; Back Pain; Calcinosis; Chronic Disease; Diagnosis, Differential; Diclofenac; Homogentisic Acid; Humans; Intervertebral Disc; Male; Middle Aged; Ochronosis; Radiography; Treatment Outcome; Vitamins

Metabolic bone disease (osteodystrophy) is an important complication of patients with chronic liver disease; its etiology is complex and multifactorial. Osteodystrophy is manifested as osteopenia/osteoporosis. Osteoporosis can predispose patients to bone fractures, increasing morbidity and mortality, especially after liver transplantation. Early evaluation, screening, and treatment of bone disorders in patients with liver disease are essential to minimize fracture risk and to improve clinical outcome and quality of life.

Topics: Ascorbic Acid; Bone and Bones; Bone Diseases, Metabolic; Calcium; Chronic Disease; Humans; Liver Diseases; Nutrition Therapy; Osteoporosis; Vitamin D; Vitamin K

Oxidation of lipid, nucleic acids or protein has been suggested to be involved in the etiology of several chronic diseases including cancer, cardiovascular disease, cataract, age-related macular degeneration and aging in general. A large body of research has investigated the potential role of antioxidant nutrients in the prevention of these and other chronic diseases. This review concentrates on the following antioxidant nutrients: beta-carotene and other carotenoids, vitamin E, vitamin C and selenium. The first part of the review emphasizes the utility of biological markers of exposure for these nutrients and the relationship to dietary intake data. The second part considers functional assays of oxidative stress status in humans including the strengths and limitations of various assays available for use in epidemiologic research. A wide variety of functional assays both in vivo and ex vivo, are covered, including various measures of lipid oxidation (thiobarbituric acid reactive substances, exhaled pentane/ethane, low-density lipoprotein resistance to oxidation, isoprostanes), DNA oxidation (oxidized DNA bases such as 8-OHdG, autoantibodies to oxidized DNA, modified Comet assay) and protein oxidation (protein carbonyls). Studies that have examined the effects of antioxidant nutrients on these functional markers are included for illustrative purposes. The review concludes with a discussion of methodologic issues and challenges for studies involving biomarkers of exposure to antioxidant nutrients and of oxidative stress status.

Topics: alpha-Tocopherol; Antioxidants; Ascorbic Acid; beta Carotene; Biomarkers; Chronic Disease; Diet; DNA; Humans; Lipid Peroxidation; Nutritional Physiological Phenomena; Nutritional Status; Oxidative Stress; Selenium

To review pharmaceutical and pharmacological issues relating to the benefits and risks associated with the use of naturally sourced nutraceuticals when administered singly or in combinations.. The application of vegetable extracts or dietary supplementation with selenium or antioxidant vitamins results in positive benefits on immunity and other phenomena associated with chronic diseases, ageing and cancer. However, there appear to be no cardiovascular benefits from vitamin mixtures, which may in fact cause harm. Therefore, although recent publications have increased our understanding of the metabolic actions of nutraceuticals, learning to use them to the best advantage is going to require products with uniform and consistent quality. Unfortunately, a single purified substance will not always have the same antioxidant activity, nor provide the same clinical benefits as nutraceutical mixtures and combinations occurring in natural extracts. In order to perform first-class clinical studies to determine safety and efficacy, the stability, compatibility and other pharmaceutical variables inherent in many of these combination products will have to be better controlled.. Nutraceuticals have potent biological actions. Their use is increasing dramatically, and there is growing evidence of clinical benefits. No medicinal products are completely safe so their risks need to be characterized and controlled. Imposing pharmaceutical levels of control and regulation would increase costs and reduce patient access to new products, but the evidence is compelling that closer monitoring of raw materials, processing and formulation will be required to maximize the benefits and minimize the risks.

Topics: Aging; Antioxidants; Ascorbic Acid; Chronic Disease; Complementary Therapies; Female; Food, Organic; Humans; Male; Selenium; Vitamins

FREE RADICALS AND THE THEORY OF AGING: Severe oxidative stress progressively leads to cell dysfunction and ultimately cell death. Oxidative stress is defined as an imbalance between pro-oxidants and/or free radicals on the one hand, and anti-oxidizing systems on the other. The oxygen required for living may indirectly be responsible for negative effects; these deleterious effects are due to the production of free radicals, which are toxic for the cells (superoxide anions, hydroxyl radicals, peroxyl radicals, hydrogen peroxide, hydroperoxides and peroxinitrite anions). Free radical attacks are responsible for cell damage and the targeted cells are represented by the cell membranes, which are particularly rich in unsaturated fatty acids, sensitive to oxidation reactions; DNA is also the target of severe attacks by these reactive oxygen species (ROS).. These are represented by the enzymes and free radical captors. The latter are readily oxidizable composites. The free radical captor or neutralization systems of these ROS use a collection of mechanisms, vitamins (E and C), enzymes [superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathion peroxidase (GPx) and others], and glutathion reductase (GSH), capable of neutralizing peroxinitrite. The efficacy of this system is dependent on the genome for the enzymatic defence systems, and on nutrition for the vitamins. Some strategies aimed at reducing oxidative stress-related alterations have been performed in animals. However, only a few can be used and are efficient in humans, such as avoidance of unfavourable environmental conditions (radiation, dietary carcinogens, smoking...) and antioxidant dietary supplementation.. Epidemiological data suggest that antioxidants may have a beneficial effect on many age-related diseases: atherosclerosis, cancer, some neurodegenerative and ocular diseases. However, the widespread use of supplements is hampered by several factors: the lack of prospective and controlled studies; insufficient knowledge on the pro-oxidant, oxidant and ant-oxidant properties of the various supplements; growing evidence that free radicals are not only by-products, but also play an important role in cell signal transduction, apoptosis and infection control.. Although current data indicate that antioxidants cannot prolong maximal life span, the beneficial impact of antioxidants on various age-related degenerative diseases may forecast an improvement in life span and enhance quality of life. The current lack of sufficient data does not permit the systematic recommendation of anti-oxidants. Nevertheless, antioxidant-rich diets with fruit and vegetables should be recommended.

Topics: Aging; Alzheimer Disease; Animals; Antioxidants; Arteriosclerosis; Ascorbic Acid; Carotenoids; Cataract; Chronic Disease; Disease Models, Animal; Evidence-Based Medicine; Free Radicals; Humans; Lutein; Macular Degeneration; Neoplasms; Oxidative Stress; Parkinson Disease; Reactive Oxygen Species; Vitamin E

Although vitamin deficiency is encountered infrequently in developed countries, inadequate intake of several vitamins is associated with chronic disease.. To review the clinically important vitamins with regard to their biological effects, food sources, deficiency syndromes, potential for toxicity, and relationship to chronic disease.. We searched MEDLINE for English-language articles about vitamins in relation to chronic diseases and their references published from 1966 through January 11, 2002.. We reviewed articles jointly for the most clinically important information, emphasizing randomized trials where available.. Our review of 9 vitamins showed that elderly people, vegans, alcohol-dependent individuals, and patients with malabsorption are at higher risk of inadequate intake or absorption of several vitamins. Excessive doses of vitamin A during early pregnancy and fat-soluble vitamins taken anytime may result in adverse outcomes. Inadequate folate status is associated with neural tube defect and some cancers. Folate and vitamins B(6) and B(12) are required for homocysteine metabolism and are associated with coronary heart disease risk. Vitamin E and lycopene may decrease the risk of prostate cancer. Vitamin D is associated with decreased occurrence of fractures when taken with calcium.. Some groups of patients are at higher risk for vitamin deficiency and suboptimal vitamin status. Many physicians may be unaware of common food sources of vitamins or unsure which vitamins they should recommend for their patients. Vitamin excess is possible with supplementation, particularly for fat-soluble vitamins. Inadequate intake of several vitamins has been linked to chronic diseases, including coronary heart disease, cancer, and osteoporosis

Topics: Ascorbic Acid; Avitaminosis; Blood Coagulation; Breast Neoplasms; Carotenoids; Chronic Disease; Colorectal Neoplasms; Coronary Disease; Dietary Supplements; Female; Folic Acid; Fractures, Bone; Humans; Lung Neoplasms; Male; Neoplasms; Neural Tube Defects; Prostatic Neoplasms; Risk Factors; Vitamin A; Vitamin B 12; Vitamin B 6; Vitamin D; Vitamin E; Vitamin K; Vitamins

Topics: Antioxidants; Ascorbic Acid; Carotenoids; Chronic Disease; Coronary Disease; Cross-Cultural Comparison; Epidemiologic Methods; Humans; Neoplasms; Observation; Risk Factors; Vitamin E

The metabolic strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats of the metabolic ability to split water brought about a proliferation of biological systems, produced a toxic oxygenic environment, and were responsible for the development of antioxidant defence mechanisms. Evolution is driven by heritable adaptations which improve environmental 'fit'. Hence aerobic respiration, using oxygen as a nutrient, came to predominate in biological systems, and antioxidant defence mechanisms which prevent and neutralise toxic oxygen intermediates have become widespread, varied, coordinated and effective. Antioxidant defences are not infallible however. In humans, reactive oxygen species-induced damage is associated with the ageing process, and with chronic diseases including cancer and coronary heart disease. Interestingly, some important antioxidants, including ascorbic acid and the tocopherols, cannot be synthesised by humans and must be taken in the diet. Another antioxidant, uric acid, is found in much higher concentrations in humans than in other mammals, and levels are also affected by diet. In humans, therefore, antioxidant defence against toxic oxygen intermediates is species specific and heavily influenced by nutrition. In this article, the atmospheric and metabolic changes which produced both the threat and opportunity offered by an oxygenic environment are outlined. An overview of oxygen toxicity, and adaptations to oxidative stress in terms of evolution of antioxidant defences, is presented. Finally, suggested benefits underlying our curious inability to manufacture ascorbic acid, and the possible role of uric acid in human antioxidant defence, are briefly discussed with particular reference to nutrition and toxicology.

Topics: Adaptation, Biological; Aging; Antioxidants; Ascorbic Acid; Atmosphere; Biological Evolution; Chronic Disease; Diet; Evolution, Planetary; Humans; Mutation; Oxidative Stress; Oxygen; Superoxide Dismutase; Uric Acid

The Manchester 'oxidant stress' hypothesis for the development of pancreatitis accommodates published information on both chronic pancreatitis and acute pancreatitis. Oxidant stress, mainly from reactive xenobiotic metabolites, is perceived as the pivotal pre-morbid problem in chronic pancreatitis and, by depleting glutathione, targets the exocytosis mechanism of the pancreatic acinar cell. Inhalation exposure to petrochemical products is identified as an independent risk factor in patients at Manchester Royal Infirmary, where some 50% of patients referred have non-alcoholic disease. This paper describes the development of antioxidant therapy, using supplements of methionine, vitamin C and selenium, and its validation in a placebo-controlled trial, followed by a retrospective cross-sectional study in 94 consecutive patients for an average of 30 months. Antioxidant therapy emerges as a safe and effective medical alternative to surgery for painful chronic pancreatitis.

Topics: Antioxidants; Ascorbic Acid; Chronic Disease; Cross-Sectional Studies; Humans; Methionine; Pancreatitis; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Retrospective Studies; Risk Factors; Selenium; United Kingdom

Topics: Animals; Antioxidants; Ascorbic Acid; Chronic Disease; Endothelium, Vascular; Free Radicals; Heart Failure; Humans; Hypertension; Nitric Oxide; Renin-Angiotensin System

Topics: Ascorbic Acid; Chronic Disease; Diet; Disease; Epidemiologic Methods; Female; Fruit; Humans; Male; Neoplasms; Preventive Medicine; Risk Factors; Vegetables

Idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) belongs to the family of autoimmune diseases. The term "idiopathic", however, is no longer correct as it is in fact an immunologically-related thrombocytopenia. This is why nowadays it is referred to as immune thrombopenia. Clinically the acute and chronic forms of ITP can be distinguished. We discuss the different forms of treatment based upon data provided by various studies of ITP. If treatment with prednisone or with gammaglobulins fails, or after unsuccessful splenectomy, then alternative experimental therapies may have to be used. Some of these treatments are described with reference to their therapeutic benefit and their function.

Topics: Acute Disease; Adrenal Cortex Hormones; Adult; Antineoplastic Agents; Ascorbic Acid; Autoimmune Diseases; Child; Chronic Disease; Danazol; Drug Therapy, Combination; Female; gamma-Globulins; Humans; Immunoglobulins; Interferons; Isoantibodies; Purpura, Thrombocytopenic; Rh-Hr Blood-Group System; Rho(D) Immune Globulin; Splenectomy

Topics: Adult; Ascorbic Acid; Behavior Therapy; Child; Chronic Disease; Common Cold; Developmental Disabilities; Humans; Minerals; Neoplasms; Orthomolecular Therapy; Risk Factors

Scurvy and periodontitis both manifest gingival bleeding but constitute separate entities. Defective collagen in scurvy reflects many symptoms emanating from deficient vitamin C physiology. The various periodontal diseases are caused by oral plaque micro-organisms, the body's reaction to which is strongly influenced by inadequate functioning of leucocytes and monocytes. Although certain infections and systemic diseases cause gingival bleeding, avitaminosis C does not cause commonly encountered periodontal disease, but will aggravate established periodontitis. Vitamin C should not be used for prophylaxis or cure of periodontitis in healthy well-nourished individuals. A patient with bleeding gingivae warrants referral to oral medicine and periodontics specialists for examination and treatment.

Topics: Adult; Ascorbic Acid; Ascorbic Acid Deficiency; Chronic Disease; Humans; Male; Periodontal Diseases; Periodontitis; Scurvy

Available literature regarding long-term effects of ozone on animals and humans is reviewed. Emphasis is placed on reports that have appeared since 1976, but some earlier reports are cited for completeness and perspective. This review shows that ozone concentration is more important than duration of exposure in determining the effects of an ozone exposure (dose). This conclusion calls into question the validity of the Time-Weighted Average (TWA) as an index of severity of ozone exposure. The literature review further reveals a wide variation in susceptibility of different animal species to ozone, making it difficult to apply results of animal experiments to humans. It further appears that a dose of ozone that is acutely innocuous is also innocuous over the long term. The effects of a symptom-producing dose of ozone are initially cumulative for the first two or three exposures; then an adaptive response may ensue that involves a plateau of response or even reversal. These effects are shown by both animals and humans. The mechanisms are unknown. Ozone probably causes damage by the free radical formation. Free radical scavengers, such as vitamin E and C, may provide protection against ozone damage.

Topics: Adaptation, Physiological; Animals; Ascorbic Acid; Chronic Disease; Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; Free Radicals; Humans; Male; Ozone; Time Factors; Vitamin E

Topics: Anemia; Ascorbic Acid; Blood Coagulation Disorders; Chronic Disease; Folic Acid; Hematologic Diseases; Hemolysis; Humans; Leukocytosis; Mononuclear Phagocyte System; Serum Albumin; Stress, Physiological; Syndrome; Thrombocytosis; Zinc

Topics: Acute Disease; Animals; Arteriosclerosis; Ascorbic Acid; Ascorbic Acid Deficiency; Bile Acids and Salts; Cholesterol; Cholesterol, Dietary; Chronic Disease; Fatty Liver; Humans; Hypercholesterolemia; Lipid Metabolism; Liver Cirrhosis; Scurvy

Topics: Animal Nutritional Physiological Phenomena; Animals; Ascorbic Acid; Ascorbic Acid Deficiency; Bile Acids and Salts; Carbon Dioxide; Carbon Isotopes; Cholesterol; Chronic Disease; Disease Models, Animal; Feces; Guinea Pigs; Kinetics; Liver; Skin; Spleen

Topics: Acid-Base Equilibrium; Animals; Ascorbic Acid; Cathartics; Cats; Chronic Disease; Digestive System; Dogs; Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; Evaluation Studies as Topic; Fertility; Gastrointestinal Diseases; Guinea Pigs; Humans; Hypersensitivity; Lethal Dose 50; Mice; Nutritional Requirements; Rabbits; Rats; Species Specificity; Vagus Nerve; Water-Electrolyte Balance

This study evaluates the effect of different periods of chronic heat stress (CHS) on selected bone and serum parameters of broiler chickens with or without vitamin C administration. Ninety 23-day-old chickens were randomly allocated into seven groups: (1) control, (2) short-term CHS (5 days), (3) short-term CHS + vitamin C (12 g/100 l drinking water of a 50% product), (4) medium-term CHS (10 days), (5) medium-term CHS + vitamin C, (6) long-term CHS (20 days) and (7) long-term CHS + vitamin C. In heat-stressed groups the temperature was increased to 39 ± 1°C for 8 h/day. At the end of the experiment, blood samples were collected and shank, keel and tibia bones were removed. CHS was not associated with a drastic change in serum Ca and corticosterone, or bone characteristics (both cortical and trabecular bones in radiographical and histological evaluation), or birds' performance. Oxidative stress was present especially with short-term CHS. CHS, especially for short or medium periods, showed a tendency to increase serum vitamin C and administration of this vitamin did not make a significant change in its serum levels although it ameliorated oxidative stress. In conclusion, it seems that CHS is not associated with an appreciable change in broiler performance, bone characteristics, or selected serum parameters; and simultaneous vitamin C administration at the dosage of 12 g/100 l in drinking water has no beneficial effect apart from reducing oxidative stress especially in short-term chronically heat-stressed birds.

Topics: Animals; Ascorbic Acid; Bone Density; Chickens; Chronic Disease; Corticosterone; Dietary Supplements; Heat Stress Disorders; Humans; Poultry Diseases; Time Factors

Patients with cystic fibrosis (CF) and chronic Pseudomonas aeruginosa lung infection have increased oxidative stress as a result of an imbalance between the production of reactive oxygen species caused by inflammation and their inactivation by the impaired antioxidant systems. Supplementation with anti-oxidants is potentially beneficial for CF patients.. The effect of 4 weeks of oral N-acetylcysteine (NAC) treatment (2400 mg/day divided into two doses) on biochemical parameters of oxidative stress was investigated in an open-label, controlled, randomized trial on 21 patients; 11 patients in the NAC group and 10 in the control group. Biochemical parameters of oxidative burden and plasma levels of antioxidants were assessed at the end of the study and compared to the baseline values in the two groups.. A significant increase in the plasma levels of the antioxidant ascorbic acid (p=0.037) and a significant decrease in the levels of the oxidized form of ascorbic acid (dehydroascorbate) (p=0.004) compared to baseline were achieved after NAC treatment. No significant differences were observed in the control group. The parameters of oxidative burden did not change significantly compared to baseline in either of the groups. A better lung function was observed in the NAC treated group with a mean (SD) change compared to baseline of FEV1% predicted of 2.11 (4.6), while a decrease was observed in the control group (change -1.4 (4.6)), though not statistically significant.. Treatment with N-acetylcysteine 1200 mg×2/day for 30 days significantly decreased the level of oxidized vitamin C and increased the level of vitamin C (primary end-points) and a not statistically significant improvement of lung function was observed in this group of patients.

Topics: Acetylcysteine; Administration, Oral; Adult; Antioxidants; Ascorbic Acid; Chronic Disease; Cystic Fibrosis; Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; Drug Administration Schedule; Drug Monitoring; Female; Forced Expiratory Volume; Humans; Inflammation; Lung; Male; Middle Aged; Oxidative Stress; Pseudomonas Infections; Reactive Oxygen Species; Treatment Outcome

Excess production of reactive oxygen species is involved in the pathogenesis of airway disorders in horses. Trace element antioxidants have a beneficial role in oxidant/antioxidant balance. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effect of a combination of sodium selenite and ascorbic acid on clinical outcome, antioxidant enzymes, and trace elements status in horses with lower airway disease. For this purpose, 40 draft horses with lower airway disease were randomly selected (acute, n = 20; chronic, n = 20). Both acute and chronic cases were randomly allocated into two subgroups (ten each). Groups 1 and 2 were the horses with acute disease, while groups 3 and 4 were chronically ill. For all groups, each horse was administered antibiotic, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory, and mucolytic drug. In addition, groups 2 and 4 were injected with 15 mg/kg sodium selenite and 30 mg/kg ascorbic acid every 24 h for successive 4 weeks. Venous blood samples were obtained from diseased horses on three occasions; at first examination, and at 2 and 4 weeks post-treatment. Clinically, antioxidant supplementation improved the clinical signs with significant decrease (p < 0.05) of the clinical index score in both acute and chronic cases. In supplemented groups compared with non-supplemented, there was a significant increase (p < 0.05) in the levels of copper, zinc, selenium, and iron as well as in the activity of glutathione-S-transferase and catalase. Meanwhile, there was a significant decrease (p < 0.05) in the levels of manganese, malondialdehyde, hydrogen peroxide, and low-density lipoprotein and in the activity of glutathione reductase. The results of the present study indicate that administration of sodium selenite and ascorbic acid may have beneficial effect on clinical outcome and antioxidant balance in horses with acute and chronic lower airway disease.

Topics: Acute Disease; Animals; Antioxidants; Ascorbic Acid; Chronic Disease; Drug Therapy, Combination; Horse Diseases; Horses; Respiratory Tract Diseases; Sodium Selenite; Trace Elements; Treatment Outcome

Nutrition supplements enriched with immune function enhancing nutrients have been developed to aid wound-healing, although evidence regarding their effectiveness is limited and systematic reviews have lead to inconsistent recommendations. The present pragmatic, randomised, prospective open trial evaluated a wound-specific oral nutrition supplement enriched with arginine, vitamin C and zinc compared to a standard supplement with respect to outcomes in patients with chronic wounds in an acute care setting.. Twenty-four patients [11 males and 13 females; mean (SD) age: 67.8 (22.3) years] with chronic wounds (14 diabetic or venous ulcers; 10 pressure ulcers or chronic surgical wounds) were randomised to receive either a wound-specific supplement (n = 12) or standard supplement (n = 12) for 4 weeks, with ongoing best wound and nutrition care for an additional 4 weeks. At baseline, and at 4 and 8 weeks, the rate of wound-healing, nutritional status, protein and energy intake, quality of life and product satisfaction were measured. Linear mixed effects modelling with random intercepts and slopes were fitted to determine whether the wound-specific nutritional supplement had any effect.. There was a significant improvement in wound-healing in patients receiving the standard nutrition supplement compared to a wound-specific supplement (P = 0.044), although there was no effect on nutritional status, dietary intake, quality of life and patient satisfaction.. The results of the present study indicate that a standard oral nutrition supplement may be more effective at wound-healing than a specialised wound supplement in this clinical setting.

Topics: Administration, Oral; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Ascorbic Acid; Chronic Disease; Dietary Proteins; Dietary Supplements; Energy Intake; Female; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Nutrition Therapy; Nutritional Status; Pressure Ulcer; Prospective Studies; Quality of Life; Treatment Outcome; Wound Healing; Zinc

Oxidative stress mediated by reactive oxygen species is known to contribute to the inflammatory process of bronchial asthma. Reactive oxygen species are released into the bronchial tree by activated inflammatory cells. In this study, we aimed to determine the effect of vitamin C administration on leukocyte vitamin C level as well as severity of asthma. In this double blind clinical trial study we evaluated 60 patients with chronic stable asthma. The patients were divided into two groups (A and B) including 30 patients in each group. Patients in these groups were matched according to their age, weight, height, gender, BMI and drug consumption. In addition to standard asthma treatment (according to stepwise therapy in 4th step of bronchial asthma) in which the patients were controlled appropriately, group A received 1000 mg vitamin C daily and group B received placebo. At the baseline and after one month treatment, non-fasting blood samples were drawn for laboratory evaluations. Asthmatic patient's clinical condition was evaluated through standard pulmonary function test (PFT). The mean (±SD) leukocyte vitamin C level in group A at the baseline and after one month treatment with 1000 mg/day vitamin C, were 0.0903 (±0.0787) µg/108 leukocytes and 0.1400 (±0.0953) µg/108 leukocytes respectively (P<0.05). The mean (±SD) leukocyte vitamin C level in group B at the baseline and after one month administration of placebo, were 0.0867 (±0.0629) µg/108 leukocytes and 0.0805(±0.0736) µg/108 leukocytes respectively. The leukocyte vitamin C level in group A was higher than those of group B after one month treatment with vitamin C and placebo and the difference was statistically significant (P<0.05). Comparing PFT (FEV1, FVC and FEV1/FVC) in group B during the study period showed a significant increase in FEV1 (P<0.05), while the other two parameters remained unchanged. In group A, who received 1000 mg/day vitamin C, none of the spirometry parameters changed after one month treatment, indicating no effect of vitamin C treatment in the spirometry parameters.

Topics: Adult; Antioxidants; Ascorbic Acid; Asthma; Chronic Disease; Double-Blind Method; Female; Forced Expiratory Volume; Humans; Iran; Leukocytes; Lung; Male; Middle Aged; Severity of Illness Index; Time Factors; Treatment Outcome; Vital Capacity

In vitro data indicate quercetin has antioxidative and anti-inflammatory functions with the potential to lower disease risk factors, but data in human beings are limited.. The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of quercetin, vitamin C, and niacin supplements (500 mg quercetin, 125 mg vitamin C, and 5 mg niacin [Q-500]; 1,000 mg quercetin, 250 mg vitamin C, and 10 mg niacin [Q-1,000]), on disease risk factors in a large group of community adults (n=1,002, 60% women) varying widely in age and body mass index.. Subjects were randomized into one of three groups (placebo, Q-500, or Q-1,000) and ingested supplements for 12 weeks. Blood samples were taken pre- and postsupplementation, and plasma quercetin, inflammatory markers (ie, C-reactive protein and five cytokines), diagnostic blood chemistries, blood pressure, and blood lipid profiles were measured.. Plasma quercetin increased in the Q-500 and Q-1,000 groups. No differences in blood chemistries were found except for a small decrease in serum creatinine and increase in glomerular filtration rate in Q-500 and Q-1,000 groups. A small decrease in mean arterial blood pressure was measured for Q-500 and Q-1,000 groups compared to placebo. A difference in serum total cholesterol was measured between Q-500 and placebo groups, and there was small decrease in high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels in the Q-1,000 group. Change in inflammatory measures did not differ between groups except for a slight decrease in interleukin-6 for the Q-1,000 group.. Q-500 or Q-1,000 supplementation for 12 weeks had a negligible influence on disease risk factors.

Topics: Adolescent; Adult; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Analysis of Variance; Antioxidants; Ascorbic Acid; Blood Pressure; Body Mass Index; C-Reactive Protein; Cardiovascular Diseases; Chronic Disease; Cytokines; Dietary Supplements; Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; Female; Humans; Lipid Metabolism; Male; Middle Aged; Niacin; Quercetin; Risk Factors; Young Adult

The increased central sympathetic activity typically associated with chronic heart failure (CHF) is probably mediated by formation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in the brain. Our objective was to undertake a trial to test our hypothesis that administration of the well-known antioxidant and ROS scavenger ascorbic acid, would reverse or reduce the sympathetic overactivity in CHF patients.. In a prospective, randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind, cross-over trial, 11 CHF patients were treated with ascorbic acid 2 g/day or placebo for 3 days. At the end of each treatment period, sympathetic nervous system activity was measured by microneurography for direct muscle sympathetic nerve activity (MSNA) recording, analysis of heart rate variability (HRV) and measurement of plasma norepinephrine concentrations.. During ascorbic acid administration, plasma vitamin C levels were higher than during placebo (74·9 ± 6·0 μmol/L vs. 54·8 ± 4·6 μmol/L, P = 0·03). Ascorbic acid had no effect on sympathetic activity: MSNA (ascorbic acid: 66·8 ± 3·3 vs. placebo 66·9 ± 3·2 bursts/100 beats, P = 0·98). In addition, HRV and plasma norepinephrine levels did not differ..   Short-term administration of the antioxidant ascorbic acid in CHF patients does not reverse the increased sympathetic activity as measured by microneurography, HRV and plasma norepinephrine levels. The use of higher oral dosages seems not feasible due to accompanying side effects.

Topics: Aged; Ascorbic Acid; Blood Pressure; Chronic Disease; Cross-Over Studies; Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; Double-Blind Method; Female; Free Radical Scavengers; Heart Failure; Heart Rate; Humans; Male; Microelectrodes; Middle Aged; Muscles; Norepinephrine; Placebos; Prospective Studies; Reactive Oxygen Species; Sample Size; Sympathetic Nervous System

The present study assessed the effect of Ruscus aculeatus, hesperidin methyl-chalcone and ascorbic acid (HMC-AA), in the treatment of chronic venous disorders (CVD) in Latin American patients.. This study is an observational, single arm, multicentric and prospective trial. Patients suffering from CVD and belonging to C0s-C3 Clinical Etiological Anatomical and Physiopathological (CEAP) classes were included. Patient profiles, risk factors, clinical symptomatology and quality of life (QoL) assessed by SF-12 and CIVIQ questionnaires were evaluated at inclusion and after 12-week treatment.. The main factors influencing the previous management of patients were age, gender, body mass index (BMI), familial history, physical activity, exposure to heat, heavy loads lifting, profession and clinical characteristics. All clinical symptoms significantly improved with treatment and, as BMI and CEAP classes increased. Ankle circumferences decreased over time, correlating with BMI and CEAP classes. The physical and psychological dimensions of the SF-12 score significantly increased over time and improved within each CEAP class. The CIVIQ score significantly improved over time, correlating with age and CEAP classes.. A 12-week treatment with Ruscus aculeatus HMC-AA showed a significant decrease in the clinical symptoms and a significant improvement in the QoL of patients with CVD.

