Causal relationship between circulating vitamin C and 25-hydroxyvitamin D concentrations and common mental disorders-a Mendelian randomization study

Mental disorders seriously affect people’s health and social stability.This Mendelian randomization(MR)study was designed to investigate the causal relationship between circulating vitamin C(VC)or 25-hydroxyvitamin D(25(OH)D)levels and mental disorders.The data used for the MR analysis were derived from the summary genome-wide association studies(GWAS)database for VC and 25(OH)D and from the Finn Gen consortium for fourteen mental disorders.Based on the inverse variance weighted(IVW)method,we found a potential causal association between circulating VC and anxiety disorders(IVW:OR=1.139,95%CI:1.023-1.269,P=0.018).However,no causal association was found between VC or 25(OH)D and other mental disorders(P>0.05).In the reverse MR analysis,individuals with Alzheimer’s disease was causally associated with higher concentrations of circulating VC(P=0.012),while individuals with anxiety disorders had a negative association between the concentrations of 25(OH)D(P=0.012).However,the current evidence does not support a causal relationship between VC or 25(OH)D and other mental disorders.In addition,there was no causal association between circulating VC and 25(OH)D(P>0.05).Future studies are needed to confirm these findings and to elucidate the mechanisms of potential causality.

Hemolysis attributed to high dose vitamin C:Two case reports

BACKGROUND High-dose vitamin C treatment(HVCT)can reduce the adverse effect of chemotherapy and enhance the effect of antitumor therapy,which has been considered one of the safest alternative treatments.However,the severity of its adverse effects may have been underestimated.The most serious adverse effect is hemolysis,which may result in acute kidney injury or death.Although glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase(G6PD)deficiency is considered to be the main cause,the probability and pathological mechanism are not completely understood,leading to a lack of effective and standardized treatment methods.CASE SUMMARY Two patients with colorectal cancer developed hemolytic anemia after using 1 g/kg HVCT.In contrast to previous cases,the lowest hemoglobin level in the two cases was<50 g/L,which was lower than previously reported.This may be because Case 1 had chronic hepatitis B for many years,which caused abnormal liver reserve function,and Case 2 had grade II bone marrow suppression.Both patients improved and were discharged after blood replacement therapy.Our cases had the most severe degree of hemolysis but the best prognosis,suggesting that our treatment may be helpful for rescue of drug-induced hemolysis.This is the first review of the literature on hemolysis caused by HVCT,and we found that all patients with G6PD deficiency developed hemolysis after HVCT.CONCLUSION G6PD deficiency should be considered as a contraindication to HVCT,and it is not recommended for patients with bone marrow suppression,moderate-tosevere anemia,hematopoietic abnormalities,or abnormal liver and kidney function.Early blood purification and steroid therapy may avoid acute kidney injury or death caused by HVCT-related hemolytic anemia.

Phytochemistry and ethnomedicinal qualities of metabolites from Phyllanthus emblica L.:A review

Phyllanthus emblica or Indian gooseberry is an integrated part of Ayurvedic and Traditional Chinese Medicines.For several decades,the well-known ancient herb has been extensively utilized in traditional medicine to cure diseases like fever,diabetes,constipation,jaundice,ulcers,biliousness,anemia,anorexia,and dyspepsia.In the traditional system,Indian gooseberry has various ethnomedicinal applications.In the Ayurvedic system,different methods of administration(anupan)have shown different ethnomedicinal properties of Indian gooseberry.Seventy well-known chemical components in Indian gooseberry have been identified through phytochemical evaluation,among which the flavonoids and phenols are most prominent.From the toxicity perspective,it is considered a safe herb in India,and is taken as a food supplement in European countries.The wide-spectrum pharmacological activities of the crude extracts and isolates of Indian gooseberry are attributed to the predominance of phenols and flavonoids.Thus,it is important to study the exact mechanism of the activity of the phytochemicals in Indian gooseberry,especially in anti-cancer activities.Extract of Indian gooseberry enhances proliferation in several cancer cells in vitro,including stem cells like ovarian cancer(OC)cells,and also has been observed to possess anti-proliferative characteristics in vivo.This review intends to explore the therapeutic potential of Indian gooseberry based on scientific reports and attempts to find the gaps for future research.

