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Hosseini SM, Panahi-Azar A, Sheybani-Arani M, Morovatshoar R, Mirzadeh M, Salimi Asl A, Naghdipour Mirsadeghi M, Khajavi-Mayvan F. Vitamins, minerals and their maternal levels' role in brain development: An updated literature-review. Clin Nutr ESPEN 2024; 63:31-45. [PMID: 38907995 DOI: 10.1016/j.clnesp.2024.05.011] [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: 07/17/2023] [Revised: 03/26/2024] [Accepted: 05/16/2024] [Indexed: 06/24/2024]
Abstract
One's neurobehavioural and mental health are built during the exact and complex process of brain development. It is thought that fetal development is where neuropsychiatric disorders first emerged. Behavioural patterns can change as a result of neuropsychiatric illnesses. The incidence is rising quickly; nevertheless, providing exceptional care remains a significant challenge for families and healthcare systems. It has been demonstrated that one of the main factors causing the transmission of these diseases is maternal exposure. Through physiologic pathways, maternal health and intrauterine exposures can affect brain development. Our attention has been focused on epigenetic factors, particularly in the gestational environment, which may be responsible for human neurodegenerative diseases since our main mental development occurs during the nine months of intrauterine life. After thoroughly searching numerous databases, this study examined the effect of fat-soluble vitamins, water-soluble vitamins, and minerals and their maternal-level effect on brain development.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ava Panahi-Azar
- Faculty of Medicine, Hormozgan University of Medical Sciences, Bandar Abbas, Iran.
| | | | - Reza Morovatshoar
- Faculty of Medicine, Hormozgan University of Medical Sciences, Bandar Abbas, Iran.
| | - Mahdieh Mirzadeh
- Faculty of Medicine, Hormozgan University of Medical Sciences, Bandar Abbas, Iran.
| | - Ali Salimi Asl
- Faculty of Medicine, Hormozgan University of Medical Sciences, Bandar Abbas, Iran.
| | - Misa Naghdipour Mirsadeghi
- Department of Gynecology, School of Medicine, Reproductive Health Research Center, Alzahra Hospital, Guilan University of Medical Sciences, Rasht, Iran.
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Goto S, Kojima N, Komori M, Kawade N, Oshima K, Nadano D, Sasaki N, Horio F, Matsuda T, Miyata S. Vitamin C deficiency alters the transcriptome of the rat brain in a glucocorticoid-dependent manner, leading to microglial activation and reduced neurogenesis. J Nutr Biochem 2024; 128:109608. [PMID: 38458474 DOI: 10.1016/j.jnutbio.2024.109608] [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: 07/19/2023] [Revised: 02/20/2024] [Accepted: 03/01/2024] [Indexed: 03/10/2024]
Abstract
Vitamin C (VitC) is maintained at high concentrations in the brain and is an essential micronutrient for brain function. VitC deficiency leads to neuropsychiatric scurvy, which is characterized by depression and cognitive impairment. However, the molecular mechanism by which mild VitC deficiency impairs brain function is currently unknown. In the present study, we conducted RNA sequencing analysis and found that a short-term VitC deficiency altered the brain transcriptome in ODS rats, which cannot synthesize VitC. Bioinformatic analysis indicated that VitC deficiency affected the expression of genes controlled by the glucocorticoid receptor in the brain. We confirmed an increased secretion of glucocorticoids from the adrenal gland during VitC deficiency. We found that non-neuronal cells, including microglia, which are resident immune cells in the brain, changed their transcriptional patterns in response to VitC deficiency. Immunohistochemical analysis revealed that the quiescent ramified microglia transform into the activated amoeboid microglia during three weeks of VitC deficiency. The morphological activation of microglia was accompanied by increased expression of proinflammatory cytokines such as interleukin-6 in the hippocampus. Furthermore, VitC deficiency decreased the number of newly born neurons in the dentate gyrus of the hippocampus, suggesting that VitC was required for adult neurogenesis that plays a crucial role in learning and memory. Our findings may provide insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying the maintenance of normal brain function by adequate levels of VitC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shunta Goto
- Graduate School of Bioagricultural Sciences, Nagoya University, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Natsuki Kojima
- Graduate School of Agriculture, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, Fuchu, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Miyu Komori
- Graduate School of Agriculture, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, Fuchu, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Noe Kawade
- Graduate School of Bioagricultural Sciences, Nagoya University, Nagoya, Japan; Department of Neuroscience and Pathobiology, Research Institute of Environmental Medicine, Nagoya University, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Kenzi Oshima
- Graduate School of Bioagricultural Sciences, Nagoya University, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Daita Nadano
- Graduate School of Bioagricultural Sciences, Nagoya University, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Nobumitsu Sasaki
- Graduate School of Agriculture, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, Fuchu, Tokyo, Japan; Institute of Global Innovation Research, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, Fuchu, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Fumihiko Horio
- Graduate School of Bioagricultural Sciences, Nagoya University, Nagoya, Japan; Department of Life Studies and Environmental Science, Nagoya Women's University, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Tsukasa Matsuda
- Graduate School of Bioagricultural Sciences, Nagoya University, Nagoya, Japan; Faculty of Food and Agricultural Sciences, Fukushima University, Fukushima, Japan
| | - Shinji Miyata
- Graduate School of Bioagricultural Sciences, Nagoya University, Nagoya, Japan; Graduate School of Agriculture, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, Fuchu, Tokyo, Japan.
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Margedari P, Goudarzi I, Sepehri H. The protective role of prenatal administration of ascorbic acid on autistic-like behavior in a rat model of autism. IBRO Neurosci Rep 2024; 16:78-85. [PMID: 38274439 PMCID: PMC10809097 DOI: 10.1016/j.ibneur.2023.11.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2023] [Revised: 10/08/2023] [Accepted: 11/01/2023] [Indexed: 01/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Autism is a complicated neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by several behavioral impairments. The pathology of autism is complex and not fully known. Several recent studies have shown alterations in the activities of antioxidant enzymes in autism. Vitamin C is a potent antioxidant that is present in high concentrations in the brain and acts as a neuromodulator. Prefrontal abnormality has been hypothesized to underlie autistic symptoms. The present study investigated the protective effect of prenatally Vitamin C on autistic-like behaviors, oxidative stress status, and histopathological change of prefrontal in valproic acid (VPA) rat model of autism. Method The model of autism was induced by subcutaneous administration of Valproic acid (600 mg/kg) to pregnant rats at gestational day 12.5. Vitamin C was administered 600 mg/L in drinking water from the 5th day of gestaion (GD5) up to postnatal day 23 (PND23). Thirty-two rat offspring were divided into four groups: Control, Vitamin C, VPA, and Vitamin C + VPA. The offspring were tested for repetitive behaviors and cognitive ability with a Y-maze task and social interaction with a play behavior task on 31st of Postnatal days. Glutathione (GSH), superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity, and the histological change in the prefrontal lobe were assessed at the end of the study. The number of neurons from the left prefrontal lobe was counted in duplicate from slides stained with hematoxylin-eosin. Results In the Y-maze apparatus, spontaneous alteration significantly decreased in the prenatal VPA treated rats compared to control rats showing autistic-like behavior; pre and postnatal Vitamin C treatment increased the alternation indicated benefit effect of Vitamin C. Prenatal VPA treatment impaired play behavior such as sniffing, grooming and darting. Vitamin C treatment attenuated the problems in male offspring social behavior. Histological examination showed an increase in the number of cells in the prefrontal cortex of valproic acid offspring rats compared to other groups. Moreover, prenatal VPA decreased antioxidant enzyme activities in the cortex (PFC) attenuated by Vitamin C administration. Conclusion The present study showed that valproic acid induced oxidative stress and neural changes in the prefrontal lobe when administered prenatally which in turn may cause the development of some autistic-like behaviors, and vitamin C may reduce this symptom with its antioxidant effects.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Iran Goudarzi
- School of Biology, Damghan University, Damghan, Iran
| | - Hamid Sepehri
- Neuroscience Research Center, Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Golestan University of Medical Sciences, Gorgan, Iran
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Maity J, Pal P, Pal R, Mukhopadhyay PK. Co-administration of L-Ascorbic Acid and α-Tocopherol Alleviates Arsenic-Induced Immunotoxicities in the Thymus and Spleen by Dwindling Oxidative Stress-Induced Inflammation. Biol Trace Elem Res 2024; 202:2199-2227. [PMID: 37704839 DOI: 10.1007/s12011-023-03841-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2023] [Accepted: 09/01/2023] [Indexed: 09/15/2023]
Abstract
Herein, we investigated whether L-ascorbic acid (L-AA) and α-tocopherol (α-T) co-administration has the potential to alleviate arsenic-induced immunotoxicities in the thymus, spleen, and circulating leukocytes. Forty-eight adult male Wistar rats were randomly divided into four groups before the treatment: group I (control); group II (sodium arsenite, 3 mg/kg/day/rat); group III (sodium arsenite + L-AA (200 mg/kg/day/rat) and α-T (400 mg/kg/day/rat)); group IV (L-AA and α-T). The result showed that sodium arsenite exposure (consecutive 30 days) caused weight reduction, structural alterations in the thymus and spleen, accompanied by a decrease in thymocyte and splenocyte count. Decreased superoxide dismutase and catalase activity, increased malondialdehyde and protein-carbonyl content, reduced Nrf2 and Bcl2 expression, and increased p-ERK, NF-kβ, Bax, and cleaved-caspase-3 expression were also observed in the thymus and spleen of arsenic-exposed rats. Enhanced plasma ACTH and corticosterone, ROS-induced apoptosis of lymphocytes were also observed. L-AA and α-T co-administration has the potential to abrogate the deleterious impact of arsenic on the thymus, spleen, and circulating lymphocytes. Whole transcriptome analysis of leukocytes revealed that arsenic treatment augmented the expression of Itga4, Itgam, and MMP9 genes, which might help in transient migration of the leukocytes through the endothelial cell layer. Co-administration with L-AA and α-T maintained Itga4, Itgam, and MMP9 gene expression within leukocytes at a lower level.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeet Maity
- Department of Life Sciences, Presidency University, 86/1 College Street, Kolkata, 700073, India
| | - Priyankar Pal
- Department of Life Sciences, Presidency University, 86/1 College Street, Kolkata, 700073, India
| | - Ranjana Pal
- Department of Life Sciences, Presidency University, 86/1 College Street, Kolkata, 700073, India
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Clemente-Suárez VJ, Redondo-Flórez L, Beltrán-Velasco AI, Belinchón-deMiguel P, Ramos-Campo DJ, Curiel-Regueros A, Martín-Rodríguez A, Tornero-Aguilera JF. The Interplay of Sports and Nutrition in Neurological Health and Recovery. J Clin Med 2024; 13:2065. [PMID: 38610829 PMCID: PMC11012304 DOI: 10.3390/jcm13072065] [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: 02/18/2024] [Revised: 03/27/2024] [Accepted: 04/01/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024] Open
Abstract
This comprehensive review explores the dynamic relationship between sports, nutrition, and neurological health. Focusing on recent clinical advancements, it examines how physical activity and dietary practices influence the prevention, treatment, and rehabilitation of various neurological conditions. The review highlights the role of neuroimaging in understanding these interactions, discusses emerging technologies in neurotherapeutic interventions, and evaluates the efficacy of sports and nutritional strategies in enhancing neurological recovery. This synthesis of current knowledge aims to provide a deeper understanding of how lifestyle factors can be integrated into clinical practices to improve neurological outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vicente Javier Clemente-Suárez
- Faculty of Sports Sciences, Universidad Europea de Madrid, Tajo Street, s/n, 28670 Madrid, Spain; (V.J.C.-S.); (A.C.-R.); (J.F.T.-A.)
