ascorbic-acid and Weight-Loss

Obesity in asthmatic patients has important relationships with asthma control, pulmonary function, and quality of life. The objective of this study was to conduct a systematic review of the literature on the effect of diet on asthma management in adults.. We searched PubMed, Embase, and Scopus (January 1948-October 2014) for randomized clinical trials that evaluated the effects of diet in adults with asthma.. Of 12,215 studies identified, 21 were included. A reduction in weight of at least 7.5% from baseline as a result of caloric restriction can be beneficial for improving disease control, quality of life, and pulmonary function in obese patients with asthma. A dietary pattern rich in foods with potential antioxidant effect had an impact in improving asthma control, but with little clinical significance. Studies involving antioxidant supplementation showed improvements in asthma control with magnesium supplementation and less decline in lung function with vitamin C supplementation. Studies of fatty acid supplementation demonstrated effects on weight loss and improvement of asthma control and lung function. Studies of supplementation with propolis and caffeine reported significant increases in FEV1. Conversely, studies of high dietary salt intake reported greater declines in lung function.. The evidence shows that, for obese adults with asthma, the best dietary intervention seems to be caloric restriction, regardless of specific dietary components.

Topics: Antioxidants; Ascorbic Acid; Asthma; Caloric Restriction; Diet; Dietary Supplements; Fatty Acids; Humans; Lung; Micronutrients; Obesity; Quality of Life; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Weight Loss

America is experiencing a major obesity epidemic. The ramifications of this epidemic are immense since obesity is associated with chronic metabolic abnormalities such as insulin resistance, dyslipidemia, and heart disease. Reduced physical activity and/or increased energy intakes are important factors in this epidemic. Additionally, a genetic susceptibility to obesity is associated with gene polymorphisms affecting biochemical pathways that regulate fat oxidation, energy expenditure, or energy intake. However, these pathways are also impacted by specific foods and nutrients. Vitamin C status is inversely related to body mass. Individuals with adequate vitamin C status oxidize 30% more fat during a moderate exercise bout than individuals with low vitamin C status; thus, vitamin C depleted individuals may be more resistant to fat mass loss. Food choices can impact post-meal satiety and hunger. High-protein foods promote postprandial thermogenesis and greater satiety as compared to high-carbohydrate, low-fat foods; thus, diet regimens high in protein foods may improve diet compliance and diet effectiveness. Vinegar and peanut ingestion can reduce the glycemic effect of a meal, a phenomenon that has been related to satiety and reduced food consumption. Thus, the effectiveness of regular exercise and a prudent diet for weight loss may be enhanced by attention to specific diet details.

Topics: Ascorbic Acid; Energy Metabolism; Glycemic Index; Health Promotion; Humans; Weight Loss

Evidence based prevention of cholecystolithiasis. Cholesterol cholelithiasis is one of the most common and expensive gastroenterological diseases. Beside common exogenous risk factors, recent molecular genetic studies have identified genetic risk factors for both cholesterol and pigment stone formation. Examples are low phospholipid-associated cholelithiasis due to mutations of the gene encoding the hepatocanalicular phosphatidylcholine transporter, and pigment stones in association with mutations of the ileal bile salt transporter gene. Evidence-based options for primary prevention of cholecystolithiasis include physical activity, slow weight reduction, regular vitamin C supplementation, and moderate coffee consumption. The ongoing genome projects provide the basis for future epidemiological studies of human gallstone (LITH) genes, which might offer new prospects for individual risk assessment and prevention of gallstones.

Topics: Ascorbic Acid; Biliary Tract Diseases; Carrier Proteins; Cholecystolithiasis; Coffee; Colic; Evidence-Based Medicine; Exercise; Gallbladder Neoplasms; Humans; Phospholipid Transfer Proteins; Primary Prevention; Risk Factors; Weight Loss

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

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

The development of low-cost point-of-care technologies to improve HIV treatment is a major focus of current research in resource-limited settings.. We assessed associations of body mass index (BMI; in kg/m(2)) at antiretroviral therapy (ART) initiation and weight change after 1 mo of treatment with mortality, morbidity, and CD4 T cell reconstitution.. A prospective cohort of 3389 Tanzanian adults initiating ART enrolled in a multivitamin trial was followed at monthly clinic visits (median: 19.7 mo). Proportional hazard models were used to analyze mortality and morbidity associations, whereas generalized estimating equations were used for CD4 T cell counts.. The median weight change at 1 mo of ART was +2.0% (IQR: -0.4% to +4.6%). The association of weight loss at 1 mo with subsequent mortality varied significantly by baseline BMI (P = 0.011). Participants with ≥2.5% weight loss had 6.43 times (95% CI: 3.78, 10.93 times) the hazard of mortality compared with that of participants with weight gains ≥2.5%, if their baseline BMI was <18.5 but only 2.73 times (95% CI: 1.49, 5.00 times) the hazard of mortality if their baseline BMI was ≥18.5 and <25.0. Weight loss at 1 mo was also associated with incident pneumonia (P = 0.002), oral thrush (P = 0.007), and pulmonary tuberculosis (P < 0.001) but not change in CD4 T cell counts (P > 0.05).. Weight loss as early as 1 mo after ART initiation can identify adults at high risk of adverse outcomes. Studies identifying reasons for and managing early weight loss are needed to improve HIV treatment, with particular urgency for malnourished adults initiating ART. The parent trial was registered at clinicaltrials.gov as NCT00383669.

