ascorbic-acid and Vascular-Diseases

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

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

Accumulating evidence in mice models of accelerated senescence indicates a rescuing role of ascorbic acid in premature aging. Supplementation of ascorbic acid appeared to halt cell growth, oxidative stress, telomere attrition, disorganization of chromatin, and excessive secretion of inflammatory factors, and extend lifespan. Interestingly, ascorbic acid (AA) was also found to positively modulate inflamm-aging and immunosenescence, two hallmarks of biological aging. Moreover, ascorbic acid has been shown to epigenetically regulate genome integrity and stability, indicating a key role of targeted nutrition in healthy aging. Growing in vivo evidence supports the role of ascorbic acid in ameliorating factors linked to Alzheimer's disease (AD) pathogenesis, although evidence in humans yielded equivocal results. The neuroprotective role of ascorbic acid not only relies on the general free radical trapping, but also on the suppression of pro-inflammatory genes, mitigating neuroinflammation, on the chelation of iron, copper, and zinc, and on the suppression of amyloid-beta peptide (Aβ) fibrillogenesis. Epidemiological evidence linking diet, one of the most important modifiable lifestyle factors, and risk of Alzheimer's disease is rapidly increasing. Thus, dietary interventions, as a way to epigenetically modulate the human genome, may play a role in the prevention of AD. The present review is aimed at providing an up to date overview of the main biological mechanisms that are associated with ascorbic acid supplementation/bioavailability in the process of aging and Alzheimer's disease. In addition, we will address new fields of research and future directions.

Topics: Aging; Alzheimer Disease; Animals; Ascorbic Acid; Brain; Disease Models, Animal; Epigenomics; Humans; Nutrigenomics; Observational Studies as Topic; Oxidative Stress; Plaque, Amyloid; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Vascular Diseases

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

Venoactive drugs (VADs) are considered an important component of the medical (conservative) treatment of chronic venous disorders (CVDs). However, the efficacy of certain VADs on one or more individual leg symptoms may have not been extensively studied to justify a high level or grade of recommendation in guidelines on CVD. The aim of the present systematic review and meta-analysis was to study the effectiveness of VADs containing Ruscus across the spectrum of defined venous symptoms.. On November 14 2016, a literature search of the databases MEDLINE and Scopus was performed, supplemented by hand searching, to identify randomized double-blind placebo-controlled trials on Ruscus extracts in patients with CVD.. The main outcome measures were the effects of Ruscus on individual symptoms and leg edema, which were expressed as risk ratio (RR) or standardized mean difference (SMD) with 95% confidence interval (CI). Trial quality of evidence was graded using the GRADE system. We identified 10 trials, mostly with low risk of bias, on 719 patients. On qualitative analysis, Ruscus significantly improved seven defined leg symptoms, including pain, heaviness, fatigue, feeling of swelling, cramps, itching and paresthesia compared to placebo. On quantitative analysis, Ruscus compared with placebo, assessed as a categorical variable, reduced leg pain (RR=0.35, P=0.01, number needed to treat [NNT] 5, with no heterogeneity), heaviness (RR=0.26, P<0.00001, NNT=2.4, with a small amount of heterogeneity), feeling of swelling (RR=0.53, P<0.0001, NNT=4, with considerable heterogeneity, minimized after sensitivity analysis), paresthesia (RR=0.27, P<0.0001, NNT=1.8), global symptoms (RR=0.54, P<0.00001, NNT=4.3) and the total number of venous symptoms (RR 0.41, P=0.002). Similarly, Ruscus compared to placebo, assessed as a continuous variable reduced pain (SMD=-0.80, 95% CI: -1.21 to -0.39), heaviness (SMD=-1.23, 95% CI: -1.60 to -0.86), fatigue (SMD -1.16, 95% CI: -1.71 to -0.61), feeling of swelling (SMD=-2.27, 95% CI: -3.83 to -0.70), and paresthesia (SMD=-0.86, 95% CI: -1.51 to -0.21). Regarding objective assessments of leg edema, the use of Ruscus compared with placebo reduced ankle circumference (SMD=-0.74, 95% CI: -1.01 to -0.47) and leg or foot volume (SMD=-0.61, 95% CI: -0.91 to -0.31). The existing evidence, where sufficient, was mostly of high quality.. Based on high quality evidence, Ruscus extracts are highly effective in reducing symptoms and edema of patients with CVD.

