A high-quality genome of Actinidia eriantha provides new insight into ascorbic acid regulation

Actinidia eriantha is one of the species of kiwifruit with a particularly high ascorbic acid (AsA) content.However, the molecular mechanism driving AsA richness in fruit remains unclear.In order to reveal the molecular mechanism of AsA richness in A. eriantha, this study constructed a regulatory network related to AsA metabolism by combining genomics,metabolomics and transcriptomics.We assembled a high-quality genome of A. eriantha ‘Ganlv 1’ with only five remaining gaps.The assembly is comprised of 29 pseudochromosomes with a total size of 615.95 Mb, and contig N50 of 20.35 Mb.Among them,24 of the pseudochromosomes were obtained directly from telomere-to-telomere.The LTR assembly index score and consensus quality value were 21.34 and 39.90%, respectively.Subsequently, 61 metabolites and 2 092genes were found to be differentially accumulated/expressed during fruit development by metabolome and transcriptome assays, respectively.AsA metabolism and the cyclic regeneration pathway were found to have high expression levels throughout fruit growth and development,suggesting its crucial role in the regulation of AsA.Furthermore,the AsA contents are highly associated with ascorbate peroxidase genes.The genome obtained in this study provides genomic resources for the genetic and breeding research ofA. eriantha, and the constructed regulatory network can provide a public data platform for future research on kiwifruit.

Appraisal of Improvement in Physiological and Metabolic Processes by Exogenously Applied Natural and Synthetic Ascorbic Acid in Okra(Abelmoschus esculentus L.)Fruit Subjected to Water Deficit Stress

To counteract the effects of drought stress,scientists have adopted several approaches including the use of different chemicals both inorganic and organic,which is contemplated as a highly efficient and cost-effective shot-gun approach.Ascorbic acid(AsA)is a potential organic substance,which widely occurs in plants,and is considered to be an effective antioxidant to counteract reactive oxygen species(ROS).Thus,a pot experiment was performed to assess the relative mitigating impacts of synthetic AsA and naturally occurring AsA in the form of lemon juice(LJ)and orange juice(OJ)on two cultivars of okra(Abelmoschus esculentus L.)namely Sabz Pari and Bhindi Sanwali under varying water deficit conditions.After 30 days of seed germination,okra seedlings were subjected to different irrigation regimes,i.e.,water deficit stress[(65%and 50%F.C.)and control conditions(100%F.C.)].Different levels of AsA[control(no spray),14 mg L^(−1)LJ,24 mg L^(−1)OJ and 150 mg L^(−1)AsA]obtained from different sources were applied as a foliar spray to control and water-stressed plants.Drought stress prominently reduced plant growth and yield attributes of the okra cultivars.Water-deficit conditions(65%and 50%F.C.)substantially decreased the fruit chlorophyll(a,b)pigments and the activity of superoxide dismutase(SOD)enzyme,while an increase was observed in the contents of fruit’s hydrogen peroxide(H_(2)O_(2)),malondialdehyde(MDA),total phenolics,total soluble sugars,AsA,and total soluble proteins.Drought stress also increased the activities of antioxidant enzymes like peroxidase(POD)and catalase(CAT).However,plant growth and yield attributes,fruit chlorophyll pigments,total phenolics,total soluble sugars,total free amino acids,total soluble proteins,AsA,GB,H_(2)O_(2),and the activities of antioxidant enzymes(POD and CAT)were increased by the AsA exogenous treatment in both okra cultivars under water deficit and control conditions.Overall,LJ and OJ were more effective than the synthetic AsA in upregulating the physiological and metabolic processes of okra plants.So,cost-effective as well as multi-nutrient natural sources of AsA could be suggested for alleviating the harmful effects of water deficit stress on plants.

Comparative Study of Ascorbic Acid and Tocopherol Concentrations in Hydroponic- and Soil-Grown Lettuces

Hydroponically-grown produce may be a way of helping to feed the world a variety of fruits and vegetables, regardless of soil quality, space availability or climate. The objective of this study was to determine whether hydroponicallygrown lettuce contains as much ascorbic acid and tocopherol as soil-grown lettuce. We analyzed four varieties of lettuce, including: Waldmann’s Dark Green, Red Lollo Antago, Red Romaine Annapolis, and Butterleaf. The tocopherol content of hydroponically-grown Waldmann’s Dark Green, Red Lollo Antago, and Red Romaine Annapolis was 229%, 497% and 492% higher, respectively, compared to their soil-grown counterpart. The ascorbic acid content of hydroponically-grown Waldmann’s Dark Green, Red Lollo Antago, and Red Romaine Annapolis was 93%, 171% and 216% higher, respectively, compared to their soil-grown counterparts. Hydroponically grown lettuce varieties are significantly higher in both ascorbic acid and tocopherol content than their soil-grown counterparts, and hydroponic gardening is a viable option for producing nutritious fruits and vegetables.