- Grupo de Investigación en Cultura, Educación y Sociedad, Universidad de la Costa, Barranquilla 080002, Colombia
| | - Laura Redondo-Flórez
- Department of Health Sciences, Faculty of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Universidad Europea de Madrid, C/Tajo s/n, Villaviciosa de Odón, 28670 Madrid, Spain;
| | | | - Pedro Belinchón-deMiguel
- Department of Nursing and Nutrition, Faculty of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Universidad Europea de Madrid, Villaviciosa de Odón, 28670 Madrid, Spain;
| | - Domingo Jesús Ramos-Campo
- LFE Research Group, Department of Health and Human Performance, Faculty of Physical Activity and Sport Science-INEF, Universidad Politécnica de Madrid, 28040 Madrid, Spain;
| | - Agustín Curiel-Regueros
- Faculty of Sports Sciences, Universidad Europea de Madrid, Tajo Street, s/n, 28670 Madrid, Spain; (V.J.C.-S.); (A.C.-R.); (J.F.T.-A.)
| | - Alexandra Martín-Rodríguez
- Faculty of Sports Sciences, Universidad Europea de Madrid, Tajo Street, s/n, 28670 Madrid, Spain; (V.J.C.-S.); (A.C.-R.); (J.F.T.-A.)
| | - José Francisco Tornero-Aguilera
- Faculty of Sports Sciences, Universidad Europea de Madrid, Tajo Street, s/n, 28670 Madrid, Spain; (V.J.C.-S.); (A.C.-R.); (J.F.T.-A.)
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Portugal CC. Ascorbate and its transporter SVCT2: The dynamic duo's integrated roles in CNS neurobiology and pathophysiology. Free Radic Biol Med 2024; 212:448-462. [PMID: 38182073 DOI: 10.1016/j.freeradbiomed.2023.12.040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2023] [Revised: 12/11/2023] [Accepted: 12/27/2023] [Indexed: 01/07/2024]
Abstract
Ascorbate is a small antioxidant molecule essential for the proper development and function of the brain. Ascorbate is transported into the brain and between brain cells via the Sodium vitamin C co-transporter 2 (SVCT2). This review provides an in-depth analysis of ascorbate's physiology, including how ascorbate is absorbed from food into the CNS, emphasizing cellular mechanisms of ascorbate recycling and release in different CNS compartments. Additionally, the review delves into the various functions of ascorbate in the CNS, including its impact on epigenetic modulation, synaptic plasticity, and neurotransmission. It also emphasizes ascorbate's role on neuromodulation and its involvement in neurodevelopmental processes and disorders. Furthermore, it analyzes the relationship between the duo ascorbate/SVCT2 in neuroinflammation, particularly its effects on microglial activation, cytokine release, and oxidative stress responses, highlighting its association with neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer's disease (AD). Overall, this review emphasizes the crucial role of the dynamic duo ascorbate/SVCT2 in CNS physiology and pathology and the need for further research to fully comprehend its significance in a neurobiological context and its potential therapeutic applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Camila C Portugal
- I3s - Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde da Universidade do Porto and IBMC - Instituto de Biologia Molecular e Celular, Rua Alfredo Allen 208, 4200-135, Porto, Portugal.
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7
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Coker SJ, Berry MJ, Vissers MCM, Dyson RM. Maternal Vitamin C Intake during Pregnancy Influences Long-Term Offspring Growth with Timing- and Sex-Specific Effects in Guinea Pigs. Nutrients 2024; 16:369. [PMID: 38337653 PMCID: PMC10857109 DOI: 10.3390/nu16030369] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2023] [Revised: 01/18/2024] [Accepted: 01/25/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Our previous work in guinea pigs revealed that low vitamin C intake during preconception and pregnancy adversely affects fertility, pregnancy outcomes, and foetal and neonatal growth in a sex-dependent manner. To investigate the long-term impact on offspring, we monitored their growth from birth to adolescence (four months), recorded organ weights at childhood equivalence (28 days) and adolescence, and assessed physiological parameters like oral glucose tolerance and basal cortisol concentrations. We also investigated the effects of the timing of maternal vitamin C restriction (early vs. late gestation) on pregnancy outcomes and the health consequences for offspring. Dunkin Hartley guinea pigs were fed an optimal (900 mg/kg feed) or low (100 mg/kg feed) vitamin C diet ad libitum during preconception. Pregnant dams were then randomised into four feeding regimens: consistently optimal, consistently low, low during early pregnancy, or low during late pregnancy. We found that low maternal vitamin C intake during early pregnancy accelerated foetal and neonatal growth in female offspring and altered glucose homeostasis in the offspring of both sexes at an age equivalent to early childhood. Conversely, low maternal vitamin C intake during late pregnancy resulted in foetal growth restriction and reduced weight gain in male offspring throughout their lifespan. We conclude that altered vitamin C during development has long-lasting, sex-specific consequences for offspring and that the timing of vitamin C depletion is also critical, with low levels during early development being associated with the development of a metabolic syndrome-related phenotype, while later deprivation appears to be linked to a growth-faltering phenotype.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sharna J. Coker
- Perinatal and Developmental Physiology Group, Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, University of Otago, Wellington 6242, New Zealand; (M.J.B.); (R.M.D.)
| | - Mary J. Berry
- Perinatal and Developmental Physiology Group, Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, University of Otago, Wellington 6242, New Zealand; (M.J.B.); (R.M.D.)
| | - Margreet C. M. Vissers
- Mātai Hāora-Centre for Redox Biology and Medicine, Department of Pathology and Biomedical Science, University of Otago, Christchurch 8140, New Zealand;
| | - Rebecca M. Dyson
- Perinatal and Developmental Physiology Group, Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, University of Otago, Wellington 6242, New Zealand; (M.J.B.); (R.M.D.)
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Islam M, Samal A, Davis DJ, Behura SK. Ablation of placental REST deregulates fetal brain metabolism and impacts gene expression of the offspring brain at the postnatal and adult stages. FASEB J 2024; 38:e23349. [PMID: 38069914 DOI: 10.1096/fj.202301344r] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2023] [Revised: 10/26/2023] [Accepted: 11/20/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023]
Abstract
In this study, the transcriptional repressor REST (Repressor Element 1 Silencing Transcription factor) was ablated in the mouse placenta to investigate molecular and cellular impacts on the offspring brain at different life stages. Ablation of placental REST deregulated several brain metabolites, including glucose and lactate that fuel brain energy, vitamin C (ascorbic acid) that functions in the epigenetic programming of the brain during postnatal development, and glutamate and creatine that help the brain to respond to stress conditions during adult life. Bulk RNA-seq analysis showed that a lack of placental REST persistently altered multiple transport genes, including those related to oxygen transportation in the offspring brain. While metabolic genes were impacted in the postnatal brain, different stress response genes were activated in the adult brain. DNA methylation was also impacted in the adult brain due to the loss of placental REST, but in a sex-biased manner. Single-nuclei RNA-seq analysis showed that specific cell types of the brain, particularly those of the choroid plexus and ependyma, which play critical roles in producing cerebrospinal fluid and maintaining metabolic homeostasis, were significantly impacted due to the loss of placental REST. These cells showed significant differential expression of genes associated with the metabotropic (G coupled protein) and ionotropic (ligand-gated ion channel) glutamate receptors, suggesting an impact of ablation of placental REST on the glutamatergic signaling of the offspring brain. The study expands our understanding of placental influences on the offspring brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maliha Islam
- Division of Animal Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri, USA
| | - Ananya Samal
- Division of Animal Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri, USA
| | - Daniel J Davis
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri, USA
- Animal Modeling Core, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri, USA
| | - Susanta K Behura
- Division of Animal Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri, USA
- MU Institute for Data Science and Informatics, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri, USA
- Interdisciplnary Reproductive and Health Group, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri, USA
- Interdisciplinary Neuroscience Program, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri, USA
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9
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Coker SJ, Dyson RM, Smith-Díaz CC, Vissers MCM, Berry MJ. Effects of Low Vitamin C Intake on Fertility Parameters and Pregnancy Outcomes in Guinea Pigs. Nutrients 2023; 15:4107. [PMID: 37836389 PMCID: PMC10574174 DOI: 10.3390/nu15194107] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2023] [Revised: 09/21/2023] [Accepted: 09/21/2023] [Indexed: 10/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Identifying how specific nutrients can impact fertility, pregnancy, and neonatal outcomes will yield important insights into the biological mechanisms linking diet and reproductive health. Our study investigates how dietary vitamin C intake affects various fertility parameters and pregnancy and neonatal outcomes in the guinea pig, a natural model of vitamin C dependency. Dunkin Hartley guinea pigs were fed an optimal (900 mg/kg feed) or low (100 mg/kg feed) vitamin C diet ad libitum for at least three weeks prior to mating and throughout pregnancy. We found that animals receiving the low vitamin C diet had an increased number of unsuccessful matings, a higher incidence of foetal reabsorption, and, among pregnancies resulting in delivery at term, produced fewer offspring. Neonates from mothers on the low vitamin C diet had significantly decreased plasma vitamin C concentrations at birth and exhibited mild growth impairments in a sex-dependent manner. We conclude that a diet low of vitamin C induces a state of subfertility, reduces overall fecundity, and adversely impacts both pregnancy outcomes and growth in the offspring. Our study provides an essential foundation for future investigations to determine whether these findings translate to humans. If so, they could have important clinical implications for assisted reproductive technologies and nutritional recommendations for couples trying to conceive, pregnant women, and breastfeeding mothers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sharna J. Coker
- Perinatal and Developmental Physiology Group, Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, University of Otago, Wellington 6242, New Zealand; (S.J.C.); (R.M.D.)
| | - Rebecca M. Dyson
- Perinatal and Developmental Physiology Group, Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, University of Otago, Wellington 6242, New Zealand; (S.J.C.); (R.M.D.)
| | - Carlos C. Smith-Díaz
- Mātai Hāora—Centre for Redox Biology and Medicine, Department of Pathology and Biomedical Science, University of Otago, Christchurch 8140, New Zealand;
| | - Margreet C. M. Vissers
- Mātai Hāora—Centre for Redox Biology and Medicine, Department of Pathology and Biomedical Science, University of Otago, Christchurch 8140, New Zealand;
| | - Mary J. Berry
- Perinatal and Developmental Physiology Group, Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, University of Otago, Wellington 6242, New Zealand; (S.J.C.); (R.M.D.)