Topics: Adult; Antiretroviral Therapy, Highly Active; Ascorbic Acid; Body Mass Index; CD4 Lymphocyte Count; Double-Blind Method; Female; HIV Infections; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Morbidity; Multivariate Analysis; Pneumonia; Proportional Hazards Models; Prospective Studies; Tanzania; Treatment Outcome; Tuberculosis, Pulmonary; Viral Load; Vitamin B Complex; Vitamin E; Vitamins; Weight Loss

There are concerns that weight-loss (WL) diets based on very low carbohydrate (LC) intake have a negative impact on antioxidant status and biomarkers of cardiovascular and metabolic health. Obese men (n 16) participated in a randomised, cross-over design diet trial, with food provided daily, at approximately 8.3 MJ/d (approximately 70 % of energy maintenance requirements). They were provided with two high-protein diets (30 % of energy), each for a 4-week period, involving a LC (4 % carbohydrate) and a moderate carbohydrate (MC, 35 % carbohydrate) content. Body weight was measured daily, and weekly blood samples were collected. On average, subjects lost 6.75 and 4.32 kg of weight on the LC and MC diets, respectively (P < 0.001, SED 0.350). Although the LC and MC diets were associated with a small reduction in plasma concentrations of retinol, vitamin E (α-tocopherol) and β-cryptoxanthin (P < 0.005), these were still above the values indicative of deficiency. Interestingly, plasma vitamin C concentrations increased on consumption of the LC diet (P < 0.05). Plasma markers of insulin resistance (P < 0.001), lipaemia and inflammation (P < 0.05, TNF-α and IL-10) improved similarly on both diets. There was no change in other cardiovascular markers with WL. The present data suggest that a LC WL diet does not impair plasma indices of cardiometabolic health, at least within 4 weeks, in otherwise healthy obese subjects. In general, improvements in metabolic health associated with WL were similar between the LC and MC diets. Antioxidant supplements may be warranted if LC WL diets are consumed for a prolonged period.

Topics: Adult; Aged; alpha-Tocopherol; Antioxidants; Ascorbic Acid; Biomarkers; Cardiovascular Diseases; Cross-Over Studies; Cryptoxanthins; Diet, Carbohydrate-Restricted; Diet, Reducing; Dietary Carbohydrates; Dietary Proteins; Endothelium, Vascular; Energy Intake; Humans; Hyperlipidemias; Inflammation Mediators; Insulin Resistance; Male; Metabolic Diseases; Middle Aged; Nutritional Requirements; Obesity; Risk Factors; Vitamin A; Weight Loss; Xanthophylls

This study examined the effect of weight loss on energy intake, vitamin C, E, beta-carotene (diet/blood), reduced glutathione (GSH), C-reactive protein (CRP), thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), catalase, and myeloperoxidase, in patients with Roux-en-Y bypass gastroplasty.. Prospective clinical study with control (C) and bariatric (B) groups (n = 20 each). Age was 38.8 +/- 11.1 (C) and 37.8 +/- 11.2 years (B), and body mass indices (BMI) were 22.4 +/- 2.4 and 48.1 +/- 8.7 kg/m(2), respectively. Group C was assessed on a single occasion and B at three time points (basal period and 3 and 6 months after gastroplasty).. BMI was decreased at three (38.3 +/- 1.7, P = 0.018) and 6 months after surgery (34.9 +/- 1.7, P < 0.001). Mean weight loss was 20.53 +/- 1.1 after three and 27.96 +/- 1.3 kg after 6 months. Serum vitamin C and beta-carotene (P < 0.01 and P < 0.001, respectively) were increased at 6 months compared to basal. Basal serum vitamin C (P = 0.001) and beta-carotene (P < 0.001) were lower compared to controls. Serum vitamin E corrected for cholesterol and triglycerides was higher in group B at three (P = 0.01) and 6 months (P = 0.001) and lower at basal (P < 0.001) compared to controls. GSH was higher in controls (P < 0.001) compared to basal. Catalase (P = 0.01) and TBARS (P < 0.001) were higher in group B at 6 months. TBARS were higher (P < 0.001) at basal compared to controls. Myeloperoxidase and CRP decreased in group B after three (P = 0.028, P = 0.010) and 6 months (P < 0.001, P = 0.001), respectively.. Roux-en-Y bypass gastroplasty led to decreased proinflammatory parameters together with increased nutritional antioxidants, catalase, and TBARS, and decreased GSH 6 months after surgery.

