Effects of an antioxidants cocktail on glucose metabolism at rest, during exercise, and during a glucose load in healthy young subjects

Background: Reactive oxygen species (ROS) regulate glucose metabolism (GM) in skeletal muscle by improving the translocation of GLUT4. Antioxidant supplementation could block this physiological effect, altering glucose signaling during exercise. However, there is limited evidence in humans on whether antioxidant intake affects GM. Therefore, we aimed to determine the effect of an antioxidant cocktail (AOC) on GM at rest and during metabolic challenges. Methods: Ten healthy male subjects received AOC supplementation (1000 mg of Vitamin C, 600 IU of Vitamin E, and 600 mg of α-lipoic acid) or placebo (2.000 mg of talc) before two trials conducted 7 days apart. Trial 1: AOC 120 and 90 minutes before an endurance exercise (EEX) bout at 60 % of maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max); Trial 2: AOC 120 and 90 minutes before an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT; 75 g glucose). Measurements of gas exchange and capillary blood samples were collected every 15 minutes during both trials. Results: AOC supplementation increased resting glucose levels (p<0.05). During Trial 1 (EEX), the AOC increased carbohydrate oxidation (CHOox) (p= 0.03), without effect in glucose blood levels. During Trial 2 (OGTT), the AOC supplementation had no significant effect on GM parameters. Conclusion: Acute supplementation with AOC increased resting glucose levels and CHOox during EEX in healthy subjects, with no effect on GM during the OGTT.

Antecedentes: Las especies reactivas de oxígeno (ROS) regulan el metabolismo de la glucosa (GM) en el músculo esquelético al mejorar la translocación de GLUT4. La suplementación con antioxidantes podría bloquear este efecto fisiológico, alterando la señalización de la glucosa durante el ejercicio. Sin embargo, existe evidencia limitada en humanos sobre si la ingesta de antioxidantes afecta el GM. Por lo tanto, nuestro objetivo fue determinar el efecto de un cóctel de antioxidantes (AOC) en el GM en reposo y durante desafíos metabólicos. Métodos: Sujetos sanos (sexo masculino; n= 10) recibieron suplementos de AOC (1.000 mg de vitamina C, 600 UI de vitamina E y 600 mg de ácido α-lipoico) o placebo (2.000 mg de talco) previo a dos pruebas realizadas con 7 días de diferencia. Prueba 1: AOC 120 y 90 minutos antes de una serie de ejercicio de resistencia (EEX) al 60% del consumo máximo de oxígeno (VO2max); prueba 2: AOC 120 y 90 minutos antes de una prueba de tolerancia oral a la glucosa (OGTT; 75 g de glucosa). Se obtuvieron datos de intercambio de gaseoso y muestras de sangre capilar cada 15 minutos durante ambas pruebas. Resultados: la suplementación con AOC aumentó los niveles de glucosa en reposo (p<0,05). Durante la prueba 1 (EEX), el AOC aumentó la oxidación de carbohidratos (CHOox) (p= 0,03), sin efecto en los niveles de glucosa en sangre. Durante la prueba 2 (OGTT), la suplementación con AOC no tuvo un efecto significativo en los parámetros de GM. Conclusión: Una suplementación aguda con AOC aumentó los niveles de glucosa en reposo y la CHOox durante EEX en sujetos sanos, sin efecto sobre el GM durante la OGTT.

Attenuating Effect of Some Antioxidants on Caffeine Induced Spermatotoxicity and Mutagenicity in Male Albino Rats

Background and Objective: Infertility is one of the major health problems in life and has been linked to several factors; therefore different approaches are required to address the problem. This study investigated the attenuating potential of some antioxidants: Cellgevity, Max one, purslane and Vitamin C on caffeine induced spermatotoxicity in male albino rats. Location and duration of Study: This study was carried in the Department of genetics and Biotechnology, University of Calabar, Calabar and lasted for sixty five days. Methodology: Sixty sexually matured male albino rats were randomly divided into ten groups consisting of two rats in three replicates using completely randomized design (CRD). Group one served as control and received water and feed only. Group two were given 200 mg/kgBw of Cellgevity, group three received 200 mg/kgBW of Max one, group four received 100 mg/kgBW of Vitamin C, group five received 200 mg/kgBW of caffeine, group six received 200mg/kgBW of purslane, group seven received 200 mg/kgBW of caffeine and 200 mg/kgBW of Cellgevity, group eight received 200 mg/kgBW of caffeine and 200 mg/kgBW of Max one, group nine received 200mg/kgBW of caffeine and 200 mg/kgBW of purslane, group ten received 200 mg/kgBW of caffeine and 100 mg/kgBW of vitamin C. Administration was done orally and lasted for 65days. The rats were sacrificed after administration using chloroform anaesthesia. Testes and epididymes were processed for testes and epididymal weights as well as sperm profile. Results: The results showed that caffeine significantly (p<0.05) negatively affected all the parameters studied. The sperm profile significantly reduced in caffeine treated animals. However, Cellgevity, Max one, purslane and Vitamin C attenuated the effect of caffeine in all the parameters evaluated by increased the sperm viability, sperm motility, sperm count and reduced sperm head abnormalities and mutation index in the combination groups. Conclusion: Results show that Cellgevity, Max one, purslane and Vitamin C have the potential to attenuate spermatotoxicity caused by caffeine in albino rats.

