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Xu C, Yi T, Tan S, Xu H, Hu Y, Ma J, Xu J. Association of Oral or Intravenous Vitamin C Supplementation with Mortality: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Nutrients 2023; 15:nu15081848. [PMID: 37111066 PMCID: PMC10146309 DOI: 10.3390/nu15081848] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2023] [Revised: 03/21/2023] [Accepted: 04/10/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Mortality is the most clinically serious outcome, and its prevention remains a constant struggle. This study was to assess whether intravenous or oral vitamin C (Vit-C) therapy is related to reduced mortality in adults. Data from Medline, Embase, and the Cochrane Central Register databases were acquired from their inception to 26 October 2022. All randomized controlled trials (RCTs) involving intravenous or oral Vit-C against a placebo or no therapy for mortality were selected. The primary outcome was all-cause mortality. Secondary outcomes were sepsis, COVID-19, cardiac surgery, noncardiac surgery, cancer, and other mortalities. Forty-four trials with 26540 participants were selected. Although a substantial statistical difference was observed in all-cause mortality between the control and the Vit-C-supplemented groups (p = 0.009, RR 0.87, 95% CI 0.78 to 0.97, I2 = 36%), the result was not validated by sequential trial analysis. In the subgroup analysis, mortality was markedly reduced in Vit-C trials with the sepsis patients (p = 0.005, RR 0.74, 95% CI 0.59 to 0.91, I2 = 47%), and this result was confirmed by trial sequential analysis. In addition, a substantial statistical difference was revealed in COVID-19 patient mortality between the Vit-C monotherapy and the control groups (p = 0.03, RR 0.84, 95% CI 0.72 to 0.98, I2 = 0%). However, the trial sequential analysis suggested the need for more trials to confirm its efficacy. Overall, Vit-C monotherapy does decrease the risk of death by sepsis by 26%. To confirm Vit-C is associated with reduced COVID-19 mortality, additional clinical random control trials are required.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chongxi Xu
- Department of Neurosurgery, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, No. 37, Guoxue Alley, Wuhou District, Chengdu 610000, China
| | - Tong Yi
- Department of Neurology, The Second People's Hospital of Deyang City, No. 340 Minjiang West Road, Deyang 618000, China
| | - Siwen Tan
- Outpatient Department, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, No. 37, Guoxue Alley, Wuhou District, Chengdu 610000, China
| | - Hui Xu
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Second People's Hospital of Liangshan Yi, Autonomous Prefecture, Liangshan 615000, China
| | - Yu Hu
- Department of Neurosurgery, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, No. 37, Guoxue Alley, Wuhou District, Chengdu 610000, China
| | - Junpeng Ma
- Department of Neurosurgery, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, No. 37, Guoxue Alley, Wuhou District, Chengdu 610000, China
| | - Jianguo Xu
- Department of Neurosurgery, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, No. 37, Guoxue Alley, Wuhou District, Chengdu 610000, China
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Krejbich P, Birringer M. The Self-Administered Use of Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) Supplements and Antioxidants in Cancer Therapy and the Critical Role of Nrf-2-A Systematic Review. Antioxidants (Basel) 2022; 11:2149. [PMID: 36358521 PMCID: PMC9686580 DOI: 10.3390/antiox11112149] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2022] [Revised: 10/18/2022] [Accepted: 10/24/2022] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) supplements are widely used by cancer patients. Dietary supplements, vitamins and minerals, herbal remedies, and antioxidants are especially popular. In a systematic literature review, 37 studies, each including more than 1000 participants, on CAM, dietary supplement, and vitamin use among cancer patients were identified. Accordingly, cancer patients use antioxidants such as vitamin C (from 2.6% (United Kingdom) to 41.6% (United States)) and vitamin E (from 2.9% (China) to 48% (United States)). Dietary supplements and vitamins are taken for different reasons, but often during conventional cancer treatment involving chemotherapy or radiotherapy and in a self-decided manner without seeking medical advice from healthcare professionals. Drug-drug interactions with dietary supplements or vitamins involving multiple signaling pathways are well described. Since most of the anticancer drugs generate reactive oxygen species (ROS), an adaptive stress response of healthy and malignant cells, mainly driven by the Nrf-2-Keap I network, can be observed. On the one hand, healthy cells should be protected from ROS-overproducing chemotherapy and radiotherapy; on the other hand, ROS production in cancer cells is a "desirable side effect" during anticancer drug treatment. We here describe the paradoxical use of antioxidants and supplements during cancer therapy, possible interactions with anticancer drugs, and the involvement of the Nrf-2 transcription factor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paula Krejbich
