Ascorbic Acid Significantly Decreases Creatine Kinase Plasma Levels in an Animal Model of Statin/Fibrate-Induced Myopathy

Background. Myopathy is one of the side effects of lipid-lowering drugs, especially statins and particularly when combined with a fibrate. To diagnose myopathy and determine its severity, the plasma levels of three enzymes, creatine kinase (CK), aldolase, and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), are routinely measured. Physical exercise can aggravate the statin-associated muscular disease. The question is whether antioxidants like ascorbic acid (Vit. C) can prevent such myopathy. Methods. In this experiment, a combination of atorvastatin (ATV, 80 mg/kg/day) and gemfibrozil (GMF, 1000 mg/kg/day) orally for 10 days as well as exercise as forced swimming on days 8, 9, and 10 were used to induce myopathy. Ascorbic acid (50 mg/kg/day, orally) was added to ATV/GMF plus exercise regimen throughout the 10 days in the treatment group. Mean blood levels of CK, aldolase, and LDH were measured in addition to swimming tolerance times. Results. There was a significantly higher swimming tolerance time P < 0.05 and lower CK levels P < 0.01 in rats receiving ATV/GMF/Vit. C plus exercise compared with rats not taking Vit. C. LDH and aldolase did not decrease significantly. Conclusion. The results of this study showed that Vit. C can be effective in preventing myopathy caused by fat-lowering drugs.

Potential Protective Effect of Vitamin C on Qunalphos-Induced Cardiac Toxicity: Histological and Tissue Biomarker Assay

Insecticides and toxicants abound in nature, posing a health risk to humans. Concurrent exposure to many environmental contaminants has been demonstrated to harm myocardial performance and reduce cardiac oxidative stress. The purpose of this research was to study the protective effect of vitamin C (Vit C) on quinalphos (QP)-induced cardiac tissue damage in rats. Eighteen albino male rats were randomly categorised into three groups (n = 6). Control, QP group: rats received distilled water. QP insecticide treatment: an oral administration of QP incorporated in drinking water. QP + Vit C group: rats received QP and Vit C. All the experiments were conducted for ten days. Decline of cardiac antioxidant biomarkers catalase (CAT) and reduced glutathione (GPx) along with increased proinflammatory markers tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) and interleukin 6 (IL-6) indicated oxidative and inflammatory damage to the heart following administration of QP when compared to control rats. The light microscopic and ultrastructure appearance of QP-treated cardiomyocytes exhibited cardiac damage. Administration of Vit C showed decreased oxidative and inflammatory biomarkers, confirmed with histological and electron microscopic examination. In conclusion, Vit C protected the heart from QP-induced cardiac damage due to decreased inflammation and oxidative stress.

To Assess the Level of Vit B12, Vit C and Homocysteine in Chronic Smokers in Central India

Background: Smoking is related to an increased risk of morbidity and mortality. Cigarette smoking has been related to higher levels of homocysteine in the blood. Both have been associated with a higher risk of cardiovascular disease. Smokers also have lower levels of vitamin B12, which affects homocysteine levels by serving as a cofactor or co substrate (folate) for the enzymes that regulate the metabolism of homocysteine. Materials: This study was a case-control study, conducted in the Department of Biochemistry and medicine at DMMC & SMHRC, Nagpur in collaboration with ABVRH, Sawangi (Meghe). In the present study, the total number of subjects included was 200 having age Group between 30-60. The subjects were divided in two groups. Group 1: 100 subjects chronic smokers and Group 2: 100 subjects non- smokers. Results: The homocysteine concentration significantly increased in group 1 ( chronic smokers) 18.50±8.40 as compared to group 02( non smokers ) 8.30±5.30 and p value p<0.005.vitamin B12 concentration significantly decreased in group 01 ( chronic smokers) 340.80±124.70 as compared to group 02 (non smokers) 485.45±175.68 and p value p<0.005. vitamin c concentration significantly decreased in group 1 (chronic smokers) 0.46±0.07 as compared to group 02 (non smokers) 1.12±0.15 and p value p<0.005. Conclusion: On the basis of findings we concluded that the smoking increases Homocysteine levels and lowers the level of Vit B12 and Vit C leading to increase cardiovascular disease risk among chronic smokers.