Topics: Adult; Aged; Argentina; Ascorbic Acid; Cardiovascular Agents; Chalcones; Chronic Disease; Drug Combinations; Female; Hesperidin; Humans; Logistic Models; Male; Mexico; Middle Aged; Odds Ratio; Plant Preparations; Prospective Studies; Quality of Life; Risk Assessment; Risk Factors; Ruscus; Surveys and Questionnaires; Time Factors; Treatment Outcome; Venous Insufficiency

To evaluate changes on venous diameter and perimeter of lower limbs in chronic venous disorder (CVD) patients after different clinical treatments for four weeks.. Fifty-two female patients classified as C2,s or C2,3,s (CEAP classification) were allocated consecutively in three groups: Cirkan (40 mg of the root extract of Ruscus aculeatus + 100 mg of flavonoid hesperidine methylchalcone + 200 mg of vitamin C per pill); elastic compression stockings (ECS) and no treatment (NT). Diameters were determined by duplex ultrasound and perimeter with Leg-O-Meter.. After treatment, Cirkan significantly decreased popliteal vein and great saphenous vein (GSV) diameters bilaterally and ECS decreased popliteal vein diameter bilaterally and GSV and varices only on the left limb. Perimeters changed only with ECS. Clinical scores changed between Cirkan x NT and ECS x Cirkan. Disability score varied for ECS x NT and Cirkan x NT. chi2 test detected different distribution frequency for C3 and C2 classes according to treatment: ECS (both limbs) and Cirkan (only left limb). Varices and anatomical scores did not change.. ECS emerges as the most effective clinical treatment tested but improvements with Cirkan on vein diameter and CEAP class were also observed. Clinical scores improved due to pain relief and edema reduction (ECS). These findings point to a positive effect of Cirkan, suggesting that venotonic drugs should be taken into account in the treatment of CVD.

Topics: Adult; Anthropometry; Ascorbic Acid; Brazil; Cardiovascular Agents; Chi-Square Distribution; Chronic Disease; Chymotrypsin; Disability Evaluation; Drug Combinations; Female; Hesperidin; Humans; Lower Extremity; Middle Aged; Pain; Pain Measurement; Phytosterols; Popliteal Vein; Saphenous Vein; Stockings, Compression; Time Factors; Treatment Outcome; Trypsin; Ultrasonography, Doppler, Duplex; Vascular Diseases

The present study assessed the effect of Ruscus aculeatus-hesperidin-methyl-chalcone-ascorbic acid (HMC-AA) on the quality of life (QoL) of patients suffering from chronic venous disorders (CVDs).. An observational, multicentre and prospective study was performed with 917 Mexican patients suffering from CVD. Patients were treated with R. aculeatus-HMC-AA. After 12 weeks of treatment, the physicians then assessed the patients' symptoms and QoL using Short Form (SF-12) and Chronic Venous Insufficiency (CIVIQ) auto-questionnaires.. Patients were mainly women (86.7%), overweight or obese (72.7%) or C2 (39.3%)-C3 (27.6%). All symptoms and ankle circumferences significantly improved over time, with increasing clinical, aetiological, anatomical and pathophysiological (CEAP) classes and body mass index (BMI) (P < 0.001). Concerning QoL, all dimensions of the SF-12 score significantly improved over time (P < 0.001). Moreover, the CIVIQ scores significantly improved (P < 0.001) with increasing BMI (P < 0.002) and CEAP classes (P < 0.05).. R. aculeatus-HMC-AA significantly improved the symptoms and QoL of CVD patients.

Topics: Administration, Oral; Adult; Ascorbic Acid; Body Mass Index; Chalcone; Chronic Disease; Drug Therapy, Combination; Female; Hesperidin; Humans; Male; Mexico; Middle Aged; Obesity; Plant Extracts; Prospective Studies; Quality of Life; Ruscus; Surveys and Questionnaires; Vascular Diseases

Although a number of reports regarding the role of reactive oxygen species (ROS) as the first step in cancer induction exist, few studies have investigated how vitamin C influences ROS in human plasma.. Using the ROS assay system, a method recently established by one of the authors, we aimed to evaluate the effect of vitamin C supplementation on serum ROS among subjects diagnosed with chronic gastritis.. A total of 244 Japanese subjects with atrophic gastritis were randomized to take 5-year supplementation of either 50 mg or 500 mg of vitamin C.. The adjusted difference in the changes of total ROS between baseline and after 5-year supplementation was statistically significant between the intervention groups: 2.70 decrease (corresponds to 1.26% decrease) in the high-dose group and 4.16 increase (corresponds to 3.79% increase) in the low-dose group, p for difference = 0.01.. Vitamin C was suggested to reduce oxidative stress among subjects with atrophic gastritis.

Topics: Adult; Aged; Analysis of Variance; Antioxidants; Ascorbic Acid; Chronic Disease; Dietary Supplements; Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; Female; Gastritis, Atrophic; Helicobacter Infections; Helicobacter pylori; Humans; Japan; Male; Middle Aged; Oxidative Stress; Reactive Oxygen Species

Prospective contemporaneous data on the outcome of pregnancies in women with chronic hypertension are sparse. Indices of maternal and perinatal morbidity and mortality were determined in 822 women with chronic hypertension with data prospectively collected and rigorously validated. The incidence of superimposed preeclampsia was 22% (n=180) with early-onset preeclampsia (

Topics: Adult; Antioxidants; Ascorbic Acid; Chronic Disease; Female; Humans; Hypertension; Morbidity; Pre-Eclampsia; Pregnancy; Pregnancy Outcome; Prevalence; Prospective Studies; Risk Factors; Smoking; Vitamin E

Chronic heart failure (CHF) is associated with abnormalities of skeletal muscle metabolism. This may be due to impaired oxygen delivery as a result of endothelial dysfunction.. We postulated that ascorbic acid would improve oxygen delivery to exercising muscle and improve skeletal muscle metabolism.. We studied skeletal muscle metabolism using (31)P magnetic resonance spectroscopy in 39 CHF patients. Endothelial function was assessed by changes in pulse wave velocity. Subjects were randomised to receive 4 g ascorbic acid daily for 4 weeks in a placebo-controlled double-blind study.. Ascorbic acid significantly increased phosphocreatine utilization during exercise. In addition, glycolytic ATP synthesis increased in the ascorbic acid group (change in rate of ATP synthesis at 1 min -0.21+/-0.76 with placebo, 2.06+/-0.60 following ascorbic acid; p<0.05). Phosphocreatine and ADP recovery after exercise were not changed. The fall in pulse wave velocity during reactive hyperaemia was increased by ascorbic acid from -6.3+/-2.6% to -12.1+/-2.0% (p<0.05).. These findings suggest that ascorbic acid increased both phosphocreatine utilization and glycolytic ATP synthesis during exercise in patients with CHF implying worsened skeletal muscle metabolism despite improvements in endothelial function.

Topics: Adenosine Triphosphate; Aged; Ascorbic Acid; Chronic Disease; Double-Blind Method; Endothelium, Vascular; Female; Heart Failure; Humans; Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy; Male; Middle Aged; Muscle, Skeletal; Phosphocreatine; United Kingdom

Patients with chronic pancreatitis (CP) typically suffer intractable abdominal pain that is resistant to most analgesic strategies. Recent research indicates that the pain of CP may be in part due to oxygen free radical induced pancreatic damage. Using a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover trial, we evaluated the efficacy of a combined antioxidant preparation in the management of CP. Patients with confirmed chronic pancreatitis (N = 36) were randomized to receive treatment with either Antox, which contains the antioxidants selenium, betacarotene, L-methionine, and vitamins C and E, or placebo for 10 weeks. Each group of patients then switched to receive the alternative treatment for a further 10 weeks. Markers of antioxidant status were measured by blood sampling, whereas quality of life and pain were assessed using the SF-36 questionnaire. Nineteen patients completed the full 20 weeks of treatment. Treatment with Antox was associated with significant improvements in quality of life in terms of pain (+17 antioxidant vs. -7 placebo), physical (+9 vs. -3) and social functioning (+8 vs. -7), and general health perception (+10 vs. -3). We conclude that treatment with antioxidants may improve quality of life and reduce pain in patients suffering from chronic pancreatitis.

Topics: Abdominal Pain; Adult; Aged; Antioxidants; Ascorbic Acid; Attitude to Health; beta Carotene; Chronic Disease; Cross-Over Studies; Double-Blind Method; Drug Combinations; Female; Follow-Up Studies; Humans; Male; Methionine; Middle Aged; Pain Measurement; Pain, Intractable; Pancreatitis; Placebos; Quality of Life; Selenium; Treatment Outcome; Vitamin E

Homocystinemia is a metabolic abnormality associated with endothelial dysfunction and increased cardiovascular disease risk. The underlying mechanisms of these effects, however, are obscure.. We examined the effect of asymmetrical dimethylarginine (ADMA) on endothelial dysfunction in methionine-induced and chronic homocystinemia and evaluated the regulatory role of oxidative stress and proinflammatory cytokines on the release of ADMA.. In this double-blind, placebo-controlled parallel group study, 30 subjects of both sexes (15 with homocystinemia and 15 healthy controls) underwent methionine loading, with simultaneous administration of a combination of vitamin C (2 g) plus alpha-tocopherol (800 IU) or placebo. Endothelial function in forearm resistance vessels and concentrations of ADMA, oxidized LDL, and proinflammatory cytokines were determined at baseline and 4 h after methionine loading.. Both chronic and methionine-induced homocystinemia were associated with increased oxidized LDL (P < 0.01), higher expression of the proinflammatory cytokine interleukin 6 (P < 0.05), and endothelial dysfunction (P < 0.01). Although ADMA rapidly increased in acute homocystinemia (P < 0.01) and was correlated with forearm hyperemic response at 4 h after methionine loading (r = -0.722, P = 0.0001), it was not higher in subjects with high versus low fasting homocysteine. High-dose antioxidant treatment prevented methionine-induced elevation of oxidized LDL and interleukin 6 but failed to prevent the increase in ADMA or endothelial dysfunction.. Both chronic and methionine-induced homocystinemia are characterized by increased oxidative stress and proinflammatory cytokines, which may contribute to the development of endothelial dysfunction. However, the ADMA pathway is activated only in acute homocystinemia by mechanisms not mediated by oxidized LDL or proinflammatory stimuli.

Topics: Adult; alpha-Tocopherol; Arginine; Ascorbic Acid; Cholesterol, LDL; Chronic Disease; Cytokines; Double-Blind Method; Endothelium, Vascular; Female; Forearm; Homocysteine; Humans; Hyperhomocysteinemia; Inflammation; Interleukin-6; Male; Methionine; Oxidative Stress; Time Factors; Vascular Resistance; von Willebrand Factor

In the 1-year double-blind placebo-controlled intervention trial, it was shown that daily supplementation of patients with gastric premalignant lesions (intestinal metaplasia, IM) with a complex, containing Ester-C with antioxidantsand (2100 mg of Ca-ascorbate + 340 mg of bioflavonoids), produced a sharp decrease of abnormally high ornithine decarboxylase activity in IM gastric mucosa that was accom panied by practically total IM regression in 11 of 18 (61%) patients.

Topics: Adult; Aged; Antioxidants; Ascorbic Acid; Chronic Disease; Double-Blind Method; Female; Gastric Mucosa; Gastritis, Atrophic; Helicobacter Infections; Humans; Intestines; Male; Metaplasia; Middle Aged; Ornithine Decarboxylase

Antioxidant vitamins have been reported to be associated with an improvement in blood lipid profiles, but results are not consistent. The present study was designed to determine whether long-term vitamin C supplementation could alter serum lipid concentrations in subjects who completed a 5-year population-based double-blind intervention trial. A total of 439 Japanese subjects with atrophic gastritis initially participated in the trial using vitamin C and beta-carotene to prevent gastric cancer. Before and upon early termination of beta-carotene supplementation, 134 subjects dropped out of the trial; finally, 161 subjects assigned to the high-dose group (500 mg vitamin C/d) and 144 subjects assigned to the low-dose group (50 mg vitamin C/d) were studied. No favourable effect of vitamin C supplementation on serum concentrations of total cholesterol, HDL- and LDL-cholesterol, and triacylglycerol was observed, although high-dose vitamin C supplementation increased serum vitamin C concentrations substantially. Among women, the mean change in serum triacylglycerol decreased (-0.12 mmol/l, 95 % CI -0.32, 0.09) in the high-dose group, but increased (+0.12 mmol/l, 95 % CI 0.03, 0.22) in the low-dose group. In addition, the mean change in serum triacylglycerol among women with hypertriacylglycerolaemia was statistically significant (-1.21, 95 % CI -2.38, -0.05) after high-dose vitamin C supplementation. The 5-year vitamin C supplementation had no markedly favourable effects on the serum lipid and lipoprotein profile. However, our present results do not preclude the possibility that vitamin C supplementation may decrease triacylglycerol concentrations among women with hypertriacylglycerolaemia.

Topics: Adult; Aged; Ascorbic Acid; Cholesterol; Cholesterol, HDL; Cholesterol, LDL; Chronic Disease; Dietary Supplements; Double-Blind Method; Female; Gastritis, Atrophic; Humans; Hypertriglyceridemia; Lipids; Male; Middle Aged; Sex Factors; Smoking; Time Factors; Triglycerides

A randomized double blind placebo-controlled trial of the drug karinat was carried out in patients with chronic multifocal atrophic gastritis. Karinat contains beta-carotene 2.5 mg, alpha-tocopherol 5 mg, ascorbic acid 30 mg and garlic powder 150 mg per tablet. Out of 66 patients, 34 received karinat, 32--placebo. Both karinat and placebo were administered for 6 months, one tablet twice a day. Karinat therapy improved digestion, the fibrogastroscopic pattern of mucosa, inhibited Helicobacter pylori infection, stimulated stomach activity, mitigated intestinal metaplasia and interfered with the epithelial proliferation of gastric mucosa. These therapeutic effects were more pronounced in the study group. On the whole, the effectiveness of the drug was significantly higher (29%). Karinat should be recommended for the management of chronic atrophic gastritis, a precursor of stomach cancer.

Topics: alpha-Tocopherol; Anticarcinogenic Agents; Antioxidants; Ascorbic Acid; beta Carotene; Chronic Disease; Double-Blind Method; Drug Combinations; Female; Garlic; Gastritis, Atrophic; Helicobacter Infections; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Plant Extracts; Stomach Neoplasms; Treatment Outcome

The efficacy, tolerance and ease of administration of a nutraceutical, carprofen or meloxicam were evaluated in a prospective, double-blind study on 71 dogs with osteoarthritis. The client-owned dogs were randomly assigned to one of the three treatments or to a placebo control group. The influence of osteoarthritis on the dogs' gait was described by comparing the ground reaction forces of the arthritic dogs and 10 normal dogs. Before the treatments began, and 30 and 60 days later, measurements were made of haematological and biochemical variables and of the ground reaction forces of the arthritic limb, and subjective assessments were made by the owners and by the orthopaedic surgeons. Changes in the ground reaction forces were specific to the arthritic joint, and were significantly improved by carprofen and meloxicam but not by the nutraceutical; the values returned to normal only with meloxicam. The orthopaedic surgeons assessed that there had been an improvement with carprofen and meloxicam, but the owners considered that there had been an improvement only with meloxicam. The blood and faecal analyses did not reveal any changes. The treatments were well tolerated, except for a case of hepatopathy in a dog treated with carprofen.

Topics: Administration, Oral; Animals; Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal; Ascorbic Acid; Carbazoles; Chondroitin Sulfates; Chronic Disease; Dog Diseases; Dogs; Double-Blind Method; Gait; Glucosamine; Lameness, Animal; Manganese Compounds; Meloxicam; Osteoarthritis; Osteoarthritis, Hip; Osteoarthritis, Knee; Prospective Studies; Severity of Illness Index; Stifle; Thiazines; Thiazoles; Treatment Outcome

The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of triclabendazole (CAS 68786-66-3) therapy alone or in combination with ascorbic acid (vitamin C, CAS 50-81-7) and tocofersolan (vitamin E, CAS 30999-06-5), in Fasciola hepatica patients, on Lipo-peroxidation (LPO) and blood antioxidant capacity. 32 Fasciola hepatica patients were divided into two groups (16 acute and 16 chronic). Each group was divided into two subgroups of 8 patients each. One subgroup was given two consecutive oral doses each of 10 mg/kg body weight of triclabendazole suspension and the other received vitamin C (1000 mg/day) and vitamin E (600 mg/day) for two months, together with the same dose of triclabendazole given to the first subgroup. Ten healthy subjects served as controls. The results revealed a significant increase in serum and erythrocyte lipid peroxide levels and a significant decrease in glutathione levels as well as in glutathione peroxidase (GPX) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activities in all study groups compared to their corresponding control values. After triclabendazole treatment, pronounced improvements in all studied parameters were observed which could be attributed to the fasciolicidal effect of the drug. The significant improvement of SOD and GPX activities and in lipid peroxide levels after vitamins supplementation as compared to their corresponding values after treatment with triclabendazole alone could be explained on the basis of the potent action of these vitamins in protection against oxidative damage.

Topics: Acute Disease; Adolescent; Adult; Anthelmintics; Antioxidants; Ascorbic Acid; Benzimidazoles; Chronic Disease; Drug Combinations; Erythrocytes; Fascioliasis; Female; Glutathione; Glutathione Peroxidase; Humans; Lipid Peroxides; Liver Function Tests; Male; Superoxide Dismutase; Triclabendazole; Vitamin E

We conducted a population-based, double-blind, randomized controlled trial to examine the effect of vitamin C supplementation on serum pepsinogen (PG) level, Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori ) infection, and cytotoxin-associated gene A (Cag A) status. Subjects aged 40 to 69 years living in one village in Akita prefecture, a high-risk area for gastric cancer in Japan, were recruited through annual health check-up programs. Among 635 subjects diagnosed as having chronic gastritis on the basis of serum PG levels, after excluding ineligible cases, 439 subjects were assigned to one of four groups using a 2 x 2 factorial design (0 or 15 mg/day beta-carotene and 50 or 500 mg/day vitamin C). However, based on the results from two beta-carotene trials in the United States, we discontinued beta-carotene (vitamin C supplementation was continued). Finally, 120 subjects in the low-dose group (vitamin C 50 mg), and 124 subjects in the high-dose group (vitamin C 500 mg) completed the 5-year supplementation. The difference in the change of PGI/II ratio between baseline and after 5-year follow up was statistically significant between the intervention groups among those who completed the supplementation: - 0.25 for the low-dose group and - 0.13 for the high-dose group (P = 0.046). To conclude, vitamin C supplementation may protect against progression of gastric mucosal atrophy.

Topics: Administration, Oral; Adult; Aged; Antigens, Bacterial; Ascorbic Acid; Bacterial Proteins; Chronic Disease; Dietary Supplements; Double-Blind Method; Female; Gastritis, Atrophic; Helicobacter Infections; Helicobacter pylori; Humans; Japan; Male; Middle Aged; Pepsinogen A; Pepsinogen C; Time Factors

Endothelial dysfunction has been described in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) or chronic heart failure (CHF). Vitamin C administration leads to an improvement of endothelial function by reducing elevated levels of reactive oxygen species. It remains unclear, however, whether the degree of endothelial dysfunction caused by oxidative stress differs between CAD and CHF because of ischemic (ICM) or dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM).. In patients with CAD (n = 9; left ventricular ejection fraction [LVEF], 64% +/- 3%), ICM (n = 9; LVEF, 25% +/- 4%), DCM (n = 9; LVEF, 25% +/- 3%), and healthy subjects (HS; n = 5; LVEF, 66% +/- 5%) a change in internal radial artery diameter in response to acetylcholine (Ach; 15 and 30 microg/min) was measured with high-resolution ultrasound scanning during a co-infusion of normal saline or vitamin C (25 mg/min).. Ach-mediated vasodilation was blunted in patients with CHF (DCM, 90 +/- 20 microm; ICM, 86 +/- 20 microm) and patients with CAD (336 +/- 20 microm) as compared with HS (496 +/- 43 microm; P <.05 vs patients with DCM, ICM, CAD). Vitamin C co-infusion increased Ach-mediated vasodilation by 180 +/- 35 microm (to 270 +/- 30 microm) in DCM (P <.05 vs CAD, HS) and by 294 +/- 40 microm (to 380 +/- 20 microm) in ICM (P <.05 vs DCM, CAD, HS). In patients with CAD, vitamin C increased Ach-mediated vasodilation by 146 +/- 35 microm to normal values, whereas vascular diameter remained unchanged in HS (14 +/- 20 microm; P = not significant).. Acute vitamin C administration restored peripheral endothelial function in patients with CAD to normal values, whereas endothelial function remained attenuated in CHF, in particular in patients with DCM. These results suggest that in patients with CHF, factors other than oxidative stress (eg, cytokines) contribute to the pathologic endothelial function.

Topics: Acetylcholine; Aged; Ascorbic Acid; Cardiomyopathy, Dilated; Chronic Disease; Coronary Artery Disease; Drug Therapy, Combination; Endothelium, Vascular; Heart Failure; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Myocardial Ischemia; Nitroprusside; Oxidative Stress; Vasodilation; Vasodilator Agents

Impaired flow-dependent, endothelium-mediated vasodilation (FDD) in patients with chronic heart failure (CHF) results, at least in part, from accelerated degradation of nitric oxide by oxygen radicals. The mechanisms leading to increased vascular radical formation, however, remain unclear. Therefore, we determined endothelium-bound activities of extracellular superoxide dismutase (ecSOD), a major vascular antioxidant enzyme, and xanthine-oxidase, a potent radical producing enzyme, and their relation to FDD in patients with CHF.. ecSOD and xanthine-oxidase activities, released from endothelium into plasma by heparin bolus injection, were determined in 14 patients with CHF and 10 control subjects. FDD of the radial artery was measured using high-resolution ultrasound and was assessed before and after administration of the antioxidant vitamin C (25 mg/min; IA). In patients with CHF, endothelium-bound ecSOD activity was substantially reduced (5.0+/-0.7 versus 14.4+/-2.6 U x mL(-1) x min(-1); P<0.01) and closely related to FDD (r=0.61). Endothelium-bound xanthine-oxidase activity was increased by >200% (38+/-10 versus 12+/-4 nmol O2*- x microL(-1); P<0.05) and inversely related to FDD (r=-0.35) in patients with CHF. In patients with low ecSOD and high xanthine-oxidase activity, a greater benefit of vitamin C on FDD was observed, ie, the portion of FDD inhibited by radicals correlated negatively with ecSOD (r=-0.71) but positively with xanthine-oxidase (r=0.75).. These results demonstrate that both increased xanthine-oxidase and reduced ecSOD activity are closely associated with increased vascular oxidative stress in patients with CHF. This loss of vascular oxidative balance likely represents a novel mechanism contributing to endothelial dysfunction in CHF.

Topics: Antioxidants; Ascorbic Acid; Chronic Disease; Endothelium, Vascular; Enzyme Activation; Extracellular Space; Female; Free Radicals; Heart Failure; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Oxidative Stress; Radial Artery; Regional Blood Flow; Superoxide Dismutase; Ultrasonography; Vasodilation; Xanthine Oxidase

Chronic radiation proctitis, a common sequelae of pelvic radiation, is characterized by obliteration of the submucosal vasculature with subsequent ischemia and reperfusion injury. Oxidative stress is thought to be a major mechanism in radiation proctitis. Therefore, antioxidants (vitamins E and C) may be beneficial.. Twenty consecutive symptomatic outpatients with endoscopically documented radiation proctitis seen in a single gastroenterology clinic were given a combination of vitamin E (400 IU tid) and vitamin C (500 mg tid). Previous radiation therapy was given for prostatic (n = 10) or gynecological (n = 10) malignancies. These patients presented with one or more of the following symptoms: rectal bleeding, rectal pain, diarrhea, or fecal urgency. Using a questionnaire, these symptoms were rated by the patients in terms of their severity (grade 0-4) and frequency (grade 0-4) before and after treatment with vitamins E and C. A symptom index was calculated by the addition of the severity and frequency scores (8 = most symptomatic). The lifestyle impact of the symptoms was also assessed by questionnaire grading from 0 (no effect on daily activity) to 4 (afraid to leave home). Among these 20 patients, 10 patients who received vitamins E and C for 1 yr were assessed again to determine whether their initial responses were sustained.. There was a significant (p < 0.05; Wilcoxon rank) improvement in the symptom index (before treatment vs after treatment with vitamins E and C) for bleeding (median score: 4 vs 0), diarrhea (median score: 5 vs 0), and urgency (median score: 6 vs 3). Patients with rectal pain did not improve significantly. Bleeding resolved in four of 11 patients, diarrhea resolved in eight of 16 patients, fecal urgency resolved in three of 16 patients, and rectal pain resolved in two of six patients. Lifestyle improved in 13 patients, including seven patients who reported a return to normal. Two of the patients with no improvement in their daily symptoms also had radiation ileitis. All 10 patients who underwent a second follow-up interview reported sustained improvement in their symptoms 1 yr later.. A substantial number of patients with radiation proctitis seem to benefit from antioxidant therapy. A double-blind placebo-controlled trial is needed to confirm this open-labeled pilot study.

Topics: Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Antioxidants; Ascorbic Acid; Chronic Disease; Drug Therapy, Combination; Female; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Proctitis; Radiation Injuries; Remission Induction; Vitamin E

Chronic heart failure (CHF) is characterized by a prothrombotic state, which may relate to increased platelet aggregability, endothelial dysfunction, and increased oxidative stress. We investigated the effect of vitamin C in CHF on ex vivo platelet aggregation and platelet responsiveness to the anti-aggregatory effects of the nitric oxide (NO) donors glyceryl trinitrate (GTN) and sodium nitroprusside (SNP). We also examined parameters of oxidative stress and endothelial function in patients. In this double-blind, randomized, crossover study vitamin C (2 g) or placebo was given intravenously to 10 patients with CHF. We measured adenosine 5-diphosphate (ADP)-induced platelet aggregation, flow-mediated dilatation (FMD) in the brachial artery using ultrasonic wall-tracking, and plasma levels of lipid-derived free radicals using electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy. Vitamin C did not affect ex vivo platelet aggregability but enhanced the inhibition of platelet aggregation by SNP (62.7+/-10.2 to 82.7+/-4.8%, p = 0.03) and tended to increase responses to GTN (40.5+/-9.0 to 53.4+/-7.3, p = 0.06). The effect of vitamin C on platelet responsiveness to the antiaggregatory effects of SNP was inversely related to basal response to SNP (r = -0.9, p < 0.01); a similar trend was observed with GTN (r = -0.6, p = 0.1). Vitamin C also increased FMD (1.9+/-0.6 to 5.8+/-1.5%, p = 0.02) and reduced plasma lipid-derived free radicals by 49+/-19% (p < 0.05). In patients with CHF acute intravenous administration of vitamin C enhances platelet responsiveness to the anti-aggregatory effects of NO donors and improves endothelial function, suggesting a potential role for vitamin C as a therapeutic agent in CHF.

Topics: Adult; Aged; Analysis of Variance; Antioxidants; Ascorbic Acid; Chronic Disease; Cross-Over Studies; Double-Blind Method; Endothelium, Vascular; Female; Heart Failure; Humans; Linear Models; Male; Middle Aged; Nitric Oxide Donors; Nitroglycerin; Nitroprusside; Oxidative Stress; Platelet Aggregation; Vasodilator Agents

Authors revealed considerable decrease substance of vitamins at patients with chronic tonsillitis in depending on degree of difficulty illness and presence of complication. Content of vitamins B1, B2 and C is decreased more than rest. Results of immune investigations register lowering phagocytic activity of leucocyte and cell immunity at patient with chronic tonsillitis in the presence of the complication.

Topics: Adolescent; Adult; Ascorbic Acid; Avitaminosis; Chronic Disease; Female; Humans; Immunity, Cellular; Leukocytes; Male; Palatine Tonsil; Phagocytosis; Riboflavin; Saliva; Thiamine; Tonsillitis

To evaluate the in vivo effects of moderate consumption of red wine, beer and spirits on antioxidants, antioxidant enzymes and antioxidant capacity.. Randomized, diet-controlled, cross-over study.. Twelve apparently healthy, non-smoking middle-aged men were included; 11 of them completed the study.. Each subject consumed four glasses of red wine, beer, spirits and water (negative control) with evening dinner during four successive periods of 3 weeks, daily at the Institute. The total diet was supplied to the subjects and had essential the same composition during these 12 weeks.. Neither the enzyme activities of serum glutathion peroxidase, erythrocyte glutathion reductase and superoxide dismutase nor the plasma concentrations of alpha- and gamma-tocopherol, lutein, zeaxantin, beta-cryptoxanthin, lycopene and alpha-carotene were affected. Plasma beta-carotene concentrations were decreased after 3 weeks' consumption of red wine, beer and spirits (40 g alcohol/day) as compared to consumption of water, by 15% (P=0.0005), 11% (P=0.010) and 13% (P=0.003), respectively. Also, plasma ascorbic acid was decreased after beer (15%, P=0.004) and spirits (12%, P=0.030), but not after wine consumption. Serum uric acid concentrations were increased after consumption of beer (15%, P<0.0001), spirits (8%, P=0.008) and red wine (9%, P=0.003). The overall serum antioxidant capacity, assessed as Trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity (TEAC), was similar for all treatments.. Moderate consumption of red wine, beer and spirits has counteracting effects on plasma antioxidant components, resulting in no significant effect on overall antioxidant status. The effects on antioxidant parameters are largely independent of the type of alcoholic beverage, and probably irrelevant to chronic disease risk.. Dutch Foundation for Alcohol Research (SAR).