- Department of Nutritional, Food and Consumer Sciences, Fulda University of Applied Sciences, Leipziger Straße 123, 36037 Fulda, Germany
- Wissenschaftliches Zentrum für Ernährung, Lebensmittel und Nachhaltige Versorgungssysteme (ELVe), Fulda University of Applied Sciences, Leipziger Straße 123, 36037 Fulda, Germany
- Public Health Zentrum Fulda, Fulda University of Applied Sciences, Leipziger Straße 123, 36037 Fulda, Germany
| | - Marc Birringer
- Department of Nutritional, Food and Consumer Sciences, Fulda University of Applied Sciences, Leipziger Straße 123, 36037 Fulda, Germany
- Wissenschaftliches Zentrum für Ernährung, Lebensmittel und Nachhaltige Versorgungssysteme (ELVe), Fulda University of Applied Sciences, Leipziger Straße 123, 36037 Fulda, Germany
- Public Health Zentrum Fulda, Fulda University of Applied Sciences, Leipziger Straße 123, 36037 Fulda, Germany
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High-dose intravenous vitamin C combined with cytotoxic chemotherapy in patients with advanced cancer: a phase I-II clinical trial. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0120228. [PMID: 25848948 PMCID: PMC4388666 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0120228] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2014] [Accepted: 01/27/2015] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Biological and some clinical evidence suggest that high-dose intravenous vitamin C (IVC) could increase the effectiveness of cancer chemotherapy. IVC is widely used by integrative and complementary cancer therapists, but rigorous data are lacking as to its safety and which cancers and chemotherapy regimens would be the most promising to investigate in detail. Methods and Findings We carried out a phase I-II safety, tolerability, pharmacokinetic and efficacy trial of IVC combined with chemotherapy in patients whose treating oncologist judged that standard-of-care or off-label chemotherapy offered less than a 33% likelihood of a meaningful response. We documented adverse events and toxicity associated with IVC infusions, determined pre- and post-chemotherapy vitamin C and oxalic acid pharmacokinetic profiles, and monitored objective clinical responses, mood and quality of life. Fourteen patients were enrolled. IVC was safe and generally well tolerated, although some patients experienced transient adverse events during or after IVC infusions. The pre- and post-chemotherapy pharmacokinetic profiles suggested that tissue uptake of vitamin C increases after chemotherapy, with no increase in urinary oxalic acid excretion. Three patients with different types of cancer experienced unexpected transient stable disease, increased energy and functional improvement. Conclusions Despite IVC’s biological and clinical plausibility, career cancer investigators currently ignore it while integrative cancer therapists use it widely but without reporting the kind of clinical data that is normally gathered in cancer drug development. The present study neither proves nor disproves IVC’s value in cancer therapy, but it provides practical information, and indicates a feasible way to evaluate this plausible but unproven therapy in an academic environment that is currently uninterested in it. If carried out in sufficient numbers, simple studies like this one could identify specific clusters of cancer type, chemotherapy regimen and IVC in which exceptional responses occur frequently enough to justify appropriately focused clinical trials. Trial Registration ClinicalTrials.gov NCT01050621
