scholarly journals Ascorbic acid improves parthenogenetic embryo development through TET proteins in mice

2019 ◽  
Vol 39 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Wei Gao ◽  
Xianfeng Yu ◽  
Jindong Hao ◽  
Ling Wang ◽  
Minghui Qi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Ascorbic Acid ◽  
Vitamin C ◽  
Embryonic Development ◽  
Real Time Pcr ◽  
Quantitative Real Time Pcr ◽  
Qrt Pcr ◽  
Tet Proteins ◽  
Parthenogenetic Embryo ◽  
Blastocyst Rate

Abstract The TET (Ten-Eleven Translocation) proteins catalyze the oxidation of 5mC (5-methylcytosine) to 5hmC (5-hydroxymethylcytosine) and play crucial roles in embryonic development. Ascorbic acid (Vc, Vitamin C) stimulates the expression of TET proteins, whereas DMOG (dimethyloxallyl glycine) inhibits TET expression. To investigate the role of TET1, TET2, and TET3 in PA (parthenogenetic) embryonic development, Vc and DMOG treatments were administered during early embryonic development. The results showed that Vc treatment increased the blastocyst rate (20.73 ± 0.46 compared with 26.57 ± 0.53%). By contrast, DMOG reduced the blastocyst rate (20.73 ± 0.46 compared with 11.18 ± 0.13%) in PA embryos. qRT-PCR (quantitative real-time PCR) and IF (immunofluorescence) staining results revealed that TET1, TET2, and TET3 expressions were significantly lower in PA embryos compared with normal fertilized (Con) embryos. Our results revealed that Vc stimulated the expression of TET proteins in PA embryos. However, treatment with DMOG significantly inhibited the expression of TET proteins. In addition, 5hmC was increased following treatment with Vc and suppressed by DMOG in PA embryos. Taken together, these results indicate that the expression of TET proteins plays crucial roles mediated by 5hmC in PA embryonic development.

Overexpression of Pygo2 Increases Differentiation of Human Umbilical Cord Mesenchymal Stem Cells into Cardiomyocyte-like Cells

2020 ◽  
Vol 20 (4) ◽  
pp. 318-324 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lei Yang ◽  
Shuoji Zhu ◽  
Yongqing Li ◽  
Jian Zhuang ◽  
Jimei Chen ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Stem Cells ◽  
Mesenchymal Stem Cells ◽  
Umbilical Cord ◽  
Heart Function ◽  
Critical Role ◽  
Human Umbilical Cord ◽  
Stem Cell Markers ◽  
Quantitative Real Time Pcr ◽  
Qrt Pcr

Background: Our previous studies have shown that Pygo (Pygopus) in Drosophila plays a critical role in adult heart function that is likely conserved in mammals. However, its role in the differentiation of human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells (hUC-MSCs) into cardiomyocytes remains unknown. Objective: To investigate the role of pygo2 in the differentiation of hUC-MSCs into cardiomyocytes. Methods: Third passage hUC-MSCs were divided into two groups: a p+ group infected with the GV492-pygo2 virus and a p− group infected with the GV492 virus. After infection and 3 or 21 days of incubation, Quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) was performed to detect pluripotency markers, including OCT-4 and SOX2. Nkx2.5, Gata-4 and cTnT were detected by immunofluorescence at 7, 14 and 21 days post-infection, respectively. Expression of cardiac-related genes—including Nkx2.5, Gata-4, TNNT2, MEF2c, ISL-1, FOXH1, KDR, αMHC and α-Actin—were analyzed by qRT-PCR following transfection with the virus at one, two and three weeks. Results : After three days of incubation, there were no significant changes in the expression of the pluripotency stem cell markers OCT-4 and SOX2 in the p+ group hUC-MSCs relative to controls (OCT-4: 1.03 ± 0.096 VS 1, P > 0.05, SOX2: 1.071 ± 0.189 VS 1, P > 0.05); however, after 21 days, significant decreases were observed (OCT-4: 0.164 ± 0.098 VS 1, P < 0.01, SOX2: 0.209 ± 0.109 VS 1, P < 0.001). Seven days following incubation, expression of mesoderm specialisation markers, such as Nkx2.5, Gata-4, MEF2c and KDR, were increased; at 14 days following incubation, expression of cardiac genes, such as Nkx2.5, Gata-4, TNNT2, MEF2c, ISL-1, FOXH1, KDR, αMHC and α-Actin, were significantly upregulated in the p+ group relative to the p− group (P < 0.05). Taken together, these findings suggest that overexpression of pygo2 results in more hUCMSCs gradually differentiating into cardiomyocyte-like cells. Conclusion: We are the first to show that overexpression of pygo2 significantly enhances the expression of cardiac-genic genes, including Nkx2.5 and Gata-4, and promotes the differentiation of hUC-MSCs into cardiomyocyte-like cells.