Topics: Adult; Alcohol Drinking; Antioxidants; Ascorbic Acid; Carotenoids; Chronic Disease; Cross-Over Studies; Diet; Glutathione Peroxidase; Glutathione Reductase; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Superoxide Dismutase; Uric Acid; Vitamin E

First, we sought to study the effects of short- and long-term vitamin C therapy on oxidative stress and endothelial dysfunction in chronic heart failure (CHF), and second, we sought to investigate the role of neutrophils as a cause of oxidative stress in CHF.. Oxidative stress may contribute to endothelial dysfunction in CHF. Vitamin C ameliorates endothelial dysfunction in CHF, presumably by reducing oxidative stress, but this is unproven.. We studied 55 patients with CHF (ischemic and nonischemic etiologies) and 15 control subjects. Flow-mediated dilation (FMD) in the brachial artery was measured by ultrasound wall-tracking, neutrophil superoxide anion (O2-) generation by lucigenin-enhanced chemiluminescence and oxidative stress by measurement of free radicals (FRs) in venous blood using electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy and plasma thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS). Measurements were performed at baseline in all subjects. The effects of short-term (intravenous) and long-term (oral) vitamin C therapy versus placebo were tested in patients with nonischemic CHF.. At baseline, FRs were higher in patients with CHF than in control subjects (p < 0.01), TBARS were greater (p < 0.005), neutrophil O2- -generating capacity was enhanced (p < 0.005) and FMD was lower (p < 0.0001). Compared with placebo, short-term vitamin C therapy reduced FR levels (p < 0.05), tended to reduce TBARS and increased FMD (p < 0.05), but did not affect neutrophil O2- -generating capacity. Long-term vitamin C therapy reduced FR levels (p < 0.05), reduced TBARS (p < 0.05) and improved FMD (p < 0.05), but also reduced neutrophil O2- -generating capacity (p < 0.05). Endothelial dysfunction was not related to oxidative stress, and improvements in FMD with vitamin C therapy did not relate to reductions in oxidative stress.. Oxidative stress is increased in ischemic and nonischemic CHF, and neutrophils may be an important cause. Vitamin C reduces oxidative stress, increases FMD and, when given long term, decreases neutrophil O2- generation, but the lack of a correlation between changes in endothelial function and oxidative stress with vitamin C implies possible additional non-antioxidant benefits of vitamin C.

Topics: Anions; Ascorbic Acid; Chronic Disease; Endothelium; Female; Heart Failure; Humans; Male; Neutrophils; Oxidative Stress; Superoxides; Time Factors

A 16-week randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover trial of a combination of glucosamine HCl (1,500 mg/day), chondroitin sulfate (1,200 mg/day), and manganese ascorbate (228 mg/day) in degenerative joint disease (DJD) of the knee or low back was conducted.. Thirty-four males from the U.S. Navy diving and special warfare community with chronic pain and radiographic DJD of the knee or low back were randomized. A summary disease score incorporated results of pain and functional questionnaires, physical examination scores, and running times. Changes were presented as a percentage of the patient's average score.. Knee osteoarthritis symptoms were relieved as demonstrated by the summary disease score (-16.3%; p = 0.05), patient assessment of treatment effect (p = 0.02), visual analog scale for pain recorded at clinic visits (-26.6%; p = 0.05) and in a diary (-28.6%; p = 0.02), and physical examination score (-43.3%; p = 0.01). Running times did not change. The study neither demonstrated, nor excluded, a benefit for spinal DJD. Side effect frequency was similar to that at baseline. There were no hematologic effects.. The combination therapy relieves symptoms of knee osteoarthritis. A larger data set is needed to determine the value of this therapy for spinal DJD. Short-term combination therapy appears safe in this setting.

Topics: Activities of Daily Living; Adult; Ascorbic Acid; Chondroitin Sulfates; Chronic Disease; Cross-Over Studies; Double-Blind Method; Drug Combinations; Glucosamine; Humans; Lumbar Vertebrae; Male; Manganese Compounds; Middle Aged; Military Personnel; Naval Medicine; Osteoarthritis; Osteoarthritis, Knee; Pain; Pilot Projects; Radiography; Running; Surveys and Questionnaires

Chronic heart failure (CHF) is associated with endothelial dysfunction including impaired endothelium-mediated, flow-dependent dilation (FDD). There is evidence for increased radical formation in CHF, raising the possibility that nitric oxide is inactivated by radicals, thereby impairing endothelial function. To test this hypothesis, we determined the effect of the antioxidant vitamin C on FDD in patients with CHF.. High-resolution ultrasound and Doppler was used to measure radial artery diameter and blood flow in 15 patients with CHF and 8 healthy volunteers. Vascular effects of vitamin C (25 mg/min IA) and placebo were determined at rest and during reactive hyperemia (causing endothelium-mediated dilation) before and after intra-arterial infusion of N-monomethyl-L-arginine (L-NMMA) to inhibit endothelial synthesis of nitric oxide. Vitamin C restored FDD in patients with heart failure after acute intra-arterial administration (13.2+/-1.7% versus 8.2+/-1.0%; P<.01) and after 4 weeks of oral therapy (11.9+/-0.9% versus 8.2+/-1.0%; P<.05). In particular, the portion of FDD mediated by nitric oxide (ie, inhibited by L-NMMA) was increased after acute as well as after chronic treatment (CHF baseline: 4.2+/-0.7%; acute: 9.1+/-1.3%; chronic: 7.3+/-1.2%; normal subjects: 8.9+/-0.8%; P<.01).. Vitamin C improves FDD in patients with CHF as the result of increased availability of nitric oxide. This observation supports the concept that endothelial dysfunction in patients with CHF is, at least in part, due to accelerated degradation of nitric oxide by radicals.

Topics: Administration, Oral; Adult; Ascorbic Acid; Cardiac Output, Low; Chronic Disease; Endothelium, Vascular; Enzyme Inhibitors; Humans; Injections, Intra-Arterial; Male; Middle Aged; omega-N-Methylarginine; Radial Artery; Regional Blood Flow; Time Factors; Treatment Outcome; Ultrasonography; Vasodilation

A randomized chemoprevention trial on precancerous lesions of the stomach is being conducted in Tachira State, Venezuela. The aims of the study are to evaluate the efficacy of vitamin supplementation in preventing the progression rate of precancerous lesions. Here we report on the pilot phase of the study in which two antioxidant preparations were evaluated on their ability to raise antioxidant levels in plasma and in gastric juice. The study aimed also to determine the antibiotic sensitivity profiles of Helicobacter pylori isolates prevalent in the area. Forty-three subjects with precancerous lesions (chronic gastritis, chronic atrophic gastritis, intestinal metaplasia and dysplasia) of the stomach were randomized to one of two antioxidant treatments. Treatment 1 (250 mg of standard vitamin C, 200 mg of vitamin E and 6 mg of beta-carotene three times a day) or treatment 2 (150 mg of standard vitamin C, 500 mg of slow release vitamin C, 75 mg of vitamin E and 15 mg of beta-carotene once a day) for 7 days. Blood levels of total vitamin C, beta-carotene and alpha-tocopherol and gastric juice levels of ascorbic acid and total vitamin C were measured before and after treatment on day 8. Both treatments increased the plasma levels of total vitamin C, beta-carotene and alpha-tocopherol/cholesterol but not those of ascorbic acid or total vitamin C in gastric juice. Treatment 1 was the best choice and resulted in a greater increase in the plasma levels of beta-carotene and alpha-tocopherol. H. pylori was cultured from 90% of the gastric biopsies; 35 isolates were identified which were highly resistant to metronidazole, a front-line antibiotic recommended against H. pylori in other settings.

Topics: Adult; Aged; Antioxidants; Ascorbic Acid; beta Carotene; Carotenoids; Chemoprevention; Chronic Disease; Disease Progression; Female; Gastric Juice; Gastritis; Gastritis, Atrophic; Helicobacter Infections; Helicobacter pylori; Humans; Male; Metaplasia; Middle Aged; Pilot Projects; Precancerous Conditions; Stomach Neoplasms; Venezuela; Vitamin E; Vitamins

Four indices of free radical activity were measured in fasting serum/plasma samples from 14 consecutive blacks with clinically quiescent chronic pancreatitis and 15 outwardly healthy hospital personnel at Soweto, the township near Johannesburg in South Africa. The patients had higher serum levels than did controls of lipid isomerisation (P < 0.002) and peroxidation (P < 0.05) markers, with lower plasma levels of glutathione (P < 0.0001) and bioactive fraction of vitamin C (P < 0.002). Lipid peroxide and non-bioavailable vitamin C concentrations in Sowetan patients were significantly higher than in their counterparts from Manchester, UK (P < 0.0001, P < 0.0005, respectively). These differences mirrored those in controls in that outwardly healthy Sowetans had much higher serum lipid peroxide levels than Manchester controls (P < 0.001) and much lower plasma concentration of vitamin C (P < 0.001) and hence of the bioavailable fraction ascorbate (P < 0.0002). Heightened free radical activity is thus a common denominator in chronic pancreatitis irrespective of geography, or putative aetiological factors whether alcoholism or idiopathic, since that ratio was approximately 95:5 at Johannesburg and 50:50 at Manchester. The further finding of subclinical oxidative stress in Sowetan controls and the endemic nature of chronic pancreatitis in that area supports the hypothesis that oxidative stress may be involved in its pathogenesis.

Topics: Adult; Ascorbic Acid; Biomarkers; Black People; Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid; Chronic Disease; Cohort Studies; England; Female; Free Radicals; Humans; Lipid Peroxides; Male; Middle Aged; Oxidative Stress; Pancreatitis; Reference Values; South Africa; Urban Population

Twenty-seven patients with indwelling urinary catheters and chronic bacteriuria were studied for methenamine efficacy. In a crossover fashion, each patient received methenamine mandelate granules 4 g/day alone, with ascorbic acid 4 g/day, and with ascorbic acid 4 g/day plus cranberry cocktail one 1/day. Proteus vulgaris, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and E. coli were the common pathogens. Urinary acidifiers had no significant effect on mean urine pH, however, high urinary formaldehyde concentrations were associated with the use of ascorbic acid. Bacteriocidal formaldehyde levels were more frequently present in patients with acidic urine pH than those with alkaline pH. Although ascorbic acid increased formaldehyde levels, additional cranberry cocktail had no further effect. Despite higher formaldehyde levels, urine culture results were positive in most cases with or without urine acidification. Methenamine therapy may be of limited value in asymptomatic chronic bacteriuric patients with indwelling catheters.

Topics: Aged; Ascorbic Acid; Bacteriuria; Chronic Disease; Female; Formaldehyde; Fruit; Humans; Hydrogen-Ion Concentration; Male; Methenamine; Middle Aged; Urine

Topics: Adult; Ampicillin; Ascorbic Acid; Bacteriuria; Chronic Disease; Diuresis; Female; Humans; Kidney Failure, Chronic; Male; Prospective Studies; Pyelonephritis; Recurrence; Sulfadimethoxine; Urinary Tract Infections

Topics: Ascorbic Acid; Calcium; Chronic Disease; Clinical Trials as Topic; Female; Humans; Liver Diseases; Magnesium; Male; Methenolone; Methionine; Vitamin A; Vitamin B Complex; Vitamins

Topics: Adult; Ascorbic Acid; Chronic Disease; Humans; Immunity; Interleukin-10; Nasal Polyps; Rhinitis; Sinusitis

Patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) are prone to several nutritional deficiencies. However, data are lacking on vitamin C deficiency in Crohn's disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC) patients, as well as the impact of clinical, biomarker and endoscopic disease severity on the development of vitamin C deficiency.. To determine proportions and factors associated with vitamin C deficiency in CD and UC patients.. In this retrospective study, we obtained clinical, laboratory and endoscopic data from CD and UC patients presenting to the IBD clinic at a single tertiary care center from 2014 to 2019. All patients had an available plasma vitamin C level. Of 353 subjects who met initial search criteria using a cohort discovery tool, 301 ultimately met criteria for inclusion in the study. The primary aim described vitamin C deficiency (≤ 11.4 μmol/L) rates in IBD. Secondary analyses compared proportions with deficiency between active and inactive IBD. Multivariate logistic regression analysis evaluated factors associated with deficiency.. Of 301 IBD patients, 21.6% had deficiency, including 24.4% of CD patients and 16.0% of UC patients. Patients with elevated C-reactive protein (CRP) (39.1%. Vitamin C deficiency was common in IBD. Patients with elevated inflammatory markers and penetrating disease had higher rates of vitamin C deficiency.

Topics: Ascorbic Acid; Ascorbic Acid Deficiency; Biological Products; Biomarkers; C-Reactive Protein; Chronic Disease; Colitis, Ulcerative; Crohn Disease; Humans; Inflammatory Bowel Diseases; Leukocyte L1 Antigen Complex; Prevalence; Retrospective Studies; Scurvy; Vitamin D Deficiency

Airway inflammation and oxidative stress are the two major characteristics of asthma pathogenesis. Therefore, this study evaluated the protective effects of ascorbic acid in combination with calcitriol on the oxidative damages and inflammation in asthma model. All animals, except in the control group, were sensitized and challenged with ovalbumin. One day after the last challenge, samples of bronchoalveolar lavage fluid was collected for the assessment of total white blood cell counts and differential count of white blood cell and plasma was used for the measurement of pro-oxidant/antioxidant balance level. Lung tissue samples were also stored for examining peribronchial inflammatory cell infiltration, phosphorylated nuclear factor-kappa B expression and measurement of malondialdehyde level. Induction of asthma caused significant increases in total white blood cell counts, percentage of neutrophils and eosinophils and a decrease in the percentage of lymphocytes. Moreover, asthma resulted in significant increases of peribronchial inflammatory cell infiltration, phosphorylated nuclear factor-kappa B expression and malondialdehyde level. However, no significant changes were observed in pro-oxidant/antioxidant balance level with the induction of asthma. Co-administration of low doses of ascorbic acid and calcitriol returned all to the levels measured before sensitization and challenge. Combination of low doses of ascorbic acid with calcitriol improves mouse asthma model by a possible additive effects through the decrease of oxidative stress and inflammation.

Topics: Animals; Anti-Inflammatory Agents; Ascorbic Acid; Asthma; Bronchoalveolar Lavage Fluid; Calcitriol; Calcium Channel Agonists; Chronic Disease; Drug Therapy, Combination; Leukocyte Count; Lung; Male; Mice; Mice, Inbred BALB C; Ovalbumin; Oxidative Stress; Vitamins

Multiple pathogeneses are involved in Alzheimer's disease (AD), such as amyloid-β accumulation, neuroinflammation, and oxidative stress. The pathological impact of chronic cerebral hypoperfusion on Alzheimer's disease is still poorly understood.. APP23 mice were implanted to bilateral common carotid arteries stenosis with ameroid constrictors for slowly progressive chronic cerebral hypoperfusion (CCH). The effects of the administration of Twendee X (TwX) were evaluated by behavioral analysis, immunohistochemical analysis, and immunofluorescent histochemistry.. In the present study, chronic cerebral hypoperfusion, which is commonly found in aged Alzheimer's disease, significantly exacerbated motor dysfunction of APP23 mice from 5 months and cognitive deficit from 8 months of age, as well as neuronal loss, extracellular amyloid-β plaque and intracellular oligomer formations, and amyloid angiopathy at 12 months. Severe upregulations of oxidative markers and inflammatory markers were found in the cerebral cortex, hippocampus, and thalamus at 12 months. Twendee X treatment (20 mg/kg/d, from 4.5 to 12 months) substantially rescued the cognitive deficit and reduced the above amyloid-β pathology and neuronal loss, alleviated neuroinflammation and oxidative stress.. The present findings suggested a potential therapeutic benefit of Twendee X for Alzheimer's disease with chronic cerebral hypoperfusion.

Topics: Alzheimer Disease; Amyloid beta-Peptides; Amyloid beta-Protein Precursor; Animals; Anti-Inflammatory Agents; Antioxidants; Ascorbic Acid; Behavior, Animal; Brain; Cerebrovascular Circulation; Cerebrovascular Disorders; Chronic Disease; Cognition; Cystine; Dietary Supplements; Disease Models, Animal; Female; Glutamine; Inflammation Mediators; Male; Mice, Inbred C57BL; Mice, Transgenic; Motor Activity; Mutation; Neuroprotective Agents; Oxidative Stress; Plaque, Amyloid

The sequence of events in hepatic encephalopathy (HE) remains unclear. Using the advantages of in vivo 1H-MRS (9.4T) we aimed to analyse the time-course of disease in an established model of type C HE by analysing the longitudinal changes in a large number of brain metabolites together with biochemical, histological and behavioural assessment. We hypothesized that neurometabolic changes are detectable very early, and that these early changes will offer insight into the primary events underpinning HE.. Wistar rats underwent bile-duct ligation (BDL) and were studied before BDL and at post-operative weeks 2, 4, 6 and 8 (n = 26). In vivo short echo-time. Plasma ammonium increased early after BDL and remained high during the study. Brain glutamine increased (+47%) as early as 2-4 weeks post-BDL while creatine (-8%) and ascorbate (-12%) decreased. Brain glutamine and ascorbate correlated closely with rising plasma ammonium, while brain creatine correlated with brain glutamine. The increases in brain glutamine and plasma ammonium were correlated, while plasma ammonium correlated negatively with distance moved. Changes in astrocyte morphology were observed at 4 weeks. These early changes were further accentuated at 6-8 weeks post-BDL, concurrently with the known decreases in brain organic osmolytes.. Using a multimodal, in vivo and longitudinal approach we have shown that neurometabolic changes are already noticeable 2 weeks after BDL. These early changes are suggestive of osmotic/oxidative stress and are likely the premise of some later changes. Early decreases in cerebral creatine and ascorbate are novel findings offering new avenues to explore neuroprotective strategies for HE treatment.. The sequence of events in chronic hepatic encephalopathy (HE) remains unclear, therefore using the advantages of in vivo proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy at 9.4T we aimed to test the hypothesis that neurometabolic changes are detectable very early in an established model of type C HE, offering insight into the primary events underpinning HE, before advanced liver disease confounds the findings. These early, previously unreported neurometabolic changes occurred as early as 2 to 4 weeks after bile-duct ligation, namely an increase in plasma ammonium and brain glutamine, a decrease in brain creatine and ascorbate together with behavioural and astrocyte morphology changes, and continued to progress throughout the 8-week course of the disease.

Topics: Ammonium Compounds; Animals; Ascorbic Acid; Astrocytes; Chronic Disease; Creatine; Disease Models, Animal; Glutamine; Hepatic Encephalopathy; Hippocampus; Male; Oxidative Stress; Proton Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy; Rats; Rats, Wistar

Trypanosoma cruzi infection stimulates inflammatory mediators which cause oxidative stress, and the use of antioxidants can minimize the sequelae of Chagas disease. In order to evaluate the efficacy of vitamin C in minimizing oxidative damage in Chagas disease, we orally administered ascorbic acid to Swiss mice infected with 5.0 × 10

Topics: Acute Disease; Animals; Antioxidants; Ascorbic Acid; Bilirubin; Chagas Disease; Chronic Disease; Disease Models, Animal; Inflammation; Iron; Male; Mice; Nitric Oxide; Oxidative Stress; Parasitemia; Peroxynitrous Acid; Trypanosoma cruzi

Enhanced DNA damage and disturbances in DNA repair mechanisms are reported to be involved in the pathogenesis of chronic diseases like obesity, atherosclerosis, metabolic syndrome, diabetes, and cancer. The aim of the present study was to evaluate whether anthropometric factors and dietary habits are related to endogenous DNA damage. One hundred and fourteen premenopausal, apparently healthy women were included in the study: 88 obese individuals and 26 controls. The comet assay was used to measure basal DNA damage. Biochemical measurements included lipids, apolipoproteinAI, fasting insulin, glucose, and C-reactive protein high sensitivity (CRP-hs). Dietary intakes were assessed by 3-day food records. The mean level of DNA damage was almost two times higher in obese than in non-obese women (

Topics: Adult; Anthropometry; Apolipoprotein A-I; Ascorbic Acid; Blood Glucose; C-Reactive Protein; Case-Control Studies; Cholesterol; Chronic Disease; Diet; DNA Damage; Female; Humans; Incidence; Inflammation; Insulin; Middle Aged; Nutrition Assessment; Obesity; Triglycerides; Vitamin E; Young Adult

Topics: Acetaminophen; Adult Day Care Centers; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Ascorbic Acid; Caregivers; Chronic Disease; Codeine; Cross-Sectional Studies; Dextromethorphan; Disability Evaluation; Female; Germany; Health Services Needs and Demand; Home Care Services; Humans; Male; Multi-Ingredient Cold, Flu, and Allergy Medications; Pseudoephedrine; Social Environment; Utilization Review

To assess patients' satisfaction from the therapy of advanced chronic venous disorders (CVD) in everyday clinical practice in Poland, and to compare the efficacy of various venoactive drugs (VADs) in venous ulcers healing process.. Seven hundred and eighty unselected adult patients with active (N.=441) or healed (N.=339) venous ulcers participated in the non-interventional observational 6-week study.. Compression therapy and VADs were utilized by 81.5% and 89.2% of patients respectively: 31.2% of all patients underwent surgical procedures for vein incompetence, 61.3% were satisfied with surgical methods, 43% with compression therapy, and 32.6% with VADs ‑ with highest rate of satisfied patients in the group taking Ruscus aculeatus and HMC and ascorbic acid (51.4%). Of 377 patients with active venous ulcers smaller than 200 cm2, adherent to VADs, 18.0% have been cured, and 66.6% have improved during 6-week period of observation. Multiple logistic regression analysis revealed that the compression therapy (OR=2.74), the size of ulcer ≤10 cm2 (OR=2.70) were increasing the change of ulcer healing. No VADs was better than another in the healing process.. 1) Compression therapy and VADs are highly utilized by patients with advanced CVD. 2) Patients are more satisfied with surgical than conservative treatment of advanced CVD. 3) More than half of the patients with the advanced stage CVD taking Ruscus aculeatus and HMC and ascorbic acid is satisfied with the obtained improvement. 4) Ruscus aculeatus and HMC and ascorbic acid is similarly effective as other frequently used VADs in venous ulcer healing. 5) Ruscus aculeatus and HMC and ascorbic acid exerting effects on veins, capillaries and lymphatic vessels may explain the positive results observed in this study.

Topics: Aged; Ascorbic Acid; Chalcones; Chronic Disease; Female; Hesperidin; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Patient Satisfaction; Phytotherapy; Plant Extracts; Ruscus; Severity of Illness Index; Varicose Ulcer; Wound Healing

Scurvy, or vitamin C deficiency, is rarely presented to a rheumatology clinic. It can mimic several rheumatologic disorders. Although uncommon, it may present as pseudovasculitis or chronic arthritis. Scurvy still exists today within certain populations, particularly in patients with neurodevelopmental disabilities, psychiatric illness or unusual dietary habits.Scurvy presentation to the rheumatologist varies from aches and mild pains to excruciating bone pain or arthritis. Musculoskeletal and mucocutaneous features of scurvy are often what prompts referrals to pediatric rheumatology clinics. Unless health care providers inquire about nutritional habits and keep in mind the risk of nutritional deficiency, it will be easy to miss the diagnosis of scurvy. Rarity of occurrence as compared to other nutritional deficiencies, combined with a lack of understanding about modern-day risk factors for nutritional deficiency, frequently leads to delayed recognition of vitamin C deficiency. We report a case of scurvy in a mentally handicapped Saudi child, who presented with new onset inability to walk with diffuse swelling and pain in the left leg. Skin examination revealed extensive ecchymoses, hyperkeratosis and follicular purpura with corkscrew hairs, in addition to gingival swelling with bleeding. Clinical diagnosis of scurvy was rendered and confirmed by low serum vitamin C level. The patient did extremely well with proper nutritional support and vitamin C supplementation. It has been noticed lately that there is increased awareness about scurvy in rheumatology literature. A high index of suspicion, together with taking a thorough history and physical examination, is required for diagnosis of scurvy in patient who presents with musculoskeletal symptoms. Nutritional deficiency should also be considered by the rheumatologist formulating differential diagnosis for musculoskeletal or mucocutaneous complaints in children, particularly those at risk.

Topics: Arthritis; Ascorbic Acid; Ascorbic Acid Deficiency; Child; Chronic Disease; Dietary Supplements; Humans; Male; Pain; Refusal to Participate; Scurvy; Treatment Outcome; Walking

This study's objective was to investigate healthy aging in older French adults 5 years after a period of daily nutritional-dose supplementation with antioxidant nutrients. The study was based on the double-blind, randomized trial, Supplementation with Antioxidant Vitamins and Minerals (SU.VI.MAX) Study (1994-2002) and the SU.VI.MAX 2 Follow-up Study (2007-2009). During 1994-2002, participants received a daily combination of vitamin C (120 mg), β-carotene (6 mg), vitamin E (30 mg), selenium (100 µg), and zinc (20 mg) or placebo. Healthy aging was assessed in 2007-2009 by using multiple criteria, including the absence of major chronic disease and good physical and cognitive functioning. Data from a subsample of the SU.VI.MAX 2 cohort, initially free of major chronic disease, with a mean age of 65.3 years in 2007-2009 (n = 3,966), were used to calculate relative risks. Supplementation was associated with a greater healthy aging probability among men (relative risk = 1.16, 95% confidence interval: 1.04, 1.29) but not among women (relative risk = 0.98, 95% confidence interval: 0.86, 1.11) or all participants (relative risk = 1.07, 95% confidence interval: 0.99, 1.16). Moreover, exploratory subgroup analyses indicated effect modification by initial serum concentrations of zinc and vitamin C. In conclusion, an adequate supply of antioxidant nutrients (equivalent to quantities provided by a balanced diet rich in fruits and vegetables) may have a beneficial role for healthy aging.

Topics: Adult; Aged; Aging; Antioxidants; Ascorbic Acid; beta Carotene; Chronic Disease; Dietary Supplements; Female; Follow-Up Studies; France; Fruit; Health Promotion; Humans; Male; Medical Records Systems, Computerized; Middle Aged; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Reproducibility of Results; Research Design; Risk Assessment; Risk Factors; Sampling Studies; Trace Elements; Vegetables; Vitamin E; Vitamins; Zinc Compounds

Periodontitis is a chronic inflammatory disease and a significant risk factor for tooth loss. Although a link between diet and periodontal health exists, the relation between diet and healing after periodontal therapy has yet to be investigated.. The objective was to determine whether higher intakes of fruits and vegetables or nutrients with antioxidant or anti-inflammatory activity are associated with greater healing, measured as reduced probing depth (PD), after scaling and root planing (SRP), a cost-effective treatment to manage periodontal disease and prevent tooth loss.. Patients (63 nonsmokers, 23 smokers) with chronic generalized periodontitis who were undergoing SRP participated. Healing was evaluated based on PD, assessed at baseline and 8-16 wk after SRP. Intakes of fruits, vegetables, β-carotene, vitamin C, α-tocopherol, α-linolenic acid (ALA), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) were estimated using the Block 2005 food frequency questionnaire and a supplement questionnaire. Serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D concentrations were also measured. PD (% sites >3 mm) was modeled in multiple linear regression and analysis of covariance by tertile of intake and adjusted for age, sex, body mass index (BMI), baseline PD, examiner, gingival bleeding, and study duration.. In nonsmokers, PD was associated with fruit and vegetable, β-carotene, vitamin C, α-tocopherol, EPA, and DHA intakes (P < 0.05). PD was not significantly associated with ALA intake or serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D concentration. Significant associations that included supplements (β-carotene, vitamin C, α-tocopherol) were attenuated or lost, depending on the statistical model used. There were no significant associations within the group of smokers.. Dietary intakes of fruits and vegetables, β-carotene, vitamin C, α-tocopherol, EPA, and DHA are associated with reduced PD after SRP in nonsmokers, but not smokers, with chronic generalized periodontitis. These findings may lead to the development of dietary strategies to optimize healing after periodontal procedures. This trial was registered at clinicaltrials.gov as NCT02291835.

Topics: Adult; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; alpha-Linolenic Acid; alpha-Tocopherol; Antioxidants; Ascorbic Acid; beta Carotene; Body Mass Index; Chronic Disease; Cross-Sectional Studies; Dietary Supplements; Docosahexaenoic Acids; Eicosapentaenoic Acid; Energy Intake; Female; Fruit; Humans; Inflammation; Linear Models; Male; Middle Aged; Nutrition Assessment; Periodontitis; Risk Factors; Smoking; Surveys and Questionnaires; Vegetables; Vitamin D

We studied the spontaneous and metal induced oxidation of lipids and proteins in in vitro modeling ways of lipid peroxidation and blood proteins in the formation of malondialdehyde (MDA) and protein carbonyl groups (PCG) in 86 patients with chronic pyelonephritis (cPN) and 64 patients chronic glomerulonephritis(cGN) without prejudice excretory function of the kidneys. Installed the increase in the blood of patients with cPN MDAs 2 times, MDAe--14%, PCG 1.5 times; and cGN--MDAs 2.3 times, MDAe--29%, PCG--2 times. Found increased MDA content and PCG in the blood of patients with cPN and more expressive when cGN. Stimulation of in vitro peroxidation processes contributed significantly increased of production of MDA comparedwith baseline. In the modeling in vitro ascorbate-dependent and NADPH-dependent lipid peroxidation ways and the increase in protein production of MDA and PCG in both groups of patients, especially in the NADPH-dependent way, which must be considered in the correction of oxidative processes and antioxidant therapy appointment.