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Samoylenko A, Hossain JA, Mennerich D, Kellokumpu S, Hiltunen JK, Kietzmann T. Nutritional countermeasures targeting reactive oxygen species in cancer: from mechanisms to biomarkers and clinical evidence. Antioxid Redox Signal 2013; 19:2157-96. [PMID: 23458328 PMCID: PMC3869543 DOI: 10.1089/ars.2012.4662] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2012] [Revised: 02/08/2013] [Accepted: 03/01/2013] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Reactive oxygen species (ROS) exert various biological effects and contribute to signaling events during physiological and pathological processes. Enhanced levels of ROS are highly associated with different tumors, a Western lifestyle, and a nutritional regime. The supplementation of food with traditional antioxidants was shown to be protective against cancer in a number of studies both in vitro and in vivo. However, recent large-scale human trials in well-nourished populations did not confirm the beneficial role of antioxidants in cancer, whereas there is a well-established connection between longevity of several human populations and increased amount of antioxidants in their diets. Although our knowledge about ROS generators, ROS scavengers, and ROS signaling has improved, the knowledge about the direct link between nutrition, ROS levels, and cancer is limited. These limitations are partly due to lack of standardized reliable ROS measurement methods, easily usable biomarkers, knowledge of ROS action in cellular compartments, and individual genetic predispositions. The current review summarizes ROS formation due to nutrition with respect to macronutrients and antioxidant micronutrients in the context of cancer and discusses signaling mechanisms, used biomarkers, and its limitations along with large-scale human trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anatoly Samoylenko
- Department of Biochemistry, Biocenter Oulu, University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland
- Palladin Institute of Biochemistry, National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, Kyiv, Ukraine
| | - Jubayer Al Hossain
- Department of Biochemistry, Biocenter Oulu, University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland
| | - Daniela Mennerich
- Department of Biochemistry, Biocenter Oulu, University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland
| | - Sakari Kellokumpu
- Department of Biochemistry, Biocenter Oulu, University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland
| | | | - Thomas Kietzmann
- Department of Biochemistry, Biocenter Oulu, University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland
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Takahashi H, Mizuno H, Yanagisawa A. High-dose intravenous vitamin C improves quality of life in cancer patients. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2012. [DOI: 10.1016/j.pmu.2012.05.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
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Selective suppression of cervical cancer Hela cells by 2-O-β-D-glucopyranosyl-L-ascorbic acid isolated from the fruit of Lycium barbarum L. Cell Biol Toxicol 2010; 27:107-21. [PMID: 20717715 DOI: 10.1007/s10565-010-9174-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2010] [Accepted: 07/23/2010] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
Lycium barbarum fruit has been used as a Chinese traditional medicine and dietary supplement for centuries. 2-O-β-D-Glucopyranosyl-L-ascorbic acid (AA-2βG), a novel stable vitamin C analog, is one of the main biologically active components of the fruit. In this report, we investigated the cytotoxic and antiproliferative effect of AA-2βG against cancer cells in vitro and identified the proteins with significantly differential expression in the cervical cancer cells (Hela) cultured in the presence of AA-2βG proteomic analysis. Our results demonstrated that the cytotoxic and antiproliferative activity of AA-2βG on cancer cell lines were in a cell type-, time-, and dose-dependent manner. Similar to vitamin C, the AA-2βG selectively induced cell death repressed the proliferation of Hela cells by the mechanism of cell apoptosis and cell cycle arrest induced by AA-2βG through a mechanism of stabilizing p53 protein. However, the biological activity of inhibition of cell proliferation in other malignant cancer cell lines or primary cells were varied, as demonstrated by either moderate inhibition or slight promotion following treatment with AA-2βG. Comparative analysis of the proteomic profiles and immunoblot analysis identified 15 proteins associated with repressing cell apoptosis and/or stimulating cell proliferation in Hela cells that were downregulated in the presence of AA-2βG or vitamin C. These data indicate that a mechanism of the AA-2βG and vitamin C mediated antitumor activity by downregulating the expression of proteins involved in cell apoptosis and proliferation and consequently inducing Hela cell apoptosis and cell cycle arrest, suggesting that AA-2βG and vitamin C may share a similar mechanism of inducing Hela cell apoptosis. These results also suggest that the L. barbarum fruit may be a potential dietary supplement and anticancer agent aimed at the prevention and treatment of cervical cancer.