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10
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Serwatka CA, Griebel-Thompson AK, Eiden RD, Kong KL. Nutrient Supplementation during the Prenatal Period in Substance-Using Mothers: A Narrative Review of the Effects on Offspring Development. Nutrients 2023; 15:2990. [PMID: 37447316 DOI: 10.3390/nu15132990] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2023] [Revised: 06/26/2023] [Accepted: 06/27/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Substance use during pregnancy increases the risk for poor developmental outcomes of the offspring, and for substance-dependent mothers, abstaining from substance use during pregnancy is often difficult. Given the addictive nature of many substances, strategies that may mitigate the harmful effects of prenatal substance exposure are important. Prenatal nutrient supplementation is an emerging intervention that may improve developmental outcomes among substance-exposed offspring. We provide a narrative review of the literature on micronutrient and fatty acid supplementation during pregnancies exposed to substance use in relation to offspring developmental outcomes. We first discuss animal models exposed to ethanol during pregnancy with supplementation of choline, zinc, vitamin E, iron, and fatty acids. We follow with human studies of both alcohol- and nicotine-exposed pregnancies with supplementation of choline and vitamin C, respectively. We identified only 26 animal studies on ethanol and 6 human studies on alcohol and nicotine that supplemented nutrients during pregnancy and reported offspring developmental outcomes. There were no studies that examined nutrient supplementation during pregnancies exposed to cannabis, illicit substances, or polysubstance use. Implementations and future directions are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catherine A Serwatka
- Baby Health Behavior Laboratory, Division of Health Services and Outcomes Research, Children's Mercy Research Institute, Children's Mercy Hospital, Kansas City, MO 64108, USA
| | - Adrianne K Griebel-Thompson
- Baby Health Behavior Laboratory, Division of Health Services and Outcomes Research, Children's Mercy Research Institute, Children's Mercy Hospital, Kansas City, MO 64108, USA
| | - Rina D Eiden
- Department of Psychology and the Social Science Research Institute, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16801, USA
| | - Kai Ling Kong
- Baby Health Behavior Laboratory, Division of Health Services and Outcomes Research, Children's Mercy Research Institute, Children's Mercy Hospital, Kansas City, MO 64108, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Missouri-Kansas City, Kansas City, MO 64110, USA
- Center for Children's Healthy Lifestyles and Nutrition, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS 66160, USA
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11
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Salazar K, Jara N, Ramírez E, de Lima I, Smith-Ghigliotto J, Muñoz V, Ferrada L, Nualart F. Role of vitamin C and SVCT2 in neurogenesis. Front Neurosci 2023; 17:1155758. [PMID: 37424994 PMCID: PMC10324519 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2023.1155758] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2023] [Accepted: 06/01/2023] [Indexed: 07/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Different studies have established the fundamental role of vitamin C in proliferation, differentiation, and neurogenesis in embryonic and adult brains, as well as in in vitro cell models. To fulfill these functions, the cells of the nervous system regulate the expression and sorting of sodium-dependent vitamin C transporter 2 (SVCT2), as well as the recycling of vitamin C between ascorbic acid (AA) and dehydroascorbic acid (DHA) via a bystander effect. SVCT2 is a transporter preferentially expressed in neurons and in neural precursor cells. In developmental stages, it is concentrated in the apical region of the radial glia, and in adult life, it is expressed preferentially in motor neurons of the cerebral cortex, starting on postnatal day 1. In neurogenic niches, SVCT2 is preferentially expressed in precursors with intermediate proliferation, where a scorbutic condition reduces neuronal differentiation. Vitamin C is a potent epigenetic regulator in stem cells; thus, it can induce the demethylation of DNA and histone H3K27m3 in the promoter region of genes involved in neurogenesis and differentiation, an effect mediated by Tet1 and Jmjd3 demethylases, respectively. In parallel, it has been shown that vitamin C induces the expression of stem cell-specific microRNA, including the Dlk1-Dio3 imprinting region and miR-143, which promotes stem cell self-renewal and suppresses de novo expression of the methyltransferase gene Dnmt3a. The epigenetic action of vitamin C has also been evaluated during gene reprogramming of human fibroblasts to induced pluripotent cells, where it has been shown that vitamin C substantially improves the efficiency and quality of reprogrammed cells. Thus, for a proper effect of vitamin C on neurogenesis and differentiation, its function as an enzymatic cofactor, modulator of gene expression and antioxidant is essential, as is proper recycling from DHA to AA by various supporting cells in the CNS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katterine Salazar
- Laboratory of Neurobiology and Stem Cells, NeuroCellT, Department of Cellular Biology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, University of Concepcion, Concepcion, Chile
- Center for Advanced Microscopy CMA BIO, University of Concepcion, Concepcion, Chile
| | - Nery Jara
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Concepcion, Concepcion, Chile
| | - Eder Ramírez
- Laboratory of Neurobiology and Stem Cells, NeuroCellT, Department of Cellular Biology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, University of Concepcion, Concepcion, Chile
| | - Isabelle de Lima
- Laboratory of Neurobiology and Stem Cells, NeuroCellT, Department of Cellular Biology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, University of Concepcion, Concepcion, Chile
| | - Javiera Smith-Ghigliotto
- Laboratory of Neurobiology and Stem Cells, NeuroCellT, Department of Cellular Biology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, University of Concepcion, Concepcion, Chile
| | - Valentina Muñoz
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Concepcion, Concepcion, Chile
| | - Luciano Ferrada
- Center for Advanced Microscopy CMA BIO, University of Concepcion, Concepcion, Chile
| | - Francisco Nualart
- Laboratory of Neurobiology and Stem Cells, NeuroCellT, Department of Cellular Biology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, University of Concepcion, Concepcion, Chile
- Center for Advanced Microscopy CMA BIO, University of Concepcion, Concepcion, Chile
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12
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Vitamin C Modes of Action in Calcium-Involved Signaling in the Brain. Antioxidants (Basel) 2023; 12:antiox12020231. [PMID: 36829790 PMCID: PMC9952025 DOI: 10.3390/antiox12020231] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2022] [Revised: 01/15/2023] [Accepted: 01/17/2023] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) is well known for its potent antioxidant properties, as it can neutralize ROS and free radicals, thereby protecting cellular elements from oxidative stress. It predominantly exists as an ascorbate anion and after oxidation to dehydroascorbic acid and further breakdown, is removed from the cells. In nervous tissue, a progressive decrease in vitamin C level or its prolonged deficiency have been associated with an increased risk of disturbances in neurotransmission, leading to dysregulation in brain function. Therefore, understanding the regulatory function of vitamin C in antioxidant defence and identification of its molecular targets deserves more attention. One of the key signalling ions is calcium and a transient rise in its concentration is crucial for all neuronal processes. Extracellular Ca2+ influx (through specific ion channels) or Ca2+ release from intracellular stores (endoplasmic reticulum, mitochondria) are precisely controlled. Ca2+ regulates the functioning of the CNS, including growth, development, myelin formation, synthesis of catecholamines, modulation of neurotransmission and antioxidant protection. A growing body of evidence indicates a unique role for vitamin C in these processes. In this short review, we focus on vitamin C in the regulation of calcium-involved pathways under physiological and stress conditions in the brain.
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13
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SVCT2-mediated ascorbic acid uptake buffers stress responses via DNA hydroxymethylation reprogramming of S100 calcium-binding protein A4 gene. Redox Biol 2022; 58:102543. [PMID: 36436457 PMCID: PMC9694147 DOI: 10.1016/j.redox.2022.102543] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2022] [Revised: 11/04/2022] [Accepted: 11/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Vitamin C, a key antioxidant in the central nervous system, cycles between ascorbic acid and dehydroascorbic acid under pathophysiological conditions. Clinical evidence supports that the absence of vitamin C may be linked to depressive symptoms, but much less is known about the mechanism. Herein, we show that chronic stress disrupts the expression of ascorbic acid transporter, sodium-dependent vitamin C transport 2, and induces a deficiency in endogenous ascorbic acid in the medial prefrontal cortex, leading to depressive-like behaviors by disturbing redox-dependent DNA methylation reprogramming. Attractively, ascorbic acid (100 mg/kg-1000 mg/kg, intraperitoneal injection, as bioequivalent of an intravenous drip dose of 0.48 g-4.8 g ascorbic acid per day in humans) produces rapid-acting antidepressant effects via triggering DNA demethylation catalyzed by ten-eleven translocation dioxygenases. In particular, the mechanistic studies by both transcriptome sequencing and methylation sequencing have shown that S100 calcium binding protein A4, a potentially protective factor against oxidative stress and brain injury, mediates the antidepressant activity of ascorbic acid via activating erb-b2 receptor tyrosine kinase 4 (ErbB4)-brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) signaling pathway. Overall, our findings reveal a novel nutritional mechanism that couples stress to aberrant DNA methylation underlying depressive-like behaviors. Therefore, application of vitamin C may be a potential strategy for the treatment of depression.
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14
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Vitamin C Deficiency Reduces Neurogenesis and Proliferation in the SVZ and Lateral Ventricle Extensions of the Young Guinea Pig Brain. Antioxidants (Basel) 2022; 11:antiox11102030. [PMID: 36290753 PMCID: PMC9598632 DOI: 10.3390/antiox11102030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2022] [Revised: 09/30/2022] [Accepted: 10/03/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Although scurvy, the severe form of vitamin C deficiency, has been almost eradicated, the prevalence of subclinical vitamin C deficiency is much higher than previously estimated and its impact on human health might not be fully understood. Vitamin C is an essential molecule, especially in the central nervous system where it performs numerous, varied and critical functions, including modulation of neurogenesis and neuronal differentiation. Although it was originally considered to occur only in the embryonic brain, it is now widely accepted that neurogenesis also takes place in the adult brain. The subventricular zone (SVZ) is the neurogenic niche where the largest number of new neurons are born; however, the effect of vitamin C deficiency on neurogenesis in this key region of the adult brain is unknown. Therefore, through BrdU labeling, immunohistochemistry, confocal microscopy and transmission electron microscopy, we analyzed the proliferation and cellular composition of the SVZ and the lateral ventricle (LVE) of adult guinea pigs exposed to a vitamin-C-deficient diet for 14 and 21 days. We found that neuroblasts in the SVZ and LVE were progressively and significantly decreased as the days under vitamin C deficiency elapsed. The neuroblasts in the SVZ and LVE decreased by about 50% in animals with 21 days of deficiency; this was correlated with a reduction in BrdU positive cells in the SVZ and LVE. In addition, the reduction in neuroblasts was not restricted to a particular rostro–caudal area, but was observed throughout the LVE. We also found that vitamin C deficiency altered cellular morphology at the ultrastructural level, especially the cellular and nuclear morphology of ependymal cells of the LVE. Therefore, vitamin C is essential for the maintenance of the SVZ cell populations required for normal activity of the SVZ neurogenic niche in the adult guinea pig brain. Based on our results from the guinea pig brain, we postulate that vitamin C deficiency could also affect neurogenesis in the human brain.