Research progress in the treatment of sepsis with vitamin C / 中国医师杂志

Sepsis is a host reaction disorder caused by infection, in which oxidative stress is involved in the mechanism of organ damage. Vitamin C deficiency caused by trauma and infection is very common in critically ill patients. As a highly effective antioxidant, vitamin C can alleviate oxidative stress, reduce the inflammatory response, protect endothelial cell function, and reduce platelet activation. However, no definite clinical study confirms that patients with sepsis can benefit significantly from vitamin C supplementation. In order to further explore the clinical value of vitamin C in patients with sepsis, this paper discusses the pathophysiology of sepsis, the physiological function and deficiency of vitamin C, the basic research and clinical trials of vitamin C.

Prophylactic Vitamin C Attenuates Radiation-induced Lung Injury by Modulating Macrophage Polarization and Alveolar Epithelial Cell Apoptosis / 中国生物化学与分子生物学报

With the ongoing epidemic of the Coronavirus disease in China and the widespread development of radiotherapy, radiation-induced lung injury has gradually become a clinical problem that has attracted much attention. The pathogenesis of radiation-induced lung injury is complex, involving an imbalance in the polarization state of alveolar macrophages and an upregulation of alveolar epithelial cell apoptosis. Previous studies have shown that vitamin C is an important antioxidant substance, and preventive use of vitamin C can effectively treat acute lung injury. However, whether prophylactic use of vitamin C can effectively prevent or treat lung injury caused by radioactive substances, and its specific molecular mechanism remains to be studied. The purpose of this study is to investigate whether the prophylactic use of vitamin C to treat the alveolar macrophage cell line RAW 264. 7 and human lung epithelial cells BEAS-2B can effectively control the abnormal polarization of macrophages and the abnormal apoptosis of lung epithelial cells. This study found that after 4 weeks and 8 weeks of radioactive X-ray irradiation, the expression of macrophage M1 polarization state markers such as iNOS was significantly up-regulated (P< 0. 05), and preventive use of vitamin C to treat macrophages and lung epithelial cells can alleviate the polarization state disorder of macrophages and the apoptosis of alveolar epithelial cells caused by external radiation exposure, which is manifested in the down-regulation of the expression of Cleaved Caspase3. In addition, the preventive application of vitamin C treatment can inhibit the MAPK signaling pathway activated by external radiation exposure. Further experimental results showed that the inhibition of the MAPK pathway is the key to inhibiting the M1 polarization of macrophages and the apoptosis of lung epithelial cells. In summary, our findings suggest that vitamin C may play a protective role in acute radiation-induced lung injury by inhibiting macrophage M1 polarization/ promoting macrophage M2 polarization and alleviating alveolar epithelial cell apoptosis. This study will help to better understand the process and mechanism of the preventive effect of vitamin C, a common vitamin, on radiation-induced lung injury.

Dichloroacetate and vitamin C synergistically suppress proliferation, migration and invasion of glioma U87 and U251 cells / 中国药理学通报

Aim To investigate the effects of dichloroacetate(DCA)combined with vitamin C(VC)on the malignant behavior of glioma U87 and U251 cells, and to explore the potential mechanism. Methods U87 and U251 cells were treated with different concentrations of DCA alone or in combination with 5 mmol·L-1 VC. The proliferation rate of each group was detected by CCK-8 method and the cooperative index was calculated. U87 and U251 cells were treated with DMSO, 15 mmol·L-1 DCA, 5 mmol·L-1 VC and their combination. The changes of clonal formation, reactive oxygen species content, apoptosis, cell cycle, migration and invasion were detected via in vitro experiments, while the proliferation of U251 cells in vivo in each group was detected by subcutaneous tumor-forming model. Western blot was used to detect the expression levels and degradation rates of BCL2A1 and CDC25A in each group of cells after network pharmacological analysis of DCA and VC targets and their value in glioma, and the expression levels of CDK4, CDK6, cytochrome C, caspase-7 and cleaved-caspase-7 were detected. Results The combined index of 15 mmol·L-1 DCA and 5 mmol·L-1 VC was the highest. Compared with the control and single drug groups, the clonal formation, migration and invasion ability of cells in combination group in vitro significantly decreased, the proliferation rate in vivo also decreased, and the content of reactive oxygen species, apoptosis rate and G1 phase arrest rate significantly increased. BCL2A1 and CDC25A proteins were important targets of DCA and VC in glioma. Compared with the control and single-drug groups, the expression levels of BCL2A1, CDC25A, CDK4, and CDK6 in the combination group were significantly reduced, and the expression levels of cytochrome C and cleaved-caspase-7 markedly increased, and the protein degradation rates of BCL2A1 and CDC25A significantly increased in the combination group. Conclusions VC can cooperate with DCA to promote the degradation of BCL2A1 and CDC25A, and inhibit the malignant behavior of glioma cells.