Topics: Ascorbic Acid; Edema; Humans; Phytotherapy; Plant Extracts; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Ruscus; 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

The daily requirement of a human person for vitamin C (ascorbic acid) has now been established at 100 mg. This value was already on the map when Arnold Durig put together the most important needs of nutritional ingredients. The modern value rests on the saturating level of ascorbate in leukocytes, which is in the millimolar range. The mechanism of accumulation of ascorbate in these cells rests on the uptake of oxidized dehydroascorbic acid. It is very efficient and avoids loss of vitamin which occurs in vitro when ascorbate is oxidized because of the great instability of the dehydro form. Therefore and increased requirement in case of infection is very unlikely from the biochemical point of view. However, low concentrations of ascorbate are found in patients suffering from arterial diseases or diseases accompanied by arterial damage such as diabetes mellitus. Ascorbate is known as a protection factor for the arterial endothel, but it is not clear by what mechanism this protection is brought about. Moreover, under clinical conditions very high concentrations are needed, which are achieved only by intravenous infusion, and the protection is only observed when the disease is manifest, not in healthy people. Therefore, also in this respect an increase in daily intake seems of no prophylactic value. Thus, by using high concentrations of ascorbate as an i.v. drug, effects of this substance frequently observed in vitro, could be used for therapy. This includes not only treatment of arterial diseases, but also relates to the cytotoxic effects of the vitamin against certain tumor cells and may assist conventional chemotherapy.

Topics: Animals; Antioxidants; Ascorbic Acid; Biological Transport; Dietary Supplements; Humans; Nutritional Requirements; Oxidation-Reduction; Tumor Cells, Cultured; Vascular Diseases

Oxidative stress has been implicated as an important etiologic factor in atherosclerosis and vascular dysfunction. Antioxidants may inhibit atherogenesis and improve vascular function by two different mechanisms. First, lipid-soluble antioxidants present in low-density lipoprotein (LDL), including alpha-tocopherol, and water-soluble antioxidants present in the extracellular fluid of the arterial wall, including ascorbic acid (vitamin C), inhibit LDL oxidation through an LDL-specific antioxidant action. Second, antioxidants present in the cells of the vascular wall decrease cellular production and release of reactive oxygen species (ROS), inhibit endothelial activation (i.e., expression of adhesion molecules and monocyte chemoattractants), and improve the biologic activity of endothelium-derived nitric oxide (EDNO) through a cell- or tissue-specific antioxidant action. alpha-Tocopherol and a number of thiol antioxidants have been shown to decrease adhesion molecule expression and monocyte-endothelial interactions. Vitamin C has been demonstrated to potentiate EDNO activity and normalize vascular function in patients with coronary artery disease and associated risk factors, including hypercholesterolemia, hyperhomocysteinemia, hypertension, diabetes, and smoking.

Topics: Animals; Antioxidants; Arteriosclerosis; Ascorbic Acid; Chemokine CCL2; Humans; Lipoproteins, LDL; Nitric Oxide; Vascular Cell Adhesion Molecule-1; Vascular Diseases; Vitamin E

Topics: Ascorbic Acid; Avitaminosis; Blood Vessels; Cushing Syndrome; Diagnosis, Differential; Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome; Hemophilia A; Hemorrhagic Disorders; Humans; Purpura; Telangiectasia, Hereditary Hemorrhagic; Thrombocytopenia; Vascular Diseases

Topics: Angioplasty, Balloon, Coronary; Ascorbic Acid; Coronary Artery Disease; Disease Progression; Follow-Up Studies; Heart Transplantation; Humans; Immunosuppressive Agents; Intention to Treat Analysis; Tunica Intima; Vascular Diseases; Vitamin E