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Abstract
Ascorbate (vitamin C) is a cofactor for a number of metabolic enzymes and is an indisputable essential vitamin C for humans. However, the potential of ascorbate as an anticancer agent has been a topic of controversy. A number of previous reports have addressed both positive aspects and limitations of ascorbate in cancer therapy. In this review, we briefly summarize the potential antitumor effects of ascorbate and its prospects for clinical use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wang-Jae Lee
- Department of Anatomy and Tumor Immunity Medical Research Center, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul 110-744, Cancer Research Institute, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul 110-799, Korea
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Duarte TL, Lunec J. ReviewPart of the Series: From Dietary Antioxidants to Regulators in Cellular Signalling and Gene ExpressionReview: When is an antioxidant not an antioxidant? A review of novel actions and reactions of vitamin C. Free Radic Res 2009; 39:671-86. [PMID: 16036346 DOI: 10.1080/10715760500104025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 212] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Vitamin C (or ascorbic acid) is regarded as the most important water-soluble antioxidant in human plasma and mammalian cells which have mechanisms to recycle and accumulate it against a concentration gradient, suggesting that the vitamin might also have important intracellular functions. In this review we summarize evidence from human trials that have attempted an association between vitamin C supplementation and an effect on biomarkers of oxidative DNA damage. Most studies reviewed herein showed either a vitamin C-mediated reduction in oxidative DNA damage or a null effect, whereas only a few studies showed an increase in specific base lesions. We also address the possible beneficial effects of vitamin C supplementation for the prevention of cancer and cardiovascular disease. Finally, we discuss the contribution of cell culture studies to our understanding of the mode of action of vitamin C and we review recent evidence that vitamin C is able to modulate gene expression and cellular function, with a particular interest in cell differentiation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tiago L Duarte
- Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Division, Kings College London University
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Hoffer LJ, Levine M, Assouline S, Melnychuk D, Padayatty SJ, Rosadiuk K, Rousseau C, Robitaille L, Miller WH. Phase I clinical trial of i.v. ascorbic acid in advanced malignancy. Ann Oncol 2008; 19:1969-74. [PMID: 18544557 DOI: 10.1093/annonc/mdn377] [Citation(s) in RCA: 239] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Ascorbic acid is a widely used and controversial alternative cancer treatment. In millimolar concentrations, it is selectively cytotoxic to many cancer cell lines and has in vivo anticancer activity when administered alone or together with other agents. We carried out a dose-finding phase I and pharmacokinetic study of i.v. ascorbic acid in patients with advanced malignancies. PATIENTS AND METHODS Patients with advanced cancer or hematologic malignancy were assigned to sequential cohorts infused with 0.4, 0.6, 0.9 and 1.5 g ascorbic acid/kg body weight three times weekly. RESULTS Adverse events and toxicity were minimal at all dose levels. No patient had an objective anticancer response. CONCLUSIONS High-dose i.v. ascorbic acid was well tolerated but failed to demonstrate anticancer activity when administered to patients with previously treated advanced malignancies. The promise of this approach may lie in combination with cytotoxic or other redox-active molecules.
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Affiliation(s)
- L J Hoffer
- Montreal Centre for Experimental Therapeutics in Cancer, Lady Davis Institute for Medical Research, McGill University and the Jewish General Hospital, Montreal, Quebec, Canada.
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Ohtani S, Iwamaru A, Deng W, Ueda K, Wu G, Jayachandran G, Kondo S, Atkinson EN, Minna JD, Roth JA, Ji L. Tumor suppressor 101F6 and ascorbate synergistically and selectively inhibit non-small cell lung cancer growth by caspase-independent apoptosis and autophagy. Cancer Res 2007; 67:6293-303. [PMID: 17616688 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-06-3884] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