Effects of heat exposure and vitamin C intervention on oxidative stress and blood pressure changes in treadmill rats / 中华劳动卫生职业病杂志

Objective: To investigate the effect of oxidative stress caused by heat exposure on the blood pressure increase of treadmill rats and the intervention of antioxidants. Methods: In June 2021, Twenty-four healthy SD male rats were randomly divided into four groups: normal temperature feeding, normal temperature treadmill, high temperature treadmill and high temperature treadmill supplementation with vitamin C groups, 6 rats in each group. The rats run on the platform in normal temperature or heat exposure environment for 30 min in the morning and in the afternoon daily, 6 days per week. The daily vitamin C supplement dose of high temperature treadmill supplementation with vitamin C group was 10 mg/kg. BP recordings were done at the end of the week. The rat vascular lipofuscin (LF) was detected by ELISA, the rat serum nitric oxide (NO) was detected by nitrate reductase method, the serum malondialdehyde (MDA) was detected by thibabituric acid method, the serum glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) were detected by chemiluminescence method, and the serum catalase (CAT) was detected by ammonium molybdate method. The total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC) of serum was measured by iron reduction/antioxidant capacity method, and the content of nuclear erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) in vascular tissue was measured by Western blot. The intra-group mean was compared by repeated measurement analysis of variance, and the inter-group mean was compared by single-factor analysis of variance and post-event LSD-t test. Results: Compared with the previous time point, the systolic BP and diastolic BP of the high temperature treadmill group were significantly increased at 7, 14 and 21 d, and decreased at 28 d which were higher than the initial level (P<0.05), and the systolic BP and diastolic BP values at each experimental time point were significantly higher than those of normal temperature treadmill group (P<0.001). The changes of thickening of the artery wall, no smoothing of the endodermis and irregular arrangement of muscle cells in high temperature treadmill group were observed. Compared with the normal temperature treadmill group, the content of MDA in serum, and LF in vascular tissue were significantly increased, the activities of SOD, CAT, T-AOC, the content of NO in serum, and the expression of Nrf2 in vascular tissue were significantly decreased in high temperature treadmill group (P<0.05). Compared with the high temperature treadmill group, the systolic BP and diastolic BP values at 7, 14, 21 and 28 d, the content of serum MDA and LF in vascular tissue were significantly decreased, the activities of CAT and T-AOC, and the expression of Nrf2 in vascular tissue significantly increased (P<0.05), the histopathological changes of the artery wall improved in high temperature treadmill supplementation with vitamin C group. Conclusion: Heat exposure has effect on oxidative stress, which may be related to the increase of BP. Vitamin C as an anti-oxidative enhancer can prevent those negative effects, which could alleviate the pathological changes of vessel intima in heat-exposed rats. And the Nrf2 may be a regulated factor to vascular protection.

Evaluation of antibacterial activity of vitamin C against human bacterial pathogens / Avaliação da atividade antibacteriana da vitamina C contra patógenos bacterianos humanos

Now a day’s multidrug resistance phenomenon has become the main cause for concern and there has been an inadequate achievement in the development of novel antibiotics to treat the bacterial infections. Therefore, there is an unmet need to search for novel adjuvant. Vitamin C is one such promising adjuvant. The present study was aimed to elucidate the antibacterial effect of vitamin C at various temperatures (4°C, 37°C and 50°C) and pH (3, 8, and 11), against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria at various concentrations (5-20 mg/ml) through agar well diffusion method. Growth inhibition of all bacterial strains by vitamin C was concentration-dependent. Vitamin C significantly inhibited the growth of Gram-positive bacteria: Bacillus licheniformis (25.3 ± 0.9 mm), Staphylococcus aureus (22.0 ± 0.6 mm), Bacillus subtilis (19.3 ± 0.3 mm) and Gram-negative bacteria: Proteus mirabilis (27.67 ± 0.882 mm), Klebsiella pneumoniae (21.33±0.9 mm), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (18.0 ± 1.5 mm) and Escherichia coli (18.3 ± 0.3 mm). The stability of vitamin C was observed at various pH values and various temperatures. Vitamin C showed significant antibacterial activity at acidic pH against all bacterial strains. Vitamin C remained the stable at different temperatures. It was concluded that vitamin C is an effective and safe antibacterial agent that can be used in the future as an adjunct treatment option to combat infections in humans.