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15
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Effect of a maternal high fat diet with vegetable substitution on fetal brain transcriptome. J Nutr Biochem 2022; 108:109088. [PMID: 35691591 DOI: 10.1016/j.jnutbio.2022.109088] [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: 09/30/2021] [Revised: 04/02/2022] [Accepted: 05/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Maternal dietary conditions play a major role in fetal growth and brain development. The primary aim of this study was to determine the effects of 5% of energy substitution by vegetables in a maternal dietary fat on placental and fetal weight and on fetal brain gene expression. Two-month-old female C57BL/6 mice were fed 16% (normal-fat, NF), 45% fat (HF), or HF substituted with vegetables (5% energy, HF+VS) diets for 12 weeks. Dams were then bred with NF diet-fed male mice. Placenta and fetal weights were measured at gestational age 19 (D19). RNA was isolated from fetal whole brains and sequenced using Illumina HiSeq. HF+VS diet prevented maternal HF diet-induced decreases in placental weight at D19. Feeding of a maternal HF diet was associated with 79 differentially expressed genes (DEGs), while maternal vegetable substitution was associated with 131 DEGs. The vegetable substitution diet decreased Apold1 (P=0.0319), Spata2l (P=0.0404) and Celsr1 (P<0.03) expression compared to HF diet. Enrichment analysis of HF vs HF +VS DEGs identified that synapse organization, and regulation of embryonic development were significantly represented. KEGG enrichment analysis identified a significant representation of DEGs in the ubiquitin mediated proteolysis pathway in HF vs HF +VS, and chemokine signaling pathway in NF vs HF. These findings suggest that at D19, in a rodent model, a maternal HF diet alters placental and fetal growth, and that vegetable supplementation renders a protective effect against these changes.
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16
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Murererehe J, Uwitonze AM, Nikuze P, Patel J, Razzaque MS. Beneficial Effects of Vitamin C in Maintaining Optimal Oral Health. Front Nutr 2022; 8:805809. [PMID: 35083263 PMCID: PMC8784414 DOI: 10.3389/fnut.2021.805809] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2021] [Accepted: 12/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Julienne Murererehe
- Department of Preventive and Community Dentistry, School of Dentistry, University of Rwanda College of Medicine & Health Sciences, Kigali, Rwanda
| | - Anne Marie Uwitonze
- Department of Preventive and Community Dentistry, School of Dentistry, University of Rwanda College of Medicine & Health Sciences, Kigali, Rwanda
| | - Pacifique Nikuze
- Department of Preventive and Community Dentistry, School of Dentistry, University of Rwanda College of Medicine & Health Sciences, Kigali, Rwanda
| | - Jay Patel
- Department of Pathology, Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine, Erie, PA, United States
| | - Mohammed S Razzaque
- Department of Pathology, Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine, Erie, PA, United States
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17
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Coker SJ, Smith-Díaz CC, Dyson RM, Vissers MCM, Berry MJ. The Epigenetic Role of Vitamin C in Neurodevelopment. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23031208. [PMID: 35163133 PMCID: PMC8836017 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23031208] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2021] [Revised: 01/16/2022] [Accepted: 01/17/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The maternal diet during pregnancy is a key determinant of offspring health. Early studies have linked poor maternal nutrition during gestation with a propensity for the development of chronic conditions in offspring. These conditions include cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes and even compromised mental health. While multiple factors may contribute to these outcomes, disturbed epigenetic programming during early development is one potential biological mechanism. The epigenome is programmed primarily in utero, and during this time, the developing fetus is highly susceptible to environmental factors such as nutritional insults. During neurodevelopment, epigenetic programming coordinates the formation of primitive central nervous system structures, neurogenesis, and neuroplasticity. Dysregulated epigenetic programming has been implicated in the aetiology of several neurodevelopmental disorders such as Tatton-Brown-Rahman syndrome. Accordingly, there is great interest in determining how maternal nutrient availability in pregnancy might affect the epigenetic status of offspring, and how such influences may present phenotypically. In recent years, a number of epigenetic enzymes that are active during embryonic development have been found to require vitamin C as a cofactor. These enzymes include the ten-eleven translocation methylcytosine dioxygenases (TETs) and the Jumonji C domain-containing histone lysine demethylases that catalyse the oxidative removal of methyl groups on cytosines and histone lysine residues, respectively. These enzymes are integral to epigenetic regulation and have fundamental roles in cellular differentiation, the maintenance of pluripotency and development. The dependence of these enzymes on vitamin C for optimal catalytic activity illustrates a potentially critical contribution of the nutrient during mammalian development. These insights also highlight a potential risk associated with vitamin C insufficiency during pregnancy. The link between vitamin C insufficiency and development is particularly apparent in the context of neurodevelopment and high vitamin C concentrations in the brain are indicative of important functional requirements in this organ. Accordingly, this review considers the evidence for the potential impact of maternal vitamin C status on neurodevelopmental epigenetics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sharna J. Coker
- Perinatal & Developmental Physiology Group, Department of Paediatrics & Child Health, University of Otago, Wellington 6242, New Zealand; (S.J.C.); (R.M.D.)
| | - Carlos C. Smith-Díaz
- Centre for Free Radical Research, Department of Pathology and Biomedical Science, University of Otago, Christchurch 8140, New Zealand;
| | - Rebecca M. Dyson
- Perinatal & Developmental Physiology Group, Department of Paediatrics & Child Health, University of Otago, Wellington 6242, New Zealand; (S.J.C.); (R.M.D.)
| | - Margreet C. M. Vissers
- Centre for Free Radical Research, Department of Pathology and Biomedical Science, University of Otago, Christchurch 8140, New Zealand;
- Correspondence: (M.C.M.V.); (M.J.B.)
| | - Mary J. Berry
- Perinatal & Developmental Physiology Group, Department of Paediatrics & Child Health, University of Otago, Wellington 6242, New Zealand; (S.J.C.); (R.M.D.)
- Correspondence: (M.C.M.V.); (M.J.B.)
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18
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Turkestani M, Aldosiry N, Hamed N, Bhat RS, El-Ansary A. Learning Difficulties and Oxidative Stress in Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Review of the Role of Nutritional Interventions. NEUROCHEM J+ 2021. [DOI: 10.1134/s1819712421040140] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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19
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Moretti M, Rodrigues ALS. Functional role of ascorbic acid in the central nervous system: a focus on neurogenic and synaptogenic processes. Nutr Neurosci 2021; 25:2431-2441. [PMID: 34493165 DOI: 10.1080/1028415x.2021.1956848] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Ascorbic acid, a water-soluble vitamin, is highly concentrated in the brain and participates in neuronal modulation and regulation of central nervous system (CNS) homeostasis. Ascorbic acid has emerged as a neuroprotective compound against neurotoxicants and neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer's disease, multiple sclerosis and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Moreover, it improves behavioral and biochemical alterations in psychiatric disorders, including schizophrenia, anxiety, major depressive disorder, and bipolar disorder. Some recent studies have advanced the knowledge on the mechanisms associated with the preventive and therapeutic effects of ascorbic acid by showing that they are linked to improved neurogenesis and synaptic plasticity. This review shows that ascorbic acid has the potential to regulate positively stem cell generation and proliferation. Moreover, it improves neuronal differentiation of precursors cells, promotes adult hippocampal neurogenesis, and has synaptogenic effects that are possibly linked to its protective or therapeutic effects in the brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Morgana Moretti
- Department of Biochemistry, Center of Biological Sciences, Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina, Florianópolis, Brazil
| | - Ana Lúcia S Rodrigues
- Department of Biochemistry, Center of Biological Sciences, Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina, Florianópolis, Brazil
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20
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SVCT2 Overexpression and Ascorbic Acid Uptake Increase Cortical Neuron Differentiation, Which Is Dependent on Vitamin C Recycling between Neurons and Astrocytes. Antioxidants (Basel) 2021; 10:antiox10091413. [PMID: 34573045 PMCID: PMC8465431 DOI: 10.3390/antiox10091413] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2021] [Revised: 08/24/2021] [Accepted: 08/31/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
During brain development, sodium–vitamin C transporter (SVCT2) has been detected primarily in radial glial cells in situ, with low-to-absent expression in cerebral cortex neuroblasts. However, strong SVCT2 expression is observed during the first postnatal days, resulting in increased intracellular concentration of vitamin C. Hippocampal neurons isolated from SVCT2 knockout mice showed shorter neurites and low clustering of glutamate receptors. Other studies have shown that vitamin C-deprived guinea pigs have reduced spatial memory, suggesting that ascorbic acid (AA) and SVCT2 have important roles in postnatal neuronal differentiation and neurite formation. In this study, SVCT2 lentiviral overexpression induced branching and increased synaptic proteins expression in primary cultures of cortical neurons. Analysis in neuroblastoma 2a (Neuro2a) and human subventricular tumor C3 (HSVT-C3) cells showed similar branching results. SVCT2 was mainly observed in the cell membrane and endoplasmic reticulum; however, it was not detected in the mitochondria. Cellular branching in neuronal cells and in a previously standardized neurosphere assay is dependent on the recycling of vitamin C or reduction in dehydroascorbic acid (DHA, produced by neurons) by glial cells. The effect of WZB117, a selective glucose/DHA transporter 1 (GLUT1) inhibitor expressed in glial cells, was also studied. By inhibiting GLUT1 glial cells, a loss of branching is observed in vitro, which is reproduced in the cerebral cortex in situ. We concluded that vitamin C recycling between neurons and astrocyte-like cells is fundamental to maintain neuronal differentiation in vitro and in vivo. The recycling activity begins at the cerebral postnatal cortex when neurons increase SVCT2 expression and concomitantly, GLUT1 is expressed in glial cells.