HPLC Determination of Ascorbic Acid Using Luminol-Cu(Ⅱ) Chemiluminescence-Application to the Analysis of Juice Beverage

The chemiluminescence (CL) of luminol-Cu(Ⅱ) was applied to HPLC determination o f ascorbic acid, which was separated by a C 18 reverse-phase column with a mobile phase of 0.25 mol/L HAc. The eluted ascorbic acid was mixed with 0.3 mmol/L l um inol and 0.05 mol/L CuSO 4. The light emission from the reaction of Cu(Ⅱ) oxi diz ed ascorbic acid and luminol was detected by a modified luminometer. The detecti on limit was 3.6×10 -6 mol/L for ascorbic acid at a S/N ratio of 3, and the linea r calibration range was 2×10 -4\| 2×10 -3 mol/L. The relative standard deviation for 5 replicate injections of 1×10 -3 mol/L ascorbic acid was calculated as 4.3 % . The method was successfully applied to determination of ascorbic acid in juice beverage.

Ascorbic Acid Attenuates Acute Ethanol-Induced Liver Injury in SMP30 Knockout Mice

Ascorbic acid (AA) is recognized as a free radical scavenger that protects cells from oxidative stress-induced damage. However, no studies have investigated the role of AA in acute alcoholic liver disease using senescence marker protein-30 (SMP30) knockout (KO) mice. SMP30 is a novel 34-kDa protein involved in AA biosynthesis. The present study aimed to elucidate the physiological functions of AA in acute ethanol-induced liver injury using SMP30 KO mice, which cannot synthesize AA in vivo. After a 4-week experimental period, mice were divided into six groups. The following three groups comprised the ethanol treatment groups: WT-E group (wild-type), KV-E group (AA-supplemented), and KT-E group (AA-deficient). Mice were exposed to an acute dose of ethanol (6 g ethanol/kg) administered by gavage once a day for three days. The other three control groups, namely, WT-C, KV-C, and KT-C control groups, received an equal volume of water via oral administration. Analysis of changes in body weight showed that mice in the KT-E group had significant loss of body weight compared to the control, KV-E, and WT-E groups. Behavioral analysis revealed that alcohol exposure significantly increased alcohol sensitivity in the KT-E group, whereas the WT-E, KV-E, and control groups developed ethanol tolerance. Aspartate transaminase (AST) levels in the KT-E group were significantly higher than those in the control, KV-E, and WT-E groups. The number of large and binucleated hepatocytes was significantly higher in the KT-E group than in the KV-E and WT-E groups. In addition, cytochrome P450 2E1 (CYP2E1) was over expressed in the central vein in the KT-E group when compared to the KV-E and WT-E groups. Our current findings indicate that AA supplementation in SMP30 KO mice can alleviate alcohol-induced liver damage by down regulating CYP2E1 expression. These results suggest that reduced CYP2E1 expression is a novel mechanism responsible for AA-induced reduction of ethanol-mediated oxidative stress.

Alteration of chemical behavior of L-ascorbic acid in combination with nickel sulfate at different pH solutions in vitro