Agora, a resistência antimicrobiana de um dia em patógenos aos antibióticos tornou-se a principal causa de preocupação e houve uma realização inadequada no desenvolvimento de novos antibióticos para tratar infecções bacterianas. Portanto, há uma necessidade de pesquisar um novo adjuvante, e a vitamina C é um desses adjuvantes promissores. O objetivo do presente estudo foi elucidar o efeito antibacteriano da vitamina C em diferentes temperaturas (4 °C, 37 °C e 50 °C) e pH (3, 8 e 11), contra Gram-positivos e Gram-cepas bacterianas negativas em várias concentrações (5-20 mg / ml) através do método de difusão em ágar bem. A inibição do crescimento de todas as cepas bacterianas pela vitamina C era dependente da concentração. A vitamina C inibiu significativamente o crescimento de bactérias Gram-positivas: Bacillus licheniformis (25,3 ± 0,9 mm), Staphylococcus aureus (22,0 ± 0,6 mm), Bacillus subtilis (19,3 ± 0,3 mm) e bactérias Gram- negativas: Proteus mirabilis (27,7 ± 0,9 mm), Klebsiella pneumoniae (21,3 ± 0,9 mm), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (18,0 ± 1,5 mm) e Escherichia coli (18,3 ± 0,3 mm). A estabilidade da vitamina C foi observada em vários valores de pH e várias temperaturas. A vitamina C mostrou atividade antibacteriana significativa em pH ácido contra todas as cepas bacterianas. A estabilidade da vitamina C permaneceu nas mesmas diferentes temperaturas (4 °C, 37 °C e 50 °C). Concluímos que a vitamina C é um agente antibacteriano eficaz e seguro que pode ser usado no futuro como uma opção de tratamento auxiliar para combater infecções em humanos, pois pode apoiar o sistema imunológico diretamente.

Evaluation of antibacterial activity of vitamin C against human bacterial pathogens

Abstract Now a days multidrug resistance phenomenon has become the main cause for concern and there has been an inadequate achievement in the development of novel antibiotics to treat the bacterial infections. Therefore, there is an unmet need to search for novel adjuvant. Vitamin C is one such promising adjuvant. The present study was aimed to elucidate the antibacterial effect of vitamin C at various temperatures (4°C, 37°C and 50°C) and pH (3, 8, and 11), against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria at various concentrations (5-20 mg/ml) through agar well diffusion method. Growth inhibition of all bacterial strains by vitamin C was concentration-dependent. Vitamin C significantly inhibited the growth of Gram-positive bacteria: Bacillus licheniformis (25.3 ± 0.9 mm), Staphylococcus aureus (22.0 ± 0.6 mm), Bacillus subtilis (19.3 ± 0.3 mm) and Gram-negative bacteria: Proteus mirabilis (27.67 ± 0.882 mm), Klebsiella pneumoniae (21.33±0.9 mm), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (18.0 ± 1.5 mm) and Escherichia coli (18.3 ± 0.3 mm). The stability of vitamin C was observed at various pH values and various temperatures. Vitamin C showed significant antibacterial activity at acidic pH against all bacterial strains. Vitamin C remained the stable at different temperatures. It was concluded that vitamin C is an effective and safe antibacterial agent that can be used in the future as an adjunct treatment option to combat infections in humans.

Resumo Agora, a resistência antimicrobiana de um dia em patógenos aos antibióticos tornou-se a principal causa de preocupação e houve uma realização inadequada no desenvolvimento de novos antibióticos para tratar infecções bacterianas. Portanto, há uma necessidade de pesquisar um novo adjuvante, e a vitamina C é um desses adjuvantes promissores. O objetivo do presente estudo foi elucidar o efeito antibacteriano da vitamina C em diferentes temperaturas (4 °C, 37 °C e 50 °C) e pH (3, 8 e 11), contra Gram-positivos e Gram-cepas bacterianas negativas em várias concentrações (5-20 mg / ml) através do método de difusão em ágar bem. A inibição do crescimento de todas as cepas bacterianas pela vitamina C era dependente da concentração. A vitamina C inibiu significativamente o crescimento de bactérias Gram-positivas: Bacillus licheniformis (25,3 ± 0,9 mm), Staphylococcus aureus (22,0 ± 0,6 mm), Bacillus subtilis (19,3 ± 0,3 mm) e bactérias Gram- negativas: Proteus mirabilis (27,7 ± 0,9 mm), Klebsiella pneumoniae (21,3 ± 0,9 mm), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (18,0 ± 1,5 mm) e Escherichia coli (18,3 ± 0,3 mm). A estabilidade da vitamina C foi observada em vários valores de pH e várias temperaturas. A vitamina C mostrou atividade antibacteriana significativa em pH ácido contra todas as cepas bacterianas. A estabilidade da vitamina C permaneceu nas mesmas diferentes temperaturas (4 °C, 37 °C e 50 °C). Concluímos que a vitamina C é um agente antibacteriano eficaz e seguro que pode ser usado no futuro como uma opção de tratamento auxiliar para combater infecções em humanos, pois pode apoiar o sistema imunológico diretamente.

In vitro approaches to antioxidant screening for the development of a sunscreen formulation

Abstract The incorporation of antioxidants into sunscreens may provide additional skin photoprotection against the harmful photobiological effects of ultraviolet radiation. The present study evaluated the applicability of a screening approach to the assessment of the antioxidant and photoprotective properties of vitamin C, vitamin E, and coenzyme Q10 and then determined the performance of the most effective antioxidant in a sunscreen formulation. Antioxidant activity was assessed by the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assay, 2,2`-azino-bis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS) assay, and oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC) assay, and the photoprotective potential was investigated by the yeast photoprotection assay. The antioxidant with the best effect was incorporated into sunscreen formulations which were evaluated for 120 days regarding their in vitro photoprotective parameters. Vitamin C showed high antioxidant capacity as well as a photoprotective potential against simulated solar irradiation applied for times longer than 1 h. Although the Sun Protection Factor, UVA/UVB ratio and critical wavelength did not differed significantly (p<0.05) between the formulation blank and the formulations containing 0.5% or 1% vitamin C, formulations with vitamin C kept their photostability for 6 months. Consequently, the proposed screening approach seems to be promising for the development of an antisolar photostable formulation containing vitamin C as an antioxidant.