Topics: Adult; Antioxidants; Ascorbic Acid; beta Carotene; Body Mass Index; C-Reactive Protein; Catalase; Diet; Energy Intake; Female; Gastric Bypass; Glutathione; Humans; Male; Obesity, Morbid; Oxidative Stress; Peroxidase; Thiobarbituric Acid Reactive Substances; Vitamin E; Weight Loss

The objective of this study was to test the hypothesis that the inflammatory response to a high-fat, low-carbohydrate weight loss diet (HF) we previously observed was due to oxidative stress. Nineteen overweight subjects (BMI>27 kg/m(2)) were randomly assigned to either an antioxidant supplement (AS) (1 g vitamin C/800 IU vitamin E) or a placebo (P) group and provided with a HF for 7 days. Fasted pre- and post serum samples were measured for markers of inflammation (C-reactive protein (CRP), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1)), oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC), and glucose, whereas urine was measured for oxidative stress (8-epi-prostaglandin-F(2alpha) (8-epi)). HF resulted in significant reductions in weight (-3.2%), glucose (-18.7%), and MCP-1 (-15%) (all P<0.01), with no difference between groups. There was a trend for a differential effect between groups for CRP as it decreased 32% in the AS group but increased 50% for P (P=0.076). Inverse correlations were noted between initial values and changes in several inflammatory and oxidative stress markers, including CRP (r= -0.501), 8-epi (r= -0.863), and ORAC (r= -0.546) (all P<0.05). It was concluded that weight loss on a short-term HF caused reduction of some but not all markers of inflammation. A role for oxidative stress in causing inflammation was not confirmed; however, longer term diet-controlled studies are necessary to further explore the trend for a differential response in CRP with antioxidant supplementation.

Topics: Antioxidants; Ascorbic Acid; Biomarkers; Blood Glucose; C-Reactive Protein; Chemokine CCL2; Diet, Carbohydrate-Restricted; Dietary Fats; Dinoprost; Drug Combinations; Female; Humans; Inflammation; Inflammation Mediators; Interleukin-6; Male; Obesity; Oxidative Stress; Reactive Oxygen Species; Time Factors; Treatment Outcome; Vitamin E; Weight Loss

We examined the relationships between plasma vitamin C, adiposity, and the collagen-like adipokine, adiponectin. Of 118 sedentary, nonsmoking adults participating in the cross-sectional trial (35 men and 83 women aged 38.7 +/- 1.0 y with BMI of 30.4 +/- 0.6 kg/m2, plasma vitamin C concentrations of 43.5 +/- 1.3 micromol/L, and plasma adiponectin concentrations of 8.9 +/- 0.3 mg/L), 54% were obese and 24% were overweight. Plasma vitamin C was inversely related to BMI, percentage of body fat, and waist circumference in both women and men (r = -0.383 to -0.497, P < 0.025). In women but not men, these associations remained significant after controlling for body mass. Plasma vitamin C was directly related to plasma adiponectin in the women after controlling for age and vitamin C supplement use (r = 0.222, P = 0.049) but not after controlling for body mass. Twenty obese men and women participated in an intervention trial and consumed an energy-restricted diet low in vitamin C (approximately 38 mg/d) for 8 wk. Subjects were stratified by age, gender, and BMI and randomly assigned to receive placebo or vitamin C (500 mg) capsules daily. At baseline, plasma adiponectin was directly related to plasma vitamin C (r = 0.609, P = 0.021) and inversely related to body mass (r = -0.785, P = 0.001). Body mass decreased significantly during the 8 wk study in both the vitamin C (n = 6, -5.9 +/- 0.9 kg) and placebo groups (n = 8, -6.5 +/- 0.7 kg). Plasma adiponectin increased 13% from baseline by wk 8 in both groups (P < 0.05). In summary, plasma vitamin C was inversely related to markers of adiposity, particularly in women, but vitamin C supplementation did not influence the circulating concentration of adiponectin.