Objective:To evaluate the alteration of chemical behavior of L-ascorbic acid(vitamin C) with metal ion(nickel) at different pH solutions in vitro.Methods:Spectra of pure aqueous solution of L-ascorbic acid(E mark) compound and NiSO_4(H_2O)(sigma USA) were evaluated by UV visible spectrophotometer.Spectral analysis of L-ascorbic acid and nickel at various pH(2.0, 7.0,7.4 and 8.6) at room temperature of 29℃ was recorded.In this special analysis,combined solution of L-ascorbic acid and nickel sulfate at different pH was also recorded.Results:The result revealed that λ_(max)(peak wavelength of spectra) of L-ascorbic acid at pH 2.0 was 289.0 run whereas at neutral pH 7.0,λ_(max) was 29S.4 run.In alkaline pH 8.6,λ_(max) was 295.4 nm and at pH 7.4 the λ_(max) of L-ascorbic acid remained the same as 295.4 nm.Nickel solution at acidic pH 2.0 was 394.5 nm,whereas at neutral pH 7.0 and pH 7.4 were the same as 394.5 nm.But at alkaline pH 8.6,λ_(max) value of nickel sulfate became 392.0 nm.The combined solution of L-ascorbic acid and nickel sulfate(6 mg/mL each) at pH 2.0 showed 292.5 nm and 392.5 nm,respectively whereas at pH 7.0,L-ascorbic acid showed 296.5 nm and nickel sulfate showed 391.5 nm.At pH 7.4,L-ascorbic acid showed 297.0 nm and nickel sulfate showed 394.0 nm in the combined solution whereas at pH 8.6(alkaline) L-ascorbic acid and nickel sulfate were showing 297.0 and 393.5 nm,respectively. Conclusions:Results clearly indicate an altered chemical behavior of L-ascorbic acid either alone or in combination with nickel sulfate in vitro at different pH.Perhaps oxidation of L-ascorbic acid to L-dehydro ascorbic acid via the free radical(HSc*) generation from the reaction of H,ASc + Ni(Ⅱ) is the cause of such alteration of λ_(max),value of L-ascorbic acid in the presence of metal nickel.

Organic Media Enhanced Spectrofluorimetric Determination of L-Ascorbic Acid

A novel spectrofluorimetric method for the determination of L ascorbic acid is proposed. It is based on the inhibition of L ascorbic acid on the formation of 2,3 diaminophenazine, which is an oxidation product of o phenylenediamine catalyzed by laccase .The fluorescence (at λ ex /λ em =464 nm /530 nnm) was enhanced strongly in the presence of organic media . The mechanism of o phenylenediamine oxidation reaction catalyzed by laccase in the presence of L ascorbic acid is discussed .L ascorbic acid is determined in the ethanol, 1,4 dioxane and acetone over the linear range of 4.0×10 -7 ～1.2×10 -4 mol/L, 4.0×10 -7 ～ 8.0×10 -5 mol/L and 4.0×10 -7 ～1.0×10 -4 mol/L with a detection limit of 1.20×10 -8 mol/L,1.19×10 -8 mol/L and 1.24×10 -8 mol/L, respectively. The method has been successfully applied to the simple and rapid determination of L ascorbic acid in pharmaceuticals and milk powder.

Simultaneous Determination of Dopamine and L-Ascorbic Acid by Modified Carbon Paste Electrode with Ni (II) Cyclam Complex

The electroanalysis of dopamine (DA) and ascorbic acid (AA) by square wave voltammetry has been performed at a modified carbon paste electrode with macrocyclic ligand 1, 4, 8, 11-tetraazacyclotetradecane (cyclam) and monolayer of Ni (II) cyclam. In pH 7.2 buffer solutions, the electrostatic reaction of AA with di-positive monolayer shifts the oxidation potential to less positive potential, while the electrostatic repulsion of DA with the monolayer shifts the oxidation potential of DA to more positive potential. The separation between the oxidation peaks of AA and DA at the present di-positive monolayer modified electrode (252 mV) was larger than that (187 mV) at the cyclam modified electrode. In addition, the catalytic oxidation of AA by oxidized DA has been advantageously eliminated at the modified carbon paste electrode with cyclam and Ni (II) cyclam complex. Thus, the determination of DA in the presence of an excess of AA is possible with the present modified electrodes.

Synthesis, Crystal Structure and Antioxidant Activity of 5,6-O-(4-bromophenyl)-L-ascorbic Acid

The title compound 5,6-O-（4-bromophenyl）-L-ascorbic acid （C13H11BrO6, Mr = 343.13） has been synthesized and its structure was characterized by IR, 1H NMR and single-crystal X-ray diffraction. The product is a mixture of two diastereomer compounds （a （7S） and b （7R））. The crystal of a （7S） belongs to orthorhombic system, space group P212121 with a = 6.5362（10）, b = 7.8226（11）, c = 25.294（4） ？, V = 1293.3（3） ？3, Z = 4, Dc = 1.762 g/cm3, μ（MoKα） = 3.202 mm-1, F（000） = 688, R = 0.0235 and wR （I 〉 2σ（I）） = 0.0566. The hydrogen bonding interactions link the molecules to form a three-dimensional system. In addition, 5,6-O-（4-bromophenyl）-L-ascorbic acid （BPAA） exhibits strong free-radical scavenging activities in vitro against 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhy- drazyl and superoxide anion. BPAA should be investigated further as a worthy antioxidant.