The Effects of Vit E and Vit C Use on Ovarian Surface Epithelium and Follicle Reserve in Autologous Intraperitoneal Ovarian Transplantation in Rats: An Experimental Study

Purpose: The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of vitamin E (Vit E) and vitamin C (Vit C) on oxidant-antioxidant system markers, ovarian follicle reserves, and surface epithelium in autologous intraperitoneal ovarian transplantation in rats.Materials and Methods: 20 adult female Wistar Albino were randomly divided into four groups. Group 1 (n = 5), the control group, only had their abdomens opened and closed. Group 2 (n = 5): underwent an ovarian transplantation. Group 3 (n = 5) received 20 mg/kg of intraperitoneal (IP) Vit E 15 minutes before an ovarian transplantation. Group 4 (n = 5) received 50 mg/kg of IP Vit C that was administered 15 minutes before an ovarian transplantation.Vaginal cytology was performed to monitor the oestrus phase. Biochemically, tissue and serum malondialdehyde levels and erythrocyte superoxide dismutase (SOD) levels were measured. Histopathologically, the number dysplastic changes in the ovarian surface epithelium were examined. Results: Dysplastic changes in the surface epithelium of Group 2 were found to be significantly higher than in Group 1 and 4 (p < 0.02). In Group 2, the ovarian follicle reserves were significantly lower than in other groups (p < 0.02). In addition, a significant decrease in SOD levels was found in Group 2 compared to other groups (p < 0.02). Conclusion: The study showed that Vit E and Vit C in autologous intraperitoneal ovarian transplantation preserved the ovarian follicle reserve. Vit C was found to be more effective than Vit E.

Inflammatory Response Modulation by Vitamin C in an MPTP Mouse Model of Parkinson’s Disease

Vitamin C (Vit C) is anutrient present in many foods, particularly citrus fruits, green vegetables, tomatoes, and potatoes. Vit C is studied for its applications in the prevention and management of different pathologies, including neurodegenerative diseases. Neuroinflammation is a defense mechanism activated by a stimulus or an insult that is aimed at the preservation of the brain by promoting tissue repair and removing cellular debris; however, persistent inflammatory responses are detrimental and may lead to the pathogenesis and progression of neurodegenerative diseases like Parkinson’s disease (PD) and Alzheimer’s disease. PD is one of the most common chronic progressive neurodegenerative disorders, and oxidative stress is one of the most important factors involved in its pathogenesis and progression.Due to this, research on antioxidant and anti-inflammatory compounds is an important target for counteracting neurodegenerative diseases, including PD. In the central nervous system, the presence of Vit C in the brain is higher than in other body districts, but why and how this occurs is still unknown. In this research, Vit C, with its anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative properties, is studied to better understand its contribution to brain protection; in particular, we have investigated the neuroprotective effects of Vit C in the 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP)-induced animal model of PD and its role in the modulation of neuroinflammation. First, we observed that Vit C significantly decreased the MPTP-induced loss of tyrosine hydroxylase (TH)-positive dopaminergic neuronal cells in the substantia nigra, as well as microglial cell activation and astrogliosis. Furthermore, gait and spontaneous locomotor activity, evaluated by an automated treadmill and the Open Field test, respectively, were partially ameliorated by Vit C treatment in MPTP-intoxicated animals. In relation to neuroinflammation, results show that Vit C reduced the protein and mRNA expression of inflammatory cytokines such as IL-6, TLR4, TNF-α, iNOS, and CD40, while anti-inflammatory proteins such as IL-10, CD163, TGF-β, and IL-4 increased. Interestingly, we show for the first time that Vit C reduces neuroinflammation by modulating microglial polarization and astrocyte activation. Moreover, Vit C was able to reduce NLRP3 activation, which is linked to the pathogenesis of many inflammatory diseases, including neuroinflammatory disorders. In conclusion, our study provides evidence that Vit C may represent a new promising dietary supplement for the prevention and alleviation of the inflammatory cascade of PD, thus contributing to neuroprotection.

Consumo alimentar de praticantes de musculação treinados

A prática regular de exercício físico aliada a alimentação adequada é fundamental para bons resultados. A prática de musculação propicia aos indivíduos a perda da gordura corporal e o ganho de massa muscular. O objetivo deste foi avaliar o consumo alimentar de praticantes de musculação treinados. Foi utilizado o registro alimentar de 7 dias para a avaliação da ingestão de macronutrientes (Carboidratos, Proteínas e Lipídios), minerais (Ferro, Magnésio, Zinco e Cálcio), vitaminas (Vitamina C e Vitamina E) e fibras alimentares. Foram avaliados 26 praticantes de musculação (13 homens e 13 mulheres com 26,7 ± 4,5 anos). O consumo médio de energia foi maior nos homens (2397,2 kcal/d vs 1827,2 kcal/d, p<0,05). Não houve diferença significativa entre homens e mulheres no consumo de carboidratos (3,6 ± 1,6 g/kg/d vs 3,8 ± 1,5 g/kg/d), proteínas (1,6 ± 0,6 g/kg/d vs 1,9 ± 0,7 g/kg/d) e lipídios (1,0 ± 0,5 g/kg/d vs 1,0 ± 0,4 g/kg/d). O consumo de fibras alimentares foi inadequado em todos os indivíduos. O percentual de inadequação foi menor para as vitaminas avaliadas (Vit C e E) comparado aos minerais. Os maiores percentuais de inadequação em ambos os gêneros foram observados para o consumo de magnésio. A maioria das mulheres (76,9%) apresentou consumo inadequado de ferro. Ao contrário todos os homens consumiam ferro adequadamente. Conclui-se que a maioria dos avaliados apresentaram ingestão de energia, carboidratos, proteínas e lipídios dentro das faixas recomendadas. Por outro lado, a ingestão de fibras alimentares, minerais e vitaminas necessita ser melhorada.

