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Sato A, Kondo Y, Ishigami A. The evidence to date: implications of l-ascorbic acid in the pathophysiology of aging. J Physiol Sci 2024; 74:29. [PMID: 38730366 PMCID: PMC11088021 DOI: 10.1186/s12576-024-00922-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2023] [Accepted: 05/01/2024] [Indexed: 05/12/2024]
Abstract
L-Ascorbic acid, commonly known as vitamin C, has been used not only for disease prevention and in complementary and alternative medicine, but also for anti-aging purposes. However, the scientific evidence is not yet sufficient. Here, we review the physiological functions of vitamin C and its relationship with various pathological conditions, including our previous findings, and discuss the prospects of its application in healthy longevity. In summary, vitamin C levels are associated with lifespan in several animal models. Furthermore, clinical studies have shown that the blood vitamin C levels are lower in middle-aged and older adults than in younger adults. Lower blood vitamin C levels have also been observed in various pathological conditions such as chronic kidney disease and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in the elderly. These observations suggest the implications of vitamin C in age-related pathological mechanisms owing to its physiological functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ayami Sato
- Molecular Regulation of Aging, Tokyo Metropolitan Institute for Geriatrics and Gerontology, Tokyo, 173-0015, Japan.
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, Faculty of Health and Sports Sciences, Toyo University, Tokyo, 115-8650, Japan.
| | - Yoshitaka Kondo
- Molecular Regulation of Aging, Tokyo Metropolitan Institute for Geriatrics and Gerontology, Tokyo, 173-0015, Japan
| | - Akihito Ishigami
- Molecular Regulation of Aging, Tokyo Metropolitan Institute for Geriatrics and Gerontology, Tokyo, 173-0015, Japan
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Kakizawa S, Arasaki T, Yoshida A, Sato A, Takino Y, Ishigami A, Akaike T, Yanai S, Endo S. Essential role of ROS - 8-Nitro-cGMP signaling in long-term memory of motor learning and cerebellar synaptic plasticity. Redox Biol 2024; 70:103053. [PMID: 38340634 PMCID: PMC10869263 DOI: 10.1016/j.redox.2024.103053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2023] [Revised: 01/12/2024] [Accepted: 01/19/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Although reactive oxygen species (ROS) are known to have harmful effects in organisms, recent studies have demonstrated expression of ROS synthases at various parts of the organisms and the controlled ROS generation, suggesting possible involvement of ROS signaling in physiological events of individuals. However, physiological roles of ROS in the CNS, including functional roles in higher brain functions or neuronal activity-dependent ROS production, remain to be elucidated. Here, we demonstrated involvement of ROS - 8-NO2-cGMP signaling in motor learning and synaptic plasticity in the cerebellum. In the presence of inhibitors of ROS signal or ROS synthases, cerebellar motor learning was impaired, and the stimulus inducing long-term depression (LTD), cellular basis for the motor learning, failed to induce LTD but induced long-term potentiation (LTP)-like change at cerebellar synapses. Furthermore, ROS was produced by LTD-inducing stimulus in enzyme-dependent manner, and excess administration of the antioxidant vitamin E impaired cerebellar motor learning, suggesting beneficial roles of endogenous ROS in the learning. As a downstream signal, involvement of 8-NO2-cGMP in motor learning and cerebellar LTD were also revealed. These findings indicate that ROS - 8-NO2-cGMP signal is activated by neuronal activity and is essential for cerebellum-dependent motor learning and synaptic plasticity, demonstrating involvement of the signal in physiological function of brain systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sho Kakizawa
- Department of Biological Chemistry, Graduate School and Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kyoto University, Kyoto, 606-8501, Japan.
| | - Tomoko Arasaki
- Aging Neuroscience Research Team, Tokyo Metropolitan Institute for Geriatrics and Gerontology, Tokyo, 173-0015, Japan
| | - Ayano Yoshida
- Aging Neuroscience Research Team, Tokyo Metropolitan Institute for Geriatrics and Gerontology, Tokyo, 173-0015, Japan
| | - Ayami Sato
- Molecular Regulation of Aging, Tokyo Metropolitan Institute for Geriatrics and Gerontology, Tokyo, 173-0015, Japan
| | - Yuka Takino
- Molecular Regulation of Aging, Tokyo Metropolitan Institute for Geriatrics and Gerontology, Tokyo, 173-0015, Japan
| | - Akihito Ishigami
- Molecular Regulation of Aging, Tokyo Metropolitan Institute for Geriatrics and Gerontology, Tokyo, 173-0015, Japan
| | - Takaaki Akaike
- Department of Environmental Medicine and Molecular Toxicology, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai, 980-8575, Japan
| | - Shuichi Yanai
- Aging Neuroscience Research Team, Tokyo Metropolitan Institute for Geriatrics and Gerontology, Tokyo, 173-0015, Japan
| | - Shogo Endo
- Aging Neuroscience Research Team, Tokyo Metropolitan Institute for Geriatrics and Gerontology, Tokyo, 173-0015, Japan.