Study of Diffusion through the Skin of Coated L-Ascorbic Acid by Fluid Bed Technology

Coating protects substances such as L-ascorbic acid from natural processes like oxidation. In this study, L-ascorbic acid was coated by fluid bed technology. A pH-dependent polymer was used as a coating material in order to release L-ascorbic acid (dissolution above pH 5.5) under conditions closest to the skin’s natural condition. Different techniques were used to determine the coating (SEM and size distribution) and to evaluate the percentage of coated L-ascorbic acid and its diffusion through the skin.

Preparation of Cu nanoparticles with ascorbic acid by aqueous solution reduction method

Cu nanoparticles were prepared by reducing Cu2＋ ions with ascorbic acid through aqueous solution reduction method. The effects of solution pH and average size of Cu2O particles on the preparation of Cu nanoparticles were investigated. Cu particles were prepared at pH 3, 5 or 7, with the smallest Cu particles obtained at pH 7. However, Cu particles could not be prepared at pH 9 or 11. The average size of Cu2O particles can affect that of Cu particles. Larger Cu2O particles result in larger Cu particles. In addition, experiments were conducted to explore the reaction process by measuring the X-ray diffraction （XRD） patterns of specimens collected at different time points during the reaction. It was found that Cu（OH）2 was initially formed as a precursor, followed by the formation of Cu2O, which was finally reduced to Cu particles.

Microencapsulation of L-Ascorbic Acid by Spray Drying Using Sodium Alginate as Wall Material

L-ascorbic acid is a water soluble vitamin (vitamin C) widely used as an additive in foods and cosmetics. It has high instability against certain environmental factors;the main cause of its deterioration is oxidation. Microencapsulation is an effective protection technique of L-ascorbic acid from its degradation reactions. This work is focused on the encapsulation of L-ascorbic acid by spray drying technique using sodium alginate as wall material. The microcapsules morphology was observed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and the encapsulation efficiency was determined by spectrophotometric analysis. Results showed that encapsulation efficiency was of 93.48% and after 30 days was of 92.55%;differences were not significant, so that the stability of L-ascorbic acid was not affected. Encapsulation yields obtained were low, at around 30%, but the microcapsules morphology obtained is spherical.

VOLTAMMETRIC BEHAVIOR OF ASCORBIC ACID AT α-CYCLODEXTRIN INCORPORATED CARBON NANOTUBES-COATED ELECTRODE

制备了α -环糊精掺杂纳米碳管涂层电极并应用于抗坏血酸的电催化氧化 ,结果表明 ,氧化电位降低了 2 80mV ,电流响应明显增加。我们首次结合两种物质的特性 :纳米碳管的导电性及催化性能、α -环糊精的分子认知能力 ,对电极表面进行修饰。实验了抗坏血酸与α -环糊精超分子络合物的特性。差示脉冲技术用于定量分析抗坏血酸 ,线性范围为 2 .5× 10 -6～ 1.0× 10

Ascorbic Acid Promotes Arsenic-induced Cytotoxicity in Human Hepatocarcinoma Cells and Their Underlying Mechanisms

Objective: To study synergistic effect with Ascorbic acid(AA) on arsenic trioxide inducing human Hepatocarcinoma cell apoptosis, and provide theoretical basis for promoting human Hepatocarcinoma cell apoptosis induced by arsenic trioxide(AT). Methods: Human Hepatocarcinoma cell line BEL-7402 being cultured in vitro, the effect of AT and (or) AA on its growth inhibition and its two intracellular signal molecules was evaluated separately using MTT and Western blot. Results: AT at a few μmol/L concentration could suppress abnormal proliferation of human hepatocarcinoma cells, and initiate their apoptosis by activation of caspase-3, and activate extracellular-signal regulated kinases (ERKs), which were dependent on the dosage of AT conspicuously. The effect of AA on BEL-7402 was not significant; However, AA could effectively enhance AT-induced hepatocarcinoma cell apoptosis and lesion severity through activation of caspase-3 but not ERKs. Conclusion: Caspase-3 and ERKs proteins could involve in arsenic-induced hepatocarcinoma cell apoptosis and differentiation respectively as intracellular signaling molecules; The effect between AT and AA on hepatocarcinoma is synergistic, which further inhibits cell growth and induces apoptosis in human hepatocarcinoma cells through activation of caspase-3 but not ERKs.