Topics: Adiponectin; Adiposity; Adult; Ascorbic Acid; Body Mass Index; Female; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Sex Characteristics; Smoking; Waist-Hip Ratio; Weight Loss

Guavas (Psidium guajava) are regarded as one of the most perishable commodities, primarily owing to their climacteric characteristics and heightened metabolic processes, resulting in a faster rate of softening. Edible coating is a natural ingredient that is employed as an alternative to extend the shelf life of fruits while also providing bioactive and functional compounds. Aloe vera gel is predominantly used for this purpose due to its widespread availability. Various concentrations of aloe vera-based coating formulation (25%, 50%, 75%, and 100%) were applied on fresh whole guava by dipping method. The guava was stored at a refrigerated condition (4°C) and weight loss, color, firmness, vitamin C, total phenol, and pH change were observed in this research. A significant effect of aloe vera coating was found over the storage period. Aloe vera treatment lowered the weight loss, and retarded the texture and color compared to the control sample throughout the 28 days of storage. Vitamin C and total phenol content remined high at 141.4 mg/100g and 219.6 mg GAE/100g respectively in a 100% aloe vera coated sample after 28 days of storage compared to the control. Among 25%, 50%, 75%, and 100% aloe vera coated sample, 100% aloe vera was found to be the best coating material to prevent physical changes in fresh guava.

Topics: Aloe; Ascorbic Acid; Food Preservation; Fruit; Phenols; Psidium; Vitamins; Weight Loss

A 10-year-old boy developed a perifollicular rash during interim maintenance of T-Cell acute lymphoblastic leukaemia. Differential diagnoses included drug reaction and inflammatory process. Before diagnosis, the patient had a limited diet--low in vegetables and fruits--due to selective eating, with later anorexia and taste aversions due to chemotherapy treatment. Despite nutritional counselling and starting a multivitamin, the patient incurred severe weight loss (18.5% of his usual body weight). Serum levels of ascorbic acid were non-detectable, at <5 μmol/L, indicative of vitamin C deficiency. The patient began vitamin C supplementation containing 125 mg ascorbic acid three times a day for 7 days, then 125 mg once daily for 3 months to normalise serum vitamin C. After ascorbic acid treatment was completed, the patient started a complete multivitamin and made efforts to eat fruits and vegetables rich in vitamin C. His serum ascorbic acid concentrations normalised to 52 μmol/L 3 months after receiving supplementation.

Topics: Ascorbic Acid; Ascorbic Acid Deficiency; Child; Dietary Supplements; Directive Counseling; Energy Intake; Feeding and Eating Disorders; Fruit; Humans; Male; Patient Compliance; Precursor T-Cell Lymphoblastic Leukemia-Lymphoma; Treatment Outcome; Vegetables; Vitamins; Weight Loss

Cantharidin, a promising anti-cancer medication, is limitedly prescribed due to the risk of hepatic toxicity. Our previous study has shown that vitamin C (VC) acts as a potential hepatoprotective agent against chemical liver damage. Here we implemented further experiments to investigate the benefits of VC on cantharidin-induced liver injuries in mice. The findings showed that VC mitigated cantharidin-mediated hepatic impairments via reducing liver enlargement, as well as lowering elevated serum concentrations of glutamic-pyruvic transaminase (GPT) and glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase (GOT), whereas the activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), sodium-potassium ATPase (Na(+)K(+)-ATPase) in the liver was increased. In addition, the count of intrahepatic TNF-α positive cells was lowered. The mRNAs of TLR4 and NF-κB pro-inflammatory mediators were down-regulated. Moreover, the phosphorylation of IkB level was decreased in the hepatocytes, while the Mn-SOD (SOD2) expression was up-regulated. Overall, these observations demonstrate that vitamin C has pre-clinical benefits against cantharidin-induced liver injury, possibly through attenuating inflammatory response and oxidative stress.

Topics: Animals; Antioxidants; Ascorbic Acid; Cantharidin; Chemical and Drug Induced Liver Injury; Dietary Supplements; Liver; Liver Function Tests; Male; Mice; NF-kappa B; Protective Agents; Superoxide Dismutase; Toll-Like Receptor 4; Weight Loss