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Tuell DS, Los EA, Ford GA, Stone WL. The Role of Natural Antioxidant Products That Optimize Redox Status in the Prevention and Management of Type 2 Diabetes. Antioxidants (Basel) 2023; 12:1139. [PMID: 37371869 DOI: 10.3390/antiox12061139] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2023] [Revised: 05/11/2023] [Accepted: 05/17/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The worldwide prevalence of type 2 diabetes (T2D) and prediabetes is rapidly increasing, particularly in children, adolescents, and young adults. Oxidative stress (OxS) has emerged as a likely initiating factor in T2D. Natural antioxidant products may act to slow or prevent T2D by multiple mechanisms, i.e., (1) reducing mitochondrial oxidative stress, (2) preventing the damaging effects of lipid peroxidation, and (3) acting as essential cofactors for antioxidant enzymes. Natural antioxidant products should also be evaluated in the context of the complex physiological processes that modulate T2D-OxS such as glycemic control, postprandial OxS, the polyol pathway, high-calorie, high-fat diets, exercise, and sleep. Minimizing processes that induce chronic damaging OxS and maximizing the intake of natural antioxidant products may provide a means of preventing or slowing T2D progression. This "optimal redox" (OptRedox) approach also provides a framework in which to discuss the potential benefits of natural antioxidant products such as vitamin E, vitamin C, beta-carotene, selenium, and manganese. Although there is a consensus that early effective intervention is critical for preventing or reversing T2D progression, most research has focused on adults. It is critical, therefore, that future research include pediatric populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dawn S Tuell
- Department of Pediatrics, Quillen College of Medicine, Johnson City, TN 37614, USA
| | - Evan A Los
- Department of Pediatrics, Quillen College of Medicine, Johnson City, TN 37614, USA
| | - George A Ford
- Department of Pediatrics, Quillen College of Medicine, Johnson City, TN 37614, USA
| | - William L Stone
- Department of Pediatrics, Quillen College of Medicine, Johnson City, TN 37614, USA
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Fan D, Liu X, Shen Z, Wu P, Zhong L, Lin F. Cell signaling pathways based on vitamin C and their application in cancer therapy. Biomed Pharmacother 2023; 162:114695. [PMID: 37058822 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2023.114695] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2023] [Revised: 04/08/2023] [Accepted: 04/10/2023] [Indexed: 04/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Vitamin C, a small organic molecule, is widely found in fruits and vegetables and is an essential nutrient in the human body. Vitamin C is closely associated with some human diseases such as cancer. Many studies have shown that high doses of vitamin C have anti-tumor ability and can target tumor cells in multiple targets. This review will describe vitamin C absorption and its function in cancer treatment. We will review the cellular signaling pathways associated with vitamin C against tumors depending on the different anti-cancer mechanisms. Based on this, we will further describe some applications of the use of vitamin C for cancer treatment in preclinical and clinical trials and the possible adverse events that can occur. Finally, this review also assesses the prospective advantages of vitamin C in oncology treatment and clinical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dianfa Fan
- State Key Laboratory of Targeting Oncology, National Center for International Research of Bio-targeting Theranostics, Guangxi Key Laboratory of Bio-targeting Theranostics, Collaborative Innovation Center for Targeting Tumor Diagnosis and Therapy, Guangxi Talent Highland of Bio-targeting Theranostics, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi 530021, China
| | - Xiyu Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Targeting Oncology, National Center for International Research of Bio-targeting Theranostics, Guangxi Key Laboratory of Bio-targeting Theranostics, Collaborative Innovation Center for Targeting Tumor Diagnosis and Therapy, Guangxi Talent Highland of Bio-targeting Theranostics, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi 530021, China
| | - Zhen Shen
- State Key Laboratory of Targeting Oncology, National Center for International Research of Bio-targeting Theranostics, Guangxi Key Laboratory of Bio-targeting Theranostics, Collaborative Innovation Center for Targeting Tumor Diagnosis and Therapy, Guangxi Talent Highland of Bio-targeting Theranostics, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi 530021, China
| | - Pan Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Targeting Oncology, National Center for International Research of Bio-targeting Theranostics, Guangxi Key Laboratory of Bio-targeting Theranostics, Collaborative Innovation Center for Targeting Tumor Diagnosis and Therapy, Guangxi Talent Highland of Bio-targeting Theranostics, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi 530021, China
| | - Liping Zhong
- State Key Laboratory of Targeting Oncology, National Center for International Research of Bio-targeting Theranostics, Guangxi Key Laboratory of Bio-targeting Theranostics, Collaborative Innovation Center for Targeting Tumor Diagnosis and Therapy, Guangxi Talent Highland of Bio-targeting Theranostics, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi 530021, China.
| | - Faquan Lin
- State Key Laboratory of Targeting Oncology, National Center for International Research of Bio-targeting Theranostics, Guangxi Key Laboratory of Bio-targeting Theranostics, Collaborative Innovation Center for Targeting Tumor Diagnosis and Therapy, Guangxi Talent Highland of Bio-targeting Theranostics, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi 530021, China; Key Laboratory of Clinical Laboratory Medicine of Guangxi Department of Education,Department of Clinical Laboratory, the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University.