L-抗坏血酸联合超声处理对鲜切芋艿贮藏品质的影响

为探究L-抗坏血酸(L-ascorbic acid,AA)联合超声(ultrasound,US)(AS)处理对鲜切芋艿片贮藏品质的影响,本实验以永定六月红芋为材料,采用质量分数为2%的AA溶液浸泡15 min后,进行US(53 kHz、400 W、10 min)处理,测定贮藏期间鲜切芋艿感官品质及褐变相关酶等指标。结果表明:与对照组相比,AS处理可以降低鲜切芋艿的失水率,维持较高的硬度,延缓褐变指数升高,降低细胞膜通透性,抑制丙二醛含量累积,抑制表面微生物繁殖,从而维持鲜切芋艿较高的感官品质;与对照组相比,贮藏期间AS处理组还能维持较高的过氧化氢酶、超氧化物歧化酶活性,降低过氧化物酶、多酚氧化酶和苯丙氨酸解氨酶活性,抑制酚类物质消耗速率,并减缓淀粉、可溶性蛋白、可溶性固形物等营养物质的流失速率,抑制可溶性醌的积累,延缓风味劣变。上述结果表明,AS处理能够保持鲜切芋艿较好的贮藏品质。

Effect of Ascorbic Acid and Silicium on Photosynthesis, Antioxidant Enzyme Activity, and Fatty Acid Contents in Canola Exposure to Salt Stress

The effects of exogenous ascorbic acid and silicium on leaf fresh weigh, seed yield, photosynthesis, changes of the activities of major antioxidant enzymes, nitrate reductase activity, proline accumulation, chlorophyll content, and fatty acid composition were investigated in salt-stressed canola. A hydroponic pot experiment was conducted based on randomized complete block design, factorial arrangement was used with 16 combinations of salinity stress （0, 100, 200, and 300 mmol L-1 NaC1）, ascorbic acid （0 and 30 mmol L-1）, and silicium （2 and 4 mmol L-1 from potassium silicate） with three replicates. The results showed that salinity significantly decreased leaf area and leaf fresh weight, seed yield, photosynthesis, nitrate reductase activity, chlorophyll content, and seed protein percentage. Conversely, respiration, antioxidant enzymes activity, proline accumulation, and linolenic acid percentage increased due to salt stress. Ascorbic acid application improved photosynthesis and seed yield and mitigated antioxidant enzyme activity. In addition, nitrate reductase activity and chlorophyll a and b were positively affected by ascorbic acid. Regarding silicium application, that was found that leaf area, leaf fresh weight, seed yield and photosynthesis, ascorbate peroxidase activity, nitrate reductase activity, and chlorophyll content increased, while respiration decreased. Furthermore, silicium had not significant effect on antioxidant enzyme activity. In general, ascorbic acid and silicium were involved in the defensive mechanisms against salinity stress and it can be suggested that, ascorbic acid and silicium application had positive effect on canola growth under conditions of salt stress.

Protective effect of ascorbic acid on cyclophosphamide induced testicular gametogenic and androgenic disorders in male rats

Aim:To study the detrimental effects of cyclophosphamide on the testicular androgenic and gametogenic activities through endocrine inhibition and/or induction of oxidative stress in male albino rats and to evaluate the protective effect of ascorbic acid.Methods:The testicular△^(5),3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase(HSD),17β-HSD,peroxidase and catalase activities along with the levels of malondialdehyde(MDA)and conjugated dienes in testicular tissue were measured for the evaluation of testicular oxidative stress.The plasma testosterone(T)level was measured by immunoassay.Various germ cells at stageⅦof spermatogenic cycle were quantified from testicular stained sections.Results:Cyclophosphamide treatment results in a significant inhibition in the testicular△^(5),3β-HSD and 17β-HSD activities,a decrease in plasma T level and a diminution in the counts of various germ cells.Moreover,this treatment was also associated with a significant inhibition of the peroxidase and catalase activities along with high levels of MDA and conjugated dienes in the testis.All these changes were reversed by ascorbic acid co-administration.Conclusion:Cyclophosphamide treatment at the dosage used caused testicular gametogenic and androgenic disorders as well as induced testicular oxidative stress that can be reversed by ascorbic acid co-administration.