Few studies have investigated the effects of bariatric surgery on vitamin status in the long term. We examined changes in vitamin status up to 5 years after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery.. Using a retrospectively maintained database of patients undergoing weight loss surgery, we identified all patients operated with Roux-en-Y gastric bypass at our tertiary care hospital during July 2004-May 2008. Data on vitamin concentrations and patient-reported intake of dietary supplements were collected up to July 2012. Linear mixed models were used to estimate changes in vitamin concentrations during follow-up, adjusting for age and sex. All patients were recommended daily oral multivitamin, calcium/vitamin D and iron supplements and 3-monthly intramuscular B-12 after surgery.. Out of the 443 patients operated with gastric bypass, we included 441 (99.5%) patients with one or more measurements of vitamin concentrations (75.1% women; mean age 41.5 years, mean body mass index 46.1 kg/m(2) at baseline). At 5 years after surgery, the patients' estimated mean vitamin concentrations were either significantly higher (vitamin B-6, folic acid, vitamin B-12, vitamin C and vitamin A) or not significantly different (thiamine, 25-hydroxyvitamin D and lipid-adjusted vitamin E) compared with before surgery. Use of multivitamin, calcium/vitamin D and vitamin B-12 supplements was reported by 1-9% of patients before surgery, 79-84% of patients at 1 year and 52-83% of patients 5 years after surgery.. In patients who underwent gastric bypass surgery, estimated vitamin concentrations were either significantly increased or unchanged up to 5 years after surgery.

Topics: Adult; Ascorbic Acid; Body Mass Index; Dietary Supplements; Female; Gastric Bypass; Humans; Male; Nutritional Status; Obesity, Morbid; Retrospective Studies; Vitamin A; Vitamin B Complex; Vitamin D; Vitamin E; Vitamins; Weight Loss

Topics: Ascorbic Acid; Bias; Conflict of Interest; Humans; Informed Consent; Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease; Patient Selection; Private Practice; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Therapeutic Misconception; Treatment Outcome; United States; Vitamin E; Vitamins; Weight Loss

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

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

This study examined the effect of weight loss after 3, 6 and 12 months of Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass (RYGB) on energy intake and on several biomarkers of oxidative stress such as levels of vitamin C, beta-carotene, vitamin E (diet/blood), nitric oxide metabolites (NOx), myeloperoxidase (MPO), thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), reduced glutathione (GSH) and activity of catalase (CAT).. Study with a control group (CG), assessed once, and a bariatric group (BG) assessed at the basal period as well as at 3, 6 and 12 months post-surgery; both groups were composed of 5 men and 31 women (n=36). Age was 38.7 ± 9.4 and 39.6 ± 9.2 years old and body mass index (BMI) was 22.2 0 ± 2.1 and 47.6 ± 9.1 kg/m(2), respectively. The variance measure quoted was SEM.. The body weight at 12 months was 35.8 ± 1.0% (P<0.001) lower than that of the basal period. At the basal period BG showed higher levels of NOx (P=0.007) and TBARS (P<0.001) and lower levels of vitamins C and E (P<0.001) compared with CG. After 3 months the activity of MPO was decreased (P<0.001). Six months after surgery GSH levels were decreased (P=0.037), whereas CAT activity was increased (P=0.029). After 12 months levels of NOx (P=0.004), TBARS (P<0.001), beta-carotene (P<0.001) and vitamin E (P<0.001) were decreased, whereas those of vitamin C (P<0.001) were increased compared with controls.. RYGB followed by a daily vitamin supplement apparently attenuated pro-inflammatory and oxidative stress markers 1 year after surgery, but additional antioxidant supplementation appears necessary.

Topics: Adult; Antioxidants; Ascorbic Acid; beta Carotene; Biomarkers; Body Mass Index; Case-Control Studies; Catalase; Diet; Dietary Supplements; Energy Intake; Female; Follow-Up Studies; Gastric Bypass; Glutathione; Humans; Inflammation; Male; Middle Aged; Oxidative Stress; Peroxidase; Prospective Studies; Thiobarbituric Acid Reactive Substances; Vitamin E; Weight Loss

Oxidative stress (OS) is involved in several human diseases, including obesity, diabetes, atherosclerosis, carcinogenesis, as well as genetic diseases. We previously found that OS occurs in Down Syndrome as well as in Beckwith-Wiedemann Syndrome (BWS). Here we describe the clinical case of a female patient with Prader Willi Syndrome (PWS), a genomic imprinting disorder, characterized by obesity, atherosclerosis and diabetes mellitus type 2, pathologies in which a continuous and important production of free radicals takes place. We verified the presence of OS by measuring a redox biomarkers profile including total hydroperoxides (TH), non protein-bound iron (NPBI), thiols (SH), advanced oxidation protein products (AOPP) and isoprostanes (IPs). Thus we introduced in therapy an antioxidant agent, namely potassium ascorbate with ribose (PAR), in addition to GH therapy and we monitored the redox biomarkers profile for four years. A progressive decrease in OS biomarkers occurred until their normalization. In the meantime a weight loss was observed together with a steady growth in standards for age and sex.