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

The objective of this study was to assess whether low-grade systemic inflammation might contribute to the pathogenesis of endothelial dysfunction in patients with subclinical hypothyroidism (sHT) and autoimmune thyroiditis.. sHT patients are characterized by peripheral endothelial dysfunction and low-grade inflammation.. In 53 sHT and 45 healthy subjects, we studied the forearm blood flow (strain-gauge plethysmography) response to intrabrachial acetylcholine (Ach) (0.15-15 microg/min.dl) with and without local vascular COX inhibition by intrabrachial indomethacin (50 microg/min.dl) or nitric oxide synthase blockade by N-mono methyl arginine (L-NMMA) (100 microg/min.dl) or the antioxidant vitamin C (8 mg/min.dl). The protocol was repeated 2 h after systemic nonselective COX inhibition (100 mg indomethacin) or selective COX-2 blockade (200 mg celecoxib) oral administrations.. sHT patients showed higher C-reactive protein and IL-6 values. In controls, vasodilation to Ach was blunted by L-NMMA and unchanged by vitamin C. In contrast, in sHT, the response to Ach, reduced in comparison with controls, was resistant to L-NMMA and normalized by vitamin C. In these patients, systemic but not local indomethacin normalized vasodilation to Ach and the inhibition of L-NMMA on Ach. Similar results were obtained with celecoxib. When retested after indomethacin administration, vitamin C no longer succeeded in improving vasodilation to Ach in sHT patients. Response to sodium nitroprusside was unchanged by indomethacin or celecoxib.. In sHT patients, low-grade chronic inflammation causes endothelial dysfunction and impaired nitric oxide availability by a COX-2-dependent pathway leading to increased production of oxidative stress.

Topics: Acetylcholine; Adult; Algorithms; Ascorbic Acid; Celecoxib; Cyclooxygenase 2; Endothelium, Vascular; Female; Forearm; Hashimoto Disease; Humans; Indomethacin; Inflammation; Male; Membrane Proteins; Middle Aged; Nitric Oxide; Nitroprusside; Oxidative Stress; Pyrazoles; Regional Blood Flow; Sulfonamides; Vascular Diseases; Vasculitis; Vasodilation

Atherosclerosis is associated with stiffening of conduit arteries and increased platelet activation, partly as a result of reduced bioavailability of nitric oxide (NO), a mediator that normally has a variety of protective effects on blood vessels and platelets. Increased levels of oxygen free radicals are a feature of atherosclerosis that contributes to reduced NO bioavailability and might lead to increased arterial stiffness and platelet activation. Vitamin C is a dietary antioxidant that inactivates oxygen free radicals. This placebo-controlled, double-blind, randomized study was designed to establish whether acute oral administration of vitamin C (2 g), would reduce arterial stiffness and in vitro platelet aggregation in healthy male volunteers. Plasma vitamin C concentrations increased from 42+/-8 to 104+/-8 microM at 6 h after oral administration, and were associated with a significant reduction in augmentation index, a measure of arterial stiffness (by 9.6+/-3.0%; p = 0.016), and ADP-induced platelet aggregation (by 35+/-13%; p = 0.046). There was no change in these parameters after placebo. Vitamin C, therefore, appears to have beneficial effects, even in healthy subjects. The mechanism responsible is likely to involve protection of NO from inactivation by oxygen free radicals, but this requires confirmation. If similar effects are observed in patients with atherosclerosis or risk factors, vitamin C supplementation might prove an effective therapy in cardiovascular disease.

Topics: Administration, Oral; Adult; Antioxidants; Arteries; Ascorbic Acid; Blood Platelets; Double-Blind Method; Hemodynamics; Humans; Male; Placebos; Platelet Aggregation Inhibitors; Vascular Diseases

In a prospective double-blind controlled trial the effect of large doses of ascorbic acid on the healing of pressure-sores has been assessed. 20 surgical patients were studied, the pressure areas being assessed by serial photography and ulcer tracings. The mean ascorbic-acid levels in treated and non-treated groups one month after the start of treatment were 65.6 and 25.8 mug per 10-8 white blood-cells. In the group treated with ascorbic acid there was a mean reduction in pressure-sore area of 84% after one month compared with 42.7% in the placebo group. These findings are statistically significant (P less than 0.005) and suggest that ascorbic acid may accelerate the healing of pressure-sores.