Topics: Ascorbic Acid; Case-Control Studies; Chronic Disease; Erythrocytes; Ferrous Compounds; Glomerulonephritis; Humans; Lipid Peroxidation; Malondialdehyde; Primary Cell Culture; Protein Carbonylation; Pyelonephritis

Vitamin C (VitC) has several roles in the brain acting both as a specific and non-specific antioxidant. The brain upholds a very high VitC concentration and is able to preferentially retain VitC even during deficiency. The accumulation of brain VitC levels much higher than in blood is primarily achieved by the sodium dependent VitC transporter (SVCT2). This study investigated the effects of chronic pre-and postnatal VitC deficiency as well as the effects of postnatal VitC repletion, on brain SVCT2 expression and markers of oxidative stress in young guinea pigs. Biochemical analyses demonstrated significantly decreased total VitC and an increased percentage of dehydroascorbic acid, as well as increased lipid oxidation (malondialdehyde), in the brains of VitC deficient animals (p < 0.0001) compared to controls. VitC repleted animals were not significantly different from controls. No significant changes were detected in either gene or protein expression of SVCT2 between groups or brain regions. In conclusion, chronic pre-and postnatal VitC deficiency increased brain redox imbalance but did not increase SVCT2 expression. Our findings show potential implications for VitC deficiency induced negative effects of redox imbalance in the brain and provide novel insight to the regulation of VitC in the brain during deficiency.

Topics: Animals; Ascorbic Acid; Ascorbic Acid Deficiency; Brain; Chronic Disease; Female; Gene Expression Regulation; Guinea Pigs; Lipid Metabolism; Malondialdehyde; Oxidation-Reduction; Oxidative Stress; Sodium-Coupled Vitamin C Transporters

Vitamin C deficiency in developed countries is typically observed in patients with unique clinical conditions such as cystic fibrosis or anorexia nervosa, or in patients on long-term tube feeds. We report here a clinical observation in six pediatric and adolescent patients (median age 17.5 yr, range 9.8-23.5 yr) with chronic GVHD with mucous membrane involvement found to be vitamin C deficient. These patients' baseline serum vitamin C levels ranged from <0.12 to 0.94 mg/dL (normal value 0.20-1.90 mg/dL), with a mean level 0.56 ± 0.36 mg/dL and a median level 0.6 mg/dL. Among these patients, signs and symptoms of mucositis failed to respond to standard chronic GVHD therapy. After receiving treatment with 2000 mg of ascorbic acid by mouth, daily patients displayed increased serum vitamin C levels. Clinically, this correlated with a remarkable improvement in patients' mucositis and ability to eat.

Topics: Administration, Oral; Adolescent; Adult; Ascorbic Acid; Ascorbic Acid Deficiency; Child; Chronic Disease; Graft vs Host Disease; Humans; Leukemia, Myeloid, Acute; Mucositis; Mucous Membrane; Myelodysplastic Syndromes; Precursor Cell Lymphoblastic Leukemia-Lymphoma; Prednisone; Scurvy; Stem Cell Transplantation; Young Adult

The dietary habits of baby boomers (people born between 1946 and 1964) undoubtedly will have a substantial impact on their future health; however, dietary information regarding the intake of key chronic disease-related nutrients is lacking for this generation. The objective of this study was to compare the dietary intake of key chronic disease-related nutrients of the baby boomer generation with the previous generation of middle-aged adults.. National cross-sectional study comparison analyzing data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) including NHANES III (1988-1994) and the NHANES for 2007-2010, focused on adult respondents ages 46 to 64 years who were not institutionalized at the time of each survey. The two cohorts were compared with regard to dietary intake of key nutritional components. The main outcome measures were intake of total calories, sodium, cholesterol, fat, fruits, vegetables, vitamin C, water, and fiber.. The baby boomers' average daily intake of nutrients exceeded that of the previous generation of middle-aged adults for total calories (2118/1999), total fat (82/76 g), sodium (3513/3291 mg), and cholesterol (294/262 g; all P < 0.001). The intake of vitamin C (105/89 g), water (1208/1001 g), and vegetables (199/229 g) was less than that of the previous generation (P < 0.001), and the dietary intake of fruit and fiber was unchanged. In regression analyses, dietary changes remained significant after controlling for age, race, sex, and socioeconomic status (all P < 0.01).. The study findings document higher dietary intake of key chronic disease-related nutrients along with reduced vegetable intake among baby boomers compared with the previous generation of middle-aged adults. These findings are indicative of a diet that may contribute to increased rates of chronic disease among individuals in this age group.

Topics: Ascorbic Acid; Cholesterol, Dietary; Chronic Disease; Cross-Sectional Studies; Diet; Dietary Fats; Drinking; Energy Intake; Female; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Nutrition Surveys; Socioeconomic Factors; Sodium, Dietary; United States; Vitamins

Chagas disease is still an important endemic disease in Brazil, and the cardiac involvement is its more severe manifestation.. To verify whether the concomitant use of carvedilol will enhance the antioxidant effect of vitamins E and C in reducing the systemic oxidative stress in chronic Chagas heart disease.. A total of 42 patients with Chagas heart disease were studied. They were divided into four groups according to the modified Los Andes classification: 10 patients in group IA (normal electrocardiogram and echocardiogram; no cardiac involvement); 20 patients in group IB (normal electrocardiogram and abnormal echocardiogram; mild cardiac involvement); eight patients in group II (abnormal electrocardiogram and echocardiogram; no heart failure; moderate cardiac involvement); and four patients in group III (abnormal electrocardiogram and echocardiogram with heart failure; severe cardiac involvement). Blood levels of markers of oxidative stress were determined before and after a six-month period of treatment with carvedilol, and six months after combined therapy of carvedilol with vitamins E and C. The markers analyzed were as follows: activities of superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase, glutathione S-transferase and reductase, myeloperoxidade and adenosine deaminase; and the levels of reduced glutathione, thiobarbituric-acid reactive substances, protein carbonyls, vitamin E, and nitric oxide.. After treatment with carvedilol, all groups showed significant decrease in protein carbonyls and reduced glutathione levels, whereas nitric oxide levels and adenosine activity increased significantly only in the less severely affected group (IA). In addition, the activity of most of the antioxidant enzymes was decreased in the less severely affected groups (IA and IB). By combining the vitamins with carvedilol, a reduction in protein damage, in glutathione levels, and in the activity of most of the antioxidant enzymes were observed.. The decrease in oxidative stress levels observed by means of the markers tested was more significant when carvedilol was used in combination with the antioxidant vitamins. The findings suggest that both carvedilol alone and in combination with the vitamins were effective in attenuating the systemic oxidative stress in patients with Chagas heart disease, especially those less severely affected, thus suggesting the possibility of synergism between these compounds.

Topics: Adrenergic beta-Antagonists; Adult; Aged; Analysis of Variance; Antioxidants; Ascorbic Acid; Biomarkers; Carbazoles; Carvedilol; Chagas Disease; Chronic Disease; Drug Synergism; Drug Therapy, Combination; Female; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Oxidative Stress; Propanolamines; Prospective Studies; Time Factors; Treatment Outcome; Vitamin E; Young Adult

There is a strong male predominance of oesophageal adenocarcinoma, which might be related to the higher prevalence of precursor lesions such as erosive reflux oesophagitis in men compared with women. This experiment investigated the gender difference in a reflux oesophagitis model of rats and explored the potential role of oestrogen in controlling oesophageal tissue damage.. An acid-reflux oesophagitis model was surgically produced in male and female rats, and ascorbic acid in the diet and sodium nitrite in the drinking water were administered to half of either group to provoke luminal exogenous nitric oxide (NO) as an exacerbating agent. Seven days after the surgery, the oesophagus was excised, and the injury area, myeloperoxidase activity and pro-inflammatory cytokine levels were measured. Furthermore, 17β-oestradiol was administered to ovariectomised female rats or male rats, which then underwent reflux oesophagitis surgery.. While there was no gender difference in oesophageal damage in the baseline model, oesophageal damage was more intensively observed in males than in females in the presence of exogenous NO administration. While oesophageal damage was increased in ovariectomised rats compared with sham ovariectomised, exacerbated oesophageal damage was attenuated by the replacement of 17β-oestradiol. In addition, exacerbated oesophageal damage in male rats was suppressed by 17β-oestradiol.. This is the first study showing the prominent gender difference in the severity of oesophageal tissue damage in a gastro-oesophageal reflux disease-related animal model, highlighting the critical involvement of oestrogen in controlling gastro-oesophageal reflux disease-related oesophageal epithelial injury.

Topics: Animals; Ascorbic Acid; Biomarkers; Chronic Disease; Cytokines; Disease Models, Animal; Esophagitis, Peptic; Esophagus; Estradiol; Estrogens; Female; Gastroesophageal Reflux; Male; Mucous Membrane; Nitric Oxide; Ovariectomy; Peroxidase; Random Allocation; Rats; Rats, Wistar; Severity of Illness Index; Sex Factors; Sodium Nitrite; Stomach

This study was designed to investigate the potentially protective effects of glycyrrhetinic acid (GA) and the role of transcription factor nuclear factor-erythroid 2(NF-E2)-related factor 2 (Nrf2) signaling in the regulation of Carbon Tetrachloride (CCl(4))-induced chronic liver fibrosis in mice. The potentially protective effects of GA on CCl(4)-induced chronic liver fibrosis in mice were depicted histologically and biochemically. Firstly, histopathological changes including regenerative nodules, inflammatory cell infiltration and fibrosis were induced by CCl(4).Then, CCl(4) administration caused a marked increase in the levels of serum aminotransferases (GOT, GPT), serum monoamine oxidase (MAO) and lipid peroxidation (MDA) as well as MAO in the mice liver homogenates. Also, decreased nuclear Nrf2 expression, mRNA levels of its target genes such as superoxide dismutase 3 (SOD3), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase 2 (GPX2), and activity of cellular antioxidant enzymes were found after CCl(4) exposure. All of these phenotypes were markedly reversed by the treatment of the mice with GA. In addition, GA exhibited the antioxidant effects in vitro by on FeCl(2)-ascorbate induced lipid peroxidation in mouse liver homogenates, and on DPPH scavenging activity. Taken together, these results suggested that GA can protect the liver from oxidative stress in mice, presumably through activating the nuclear translocation of Nrf2, enhancing the expression of its target genes and increasing the activity of the antioxidant enzymes. Therefore, GA may be an effective hepatoprotective agent and viable candidate for treating liver fibrosis and other oxidative stress-related diseases.

Topics: Animals; Antioxidants; Ascorbic Acid; Biphenyl Compounds; Chronic Disease; Cytoprotection; Ferrous Compounds; Fluorocarbons; Glycyrrhetinic Acid; Lipid Peroxidation; Liver; Liver Cirrhosis; Male; Mice; NF-E2-Related Factor 2; Oxidative Stress; Picrates; RNA, Messenger; Up-Regulation

Deficiencies of essential nutrients have been responsible for many epidemic outbreaks of deficiency diseases in the past. Large observational studies point at possible links between nutrition and chronic diseases. Low intake of antioxidant vitamins e. g. have been correlated to increased risk of cardiovascular diseases or cancer. The main results of these studies are indications that an intake below the recommendation could be one of the risk factors for chronic diseases. There was hardly any evidence that amounts above the RDA could be of additional benefit. Since observational studies cannot prove causality, the scientific community has been asking for placebo-controlled, randomized intervention trials (RCTs). Thus, the consequences of the epidemiological studies would have been to select volunteers whose baseline vitamin levels were below the recommended values. The hypothesis of the trial should be that correcting this risk factor up to RDA levels lowers the risk of a disease like CVD by 20 - 30 %. However, none of the RCTs of western countries was designed to correct a chronic marginal deficiency, but they rather tested whether an additional supplement on top of the recommended values would be beneficial in reducing a disease risk or its prognosis. It was, therefore, not surprising that the results were disappointing. As a matter of fact, the results confirmed the findings of the observational studies: chronic diseases are the product of several risk factors, among them most probably a chronic vitamin deficiency. Vitamin supplements could only correct the part of the overall risk that is due to the insufficient vitamin intake.

Topics: Antioxidants; Ascorbic Acid; Avitaminosis; beta Carotene; Cardiovascular Diseases; Chronic Disease; Dietary Supplements; Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; Female; Humans; Male; Nutrition Policy; Prognosis; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Risk Factors; Vitamin E; Vitamins

Chronic stress has been implicated as a contributing factor in liver injury. However, other factors that can contribute to the severity of stress effect in liver injury have not been well characterized. In this study, the combined effect of chronic psychosocial stress and variable dosing levels of vitamin C on liver injury, have been studied.. Stress was chronically induced using intruder method. Vitamin C was administered by oral gavage. Both biochemical and histopathological measures were undertaken.. The results showed that low (50mg/kg/day) and moderate (150 mg/kg/day) doses of vitamin C alone or in combination with chronic stress had no effect on liver. However, combination of high dose of vitamin C (500 mg/kg/day) and chronic stress induced various histopathological liver lesions in most of animals in the group that was stressed and supplemented with high dose vitamin C.. Results of this study show a dose-dependent effect for vitamin C in exacerbating stress contribution to liver injury.

Topics: Administration, Oral; Aggression; Animals; Ascorbic Acid; Chemical and Drug Induced Liver Injury; Chronic Disease; Disease Models, Animal; Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; Liver; Male; Precipitating Factors; Rats; Rats, Wistar; Stress, Psychological; Territoriality; Vitamins

To evaluate the efficacy of vitamin C in reducing the consequences generated by the production of free radicals in the acute and chronic phases of Chagas disease, two different doses of ascorbic acid were administered orally to 60 mice infected by Trypanosoma cruzi QM2 strain.. The animals were divided into six groups: G1, G2, and G3 for the acute phase study, and G'1, G'2, and G'3 for the chronic stage. The groups G1 and G'1 received 8.6 x 10⁻⁴ mg/g of vitamin C daily, whereas G2 and G'2 received 7.14 x 10⁻³ mg/g daily. The other groups, G3 and G'3, were considered placebos and received 10 µL of mineral water.. The study of the acute phase showed statistically significant differences between G1 and the other groups at various count days of the parasitemia evolution. The multiplying parasite was slower in G1 until the 11th day, but on the 22nd day it had greater parasitemia than in G2 and G3, and from the 36th day on, parasitemia stabilized at higher levels. However, when the histopathology of acute and chronic phases is considered, one does not note significant differences.. The administration of two different doses of vitamin C was not able to protect mice and to contain the oxidative stress caused by free radicals formed by the metabolism of oxygen (reactive oxygen species) and nitrogen (reactive nitrogen species).

Topics: Acute Disease; Animals; Antioxidants; Ascorbic Acid; Chagas Disease; Chronic Disease; Disease Models, Animal; Male; Mice; Parasitemia

Although reactive oxygen species (ROS) are involved in neuropathic pain, the direct relationship between these species and chronic constriction of sciatic nerve (CCI) has not been studied in spinal cord. Thus, this study induced CCI in rats and these animals were sacrificed 3 and 10 days after the surgical procedure to determine the superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase activities, as well as ascorbic acid, hydrogen peroxide (H(2)O(2)) and lipid hydroperoxide levels in lumbosacral spinal cord. Von Frey Hair and hot plate tests were performed to assess the degree of mechanical and thermal hyperalgesia at days 0, 3 and 10. The results showed that CCI significantly induced mechanical and thermal hyperalgesia at days 3 and 10. Parallel there was increase in spinal cord lipid hydroperoxide at days 3 and 10 in rats submitted to CCI. In Sham rats a significant increase in this parameter occurred at day 10. H(2)O(2) decreased at day 10 only in CCI group. SOD activity was decreased in Sham and CCI groups at day 3, while catalase activity was increased in CCI rats at days 3 and 10. Ascorbic acid levels were reduced only in CCI rats at day 3. Although the role of such changes is unclear, many were not specific to neuropathic pain and the differences could be related to different degrees of central sensitization in Sham and CCI rats.

Topics: Animals; Ascorbic Acid; Behavior, Animal; Catalase; Chronic Disease; Constriction, Pathologic; Hot Temperature; Hydrogen Peroxide; Hyperalgesia; Lipid Peroxides; Male; Nerve Tissue Proteins; Oxidation-Reduction; Physical Stimulation; Rats; Rats, Wistar; Sciatic Neuropathy; Spinal Cord; Superoxide Dismutase

Vitamin C deficiency - or hypovitaminosis C defined as a plasma concentration below 23 μm - is estimated to affect hundreds of millions of people in the Western world, in particular subpopulations of low socio-economic status that tend to eat diets of poor nutritional value. Recent studies by us have shown that vitamin C deficiency may result in impaired brain development. Thus, the aim of the present study was to investigate if a poor diet high in fat and cholesterol affects the vitamin C status of guinea pigs kept on either sufficient or deficient levels of dietary ascorbate (Asc) for up to 6 months with particular emphasis on the brain. The present results show that a high-fat and cholesterol diet significantly decreased the vitamin C concentrations in the brain, irrespective of the vitamin C status of the animal (P < 0·001). The brain Asc oxidation ratio only depended on vitamin C status (P < 0·0001) and not on the dietary lipid content. In plasma, the levels of Asc significantly decreased when vitamin C in the diet was low or when the fat/cholesterol content was high (P < 0·0001 for both). The Asc oxidation ratio increased both with low vitamin C and with high fat and cholesterol content (P < 0·0001 for both). We show here for the first time that vitamin C homoeostasis of brain is affected by a diet rich in fat and cholesterol. The present findings suggest that this type of diet increases the turnover of Asc; hence, individuals consuming high-lipid diets may be at increased risk of vitamin C deficiency.

Topics: Animals; Antioxidants; Ascorbic Acid; Ascorbic Acid Deficiency; Brain; Cholesterol, Dietary; Chronic Disease; Dietary Fats; Disease Models, Animal; Guinea Pigs; Homeostasis; Oxidation-Reduction; Oxidative Stress

In the current study we initially investigated the influence of antioxidants (vitamins E plus C) on the effect mediated by acute and chronic administration of methionine (Met) on Na(+),K(+)-ATPase activity in rat hippocampus. We also verified whether the alterations on the enzyme after administration of Met and/or antioxidants were associated with changes in relative expression of Na(+),K(+)-ATPase catalytic subunits (isoforms α1, α2 and α3). For acute treatment, young rats received a single subcutaneous injection of Met or saline (control) and were sacrificed 12 h later. In another set of experiments, rats were pretreated for 1 week with daily intraperitoneal administration of vitamins E (40 mg/kg) and C (100 mg/kg) or saline. After that, rats received a single injection of Met or saline and were killed 12 h later. For chronic treatment, Met was administered to rats from the 6th to the 28th day of life; controls and treated rats were sacrificed 12 h after the last injection. In parallel to chronic treatment, rats received a daily intraperitoneal injection of vitamins E and C from the 6th to the 28th day of life and were killed 12 h after the last injection. Results showed that administration of antioxidants partially prevented the inhibition of enzyme activity caused by acute and chronic hypermethioninemia. Besides, we demonstrated that transcription of catalytic subunits of Na(+),K(+)-ATPase was not altered by chronic and acute exposure to Met and/or vitamins E plus C. These data strongly suggest the oxidative damage as one possible mechanism involved in the reduction of Na(+),K(+)-ATPase activity caused by hypermethioninemia and if confirmed in human beings, we might propose the use of antioxidants as an adjuvant therapy in hypermethioninemic patients.

Topics: Acute Disease; Amino Acid Metabolism, Inborn Errors; Animals; Antioxidants; Ascorbic Acid; Chronic Disease; Hippocampus; Humans; Methionine; Rats; Rats, Wistar; Sodium-Potassium-Exchanging ATPase; Vitamin E

Pressure urticaria as a subform of physical urticaria is rare and treatment is often difficult. Established therapeutic regimes include antihistamines (generally exceeding approved dosages in order to achieve a therapeutic benefit) or antihistamines combined with montelukast. Complete relief of symptoms is difficult.. We used dapsone as an early therapeutic alternative in the event of treatment failure and established a standardized therapeutic regime at our clinic. We surveyed 31 patients retrospectively who had received dapsone between 2003-2009.. In 74 % of patients in whom symptoms persisted despite established therapies, the results of treatment with dapsone were good or very good. Longer-term pressure urticaria and the co-existence of a chronic spontaneous urticaria were associated with a smaller benefit (p<0.05). No significant effects were found related to age, gender, duration of therapy, side-effects, or Met-Hb elevation (a tendency toward a decreased benefit was associated with middle-age, male sex, shorter duration of therapy, observed side-effects, and Met-Hb elevation).. Therapy is well tolerated and results in a good therapeutic benefit which lasts after termination of therapy. With adequate monitoring, the use of dapsone in patients with pressure urticaria has such a good risk-benefit ratio that we support early treatment initiation.

Topics: Adult; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Anti-Infective Agents; Ascorbic Acid; Chronic Disease; Dapsone; Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; Drug Administration Schedule; Drug Resistance; Drug Therapy, Combination; Female; Humans; Male; Methemoglobin; Middle Aged; Pressure; Retrospective Studies; Urticaria

Topics: Adaptation, Psychological; Adult; Affective Symptoms; Ascorbic Acid; Chronic Disease; Humans; Magnesium; Magnesium Deficiency; Male; Stress, Psychological; Treatment Outcome; Vitamin B 6

Chronic chagasic cardiac patients are exposed to oxidative stress that apparently contributes to disease progression. Benznidazole (BZN) is the main drug used for the treatment of chagasic patients and its action involves the generation of reactive species. 41 patients with Chagas' heart disease were selected and biomarkers of oxidative stress were measured before and after 2 months of BZN treatment (5 mg/kg/day) and the subsequent antioxidant supplementation with vitamin E (800 UI/day) and C (500 mg/day) during 6 months. Patients were classified according to the modified Los Andes clinical hemodynamic classification in groups IA, IB, II and III, and the activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), glutathione S-transferase (GST) and glutathione reductase (GR), as well as the contents of reduced glutathione (GSH), thiobarbituric acid reactive species (TBARS), protein carbonyl (PC), vitamin E and C and nitric oxide (NO), myeloperoxidase (MPO) and adenosine deaminase (ADA) activities were measured in their blood. Excepting in group III, after BZN treatment SOD, CAT, GPx and GST activities as well as PC levels were enhanced while vitamin E levels were decreased in these groups. After antioxidant supplementation the activities of SOD, GPx and GR were decreased whereas PC, TBARS, NO, and GSH levels were decreased. In conclusion, BZN treatment promoted an oxidative insult in such patients while the antioxidant supplementation was able to attenuate this effect by increasing vitamin E levels, decreasing PC and TBARS levels, inhibiting SOD, GPx and GR activities as well as inflammatory markers, mainly in stages with less cardiac involvement.

Topics: Antioxidants; Ascorbic Acid; Chagas Disease; Chronic Disease; Humans; Nitroimidazoles; Oxidative Stress; Thiobarbituric Acid Reactive Substances; Vitamin E

In premature infants, glucocorticoids ameliorate chronic lung disease, but have adverse effects on growth and the cardiovascular system. Glucocorticoid excess promotes free radical overproduction and vascular dysfunction.. We hypothesized that the adverse effects of postnatal glucocorticoid therapy are secondary to oxidative stress and that antioxidant treatment would diminish unwanted effects.. Male rat pups received a clinically relevant course of dexamethasone (Dex), or Dex with vitamins C and E (DexCE), on postnatal days 1-6 (P1-6). Controls received saline (Ctrl) or saline with vitamins (CtrlCE).. At P21, Dex reduced survival (Ctrl: 96 vs. Dex: 70%) and promoted asymmetric growth restriction (ponderal index, Ctrl: 6.3 +/- 0.1 g . mm(-3) x 10(-5) vs. Dex: 7.4 +/- 0.2 g . mm(-3) x 10(-5)), both p < 0.05. Dex increased cardiac oxidative stress (protein expression: 4-HNE +20%, Hsp90 -42% and eNOS -54%), induced left ventricle (LV) wall thinning (LV wall volume: Ctrl: 47.2 +/- 1.2 mm(3) vs. Dex: 38.9 +/- 1.7 mm(3)) and decreased the ratio of the aortic lumen:total vessel area (Ctrl: 0.74 +/- 0.01 vs. Dex: 0.66 +/- 0.02), all p < 0.05. DexCE restored towards control values survival, growth symmetry the aortic lumen:total vessel area, and increased the cardiac expression of Hsp90 relative to Dex. In addition, relative to controls, the decrease in the cardiac expression of eNOS was no longer significant in DexCE animals (-20.3 +/- 14.4%, p > 0.05). However, DexCE did not prevent growth retardation, cardiac 4-HNE upregulation (DexCE: +29%) or LV thinning (DexCE: 40.1 +/- 1.1 mm(3)). Treatment of neonates with vitamins alone affected somatic growth and promoted thinner LV walls (CtrlCE: 39.9 +/- 0.5 mm(3), p < 0.05).. Combined glucocorticoid and antioxidant therapy in premature infants may be safer than glucocorticoids alone in the treatment of chronic lung disease. However, antioxidant therapy in healthy offspring is not recommended.

Topics: Aldehydes; Animals; Animals, Newborn; Antioxidants; Ascorbic Acid; Cardiovascular Diseases; Chronic Disease; Dexamethasone; Drug Therapy, Combination; Glucocorticoids; Heart; HSP90 Heat-Shock Proteins; Lung Diseases; Male; Nitric Oxide Synthase Type III; Oxidative Stress; Rats; Vitamin E

Ascorbic acid is a sugar acid and an essential vital food nutrient found mainly in fruits and vegetables. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of ascorbic acid against arsenic induced oxidative stress in blood of rat. In rat, treatment with ascorbic acid prevented the increased serum enzymatic activity of AST, ALT, ALP, ACP and LDH. In addition, treatment with ascorbic acid prevented elevated production of LPO, PC and NO and restored the depletion of reduced SOD and CAT activities. Interestingly, ascorbic acid markedly upregulated lymphocytes relative mRNA expression of lymphocytes SOD2 gene corresponding to GAPDH, house keeping candidate gene in arsenic-treated rat, which might provide anti-oxidative activity in the blood.

Topics: Animals; Antioxidants; Arsenic Poisoning; Ascorbic Acid; Biomarkers; Catalase; Chronic Disease; Disease Models, Animal; Enzymes; Gene Expression Regulation, Enzymologic; Glyceraldehyde-3-Phosphate Dehydrogenases; Lipid Peroxidation; Lymphocytes; Male; Nitric Oxide; Oxidative Stress; Rats; Rats, Wistar; RNA, Messenger; Superoxide Dismutase; Up-Regulation

Since chronic stress has been used widely for studying clinical depression and that brain energy metabolism and oxidative stress might be involved in the pathophysiology of this illness, the objective of this study was investigate the activities of pyruvate kinase, complex II and IV (cytocrome c oxidase) in hippocampus and prefrontal cortex of rats submitted to chronic variable stress. We also evaluated if vitamins E and C administration could prevent such effects. During 40 days adult rats from the stressed group were subjected to one stressor per day, at a different time each day, in order to minimize predictability. The stressed group had gained less weight while its immobilization time in the forced swimming test was greater than that of the control group. Results showed that stressed group presented an inhibition in the activities of complex II and cytochrome c oxidase in prefrontal cortex, while in hippocampus just complex IV was inhibited. Pyruvate kinase activity was not altered in stressed group when compared to control. Vitamins E and C administration prevented the alterations on respiratory chain caused by stress. These data suggest that the impairment of energy metabolism and oxidative stress could be related with the pathogenic pathways in stress related disorders.

Topics: Animals; Antioxidants; Ascorbic Acid; Brain Diseases, Metabolic; Chronic Disease; Disease Models, Animal; Electron Transport; Electron Transport Complex IV; Energy Metabolism; Hippocampus; Oxidative Stress; Prefrontal Cortex; Pyruvate Kinase; Rats; Rats, Wistar; Stress, Psychological; Vitamin E

Oxalic acid is thought to be a significant uremic toxin that participates in the pathogenesis of uremic syndrome. AIM OF THE STUDY was to summarise results which we obtained during the study ofoxalic acid in biological fluids (plasma, saliva, urine and dialysate) in patients suffering from chronic kidney diseases (CKD), stage 3-5 and after renal transplantation.. In the retrospective study were investigated 28 healthy subjects, 112 CKD stage 1-4 patients, 39 haemodialysis patients and 27 CAPD patients. Besides 21 patients were investigated after renal transplantation. We used the following therapeutic methods: maximal water diuresis, diet with low (2g/day) and high (15g/day) sodium chloride intake, administration intravenous furosemide (20mg) and renal replacement therapy [CAPD, haemodialysis (HD), haemofiltration (HF) and postdilution haemodiafiltration (HDF)] and renal transplantation. Oxalic acid was determined by spectrophotometric method using oxalate oxidase which is free from vitamin C interference. Vitamin C was determined by spectrophotometric method.. In CKD patients and those after renal transplantation direct relationships between plasma oxalic acid and serum creatinine were found (r = 0.904 and 0.943, respectively, P < 0.001). Despite of high plasma oxalic acid in uremic patients (23.1 +/- 10 micromol/l), there was no significant difference in salivary oxalic acid between control subjects (126.5 +/- 18 micromol/l) and CKD stage 3-4 patients (133.9 +/- 23.7 micromol/I). The urinary excretion of oxalic acid during maximal water diuresis in healthy subjects (n = 15) (from 37.5 +/- 17.4 to 110.2 +/- 49.3 micromol/4 hours) and after intravenous furosemide (CKD stage 3-4, n = 15) (from 34.5 +/- 5.5 to 66.7 +/- 8.1 micromol/3 hours) increased significantly, but was not affected by high intake of NaCI in diet (CKD stage 3-4, n = 12). One tablet of Sorbifer Durules containing 100 mg Fe2+ and 60 mg vitamin C did not lead to further increase of uremic hyperoxalemia in haemodialysis patients. Four-hour HD, H F and HDF led to the significant decrease of plasma oxalic acid, but the most significant decrease was observed during HDF (63.3%).. The results of this study indicate, that renal replacement therapy is not effective for permanent reduction of elevated plasma levels of oxalic acid--important uremic toxin.