Topics: Adolescent; Advanced Oxidation Protein Products; Antioxidants; Ascorbic Acid; Drug Therapy, Combination; Female; Free Radicals; Humans; Hydrogen Peroxide; Iron; Isoprostanes; Oxidative Stress; Potassium; Prader-Willi Syndrome; Ribose; Sulfhydryl Compounds; Weight Loss

Patients on a low salt (LS) diet have increased mortality.. To determine whether reduction in NO bioactivity may contribute to the LS-induced cardiac dysfunction and mortality.. Adult male mongrel dogs were placed on LS (0.05% sodium chloride) for 2 weeks. Body weight (25.4 + or - 0.4 to 23.6 + or - 0.4 kg), left ventricular systolic pressure (137.0 + or - 3.4 to 124.0 + or - 6.7 mm Hg), and mean aortic pressure (111 + or - 3.1 to 98 + or - 4.3 mm Hg) decreased. Plasma angiotensin II concentration increased (4.4 + or - 0.7 to 14.8 + or - 3.7 pg/mL). Veratrine-induced (5 microg/kg) NO-mediated vasodilation was inhibited by 44% in LS; however, the simultaneous intravenous infusion of ascorbic acid or apocynin acutely and completely reversed this inhibition. In LS heart tissues, lucigenin chemiluminescence was increased 2.3-fold to angiotensin II (10(-8) mol/L), and bradykinin (10(-4) mol/L) induced reduction of myocardial oxygen consumption in vitro was decreased (40 + or - 1.3% to 16 + or - 6.3%) and completely restored by coincubation with tiron, tempol or apocynin. Switching of substrate uptake from free fatty acid to glucose by the heart was observed (free fatty acid: 8.97 + or - 1.39 to 4.53 + or - 1.12 micromol/min; glucose: 1.31 + or - 0.52 to 6.86 + or - 1.78 micromol/min). Western blotting indicated an increase in both p47(phox) (121%) and gp91(phox) (44%) as did RNA microarray analysis (433 genes changed) showed an increase in p47(phox) (1.6-fold) and gp91(phox) (2.0 fold) in the LS heart tissue.. LS diet induces the activation of the renin-angiotensin system, which increases oxidative stress via the NADPH oxidase and attenuates NO bioavailability in the heart.

Topics: Acetophenones; Angiotensin II; Animals; Ascorbic Acid; Coronary Vessels; Diet, Sodium-Restricted; Dogs; Fatty Acids; Gene Expression Profiling; Glucose; Hemodynamics; Infusions, Intravenous; Lactates; Male; Myocardium; NADPH Oxidases; Nitric Oxide; Oligonucleotide Array Sequence Analysis; Oxidative Stress; Oxygen Consumption; Renin-Angiotensin System; Superoxides; Vasodilation; Veratrine; Weight Loss

We have investigated the effect of subchronic administration of methidathion (MD) on ovary evaluated ameliorating effects of vitamins E and C against MD toxicity. Experimental groups were as follows: control group; a group treated with 5 mg/kg body weight MD (MD group); and a group treated with 5 mg/kg body weight MD plus vitamin E and vitamin C (MD + Vit group). MD and MD + Vit groups were given MD by gavage five days a week for four weeks at a dose level of 5 mg/kg/day by using corn oil as the vehicle. Serum malondialdehyde (MDA: an indicator of lipid peroxidation) concentration, serum activity of cholinesterase (ChE), and ovary histopathology were studied. The level of MDA increased significantly in the MD group compared with the control (P < 0.005). Serum MDA decreased significantly in the MD + Vit group compared with the MD group (P < 0.05). The activities of ChE decreased significantly both in the MD and MD + Vit groups compared with the controls ( P < 0.05). However, the decrease in the MD + Vit groups was less than in the MD group; the ChE activity in the MD + Vit group was significantly higher compared with MD group (P < 0.05). Number of ovarian follicles were significantly lower in the MD group compared to the controls (P < 0.05). Number of atretic follicles were significantly higher in the MD group than in the controls (P < 0.05). Follicle counts in MD + Vit group showed that all types of ovarian follicles were significantly higher, and a significant decrease in the number of atretic follicles compared with the MD group (P < 0.05). In conclusion, subchronic MD administration caused an ovarian damage, in addition, LPO may be one of the molecular mechanisms involved in MD-induced toxicity. Treatment with vitamins E and C after the administration of MD reduced LPO and ovarian damage.