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21
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Tveden-Nyborg P. Vitamin C Deficiency in the Young Brain-Findings from Experimental Animal Models. Nutrients 2021; 13:1685. [PMID: 34063417 PMCID: PMC8156420 DOI: 10.3390/nu13051685] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2021] [Revised: 05/06/2021] [Accepted: 05/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Severe and long-term vitamin C deficiency can lead to fatal scurvy, which is fortunately considered rare today. However, a moderate state of vitamin C (vitC) deficiency (hypovitaminosis C)-defined as a plasma concentration below 23 μM-is estimated to affect up to 10% of the population in the Western world, albeit clinical hallmarks in addition to scurvy have not been linked to vitC deficiency. The brain maintains a high vitC content and uniquely high levels during deficiency, supporting vitC's importance in the brain. Actions include both antioxidant and co-factor functions, rendering vitamin C deficiency likely to affect several targets in the brain, and it could be particularly significant during development where a high cellular metabolism and an immature antioxidant system might increase sensitivity. However, investigations of a non-scorbutic state of vitC deficiency and effects on the developing young brain are scarce. This narrative review provides a comprehensive overview of the complex mechanisms that regulate vitC homeostasis in vivo and in the brain in particular. Functions of vitC in the brain and the potential consequences of deficiency during brain development are highlighted, based primarily on findings from experimental animal models. Perspectives for future investigations of vitC are outlined.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pernille Tveden-Nyborg
- Section of Experimental Animal Models, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, 1870 Copenhagen, Denmark
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22
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Anitha A, Viswambharan V, Thanseem I, Iype M, Parakkal R, Surendran SP, Mundalil MV. Vitamins and Cognition: A Nutrigenomics Perspective. CURRENT NUTRITION & FOOD SCIENCE 2021. [DOI: 10.2174/1573401316999200901180443] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
The rise in the prevalence of neurodegenerative and neurodevelopmental cognitive disorders
combined with a lack of efficient therapeutic strategies has necessitated the need to develop alternate
approaches. Dietary supplements are now being considered as a complementary and alternative
medicine for cognitive impairments. Considerable evidence suggests the role of vitamins in
modulating the genetic and epigenetic factors implicated in neuropsychiatric, neurodevelopmental
and neurodegenerative disorders. In this review, we provide an overview of the implications of nutrigenomics
with reference to vitamins that are suggested to boost cognitive functions (nootropic vitamins).
Several vitamins have been found to possess antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties
which make them potential candidates in preventing or delaying age-related neurodegeneration and
cognitive decline. Well-designed longitudinal studies are essential to examine the association between
vitamins and cognitive functions. Future studies linking nutrition with advances in neuroscience,
genomics and epigenomics would provide novel approaches to managing cognitive disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ayyappan Anitha
- Department of Neurogenetics, Institute for Communicative and Cognitive Neurosciences (ICCONS), Shoranur, Palakkad 679 523, Kerala, India
| | - Vijitha Viswambharan
- Department of Neurogenetics, Institute for Communicative and Cognitive Neurosciences (ICCONS), Shoranur, Palakkad 679 523, Kerala, India
| | - Ismail Thanseem
- Department of Neurogenetics, Institute for Communicative and Cognitive Neurosciences (ICCONS), Shoranur, Palakkad 679 523, Kerala, India
| | - Mary Iype
- Government Medical College, Thiruvananthapuram 695 011, Kerala, India
| | - Rahna Parakkal
- Department of Neurogenetics, Institute for Communicative and Cognitive Neurosciences (ICCONS), Shoranur, Palakkad 679 523, Kerala, India
| | - Sumitha P. Surendran
- Department of Neurogenetics, Institute for Communicative and Cognitive Neurosciences (ICCONS), Shoranur, Palakkad 679 523, Kerala, India
| | - Mahesh V. Mundalil
- Department of Neurogenetics, Institute for Communicative and Cognitive Neurosciences (ICCONS), Shoranur, Palakkad 679 523, Kerala, India
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23
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Morris-Blanco KC, Chokkalla AK, Bertogliat MJ, Vemuganti R. TET3 regulates DNA hydroxymethylation of neuroprotective genes following focal ischemia. J Cereb Blood Flow Metab 2021; 41:590-603. [PMID: 32380888 PMCID: PMC7922754 DOI: 10.1177/0271678x20912965] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
The 5-hydroxymethylcytosine (5hmC) epigenetic modification is highly enriched in the CNS and a critical modulator of neuronal function and development. We found that cortical 5hmC was enhanced from 5 min to three days of reperfusion following focal ischemia in adult mice. Blockade of the 5hmC-producing enzyme ten-eleven translocase 3 (TET3) increased edema, infarct volume, and motor function impairments. To determine the mechanism by which TET3 provides ischemic neuroprotection, we assessed the genomic regions where TET3 modulates 5hmC. Genome-wide sequencing analysis of differentially hydroxymethylated regions (DhMRs) revealed that focal ischemia robustly increased 5hmC at the promoters of thousands of genes in a TET3-dependent manner. TET3 inhibition reduced 5hmC at the promoters of neuroprotective genes involved in cell survival, angiogenesis, neurogenesis, antioxidant defense, DNA repair, and metabolism demonstrating a role for TET3 in endogenous protection against stroke. The mRNA expression of several genes with known involvement in ischemic neuroprotection were also reduced with TET3 knockdown in both male and female mice, establishing a correlation between decreased promoter 5hmC levels and decreased gene expression. Collectively, our results indicate that TET3 globally increases 5hmC at regulatory regions and overwhelmingly modulates 5hmC in several neuroprotective pathways that may improve outcome after ischemic injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kahlilia C Morris-Blanco
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA.,Department of Research, William S. Middleton Veterans Administration Hospital, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Anil K Chokkalla
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA.,Cellular and Molecular Pathology Graduate Program, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Mario J Bertogliat
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Raghu Vemuganti
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA.,Department of Research, William S. Middleton Veterans Administration Hospital, Madison, WI, USA.,Cellular and Molecular Pathology Graduate Program, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
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24
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Moritz B, Schmitz AE, Rodrigues ALS, Dafre AL, Cunha MP. The role of vitamin C in stress-related disorders. J Nutr Biochem 2020; 85:108459. [PMID: 32745879 DOI: 10.1016/j.jnutbio.2020.108459] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2019] [Revised: 03/10/2020] [Accepted: 06/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Stress-related disorders, such as depression and anxiety, present marked deficits in behavioral and cognitive functions related to reward. These are highly prevalent disabling conditions with high social and economic costs. Furthermore, a significant percentage of affected individuals cannot benefit from clinical intervention, opening space for new treatments. Although the literature data have reported limited and variable results regarding oxidative stress-related endpoints in stress-related disorders, the possible neuroprotective effect of antioxidant compounds, such as ascorbic acid (vitamin C), emerges as a possible therapy strategy for psychiatric diseases. Here, we briefly present background information on biological activity of ascorbic acid, particularly functions related to the CNS homeostasis. Additionaly, we reviewed the available information on the role of ascorbic acid in stress-related diseases, focusing on supplementation and depletion studies. The vitamin C deficiency is widely associated to stress-related diseases. Although the efficacy of this vitamin in anxiety spectrum disorders is less stablished, several studies showed that ascorbic acid supplementation produces antidepressant effect and improves mood. Interestingly, the modulation of monoaminergic and glutamatergic neurotransmitter systems is postulated as pivotal target for the antidepressant and anxiolytic effects of this vitamin. Given that ascorbic acid supplementation produces fast therapeutic response with low toxicity and high tolerance, it can be considered as a putative candidate for the treatment of mood and anxiety disorders, especially those that are refractory to current treatments. Herein, the literature was reviewed considering the potential use of ascorbic acid as an adjuvant in the treatment of anxiety and depression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bettina Moritz
- Department of Biochemistry, Federal University of Santa Catarina, 88040-900, Florianópolis, SC, Brazil
| | - Ariana E Schmitz
- Department of Biochemistry, Federal University of Santa Catarina, 88040-900, Florianópolis, SC, Brazil
| | - Ana Lúcia S Rodrigues
- Department of Biochemistry, Federal University of Santa Catarina, 88040-900, Florianópolis, SC, Brazil
| | - Alcir L Dafre
- Department of Biochemistry, Federal University of Santa Catarina, 88040-900, Florianópolis, SC, Brazil
| | - Mauricio P Cunha
- Department of Biochemistry, Federal University of Santa Catarina, 88040-900, Florianópolis, SC, Brazil.
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25
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Dixit S, Mehra RD, Dhar P. Effect of α-lipoic acid on spatial memory and structural integrity of developing hippocampal neurons in rats subjected to sodium arsenite exposure. ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY AND PHARMACOLOGY 2020; 75:103323. [PMID: 31935550 DOI: 10.1016/j.etap.2020.103323] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2019] [Revised: 12/29/2019] [Accepted: 01/02/2020] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Exposure to arsenic has been reported to affect the nervous system in a number of ways. Various epidemiological studies suggest cognitive impairment in subjects following exposure to environmental arsenic. The goal of the present study was to determine if supplementation of exogenous α-lipoic acid (ALA) could ameliorate sodium arsenite (NaAsO2) induced adverse effects on learning and memory and synaptic connectivity in rat hippocampus. METHODS Accordingly, NaAsO2 alone (1.5/2.0 mg/kg bw) or NaAsO2 along with ALA (70 mg/kg bw) was administered by intraperitoneal (i.p.) route from postnatal day (PND) 4-17 to Wistar rat pups (experimental groups) and the Control groups received either distilled water or no treatment at all. After carrying out Elevated Plus Maze (EPM) and Morris Water Maze (MWM) test, the fresh brain tissues were collected on PND 18 and processed for Golgi Cox staining. RESULTS Observations of MWM test revealed impaired learning and memory in iAs alone treated animals as against those co-exposed to iAs and ALA. In Golgi stained hippocampal sections of iAs alone treated animals, decreased dendritic arborization and reduced number of spines in pyramidal neurons (CA1) and granule cells (DG) was observed whereas neuronal morphology was preserved in the controls and ALA supplemented groups CONCLUSIONS: These observations are suggestive of beneficial effects of ALA on iAs induced effects on learning and memory as well as on hippocampal neuronal morphology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shilpi Dixit
- Department of Anatomy, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, 110029, India; Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, Melbourne, Australia.
| | - Raj D Mehra
- Department of Anatomy, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, 110029, India.
| | - Pushpa Dhar
- Department of Anatomy, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, 110029, India.
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Fraga DB, Costa AP, Olescowicz G, Camargo A, Pazini FL, E Freitas A, Moretti M, S Brocardo P, S Rodrigues AL. Ascorbic acid presents rapid behavioral and hippocampal synaptic plasticity effects. Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry 2020; 96:109757. [PMID: 31476335 DOI: 10.1016/j.pnpbp.2019.109757] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2019] [Revised: 08/13/2019] [Accepted: 08/29/2019] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Growing evidence has suggested that ascorbic acid may exhibit rapid anxiolytic and antidepressant-like effects. In this study the effects of a single administration of ascorbic acid (1 mg/kg, p.o.), ketamine (1 mg/kg, i.p., a fast-acting antidepressant) and fluoxetine (10 mg/kg, p.o., conventional antidepressant) were investigated on: a) behavioral performance in the novelty suppressed feeding (NSF) test; b) hippocampal synaptic protein immunocontent; c) dendritic spine density and morphology in the dorsal and ventral dentate gyrus (DG) of the hippocampus and d) hippocampal dendritic arborization. Ascorbic acid or ketamine, but not fluoxetine, decreased the latency to feed in the NSF test in mice. This effect was accompanied by increased p70S6K (Thr389) phosphorylation 1 h after ascorbic acid or ketamine treatment, although only ascorbic acid increased synapsin I immunocontent. Ketamine administration increased the dendritic spine density in the dorsal DG, but none of the treatments affected the maturation of dendritic spines in this region. In addition, both ascorbic acid and ketamine increased the dendritic spine density in the ventral DG, particularly the mature spines. Sholl analysis demonstrated no effect of any treatment on hippocampal dendritic arborization. Altogether, the results provide evidence that the behavioral and synaptic responses observed following ascorbic acid administration might occur via the upregulation of synaptic proteins, dendritic spine density, and maturation in the ventral DG, similar to ketamine. These findings contribute to understand the cellular targets implicated in its antidepressant/anxiolytic behavioral responses and support the notion that ascorbic acid may share with ketamine the ability to increase synaptic function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daiane B Fraga
- Department of Biochemistry, Center of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Santa Catarina, Florianópolis, SC, Brazil
| | - Ana Paula Costa
- Department of Biochemistry, Center of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Santa Catarina, Florianópolis, SC, Brazil
| | - Gislaine Olescowicz
- Department of Biochemistry, Center of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Santa Catarina, Florianópolis, SC, Brazil
| | - Anderson Camargo
- Department of Biochemistry, Center of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Santa Catarina, Florianópolis, SC, Brazil
| | - Francis L Pazini
- Department of Biochemistry, Center of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Santa Catarina, Florianópolis, SC, Brazil
| | - Andiara E Freitas
- Department of Biochemistry, Center of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Santa Catarina, Florianópolis, SC, Brazil
| | - Morgana Moretti
- Department of Biochemistry, Center of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Santa Catarina, Florianópolis, SC, Brazil
| | - Patricia S Brocardo
- Department of Morphological Sciences, Center of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Santa Catarina, Florianópolis, SC, Brazil
| | - Ana Lúcia S Rodrigues
- Department of Biochemistry, Center of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Santa Catarina, Florianópolis, SC, Brazil.