Content Determination of Vitamin C in Durian Endocarp and Optimization of Extraction Process

Purpose: To optimize the extraction process of vitamin C from durian endocarp, and to determine the content of vitamin C in durian endocarp with high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Method: Optimize ultrasonic extraction conditions by L9 (43) orthogonal experiment by using octadecylsilane chemically bonded silica as the stationary phase, using methanol (A): 0.1% oxalic acid (B) = 5:95 (V/V) as the mobile phase, setting the flow rate as 1.0 mL/min, and setting the wavelength as 254 nm for assay. Result: The optimal extraction process is as follows: the material-liquid ratio is 1:12, the extraction solvent is 2% oxalic acid aqueous solution, and the extraction time is 30 min;Vitamin C has a good linearity within the concentration range of 5.4 - 108.0 mg·mL-1, and the regression equation is y = 37698x - 61035 (R2 = 0.9996);the average recovery rate is 99.03%, the instruments are of high precision with good stability. Conclusion: This extraction process performs well in simplicity, costs and extraction efficiency, which may accelerate the development and utilization of vitamin C extraction from durian endocarp, and provide references to relevant studies and practices.

A Study on Emotional Design for Vitamin C Dietary Supplements(Chinese Market,Generation Z Consumers)

China,recognized as the world’s largest developing nation,displays considerably lower per capita consumption of dietary supplements in comparison to Asian nations such as Japan and South Korea.However,in recent years,there has been a substantial surge in health consciousness among the Chinese populace.This trend is not confined to the middle-aged and elderly;even younger consumer demographics are exhibiting increased health awareness.Consequently,the target demographic for dietary supplements is transitioning towards a younger demographic.Within the Chinese dietary supplement industry,vitamin C has consistently held the largest market share,commanding a broad consumer base.This underscores the substantial role of vitamin C in the dietary supplement sector.In response to the trend towards a younger target demographic in the dietary supplement industry,adjustments are required to accommodate the preferences of this younger consumer group.This research,guided by Norman’s emotional design framework,executed a survey of over 200 respondents to investigate the preferences of Generation Z consumers in China.The research encompassed packaging,product forms,and brand imagery,corresponding to the emotional design’s visceral,behavioral,and reflective layers,with a primary focus on optimally meeting the emotional needs of Generation Z.The findings indicated that consumers favor products in capsule form,packaged in zip-lock.The predominant color scheme is clean white,accented by vibrant orange elements,while emphasizing the product’s health and scientific attributes.This study offers valuable insights for the continued evolution of the vitamin C dietary supplement market in China.

Thermally degraded palm kernel oil increased serum 4-hydroxynonenal protein adduct formation and hepatotoxic indications in Wistar rats:vitamin C intervention

Objective:The frequent consumption of deep-fried foods has been linked to high risk of certain non-communicable diseases.As a consequence,the safety of deep-fried oil(DFO)ingested with fried foods has been called into question.This study therefore evaluated the effects of DFO from palm kernel on serum 4-hydroxynonenal protein adduct formation,De Ritis ratio(DRR),liver histology and atherogenicity in Wistar rats and the role of vitamin C intervention.Methods:Deep-fried oil samples were characterized for total antioxidant capacity(TAC),degradation and metal contamination levels and compared against counterpart unused frying oil(UFO).In the animal experiment,both oil samples,sourced from commercial cooks,were orally administered,for 13 weeks,to sixty-two rats randomly divided into six test groups of two exposure levels alongside vitamin C control.After exposure,serum liver enzyme activities and lipoproteins levels were determined using colorimetric methods,while protein adducts levels were determined using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA).Histopathological examinations of liver tissues were also performed.Results:DFO had significantly lower(P=0.021)TAC,significantly higher(P=0.024)volatile acid and Pb concentrations compared to UFO.Exposure to DFO significantly increased(P<0.01)serum protein adduct formation,the De Ritis ratio and caused cytoplasmic vacuolation and pigment deposit on liver tissues compared to the control.Additionally,DFO exposures had an initial negative body weight gain rate that increased at the end of the study.Conclusion:However,co-administration of vitamin C significantly reduced(P<0.05)the De Ritis ratio and reduced the serum protein adducts levels by at least 15%.Concomitant intake of vitamin C and DFO can mitigate probable adverse effects.