Low-volume plus ascorbic acid vs high-volume plus simethicone bowel preparation before colonoscopy

AIM： To investigate the effectiveness of low-volume plus ascorbic acid [polyethylene glycol plus ascorbic acid （PEG ＋ Asc）] and high-volume plus simethicone [polyethylene glycol plus simethicone （PEG ＋ Sim）] bowel preparations. METHODS： A total of one hundred and forty-four outpatients （76 males）, aged from 20 to 84 years （median age 59.5 years）, who attended our Department, were divided into two groups, age and sex matched, and underwent colonoscopy. Two questionnaires, one for patients reporting acceptability and the other for endoscopists evaluating bowel cleansing effectiveness according to validated scales, were completed. Indications, timing of examination and endoscopical findings were recorded. Biopsy forceps were used as a measuring tool in order to determine polyp endoscopic sizeestimation. Difficulty in completing the preparation was rated in a 5-point Likert scale （1 = easy to 5 = unable）. Adverse experiences （fullness, cramps, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, headache and insomnia）, number of evacuations and types of activities performed during preparation （walking or resting in bed） were also investigated. RESULTS： Seventy-two patients were selected for each group. The two groups were age and sex matched as well as being comparable in terms of medical history and drug therapies taken. Fourteen patients dropped out from the trial because they did not complete the preparation procedure. Ratings of global bowel cleansing examinations were considered to be adequate in 91% of PEG ＋ Asc and 88% of PEG ＋ Sim patients. Residual Stool Score indicated similar levels of amount and consistency of residual stool; there was a significant difference in the percentage of bowel wall visualization in favour of PEG ＋ Sim patients. In the PEG ＋ Sire group, 12 adenomas≤ 10 mm diameter （5/left colon ＋ 7/right colon） vs 9 （8/left colon ＋ 1/right colon） in the PEG ＋ Asc group were diagnosed. Visualization of small lesions seems to be one of the primary advantages of the PEG ＋ Sim preparation. CONCLUSION： PEG ＋ Asc is a good alternative solution as a bowel preparation but more improvements are necessary in order to achieve the target of a perfect preparation.

Role of dissolved oxygen reduction in improvement inhibition performance of ascorbic acid during copper corrosion in 0.50 mol/L sulphuric acid

The kinetics of dissolved O_2 reduction and hydrogen evolution reactions on copper surface was studied in naturally aerated and air and O_2-saturated 0.50 mol/L H_2SO_4 solutions using polarization measurements combined with the rotating disc electrode (RDE).The Koutecky-Levich plot indicated that the dissolved O_2 reduction at the copper electrode was an apparent four-electron process.A correlation between the presence of dissolved O_2 and the formation of Cu_2O,confirmed from XRD,was discussed. Ascorbic a...

The Protective Effect of Ascorbic Acid and Thiamine Supplementation against Damage Caused by Lead in the Testes of Mice

Lead is a ubiquitous environmental and industrial pollutant that may have toxic effects on the male. Vitamins may protect against toxic effects of lead in the liver and reproductive system, which is confirmed by our initial research. The aim of this study was to further investigate the protective effects of vitamins （ascorbic acid combined with thiamine） on lead acetate （Pb）-induced reproductive toxicities in mice and study the possible mechanisms underlying these effects. Forty-five male mice were randomly divided into 3 groups, 15 mice in each and received daily intragastric administration with control, Pb （20 mg/kg）, and Pb＋vitamins （ascorbic acid of 420 mg/kg＋thiamine of 30 mg/kg） for 6 weeks, respectively. The Pb-treated animals showed significant decreases in the epididymal sperm count and motility compared to the control group, while the Pb＋vitamins group had significant increases for these variables. Moreover, an increasing apoptosis of germinal cells induced by Pb was reduced by vitamin treatment. Pb induced the activation of Caspase-3, Fas/Fas-L and Bcl-2 with elevated levels, and the adaptor protein primarily regulated signaling through Fas and required for Fas-induced apoptosis. In conclusion, ascorbic acid combined with thiamine exhibited protective effect on reproductive system by inhibiting Pb-induced excessive cell apoptosis.