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27
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The Pharmacokinetics of Vitamin C. Nutrients 2019; 11:nu11102412. [PMID: 31601028 PMCID: PMC6835439 DOI: 10.3390/nu11102412] [Citation(s) in RCA: 158] [Impact Index Per Article: 26.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2019] [Revised: 10/08/2019] [Accepted: 10/08/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The pharmacokinetics of vitamin C (vitC) is indeed complex. Regulated primarily by a family of saturable sodium dependent vitC transporters (SVCTs), the absorption and elimination are highly dose-dependent. Moreover, the tissue specific expression levels and subtypes of these SVCTs result in a compartmentalized distribution pattern with a diverse range of organ concentrations of vitC at homeostasis ranging from about 0.2 mM in the muscle and heart, and up to 10 mM in the brain and adrenal gland. The homeostasis of vitC is influenced by several factors, including genetic polymorphisms and environmental and lifestyle factors such as smoking and diet, as well as diseases. Going from physiological to pharmacological doses, vitC pharmacokinetics change from zero to first order, rendering the precise calculation of dosing regimens in, for example, cancer and sepsis treatment possible. Unfortunately, the complex pharmacokinetics of vitC has often been overlooked in the design of intervention studies, giving rise to misinterpretations and erroneous conclusions. The present review outlines the diverse aspects of vitC pharmacokinetics and examines how they affect vitC homeostasis under a variety of conditions.
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Kurihara K, Homma T, Kobayashi S, Shichiri M, Fujiwara H, Fujii S, Yamada KI, Nakane M, Kawamae K, Fujii J. Ascorbic acid insufficiency impairs spatial memory formation in juvenile AKR1A-knockout mice. J Clin Biochem Nutr 2019; 65:209-216. [PMID: 31777422 PMCID: PMC6877411 DOI: 10.3164/jcbn.19-41] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2019] [Accepted: 06/18/2019] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
AKR1A, an aldo-keto reductase, is involved in the synthesis of ascorbic acid as well as the reduction of a variety of aldehyde compounds. AKR1A−/− mice produce considerably less ascorbic acid (about 10%) compared to AKR1A+/+ mice and require ascorbic acid supplementation in order to breed. To elucidate the roles played by AKR1A in spatial memory, AKR1A−/− male mice were weaned at 4 weeks of age and groups that received ascorbic acid supplementation and no supplementation were subjected to a Morris water maze test. Juvenile AKR1A−/− mice that received no supplementation showed impaired spatial memory formation, even though about 70% of the ascorbic acid remained in the brains of the AKR1A−/− mice at day 7 after weaning. To the contrary, the young adult AKR1A−/− mice at 13–15 weeks of age maintained only 15% of ascorbic acid but showed no significant difference in the spatial memory compared with the AKR1A+/+ mice or ascorbic acid-supplemented AKR1A−/− mice. It is conceivable that juvenile mice require more ascorbic acid for the appropriate level of formation of spatial memory and that maturation of the neural system renders the memory forming process less sensitive to an ascorbic acid insufficiency.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kazuki Kurihara
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Graduate School of Medical Science, Yamagata University, 2-2-2 Iidanishi, Yamagata 990-9585, Japan.,Department of Anesthesiology, Faculty of Medicine, Yamagata University, 2-2-2 Iidanishi, Yamagata 990-9585, Japan
| | - Takujiro Homma
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Graduate School of Medical Science, Yamagata University, 2-2-2 Iidanishi, Yamagata 990-9585, Japan
| | - Sho Kobayashi
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Graduate School of Medical Science, Yamagata University, 2-2-2 Iidanishi, Yamagata 990-9585, Japan
| | - Mototada Shichiri
- Biomedical Research Institute, National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST), 1-8-31 Midorigaoka, Ikeda, Osaka 563-8577, Japan
| | - Hiroki Fujiwara
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Yamagata University, 2-2-2 Iidanishi, Yamagata 990-9585, Japan
| | - Satoshi Fujii
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Yamagata University, 2-2-2 Iidanishi, Yamagata 990-9585, Japan
| | - Ken-Ichi Yamada
- Physical Chemistry for Life Science Laboratory, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kyushu University, 3-1-1 Maidashi, Higashi-ku, Fukuoka 812-8582, Japan.,AMED-CREST, Japan Agency for Medical Research and Development, 1-7-1 Otemachi, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Masaki Nakane
- Department of Emergency and Critical Care Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Yamagata University, 2-2-2 Iidanishi, Yamagata 990-9585, Japan
| | - Kaneyuki Kawamae
- Department of Anesthesiology, Faculty of Medicine, Yamagata University, 2-2-2 Iidanishi, Yamagata 990-9585, Japan
| | - Junichi Fujii
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Graduate School of Medical Science, Yamagata University, 2-2-2 Iidanishi, Yamagata 990-9585, Japan
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Hosseini M, Beheshti F, Sohrabi F, Vafaee F, Shafei MN, Reza Sadeghnia H. Feeding Vitamin C during Neonatal and Juvenile Growth Improves Learning and Memory of Rats. J Diet Suppl 2018; 15:715-727. [PMID: 29172882 DOI: 10.1080/19390211.2017.1386749] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
We investigated the effects of feeding vitamin C (Vit C) during neonatal and juvenile growth on learning and memory of rats. Rats after delivery were randomly divided into four groups and treated. Group 1, control group, received normal drinking water. Groups 2-4 received Vit C 10, 100, and 500 mg/kg, respectively, from the first day. After 8 weeks, 10 male offspring of each group were randomly selected and tested in the Morris water maze (MWM) and passive avoidance (PA) tests. Finally, the brains were removed for biochemical measurement. In MWM, 10-500 mg/kg Vit C reduced the latency and traveled distance and increased time spent in the target quadrant. In PA, 10 and 100 mg/kg of Vit C increased the latency; 10-500 mg/kg of Vit C decreased the malondialdehyde (MDA) in the brain tissues and increased thiol and catalase (CAT) activity compared to the control group. We showed that feeding rats Vit C during neonatal and juvenile growth has positive effects on learning and memory.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mahmoud Hosseini
- a Division of Neurocognitive Sciences, Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences Research Center , Mashhad University of Medical Sciences , Mashhad , Iran.,b Neurogenic Inflammation Research Center , Mashhad University of Medical Sciences , Iran
| | - Farimah Beheshti
- a Division of Neurocognitive Sciences, Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences Research Center , Mashhad University of Medical Sciences , Mashhad , Iran
| | - Farzaneh Sohrabi
- a Division of Neurocognitive Sciences, Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences Research Center , Mashhad University of Medical Sciences , Mashhad , Iran
| | - Farzaneh Vafaee
- b Neurogenic Inflammation Research Center , Mashhad University of Medical Sciences , Iran
| | - Mohammad Naser Shafei
- b Neurogenic Inflammation Research Center , Mashhad University of Medical Sciences , Iran
| | - Hamid Reza Sadeghnia
- c Pharmacological Research Center of Medicinal Plants , Mashhad University of Medical Sciences , Mashhad , Iran
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30
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Hansen SN, Schou-Pedersen AMV, Lykkesfeldt J, Tveden-Nyborg P. Spatial Memory Dysfunction Induced by Vitamin C Deficiency Is Associated with Changes in Monoaminergic Neurotransmitters and Aberrant Synapse Formation. Antioxidants (Basel) 2018; 7:antiox7070082. [PMID: 29966224 PMCID: PMC6070945 DOI: 10.3390/antiox7070082] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2018] [Revised: 06/21/2018] [Accepted: 06/27/2018] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Vitamin C (vitC) is important in the developing brain, acting both as an essential antioxidant and as co-factor in the synthesis and metabolism of monoaminergic neurotransmitters. In guinea pigs, vitC deficiency results in increased oxidative stress, reduced hippocampal volume and neuronal numbers, and deficits in spatial memory. This study investigated the effects of 8 weeks of either sufficient (923 mg vitC/kg feed) or deficient (100 mg vitC/kg feed) levels of dietary vitC on hippocampal monoaminergic neurotransmitters and markers of synapse formation in young guinea pigs with spatial memory deficits. Western blotting and high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) were used to quantify the selected markers. VitC deficiency resulted in significantly reduced protein levels of synaptophysin (p = 0.016) and a decrease in 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid/5-hydroxytryptamine ratio (p = 0.0093). Protein expression of the N-methyl-d-aspartate receptor subunit 1 and monoamine oxidase A were reduced, albeit not reaching statistical significance (p = 0.0898 and p = 0.067, respectively). Our findings suggest that vitC deficiency induced spatial memory deficits might be mediated by impairments in neurotransmission and synaptic development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stine Normann Hansen
- Section for Experimental Animal Models, Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Thorvaldensvej 57, Ground Floor, 1870 Frederiksberg C, Denmark.
| | - Anne Marie V Schou-Pedersen
- Section for Experimental Animal Models, Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Thorvaldensvej 57, Ground Floor, 1870 Frederiksberg C, Denmark.
| | - Jens Lykkesfeldt
- Section for Experimental Animal Models, Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Thorvaldensvej 57, Ground Floor, 1870 Frederiksberg C, Denmark.
| | - Pernille Tveden-Nyborg
- Section for Experimental Animal Models, Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Thorvaldensvej 57, Ground Floor, 1870 Frederiksberg C, Denmark.