Growth Rate and Chemical Muscle Composition of Oreochromis niloticus Fish Cultured in Drainage Water and Fed Antioxidant Supplemented Diet

Irrigation of fish farms with agricultural drainage water may affect cultured fish species. So, the present study utilizes antioxidants supplemented diet to overcome deterioration of drainage water and its negative effect on fish. The studied groups are fish cultured in dechlorinated tap water as control group or drainage water and fed commercial basal diet. While, the other studied groups represented by Oreochromis niloticus fish cultured in drainage water and fed either commercial diet supplemented with vitamin C (5 g/kg diet) or fennel (5 g/kg diet) for 12 weeks. Results of the water physico-chemical parameters of all studied treatments revealed deterioration of the drainage water with a decrease in dissolved oxygen and an increase in pH, total hardness, total alkalinity, salinity, ammonia, nitrite and heavy metals (Cu, Pb and Cd) with significant differences (P ≤ 0.01) in comparison to that of the control dechlorinated tap water group. Data clarified also that Oreochromis niloticus cultured in drainage water showed a decrease in growth rate accompanied by deterioration of fish meat quality. However, fish reared in the same drainage water for the same exposure period and fed vitamin C or fennel supplemented basal diet (5 g/kg diet) recorded values of the studied parameters more or less similar to that of control group fish. Data of the present study, empowered aquaculturist to supplement fish rations with fennel or vitamin C as antioxidants to improve fish growth rate, meat quality as well as protect fish against heavy metals toxicity that could threat Human Being.

A Meta-Analysis of the Effectiveness of Vitamin C in the Prevention and Treatment of Childhood Upper Respiratory Tract Infections

Background:The effectiveness of vitamin C in the prevention and treatment of pediatric upper respiratory tract infections was evaluated in a meta-analysis.Methods:A total 2,573 children with upper respiratory tract infections were included in the meta-analysis,1,280 of whom received vitamin C and 1,293 who received control medication.The analysis of findings related to the studies included was done through random or fixed effects model to determine whether vitamin C supplementation could stop and control upper respiratory tract infections in children using mean difference(MD)with 95%confidence intervals(CIs).Results:On average,vitamin C-treated children had fewer upper respiratory tract infection bouts,their illness lasted shorter(MD-0.84;95%CI-1.47 to-0.20,P=0.009),and they were less contagious than the control.Conclusions:The number of episodes and illness duration of upper respiratory tract-infected pediatric subjects were considerably reduced in the intervention group(vitamin C)compared to the control.Due to the small sample size in four of 11 studies and the limited number of studies included for comparison,the outcomes should be carefully examined.

Protective Effect of Ascorbate-Lysine on Carbon Tetrachloride and Alcohol-Induced Liver Injury in Mice

As an essential amino acid, lysine boosts protein synthesis (Nestor et al1997). Yao et al demonstrated that, lysine also exerts protective effect against the isch-emiclesion of brain. Meanwhile, vitamin C is a natural antioxidant, which has undisputable protectiveaction against free radical damages. In order to ascertain whether their combination could affordbetter effect, we have investigated the prophylactic effect of the couplant ascorbate-lysine inliver injuries.

TR-ESR Investigation on Reaction of Vitamin C with Excited Triplet of 9,10-phenanthrenequinone in Reversed Micelle Solutions