Topics: Adult; Ascorbic Acid; Chronic Disease; Creatinine; Diuresis; Female; Humans; Kidney Diseases; Kidney Transplantation; Male; Middle Aged; Oxalic Acid; Renal Dialysis; Sodium Chloride, Dietary; Toxins, Biological; Uremia

The estimation of dietary intake in population-based studies is often assessed by a food frequency questionnaire (FFQ). This present study aimed to establish the validity of a 142-item quantitative FFQ (QFFQ) developed to assess dietary intake in a population living in the Northwest Territories, Canada, and undergoing rapid nutrition transition.. Sixty-four randomly selected Inuvialuit adults were recruited. The mean of one to three 24-h recalls was used as the reference to measure the validity of the QFFQ. Spearman rank correlations (ρ), cross-classification and weighted kappa were computed as measures of concordance, adjusting for the daily dietary intake variations in the recalls. Bland - Altman plots were used for additional assessment.. Four participants with daily energy intake of >25.1 MJ were not included in the analysis. For all nutrients, mean daily intake estimations were higher from the QFFQ than from the recalls. De-attenuated ρ's for macronutrients ranged from 0.33 (protein) to 0.45 (carbohydrate). The best de-attenuated ρ amongst micronutrients was observed for vitamin C (0.53). Overall correlation between the two dietary tools improved after correction for within-person variance (from 0.32 to 0.35). When nutrient intakes were categorised into quartiles, the QFFQ and 24-h recalls indicated relative agreement (same or adjacent quartiles) for 77% for energy and macronutrients, 86% for total sugar and 72% for micronutrients. Bland-Altman plots showed a tendency for increased scatter of the differences at higher intakes.. The QFFQ developed is valid and can be used to assess usual dietary intake and dietary adequacy, determine the contribution of foods to specific nutrient intakes, and identify dietary risk factors for chronic disease amongst Inuvialuit.

Topics: Adult; Ascorbic Acid; Chronic Disease; Diet; Dietary Carbohydrates; Dietary Proteins; Eating; Energy Intake; Feeding Behavior; Female; Humans; Inuit; Male; Micronutrients; Middle Aged; Northwest Territories; Reproducibility of Results; Risk Factors; Surveys and Questionnaires

Validation of a quantitative food frequency questionnaire (QFFQ) developed specifically for Inuit is necessary to determine its usefulness in assessing dietary intake and adequacy and in identifying dietary risk factors for chronic disease in this population.. Seventy-five randomly selected Inuit adults in Nunavut, Canada, were recruited. Mean daily intake of nutrients from one to three 24-h recalls was used as the reference to measure QFFQ validity. Crude and energy-adjusted Spearman rank correlations (ρ), cross classification and weighted kappa were computed as measures of concordance. Bland-Altman plotting was used for additional assessment.. Excluding four participants with daily energy intake of >25.1 MJ, 71 participants were included in the analysis. For all nutrients, mean daily intake from the QFFQ was higher than the recall. ρ's for macronutrients were in the range 0.71 for carbohydrate to 0.25 for protein. The best ρ amongst micronutrients was observed for vitamin C (0.66). Overall correlation between the two dietary tools improved after correction for within-person variance (from 0.46 to 0.49), although adjusting for energy did not improve the overall coefficient. When nutrient intakes were categorised into quartiles, the QFFQ and 24-h recalls indicated relative agreement proportion (same or adjacent quartiles) of 83% for energy, 94% for total sugar, 83% for macronutrients and 77% for micronutrients. Bland-Altman plots showed a tendency for increased scatter of the differences in nutrients at higher intakes.. The QFFQ developed is valid and can be used to assess usual dietary intake and dietary adequacy, determine the contribution of foods to specific nutrient intakes, and identify dietary risk factors for chronic disease amongst this population.

Topics: Adult; Ascorbic Acid; Chronic Disease; Diet; Dietary Carbohydrates; Dietary Proteins; Eating; Energy Intake; Feeding Behavior; Female; Humans; Inuit; Male; Micronutrients; Middle Aged; Nunavut; Reproducibility of Results; Risk Factors; Surveys and Questionnaires; Young Adult

A cross-sectional study of the 979 nonsmoking women and men aged 20-29 years who participated in the Toronto Nutrigenomics and Health Study from 2004 to 2008 was conducted to determine the prevalence of serum ascorbic acid (vitamin C) deficiency and its association with markers of chronic disease in a population of young Canadian adults. High performance liquid chromatography was used to determine serum ascorbic acid concentrations from overnight fasting blood samples. A 1-month, 196-item food frequency questionnaire was used to assess dietary intakes. Results showed that 53% of subjects had adequate, 33% had suboptimal, and 14% had deficient levels of serum ascorbic acid. Subjects with deficiency had significantly higher measurements of mean C-reactive protein, waist circumference, body mass index, and blood pressure than did subjects with adequate levels of serum ascorbic acid. The odds ratio for serum ascorbic acid deficiency was 3.43 (95% confidence interval: 2.14, 5.50) for subjects who reported not meeting the recommended daily intake of vitamin C compared with those who did. Results suggest that 1 of 7 young adults has serum ascorbic acid deficiency, in part, because of unmet recommended dietary intakes. Furthermore, serum ascorbic acid deficiency is associated with elevated markers of chronic disease in this population of young adults, which may have long-term adverse health consequences.

Topics: Adult; Ascorbic Acid; Ascorbic Acid Deficiency; Biomarkers; C-Reactive Protein; Canada; Chronic Disease; Cross-Sectional Studies; Feeding Behavior; Female; Humans; Logistic Models; Male; Multivariate Analysis; Prevalence; Risk Factors; Sex Distribution

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of melatonin and vitamin C on expression of endothelial nitric oxide synthase (NOS) in heart tissue of chronic alcoholic rats. Twenty-four adult male Wistar rats weighing 200-250 g were used in this study. Rats were divided into four groups. The first group served as control (n = 6). The second group was treated with ethanol (%7.2) for 28 days (n = 6), which was administered in artificial isocaloric diets. The third group was given ethanol and supplemented with 40 mg/kg vitamin C [intraperitoneally (i.p.)] (n = 6). The fourth group was given ethanol and supplemented with 4 mg/kg melatonin (i.p.) (n = 6). At the end of the experiment, rats were sacrificed and heart tissues were processed for immunohistochemistry analysis to endothelial NOS (eNOS). eNOS immunoreactivity showed heterogeneous distribution in control group. eNOS immunoreactivity was (+) in some myocytes and (++) in some others. Expression of eNOS in alcohol group was heterogeneous like control group but also stronger than that. Immunoreactivity was (+++) in myocytes near the epicardial zone and (++) in myocytes near the endocardium border. In melatonin and vitamin C-treated groups, eNOS immunoreactivity was diffuse and the intensity of reaction was (+++) in subepicardial region. However, eNOS immunoreactivity scores were weaker in these groups when compared with the alcohol group. Our results indicate that alleviation of oxidative stress by antioxidant therapy reduces reactive oxygen species-mediated nitric oxide inactivation.

Topics: Alcohol-Induced Disorders; Animals; Antioxidants; Ascorbic Acid; Catalase; Central Nervous System Depressants; Chronic Disease; Disease Models, Animal; Ethanol; Heart; Immunoenzyme Techniques; Male; Malondialdehyde; Melatonin; Myocardium; Myocytes, Cardiac; Nitric Oxide Synthase Type III; Oxidative Stress; Rats; Rats, Wistar; Reactive Oxygen Species

Chronic Experimental Autoimmune Encephalomyelitis (EAE) was induced in rats to evaluate a new drug candidate (GEMSP) for the treatment of multiple sclerosis. This work is a part of preclinical studies on GEMSP, which is made up of fatty acids, vitamins and amino acids or their derivatives; all these compounds were linked to Poly-L-Lysine. In order to evaluate the effects of GEMSP, animals were divided into three experimental groups: 1) EAE rats treated with GEMSP; 2) EAE rats treated with NaCl; and 3) non-EAE rats. Using immunocytochemical techniques with a pan-leukocyte marker (anti-CD 45), differential leukocyte infiltration was compared in the central nervous systems of the different experimental groups. Antibodies directed against a component of GEMSP, the conjugated methionine, were used in all three groups. We found that: 1) GEMSP was effective in abolishing EAE. The crises and clinical scores were completely abolished in the animals of the first group, but not in the animals belonging to the second group; 2) the degree of leukocyte infiltration varied, depending on the different EAE stages, but was not related to the clinical score; and 3) after using anti-conjugated methionine antibodies, we observed immunoreactivity only in the motoneurons of the ventral horn of the spinal cord in the animals of the first group. This immunoreactivity was not found in the animals of the second or third groups. No methionine immunoreactivity was found in the brain. Our results suggest that GEMSP may be a potential drug candidate against the pathogenic processes involved in multiple sclerosis, inhibiting EAE episodes and brain leukocyte infiltration. Our results also show that one component of GEMSP, the methionine compound, is stored inside motoneurons. The possible physiological actions of GEMSP on spinal cord motoneurons are discussed.

Topics: Amino Acids; Animals; Ascorbic Acid; Chronic Disease; Drug Evaluation, Preclinical; Encephalomyelitis, Autoimmune, Experimental; Fatty Acids; Glutaral; Humans; Leukocyte Common Antigens; Methionine; Motor Neurons; Multiple Sclerosis; Polylysine; Rats; Sodium Chloride; Spinal Cord; Treatment Outcome

A hundred and fifty-two patients cholelithiasis were examined. Among them, 69 and 83 patients were operated on for acute destructive and chronic cholecystitis, respectively. In destructive cholecystitis, there is a high lipid oxidation rate accompanied by the elevated levels of nonenzymatic antioxidant ceruloplasmin. The low activity of catalase and ceruloplasmin and the decreased content of ascorbic acid suggest the depletion of antioxidative defense in patients with cholelithiasis with significant liver disease. The magnitude of changes in the activity of antioxidative enzymes and the level of the nonenzymatic antioxidant ascorbic acid depend on the state of the liver.

Topics: Antioxidants; Ascorbic Acid; Catalase; Ceruloplasmin; Cholecystitis, Acute; Cholelithiasis; Chronic Disease; Female; Humans; Liver Diseases; Male; Oxidation-Reduction

Topics: Animals; Antioxidants; Ascorbic Acid; Chronic Disease; Clinical Trials as Topic; Complementary Therapies; Flavonoids; Humans; Inflammation; Liver Diseases; Phenols; Polyphenols; Reactive Oxygen Species; Reproducibility of Results; Tea; Treatment Outcome; Vitamin A; Vitamin E

The aim of this study was to contribute to the knowledge concerning pathogenesis of inflammatory chronic prostatitis by revealing possible shifts in the balance of markers of oxidative stress and anti-oxidative activity in case of leucocytospermic prostatitis. We also attempted to identify possible relations between seminal micro-organisms and oxidative stress parameters. A many-sided complex of local (spermatozoa, seminal plasma) and general (blood, urine) markers in 21 prostatitis patients and nine controls was compared. In both spermatozoa and seminal plasma, the content of diene conjugates was significantly higher in prostatitis patients compared with healthy controls. At the same time total anti-oxidative status in spermatozoa and total anti-oxidative activity in seminal plasma were lower in prostatitis patients than in controls. In urine, the level of 8-isoprostanes was significantly higher in prostatitis patients than in healthy controls, correlating well with 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine. The latter correlated with cellular Fe and Ni contents as well, confirming that these metals with varying valency may cause DNA damage. Reduced glutathione showed higher levels in blood of controls than in prostatitis patients. Coryneform bacteria appeared to be associated with prostatitis-related oxidative stress. In conclusion, leucocytospermic prostatitis patients are characterised by oxidative stress at all levels: systemic (general), seminal plasma and cellular.

Topics: 8-Hydroxy-2'-Deoxyguanosine; Adult; Ascorbic Acid; Case-Control Studies; Chronic Disease; Corynebacterium; Deoxyguanosine; Dinoprost; Glutathione; Humans; Interleukin-6; Leukocytes; Male; Metals; Oxidation-Reduction; Oxidative Stress; Prospective Studies; Prostatitis; Reactive Oxygen Species; Semen; Spermatozoa

This study was designed to investigate the effects of peripheral arterial insufficiency, exercise, and vitamin C administration on muscle performance, cross-sectional area, and ultrastructural morphology in extensor digitorum longus (EDL) and soleus (Sol) muscles in rats. Adult Wistar rats were assigned to ischemia alone (isch), ischemia-exercised (exe), ischemia-vitamin C (vit C), and ischemia-exercise-vitamin C (vit C + exe) groups. Ischemia was achieved via unilateral ligation of the right common iliac artery. Contralateral muscles within the same animal served as controls. Exercise protocol consisted of 50-min intermittent level running performed every other day for 5 days. Vitamin C (100 mg/kg body wt) was administered intraperitoneally on a daily basis throughout the 14 days of the experiment. With regard to the EDL muscle, ischemia alone reduced muscle strength, which was not recovered after vitamin C administration. Exercise alone following ischemia induced the most severe structural damage and cross-sectional area decrease in the muscle, yet the reduction in tetanic tension was not significant. Exercise in conjunction with vitamin C administration preserved ischemia-induced EDL muscle tetanic tension. In the Sol muscle, a significant reduction in single twitch tension after vitamin C administration was found, whereas the tetanic force of the ischemic Sol was not significantly decreased compared with the contralateral muscles in any group. Ischemic Sol muscle cross-sectional area was reduced in all but the exe groups. In Sol, muscle strength was reduced in the vit C group, and mean cross-sectional area of ischemic Sol muscles was reduced in all groups except the exe group. These results illustrate that mild exercise, combined with a low dose of vitamin C supplementation, may have beneficial effects on ischemic EDL muscle with a smaller effect on the Sol muscle.

Topics: Animals; Antioxidants; Ascorbic Acid; Chronic Disease; Dietary Supplements; Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; Female; Ischemia; Male; Muscle, Skeletal; Physical Conditioning, Animal; Rats; Rats, Wistar

Chronic periodontitis is an inflammatory disease that affects the supporting tissues of the teeth. It is initiated by specific bacteria within the plaque biofilm and progresses due to an abnormal inflammatory-immune response to those bacteria. Periodontitis is the major cause of tooth loss and is also significantly associated with an increased risk of stroke, type-2 diabetes and atheromatous heart disease. Oxidative stress is reported in periodontitis both locally and peripherally (serum), providing potential mechanistic links between periodontitis and systemic inflammatory diseases. It is therefore important to examine serum antioxidant concentrations in periodontal health/disease, both at an individual species and total antioxidant (TAOC) level. To determine whether serum antioxidant concentrations were associated with altered relative risk for periodontitis, we used multiple logistic regression for dual case definitions (both mild and severe disease) of periodontitis in an analysis of 11,480 NHANES III adult participants (>20 y of age). Serum concentrations of vitamin C, bilirubin, and TAOC were inversely associated with periodontitis, the association being stronger in severe disease. Vitamin C and TAOC remained protective in never-smokers. Higher serum antioxidant concentrations were associated with lower odds ratios for severe periodontitis of 0.53 (CI, 0.42,0.68) for vitamin C, 0.65 (0.49,0.93) for bilirubin, and 0.63 (0.47,0.85) for TAOC. In the subpopulation of never-smokers, the protective effect was more pronounced: 0.38 (0.26,0.63, vitamin C) and 0.55 (0.33,0.93, TAOC). Increased serum antioxidant concentrations are associated with a reduced relative risk of periodontitis even in never-smokers.

Topics: Adult; Aged; Antioxidants; Ascorbic Acid; Bilirubin; Chronic Disease; Female; Health Surveys; Humans; Logistic Models; Male; Middle Aged; Nutrition Surveys; Periodontitis; United States

Topics: Adult; alpha-Tocopherol; Antioxidants; Ascorbic Acid; Biomarkers; Ceruloplasmin; Chronic Disease; Female; Humans; Lipid Peroxidation; Lyme Disease; Male; Malondialdehyde

Clinical and capillaroscopic evaluation of an association of Ruscus aculeatus, hesperidin methylchalcone (HMC) and ascorbic acid in chronic venous insufficiency. A prospective, multicenter and open clinical study. Chronic venous insufficiency patients were studied using clinical, etiological, anatomical, physiological classification (CEAP) symptom scale. Symptomatology, CEAP scale, and baseline, 2-, 4-, 6- and 8-week skin capillaroscopy were assessed. Treatment consisted of two capsules per day of Ruscus aculeatus 150 mg/HMC 150 mg/ascorbic acid 100 mg during 8 weeks.. A total of 124 patients were studied, 109 female (89.28%), with a mean age of 52.5 (33-80+9.8). Initial intense reports were 79% pain, 85% heaviness, 74% cramps, 82% edema, decreasing to 20%, 12%, 8% and 14%, respectively, within two weeks, and symptomatology being absent at the end of treatment. Capillaroscopy changes at treatment completion were: 98% to 20% inter-capillary fluid decrease; 80% to 20% efferent loop thickening; 5% to 2% peri-capillary bed, and 5% to 4% mega-capillaries.. Severe symptom decrease started from the second week until there were no symptoms at the end of treatment. It is the first time morphologic changes were observed in chronic venous insufficiency through capillaroscopy following a pharmacological intervention. Capillary-level effect was proportional to symptom decrease. Improvement was seen from the second week of treatment.

Topics: Adult; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Antioxidants; Ascorbic Acid; Chalcones; Chronic Disease; Female; Hesperidin; Humans; Leg; Male; Microscopic Angioscopy; Middle Aged; Phytotherapy; Plant Extracts; Ruscus; Venous Insufficiency

Oxidative stress plays a role in the progression of chronic heart failure (CHF), but whether and how ischaemic heart disease (IHD) or non-IHD aetiology may account for differential redox alterations is currently unclear. We assessed the relation between thiol redox state and lipid peroxidation, as a marker of oxidative stress, in patients with CHF of ischaemic or non-ischaemic origin.. Blood reduced glutathione, plasma total and reduced cysteine, cysteinylglycine, homocysteine, glutathione, plasma alpha-tocopherol, ascorbic acid, and free malondialdehyde were assessed in 43 CHF heart transplant candidates (24 IHD and 19 non-IHD) and 30 controls matched for age, gender and number of atherosclerotic risk factors.. Reduced cysteine was increased in CHF patients compared with controls. The highest levels were found in IHD versus non-IHD patients versus controls. Malondialdehyde levels were significantly higher in IHD patients than in controls, whereas antioxidant vitamins did not differ among the three groups.. Specific abnormalities in the thiol pattern are associated with heart failure aetiology in CHF patients. Our findings point to the possible role of reduced cysteine in the progression of chronic IHD to heart failure status, as an additional pro-oxidant stimulus for worsening oxidative stress.

Topics: Aged; alpha-Tocopherol; Ascorbic Acid; Biomarkers; Case-Control Studies; Chronic Disease; Cysteine; Dipeptides; Disease Progression; Female; Glutathione; Heart Failure; Homocysteine; Humans; Lipid Peroxidation; Male; Malondialdehyde; Middle Aged; Myocardial Ischemia; Oxidation-Reduction; Oxidative Stress; Research Design; Sulfhydryl Compounds

In the present study we investigated the action of alpha-tocopherol and ascorbic acid on the effects elicited by chronic hyperprolinemia on rat performance in the Morris water maze. Rats received subcutaneous injections of proline (experimental group) twice a day, with 10 h-interval, from the 6 to 28th days of age or an equivalent volume of 0.9% saline solution (controls). Half of the proline-treated group also received intraperitoneal administration of alpha-tocopherol (40 mg/kg) and of ascorbic acid (100 mg/kg) from the 6 to 28th days of life. On the 60th day of life, rats were subjected to testing in the water maze. Results show that chronic proline administration provokes impairment on spatial learning in reference memory task, as revealed by the increase of latency in acquisition, in the probe trial and in crossing over the platform location, as well as by the number of crossings, when compared to saline-treated animals. Proline-treated rats also demonstrated a reduced efficiency to find the platform position in the working memory task. Rats chronically treated with proline plus alpha-tocopherol and ascorbic acid had above effects prevented, suggesting the participation of oxidative stress in such effects. Our findings lend support to a novel therapeutic strategy, based on these vitamins, to the cognitive dysfunction associated with hyperprolinemia type II.

Topics: alpha-Tocopherol; Animals; Animals, Newborn; Antioxidants; Ascorbic Acid; Behavior, Animal; Chronic Disease; Drug Interactions; Male; Maze Learning; Memory Disorders; Metabolic Diseases; Proline; Rats; Rats, Wistar; Reaction Time; Time Factors

The aim of this study was to establish the main determinants of plasma antioxidant potential in different types of human pancreatitis: chronic pancreatitis (CP, n = 19), chronic pancreatitis exacerbated (CPE, n = 16), and acute pancreatitis (AP, n = 8).. We measured the plasma thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), total peroxyl radical trapping potential (TRAP), and the levels of antioxidants such as uric acid (UA), SH groups (SH), ascorbic acid (AA), and bilirubin (BIL).. In comparison to healthy volunteers (HV, n = 22) the average levels of TBARS in all types of pancreatitis were significantly higher (by 50%-90%), and plasma SH groups were lower (approximately 30%). In the multivariate regression models, the variability of plasma TRAP was explained in the HV group through UA only (36%), in the CP group through UA, AA, and BIL together (75%), and in CPE group through UA and AA together (81%). Plasma SH concentration did not enter the regression models in all groups. The AP group revealed "paradoxically" high concentrations of AA and TRAP and a negative, linear correlation between the level of TRAP versus UA concentration (R = -0.87).. The multivariate regression analysis points to different structures of antioxidant defense in healthy people and those with pancreatitis: they were much the same in the CP and CPE groups but fundamentally different in the AP group. AP may activate unidentified antioxidant defenses as an adaptive response against oxidative stress.

Topics: Acute Disease; Adult; Aged; Antioxidants; Ascorbic Acid; Bilirubin; Chronic Disease; Humans; Middle Aged; Multivariate Analysis; Oxidative Stress; Pancreatitis; Reference Values; Regression Analysis; Thiobarbituric Acid Reactive Substances; Uric Acid

Endothelial dysfunction has been found to be linked to and predictive of cardiovascular events. Whether endothelial function of the renal vasculature is impaired in patients with chronic glomerular disease and whether oxidative stress is of importance in this setting has not yet been determined. In this study, endothelial function of the renal vasculature was investigated in 25 patients with chronic glomerular disease and 50 control subjects matched for age and blood pressure. Renal plasma flow (RPF) and glomerular filtration rate were measured by constant infusion input clearance technique at baseline and following infusions of the nitric oxide synthase (NOS) inhibitor N(G)-monomethyl-L-arginine (L-NMMA, 4.25 mg/kg), the substrate of NOS L-arginine (100 mg/kg) and the antioxidant vitamin C (3 g co-infused with L-arginine 100 mg/kg). At baseline, RPF was similar in the two groups. The reduction in RPF in response to L-NMMA was less pronounced in patients with chronic glomerular disease compared to control subjects (-4.6+/-12 vs -9.8+/-9%; P=0.040), indicating reduced basal nitric oxide (NO) activity in chronic glomerular disease. Co-infusion of the antioxidant vitamin C on top of L-arginine induced a more pronounced increase in RPF in patients with chronic glomerular disease than in control subjects (21.7+/-17 vs 10.9+/-22%; P=0.036). Our findings suggest that basal NO activity of the renal vasculature is reduced in patients with chronic glomerular disease compared to age- and blood pressure-matched control subjects. This might be in part related to increased oxidative stress.

Topics: Adult; Antioxidants; Arginine; Ascorbic Acid; Case-Control Studies; Chronic Disease; Drug Combinations; Endothelium, Vascular; Enzyme Inhibitors; Fasting; Female; Glomerular Filtration Rate; Glomerulonephritis; Heart Rate; Hemodynamics; Humans; Infusions, Intravenous; Male; Middle Aged; NG-Nitroarginine Methyl Ester; Nitric Oxide; Nitric Oxide Synthase Type III; Oxidative Stress; Reference Values; Regional Blood Flow; Vasodilation

To investigate the potential oxidative stress in children with chronic constipation and to explore its mechanisms.. Seventy children with chronic constipation and 70 age- and sex-matched healthy children were enrolled in a randomized controlled study. Plasma levels of vitamins C and E, activities of superoxide dismutase and catalase and lipoperoxide level in erythrocytes were determined by spectrophotometry.. Compared with healthy children whose vitamin C, vitamin E, superoxide dismutase, catalase and lipoperoxide were 58.35+/-14.42 micromol/L, 27.15+/-6.55 micromol/L, 2 206+/-171 U/(g.Hb), 327.3+/-82.2 K/(g.Hb) and 19.18+/-4.27 nmol/(g.Hb) respectively, the levels of vitamin C, vitamin E, the activity of superoxide dismutase, and catalase in the children with chronic constipation significantly decreased [46.59+/-11.51 micromol/L, 20.65+/-4.80 micromol/L, 1943+/-147 U/(g.Hb) and 269.3+/-67.8 K/(g.Hb), respectively P<0.01], while the lipoperoxide significantly increased [25.22+/-5.01 nmol/(g.Hb), P<0.01]. With a prolonged course of disease, the levels of vitamin C, vitamin E, the activity of superoxide dismutase and catalase in the children with chronic constipation gradually decreased, while the level of lipoperoxide gradually increased.. Chronic constipation can cause potential oxidative stress in children.

Topics: Adolescent; Ascorbic Acid; Case-Control Studies; Catalase; Child; Chronic Disease; Constipation; Erythrocytes; Female; Humans; Lipid Peroxides; Male; Oxidative Stress; Superoxide Dismutase; Vitamin E

To evaluate the efficacy of free-radical scavenger in the treatment of chronic bacterial prostatitis (CBP).. Fifty-eight healthy male rats were randomly divided into a control group and four model groups (Groups A, B, C and D). The chronic prostatitis model was established in the latter groups through injecting E. coli into the ventral robe of the prostate according to document. Group A was untreated, Group B treated with free-radical scavenger vitamin C, Group C with salicylazosulfapyridine (SASP), Group D with SASP and vitamin C. Superoxide dismutase (SOD) and malondialdehyde (MDA) examinations were conducted in each group 2 months later.. Vitamin C could significantly increase the level of SOD and decrease the level of MDA. There was significant difference between the model groups and the control one, as well as between the treated groups and the untreated one, but none among the treated groups.. Free-radical scavenger may be useful for the treatment of chronic bacterial prostatitis.

Topics: Animals; Ascorbic Acid; Chronic Disease; Free Radical Scavengers; Male; Malondialdehyde; Prostatitis; Random Allocation; Rats; Rats, Sprague-Dawley; Sulfasalazine; Superoxide Dismutase

A multiple analysis of the cerebral oxidative stress was performed on a physiological model of dementia accomplished by three-vessel occlusion in aged rats. The forward rate constant of creatine kinase, k(for), was studied by saturation transfer (31)P magnetic resonance spectroscopy in adult and aged rat brain during chronic hypoperfusion. In addition, free radicals in aging rat brain homogenates before and/or after occlusion were investigated by spin-trapping electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy (EPR). Finally, biochemical measurements of oxidative phosphorylation parameters in the above physiological model were performed. The significant reduction of k(for) in rat brain compared to controls 2 and 10 weeks after occlusion indicates a disorder in brain energy metabolism. This result is consistent with the decrease of the coefficient of oxidative phosphorylation (ADP:O), and the oxidative phosphorylation rate measured in vitro on brain mitochondria. The EPR study showed a significant increase of the ascorbyl free radical concentration in this animal model. Application of alpha-phenyl-N-tert-butylnitrone (PBN) and 5,5-dimethyl-1-pyrroline N-oxide (DMPO) spin traps revealed formation of highly reactive hydroxyl radical (.OH) trapped in DMSO as the .CH(3) adduct. It was concluded that the ascorbate as a major antioxidant in brain seems to be useful in monitoring chronic cerebral hypoperfusion.