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31
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Hansen SN, Jørgensen JMB, Nyengaard JR, Lykkesfeldt J, Tveden-Nyborg P. Early Life Vitamin C Deficiency Does Not Alter Morphology of Hippocampal CA1 Pyramidal Neurons or Markers of Synaptic Plasticity in a Guinea Pig Model. Nutrients 2018; 10:nu10060749. [PMID: 29890692 PMCID: PMC6024653 DOI: 10.3390/nu10060749] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2018] [Revised: 05/28/2018] [Accepted: 06/07/2018] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Approximately 15% of the Western world population, including pregnant women and their children, is characterized as vitamin C (vitC) deficient. In guinea pigs, early life vitC deficiency causes spatial memory deficits, decreased hippocampal volume and neuron numbers, in otherwise clinically healthy animals. We hypothesized that vitC deficiency leads to decreased brain-derived neurotrophic factor and synaptic plasticity markers in selected brain areas (frontal cortex, hippocampus and striatum) and cause morphological changes in cornu ammonis 1 pyramidal neurons of the hippocampus either through a direct effect or indirectly by increased oxidative stress. Fifty-seven female guinea pigs were allocated to three groups receiving either 1390, 100 or 0–50 mg vitC/kg feed for 11 weeks. Dietary vitC levels were reflected in the plasma, cortical and adrenal gland levels, however, redox imbalance was only present in the adrenal glands allowing for the investigation of a direct influence of vitC deficiency on the chosen parameters in the brain. Synaptic plasticity markers were not affected in the investigated brain areas and no differences in isolated pyramidal neuron morphology was recorded. Based on our findings, it appears that vitC deficiency may primarily elicit impaired neuronal function through increased levels of oxidative stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stine N Hansen
- Section for Experimental Animals, Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Ridebanevej 9, 1870 Frederiksberg, Denmark.
| | - Jane M Bjørn Jørgensen
- Section for Experimental Animals, Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Ridebanevej 9, 1870 Frederiksberg, Denmark.
| | - Jens R Nyengaard
- Section for Experimental Animals, Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Ridebanevej 9, 1870 Frederiksberg, Denmark.
- Core Center of Molecular Morphology, Section for Stereology and Microscopy, Centre for Stochastic Geometry and Advanced Bioimaging, Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University, Noerrebrogade 44, Building 10G, 3rd Floor, 8000 Aarhus, Denmark.
| | - Jens Lykkesfeldt
- Section for Experimental Animals, Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Ridebanevej 9, 1870 Frederiksberg, Denmark.
| | - Pernille Tveden-Nyborg
- Section for Experimental Animals, Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Ridebanevej 9, 1870 Frederiksberg, Denmark.
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32
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Hansen SN, Ipsen DH, Schou-Pedersen AM, Lykkesfeldt J, Tveden-Nyborg P. Long term Westernized diet leads to region-specific changes in brain signaling mechanisms. Neurosci Lett 2018; 676:85-91. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neulet.2018.04.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2017] [Revised: 04/04/2018] [Accepted: 04/06/2018] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
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33
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Tengeler AC, Kozicz T, Kiliaan AJ. Relationship between diet, the gut microbiota, and brain function. Nutr Rev 2018; 76:603-617. [DOI: 10.1093/nutrit/nuy016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Anouk C Tengeler
- Department of Anatomy, Radboud university medical center, Center for Medical Neuroscience, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Preclinical Imaging Center PRIME, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Tamas Kozicz
- Department of Anatomy, Radboud university medical center, Center for Medical Neuroscience, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Preclinical Imaging Center PRIME, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
- Department of Pedriatrics, Hayward Genetics Center, Tulane University School of Medicine, Tulane University, New Orleans, Louisiana, USA
| | - Amanda J Kiliaan
- Department of Anatomy, Radboud university medical center, Center for Medical Neuroscience, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Preclinical Imaging Center PRIME, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
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34
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Farahani HK, Ashouri A, Zibaee A, Abroon P, Alford L, Pierre JS, van Baaren J. Early life nutritional quality effects on adult memory retention in a parasitic wasp. Behav Ecol 2017. [DOI: 10.1093/beheco/arx042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
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35
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Juhl B, Lauszus FF, Lykkesfeldt J. Poor Vitamin C Status Late in Pregnancy Is Associated with Increased Risk of Complications in Type 1 Diabetic Women: A Cross-Sectional Study. Nutrients 2017; 9:E186. [PMID: 28241487 PMCID: PMC5372849 DOI: 10.3390/nu9030186] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2017] [Revised: 02/15/2017] [Accepted: 02/20/2017] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Vitamin C (vitC) is essential for normal pregnancy and fetal development and poor vitC status has been related to complications of pregnancy. We have previously shown lower vitC status in diabetic women throughout pregnancy compared to that of non-diabetic controls. Here, we evaluate the relationship between vitC status late in diabetic pregnancy in relation to fetal outcome, complications of pregnancy, diabetic characteristics, and glycemic control based on data of 47 women from the same cohort. We found a significant relationship between the maternal vitC level > or ≤ the 50% percentile of 26.6 μmol/L, respectively, and the umbilical cord blood vitC level (mean (SD)): 101.0 μmol/L (16.6) versus 78.5 μmol/L (27.8), p = 0.02; n = 12/16), while no relation to birth weight or Apgar score was observed. Diabetic women with complications of pregnancy had significantly lower vitC levels compared to the women without complications (mean (SD): 24.2 μmol/L (10.6) vs. 34.6 μmol/L (14.4), p = 0.01; n = 19 and 28, respectively) and the subgroup of women (about 28%) characterized by hypovitaminosis C (<23 μmol/L) had an increased relative risk of complications of pregnancy that was 2.4 fold higher than the one found in the group of women with a vitC status above this level (p = 0.02, 95% confidence interval 1.2-4.4). No correlation between diabetic characteristics of the pregnant women and vitC status was observed, while a negative association of maternal vitC with HbA1c at delivery was found at regression analysis (r = -0.39, p < 0.01, n = 46). In conclusion, our results may suggest that hypovitaminosis C in diabetic women is associated with increased risk of complications of pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bente Juhl
- Medical Department, Aarhus University Hospital, Nørrebrogade 44, 8000 Aarhus C, Denmark.
| | - Finn Friis Lauszus
- Gynecology & Obstetrics Department, Herning Hospital, Gl. Landevej 61, 7400 Herning, Denmark.
| | - Jens Lykkesfeldt
- Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Ridebanevej 9, Frederiksberg C, 1870 Copenhagen, Denmark.
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36
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Ellulu MS. Obesity, cardiovascular disease, and role of vitamin C on inflammation: a review of facts and underlying mechanisms. Inflammopharmacology 2017; 25:313-328. [PMID: 28168552 DOI: 10.1007/s10787-017-0314-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2016] [Accepted: 01/23/2017] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Obesity means the accumulation of excessive fat that may interfere with the maintenance of optimal state of health. Obesity causes cardiac and vascular disease through well-known mediators such as hypertension, type-2 diabetes mellitus, and dyslipidemia, but there are evidences for other mediators such as chronic inflammation, oxidative stress, and thrombosis. The decreased levels of antioxidants factors and nitric oxide predispose to further cardiovascular adverse events. To reduce the risks, antioxidants can help by neutralizing the free radicals and protecting from damage by donating electrons. Having the capacity, vitamin C protects from oxidative stress, prevention of non-enzymatic glycosylation of proteins, and enhances arterial dilation through its effect on nitric oxide release. It also decreases lipid peroxidation, and alleviates inflammation. The anti-inflammatory property of vitamin C could be attributed to ability to modulate the NF-kB DNA binding activity and down-regulation in the hepatic mRNA expression for the interleukins and tumor factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammed S Ellulu
- Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM), Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia. .,Clinical Nutrition Specialist, Gaza, Palestine.
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37
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Sepehri H, Ganji F. The protective role of ascorbic acid on hippocampal CA1 pyramidal neurons in a rat model of maternal lead exposure. J Chem Neuroanat 2016; 74:5-10. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jchemneu.2016.01.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2015] [Revised: 11/10/2015] [Accepted: 01/13/2016] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
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38
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Camarena V, Wang G. The epigenetic role of vitamin C in health and disease. Cell Mol Life Sci 2016; 73:1645-58. [PMID: 26846695 PMCID: PMC4805483 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-016-2145-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 130] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2015] [Revised: 12/28/2015] [Accepted: 01/21/2016] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Recent advances have uncovered a previously unknown function of vitamin C in epigenetic regulation. Vitamin C exists predominantly as an ascorbate anion under physiological pH conditions. Ascorbate was discovered as a cofactor for methylcytosine dioxygenases that are responsible for DNA demethylation, and also as a likely cofactor for some JmjC domain-containing histone demethylases that catalyze histone demethylation. Variation in ascorbate bioavailability thus can influence the demethylation of both DNA and histone, further leading to different phenotypic presentations. Ascorbate deficiency can be presented systematically, spatially and temporally in different tissues at the different stages of development and aging. Here, we review how ascorbate deficiency could potentially be involved in embryonic and postnatal development, and plays a role in various diseases such as neurodegeneration and cancer through epigenetic dysregulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vladimir Camarena
- John P. Hussman Institute for Human Genomics, Dr. John T. Macdonald Foundation Department of Human Genetics, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Biomedical Research Building, Rm. 608, 1501 NW 10th Ave, Miami, FL, 33136, USA
| | - Gaofeng Wang
- John P. Hussman Institute for Human Genomics, Dr. John T. Macdonald Foundation Department of Human Genetics, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Biomedical Research Building, Rm. 608, 1501 NW 10th Ave, Miami, FL, 33136, USA.
- Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, 33136, USA.
- Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, 33136, USA.
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39
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Hansen SN, Schjoldager JG, Paidi MD, Lykkesfeldt J, Tveden-Nyborg P. Maternal vitamin C deficiency does not reduce hippocampal volume and β-tubulin III intensity in prenatal Guinea pigs. Nutr Res 2016; 36:696-702. [PMID: 27333961 DOI: 10.1016/j.nutres.2016.03.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2015] [Revised: 03/03/2016] [Accepted: 03/04/2016] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Marginal vitamin C (vitC) deficiency affects 5% to 10% of adults including subpopulations such as pregnant women and newborns. Animal studies link vitC deficiency to deleterious effects on the developing brain, but exactly how the brain adapts to vitC deficiency and the mechanisms behind the observed deficits remain largely unknown. We hypothesized that vitC deficiency in utero may lead to a decreased neuronal maturation and increased cellular death giving rise to alterations of the hippocampal morphology in a guinea pig model. Brains from prenatal guinea pig pups (n=9-10 in each group) subjected to either a sufficient (918mg vitC/kg feed) or deficient (100mg vitC/kg feed) maternal dietary regimen were assessed with regards to hippocampal volume and β-tubulin isotype III staining intensity at 2 gestational time points (45 and 56). We found a distinct differential regional growth pattern of the hippocampus with a clear effect of gestational age, whereas vitC status did not affect either investigated parameters. Within hippocampal subdivisions, the overall expansion of the hippocampus from gestational day 45 to 56 was found to reside in the dentate gyrus. In conclusion, the present study found that hippocampal volume and β-tubulin isotype III intensity in the prenatal guinea pig were influenced by gestational day but not by maternal vitC intake.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stine N Hansen
- Experimental Animal Models, Department of Veterinary Disease Biology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Ridebanevej 9, 1.floor, DK-1870 Frederiksberg C, Denmark.
| | - Janne G Schjoldager
- Experimental Animal Models, Department of Veterinary Disease Biology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Ridebanevej 9, 1.floor, DK-1870 Frederiksberg C, Denmark.
| | - Maya D Paidi
- Experimental Animal Models, Department of Veterinary Disease Biology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Ridebanevej 9, 1.floor, DK-1870 Frederiksberg C, Denmark.
| | - Jens Lykkesfeldt
- Experimental Animal Models, Department of Veterinary Disease Biology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Ridebanevej 9, 1.floor, DK-1870 Frederiksberg C, Denmark.
| | - Pernille Tveden-Nyborg
- Experimental Animal Models, Department of Veterinary Disease Biology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Ridebanevej 9, 1.floor, DK-1870 Frederiksberg C, Denmark.