Topics: Aged; Arthritis, Rheumatoid; Ascorbic Acid; Ascorbic Acid Deficiency; Cerebrovascular Disorders; Clinical Trials as Topic; Female; Fractures, Bone; Humans; Leukocytes; Male; Middle Aged; Paraplegia; Postoperative Complications; Pressure Ulcer; Prospective Studies; Vascular Diseases; Wound Healing

Topics: Adult; Antioxidants; Ascorbic Acid; Brachial Artery; Endothelium, Vascular; Female; Humans; Male; Oxidative Stress; Smoking Water Pipes; Vascular Diseases; Vasodilation; Water Pipe Smoking; Young Adult

Current evidence supports the positive association between the consumption of plant foods and health. In this work, we assessed the effect of consuming a half-serving (30 g) or one serving (60 g) of broccoli sprouts on the urinary concentrations of biomarkers of oxidative stress (isoprostanes) and inflammation (prostaglandins and thromboxanes). Twenty-four volunteers participated in the project. A quantitative determination of sulforaphane and its mercapturic derivatives, eicosanoids, and total vitamin C in urine was performed. The intake of broccoli sprouts produced an increase in the urinary concentrations of sulforaphane metabolites and vitamin C. Among the 13 eicosanoids analyzed, tetranor-PGEM and 11β-PGF2α as well as 11-dehydro-TXB2 showed a significant decrease in their urinary concentrations after the ingestion of broccoli sprouts. Therefore, the consumption of broccoli sprouts modulated the excretion of biomarkers linked to inflammation and vascular reactions without exerting a significant influence on the oxidation of phospholipids in vivo.

Topics: Adult; Ascorbic Acid; Biomarkers; Brassica; Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid; Cross-Over Studies; Female; Glucosinolates; Healthy Volunteers; Humans; Imidoesters; Inflammation; Isoprostanes; Isothiocyanates; Male; Middle Aged; Oxidative Stress; Oximes; Plant Extracts; Prostaglandins; Sulfoxides; Tandem Mass Spectrometry; Thromboxane B2; Vascular Diseases; White People; Young Adult

Fetal hypoxia is a common complication of pregnancy. It has been shown to programme cardiac and endothelial dysfunction in the offspring in adult life. However, the mechanisms via which this occurs remain elusive, precluding the identification of potential therapy. Using an integrative approach at the isolated organ, cellular and molecular levels, we tested the hypothesis that oxidative stress in the fetal heart and vasculature underlies the molecular basis via which prenatal hypoxia programmes cardiovascular dysfunction in later life. In a longitudinal study, the effects of maternal treatment of hypoxic (13% O(2)) pregnancy with an antioxidant on the cardiovascular system of the offspring at the end of gestation and at adulthood were studied. On day 6 of pregnancy, rats (n = 20 per group) were exposed to normoxia or hypoxia ± vitamin C. At gestational day 20, tissues were collected from 1 male fetus per litter per group (n = 10). The remaining 10 litters per group were allowed to deliver. At 4 months, tissues from 1 male adult offspring per litter per group were either perfusion fixed, frozen, or dissected for isolated organ preparations. In the fetus, hypoxic pregnancy promoted aortic thickening with enhanced nitrotyrosine staining and an increase in cardiac HSP70 expression. By adulthood, offspring of hypoxic pregnancy had markedly impaired NO-dependent relaxation in femoral resistance arteries, and increased myocardial contractility with sympathetic dominance. Maternal vitamin C prevented these effects in fetal and adult offspring of hypoxic pregnancy. The data offer insight to mechanism and thereby possible targets for intervention against developmental origins of cardiac and peripheral vascular dysfunction in offspring of risky pregnancy.