Topics: Administration, Oral; alpha-Tocopherol; Animals; Ascorbic Acid; Cholinesterases; Corpus Luteum; Drug Administration Schedule; Drug Therapy, Combination; Estrous Cycle; Fatigue; Female; Injections, Intraperitoneal; Insecticides; Intubation, Gastrointestinal; Malondialdehyde; Organothiophosphorus Compounds; Ovarian Diseases; Ovarian Follicle; Rats; Rats, Wistar; Tocopherols; Vitamins; Weight Gain; Weight Loss

1. Doxorubicin is an anti-cancer drug with well-described effects against a wide range of tumours. However, doxorubicin also exhibits dose-dependent cytotoxicity. The purpose of the present study was to determine whether chronic supplementation of creatine or a mix of vitamins C and E could increase survival and improve plasma parameters 48 h after doxorubicin treatment. 2. Rats were divided into four groups: (i) saline (control); (ii) doxorubicin treated; (iii) a creatine (0.2 g/kg per day)-supplemented group; and (iv) a vitamin C (250 mg/kg per day) and E (400 IU/kg per day)-supplemented group. After 30 days supplementation of rats with either creatine or the vitamins, one dose of doxorubicin (15 mg/kg, i.p.) was administered. 3. There was no difference in weight loss among the groups until the 3rd day after doxorubicin treatment, but the creatine- and vitamin-supplemented groups lived longer compared with the doxorubicin only treated group (6, 7 and 3 days, respectively). The doxorubicin-treated group lost 13.4% bodyweight over 3 days, whereas the creatine- and vitamin-supplemented groups lost approximately 35% 3 days after the administration of doxorubicin. Doxorubicin treatment resulted in an increase in alanine aminotransferase (ALT; P < 0.05), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH; P < 0.05), urea (P < 0.05) and creatinine (P < 0.05) compared with levels observed in the control group. Conversely, creatine supplementation promoted a partial return to control values for LDH (P < 0.05) and creatinine (P < 0.05), whereas the vitamin mix reversed the changes in ALT (P < 0.05), LDH (P < 0.05), urea (P < 0.05) and creatinine (P < 0.05). 4. In conclusion, the results of the present study indicate that the two supplementation protocols decreased the cytotoxic effects of doxorubicin and that a protective effect was more noticeable in animals supplemented with the mixture of vitamins C and E.

Topics: Alanine Transaminase; Animals; Antibiotics, Antineoplastic; Ascorbic Acid; Creatine; Creatinine; Doxorubicin; Drug Therapy, Combination; L-Lactate Dehydrogenase; Male; Protective Agents; Rats; Rats, Wistar; Survival Rate; Urea; Vitamin E; Vitamins; Weight Loss

The mouse has become the most important model organism for the study of human physiology and disease. However, until the recent generation of mice lacking the enzyme gulanolactone oxidase (Gulo), the final enzyme in the ascorbic acid biosynthesis pathway, examination of the role of ascorbic acid in various biochemical processes using this model organism has not been possible. In the mouse, similar to most mammals but unlike humans who carry a mutant copy of this gene, Gulo produces ascorbic acid from glucose. We report here that, although ascorbic acid is essential for survival, its absence does not lead to measurable changes in proline hydroxylation. Vitamin C deficiency had no significant effect on the hydroxylation of proline and collagen production during tumor growth or in angiogenesis associated with tumor or mammary gland growth. This suggests that factors other than ascorbic acid can support proline hydroxylation and collagen synthesis in vivo. Furthermore, the failure of Gulo-/- mice to thrive on a vitamin C-deficient diet therefore suggests that ascorbic acid plays a critical role in survival other than the maintenance of the vasculature.

Topics: Animals; Ascorbic Acid; Collagen; Female; Hydroxylation; Hydroxyproline; Mammary Glands, Animal; Mammary Neoplasms, Experimental; Mice; Mice, Inbred BALB C; Mice, Knockout; Neovascularization, Pathologic; Neovascularization, Physiologic; Proline; Skin; Weight Loss