Effect of Different Cooking Methods on the Concentration of Vitamin C in Cowpea Vegetable (Vigna unguiculata)

Background: Vitamin C is a water-soluble vitamin widely distributed in nature, mostly rich in fresh fruits and green leafy vegetables. The amount of Vitamin C in a given food depends on soil condition, climate in their area of growth, storage condition after harvest, and methods of preparation. Much amount of Vitamin C in vegetables is lost during cooking and there are still limited information on the impact of different cooking methods on the vitamin C content in leafy vegetable like cowpea vegetable (Vigna unguiculata). It is upon this background that this study aimed to determine the concentration of Vitamin C in cowpea vegetable when cooked using different cooking methods. Methodology: Vitamin C concentration in a solution of cowpea vegetable cooked by different cooking methods (boiling, steaming and microwave methods) was determined by a redox titration using iodine in the presence of starch indicator. This was conducted at Busitema University, Faculty of Science and Education, Biology Laboratory in Uganda. Results: The study revealed that cooking cowpea vegetable using microwave yields the highest concentration of vitamin C (154.8 mg/L), followed by steaming (142.9 mg/L) and boiling yielding the least concentration of vitamin C (130.4 mg/L). Conclusion: The concentration of vitamin C obtained by the three methods of cooking cowpea vegetable has shown that microwaving method of cooking yields the highest concentration of vitamin C followed by steaming method and finally boiling. Further studies should be done to explain the variation of vitamin C concentration in cowpea vegetable when cooked using the above cooking methods. Similar studies should be conducted on other leafy vegetables which are potential sources of Vitamin C.

Effects of Vitamin C and Vitamin E in rheumatoid arthritis - A randomized, open label, and comparative study in a tertiary care hospital

Background: Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic systemic inflammatory disease of autoimmune origin. It affects many organs and joints symmetrically. The involvement of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in the pathogenesis of RA is significant. Oxidative stress occurs when there is excess production of pro oxidants (ROS) and decrease in the level of antioxidants causing oxidative damage to tissues. Anti-oxidants such as Vitamins C and E are very effective in controlling free-radical induced inflammation. Apart from providing symptomatic relief they also modify the disease. Aims and Objectives: The aim of the study was to study the efficacy of Antioxidants Vitamins C and E as an add-on therapy to standard treatment in the management of RA compared to standard treatment alone. Materials and Methods: This was an open label randomized comparative study. In this study, 96 patients were screened and 60 patients were included. They were randomly divided into 30 each in study and control group. Control group received T. Hydroxy chloroquine 400 mg OD and T. Indomethacin 25 mg BD (standard treatment), study group received standard treatment plus T. Vitamin C 500 mg, and Vitamin E 400 mg for 8 s. They were followed for 4 weeks. Improvement of patients was monitored by, pain by visual analog scale, tender joint score, swollen joint score, disease activity score 28, inflammatory markers (ESR, CRP), and every 4 weeks till 12 weeks. Results: All the 60 patients included in this study completed the study. After 8 weeks of treatment in the study group there is statistically significant improvement in pain score, tender joint score, swollen joint score and DAS score. Similarly, statistically significant reduction in inflammatory markers includes ESR and CRP. In the follow-up period, the improvement in study group was sustained. Conclusion: Adding Vitamins C and E over and above the standard treatment can be a new approach in the treatment of RA.

Escorbuto en la adolescencia: reporte de un caso / Scurvy in adolescence: case report

El escorbuto es una enfermedad producida por déficit de vitamina C. Si bien en la actualidad es poco frecuente, la bibliografía describe grupos de riesgo en la población pediátrica, dentro de los que se encuentran los pacientes con alteraciones alimentarias. Se reporta el caso de un adolescente varón, de 11 años de edad, que desarrolló la enfermedad por un hábito alimentario selectivo, sin ingesta de frutas ni verduras. El objetivo del reporte es resaltar la importancia de la anamnesis alimentaria completa en la consulta con el equipo de salud, que permita sospechar y detectar de manera temprana y oportuna trastornos por déficit de micronutrientes como el escorbuto.

Scurvy is a disease caused by vitamin C deficiency. Although it is currently rare, risk groups in the pediatric population are described in the bibliography, including patients with eating disorders. We report the case of an 11-year-old male adolescent who developed the disease due to a selective eating habit, without fruits or vegetables. The objective of this report is to highlight the importance of complete food anamnesis in consultation with the health team, which allows to suspect and detect early and timely micronutrient deficiency disorders such as scurvy.