Topics: Animals; Arteries; Ascorbic Acid; Female; Heart Diseases; Hypoxia; Longitudinal Studies; Male; Myocardial Contraction; Oxidative Stress; Pregnancy; Prenatal Exposure Delayed Effects; Rats; Vascular Diseases

Cadmium (Cd) is one of the most important environmental pollutants that cause a number of adverse health effects in humans and animals. Recent studies have shown that Cd-induced oxidative damage within the vascular tissues results in vascular dysfunction. The current study was aimed to investigate whether ascorbic acid could protect against Cd-induced vascular dysfunction in mice. Male ICR mice were received CdCl(2) (100 mg/l) via drinking water for 8 weeks alone or received ascorbic acid supplementation at doses of 50 and 100 mg/kg/day for every other day. Results showed that Cd administration increased arterial blood pressure and blunted the vascular responses to vasoactive agents. These alterations were related to increased superoxide production in thoracic aorta, increased urinary nitrate/nitrite, increased plasma protein carbonyl, elevated malondialdehyde (MDA) concentrations in plasma and tissues, decreased blood glutathione (GSH), and increased Cd contents in blood and tissues. Ascorbic acid dose-dependently normalized the blood pressure, improved vascular reactivities to acetylcholine (ACh), phenylephrine (Phe) and sodium nitroprusside (SNP). These improvements were associated with significant suppression of oxidant formation, prevention of GSH depletion, and partial reduction of Cd contents in blood and tissues. The findings in this study provide the first evidence in pharmacological effects of ascorbic acid on alleviation of oxidative damage and improvement of vascular function in a mouse model of Cd-induced hypertension and vascular dysfunction. Moreover, our study suggests that dietary supplementation of ascorbic acid may provide beneficial effects by reversing the oxidative stress and vascular dysfunction in Cd-induced toxicity.

Topics: Animals; Ascorbic Acid; Cadmium; Disease Models, Animal; Hypertension; Male; Mice; Mice, Inbred ICR; Oxidative Stress; Testis; Vascular Diseases

Topics: Animals; Ascorbic Acid; Biopterins; Endothelial Cells; Nitric Oxide; Nitric Oxide Synthase Type III; Rats; Reactive Oxygen Species; Vascular Diseases

Long-lasting hyperglycemia in type 1 diabetic patients induces permanent alterations of endothelial function by increased oxidative stress, even when glycemia is normalized.. In this study, 36 type 1 diabetic patients and 12 control subjects were enrolled. The diabetic patients were divided into three groups. The first group was treated for 24 h with insulin, achieving a near normalization of glycemia. After 12 h of this treatment, vitamin C was added for the remaining 12 h. The second group was treated for 24 h with vitamin C. After 12 h of this treatment, insulin was started, achieving a near normalization of glycemia for the remaining 12 h. The third group was treated for 24 h with both vitamin C and insulin, achieving near normalization of glycemia. The same protocols were performed after 1 month of telmisartan or placebo.. Neither normalization of glycemia nor vitamin C treatment alone was able to normalize endothelial dysfunction or oxidative stress. Combining insulin and vitamin C normalized endothelial dysfunction and decreased oxidative stress to normal levels. Telmisartan significantly improved basal endothelial function and decreased nitrotyrosine plasma levels. In patients treated with telmisartan, a near normalization of both flow-mediated vasodilation and oxidative stress was achieved when glycemia was normalized, whereas adding vitamin C infusion did not show further effect on endothelial function or nitrotyrosine plasma levels.. These data indicate that combining the normalization of glycemia with an antioxidant can normalize endothelial function in type 1 diabetic patients and that telmisartan works as an antioxidant like vitamin C.

Topics: Angiotensin II Type 1 Receptor Blockers; Antioxidants; Ascorbic Acid; Benzimidazoles; Benzoates; Diabetes Mellitus, Type 1; Endothelium, Vascular; Humans; Hyperglycemia; Hypoglycemic Agents; Insulin; Oxidative Stress; Telmisartan; Vascular Diseases