101F6 is a candidate tumor suppressor gene harbored on chromosome 3p21.3, a region with frequent and early allele loss and genetic alterations in many human cancers. We previously showed that enforced expression of wild-type 101F6 by adenoviral vector-mediated gene transfer significantly inhibited tumor cell growth in 3p21.3-deficient non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cells in vitro and in vivo. The molecular mechanism of 101F6-mediated tumor suppression is largely unknown. A computer-aided structural and functional model predicts the 101F6 protein to be a member of the cytochrome b561 protein family that is involved in the regeneration of the antioxidant ascorbate. 101F6 protein is expressed in normal lung bronchial epithelial cells and fibroblasts but is lost in most lung cancers. Treatment with 101F6 nanoparticle-mediated gene transfer in combination with a subpharmacologic dose (200-500 micromol/L) of ascorbate synergistically and selectively inhibited lung cancer cell growth in vitro. Systemic injection of 101F6 nanoparticles plus the i.p. injection of ascorbate synergistically inhibited both tumor formation and growth in human NSCLC H322 orthotopic lung cancer mouse models (P<0.001). Furthermore, exogenous expression of 101F6 enhanced intracellular uptake of ascorbate, leading to an accumulation of cytotoxic H(2)O(2) and a synergistic killing of tumor cells through caspase-independent apoptotic and autophagic pathways. The antitumor synergism showed by the combination treatment with systemic administration of 101F6 nanoparticles and ascorbate on lung cancer offers an attractive therapeutic strategy for future clinical trials in cancer prevention and treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shoichiro Ohtani
- Section of Thoracic Molecular Oncology, Department of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery, The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas 77030, USA
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Block KI, Koch AC, Mead MN, Tothy PK, Newman RA, Gyllenhaal C. Impact of antioxidant supplementation on chemotherapeutic efficacy: a systematic review of the evidence from randomized controlled trials. Cancer Treat Rev 2007; 33:407-18. [PMID: 17367938 DOI: 10.1016/j.ctrv.2007.01.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 127] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2006] [Revised: 01/19/2007] [Accepted: 01/23/2007] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Much debate has arisen about whether antioxidant supplementation alters the efficacy of cancer chemotherapy. Some have argued that antioxidants scavenge the reactive oxygen species integral to the activity of certain chemotherapy drugs, thereby diminishing treatment efficacy. Others suggest antioxidants may mitigate toxicity and thus allow for uninterrupted treatment schedules and a reduced need for lowering chemotherapy doses. The objective of this study is to systematically review the literature in order to compile results from randomized trials that evaluate concurrent use of antioxidants with chemotherapy. DESIGN MEDLINE, Cochrane, CinAhl, AMED, AltHealthWatch and EMBASE databases were searched. Only randomized, controlled clinical trials that reported survival and/or tumor response were included in the final tally. The literature searches were performed in duplicate following a standardized protocol. No meta-analysis was performed due to heterogeneity of tumor types and treatment protocols used in trials that met the inclusion criteria. RESULTS Of 845 articles considered, 19 trials met the inclusion criteria. Antioxidants evaluated were: glutathione (7), melatonin (4), vitamin A (2), an antioxidant mixture (2), vitamin C (1), N-acetylcysteine (1), vitamin E (1) and ellagic acid (1). Subjects of most studies had advanced or relapsed disease. CONCLUSION None of the trials reported evidence of significant decreases in efficacy from antioxidant supplementation during chemotherapy. Many of the studies indicated that antioxidant supplementation resulted in either increased survival times, increased tumor responses, or both, as well as fewer toxicities than controls; however, lack of adequate statistical power was a consistent limitation. Large, well-designed studies of antioxidant supplementation concurrent with chemotherapy are warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keith I Block
- Institute for Integrative Cancer Research and Education, 1800 Sherman Avenue, Suite 350, Evanston, IL 60201, USA.
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Abstract
Hyperglycemia is commonly manifested in cancer patients. Although high intakes of sugar and refined carbohydrates and elevated blood glucose are strongly associated with the risk of cancer, much less is known about their effects on survival after cancer diagnosis. There is evidence that high carbohydrate intake is associated with poorer survival after diagnosis for early breast cancer. We measured glycated hemoglobin in a group of cancer patients (some with active disease and some in remission) and found a statistically significant lower average blood glucose in those in remission. Glycated hemoglobin provides an indication of average blood glucose over 2 to 3 months. The authors discuss lifestyle changes including diet and physical activity that can reduce average blood glucose. Ascorbic acid (AA) supplementation as an adjunct to cancer therapy is also considered. Furthermore, they present a biologically plausible explanation for how hyperglycemia can impair the actions of AA and damage immune effectiveness and hinder cancer survival. One mechanism is likely a reduction in intracellular AA; high intracellular levels of AA are necessary for optimal activity of the hexose monophosphate shunt. This metabolic pathway is important for maintaining proper cellular antioxidant status in immune cells including lymphocytes involved in cell-mediated immunity.
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