Gomes ME, El Messaoudi S, Lenders JWM, Bellersen L, Verheugt FWA, Smits P, Tack CJ. High dose ascorbic acid does not reverse central sympathetic overactivity in chronic heart failure.
J Clin Pharm Ther 2010;
36:546-52. [PMID:
21916906 DOI:
10.1111/j.1365-2710.2010.01205.x]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
WHAT IS KNOWN AND OBJECTIVE
The increased central sympathetic activity typically associated with chronic heart failure (CHF) is probably mediated by formation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in the brain. Our objective was to undertake a trial to test our hypothesis that administration of the well-known antioxidant and ROS scavenger ascorbic acid, would reverse or reduce the sympathetic overactivity in CHF patients.
METHODS
In a prospective, randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind, cross-over trial, 11 CHF patients were treated with ascorbic acid 2 g/day or placebo for 3 days. At the end of each treatment period, sympathetic nervous system activity was measured by microneurography for direct muscle sympathetic nerve activity (MSNA) recording, analysis of heart rate variability (HRV) and measurement of plasma norepinephrine concentrations.
RESULTS
During ascorbic acid administration, plasma vitamin C levels were higher than during placebo (74·9 ± 6·0 μmol/L vs. 54·8 ± 4·6 μmol/L, P = 0·03). Ascorbic acid had no effect on sympathetic activity: MSNA (ascorbic acid: 66·8 ± 3·3 vs. placebo 66·9 ± 3·2 bursts/100 beats, P = 0·98). In addition, HRV and plasma norepinephrine levels did not differ.
WHAT IS NEW AND CONCLUSION
Short-term administration of the antioxidant ascorbic acid in CHF patients does not reverse the increased sympathetic activity as measured by microneurography, HRV and plasma norepinephrine levels. The use of higher oral dosages seems not feasible due to accompanying side effects.
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