There is a strong north-south gradient of vascular disease in Britain, whose aetiology is not fully understood.. To test the hypothesis, in a cross-sectional survey of older people, that intakes and status indices for protective micronutrients, particularly those for which fruit and vegetables are rich sources, also vary on a north-south axis.. The 1994-5 National Diet and Nutrition Survey of People Aged 65 Years and Over has provided a uniquely appropriate data-set for this purpose. The analysis, confined to free-living participants, compared nutrient intakes and status between people living in the north of Britain, from Scotland to Humberside, with those living south of the Wash, excluding the Midlands and Wales.. Highly significant north-south differences, especially for vitamin C, but also to a significant extent for B-vitamins and carotenoids, indicated a more vitamin-rich diet, with more frequent use of vitamin supplements, in the south. Vitamin D status and fibre intakes were also higher in the south; sodium intake was greater in the north. Blood lipid indices did not, however, differ between north and south. North-south differences in the likelihood of receiving income support, of having manual socio-economic status and of smoking habit, appeared to be significant underlying socio-demographic factors.. These findings are consistent with the hypothesis that for older British people, differences in nutrient intake and status indices between the north and south of Britain run parallel with, and may contribute to, the north-south axis of vascular disease risk.

Topics: Aged; Antioxidants; Ascorbic Acid; Carotenoids; Cross-Sectional Studies; Diet; Diet Surveys; Feeding Behavior; Female; Fruit; Humans; Male; Micronutrients; Nutritional Status; Risk Factors; Smoking; Socioeconomic Factors; United Kingdom; Vascular Diseases; Vegetables; Vitamins

Topics: Adult; Ascorbic Acid; Chemical and Drug Induced Liver Injury; Chymotrypsin; Drug Combinations; Female; Flavonoids; Hesperidin; Humans; Leg; Peptide Hydrolases; Phytosterols; Trypsin; Vascular Diseases; Veins

The Edinburgh Artery Study included a cross-sectional survey of 1592 men and women (aged 55-74 y). One aim was to examine relationships between an indicator of peripheral arterial disease, the ankle brachial pressure index (ABPI), and dietary factors. Nutrient intake was derived from a food-frequency questionnaire. Higher frequency of consumption of fiber-containing foods was associated with greater mean ABPI in males and higher consumption of meat and meat products were significantly associated with low mean ABPI in males and females. In a multiple linear regression with ABPI as outcome and energy-adjusted nutrients as predictors, cereal fiber (P = 0.02) and alcohol (P = 0.04) were positively associated with the ABPI in males but not in females. Dietary vitamin E(alpha-tocopherol) intake was positively associated with ABPI (P = 0.04) independently of smoking and other nutrients. Dietary vitamin C intake was significantly related to ABPI (P = 0.006) only among those who had ever smoked.

Topics: Aged; Ankle; Arteries; Ascorbic Acid; Blood Pressure; Brachial Artery; Diet; Dietary Fiber; Female; Humans; Male; Meat; Middle Aged; Regression Analysis; Risk Factors; Sex Factors; Vascular Diseases

Topics: Ascorbic Acid; Carcinogens; Female; Free Radicals; Humans; Leukocytes; Lung Neoplasms; Male; Neoplasms; Nicotiana; Plants, Toxic; Smoke; Smoking; Sodium; Stomach Neoplasms; Vascular Diseases; Vitamin A; Vitamin E

Topics: Administration, Oral; Adult; Ascorbic Acid; Calcium; Drug Combinations; Female; Humans; Male; Methods; Phosphorous Acids; Plant Extracts; Regional Blood Flow; Skin; Skin Diseases; Skin Temperature; Vascular Diseases; Vitamin D

Topics: Aged; Ascorbic Acid; Delayed-Action Preparations; Female; Humans; Long-Term Care; Male; Middle Aged; Morphinans; Papaverine; Rutin; Vascular Diseases

Topics: Ascorbic Acid; Eye Diseases; Flavonoids; Fundus Oculi; Humans; Papaverine; Pyridoxine; Vascular Diseases

Topics: Adult; Aged; Ascorbic Acid; Caproates; Citrates; Female; Flavonoids; Frostbite; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Nucleosides; Phlebitis; Rutin; Skin Diseases; Telangiectasis; Varicose Ulcer; Varicose Veins; Vascular Diseases

Topics: Aged; Ascorbic Acid; Female; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Vascular Diseases