Topics: Animals; Ascorbic Acid; Brain; Brain Ischemia; Chronic Disease; Creatine Kinase; Cyclic N-Oxides; Dementia; Disease Models, Animal; Energy Metabolism; Free Radicals; Hydroxyl Radical; Male; Mitochondria; Molecular Conformation; Nitrogen Oxides; Oxidative Phosphorylation; Oxidative Stress; Rats; Rats, Wistar; Spin Trapping

Patients with chronic pancreatitis (CP) are at high risk of antioxidant deficiencies. Furthermore, this disease can lead to diabetes mellitus (DM) that could exacerbate the severity of oxidative stress. Oxidative stress and the resulting LDL oxidation are a major cause of atherosclerosis.. The objective of the study was to ascertain whether diabetes significantly modifies oxidative status in patients with CP.. CP patients with or without DM were compared with type 1 DM patients and healthy control subjects.. Two-way factorial analyses showed that a decrease in the plasma concentrations of vitamin A, vitamin E, and carotenoids accompanied both CP and DM, and CP was also associated with lower plasma concentrations of selenium and zinc, lower catalase activity, and higher plasma concentrations of copper. The lag phase of LDL oxidation was lower in CP patients with or without DM than in the control subjects, whereas there was no significant difference between type 1 DM patients and control subjects. Multivariate analysis showed that LDL vitamin E (R2 = 0.24, P < 0.0001) and fasting plasma glucose (R2 = 0.32, P < 0.0001) concentrations were the main determinants of the lag phase of LDL oxidation.. Antioxidant status is altered in CP patients, particularly in those who also have DM. In these patients, a vitamin E deficiency and an elevated plasma glucose concentration were associated with significantly higher LDL oxidizability.

Topics: Adult; Antioxidants; Ascorbic Acid; Blood Glucose; Body Mass Index; Case-Control Studies; Chronic Disease; Diabetes Mellitus; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Oxidative Stress; Pancreatitis; Selenium; Vitamin A; Vitamin E; Zinc

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) can modulate renal hemodynamics and function both directly, by leading to vasoconstriction, and indirectly, by inducing renal inflammation and tissue growth. The involvement of oxidative stress in the pathogenesis of renovascular disease (RVD) is increasingly recognized, but the relative contribution of long-term tissue injury to renal dysfunction remains unclear. We hypothesized that functional and structural alterations elicited by oxidative stress in RVD would be more effectively modulated by chronic than by acute antioxidant intervention. Renal hemodynamics and function were quantified in vivo in pigs using electron-beam computed tomography at baseline and after vasoactive challenge (ACh and sodium nitroprusside); after 12 wk of RVD (simulated by concurrent hypercholesterolemia and renal artery stenosis, n = 7); RVD acutely infused with the SOD-mimetic tempol (RVD+tempol, n = 7); RVD chronically supplemented with antioxidant vitamins C (1 g) and E (100 IU/kg; RVD+vitamins, n = 7); or control (normal, n = 7). Renal tissue was studied ex vivo using immunoblotting and immunohistochemistry. Basal renal blood flow (RBF) and glomerular filtration rate were similarly decreased in all RVD groups. ACh-stimulated RBF remained unchanged in RVD, increased in RVD+tempol, but further increased (similarly to normal) in RVD+vitamins (P < 0.05 vs. RVD). Furthermore, RVD+vitamins also showed a decreased presence of superoxide anion, decreased NAD(P)H-oxidase and nitrotyrosine expression, increased endothelial nitric oxide synthase expression, and attenuated renal fibrosis. Chronic antioxidant intervention in early RVD improved renal hemodynamic responses more effectively than acute intervention, likely due to increased nitric oxide bioavailability and decreased structural injury. These suggest that chronic tissue changes play an important role in renal compromise mediated by oxidative stress in RVD.

Topics: Acetylcholine; Acute Disease; Animals; Antioxidants; Ascorbic Acid; Blotting, Western; Chronic Disease; Cyclic N-Oxides; Glomerular Filtration Rate; Hypertension, Renovascular; In Vitro Techniques; Kidney Function Tests; Kidney Tubules; Nitroprusside; Oxidative Stress; Renal Artery Obstruction; Renal Circulation; Spin Labels; Superoxide Dismutase; Swine; Tomography, X-Ray Computed; Vasodilator Agents; Vitamin E

Topics: Antioxidants; Arthritis, Rheumatoid; Ascorbic Acid; Cardiovascular Diseases; Chronic Disease; Comorbidity; Diabetes Mellitus; Free Radicals; Gastritis; Inflammation; Oxidation-Reduction; Oxidative Stress; Pancreatitis

Oxidative stress plays an important contributory role in the pathogenesis of age-related chronic diseases. Increased lipid peroxidation process is caused by an enhanced free radical formation together with a higher supply of substrates and by an insufficient defense by antioxidants as well. Levels of malondialdehyde to content of lipid peroxidation substrates (polyunsaturated fatty acids), promoters (homocysteine--hydroxyl radical producer) and inhibitors (essential vitamins C and E) were estimated in a group (n=92) of subjective healthy adults randomly selected from general population. The relationship of malondialdehyde levels to values of peroxidisability index of fatty acids as well as to levels of homocysteine is significantly positive linear A significant inverse linear correlation between malondialdehyde levels and natural antioxidant levels (vitamin C, vitamin E) was recorded. Lipid peroxidation products (conjugated dienes of fatty acids--initial, malondialdehyde--secondary) are significantly increased in groups of subjects with deficient levels of vitamin C (below the limit from antioxidative point of view), vitamin E and both vitamins, if compared to group with normal vitamin levels (over limit in accordance with antioxidative criterion). The results document that the deficiency in two key antioxidants for lipid peroxidation inhibition means the insufficient defense against free radicals and the increased lipid peroxidation.

Topics: Adult; Ascorbic Acid; Chronic Disease; Fatty Acids; Female; Homocysteine; Humans; Hydroxyl Radical; Lipid Peroxidation; Male; Malondialdehyde; Middle Aged; Oxidative Stress; Slovakia; Vitamin E

Reactive oxygen species including hydroxyl radicals, superoxide anions and hydrogen peroxide which are produced by activated granulocytes play an essential role in many biochemical processes and diseases. Oxidant-mediated tissue damage may be important in the development of chronic sinusitis. The aim of this study was to investigate the serum levels of antioxidant vitamins and elements in 24 children (14 boys and 10 girls, age range: 7-12 years, mean age: 9.2 years) with chronic rhinosinusitis, compared to 20 age and sex matched healthy children. Blood samples were collected in the morning before breakfast and prior to any medication. Vitamin A, E and C levels were determined using reagent kits for high performance liquid chromatography. Cu, Zn and Mg levels were analyzed by atomic absorption spectrometry. Vitamin E, vitamin C, Cu and Zn levels were significantly lower in the patients group than in the control group. However, vitamin A and Mg levels did not differ. In conclusion, serum levels of antioxidant vitamins and elements may be important in the pathogenesis and treatment of chronic rhinosinusitis in children.

Topics: Antioxidants; Ascorbic Acid; Child; Chronic Disease; Copper; Female; Humans; Magnesium; Male; Sinusitis; Vitamin A; Vitamin E; Vitamins; Zinc

Chronic heart failure (CHF) reduces baroreflex sensitivity. Low baroreflex sensitivity, a risk factor for sudden death, could arise partly from CHF-dependent endothelial dysfunction. Vitamin C at high doses has a protective role against CHF-related endothelial damage. This study was conducted to investigate the effect of vitamin C on baroreflex sensitivity in CHF. A study group of 33 subjects with CHF secondary to postischemic dilated cardiomyopathy with an ejection fraction

Topics: Ascorbic Acid; Autonomic Nervous System; Baroreflex; Blood Pressure; Brachial Artery; Chronic Disease; Female; Heart Failure; Heart Rate; Humans; Male; Middle Aged

The author investigated 28 patients with chronic tonsillitis. The fungi sort Candida on the tonsils was discovered at 10 (35.72) patients, the bacterial flora was discovered at the other patients. There were more considerable decrease content of vitamins B2, C, methylnicotinamide and methylmalonic acid in the urine, vitamins B2 and methylnicotinamide in the saliva, vitamins A and B1 in the serum of the blood in the group of the patients with the fungus flora on the tonsils. It was discovered the decrease of numbers of lymphocytes CD8 and level of immunoglobulins G and M, disimmunoglobulinemia in this group. This decrease of the vitamins, cell and humoral immunity level leads to disbacteriosis, decompensation of the disease and development of the complications.

Topics: Adolescent; Adult; Ascorbic Acid; Avitaminosis; Chronic Disease; Female; Humans; Immunoglobulins; Leukocytes; Male; Methylmalonic Acid; Photosensitizing Agents; Pyridoxic Acid; Riboflavin; Saliva; Staphylococcus; Streptococcus; Thiamine; Tonsillitis; Vitamins

Hemodynamic maladjustment is a unique observation in chronically severe glomerulonephritides. It is characterized by a markedly elevated efferent arteriolar resistance (RE), an elevated intraglomerular hydrostatic pressure (PG) and a markedly decreased renal plasma flow (RPF), and peritubular capillary flow (PTCF). A correction of such hemodynamic maladjustment can be accomplished by administering a combination of vasodilators (angiotensin receptor antagonist, angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitor, and calcium channel blocker) in 14 chronic glomerulonephritides with severe renal function impairment (mean serum creatinine 3.6 + 1.3 mg/dL). Doses titration aim for maximal renal perfusion effect (increased RPF, PTCF) or maximal renal function improvement (increased CCr, reduced FE Mg) usually higher than needed for maximal blood pressure reduction. Evidence of oxidative stress is also corrected with high doses of vitamins C and E. After a mean period of treatment for 13.5 months, improvements in CCr (pre R(x) 22 +/- 10 vs. post R(x) 32 +/- 13 mL/min/1.73 m2), and FE Mg (pre R(x) 11.9 +/- 4% vs. post R(x) 10 +/- 3%) were observed in conjunction with the improvement in intrarenal hemodynamics namely RPF (pre R(x) 201 +/- 71 vs. post R(x) 288 +/- 99 mL/min/1.73 m2), PTCF (pre R(x) 161 +/- 57 vs. post R(x) 242 +/- 90 mL/ min/1.73 m2), PG (pre R(x) 56.7 +/- 0.5 vs. post R(x) 51 +/- 0.1 mm Hg), and RE (pre R(x) 12085 +/- 6503 vs. post R(x) 6550 +/- 1872 dyne.s.cm(-5)).

Topics: Adult; Angiotensin Receptor Antagonists; Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors; Antioxidants; Ascorbic Acid; Calcium Channel Blockers; Chronic Disease; Disease Progression; Glomerulonephritis; Hemodynamics; Humans; Oxidative Stress; Renal Insufficiency; Vasodilator Agents; Vitamin E

The mechanisms underlying the frequent development of carcinomas associated with ulcerative colitis (UC) are not understood. Cellular antioxidants play a crucial role in protection against neoplastic disease. The purpose of this study is to investigate a critical balance between free radical activity and the antioxidant defense system in carcinogenesis associated with UC, using a model of experimental colitis induced in mice by dextran sulfate sodium (DSS) treatment.. Chronic colitis was induced by feeding the mice for 7 days with 4% DSS, followed by drinking water alone for the subsequent 14 days. Animals were sacrificed after one, two, three, or four cycles of DSS administration. Development of dysplastic epithelium and invasive carcinoma was histologically examined. Lipid peroxide level was estimated by measuring malondialdehyde (MDA) content. Alterations in MDA content and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity in colonic tissues together with production of serum tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha were determined.. Colonic neoplasms including dysplastic epithelium and invasive carcinoma developed in 28.6 and 25.0% of the animals at the end of the third and fourth cycles, respectively. In accordance with elevation of serum TNF-alpha level, there was a substantial increase in MDA in the colonic mucosa, while tissue SOD activity tended to be suppressed during the DSS treatment periods. Dysplastic epithelium and invasive carcinoma revealed significantly lower SOD levels compared with colonic colitis, although MDA levels were not statistically different among these colonic diseases.. The results obtained in this experimental model suggest that an impaired antioxidant defense system might be critical for cancer development associated with UC.

Topics: Animals; Anticoagulants; Antioxidants; Ascorbic Acid; Chronic Disease; Colitis; Colonic Neoplasms; Dextran Sulfate; Female; Free Radicals; Intestinal Mucosa; Lipid Peroxides; Malondialdehyde; Mice; Mice, Inbred Strains; Superoxide Dismutase; Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha

Topics: Anemia, Iron-Deficiency; Ascorbic Acid; Bacteremia; Chronic Disease; Drug Hypersensitivity; Erythropoietin; Ferritins; Humans; Injections, Intravenous; Iron; Kidney Diseases; Predictive Value of Tests; Recombinant Proteins; Renal Dialysis

Topics: Adult; Ascorbic Acid; Ascorbic Acid Deficiency; Chronic Disease; Colitis, Ulcerative; Diagnosis, Differential; Dietary Proteins; Ecchymosis; Fruit; Gastritis; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Purpura

Few studies have evaluated the relationship between drugs of abuse consumption and plasma levels of vitamin C. Because of the importance of vitamin C due to its role in prevention of acute and chronic diseases, this study was carried out with the purpose of testing the influence of consumption of drugs of abuse on the plasmatic levels of vitamin C (ascorbic acid) of 56 male chronic users of drugs of abuse with an age range of 16 to 40 years. The following was performed: 1) A survey of consumption to determine the kind, frequency and quantity of drug(s) used and 2) The plasmatic levels of vitamin C in fasting condition, using the Rue and Kuether method. The results obtained showed that 89% of the population under study used drugs for the first time before the age of 18, and 78.4% started with marijuana; 60.7% of them were mixed drug users. The average level of plasmatic ascorbic acid was 0.89 +/- 0.06 mg/dL, nevertheless, according to nutritional category, 76% have values greater than 0.4 mg/dL and 23.2% were at moderated risk (0.35 +/- 0.01 mg/dL) of vitamin C deficiency. Likewise, classifying them in the antioxidant category (according to the suggested values of Gey, 1993) it was obtained that 55.4% had suboptimal or inadequate concentrations to carry out its antioxidant protective function. The length of time of drug's consumption influenced on the ascorbic acid level too. It can be concluded that chronic consumption of drugs of abuse can negatively influence the plasmatic levels of ascorbic acid, leading these patients to a latent condition of vitamin C deficiency. Finally it is necessary to deepen the study of vitamin C levels of users of drugs of abuse.

Topics: Adolescent; Adult; Ascorbic Acid; Ascorbic Acid Deficiency; Chronic Disease; Cross-Sectional Studies; Humans; Male; Substance-Related Disorders; Venezuela

We investigated whether impaired platelet-derived nitric oxide (PDNO) bioactivity and augmented platelet aggregability in chronic smokers are related to the imbalance of the intraplatelet redox state through increased oxidative stress.. Chronic smoking impairs PDNO release and augments platelet aggregability. However, their mechanisms are unknown.. Collagen-induced PDNO release, platelet aggregation, plasma and intraplatelet vitamin C and reduced glutathione (GSH), intraplatelet cyclic guanosine 3',5'-monophosphate (cGMP) and intraplatelet nitrotyrosine production, which is a marker of the peroxynitrite formation, were measured in 11 chronic smokers and 10 age-matched nonsmokers.. Release of PDNO and levels of intraplatelet cGMP were lower, and platelet aggregation was greater, in smokers than in nonsmokers. Intraplatelet vitamin C and GSH levels were lower in smokers than in nonsmokers. Intraplatelet nitrotyrosine production was greater in smokers than in nonsmokers. Next, we investigated the effects of oral vitamin C administration (2 g). After vitamin C administration, intraplatelet vitamin C levels were increased and not different at 2 h between the two groups. Then, PDNO release, intraplatelet cGMP levels and platelet aggregation in smokers were restored to the levels of nonsmokers. In smokers, PDNO release and consumption of GSH during platelet aggregation were inversely correlated, and consumption was much less after vitamin C administration. Vitamin C administration decreased intraplatelet nitrotyrosine production in smokers.. Impaired PDNO bioactivity and augmented platelet aggregability may be caused by an imbalance of the intraplatelet redox state through increased oxidative stress in smokers.

Topics: Administration, Oral; Adult; Antioxidants; Ascorbic Acid; Biological Availability; Blood Platelets; Case-Control Studies; Chronic Disease; Cyclic GMP; Free Radical Scavengers; Glutathione; Humans; Male; Nitric Oxide; Oxidation-Reduction; Oxidative Stress; Peroxynitrous Acid; Platelet Aggregation; Smoking; Time Factors; Tyrosine

There is evidence that oxidative stress plays a role in the development of chronic lung disease (CLD), with immature lungs being particularly sensitive to the injurious effect of oxygen and mechanical ventilation. We analyzed total ascorbate, urate, and protein carbonyls in 102 bronchoalveolar lavage fluid samples from 38 babies (33 preterm, 24-36 wk gestation; 5 term, 37-39 wk gestation). Preterm babies had significantly decreasing concentrations of ascorbate, urate, and protein carbonyls during the first 9 days of life (days 1-3, 4-6, and 7-9, Kruskal-Wallis ANOVA: P = 0.016, P < 0.0001, and P = 0.010, respectively). Preterm babies had significantly higher protein carbonyl concentrations at days 1-3 and 4-6 (P = 0.005 and P = 0.044) compared with term babies. Very preterm babies (24-28 wk gestation) had increased concentrations of protein carbonyls at days 4-6 (P = 0.056) and significantly decreased ascorbate concentrations at days 4-6 (P = 0.004) compared with preterm babies (29-36 wk gestation). Urate concentrations were significantly elevated at days 1-3 (P = 0.023) in preterm babies who subsequently developed CLD. This study has shown the presence of oxidative stress in the lungs of preterm babies during ventilation, especially in those who subsequently developed CLD.

Topics: Antioxidants; Ascorbic Acid; Biomarkers; Bronchoalveolar Lavage Fluid; Chronic Disease; Female; Humans; Infant, Newborn; Infant, Premature; Lung; Lung Diseases; Male; Oxidation-Reduction; Oxidative Stress; Proteins; Respiration, Artificial; Risk Factors; Treatment Outcome; Uric Acid

Chronic heart failure (CHF) seems to be associated with increased oxidative stress. However, the hypothesis that antioxidant nutrients may contribute to the clinical severity of the disease has never been investigated.. To examine whether antioxidant nutrients influence the exercise capacity and left ventricular function in patients with CHF.. Dietary intake and blood levels of major antioxidant nutrients were evaluated in 21 consecutive CHF patients and in healthy age- and sex-matched controls. Two indexes of the severity of CHF, peak exercise oxygen consumption (peak VO2) and left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), were measured and their relations with antioxidants were analysed.. Whereas plasma alpha-tocopherol and retinol were in the normal range, vitamin C (P=0.005) and beta-carotene (P=0.01) were lower in CHF. However, there was no significant association between vitamins and either peak VO2 or LVEF. Dietary intake (P<0.05) and blood levels of selenium (P<0.0005) were lower in CHF. Peak VO2 (but not LVEF) was strongly correlated with blood selenium: r=0.76 by univariate analysis (polynomial regression) and r=0.87 (P<0.0005) after adjustment for age, sex and LVEF.. Antioxidant defences are altered in patients with CHF. Selenium may play a role in the clinical severity of the disease, rather than in the degree of left ventricular dysfunction. Further studies are warranted to confirm the data in a large sample size and to investigate the mechanisms by which selenium and other antioxidant nutrients are involved in CHF.

Topics: Adult; Aged; Antioxidants; Ascorbic Acid; beta Carotene; Cardiomyopathies; Chronic Disease; Feeding Behavior; Female; Heart Failure; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Oxidative Stress; Selenium; Ventricular Function, Left

Topics: Antioxidants; Ascorbic Acid; Canada; Chemoprevention; Chronic Disease; Humans; Nutrition Policy; Nutritional Requirements; Selenium; United States; Vitamin E

Vitamin status was assessed in 26 recently institutionalized elderly subjects by combining dietary and biochemical measurements of thiamin, riboflavin, niacin, beta-carotene, vitamins C, A, D and E at admission (P1), and 1.5 (P2), 3.0 (P3), 4.5 (P4), 6.0 (P5), 12 (P6) months later. At admission, except for vitamin A, mean vitamin intakes were lower than the 1992 French Recommended Dietary Allowance. Thiamin, vitamins C, A and E status seemed nearly satisfactory as less than one-fourth of the population sample had blood values lower than the cut-off point for thiamin (erythrocyte thiamin pyrophosphate < 0.17 mumol/l), vitamin A (serum retinol < 1.05 mumol/l), vitamin C (serum vitamin C < 11.3 mumol/l) and vitamin E (serum alpha-tocopherol < 9.3 mumol/l) or higher than the cut-off point for thiamin (erythrocyte transketolase activity coefficient > 1.19). Almost half of the subjects for riboflavin, and almost all non supplemented subjects for vitamin D were in risk of vitamin deficiency (46% had an erythrocyte glutathione reductase activity coefficient > 1.19 and 72% had a plasma 25(OH)D3 < 25 nmol/l). During the study, vitamins status remained unchanged for riboflavin, niacin, vitamins A, D and E, improved for vitamin C (P = 0.004) or impaired for thiamin (P = 0.008). Thus, institutionalization seemed to have no effect on riboflavin, niacin, vitamins A, D and E status and a slight effect on thiamin and vitamin C status.

Topics: Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Aging; Alcohol Drinking; Ascorbic Acid; beta Carotene; Chronic Disease; France; Humans; Institutionalization; Niacin; Nutrition Policy; Nutritional Status; Riboflavin; Smoking; Thiamine; Vitamin A; Vitamin D; Vitamin E; Vitamins

To examine the cross-sectional association between plasma vitamin C, self-reported diabetes, and HbA1c.. Data from a population-based study of diet, cancer, and chronic disease were analyzed. A total of 2,898 men and 3,560 women 45-74 years of age who were registered with general practices in Norfolk, U.K., were recruited to the European Prospective Investigation Into Cancer-Norfolk study between 1995 and 1998.. Mean plasma vitamin C levels were significantly higher in individuals with HbA1c levels < 7% than in those with self-reported diabetes or prevalent undiagnosed hyperglycemia (HbA1c > or = 7%). An inverse gradient of mean plasma vitamin C was found in both sexes across quintiles of HbA1c distribution < 7%. The odds ratio (95% CI) of having prevalent undiagnosed hyperglycemia per 20 micromol/l (or 1 SD) increase in plasma vitamin C was 0.70 (0.52-0.95) (adjusted for sex, age, BMI, waist-to-hip ratio, tertiary education, any use of dietary supplements, vegetarian diet, alcohol consumption, physical activity, dietary vitamin E, dietary fiber, dietary saturated fat, and smoking history). The unadjusted change in HbA1c per 20 micromol/l increase in vitamin C estimated by linear regression was -0.12% (-0.14 to -0.09) in men and -0.09% (-0.11 to -0.07) in women. After adjusting for the possible confounders, these values were -0.08% (-0.11 to -0.04) in men and -0.05% (-0.07 to -0.03) in women.. An inverse association was found between plasma vitamin C and HbA1c. Dietary measures to increase plasma vitamin C may be an important public health strategy for reducing the prevalence of diabetes.

Topics: Aged; Ascorbic Acid; Chronic Disease; Cohort Studies; Cross-Sectional Studies; Diabetes Mellitus; Diet; England; Europe; Female; Glycated Hemoglobin; Humans; Hyperglycemia; Male; Middle Aged; Neoplasms; Odds Ratio; Prevalence

Nephrocalcinosis (NC) in preterm neonates has been described frequently, and small-scale studies suggest an unfavorable effect on renal function. The etiologic factors have not yet been fully clarified. We performed a prospective observational study to identify factors that influence the development of NC.. The study population consisted of 215 preterm neonates with a gestational age <32 weeks. Clinical characteristics and intake in the first four weeks of calcium, phosphorus, vitamin D, protein, and ascorbic acid were noted. Serum calcium, phosphate, vitamin D, magnesium, uric acid, creatinine, urea and urinary calcium, phosphate, oxalate, citrate, magnesium, uric acid, and creatinine were assessed at four weeks of age and at term. Renal ultrasonography (US) was performed at four weeks and at term. At term was defined as a postconceptional age of 38 to 42 weeks.. NC was diagnosed by means of US in 33% at four weeks and in 41% at term. Patients with NC at four weeks had a significantly higher mean intake of calcium (P < 0.05), phosphorus (P < 0.05), and ascorbic acid (P < 0.01) than patients without NC. They had a higher mean serum calcium (2.55 vs. 2.46 mmol/L, P < 0.01) and a higher mean urinary calcium/creatinine ratio (2.6 vs. 2.1 mmol/mmol, P < 0.05). Patients with NC at term had a lower birth weight (1142 vs. 1260 g, P < 0.05) and a lower gestational age (28.8 vs. 29.4 weeks, P < 0.05), were treated significantly longer with furosemide, dexamethasone, theophylline, and thiazides, developed chronic lung disease more frequently (40 vs. 16%, P < 0.001), and had a higher mean urinary calcium/creatinine ratio (2.7 vs. 2.3 mmol/mmol, P < 0.05) and a lower mean urinary citrate/calcium ratio (1.1 vs. 1.7 mmol/mmol, P = 0.005).. NC develops as a result of an imbalance between stone-inhibiting and stone-promoting factors. A high intake of calcium, phosphorus, and ascorbic acid, a low urinary citrate/calcium ratio, a high urinary calcium/creatinine ratio, immaturity, and medication to prevent or treat chronic lung disease with hypercalciuric side effects appear to contribute to the high incidence of NC in preterm neonates.

Topics: Ascorbic Acid; Birth Weight; Calcium; Chronic Disease; Citrates; Creatinine; Gestational Age; Humans; Infant Food; Infant Nutritional Physiological Phenomena; Infant, Newborn; Infant, Premature; Lung Diseases; Nephrocalcinosis; Phosphorus; Prospective Studies; Ultrasonography; Urine

To date it is not known whether gastric juice vitamin C levels are influenced by Helicobacter pylori CagA(+) strains. The aim of the present study, therefore, was to study the impact of H. pylori CagA status on gastric juice vitamin C levels.. We studied 30 H. pylori(+) patients, and the results were compared with 10 endoscopically and histologically normal H. pylori(-) subjects (control group) who were similar to the H. pylori(+) group in terms of age and sex. In all patients, gastric juice vitamin C levels were determined and the severity of gastritis was graded on a scale of 0 (absent) to 3 (severe). CagA was determined by immunoblotting the sera from patients against H. pylori antigens.. Among 30 H. pylori(+) patients, 20 were CagA(+) and 10 CagA(-). In the entire group of H. pylori(+) patients, the median gastric juice vitamin C levels (mg L-1) were 16.35 (range 3.5-33.6) and were significantly lower (P < 0.001) than in the control group of H. pylori(-) patients [35.5 (23.1-50.2)]. In addition, in the entire group of H. pylori(+) patients there was a highly significant (P < 0.0001) inverse correlation between the gastritis activity score and the gastric juice vitamin C levels. In the group of H. pylori CagA(+) patients, the median levels of gastric juice vitamin C were 13.8 (3.5-31.2) and were significantly lower than the corresponding levels in both the H. pylori CagA(-) group [24.8 (22-33.6), P < 0.01] and the H. pylori(-) control group [35.5 (23.1-50.2), P < 0.001], the last groups being similar. Furthermore, the gastritis activity median score in the H. pylori CagA(+) group [2 (1-3)] was significantly higher (P < 0.05) than in the H. pylori CagA(-) group [1 (1-2)].. These data indicate that infection with CagA(+) H. pylori strains significantly lowers the gastric juice vitamin C levels in comparison with CagA(-) H. pylori strains, which might have a significant impact on gastric carcinogenesis.

Topics: Adolescent; Adult; Antibodies, Bacterial; Antigens, Bacterial; Ascorbic Acid; Bacterial Proteins; Blotting, Western; Chronic Disease; Female; Gastric Juice; Gastritis; Helicobacter Infections; Helicobacter pylori; Humans; Hydrogen-Ion Concentration; Male; Middle Aged; Prospective Studies

This study investigated whether a high dietary intake or serum concentration of antioxidant (pro-) vitamins could attenuate the acute respiratory effects of air pollution in panels of adults (n = 227) aged 50-70 yrs with chronic respiratory symptoms in two winters starting in 1993/1994. Subjects performed daily peak expiratory flow (PEF) measurements in the morning and evening and reported the occurrence of respiratory symptoms in two regions (urban and nonurban) each winter. Logistic regression analysis was used with the prevalences of large PEF decrements as dependent variables and air pollution levels as independent variables. Analyses were performed separately for subjects below and above the median levels of serum beta-carotene and the intake of dietary vitamin C and beta-carotene. Subjects with low levels of serum beta-carotene more often had large PEF decrements when particles <10 microm in diameter or black smoke levels which were higher compared to subjects with high levels of serum beta-carotene. The same results tended to be observed for dietary vitamin C or beta-carotene, but there were less significant air pollution effects in the low dietary antioxidant group. The results suggest that serum beta-carotene and to a lesser extent dietary vitamin C and beta-carotene may attenuate peak expiratory flow decrements due to air pollution in subjects with chronic respiratory symptoms.

