Cardiovascular Effects of Cyclical Dietary Vitamin C Withdrawal in Mice Deficient in Internal Synthesis Vitamin C and producing human lipoprotein (a): Gulo(-/-); Lp(a)+

Author(s):  
Lei Shi ◽  
Aleksandra Niedzwiecki ◽  
Vadim Ivanov ◽  
Matthias Rath
2021 ◽  
Vol 14 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lei Shi ◽  
Aleksandra Niedzwiecki ◽  
Matthias Rath

Aims: Lipoprotein (a) deposition in coronary vascular plaques and cerebral vessels is a recognized risk factor for cardiovascular disease, and research supports its role as a “repair factor” in vascular walls weakened by vitamin C deficiency. Background: Humans depend on dietary vitamin C as an important antioxidant, and as a cofactor in collagen synthesis, yet are prone to vitamin C deficiency. The brain is the one with the highest vitamin C content, due to its high oxygen consumption and oxidative stress. It has been shown that brain aging is accompanied by accumulated oxidative damage, which can lead to memory decline and neurological diseases. Objective: Our transgenic mouse, Gulo (-/-); Lp(a)+, presents a unique model for the study of key aspects of human metabolism with respect to a lack of internal vitamin C synthesis and the production of human Lipoprotein(a). Method: This mouse model was used in our study to investigate the effects of prolonged intake of low and high levels of vitamin C, at different ages, on oxidative damage, cholesterol levels and Lipoprotein(a) deposition in the brain. Result: The results show that a long-term high vitamin C intake is important in maintaining brain cholesterol homeostasis and preventing oxidative damage in Gulo(-/-);Lp(a)+ mice as they age. Moreover, we observed that the formation of brain Lipoprotein(a) deposits was negatively correlated with brain level of vitamin C, thereby confirming its role as a stability factor for an impaired extracellular matrix. Conclusion: Our study emphasizes the critical role of vitamin C in protecting brain health as we age. Other: Our findings show that optimal vitamin C intake from early life to old age is important in brain health to prevent oxidative stress damage and to maintain cholesterol homeostasis in the brain. More importantly, negative correlation between brain ascorbic levels and the formation of Lp(a) deposit on the choroid plexus further emphasizes the critical role of vitamin C in protecting brain health throughout the normal aging process.


2021 ◽  
Vol 2021 ◽  
pp. 1-8
Author(s):  
Lei Shi ◽  
Matthias Rath ◽  
Aleksandra Niedzwiecki

The lack of ability to produce vitamin C innately and the ability to synthesize human lipoprotein(a) (Lp(a)) are two unique metabolic features present in humans, compared with most other animal species. The Gulo (-/-) and Lp(a)+ mouse model displays these two features and is therefore suitable for the study of metabolic aspects relevant to human metabolism. It is a well-known fact that vitamin C is essential in collagen synthesis, and in maintaining extracellular matrix integrity, as well as being a powerful antioxidant and cofactor in many metabolic pathways, which makes it a critically important micronutrient for health and healthy aging. In this study, we investigated the effects of a long-term intake of high and low doses of vitamin C on age-related metabolic lipid and hormonal changes in young (eight to nine months), mid-aged (one year), and old (two years) Gulo (−/−) and Lp(a)+ mice. We observed that chronic vitamin C deficiency resulted in a less healthy metabolic lipid profile, impaired serum insulin-like growth factor (IGF-1), and sex-hormones secretion, all of which can accelerate the development of various pathological conditions in the aging process. The most susceptible to the negative impact of vitamin C deficiency were the young (eight to nine months) and old (two years) mice. Our study conducted in this humanized mouse model indicates that sustained adequate vitamin C intake is essential in maintaining a healthier metabolic profile, important in preventing age-related pathologies throughout the aging process.