The Comparative Effects of Vitamin E + C on the Chronic Toxicity of Paraquat in Albino Rats (Rattus norvegicus)

Paraquat is a highly toxic chemical used in weed control. Paraquat is known for its ability to generate reactive oxygen species that attack cells and membranes. Vitamin E is a group of vitamins which dissolves in fat and possess antioxidant properties which act as a defense to the cells against oxidative stress arising from reactive oxygen species, whereas Vitamin C is a water soluble vitamin and a very potent antioxidant which protects the cells of the body from free radicals. The study aim was to evaluate the ameliorative effects of a combination therapy of vitamin E and C on biochemical markers of paraquat induced male albino rats. 200 male albino rats with 0.2±0.02 kg mean weight were used. The 200 rats were divided into four main groups with 50 rats within a group. The groups were labeled A, B C and D. The “A” group was neutral; “B” group was induced with 0.02 g, “C” 0.06g, and “D” 0.06 g of paraquat per kg rat every two weeks for three months. The main groups further had subgroups. “A” group had “A0” and “AVEC” subgroups; “B” group had “B0” and “BVEC” subgroups; “C” group had “C0” and “CVEC” subgroups; “D” group had “D0” and “DVEC” subgroups. “A0”, “B0”, “C0” and “D0” subgroups were not administered with vitamin E + C therapy while “AVEC”, “BVEC”, “CVEC” and “DVEC” were treated orally with 500 mg of vitamin E weekly and 2000 mg/l of vit C medicated water for one month. After then, the rats were sacrificed, blood samples were collected and analyzed for the liver function; T. bilirubin, D. bilirubin, T. protein, albumin, and globulin. ANOVA intergroup comparison of A0, B0, C0 and D0 was statistically significant, p-value<0.05 except for globulin. Intergroup comparison of AVEC, BVEC, CVEC and DVEC was statistically significant, p-value<0.05 except for globulin. Intra-group comparison showed significant difference only in total bilirubin and conjugated bilirubin levels, p-value<0.05. This study therefore has shown that weekly treatment with Vit E + C in one month can treat liver toxicity in rats.

A Biological Trial on the Effect of Vitamin E and C Combination Therapy on Chronic Paraquat Toxicity

Paraquat (1,1-dimethyl-4-4-bipiridinium dichloride (PQ) is a non-selective contact herbicide that is a major source of free radicals and generates superoxide anion, and reactive oxygen species (ROS) which causes severe oxidative damage. Vitamin C is a water-soluble vitamin that plays a role using its biological characteristic as a suitable antioxidant in cells� defense against oxygen deprivation and increasing tissue protection from oxidative stress. Vitamin E is a free-radical scavenger renowned for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. The purpose of the study was to determine the short-term therapeutic effect of a vitamin E and C combination treatment on paraquat-induced male albino rats. For the study, 200 male albino rats were used. The rats were divided into four major categories namely A, B, C, and D with 50 rats each. The "A" group received no paraquat, but the "B," "C," and "D" groups received 0.02g, 0.04g, and 0.06g of paraquat respectively every two weeks for three months. These groups were subsequently subgrouped into two with 25 rats per subgroup. The "A" group was divided into two "A0" and "AVE"; 揃� was subgrouped into 揃0� and BVEC� 揅� was subgrouped into 揅0� and 揅VEC� and 揇� was subgrouped into 揇0� and 揇VEC�. A0, B0, C0 and D0 were subgroups without Vit E and C combined treatment while AVEC, BVEC, CVEC and DVEC were subgroups with combined treatment with 500mg of vitamin E and 2000mg/l of C medicated water every week for two months. Blood was drawn for the analysis of hematogical parameters (Hemoglobin concentration [Hb], Packed Cell volume [PCV], Total White blood cell count [T-WBC], Neutrophils and Lymphocytes). There was a significant variation in the hematological parameters among the "A0", "B0", "C0", and "D0" at p-value<0.05. There was also significant variation in the hematological parameters between the "AVEC", "BVEC", "CVEC", and "DVEC", p-value < 0.05. Consequently, it was also observed that there were significant variations in intra-group comparisons of Hb and PCV, p-value<0.05, whereas other markers were not statistically different. This study found that combining vitamin E and C has a therapeutic effect on 慴lood anemia indicators� but not the immunity of male albino rats after one month of weekly treatment. As a result, a weekly treatment with Vit E and C combination therapy can alleviate PQ toxicity by ameliorating anemia but not affecting the immune system of male albino rats.

Vitamina C y su acción en células cancerígenas

RESUMEN Introducción: La vitamina C es una sustancia que desde hace ya varios años ha suscitado debate debido a la cantidad de usos que se han demostrado. En algunos casos, las utilidades han ido desde profilaxis y acortamiento de la duración de resfriados, hasta estudios de acción en enfermedades, tales como el cáncer; los mecanismos de acción de esta han sido evaluados en forma de monoterapia o en combinación con quimioterapia para demostrar o descartar su utilidad en el cáncer. Objetivo: Demostrar si los efectos de la vitamina C fueron efectivos y si su uso, solo o en combinación con quimioterapia, es de utilidad. Método: Se realizó una investigación de tipo descriptiva documental, realizada con artículos científicos en el periodo comprendido desde 2016 hasta 2021, con un análisis detallado de los resultados del uso de la vitamina C y su posible efecto sobre los diferentes tipos de cáncer. Fueron buscados en las bases de datos de SciELO, Scopus y Medline. Resultados: La información hallada fue organizada según concentraciones plasmáticas de vitamina C y su acción en células cancerosas, dosis evaluadas de la vitamina C, mecanismos de acción en relación a células cancerígenas, desequilibrio redox, efecto específico en cánceres, vitamina C y cáncer de mama. Conclusiones: En la revisión realizada se evidencia que la vitamina C tiene un efecto benéfico en los cánceres hematopoyéticos, como: leucemia, melanoma, cáncer de mama o ciertos tipos de cáncer colorrectal y que disminuyen los efectos adversos producidos por medicamentos quimioterapéuticos.