Topics: Aged; Ascorbic Acid; Diabetic Angiopathies; Female; Humans; Hyaluronic Acid; Leg Ulcer; Male; Middle Aged; Ointments; Rifampin; Vascular Diseases

Topics: Adolescent; Adult; Aged; Ascorbic Acid; Citrates; Female; Flavonoids; Hemorrhoids; Humans; Leg Ulcer; Male; Middle Aged; Nucleosides; Skin Diseases; Varicose Veins; Vascular Diseases

Topics: Adolescent; Adult; Aged; Anemia; Ascorbic Acid; Cachexia; Child; Female; Herpes Zoster; Humans; Liver Diseases; Male; Middle Aged; Neuralgia; Neuritis; Vascular Diseases; Vitamin B Complex

Topics: Adolescent; Adult; Ascorbic Acid; Biological Assay; Child; Drowning; Female; Humans; Hypothalamo-Hypophyseal System; Hypothalamus; Luteinizing Hormone; Male; Middle Aged; Neoplasms; Ovary; Pituitary Hormone-Releasing Hormones; Poisoning; Uremia; Vascular Diseases; Wounds and Injuries

Topics: Acute Disease; Ascorbic Acid; Atropine; Audiometry; Deafness; Diphenhydramine; Humans; Procaine; Scopolamine; Vascular Diseases; Vasodilator Agents

Topics: Animals; Ascorbic Acid; Blood Circulation; Cineangiography; Dogs; Haplorhini; Krypton; Portal Vein; Radioisotopes; Shock, Hemorrhagic; Vascular Diseases

Topics: Ascorbic Acid; Cortisone; Humans; Immunotherapy; Leg; Phenylbutazone; Quinolines; Radiotherapy; Skin; Streptomycin; Vascular Diseases

Topics: Animals; Ascorbic Acid; Body Weight; Chickens; Copper; Diet; Dietary Supplements; Diethylstilbestrol; Hematocrit; Hematopoiesis; Hemoglobinometry; Meat; Pathology; Pharmacology; Poultry; Research; Reserpine; Rupture, Spontaneous; Toxicology; Vascular Diseases

Topics: Ascorbic Acid; Capillaries; Cardiovascular System; Contusions; Hemorrhage; Humans; Iron; Vascular Diseases

Topics: Ascorbic Acid; Coumarins; Flavones; Flavonoids; Hemorrhoids; Humans; Lymphedema; Melilotus; Phlebitis; Thrombophlebitis; Varicose Veins; Vascular Diseases

Topics: Adrenal Cortex Hormones; Adrenocorticotropic Hormone; Anti-Bacterial Agents; Antibiotics, Antitubercular; Ascorbic Acid; Dermatologic Agents; Dermatology; Purpura; Vascular Diseases

Topics: Ascorbic Acid; Central Nervous System Stimulants; Folic Acid; Humans; Peripheral Vascular Diseases; Pyrrolidines; Surgical Procedures, Operative; Vascular Diseases; Vitamin B Complex

Topics: Ascorbic Acid; Humans; Peripheral Arterial Disease; Peripheral Vascular Diseases; Vascular Diseases; Vitamins

Topics: Ascorbic Acid; Central Nervous System Stimulants; Folic Acid; Humans; Peripheral Vascular Diseases; Vascular Diseases; Vitamin B Complex; Vitamins

Topics: Ascorbic Acid; Blood Vessels; Cardiovascular Physiological Phenomena; Humans; Physiological Phenomena; Vascular Diseases; Vitamins

Topics: Ascorbic Acid; Cardiovascular Diseases; Cardiovascular System; Cerebrovascular Disorders; Humans; Peripheral Vascular Diseases; Vascular Diseases; Vitamin D; Vitamins

Topics: Ascorbic Acid; Biomedical Research; Capillary Permeability; Flavonoids; Guinea Pigs; Hemorrhage; Humans; Vascular Diseases; Vitamins

Topics: Ascorbic Acid; Capillary Fragility; Erythrocytes; Flavones; Gingiva; Gingival Hemorrhage; Hemorrhage; Humans; Rutin; Vascular Diseases; Vitamins