Author(s):  
Simerpreet Kukreja

Introduction: Cigarette smoking induces many chronic illnesses, but in developed countries it is a preventable risk factor. However, by increasing the protective protection mechanism, it may be possible to alleviate the smoke-induced damage. As smoking risk is minimised by vitamin C intake, it is recommended that smokers should take more vitamin C. This inverse correlation between both vitamin C intake and serum levels and smoking was independent of age, sex, body weight, ethnicity, and consumption of alcoholic beverages. The negative association between cigarette smoking and serum vitamin C levels continued, following further adjustment for dietary vitamin C intake. The risk of severe hypovitaminosis C, especially when not accompanied by vitamin supplementation, has been increased in smokers. These data indicate that the inverse relationship between smoking and serum vitamin C levels exists independently of dietary intake, while smoking adversely affects preferences for vitamin C rich foods. Methods: A survey method was performed, with 50 smokers (S) receiving either 500 mg of vitamin C or placebo (P) daily for 4 weeks, and 50 non-smokers receiving vitamin C without supplementation. All finished the hearing. Both groups were equal and C: 14.2 + /- 1.8 pack-years was the amount of cigarettes smoked. Concentrations of plasma vitamin C increased significantly (p < 0.005) only in the vitamin C supplement community.  Results: At SMHRC Hospital Nagpur, we examined the relationship between smoking and vitamin C status, dietary and serum vitamin C levels of 100 participants. Smokers of 20 cigarettes a day had the lowest dietary intake of vitamin C and serum levels, whereas smokers of 1-19 cigarettes a day had lower intake of vitamin C and serum levels (compared to respondents who had never smoked. This inverse correlation between vitamin C and smoking intake and serum levels was independent of age, sex, body weight, race, and consumption of alcoholic beverages. The negative association between cigarette smoking and serum vitamin C levels continued, following further adjustment for dietary vitamin C intake. In smokers, the risk of severe hypo-vitaminosis C, particularly when not accompanied by vitamin supplementation, has increased. Conclusion: These data indicate that the inverse relationship between smoking and serum vitamin C levels exists independently of dietary intake, while smoking adversely affects preferences for vitamin C rich foods. A balanced diet for smokers will obtain a hearty recommendation at this time, but guidelines should remain cautious about high-dose nutrition supplements. Keywords: Chain Smoker, Vitamin C, hypo-vitaminosis C and cigarette.


2016 ◽  
Vol 5 ◽  
Author(s):  
Seung Chik Jwa ◽  
Kohei Ogawa ◽  
Minatsu Kobayashi ◽  
Naho Morisaki ◽  
Haruhiko Sago ◽  
...  

AbstractMaternal vitamin intake during pregnancy is crucial for pregnancy outcomes and the child's subsequent health. However, there are few valid instruments for assessing vitamin intake that address the effects of nausea and vomiting during pregnancy (NVP). This study aimed to investigate the validity of a FFQ concerning vitamin intake during early and late pregnancy with and without NVP. The participants comprised 200 Japanese pregnant women who completed the FFQ and from whom blood samples were taken in early and late pregnancy. Energy-adjusted dietary vitamin intakes (vitamin C, folate, vitamin B6, vitamin B12, vitamin A, vitamin E and vitamin D) from FFQ were compared with their blood concentrations. A subgroup of women with NVP was investigated. In early pregnancy, significant correlations between FFQ and biomarkers were observed for vitamin C (r0·27), folate (r0·18) and vitamin D (r0·26) in women with NVP and for vitamin A (r0·18), vitamin B12(r0·24) and vitamin D (r0·23) in women without NVP. No significant correlations were observed in either group for vitamins B6or E. In late pregnancy, similar significant associations were observed for vitamin C (r0·27), folate (r0·22), vitamin B6(r0·18), vitamin B12(r0·27) and vitamin A (r0·15); coefficients were higher among women without NVP. Our study demonstrates that the FFQ is a useful tool for assessing intake of several important vitamins in early and late pregnancy regardless of NVP status.


2009 ◽  
Vol 15 (1-4) ◽  
pp. 179-185 ◽  
Author(s):  
Robert R. Stickney ◽  
Robert B. McGeachin ◽  
Donald H. Lewis ◽  
Jon Marks ◽  
Alan Riggs ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  

Lipids ◽  
2008 ◽  
Vol 43 (4) ◽  
pp. 383-390 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. Menéndez-Carreño ◽  
D. Ansorena ◽  
F. I. Milagro ◽  
J. Campión ◽  
J. A. Martínez ◽  
...  

Author(s):  
Glauber Cruz de Menezes ◽  
Marcos Tavares-Dias ◽  
Eduardo Akifumi Ono ◽  
Jaqueline Inês Alves de Andrade ◽  
Elenice Martins Brasil ◽  
...  

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