ABSTRACT Introduction: Vitamin C is a water-soluble substance that has been in debate since a long time ago due to its wide demonstrated use. In some cases, its usage have ranged from prophylaxis and shortening the duration of colds, to studies of its action in diseases, such as cancer; Its mechanisms of action have been evaluated in the form of monotherapy or in combination with the chemotherapy to demonstrate or rule out its usefulness in cancer. Objective: To demonstrate whether the effects of vitamin C were effective and whether its use, alone or in combination with chemotherapy, is useful. Method: A documentary descriptive research was carried out, supported with scientific articles (period 2016 to 2021) which analyze in detail the results of the use of vitamin C and its possible effect on different types of cancer. Results: The information found was organized according to plasma concentrations of vitamin C, its action on cancer cells, evaluated doses of vitamin C, mechanisms of action in relation to cancer cells, redox imbalance, specific effect on cancers, vitamin C and breast cancer. Conclusions: The review shows that the use of vitamin C has a beneficial effect on hematopoietic cancers, such as leukemia, melanoma, breast cancer or certain types of colorectal cancer, and also reduces the adverse effects produced by chemotherapeutic drugs.

RESUMO Introdução: A vitamina C é uma substância que há vários anos desperta o debate devido ao número de usos que foram demonstrados. Em alguns casos, os benefícios vão desde a profilaxia e redução da duração dos resfriados, até estudos de ação em doenças, como o câncer; os mecanismos de ação deste foram avaliados como monoterapia ou em combinação com quimioterapia para provar ou descartar sua utilidade no câncer. Objetivo: Demonstrar se os efeitos da vitamina C foram eficazes e se seu uso, isoladamente ou em combinação com a quimioterapia, é útil. Método: Foi realizada uma pesquisa documental descritiva, realizada com artigos científicos no período de 2016 a 2021, com análise detalhada dos resultados do uso da vitamina C e seu possível efeito nos diferentes tipos de câncer. Eles foram pesquisados nas bases de dados SciELO, Scopus e Medline. Resultados: As informações encontradas foram organizadas de acordo com as concentrações plasmáticas de vitamina C e sua ação nas células cancerígenas, doses avaliadas de vitamina C, mecanismos de ação em relação às células cancerígenas, desequilíbrio redox, efeito específico sobre cânceres, vitamina C e câncer de mama. Conclusões: Na revisão realizada, fica evidente que a vitamina C tem efeito benéfico sobre os cânceres hematopoiéticos, como: leucemia, melanoma, câncer de mama ou certos tipos de câncer colorretal e que reduz os efeitos adversos produzidos pelos quimioterápicos.

EFFECT OF SEASONAL VARIATION ON THE PHYTOCHEMICAL CONSTITUENTS OF AEGLE MARMELOS (L.) AND MURRAYA KOENIGII L.SPRENG

Aegle marmelos and Murraya koenigii are commonly occurring plants in Maharashtra belonging to family Rutaceae .Members of Rutaceae are rich in vitamin C content. Murraya koenigii locally known as curry patta and Aegle marmelos locally known as bael/ kawath is edible and used in various food preparations. They are known to have anti-infiammatory, anti-oxidant, anticancer and antimicrobial properties and It was thought necessary to find out if there was any variation in the phytochemical content ie mainly Vit C and antioxidant activity of these two plants especially in the leaves . It was observed that phytochemical content was higher during monsoon season.

Study of protective effect and mechanism of vitamin C in lipopolysaccharide-induced septic renal injury / 中华危重病急救医学