Time-resolved electron spin resonance has been used to study quenching reactions between the antioxidant Vitamin C （VC） and the triplet excited states of 9,10-phenanthrenequinone （PAQ） in ethylene glycol-water （EG-H2O） homogeneous and inhomogeneous reversed micelle solutions. Reversed micelle solutions were used to be the models of physiological environment of biological cell and tissue. In PAQ/EG-H2O homogeneous solution, the excited triplet of PAQ （3PAQ＊） abstracts hydrogen atom from solvent EG. In PAQ/VC/EG-H2O solution, 3pAQ＊ abstracts hydrogen atom not only from solvent EG but also from VC. The quenching rate constant of 3pAQ＊ by VC is close to the diffusion-controlled value of 1.41 × 108 L/（mol.s）. In hexadecyltrimethylammonium bromide （CTAB）/EG-H2O and aerosol OT （AOT）/EG- H2O reversed micelle solutions, 3pAQ＊ and VC react around the water-oil interface of the reversed micelle. Exit of 3pAQ＊ from the lipid phase slows down the quenching reaction. For Triton X-100 （TX-100）/EG-H2O reversed micelle solution, PAQ and VC coexist inside the hydrophilic polyethylene glycol core, and the quenching rate constant of 3pAQ＊ by VC is larger than those in AOT/EG-H2O and CTAB/EG-H2O reversed micelle solutions, even a little larger than that in EG-H2O homogeneous solution. The strong emissive chemically induced dynamic electron polarization of As＇- resulted from the effective TM spin polarization transfer in hydrogen abstraction of 3pAQ＊ from VC.

Effects of Exogenous Vc on Seed Germination and Physiological Properties of Oil Sunflower(Helianthus annuus) under Salt Stress

[Objective] This study aimed to provide the theoretical and technical basis for alleviating salt damages in production practice of oil sunflower （Helianthus annuus）. [Method] Seeds of oil sunflower were used as experimental materials and treated with 120 mmol/L NaCI solution and 0-200 mg/L Vc solution during the germina- tion process, to investigate the effects of exogenous Vc on seed germination and physiological properties of oil sunflower under salt stress. [Result] Under salt stress, with the increase of Vc concentration, germination potential and germination rate of oil sunflower seeds, superoxide dismutase （SOD） and peroxidase （POD） activities and proline （Pro） content of oil sunflower seedlings increased first and then declined, which reached the maixmum in 80 mg/L Vc treatment, 120 mg/L Vc treatment and 80 mg/L Vc treatment, respectively; malondialdehyde （MDA） content of oil sunflower seedlings declined first and then increased, which reached the minimum in 160 mg/L Vc treatment. [Conclusion] To varying degrees, Vc could improve germination potential and germination rate of oil sunflower seeds and promote seedling growth under salt stress, thus alleviating the damages of salt stress to seed germination and seedling growth of oil sunflower.

Effect of methoxychlor on antioxidant system of goat epididymal sperm in vitro

Aim: To evaluate the effect of methoxychlor on the antioxidant system of goat epididymal sperm. Methods:Epididymis of adult goat was obtained from local slaughter houses and sperm were collected by chopping the epididymisin modified Ringer's phosphate solution (RPS). After several washings, the sperm samples were dispersed in RPS andincubated with methoxychlor (1μmol/L, 10μmol/L and 100μmol/L) and methoxychlor + vitamin C (100μmol/Leach) for 3 h at 32℃. After incubation, the sperm motility and viability were assessed. An aliquot of sperm samplewas homogenized, centrifuged and used for the assay of superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, glutathione re-ductase and lipid peroxidation. Results; In methoxychlor-incubated sperm and in sperm co-incubated with methoxy-chlor and vitamin C, the sperm motility and viability showed no significant changes as compared to the correspondingcontrols. In methoxychlor-incubated sperm the activity of superoxide dismutase, glutathione reductase and glutathioneperoxidase were decreased while lipid peroxidation was increased in a dose-dependent manner. Co-incubation of spermwith methoxychlor and vitamin C showed no changes in the activity of superoxide dismutase, glutathione reductase andglutathione peroxidase and in the level of lipid peroxidation. Conclusion; Methoxychlor induced oxidative stress inepididymal sperm of goats by decreasing the levels of antioxidant enzymes. Co-incubation of sperm with methoxychlorand vitamin C, a natural antioxidant, reversed the effect of methoxychlor. (Asian J Androl 2001 Dec; 3; 285 - 288)

Crystallization Thermodynamic and Kinetic Behaviors of Vitamin C in Batch Crystallizer

The bench-scale cooling crystallization for ternary solution of L-ascorbic acid (Vitamin C) was studied.The solid-liquid phase diagram of Vitamin C-water-ethanol system was obtained on the basis of differential scanning calorimeter (DSC) curves. The heat of crystallization of Vitamin C was calculated with the aid of quantitative analysis. According to the population balance equation under unsteady state, the rates of nucleation and growth were determined. The parameters of crystallization kinetics equations were estimated by regression of experimental data. Crystal morphology and size were determined with x-ray diffraction and TA Ⅱ Coulter Counter.