Harvest Handling and Postharvest Conditions for Optimum Nutrient Quality in Mango: Minerals and Vitamins

Good practices at harvest and postharvest could be useful in obtaining nutritious mango with high minerals and vitamins. The present study evaluated effect of harvest handling and postharvest conditions on the level of minerals and vitamins using standard methods. Ripe, half-ripe and unripe mangoes were harvested on parent plant and on ground around parent plant. The half-ripe and unripe mangoes were further divided to include heat ripened mangoes. The mango samples were separately stored naturally at 25±3oC and heat ripened at 37±5oC for 0 to 10 day after harvest (dah). The results show Ijebu-Mamu mangoes could cater for reference dietary intake of Vit C. Mango harvested on parent plant has highest level of minerals and vitamins than those picked on ground. Ripe mango has highest level of minerals, half ripe mango presented highest level of vits. B1 and B2 and unripe mango has highest level of Fe and Vit. C. Heat caused increased level of minerals and reduced level of vitamins. The minerals show increased level from 0 to 4 or 6 dah while vitamins reduced from 0 till 10 dah. High level of minerals and vitamins was obtained with optimum integrated harvest and postharvest condition of half-ripe mango naturally ripened at 6 dah. The present results highlight effects of the assessed harvest handling and postharvest conditions and their co-optimization that might be necessary for high minerals and vitamins in mango.

An Economical Non-Antibiotic Alternative to Antibiotic Therapy for Subclinical Mastitis in Cows

The economic importance of mastitis and antibiotic resistance is dictating to search non-antibiotic alternatives for the therapy. Trisodium citrate (TSC) being buffer system of the glandular tissue and, vitamin C (Vit. C), zinc and copper being important ingredients required for functioning of immune system fancy chances for a suitable alternative mastitis therapy. The current study was planned to evaluate therapeutic efficacy and cost effectiveness of these ingredients in subclinical mastitis. For this purpose, 40 sub-clinically mastitis cows were randomly divided into 2 equal groups. Group T1 was treated orally with TSC, Vit. C, ZnSo4 and CuSo4, while group T2 was treated with standard antibiotic therapy. Milk pH significantly (P<0.05) differed between the two treatments till day 7th post-initiation of treatment when T1 restored the pH values within normal range earlier than T2. A non-significant (P>0.05) difference was observed in milk pH, fat, lactose, proteins, TS, SNFs, somatic cell counts and restoration of milk yield between the two treatments indicting comparable efficacy. A statistically significant (P<0.05) difference was observed in serum Cu and Zn levels indicating that the supplementation of Cu and Zn led to higher serum values in animals of T1. The use of non-antibiotic oral formulations as mastitis therapy resulted in a net profit of Rs. 457/animal/day. The oral non-antibiotic antibacterial formulation is a therapeutically and economically suitable alternative to rational antibiotic-based therapy to treat subclinical mastitis in dairy cows.

Joint Cardioprotective Effect of Vitamin C and Other Antioxidants against Reperfusion Injury in Patients with Acute Myocardial Infarction Undergoing Percutaneous Coronary Intervention

Percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) has long remained the gold standard therapy to restore coronary blood flow after acute myocardial infarction (AMI). However, this procedure leads to the development of increased production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) that can exacerbate the damage caused by AMI, particularly during the reperfusion phase. Numerous attempts based on antioxidant treatments, aimed to reduce the oxidative injury of cardiac tissue, have failed in achieving an effective therapy for these patients. Among these studies, results derived from the use of vitamin C (Vit C) have been inconclusive so far, likely due to suboptimal study designs, misinterpretations, and the erroneous conclusions of clinical trials. Nevertheless, recent clinical trials have shown that the intravenous infusion of Vit C prior to PCI-reduced cardiac injury biomarkers, as well as inflammatory biomarkers and ROS production. In addition, improvements of functional parameters, such as left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) and telediastolic left ventricular volume, showed a trend but had an inconclusive association with Vit C. Therefore, it seems reasonable that these beneficial effects could be further enhanced by the association with other antioxidant agents. Indeed, the complexity and the multifactorial nature of the mechanism of injury occurring in AMI demands multitarget agents to reach an enhancement of the expected cardioprotection, a paradigm needing to be demonstrated. The present review provides data supporting the view that an intravenous infusion containing combined safe antioxidants could be a suitable strategy to reduce cardiac injury, thus improving the clinical outcome, life quality, and life expectancy of patients subjected to PCI following AMI.