Objective:To explore the protective effect and its mechanism of vitamin C on septic renal injury induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS).Methods:Renal tubular epithelial cells HK-2 were induced with 10 mg/L LPS for 8 hours and 12 hours, respectively, and then 0.5 mmol/L and 1 mmol/L vitamin C were added, respectively. Cell viability was measured using cell proliferation and toxicity assay cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) to determine suitable condition for subsequent experiments. HK-2 cells were divided into control group, LPS group and LPS+vitamin C group (LPS+VC group). The contents of necrosis factors phosphorylated mixed lineage kinase domain-like protein (p-MLKL) and phosphorylated receptor-interacting protein kinase 3 (p-RIPK3) were measured by Western blotting. The contents of inflammatory factors interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) were determined by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) in each group. Differences among the groups were compared.Results:CCK-8 showed that 1 mmol/L vitamin C improved the survival rate of HK-2 cells to 86% after 12 hours of LPS induction, so this condition was selected for subsequent experiments. After 12 hours LPS induction in HK-2 cells, the expressions of p-MLKL and p-RIPK3 were significantly higher than those of the control group, and the levels of IL-1β and TNF-α were also significantly higher than those of the control group [IL-1β (ng/L): 23.2±1.4 vs. 12.8±3.9, TNF-α (ng/L): 36.4±3.9 vs. 11.6±1.8, both P < 0.05], indicating the co-existence of cell necrosis and inflammation. Compared with LPS group, 1 mmol/L vitamin C significantly decreased the protein expression of p-MLKL and p-RIPK3, and also significantly decreased the levels of IL-1β and TNF-α [IL-1β (ng/L): 19.8±0.7 vs. 23.2±1.4, TNF-α (ng/L): 17.4±5.8 vs. 36.4±3.9, both P < 0.05]. Conclusion:Vitamin C can alleviate LPS-induced HK-2 cell damage, and reduce the expressions of necrotic factors and inflammatory factors.

Effects of radiofrequency introduction of L-vitamin C to improve melasma / 中华医学美学美容杂志

Objective:To evaluate the efficacy and safety of radiofrequency introduction of L-vitamin C in patients with melasma.Methods:From March to June 2019, 20 patients with melasma were admitted to the Department of Dermatology, the Seventh Medical Center of PLA General Hospital, including 19 females and 1 male, aged 30-60 years, with an average age of 43.5 years. All patients were treated with 22 percent of L-vitamin C once a week, a total of 8 times of treatment and followed up for 12 weeks. Each subject was assessed with standardized clinical photo, skin tests (VISIA skin image analyzer and CK multifunctional skin tester) and patient self-assessment. In addition, the adverse reactions were recorded.Results:Physician evaluation and patient self-evaluation showed that skin symptoms were improved obviously after treatment. 90% of the subjects thought that all of the skin moisture, pores, fine lines, glossiness, and color spots were improved after 12 weeks. The skin texture, ultraviolet stain and the brown spots which were detected with VISIA skin image analyzer were all improved after one week and one month. Difference was statistically significant ( P<0.05). Skin glossiness was significantly improved, skin moisture content increased and melanin decreased, which were detected with CK multifunctional skin tester. The differences were statistically significant ( P<0.05). But there was no significant change in transdermal water loss and red pigment index ( P>0.05). Conclusions:22% L-vitamin C can be used to treat melasma and improve photoaging safely without affecting skin barrier function.

Antioxidant function of marine fish oligopeptide vitamin C solid beverage in healthy people / 中华健康管理学杂志

Objective:To evaluated the antioxidant function of marine fish oligopeptide vitamin C solid beverage in healthy people.Methods:From June 1st to December 31st, 2017, 110 volunteers aged 18 to 65 years in good health were recruited by Zhejiang Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention, and were randomly divided into control group and test group (55 cases in each group). The test group took the marine fish oligopeptide vitamin C solid beverage (the main components were marine fish oligopeptide powder, vitamin C, acai fruit powder, blueberry fruit powder, pomegranate fruit powder), and the control group took the placebo with the same appearance, package and taste as the solid beverage (the main components were maltodextrin, acai fruit powder, blueberry fruit powder, pomegranate fruit powder). The test samples were both packaged in 5 g/bag and were taken 1 bag daily for 4 months. During the trial, both groups maintained their daily life and dietary habits, and there were no other interventions except for the test samples. During the intervention, 3 cases dropped out, and finally, 53 cases were included in the control group and 54 cases in the test group. Before and after the test, the volunteers were examined for general physical conditions, routine blood, urine and stool tests, and biochemical indicators. At the same time, the levels of blood malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) were measured, and the differences of various indicators between the two groups before and after the test were compared by t-test. Results:There was no significant difference in baseline data between the two groups (all P>0.05). After the test, the MDA level in the test group was significantly lower than that before the test [(4.06±1.09) vs (4.73±0.99) μmol/L] ( t=15.160, P<0.001), SOD level was significantly higher than that before the test [(20 987±2 593) vs (18 564±2 194) U/gHb] ( t=-4 338.337, P<0.05), there was no significant change in GSH-Px level before and after the test ( P>0.05). There was no significant differences in the levels of MDA, SOD and GSH-Px in the control group before and after the test (all P>0.05). After trial feeding, the MDA level in the test group was significantly lower than that in the control group [(4.06±1.09) vs (4.63±0.91)] μmol/L] ( t=31.220, P<0.001), SOD level was higher than that in the control group [(20 987±2 593) vs (19 042±2 100) U/gHb] ( t=-3 124.231, P<0.05), there was no significant difference in GSH-Px level between the two groups ( P>0.05). All the test indexes in the two groups were in the normal range before and after the test; there were no abnormal changes in chest radiography, electrocardiogram and abdominal B-ultrasonography; during the trial feeding, no allergy or adverse reaction was found, and no abnormal change of subjective feeling and eating condition was found. Conclusion:Marine fish oligopeptide vitamin C solid beverage can significantly reduce the level of MDA, improve the level of SOD, it has antioxidant function and good safety.