Micronutrient deficiencies in patients with chronic atrophic autoimmune gastritis: A review

Chronic atrophic autoimmune gastritis (CAAG) is an organ-specific autoimmune disease characterized by an immune response, which is directed towards the parietal cells and intrinsic factor of the gastric body and fundus and leads to hypochlorhydria, hypergastrinemia and inadequate production of the intrinsic factor. As a result, the stomach&#x02019;s secretion of essential substances, such as hydrochloric acid and intrinsic factor, is reduced, leading to digestive impairments. The most common is vitamin B12 deficiency, which results in a megaloblastic anemia and iron malabsorption, leading to iron deficiency anemia. However, in the last years the deficiency of several other vitamins and micronutrients, such as vitamin C, vitamin D, folic acid and calcium, has been increasingly described in patients with CAAG. In addition the occurrence of multiple vitamin deficiencies may lead to severe hematological, neurological and skeletal manifestations in CAAG patients and highlights the importance of an integrated evaluation of these patients. Nevertheless, the nutritional deficiencies in CAAG are largely understudied. We have investigated the frequency and associated features of nutritional deficiencies in CAAG in order to focus on any deficit that may be clinically significant, but relatively easy to correct. This descriptive review updates and summarizes the literature on different nutrient deficiencies in CAAG in order to optimize the treatment and the follow-up of patients affected with CAAG.

Sperm quality improvement after natural anti-oxidant treatment of asthenoteratospermic men with leukocytospermia

Aim： To study the immune-modulating and anti-oxidant effects of beta-glucan, papaya, lactoferrin, and vitamins C and E on sperm characteristics of patients with asthenoteratozoospermia associated with leucocytosis. Methods： Fifty-one patients referred to our Sterility Center for semen analysis were selected. Sperm parameters were assessed before and after patient＇s treatment with beta-glucan, lactoferrin, papaya, and vitamins C and E. DNA damage was assessed by the acridine orange test and sperm structural characteristics were evaluated by transmission electron microscopy. Results： After 90 days of treatment, an increase in the percentage of morphologically normal sperm （17.0 ± 5.2 vs. 29.8 ± 6.5） and total progressive motility （19.0± 7.8 vs. 34.8 ± 6.8） were detected. Structural sperm characteristics as well as chromatin integrity were also improved after treatment. In terms of leukocyte concentration in seminal fluid, a significant reduction was recorded （2.2 ± 0.9 vs. 0.9± 0.2）. Conclusion： The treatment of an inflammatory process by the synergic action of immune modulators and anti-oxidants could protect sperm during maturation and migration, leading to improved sperm function. （Asian JAndrol 2008 Mar;. 10： 201-206）

Impact of diet on long-term decline in gastric cancer incidence in Poland

AIM:To examine the relationship between the trends in food consumption and gastric cancer morbidity in Poland.METHODS:The study was based on gastric cancer incidence rates and consumption of vegetables,fruit,vitamin C and salt in Poland between 1960 and 2006.Food consumption data were derived from the national food balance sheets or household budget surveys.Spearman correlation coefficients were used to estimate the relationship between the variables.RESULTS:A negative correlation was found between vegetables(-0.70 both for men and women;P < 0.0001),fruit(-0.65 and-0.66;P < 0.0001) and vitamin C(-0.75 and-0.74;P < 0.0001) consumption and stomach cancer incidence rates.The same applied to the availability of refrigerators in the household(-0.77 and-0.80;P < 0.0001).A decline in these rates could also be linked to reduction in salt intake.CONCLUSION:The decline of gastric cancer incidence probably resulted from increased consumption of vegetables,fruit and vitamin C and a decrease in salt consumption.