Topics: Aged; Air Pollution; Antioxidants; Ascorbic Acid; beta Carotene; Chronic Disease; Diet; Female; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Netherlands; Peak Expiratory Flow Rate; Respiratory Tract Diseases; Seasons; Smoke; Urban Health

Allantoin, the oxidation product of uric acid (UA), can be used as an in vivo marker of free radical generation. The aims of the present study were to evaluate the allantoin changes in plasma and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) as well as to examine plasma levels of ascorbic acid (AA) and its oxidation product, dehydroascorbic acid (DHAA), in infants with or without chronic lung disease (CLD) during the first week of life. The study population was 20 infants of 24-30 weeks gestation, comprising 10 who subsequently developed CLD and 10 without CLD. In the CLD infants, the plasma allantoin/UA ratio showed a significant increase after day 1 and continued to increase gradually to reach a peak on day 6 (6.5 +/- 4.1% for CLD and 2.1 +/- 0.9% for non-CLD infants). The allantoin/UA ratio in BALF was also higher in CLD infants and the difference reached significance on days 4-6 (41.2 +/- 15.8% for CLD and 11.7 +/- 9.9% for non-CLD infants). In contrast to allantoin, the plasma DHAA/AA ratio did not differ between the 2 groups throughout the study period. Our findings that the allantoin/UA ratios were significantly higher in CLD than non-CLD infants not only in plasma but also in BALF, and that the intergroup differences of this ratio in both plasma and BALF was more prominent in the latter half of the first week of life further confirm our previous speculation that oxygen radicals are involved in the development of neonatal CLD.

Topics: Allantoin; Ascorbic Acid; Biomarkers; Bronchoalveolar Lavage Fluid; Chronic Disease; Cohort Studies; Dehydroascorbic Acid; Female; Free Radicals; Humans; Infant, Newborn; Infant, Premature, Diseases; Lung Diseases; Male; Oxidation-Reduction; Uric Acid

Gastric carcinogenesis is a multifactorial, multistep process, in which chronic inflammation plays a major role.. In order to ascertain whether free radical mediated oxidative DNA damage is involved in such a process, concentrations of 8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine (8OHdG), a mutagenic/carcinogenic adduct, and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), as an indirect measure of free radical mediated damage, were determined in biopsy specimens from patients undergoing endoscopy.. Eighty eight patients were divided into histological subgroups as follows: 27 with chronic non-atrophic gastritis, 41 with atrophic gastritis, six with gastric cancer, and 14 unaffected controls.. Intestinal metaplasia, Helicobacter pylori infection, and disease activity were semiquantitatively scored. 8OHdG concentrations were assessed by HPLC with electrochemical detection, and TBARS concentrations were fluorimetrically assayed.. 8OHdG concentrations (mean number of adducts/10(5) dG residues) were significantly higher in chronic atrophic gastritis (p = 0.0009). Significantly higher concentrations were also detected in the presence of severe disease activity (p = 0.02), intestinal metaplasia (p = 0.035), and H pylori infection (p = 0.001). TBARS concentrations were also higher in atrophic gastritis, though not significantly so. In a multiple logistic regression analysis, 8OHdG concentrations correlated best with the presence and severity of H pylori infection (r = 0.53, p = 0.002).. Chronic gastritis is characterised by the accumulation of oxidative DNA damage with mutagenic and carcinogenic potential. H pylori infection is the major determinant for DNA adduct formation.

Topics: 8-Hydroxy-2'-Deoxyguanosine; Adult; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Analysis of Variance; Ascorbic Acid; Chronic Disease; Deoxyguanosine; DNA Damage; Female; Gastric Juice; Gastritis; Gastroscopy; Helicobacter Infections; Helicobacter pylori; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Reactive Oxygen Species; Regression Analysis; Stomach Neoplasms; Thiobarbituric Acid Reactive Substances

This study compared plasma redox ratios of uric acid and ascorbic acid in well preterm babies with those with respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) and chronic lung disease (CLD), and investigated the relationship between these ratios and their respective measurements in tracheal aspirate. On day 1 after birth, plasma allantoin and allantoin/uric acid ratio were elevated in CLD (p < .05), and both markers of oxidative stress enabled early prediction of development of CLD (sensitivity and specificity: 54 and 83%, respectively). The relation between allantoin production and oxidative stress is supported by the correlation between the allantoin level and oxygen therapy in both RDS and CLD (p < .05). Reduced and oxidize ascorbic acid in plasma decreased postnatally in all groups and their redox ratio remained stable. Uric acid and ascorbic acid redox ratios were significantly elevated in tracheal aspirates compared to plasma samples (p < .05), and there was a strong positive correlation between both ratios (p < .005). These markers may be useful in monitoring babies with respiratory distress.

Topics: Antioxidants; Ascorbic Acid; Biomarkers; Case-Control Studies; Chronic Disease; Free Radicals; Humans; Infant, Newborn; Infant, Premature; Lung Diseases; Oxidation-Reduction; Oxidative Stress; Reactive Oxygen Species; Respiratory Distress Syndrome, Newborn; Suction; Trachea; Uric Acid

Research from the past several years has definitively shown intermediate and high risk-type human papillomavirus (HPV) infection to play a significant role in cervical carcinogenesis. Persistent compared with intermittent infection appears to confer an elevated risk, and cofactors may be necessary to allow the virus to progress to cervical cancer. We explored the association between circulating concentrations of the antioxidant nutrients (alpha- and beta-carotene, lutein, lycopene, beta-cryptoxanthin, alpha-tocopherol, gamma-tocopherol, and ascorbate) and persistent HPV infection among 123 low-income Hispanic women who were all nonsmokers and were not currently using vitamin and mineral supplements. In addition, the association between these nutrients and grade of cervical pathology, independent of HPV status, was assessed. Intermediate and high risk-type HPV infection was assessed by the Digene Hybrid Capture System at two time points, 3 months apart. At the second interview, cytology, colposcopy, and a fasting blood draw were conducted. Mean concentrations of serum and plasma antioxidant nutrients were calculated within categories of HPV status (two times HPV negative, one time HPV positive, and two times HPV positive) and colposcopy. Adjusted mean concentrations of serum beta-carotene, beta-cryptoxanthin, lutein, and alpha- and gamma-tocopherol were on average 24% (P < 0.05) lower among women two times HPV positive compared with either two times HPV negative or one time HPV positive. Independent of HPV status, alpha-tocopherol was significantly inversely associated with grade of cervical dysplasia (normal, 21.57 microM; cervical intraepithelial neoplasia III, 17.27 microM). The results obtained in this study need to be confirmed in larger cohort studies with a longer follow-up period.

Topics: Adult; Antioxidants; Ascorbic Acid; Biomarkers; Carotenoids; Chronic Disease; Female; Hispanic or Latino; Humans; Likelihood Functions; Logistic Models; Lutein; Papillomaviridae; Papillomavirus Infections; Risk Factors; Tumor Virus Infections; Uterine Cervical Dysplasia; Uterine Cervical Neoplasms; Vaginal Smears; Vitamin E

Vitamin C can be used to overcome oxidative stress and ease pain in chronic pancreatitis. But its use is deprecated in conditions of tissue iron overload, because its bioactive form, ascorbate, can accelerate free-radical reactions that are driven by transition metals. We measured iron, ascorbate and copper in Sowetan Blacks (RSA) with chronic pancreatitis, obtaining serum/plasma from 14 consecutive patients and 15 controls. Compared with data from corresponding groups in Manchester, African samples had less ascorbate (p < 0.0001), but more caeruloplasmin (p < 0.0001). African and British controls had comparable iron and iron-binding capacity. Plasma from African patients had less ascorbate than that from African controls (p < 0.005) and in six samples, ferritin exceeded 300 micrograms/l (677 pmol/l). Low-molecular-mass iron or copper, capable of participating in free radical reactions, was not detected. British patients, had similar caeruloplasmin levels to African patients but higher ascorbate levels. There is no evidence of iron overload in our African samples. Outwardly healthy controls from Soweto have elevated levels of caeruloplasmin, possibly to compensate for dietary deficiency of ascorbate. Persistent oxidative stress is a unifying feature of chronic pancreatitis, but its degree is higher in African than British patients. Supplements of vitamin C should be safe in Blacks of southern Africa.

Topics: Adult; Aged; Ascorbic Acid; Case-Control Studies; Ceruloplasmin; Chronic Disease; Copper; Female; Humans; Iron; Male; Middle Aged; Pancreatitis; South Africa

Biochemical assessments of micronutrient antioxidant status were done in 14 consecutive black patients with calcific chronic pancreatitis and 15 controls at Soweto, near Johannesburg in southern Africa. The patients showed subnormal levels of vitamin C in plasma; selenium, beta-carotene and alpha-tocopherol in serum; and inorganic sulphate (as an index of long-term sulphur amino acid intake) in urine (P < 0.001 for each): furthermore, among the patients ascorbate constituted a lower fraction of vitamin C (P < 0.002), indicating heightened oxidation of the bioactive form. By comparing the results in Sowetan controls with reference ranges from Manchester, UK, the markedly lower vitamin C and, hence, ascorbate levels in the Sowetans was underlined (P < 0.001) and their selenium levels were also lower (P < 0.001), but beta-carotene, alpha-tocopherol and inorganic sulphate levels were comparable. The very low bioavailability of ascorbate among Sowetan controls is reminiscent of our previous finding in outwardly healthy people at Madras in southern India: in both these areas chronic pancreatitis is currently endemic, has a propensity to pancreatic calculi and runs a virulent course towards premature death from diabetes, malnutrition or pancreatic cancer. Considering that low ascorbate levels are a feature in patients with chronic pancreatitis who develop pancreatic calculi at Manchester and that antioxidant supplements ameliorate painful symptoms, we suggest that poor antioxidant intake may predispose underprivileged tropical communities to the disease. If so, there could be an opportunity for prophylaxis through a daily tablet containing vitamin C, perhaps along with selenium at Soweto and beta-carotene at Madras.

Topics: Adult; Antioxidants; Ascorbic Acid; beta Carotene; Black People; Carotenoids; Chronic Disease; Female; Humans; Male; Micronutrients; Middle Aged; Pancreatitis; Reference Values; Selenium; South Africa; Sulfates; Vitamin E

Topics: Administration, Oral; Adolescent; Ascorbic Acid; Child; Child, Preschool; Chronic Disease; Female; Follow-Up Studies; Humans; Male; Platelet Count; Purpura, Thrombocytopenic, Idiopathic; Remission Induction

This study aimed to identify the factors associated with the development of gastric precancerous changes, in a prospective series of patients undergoing endoscopy. Risk factors and associated mucosal changes were evaluated in 134 endoscoped patients affected by chronic non-atrophic (n = 76) or atrophic gastritis (CAG) (n = 32), with or without intestinal metaplasia (IM), or lacking any major histological changes (n = 26). The following variables were taken into account: age, alcohol consumption, smoking habit, vitamin C intake (using a questionnaire), gastric juice vitamin C (HPLC on gastric juice samples obtained at endoscopy), H. pylori infection, gastric mucosa malondialdehyde (MDA; a measure of free radical production) and extent of CAG in gastric biopsies (only for IM). Tissue MDA levels were significantly higher, and vitamin C levels significantly lower in CAG and IM patients (P = 0.01). Multiple regression analysis showed significant correlations for: CAG vs age (P < 0.02), MDA (< 0.02) and gastric vitamin C (< 0.05); IM vs age (P < 0.0005), CAG (< 0.0005) and MDA (< 0.001). Using stepwise discrimination analysis, the independent variables included in the model were: for CAG, age (P < 0.003), MDA (< 0.05), gastric juice vitamin C (< 0.05); for IM, CAG (P < 0.0005), age (< 0.001), MDA (< 0.03) and vitamin C intake (< 0.05). H. pylori was not included. The major determinants for CAG and IM were age, free radical production (as measured by MDA), vitamin C (for CAG) and vitamin C intake and CAG (for IM).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Topics: Adult; Age Factors; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Ascorbic Acid; Chronic Disease; Female; Gastric Juice; Gastric Mucosa; Gastritis, Atrophic; Humans; Intestines; Male; Malondialdehyde; Metaplasia; Middle Aged; Prospective Studies

In their ten years renal biopsy material authors found nine cases of chronic glomerulonephritides with predominantly IgM deposition in the mesangium which reach the diagnosis of IgM nephropathy. This paper on the basis of a typical case deal with the immunopathology, diagnosis, prognosis and therapy of the disease.

Topics: Adult; Allopurinol; Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors; Antimetabolites; Ascorbic Acid; Biopsy; Child; Chronic Disease; Drug Combinations; Drug Therapy, Combination; Glomerulonephritis, Membranoproliferative; Glucocorticoids; Humans; Immunoglobulin M; Male; Methylprednisolone; Prognosis; Radioisotope Renography; Rutin

Previous report on the estimation of plasma ascorbic acid levels in patients with chronic osteomyelitis indicated that the plasma ascorbic acid level is reduced in patients on antibiotics. The plasma study of the effects of anti-bacterial agents on plasma ascorbic acid in vitro, was carried out to substantiate the hypothesis than these agents lower plasma ascorbic acid levels. Increasing amounts of each of seven anti-bacterial agents: ampicillin, chloramphenicol, cefotaxime, gentamycin, benzyl and procaine penicillin combination (seclopen), co-trimoxazole, and streptomycin significantly (P < 0.01, r = -0.9587) reduced plasma vitamin C levels in vitro. There was moderate but insignificant reduction in plasma vitamin C levels with clindamycin (r = -0.799). The reduction of the plasma vitamin C levels observed in the presence of the eighth anti-bacterial agent, clindamycin, lacked significance (r = -0.799). The cause of this reduction of plasma vitamin C levels by anti-bacterial agents in vitro is not yet understood. A supplement of vitamin C may be required in patients on anti-bacterial agents.

Topics: Adult; Anti-Bacterial Agents; Ascorbic Acid; Chronic Disease; Drug Evaluation, Preclinical; Humans; Male; Osteomyelitis; Wound Healing

The repair enzyme O6-alkyltransferase will repair O6-methylguanine adducts in human DNA. In gastric mucosal DNA these adducts may be formed as a result of exposure to nitrosamines within the gastric lumen. The formation of these nitrosamines may be inhibited by vitamin C. We have examined the effect of oral vitamin C supplementation upon intragastric vitamin C levels and gastric mucosal O6-alkyltransferase levels in 48 patients. Intragastric vitamin C levels were significantly elevated in those patients with normal gastric mucosal histology after treatment, although a variable response in intragastric vitamin C to supplementation was seen in the presence of chronic atrophic gastritis. Gastric mucosal O6-alkyltransferase activities ranged from 100 to 950 fmol/mg protein before vitamin C administration. The range of enzyme activity was similar after the course of vitamin C (62-1137 fmol/mg) but O6-alkyltransferase activities were found to be higher in 33 of the 48 patients following treatment (P < 0.01). Once again this effect was more pronounced in patients with normal gastric mucosa than those displaying evidence of chronic atrophic gastritis. We speculate that inhibition of intragastric nitrosation by vitamin C results in decreased formation of O6-methylguanine-DNA. In consequence, less O6-alkyltransferase is consumed in repairing these adducts resulting in higher tissue levels of this enzyme.

Topics: Ascorbic Acid; Chronic Disease; DNA Repair; Gastric Mucosa; Gastritis, Atrophic; Humans; Methyltransferases; O(6)-Methylguanine-DNA Methyltransferase; Stomach

The relationship between current cigarette smoking and serum concentrations of vitamins C, E, and A, and of five carotenoids in human serum were examined in 91 low-income, African-American women. General linear models were used to adjust geometric mean serum concentrations of micronutrients for age, dietary and supplement intakes, total energy intake, alcohol intake, medication use, body mass index, and serum concentrations of cholesterol and triglycerides. Among smokers, serum concentrations of alpha-carotene, beta-carotene, cryptoxanthin, and lycopene averaged only 71-79% of the concentrations among nonsmokers. Mean serum concentrations of vitamins C and E and lutein/zeaxanthin were only slightly lower among smokers relative to nonsmokers, and current smokers had higher serum concentrations of vitamin A. Among current smokers, mean serum concentrations of all five carotenoids decreased with an increase in the amount smoked. The negative effect of smoking on serum concentrations of antioxidant carotenoids may pose a serious health risk in low-income populations already at higher risk for many chronic diseases.

Topics: Adult; Aged; Ascorbic Acid; Black or African American; Carotenoids; Chronic Disease; Female; Humans; Linear Models; Middle Aged; Poverty; Risk Factors; Smoking; Vitamin A; Vitamin E; Vitamins

Vitamins may modulate primary as well as secondary processes of aging. On the other hand, vitamin metabolism itself may be modified by the process of aging or by various chronic diseases connected with aging. On the basis of these multiple interactions the question arises whether the demand for individual vitamins is altered as a consequence of aging. Age-dependent metabolic changes may alter the need for individual vitamins. This is the case for vitamin D, vitamin B6, Riboflavine, and in special subpopulations for vitamin B12. The most important source for a sufficient supply of vitamins is an adequate nutrition. Thus, besides the aforementioned vitamins, insufficient alimentary intake with food plays the most important role in vitamin deficiency in the elderly. Due to age-specific alterations of the vitamin-A metabolism, toxicity of vitamin-A plays a more important role than vitamin-A deficiency. The vitamins A and D as well as vitamin C are discussed in detail.

Topics: Adult; Aged; Aging; Ascorbic Acid; Avitaminosis; Chronic Disease; Humans; Middle Aged; Nutritional Requirements; Vitamin A; Vitamin D; Vitamins

Atrophic gastritis is precancerous condition of the intestinal type of gastric carcinoma. This process supposes a genotoxic effect of N-nitroso-compounds which are formed in the stomach by nitrosation of nitrites and organic nitrogen compounds. The authors examined 41 patients with chronic superficial and atrophic gastritis. They examined the pH and concentration of nitrates and nitrites in gastric juice taken in the morning before meal. They discovered that in severe atrophic gastritis the amount of nitrates is significantly increased and the amount of nitrites is decreased, all in comparison with superficial gastritis. An exponential relation of the concentration of nitrites towards the pH of gastric juice was found to be NO2- = epH-6.5, CC = 0.935. A significant elevation of nitrite concentration was observed in cases of pH being higher than 5.5. Nitrate concentration altered in dependence of the value of gastric pH. Oral administration of 300 mg of vitamin C or 250 mg of vitamin E did not significantly affect the amount of gastric nitrites. The work discusses the mutual relation of nitrites, ascorbic acid and alpha-tocopherol towards the formation of N-nitroso-compounds in the stomach inflicted by atrophic gastritis. (Tab. 3, Fig. 2, Ref. 25.)

Topics: Adult; Ascorbic Acid; Chronic Disease; Female; Gastric Acidity Determination; Gastric Juice; Gastritis, Atrophic; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Nitrates; Nitrites; Vitamin E

This report concerns a 37-year-old chronic schizophrenic patient who derived substantial benefit from the addition of ascorbic acid (vitamin C) to his neuroleptic treatment. The case highlights the potential usefulness of vitamin C as an adjunctive agent in the treatment of chronic schizophrenia.

Topics: Adult; Ascorbic Acid; Chronic Disease; Drug Therapy, Combination; Haloperidol; Humans; Male; Schizophrenia; Treatment Outcome

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

Topics: Adolescent; Ascorbic Acid; Child; Child, Preschool; Chronic Disease; Female; Humans; Male; Platelet Count; Purpura, Thrombocytopenic, Idiopathic

Topics: Aged; Ascorbic Acid; Chronic Disease; Chymotrypsin; Diarrhea; Drug Combinations; Female; Flavonoids; Hesperidin; Humans; Male; Peptide Hydrolases; Phytosterols; Thrombophlebitis; Trypsin

Albino hairless mice (Skh:HR-1) exposed chronically to suberythemal doses of ultraviolet radiation develop visible skin changes, histological alterations, and tumors. Topical treatment of mice with solutions of superoxide-scavenging antioxidants (such as alpha-tocopherol, ascorbic acid, propyl gallate and Trolox) prior to each UVB radiation exposure reduced significantly the severity of these events. Tocopherol esters and ascorbyl palmitate were not as effective as the parent compounds in providing protection. The data suggest a role for superoxide in UVB radiation-induced skin photoaging and the protective potential of superoxide scavengers. In contrast, the severity of UVA radiation-induced mouse skin damage was not reduced by topical application of the antioxidants tested here.

Topics: Animals; Antioxidants; Ascorbic Acid; Chronic Disease; Female; Mice; Mice, Hairless; Photosensitivity Disorders; Skin Aging; Skin Neoplasms; Superoxides; Ultraviolet Rays

Topics: Adult; Aged; Ascorbic Acid; Chronic Disease; Female; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Platelet Count; Purpura, Thrombocytopenic

Topics: Adult; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Ascorbic Acid; Autoimmune Diseases; Chronic Disease; Female; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Purpura, Thrombocytopenic

This report deals with a case of 23-year-old woman with chronic idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) showing a favorable response to vitamin C (VC) administration. She was treated with glucocorticoids and immunosuppressants, whereas inadequately controlled with its tolerable dosage. Next, she underwent splenectomy. However, there were only transient effects on platelet counts, so the therapy with ascorbate was carried out according to the report by Brox et al. The platelet counts increased to 20 x 10(4)/microliters after 4 months. Side effects of VC therapy did not occur.

Topics: Adult; Ascorbic Acid; Chronic Disease; Female; Humans; Postoperative Care; Purpura, Thrombocytopenic; Splenectomy

Topics: Ascorbic Acid; Chronic Disease; Humans; Iodohippuric Acid; Kidney; Kidney Calculi; Organotechnetium Compounds; Pyelonephritis; Radioisotope Renography

The blood of healthy men and patients with methemoglobinemia of different genesis was incubated with chromosmon, ascorbic acid, riboflavin and glutathione, the percentage of erythrocytes with thorn-shaped protuberances-echinocytes being subsequently determined in the blood smears. The absorbtion spectra at the range 400-650 nm were investigated both in the smooth erythrocytes and in echinocytes. A correlation was found between the percentage of echinocytes and the methemoglobin content in the blood. The methemoglobin amount in the echinocytes was determined to be higher than in the smooth erythrocytes. It is discovered that effects of chromosmon, glutathione and riboflavin on production of methemoglobin depend on the dose, individual peculiarities of erythrocytes and on the illness that caused methemoglobinemia. The calculation of echinocyte percentage may be used as an express-diagnostics of methemoglobinemia and for purposes of studying the effect of methemoglobin-producing substances and drugs.

Topics: Ascorbic Acid; Bronchitis; Chronic Disease; Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; Erythrocytes; Glutathione; Hemoglobins; Humans; Methemoglobin; Methemoglobinemia; Methylene Blue; Pulmonary Heart Disease; Riboflavin; Sepsis; Shock, Traumatic; Spectrophotometry

In 14 patients suffering from relapsing chronic brucellosis who were anergic to brucella antigens, we have studied peripheral blood monocyte random migration and chemotaxis against non-specific and specific leukoattractants, as well as plasma and monocyte ascorbic acid levels. We found that all parameters studied, were significantly beneath normal, when compared to normal subjects. After the oral administration of ascorbic acid at a daily dose of 1gr for 15 consequetive days, random and directed migration against a non-specific stimulus (casein) returned to normal. Directed migration against disease associated leukoattractants (brucella melitensis and brucella abortus) antigens improved significantly, without reaching normal values. We concluded that ascorbic acid supplementation might partially restore peripheral, monocyte function and help the monocyte-macrophage system to mount an effective immune response against chronicity of brucella infection.

Topics: Ascorbic Acid; Brucellosis; Cell Movement; Chemotaxis, Leukocyte; Chronic Disease; Female; Humans; Immune Tolerance; In Vitro Techniques; Male; Middle Aged; Monocytes

The influence of acute and chronic hypoxia on the ascorbic acid content in liver, adrenal, plasma, cerebrospinal fluid and brain in 18-day-old rats was studied. Due to acute hypoxia a significant decrease in ascorbic acid concentration in the adrenal occurred. Its levels in plasma and cerebrospinal fluid increased significantly compared with controls. Chronic hypoxia caused a significant ascorbic acid concentration increase in all samples studied with the exception of olfactory lobe and vermis cerebelli.

Topics: Acute Disease; Adrenal Glands; Age Factors; Animals; Ascorbic Acid; Brain; Chronic Disease; Hypoxia; Liver; Rats; Rats, Inbred Strains

The newly-generated lipid mediators include products of arachidonate metabolism, prostaglandins and leukotrienes. In this study, serum lipids and fatty acids, including arachidonic acid (C20:4) were examined in 12 normal subjects (6 males and 6 females) and 23 subjects with chronic urticaria (6 males and 17 females), including 17 who made an excellent or good recovery (4 males and 13 females). The results indicated a relationship between chronic urticaria and serum lipids and fatty acids. The omega 6 (n-6) and omega 3 (n-3) series of polyunsaturated fatty acids and lipid peroxidation were suggested that may be one of the mediators in chronic urticaria. Pantethine, glutathione and ascorbic acid were effective in controlling chronic urticaria.

Topics: Adult; Ascorbic Acid; Chronic Disease; Fatty Acids; Female; Glutathione; Humans; Lipids; Male; Middle Aged; Pantetheine; Urticaria

1. Concentrations of ascorbic acid (ascorbic and dehydro-ascorbic; A + D; measured by the 2,4-dinitrophenylhydrazine method) of nearly three times those of plasma are present in gastric juice samples from patients with normal gastric histology. 2. A significant reduction in gastric juice ascorbic acid (A + D) was observed in patients with chronic gastritis. This reduction in concentration was independent of the grade of gastritis. 3. Concentrations of ascorbic acid (A + D) in gastric biopsy specimens were consistently higher in the antrum than in the body of the stomach. 4. These data demonstrate that considerable quantities of ascorbic acid (A + D) are normally 'secreted' into the stomach. 5. Ascorbic acid (ascorbic only; A; measured by h.p.l.c.) was present predominantly in its biologically active form in the patients with normal gastric histology. However, in patients with gastritis, independent of grade, ascorbic acid was present predominantly in its oxidized, biologically inactive form.

Topics: Adult; Aged; Ascorbic Acid; Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid; Chronic Disease; Female; Gastric Juice; Gastritis; Humans; Hydrogen-Ion Concentration; Leukocytes; Male; Middle Aged; Phenylhydrazines

A one-year toxicological experiment is carried out on albino male rats, receiving orally copper in doses 0.01, 0.1 and 1 mg/kg, respectively equivalent to the sanitary norm for drinking waters and 10 and 100 times above the latter are studied some aspects of the biological effect of copper according to the indices: total protein in blood serum, potassium and sodium in blood serum and heart, vitamin C and adenosinetriphosphate in blood. It is established that the chronic intoxication with copper in doses 1 and 0.1 mg/kg leads to the disturbance of electrolyte exchange in the organism and to changes in the level of vitamin C in blood, in doses 1 mg/kg--to disturbance of the protein exchange, and in doses 0.01 mg/kg no changes are established in all examined indices.

Topics: Adenosine Triphosphate; Animals; Ascorbic Acid; Blood Proteins; Chronic Disease; Copper; Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; Male; Potassium; Rats; Sodium; Time Factors; Water Pollutants; Water Pollutants, Chemical

Chronic vitamin C deficiency was induced in guinea pigs by restricting their vitamin C intake to 0.5 mg daily. This was just sufficient to prevent rapidly fatal scurvy and 55 per cent of the animals survived. In 16 weeks their serum ascorbic acid (SAA) fell to 0.16 +/- 0.06 mg/dl as compared to 0.73 +/- 0.11 in control animals receiving 5 mg vitamin C daily. There was a marked increase in serum cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol, VLDL-cholesterol, triglycerides and total lipids. HDL-cholesterol was, however, decreased resulting in a shift of the LDL/HDL ratio from 1.13 +/- 0.16 in the control to 5.91 +/- 1.70 in the low vitamin C group. Cholesterol feeding (100 mg/day) by itself lowered the SAA significantly, besides producing hyperlipidemia. When the vitamin C intake was reduced to only 0.5 mg/day, the effects of cholesterol feeding were exaggerated; the magnitude of hyperlipidemia was now significantly greater than with simple cholesterol feeding. The LDL/HDL ratio rose to 19.02 +/- 3.32 from 1.13 +/- 0.16 in the normal guinea pigs. Chronic vitamin C deficiency seems to affect the blood lipid profile unfavourably which could promote atherogenesis.

Topics: Animals; Ascorbic Acid; Ascorbic Acid Deficiency; Cholesterol; Cholesterol, Dietary; Cholesterol, LDL; Chronic Disease; Guinea Pigs; Hyperlipidemias; Lipids; Male; Triglycerides

Topics: Adult; Ascorbic Acid; Ascorbic Acid Deficiency; Bronchitis; Chronic Disease; Female; Humans; Male; Middle Aged

Topics: Arteriosclerosis; Ascorbic Acid; Ascorbic Acid Deficiency; Cardiovascular Diseases; Chronic Disease; Czechoslovakia; Diet; Humans

Depressed lymphocyte blastogenesis in response to mitogen stimulation, depressed iodination of protein by neutrophils, and enhanced ingestion of Staphylococcus aureus by neutrophils were detected in a bull with chronic bovine viral diarrhea (BVD). Before developing chronic BVD, the bull was vaccinated with a killed cytopathic BVD virus. Neutralizing antibodies specific for the vaccine virus were detected in serum specimens obtained from the bull immediately before death. A noncytopathic BVD virus was isolated from the spleen after death. The immunologic and virologic findings in this bull supported reported research findings on the pathogenetic mechanisms involved in chronic BVD and mucosal disease.