scholarly journals Vitamin C—Sources, Physiological Role, Kinetics, Deficiency, Use, Toxicity, and Determination

Nutrients ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (2) ◽  
pp. 615
Author(s):  
Martin Doseděl ◽  
Eduard Jirkovský ◽  
Kateřina Macáková ◽  
Lenka Krčmová ◽  
Lenka Javorská ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Ascorbic Acid ◽  
Vitamin C ◽  
Iron Absorption ◽  
Plasma Concentrations ◽  
Physiological Role ◽  
Renal Stones ◽  
Anti Oxidant ◽  
High Doses ◽  
Epigenetic Processes

Vitamin C (L-ascorbic acid) has been known as an antioxidant for most people. However, its physiological role is much larger and encompasses very different processes ranging from facilitation of iron absorption through involvement in hormones and carnitine synthesis for important roles in epigenetic processes. Contrarily, high doses act as a pro-oxidant than an anti-oxidant. This may also be the reason why plasma levels are meticulously regulated on the level of absorption and excretion in the kidney. Interestingly, most cells contain vitamin C in millimolar concentrations, which is much higher than its plasma concentrations, and compared to other vitamins. The role of vitamin C is well demonstrated by miscellaneous symptoms of its absence—scurvy. The only clinically well-documented indication for vitamin C is scurvy. The effects of vitamin C administration on cancer, cardiovascular diseases, and infections are rather minor or even debatable in the general population. Vitamin C is relatively safe, but caution should be given to the administration of high doses, which can cause overt side effects in some susceptible patients (e.g., oxalate renal stones). Lastly, analytical methods for its determination with advantages and pitfalls are also discussed in this review.

Antioxidative Role of Synthetic and Natural Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C) in Metabolic Pathways of A Biological System

2021 ◽  
Vol 15 (12) ◽  
pp. 3143-3143
Author(s):  
Naveed Shuja
Keyword(s):  
Ascorbic Acid ◽  
Vitamin C ◽  
Silica Gel ◽  
Biological System ◽  
Metabolic Pathways ◽  
Citrus Fruit ◽  
Pharmaceutical Preparations ◽  
Metabolic Reaction ◽  
Fresh Vegetables

The properties of a substance are determined by the structure of its component molecules. Ascorbic acid occurs abundantly in fresh fruit, especially blackcurrants, citrus fruit and strawberries, and in most fresh vegetables; good sources are broccoli and peppers. It is destroyed by heat and is not well stored in the body3. Ascorbic acid is a good reducing agent and facilitates many metabolic reaction and repair processes. In pharmaceutical preparations and fruit juices, ascorbic acid is readily separated from other compounds by TLC on silica gel and quantitated directly by absorption at 254nm. Serum and plasma may be deproteinized with twice the volume of methanol or ethanol.

scholarly journals NEUROPROTECTIVE ROLE OF ASCORBIC ACID: ANTIOXIDANT AND NON-ANTIOXIDANT FUNCTIONS

2018 ◽  
Vol 11 (10) ◽  
pp. 30 ◽  
Author(s):  
Arun Kumar ◽  
Reena V Saini ◽  
Adesh K Saini
Keyword(s):  
Ascorbic Acid ◽  
Vitamin C ◽  
Ischemia Reperfusion Injury ◽  
Ischemia Reperfusion ◽  
Glutamate Toxicity ◽  
Cellular Functions ◽  
Dietary Antioxidant ◽  
The Central Nervous System

Ascorbic acid (AA) or Vitamin C is an important antioxidant which participates in numerous cellular functions. Although in human plasma its concentration is in micromolars but it reaches millimolar concentrations in most of the human tissues. The high ascorbate cellular concentrations are generated and maintained by a specific sodium-dependent Vitamin C transporter type 2 (SVCT2, member of Slc23 family). Metabolic processes recycle Vitamin C from its oxidized forms (ascorbate) inside the cells. AA concentration is highest in the neurons of the central nervous system (CNS) of mammals, and deletion of its transporter affects mice brain and overall survival. In the CNS, intracellular ascorbate serves several functions including antioxidant protection, peptide amidation, myelin formation, synaptic potentiation, and protection against glutamate toxicity. SVCT2 maintains neuronal ascorbate content in CNS which has relevance for neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and Huntington’s disease. As ascorbate supplements decrease infarct size in ischemia-reperfusion injury and protect neurons from oxidative damage, it is a vital dietary antioxidant. The aim of this review is to assess the role of the SVCT2 in regulating neuronal ascorbate homeostasis in CNS and the extent to which ascorbate affects brain function as an antioxidant.