We measured the impact of diet, anthropometry, physical activity and lifestyle variables on rates of hip bone mineral density (BMD) loss in 470 white men and 474 white women aged 67-79 years at recruitment dwelling in the community. The subjects were recruited from a prospective population-based diet and cancer study (EPIC-Norfolk) in Eastern England. Dietary intake was measured at baseline using 7-day food diaries and used to calculate intakes of some 31 nutrients and 22 food groups. Standardised questionnaires were used to collect data on anthropometry, physical activity and lifestyle variables. BMD loss (percent per annum; % p.a.) was measured using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry performed on two occasions an average of 3 years apart (range 2-5 years). The mean rate of BMD change at the total hip region was -0.17% p.a. (SD 1.3% p.a.) in men and -0.41% p.a. (SD 1.2% p.a.) in women. In both men and women, weight gain protected against (and weight loss promoted) BMD loss ( P<0.0001). Markers of current physical activity were protective. In men, an increase of 1 l/s in FEV(1) was associated with an increase in BMD at an average rate of 0.25% p.a. ( P=0.013). In women, for every ten trips made per day climbing a flight of stairs, BMD increased at a rate of 0.22% p.a. ( P=0.005) and additionally a 10% increase in activities of daily living score was associated with BMD increasing at a rate of 0.12% p.a. ( P=0.011) in women. Nutritional variation appeared to have less impact on BMD loss. In men there was no evidence of an effect of any of the nutrients evaluated. However, in women, low intake of vitamin C was associated with faster rate of BMD loss. Women in the lowest tertile (7-57 mg/day) of vitamin C intake lost BMD at an average rate of -0.65% p.a., which was significantly faster compared to loss rates in the middle (58-98 mg/day) and upper (99-363 mg/day) tertiles of intake, which were -0.31% p.a. and -0.30% p.a., respectively ( P=0.016). There was no effect of fruits and vegetables, combined or separately, on rate of BMD loss. The results confirm that weight maintenance (or gain) and commonly practiced forms of physical activity appear to protect against BMD loss in this age group. Measures such as ensuring good general nutrition to guard against weight loss in the non-overweight elderly and maintenance of physical fitness could be valuable in protecting against BMD loss. The protective effect of vitamin C in women needs to be further investigated in

Topics: Aged; Ascorbic Acid; Bone Density; Diet; Exercise; Female; Femur; Fruit; Humans; Life Style; Male; Osteoporosis; Physical Fitness; Sex Factors; Weight Loss

A series of novel acylated ascorbic acid derivatives, 6-O-acyl-2-O-alpha-D-glucopyranosyl-L-ascorbic acids with a branched-acyl chain (6-bAcyl-AA-2G) were recently developed in our laboratory as stable and lipophilic ascorbate derivatives. In this study, the bioavailability of 6-bAcyl-AA-2G was investigated in guinea pigs. Various tissue homogenates from guinea pigs hydrolyzed 6-bAcyl-AA-2G to give ascorbic acid (AA), 2-O-alpha-D-glucopyranosyl-L-ascorbic acid (AA-2G), and 6-O-acyl AA. The releasing pattern of the three hydrolysates suggested that 6-bAcyl-AA-2G was hydrolyzed via 6-O-acyl AA to AA as a main pathway and via AA-2G to AA as a minor pathway. The former pathway seems to be of advantage, because 6-O-acyl AA, as well as AA, can have vitamin C activity. In addition, we found that a derivative with an acyl chain of C(12), 6-bDode-AA-2G, had a pronounced therapeutic effect in scorbutic guinea pigs by its repeated oral administrations. These results indicate that 6-bAcyl-AA-2G is a readily available source of AA in vivo, and may be a promising antioxidant for skin care and treatment of diseases associated with oxidative stress.

Topics: Acylation; Alkaline Phosphatase; alpha-Glucosidases; Animals; Ascorbic Acid; Ascorbic Acid Deficiency; Biological Availability; Brain; Esterases; Guinea Pigs; Hydrolysis; Intestine, Small; Kidney; Liver; Scurvy; Weight Loss

Topics: Ascorbic Acid; Enteral Nutrition; Enteritis; Gastrostomy; Humans; Infant; Leg; Male; Milk Hypersensitivity; Nutritional Requirements; Pain; Scurvy; Weight Loss

Increasing evidence suggests that cancer patients express oxidative disturbances. The main objective of this cross-sectional case-control study (n = 57 + 76) was to explore whether lung cancer patients, when compared to healthy controls, have alterations in their plasma peroxyl radical trapping capacity (TRAP). Group matching was used with respect to age, sex and smoking history. A secondary objective was to observe the effects of life-long cigarette consumption on plasma TRAP and its components. Mean TRAP values were significantly lower in the cancer patients than in the control group (1143 vs 1273 mumol/l, p = 0.0002). Moreover, all the components of TRAP (except uric acid) were significantly lower in the cancer group: protein SH-groups 442 vs 571 mumol/l, ascorbic acid 34.0 vs 46.5 mumol/l and vitamin E 25.0 vs 33.8 mumol/l. The as yet unidentified antioxidant compounds in plasma contributed 26.5% of plasma TRAP in the cancer group and 30.2% in the control group. There was no correlation between cigarette consumption in pack-years and plasma TRAP; however, plasma concentrations of uric acid and ascorbic acid were negatively correlated with cigarette consumption.

Topics: Adult; Age Factors; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Ascorbic Acid; Case-Control Studies; Cholesterol; Cross-Sectional Studies; Female; Free Radicals; Humans; Lung Neoplasms; Male; Middle Aged; Neoplasm Staging; Oxidative Stress; Peroxides; Smoking; Weight Loss

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

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

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

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