Topics: Animals; Ascorbic Acid; Bovine Virus Diarrhea-Mucosal Disease; Cattle; Cattle Diseases; Chronic Disease; Diarrhea Viruses, Bovine Viral; Leukopenia; Lithium; Lithium Carbonate; Male; Neutralization Tests; Neutrophils; Spleen

A hospital-based case-control study of gastric cancer precursor lesions was conducted in a high-risk black population in southern Louisiana. Ninety-three subjects with biopsy-proved advanced chronic atrophic gastritis were compared to two control series: a gastroscopy clinic series and a general hospital-admission series. Dietary case-control differences indicated a protective effect associated with fruit and vegetable intake and with dietary vitamin C and a risk elevation associated with milk consumption. The protective effect associated with consumption of fruits, vegetables, and vitamin C is consistent with findings for gastric cancer and with the etiologic hypothesis of intragastric nitrosation. A twofold increased risk was associated with cigarette smoking. Gastric juice pH, NO3-, and NO2- were determined for subjects undergoing gastroscopy, and comparisons were made between this high-risk U.S. group and a Colombian population with a much greater magnitude of risk; the latter had higher NO3- and NO2- levels. An increase in pH was associated with increasing severity of gastric lesions. Levels of pH and NO2- concentration were significantly correlated (P less than .0005); however, in Louisiana the large difference in NO2- concentration associated with pH elevation is not associated with histopathologic severity. Divergent trends with severity of lesions for NO3- concentration were seen in the two populations.

Topics: Adult; Age Factors; Aged; Animals; Ascorbic Acid; Black People; Chronic Disease; Diet; Female; Fruit; Gastric Acidity Determination; Gastric Juice; Gastritis; Gastritis, Atrophic; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Milk; Nitrates; Nitrites; Sex Factors; Smoking; Sodium Chloride; Stomach Neoplasms; Vegetables

Fifteen patients with idiopathic chronic pancreatitis (aged 17-78 years), who had not altered their diet since their first symptoms, completed 7-d weighed dietary records at home. The computed information was compared with that from 15 age- and sex-matched volunteers. Attention was focussed on the intakes of antioxidants and unsaturated fatty acids. The patients ingested less selenium, vitamin E, vitamin C and riboflavin than did controls (P less than 0.001, P less than 0.02, P less than 0.001 and P less than 0.05 respectively, using paired t-tests): selenium was by far the best discriminator on step-wise analysis. When the selenium intakes were examined alongside the results of theophylline tests--which reflect cytochromes P450 activities and, thereby, provide an index of antioxidant demand--a line of discrimination separated the majority of patients (with faster drug clearances and lower selenium intakes) and controls. There were no differences in the intakes of individual unsaturated fatty acids, C14:1 through to C24:6, between the two groups. However, amongst six subjects in the overlap zone, three with chronic pancreatitis habitually ate greater amounts of highly unsaturated fatty acids C20:4 to C24:6 inclusive (1970, 1049, 750 mg/d) than did three controls (329, 320, 82 mg/d). Animal experiments show that suboptimal intakes of dietary antioxidants and/or excessive intakes of highly unsaturated fatty acids and/or induction of cytochromes P450 facilitate peroxidation of cellular lipid membranes by free radicals. Our dietary data, taken in conjunction with pharmacokinetic data, thus suggest that a similar situation--favouring lipid peroxidation--may underlie human chronic pancreatitis.

Topics: Adolescent; Adult; Aged; Antioxidants; Ascorbic Acid; Chronic Disease; Cytochrome P-450 Enzyme System; Diet; Dietary Carbohydrates; Dietary Fats; Dietary Proteins; Enzyme Induction; Fatty Acids, Unsaturated; Female; Humans; Lipid Peroxides; Male; Middle Aged; Pancreatitis; Riboflavin; Selenium; Vitamin E

Seventy infertile men with chronic prostatitis were treated by prostatic massage and wide-spectrum chemotherapy as basic treatment to which intraprostatic injection of zinc or vitamin C with or without ultrasound application was added as a new line of treatment. Comparison showed no significant improvement of the additive treatment over the conventional treatment used alone. Pus cells in the expressed prostatic smear diminished significantly after treatment, which was associated with significant increase of percentage of motile spermatozoa and significant decrease of abnormal forms. Bacterial flora was studied in comparison with findings in 20 cases of infertile males without prostatitis; staphylococci predominated in both patient and control groups.

Topics: Adult; Ascorbic Acid; Chronic Disease; Escherichia coli; Humans; Infertility, Male; Male; Middle Aged; Prostate; Prostatitis; Semen; Staphylococcus; Streptococcus; Ultrasonic Therapy; Zinc

A scintigraphic study of the kidneys was carried out in 1780 patients with chronic pyelonephritis: 1308 with calculous and 472 with acalculous pyelonephritis. The scintigraphic finding was interpreted for each kidney separately. Diffuse damages of renal parenchyma was most often observed (47,6%), being, in the majority of the cases--bilateral. Disturbed drainage was established in 13,2%, dysfunction of one of the kidneys--in 18,8% and focal disturbed structure--in 5,4% of the kidneys studied. The results from the scintigraphic study were juxtaposed to the clinic of the disease and the data from laboratory and X-ray investigations. The scintigraphic study of the kidneys with 99m Tc-ascorbic complex is easy to perform, well tolerated by the patients, non-invasive method with no special risks, with minimal irradiation loading. Scintigraphy provides valuable information to the clinicians about the functional, structural and drainage disorders in the kidneys of patients with chronic pyelonephritis, allowing the control of the evolution of the disease and the effect of the treatment.

Topics: Ascorbic Acid; Chronic Disease; Humans; Kidney; Kidney Calculi; Organotechnetium Compounds; Pyelonephritis; Radionuclide Imaging; Technetium

Chronically sick elderly women had low intakes and low blood concentrations of vitamin C. Small dietary supplements of vitamin C increased the concentration of vitamin C in their plasma and leucocytes to those found in both the active elderly and the young. These findings confirm that low concentrations of vitamin C in the institutionalized and chronically sick elderly are primarily due to poor intake and can be easily corrected by dietary changes. The case for increasing the intake of vitamin C in these patients is discussed.

Topics: Adult; Aged; Ascorbic Acid; Chronic Disease; Female; Hospitalization; Humans; Leukocytes; Longitudinal Studies

Topics: Adolescent; Ascorbic Acid; Ascorbic Acid Deficiency; Catalase; Child; Child, Preschool; Chronic Disease; Diabetes Mellitus, Type 1; Female; Humans; Male; Obesity

Topics: Adult; Age Factors; Aged; Ascorbic Acid; Cholesterol, HDL; Chronic Disease; Coronary Disease; Female; Humans; Male; Middle Aged

Pharmaceutic studies were carried out with a total of 89 cows affected with chronic endometritis, following up the biopharmacokinetic and therapeutic effect of amopen foaming tablets that contained amoxicillin trihydrate at the rate of 30,000 and 45,000 IU. Andreev's catheter was used to introduce the tablets into the uterus. It was found that the use of 600,000 IU amoxicillin developed therapeutic concentrations within the uterus up to the 48 h-72nd hour. Amoxicillin persisted in the blood serum up to the sixth hour. It was not eliminated by milk. The therapeutic effect with such cows (in which the causative organisms were susceptible to amoxicillin) to which the amopen tablets were introduced into the uterus (14 t. x 630,000 IU) three to four times at 48-hour intervals was shown to be 76 per cent. The use of 5 tablets of 45,000 IU at the 24th hour after the last insemination of cows that failed to conceive, exhibiting no symptoms of inflammation, raised the conception rate by 24.1 per cent.

Topics: Administration, Topical; Amoxicillin; Animals; Ascorbic Acid; Cattle; Cattle Diseases; Chronic Disease; Drug Combinations; Drug Evaluation; Endometritis; Female; Kinetics; Niacinamide; Riboflavin; Tablets; Thiamine; Time Factors; Uterus

Throughout adult life, there is progressive alteration in body composition and tissue function. There is loss of lean body mass, notably by muscle, with a gain in body fat. We do not know whether nutritional factors affect these gross changes. In the case of loss of bone density (osteoporosis), however, there is evidence that the process is retarded by raising the intake of calcium and by exercise. Aging also adversely affects tissue function at the level of the whole organ and tissue as well as at the cellular and subcellular level. Animal models show similar age-related changes, and demonstrate further that alterations in nutrient intake or exercise can alter the rate of loss of tissue and cellular function. In addition to the effects of adult aging on tissue function, certain chronic diseases and disabilities are related to aging. These conditions include atherosclerosis, hypertension, coronary thrombosis, cancer, etc. Both human epidemiological studies and animal experiments on aging suggest strongly that nutrition plays a role in the onset and development of these conditions. There is a need for more accurate assessments of the nutrient needs of people over 65 years of age. A few selected nutrients are discussed. Studies of energy intake during adult life show a progressive reduction with increasing age, due mainly to reduced physical activity. Vitamin C levels in the white blood cells of elderly women can be half those of young adults; these respond to supplementary vitamin C without evidence of clinical benefit. Nitrogen balance studies suggest that the allowance of protein for older adults is not less than for young. Finally, surveys of elderly in whole populations and in selected groups show that, by the nutritional standards of young adults, there may exist a significant amount of malnutrition in people as they grow old, though we do not know whether this affects rate of loss of tissue function with age.

Topics: Aged; Ascorbic Acid; Body Composition; Chronic Disease; Dietary Proteins; Disease Models, Animal; Energy Metabolism; Female; Humans; Male; Nutritional Physiological Phenomena; Osteoporosis; Sex Factors

Topics: Adult; Anti-Bacterial Agents; Ascorbic Acid; Bethanechol Compounds; Chronic Disease; Escherichia coli Infections; Female; Humans; Malacoplakia; Urinary Tract Infections

Topics: Adolescent; Adrenal Glands; Adult; Ascorbic Acid; Ascorbic Acid Deficiency; Catecholamines; Chronic Disease; Humans; Middle Aged; Recurrence; Stomatitis, Aphthous; Sympathetic Nervous System

Topics: Adolescent; Adult; Ascorbic Acid; Cholecystitis; Chronic Disease; Female; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Oxygen Inhalation Therapy; Thiamine

Topics: Adult; Amino Acids; Ascorbic Acid; Bile; Bile Acids and Salts; Chronic Disease; Electrolytes; Hepatitis; Humans; Lipids; Middle Aged; Proteins

Topics: Adolescent; Adult; Ascorbic Acid; Cholecystitis; Chronic Disease; Female; Focal Infection; Free Radicals; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Monosaccharides; Protein Binding; Rheumatic Diseases; Thiamine; Tonsillitis

Topics: Anemia, Hypochromic; Ascorbic Acid; Ascorbic Acid Deficiency; Child; Child, Preschool; Chronic Disease; Drug Combinations; Female; Ferrous Compounds; Hemoglobins; Humans; Infant; Iron Deficiencies; Male

Topics: Adenosine; Alkanesulfonates; Ascorbic Acid; Cardiovascular Agents; Chronic Disease; Drug Combinations; Hemorrhoids; Humans; Rutin; Venous Insufficiency

Topics: Aged; Aging; Ascorbic Acid; Body Composition; Calcium, Dietary; Chronic Disease; Diet; Dietary Proteins; Energy Metabolism; Female; Humans; Iron; Male; Nutritional Physiological Phenomena; Nutritional Requirements; Vitamin D

Topics: Animals; Ascorbic Acid; Chronic Disease; Citrates; Drug Therapy, Combination; Hydronephrosis; Hypertension, Renal; Ketoglutaric Acids; Kidney; Malates; Oxidative Phosphorylation; Pyelonephritis; Rats; Solutions; Succinates

Topics: Adrenal Insufficiency; Adult; Ascorbic Acid; Capillary Permeability; Chronic Disease; Female; Humans; Male; Middle Aged

The protective and curative effects of dietary iron and ascorbic acid on chronic (180 days) cadmium toxicity in rats were examined. Growth retardation and anemia were observed in rats fed a diet containing 50 ppm of cadmium for 180 days; during this period the contents of iron in the liver, kidney, spleen, testis, intestine, and tibia decreased and the zinc contents of the liver and kidney increased, but the calcium content of bone did not change. Addition of 400 ppm of iron and 1% of ascorbic acid to the cadmium-containing diet overcame the growth retardation and anemia due to cadmium toxicity and reduced the tissue levels of cadmium; however, it did not restore the zinc contents in the liver, kidney, and bone to normal. Similar effects were observed when these compounds were added to cadmium containing diet for 90 days after feeding the cadmium diet alone for 90 days. The glutamic-pyruvic transminase and glutamic-oxaloacetic transminase activities in the plasma of rats fed the cadmium diet increased significantly and these increases were prevented by supplementing the diet with iron and ascorbic acid. Glucose, urea, and alkaline phosphatase in the plasma and glycogen in the liver were not changed by feeding the cadmium diet for 180 days. These results indicate the long-term effectiveness of supplementing the diet with iron and ascorbic-acid for preventing and curing dietary cadmium toxicity in rats.

Topics: Animals; Ascorbic Acid; Cadmium; Cadmium Poisoning; Chronic Disease; Iron; Male; Rats; Tissue Distribution; Zinc

Biochemical evidence of thiamine deficiency was found in 58% of patients with chronic liver disease, the incidence being higher in alcoholic than in non-alcoholic patients. Daily supplementation with high doses of thiamine hydrochloride (200 mg/day) for one week restored levels of thiamine pyrophosphate (TPP), the active co-enzyme form of thiamine, to normal in all cases. Such supplementation also stimulated synthesis of the TPP dependent enzyme transketolase. Because of the essential role of TPP as a co-factor in intermediary metabolism, it is concluded that high doses of thiamine should be included in the routine nutritional management of patients with severe chronic liver disease.

Topics: Ascorbic Acid; Chronic Disease; Erythrocytes; Humans; Liver Cirrhosis, Alcoholic; Liver Diseases; Pyridoxine; Thiamine; Thiamine Deficiency; Transketolase

Topics: Adult; Animals; Ascorbic Acid; Ascorbic Acid Deficiency; Child; Chronic Disease; Guinea Pigs; Humans; Nutritional Requirements; Rats

Topics: Ascorbic Acid; Capillaries; Chronic Disease; Flavonoids; Humans; Periodontitis; Periodontium

The clinical histories of 81 patients with hypersensitivity reactions to nitrofurantoin, 66 of whom had pulmonary reactions, were studied. Of all patients, 94% were women and of these, 43% were between 40 and 59 years of age. The nitrofurantoin preparation that contained vitamin c caused significantly fewer hypersensitivity reactions than the others. Acute pulmonary reactions appeared a mean of 8.7 days after the start of nitrofurantoin treatment. Typical for these were high fever, dyspnoea, cough, blood eosinophilia, bilateral pneumonic or pleuro-pneumonic infiltrations, a reduced transfer factor of the lung and, as revealed in pulmonary biopsy specimens, vasculitis, interstitial inflammation and alveolar exudation. Symptoms of subacute and chronic pulmonary reactions developed after at least 1 and 6 months of treatment, respectively. Findings of interest were anti-nuclear antibodies in serum, capillary sclerosis, interstitial fibrosis and inflammation in pulmonary tissue. Most patients with an acute pulmonary reaction recovered within 15 days, but in more than half of those with chronic reactions slight signs of pulmonary fibrosis persisted on follow-up. The findings suggest that the interstitial pulmonary changes caused by nitrofurantoin are largely the result of an Arthus-type immune complex-mediated reaction.

Topics: Acute Disease; Adult; Aged; Ascorbic Acid; Chronic Disease; Drug Combinations; Drug Hypersensitivity; Female; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Nitrofurantoin; Pneumonia; Pulmonary Fibrosis

1. Serial estimations of plasma (PAA) and leucocyte (LAA) ascorbic acid concentrations were made in geriatric patients in a stable phase of their illness, and compared with a similar ('unstable') group suffering from acute illness. 2. In the 'unstable' group, though PAA levels were unchanged, LAA levels were reduced. 3. The 'follow-up' period of 7-8 d there was much greater variation in both PAA and LAA levels in the 'unstable' group. 4. Acute illness was often accompanied by an increase and then a decrease in LAA levels. Recovery was associated with an increase in LAA levels.

Topics: Acute Disease; Aged; Ascorbic Acid; Chronic Disease; Female; Humans; Leukocytes; Male; Plasma

Methenamine is frequently prescribed for patients who have chronic urinary infection to suppress bacterial growth during active infection or to prevent recurrence once an infection has been brought under control. We have examined the effect of methenamine mandelate and ascorbic acid on bacteriuria in para- and quadriplegics from a spinal cord unit. Patients with indwelling urinary catheters and those on a program of intermittent catheterization were included. No suppressive or prophylactic effect of this regimen was observed in any of our patients. Methenamine does not appear to be an effective antimicrobial agent in subjects who have an indwelling urinary catheter or in patients with spinal cord injury who are on intermittent catheterization. Since there appears to be reason to question the efficacy of methenamine in situations in which it is usually prescribed, evidence should be sought for a therapeutic effect in other cases. If no benefit is observed, the drug should not be used.

Topics: Ascorbic Acid; Catheters, Indwelling; Chronic Disease; Drug Therapy, Combination; Humans; Male; Methenamine; Urinary Catheterization; Urinary Tract Infections

In 92 patients with various chronic affections of the gastro-intestinal tract vitamins C and B1 content in the blood and urine was measured. As controls 17 healthy persons were examined. Patients with gastro-intestinal affections were found to show a statistically significant fall of the vitamins C and B1 level in the blood and urine at all seasons of the year (winter, spring, summer and fall). But their decline is most intensive with exacerbation of the ailment and then the presence of the pain syndrome is attended by a steeper drop in the level of these vitamins. A course-wise parenteral administration of the vitamins C and B1 results in their statistically significant rise in the blood and urine, their level, however, remaining below that in healthy persons.

Topics: Adolescent; Adult; Ascorbic Acid; Ascorbic Acid Deficiency; Chronic Disease; Female; Gastrointestinal Diseases; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Nutritional Requirements; Thiamine; Thiamine Deficiency

Topics: Adult; Ascorbic Acid; Chronic Disease; Glomerulonephritis; Glycoproteins; Humans; Middle Aged

Topics: Acute Disease; Amino Acid Metabolism, Inborn Errors; Ascorbic Acid; Chronic Disease; Female; Growth Disorders; Hematuria; Humans; Infant, Newborn; Liver; Liver Diseases; Male; Methionine; Pregnancy; Tyrosine

Topics: Aged; Ascorbic Acid; Chronic Disease; Female; Hippurates; Humans; Hydrogen-Ion Concentration; Male; Methenamine; Urinary Catheterization; Urinary Tract Infections

Topics: Animals; Ascorbic Acid; Chronic Disease; Growth; Guinea Pigs; Kidney; Liver; Lung; Motor Activity; Poisoning; Spleen; Vinyl Chloride; Vinyl Compounds

Topics: Ascorbic Acid; Chronic Disease; Hepatitis; Humans; Liver Cirrhosis; Vitamin E

Serum ascorbic acid concentrations, taken from 37 chronically hospitalized psychiatric patients, were found to be similar to those usually encountered in normal subjects.

Topics: Ascorbic Acid; Chronic Disease; Humans; Psychotic Disorders; Time Factors

Topics: Adult; Ascorbic Acid; Avitaminosis; Cholecystitis; Chronic Disease; Female; Health Resorts; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Niacinamide; Thiamine; Vitamins

Topics: Adult; Ascorbic Acid; Chronic Disease; Female; Gastric Mucosa; Gastritis; Health Resorts; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Stomach; Ukraine

Topics: Adult; Aged; Ascorbic Acid; Ascorbic Acid Deficiency; Chronic Disease; Deficiency Diseases; Female; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Niacinamide; Pneumonia; Pyridoxine; Seasons; Vitamin B 6 Deficiency

Topics: Ascorbic Acid; Ascorbic Acid Deficiency; Chronic Disease; Diet Therapy; Female; Humans; Male; Renal Dialysis; Uremia

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

Topics: Animals; Ascorbic Acid; Carbon Tetrachloride Poisoning; Chronic Disease; Glucose; Liver; Liver Regeneration; Male; Methods; Rats

Topics: Adolescent; Adult; Animals; Ascorbic Acid; Chronic Disease; Female; Guinea Pigs; Histocytochemistry; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Otitis Media; Tympanic Membrane

Topics: Anemia, Hemolytic; Anemia, Hypochromic; Ascorbic Acid; Bilirubin; Blood Transfusion; Catalase; Chronic Disease; Glomerulonephritis; Gout; Hemoglobinometry; Humans; Iron; Kidney Diseases; Liver Diseases; Nephritis; Nitrogen; Rheumatic Fever; Surgical Procedures, Operative

Topics: Adolescent; Adult; Aged; Ascorbic Acid; Chronic Disease; Duodenal Ulcer; Female; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Stomach Ulcer

Topics: Acid Phosphatase; Acute Disease; Adenosine Triphosphatases; Adrenal Cortex Hormones; Adrenal Glands; Alkaline Phosphatase; Animals; Ascorbic Acid; Cholesterol; Chronic Disease; Histocytochemistry; Microscopy, Polarization; Pituitary Gland; Pituitary-Adrenal System; Rabbits; Sodium Chloride; Swine

Topics: Adult; Anti-Bacterial Agents; Ascorbic Acid; Brucellosis; Chronic Disease; Drug Hypersensitivity; Female; Humans; Immunotherapy; Male; Middle Aged; Muramidase; Oleandomycin; Phagocytosis; Physical Therapy Modalities; Pigments, Biological; Prodigiosin; Pyrroles; Serratia marcescens; Stimulation, Chemical; Tetracycline; Vitamins

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: Ascorbic Acid; Chloroquine; Chronic Disease; Humans; Prednisolone; Promethazine; Pyrimethamine; Sulfamethazine; Toxoplasmosis; Vitamins

Topics: Ascorbic Acid; Chronic Disease; Colorimetry; Dementia; Female; Humans; Male; Schizophrenia

Topics: Animals; Ascorbic Acid; Chronic Disease; Ear, Middle; Guinea Pigs; Humans; Mucous Membrane; Otitis Media

Topics: Adolescent; Adult; Aged; Ascorbic Acid; Chronic Disease; Copper; Eczema; Female; Humans; Male; Middle Aged

Topics: Adult; Ascorbic Acid; Chronic Disease; Female; Humans; Male; Rheumatic Fever; Rheumatic Heart Disease

Topics: Acid-Base Equilibrium; Acidosis; Administration, Oral; Animals; Aqueous Humor; Ascorbic Acid; Bicarbonates; Chronic Disease; Glaucoma; Humans; Hydrogen-Ion Concentration; Hypotension; Intraocular Pressure; Osmosis; Rabbits

Topics: Ascorbic Acid; Chronic Disease; Dopamine; Humans; Metabolism, Inborn Errors; Methyldopa; Schizophrenia; Thalamus; Tyrosine

Topics: Adenine Nucleotides; Animals; Ascorbic Acid; Ascorbic Acid Deficiency; Blood Coagulation; Blood Platelet Disorders; Blood Platelets; Chronic Disease; Female; Fibrinolysis; Guinea Pigs; Hemorrhagic Disorders; Hemostasis; Male; Thrombin; Time Factors

Topics: Adolescent; Adult; Aged; Ascorbic Acid; Chronic Disease; Female; Fibrinolysis; Hematologic Diseases; Humans; Hypertension; Male; Middle Aged; Nephritis

Topics: Acute Disease; Ascorbic Acid; Bilirubin; Cholestasis; Cholesterol; Chronic Disease; Coenzymes; Exchange Transfusion, Whole Blood; gamma-Globulins; Glucocorticoids; Hepatitis A; Humans; Hyperbaric Oxygenation; Liver Cirrhosis; Liver Function Tests; Oxygen Inhalation Therapy; Sulfobromophthalein; Transaminases; Vitamin B Complex

Topics: Adenoids; Aminosalicylic Acids; Ascorbic Acid; Calcium; Chlortetracycline; Chronic Disease; Dihydrostreptomycin Sulfate; Humans; Lymphoid Tissue; Palatine Tonsil; Pantothenic Acid; Penicillin V; Riboflavin; Thiamine; Time Factors; Tonsillitis; Vitamins

Topics: Adult; Aged; Ascorbic Acid; Avitaminosis; Cholecystitis; Chronic Disease; Citrates; Female; Hepatitis; Humans; Male; Methods; Middle Aged; Niacinamide; Pyruvates; Sorbitol; Thiamine

Topics: Adult; Ascorbic Acid; Autoimmune Diseases; Ceruloplasmin; Chronic Disease; Copper; Diet; Humans; Male; Mathematics; Metabolism, Inborn Errors; Middle Aged; Schizophrenia; Time Factors

Topics: Anesthesia, Conduction; Ascorbic Acid; Blood Protein Disorders; Chronic Disease; Humans; Hydrocortisone; Injections, Intravenous; Injections, Subcutaneous; Lipotropic Agents; Methionine; Pancreatic Extracts; Pancreatin; Pancreatitis; Pituitary Hormones, Posterior; Plasma Substitutes; Prednisolone; Procaine; Protein Hydrolysates; Serine; Serum Albumin; Serum Globulins; Strychnine; Thiamine; Water-Electrolyte Balance

Topics: Adult; Ascorbic Acid; Chronic Disease; Copper; Eczema; Humans; Middle Aged

Topics: Adult; Aged; Ascorbic Acid; Ascorbic Acid Deficiency; Chronic Disease; Depression; Diet; Diet Therapy; Edema; Female; Hemorrhage; Humans; Keratosis; Middle Aged; Scurvy

Topics: Acute Disease; Adrenal Cortex Hormones; Ascorbic Acid; Burns, Chemical; Chronic Disease; Contact Lenses; Cornea; Corneal Injuries; Edema; Eye Diseases; Glaucoma; Glucose; Glycerol; Humans; Hypertonic Solutions; Idoxuridine; Intraocular Pressure; Keratitis, Dendritic; Keratoconus; Ophthalmic Solutions; Povidone; Silicones; Sodium Chloride; Surface-Active Agents; Tears

Topics: Adolescent; Adult; Animals; Ascorbic Acid; Autoradiography; Chronic Disease; Female; Histocytochemistry; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Nasal Mucosa; Rabbits; Sinusitis

Topics: Adenosine Triphosphate; Adrenocorticotropic Hormone; Adult; Ascorbic Acid; Chronic Disease; Female; Humans; Injections, Intravenous; Isoniazid; Male; Middle Aged; Pyridoxine; Streptomycin; Thiamine; Tuberculosis, Pulmonary; Vitamin B 12; Vitamins

Topics: Adult; Ascorbic Acid; Chronic Disease; Escherichia coli Infections; Female; Humans; Infections; Lung Diseases; Male; Middle Aged; Osteomyelitis; Peritonitis; Pleural Diseases; Pneumonia; Staphylococcal Infections; Streptococcal Infections; Suppuration; Surgical Wound Infection; Tetracycline; Thiamine

Topics: Ascorbic Acid; Chronic Disease; Humans; Leukemia, Lymphoid; Leukemia, Myeloid; Niacinamide; Pyridoxine; Riboflavin; Thiamine; Tryptophan; Vitamin B 12; Vitamin B 6 Deficiency; Vitamins

Topics: Ascorbic Acid; Chronic Disease; Humans; Rheumatic Heart Disease

Topics: Ascorbic Acid; Chronic Disease; Fluorine; Metabolism; Rats; Research

Topics: Aged; Amylases; Ascorbic Acid; Cellulose; Chronic Disease; Deficiency Diseases; Dehydrocholic Acid; Geriatrics; Humans; Lipase; Niacinamide; Nutrition Disorders; Pantothenic Acid; Peptide Hydrolases; Pyridoxine; Riboflavin; Thiamine; Vitamin A; Vitamin D; Vitamins

Topics: Ascorbic Acid; Carbon Tetrachloride; Chronic Disease; Folic Acid; Humans; Liver Diseases; Niacinamide; Vitamin B 12; Vitamin K; Vitamins

Topics: Ascorbic Acid; Chronic Disease; Hematologic Diseases; Humans; Lymphatic Diseases; Neoplasms; Vitamins

Topics: Ascorbic Acid; Chronic Disease; Humans; Plants; Prognosis; Rheumatic Fever; Thiamine

Topics: Ascorbic Acid; Benzene; Bone Marrow; Carbohydrate Metabolism; Chronic Disease; Humans; Poisoning; Vegetables; Vitamins

Topics: Aged; Ascorbic Acid; Chronic Disease; Disease; Humans; Vitamins

Topics: Ascorbic Acid; Blood; Chronic Disease; Humans; Leukocytes; Mouth Neoplasms; Research; Vitamins

Topics: Ascorbic Acid; Chronic Disease; Gingivitis; Humans

Topics: Ascorbic Acid; Chronic Disease; Humans; Leukocyte Count; Leukocytes; Neoplasms; Vitamins

Topics: Adrenal Cortex Hormones; Ascorbic Acid; Chronic Disease; Joints

Topics: Adrenal Cortex Hormones; Arthritis; Ascorbic Acid; Chronic Disease; Desoxycorticosterone Acetate; Joints

Topics: Adrenal Cortex Hormones; Ascorbic Acid; Chronic Disease; Desoxycorticosterone Acetate; Leukemia; Vitamins

Topics: Ascorbic Acid; Blood; Child; Chronic Disease; Humans