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Fukui K, You F, Kato Y, Kimura M, Harakawa Y, Yoshikawa T, Inufusa H. Twendee X, a mixed antioxidant supplement, improves cognitive function, coordination, and neurotrophic factor expression in long-term vitamin E-deficient mice. J Clin Biochem Nutr 2023; 72:93-100. [PMID: 36936879 PMCID: PMC10017315 DOI: 10.3164/jcbn.22-55] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2022] [Accepted: 10/04/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Oxidation products gradually accumulate during senescence, enhancing the risk of onset of many severe diseases. One such disease is dementia, and the number of cases of dementia, including Alzheimer's disease, has been increasing world-wide. These diseases can be prevented via attenuation of age-related physiological dysfunction; one preventive approach is the ingestion of antioxidants such as vitamin C and vitamin E. Many antioxidants are readily available commercially. Ingestion of mixed antioxidants is expected to provide further beneficial effects for human health. In this study, we used vitamin E-deficient mice as an animal model of increased oxidative stress and assessed the effects of dosing with mixed antioxidants. Administration of a commercial mixed antioxidant formula, Twendee X significantly improved cognitive function and coordination compared to untreated vitamin E-deficient animals. Furthermore, the levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor and nerve growth factor were significantly increased in the cerebral cortex of Twendee X-dosed vitamin E-deficient mice compared to untreated animals. These results indicate that intake of a mixed antioxidant supplement may be beneficial to human health, even after oxidative stress has begun. In the next stage, it will be necessary to compare with other antioxidants and consider whether it is effective in the aged model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Koji Fukui
- Molecular Cell Biology Laboratory, Department of Bioscience and Engineering, College of System Engineering and Science, Shibaura Institute of Technology, Fukasaku 307, Minuma-ku, Saitama 337-8570, Japan
- To whom correspondence should be addressed. E-mail: (KF)
| | - Fukka You
- Division of Anti-oxidant Research, Life Science Research Center, Gifu University, Yanagito 1-1, Gifu 501-1194, Japan
- Anti-oxidant Research Laboratory, Louis Pasteur Center for Medical Research, Tanakamonzen-cho 103-5, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto 606-8225, Japan
| | - Yugo Kato
- Molecular Cell Biology Laboratory, Department of Bioscience and Engineering, College of System Engineering and Science, Shibaura Institute of Technology, Fukasaku 307, Minuma-ku, Saitama 337-8570, Japan
| | - Miyu Kimura
- Molecular Cell Biology Laboratory, Department of Bioscience and Engineering, College of System Engineering and Science, Shibaura Institute of Technology, Fukasaku 307, Minuma-ku, Saitama 337-8570, Japan
| | - Yoshiaki Harakawa
- Division of Anti-oxidant Research, Life Science Research Center, Gifu University, Yanagito 1-1, Gifu 501-1194, Japan
| | - Toshikazu Yoshikawa
- Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, Kajii-cho, Kawaramachi-Hirokoji, Kamigyo-ku, Kyoto 602-8566, Japan
- Louis Pasteur Center for Medical Research, Tanakamonzen-cho 103-5, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto 606-8225, Japan
| | - Haruhiko Inufusa
- Division of Anti-oxidant Research, Life Science Research Center, Gifu University, Yanagito 1-1, Gifu 501-1194, Japan
- Anti-oxidant Research Laboratory, Louis Pasteur Center for Medical Research, Tanakamonzen-cho 103-5, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto 606-8225, Japan
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α-Tocopherol Pharmacokinetics in Adults with Cystic Fibrosis: Benefits of Supplemental Vitamin C Administration. Nutrients 2022; 14:nu14183717. [PMID: 36145092 PMCID: PMC9505313 DOI: 10.3390/nu14183717] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2022] [Revised: 09/02/2022] [Accepted: 09/07/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Numerous abnormalities in cystic fibrosis (CF) could influence tocopherol absorption, transportation, storage, metabolism and excretion. We hypothesized that the oxidative distress due to inflammation in CF increases vitamin E utilization, which could be positively influenced by supplemental vitamin C administration. METHODS Immediately before and after receiving vitamin C (500 mg) twice daily for 3.5 weeks, adult CF patients (n = 6) with moderately advanced respiratory tract (RT) disease consumed a standardized breakfast with 30% fat and a capsule containing 50 mg each hexadeuterium (d6)-α- and dideuterium (d2)-γ-tocopheryl acetates. Blood samples were taken frequently up to 72 h; plasma tocopherol pharmacokinetics were determined. During both trials, d6-α- and d2-γ-tocopherols were similarly absorbed and reached similar maximal plasma concentrations ~18-20 h. As predicted, during vitamin C supplementation, the rates of plasma d6-α-tocopherol decline were significantly slower. CONCLUSIONS The vitamin C-induced decrease in the plasma disappearance rate of α-tocopherol suggests that vitamin C recycled α-tocopherol, thereby augmenting its concentrations. We conclude that some attention should be paid to plasma ascorbic acid concentrations in CF patients, particularly to those individuals with more advanced RT inflammatory disease and including those with severe exacerbations.
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