Dietary and socio-economic factors in relation to Helicobacter pylori re-infection

AIM:To examine if dietary and socio-economic factors contribute to Helicobacter pylori(H pylori)re-infection. METHODS:The population of patients consisted of subjects in whom H pylori infection had been successfully treated in the past.Patients were divided into two groups:Ⅰ-examined group(111 persons with H pylori re-infection)andⅡ-control group(175 persons who had not been re-infected).The respondents were interviewed retrospectively on their dietary habits and socio-economic factors. RESULTS:A statistically significant lower frequency of fermented dairy products(P<0.0001),vegetables (P=0.02),and fruit(P=0.008)consumption was noted among patients with H pylori re-infection as compared to those who had not been re-infected. CONCLUSION:High dietary intake of probiotic bacteria,mainly Lactobacillus,and antioxidants,mainly vitamin C(contained in fruit and vegetables),might decrease the risk of H pylori re-infection.

Impact of poly chlorinated biphenyl (Aroclor 1254) and vitamin C on antioxidant system of rat ventral prostate

Aim: To evaluate the effect of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCB) and vitamin C on ventral prostatic antioxidant system in adult male rats. Methods: A group of 20 adult male rats were administered ip Aroclor 1254 in corn oil at a dose of 2 mg·kg-1·day-1 for 30 days. Ten control rats were administered only the vehicle. After 30 days the treated rats were divided at random into 2 sub-groups of 10 animals each. One sub-group received vitamin C at a dose of 500 mg·kg-1·day-1 for 10 days. The other group was maintained as Aroclor 1254 control. Twenty-four hours after the last treatment the rats were killed by decapitation. Ventral prostatic homogenate was prepared and used for the estimation of enzymatic antioxidants, including superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and glutathione-S-transferase (GST) and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), lipid peroxidation (LPO) and prostatic acid phosphatase. The serum levels of total T3, total T4, TSH, testosterone and estradiol were also assayed. Results: The body weight and ventral prostatic weight were reduced in PCB treated rats. The activities of SOD, CAT, GST and acid phosphatase were decreased while the levels of H2O2 and lipid peroxidation were increased in the ventral prostate of PCB treated rats. Administration of vitamin C restored these parameters. Serum levels of thyroid hormones, estradiol and testosterone were decreased in PCB treated animals. Administration of vitamin C restored the thyroid hormone levels. Conclusion: PCB induces oxidative stress and decreases the antioxidant enzymes in the ventral prostate of adult male rats; the effects could be reversed by the administration of vitamin C.

Melatonin reduces traumatic brain injury-induced oxidative stress in the cerebral cortex and blood of rats

Free radicals induced by traumatic brain injury have deleterious effects on the function and antioxidant vitamin levels of several organ systems including the brain. Melatonin possesses antioxidant effect on the brain by maintaining antioxidant enzyme and vitamin levels. We in-vestigated the effects of melatonin on antioxidant ability in the cerebral cortex and blood of traumatic brain injury rats. Results showed that the cerebral cortex β-carotene, vitamin C, vita-min E, reduced glutathione, and erythrocyte reduced glutathione levels, and plasma vitamin C level were decreased by traumatic brain injury whereas they were increased following melatonin treatment. In conclusion, melatonin seems to have protective effects on traumatic brain inju-ry-induced cerebral cortex and blood toxicity by inhibiting free radical formation and supporting antioxidant vitamin redox system.

Lipophilic Enhance of Vitamin C Protective Activity Against Free-radical-induced Damage in vivo

A group of experimental rats under free radical damage are given various amounts of a lipophilic vitamin C(ascorbyl-6-laurate, VC-12), and its parent compound, vitamin C, respectively. It has been found that the effects of 1 12 mmol/kg VC-12 on decreasing triglyceride(TG), total cholesterol(TC), low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-c) and lipid peroxide(LPO), and increasing high density lipoprotein cholesterol(HDL-c) and superoxide dismutase(SOD) are similar to those of 2 27 mmol/kg vitamin C. In addition, VC-12(1 12 mmol/kg) can increase the prostacycline(PGI 2) and decrease the thromboxane(TXA 2) even better than vitamin C(2 27 mmol/kg). The above facts demonstrate that the antioxidative activity of VC-12 is higher than twice that of vitamin C. So, ascorbyl-6-laurate may be a novel antioxidant drug against free radical damage.