scholarly journals Vitamin C and the Role of Citrus Juices as Functional Food

2009 ◽  
Vol 4 (5) ◽  
pp. 1934578X0900400 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nuria Martí ◽  
Pedro Mena ◽  
Jose Antonio Cánovas ◽  
Vicente Micol ◽  
Domingo Saura
Keyword(s):  
Ascorbic Acid ◽  
Vitamin C ◽  
Dehydroascorbic Acid ◽  
Antioxidant Response ◽  
Intestinal Wall ◽  
Processing Temperature ◽  
High Concentration ◽  
Citrus Juices ◽  
Citrus Extract

The literature on the content and stability of vitamin C (ascorbic acid, AA) in citrus juices in relation to industrial practices is reviewed. The role of vitamin C from citrus juices in human diet is also reviewed. Citrus fruits and juices are rich in several types of bioactive compounds. Their antioxidant activity and related benefits derive not only from vitamin C but also from other phytochemicals, mainly flavonoids. During juice processing, temperature and oxygen are the main factors responsible for vitamin C losses. Nonthermal processed juices retain higher levels of vitamin C, but economic factors apparently delay the use of such methods in the citrus industry. Regarding packing material, vitamin C in fruit juice is quite stable when stored in metal or glass containers, whereas juice stored in plastic bottles has a much shorter shelf-life. The limiting step for vitamin C absorption in humans is transcellular active transport across the intestinal wall where AA may be oxidized to dehydroascorbic acid (DHAA), which is easily transported across the cell membrane and immediately reduced back to AA by two major pathways. AA bioavailability in the presence of flavonoids has yielded controversial results. Whereas flavonoids seem to inhibit intestinal absorption of AA, some studies have shown that AA in citrus extract was more available than synthetic ascorbic acid alone. DHAA is reported to possess equivalent biological activity to AA, so recent studies often consider the vitamin C activity in the diet as the sum of AA plus DHAA. However, this claimed equivalence should be carefully reexamined. Humans are one of the few species lacking the enzyme (L-gulonolactone oxidase, GLO) to convert glucose to vitamin C. It has been suggested that this is due to a mutation that provided a survival advantage to early primates, since GLO produces toxic H2O2. Furthermore, the high concentration of AA (and DHAA) in neural tissues could have been the key factor that caused primates (vertebrates with relative big brain) to lose the capacity to synthesize vitamin C. Oxidative damage has many pathological implications in human health, and AA may play a central role in maintaining the metabolic antioxidant response. The abundance of citrus juices in the Mediterranean diet may provide the main dietary source for natural vitamin C.

scholarly journals Vitamin C Transporters and Their Implications in Carcinogenesis

Nutrients ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (12) ◽  
pp. 3869
Author(s):  
Kinga Linowiecka ◽  
Marek Foksinski ◽  
Anna A. Brożyna
Keyword(s):  
Vitamin C ◽  
Cancer Biology ◽  
Redox Homeostasis ◽  
Regulation Of Gene Expression ◽  
Dna Demethylation ◽  
Altered Expression ◽  
Tet Proteins ◽  
Active Dna Demethylation ◽  
Hypoxic State

Vitamin C is implicated in various bodily functions due to its unique properties in redox homeostasis. Moreover, vitamin C also plays a great role in restoring the activity of 2-oxoglutarate and Fe2+ dependent dioxygenases (2-OGDD), which are involved in active DNA demethylation (TET proteins), the demethylation of histones, and hypoxia processes. Therefore, vitamin C may be engaged in the regulation of gene expression or in a hypoxic state. Hence, vitamin C has acquired great interest for its plausible effects on cancer treatment. Since its conceptualization, the role of vitamin C in cancer therapy has been a controversial and disputed issue. Vitamin C is transferred to the cells with sodium dependent transporters (SVCTs) and glucose transporters (GLUT). However, it is unknown whether the impaired function of these transporters may lead to carcinogenesis and tumor progression. Notably, previous studies have identified SVCTs’ polymorphisms or their altered expression in some types of cancer. This review discusses the potential effects of vitamin C and the impaired SVCT function in cancers. The variations in vitamin C transporter genes may regulate the active transport of vitamin C, and therefore have an impact on cancer risk, but further studies are needed to thoroughly elucidate their involvement in cancer biology.

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