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40
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Chaudhari K, Sumien N, Johnson L, D'Agostino D, Edwards M, Paxton RJ, Hall JR, O'Bryant S. Vitamin C Supplementation, APOE4 Genotype and Cognitive Functioning in a Rural-Dwelling Cohort. J Nutr Health Aging 2016; 20:841-844. [PMID: 27709233 DOI: 10.1007/s12603-016-0705-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Apolipoprotein E4 (APOE4) genotype has been implicated as a moderating factor in cognitive function studies. Although prior studies have suggested that vitamin C is associated with better cognitive function in elders, link between the two has been mixed. Limited data exist as to whether the APOE4 genotype influences these associations. Therefore, this study sought to determine whether the association between vitamin C and cognition in a rural community dwelling cohort differs by the APOE4 genotype. DESIGN AND PARTICIPANTS Data were analyzed on 582 participants (n=183 men; n=399 women) from a rural community-based cohort. Cognition was assessed using the Repeatable Battery for the Assessment of Neuropsychological Status and The Executive Interview. APOE genotyping was ascertained by standard methods. The relation between vitamin C supplementation and cognition were analyzed first with ANOVA and then ANCOVA with age, gender, education as covariates. Analyses were initially run in the full sample and then split by APOE4 presence (yes/no). RESULTS Overall, Vitamin C supplementation was associated with significantly better immediate memory (p=0.04), visuospatial skills (p=0.002), language (p=0.01), and global cognitive functioning (p=0.006). Among APOE4 non-carriers, vitamin C supplementation was positively associated with immediate memory (F[1,392] =6.7, p=0.01), visuospatial skills (F[1,391]=10.6, p=0.001), language (F[1,392]=13.0, p<0.001), attention (F[1,386]=7.9, p=0.005, and global cognition (F[1,382]=11.0, p=0.001. However, there was no significant link between vitamin C supplementation and cognition among APOE4 carriers. CONCLUSION Vitamin C supplementation was found to be positively associated with cognition among this rural-dwelling community-based sample; however, the associations appeared to differ by APOE4 status. These data may suggest that targeted genotype-specific cognitive enhancement studies are needed to clarify the potential benefits of vitamin C supplementation.
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Affiliation(s)
- K Chaudhari
- Sid E. O'Bryant, Ph.D., University of North Texas, Health Sciences Center, Department of Internal Medicine, 3500 Camp Bowie Blvd, Fort Worth, Texas, 76107, USA. Phone: (817)735-2961. E-mail:
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Kim H, Kim Y, Bae S, Lim SH, Jang M, Choi J, Jeon J, Hwang YI, Kang JS, Lee WJ. Vitamin C Deficiency Causes Severe Defects in the Development of the Neonatal Cerebellum and in the Motor Behaviors of Gulo(-/-) Mice. Antioxid Redox Signal 2015; 23:1270-83. [PMID: 25977985 DOI: 10.1089/ars.2014.6043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
AIMS The developing brain of a neonate is particularly susceptible to damage by vitamin C deficiency because of its rapid growth and immature antioxidant system. Cognitive impairment and sensory motor deficits are found in the adult brain upon vitamin C deficiency. Therefore, the aim of this study was to clarify the role of vitamin C in its own right and its related mechanisms in Gulo(-/-) mice incapable of synthesizing vitamin C. RESULTS When vitamin C supplementation was ceased for 2 weeks until delivery, stillbirths and a significant reduction in neonatal mice were observed and the growth of neonates was remarkably decreased. In addition, intraparenchymal hemorrhages were found in most of the brains, especially in the stillborn neonates. In addition, the levels of malondialdehyde (MDA) and 8-isoprostanes were increased and structural abnormalities were found in the cortex, hippocampus, and cerebellum. Especially, vitamin C deficiency caused the failure of or a delay in the formation of cerebellar fissures accompanied by abnormal foliation and altered Purkinje cell alignment. In the developed adult brains from vitamin C-deficient Gulo(-/-) mice, the levels of glutathione, MDA, nitrate, IL-6, TNF-α, and Bax were increased and the expression of the GABRA6 and calbindin-28k was decreased. Due to atrophy of the granule and Purkinje cells, the motor behavior of vitamin C-deficient Gulo(-/-) mice declined. INNOVATION AND CONCLUSION Vitamin C deficiency during gestation induces intraparenchymal hemorrhages and severe defects in the development of the cerebellum. In fully developed brains, it induces the functional impairment by altering the cellular composition in the cerebellum.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hyemin Kim
- 1 Laboratory of Immunology and Vitamin C, Department of Anatomy, Seoul National University College of Medicine , Seoul, Republic of Korea.,2 Institute of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, Seoul National University Medical Research Center, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Yejin Kim
- 1 Laboratory of Immunology and Vitamin C, Department of Anatomy, Seoul National University College of Medicine , Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Seyeon Bae
- 1 Laboratory of Immunology and Vitamin C, Department of Anatomy, Seoul National University College of Medicine , Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Seung Hyeon Lim
- 3 Institute for Experimental Animals, Seoul National University College of Medicine , Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Mirim Jang
- 1 Laboratory of Immunology and Vitamin C, Department of Anatomy, Seoul National University College of Medicine , Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Jiyea Choi
- 1 Laboratory of Immunology and Vitamin C, Department of Anatomy, Seoul National University College of Medicine , Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Jane Jeon
- 1 Laboratory of Immunology and Vitamin C, Department of Anatomy, Seoul National University College of Medicine , Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Young-il Hwang
- 1 Laboratory of Immunology and Vitamin C, Department of Anatomy, Seoul National University College of Medicine , Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Jae Seung Kang
- 1 Laboratory of Immunology and Vitamin C, Department of Anatomy, Seoul National University College of Medicine , Seoul, Republic of Korea.,2 Institute of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, Seoul National University Medical Research Center, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Wang Jae Lee
- 1 Laboratory of Immunology and Vitamin C, Department of Anatomy, Seoul National University College of Medicine , Seoul, Republic of Korea
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Old Things New View: Ascorbic Acid Protects the Brain in Neurodegenerative Disorders. Int J Mol Sci 2015; 16:28194-217. [PMID: 26633354 PMCID: PMC4691042 DOI: 10.3390/ijms161226095] [Citation(s) in RCA: 87] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2015] [Revised: 09/23/2015] [Accepted: 10/14/2015] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Ascorbic acid is a key antioxidant of the Central Nervous System (CNS). Under brain activity, ascorbic acid is released from glial reservoirs to the synaptic cleft, where it is taken up by neurons. In neurons, ascorbic acid scavenges reactive oxygen species (ROS) generated during synaptic activity and neuronal metabolism where it is then oxidized to dehydroascorbic acid and released into the extracellular space, where it can be recycled by astrocytes. Other intrinsic properties of ascorbic acid, beyond acting as an antioxidant, are important in its role as a key molecule of the CNS. Ascorbic acid can switch neuronal metabolism from glucose consumption to uptake and use of lactate as a metabolic substrate to sustain synaptic activity. Multiple evidence links oxidative stress with neurodegeneration, positioning redox imbalance and ROS as a cause of neurodegeneration. In this review, we focus on ascorbic acid homeostasis, its functions, how it is used by neurons and recycled to ensure antioxidant supply during synaptic activity and how this antioxidant is dysregulated in neurodegenerative disorders.
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Frikke-Schmidt H, Tveden-Nyborg P, Lykkesfeldt J. L-dehydroascorbic acid can substitute l-ascorbic acid as dietary vitamin C source in guinea pigs. Redox Biol 2015; 7:8-13. [PMID: 26609560 PMCID: PMC4683385 DOI: 10.1016/j.redox.2015.11.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2015] [Revised: 11/10/2015] [Accepted: 11/11/2015] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Vitamin C deficiency globally affects several hundred million people and has been associated with increased morbidity and mortality in numerous studies. In this study, bioavailability of the oxidized form of vitamin C (l-dehydroascorbic acid or DHA)-commonly found in vitamin C containing food products prone to oxidation-was studied. Our aim was to compare tissue accumulation of vitamin C in guinea pigs receiving different oral doses of either ascorbate or DHA. In all tissues tested (plasma, liver, spleen, lung, adrenal glands, kidney, muscle, heart, and brain), only sporadic differences in vitamin C accumulation from ascorbate or DHA were observed except for the lowest dose of DHA (0.25mg/ml in the drinking water), where approximately half of the tissues had slightly yet significantly less vitamin C accumulation than from the ascorbate source. As these results contradicted data from rats, we continued to explore the ability to recycle DHA in blood, liver and intestine in guinea pigs, rats and mice. These investigations revealed that guinea pigs have similar recycling capacity in red blood cells as observed in humans, while rats and mice do not have near the same ability to reduce DHA in erythrocytes. In liver and intestinal homogenates, guinea pigs also showed a significantly higher ability to recycle DHA compared to rats and mice. These data demonstrate that DHA in guinea pigs-as in humans-is almost as effective as ascorbate as vitamin C source when it comes to taking up and storing vitamin C and further suggest that the guinea pig is superior to other rodents in modeling human vitamin C homeostasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Henriette Frikke-Schmidt
- Section of Experimental Animal Models, Department of Veterinary Disease Biology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Ridebanevej 9, DK-1870 Frederiksberg C, Denmark
| | - Pernille Tveden-Nyborg
- Section of Experimental Animal Models, Department of Veterinary Disease Biology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Ridebanevej 9, DK-1870 Frederiksberg C, Denmark
| | - Jens Lykkesfeldt
- Section of Experimental Animal Models, Department of Veterinary Disease Biology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Ridebanevej 9, DK-1870 Frederiksberg C, Denmark.
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Distribution of vitamin C is tissue specific with early saturation of the brain and adrenal glands following differential oral dose regimens in guinea pigs. Br J Nutr 2015; 113:1539-49. [PMID: 25865869 DOI: 10.1017/s0007114515000690] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Vitamin C (VitC) deficiency is surprisingly common in humans even in developed parts of the world. The micronutrient has several established functions in the brain; however, the consequences of its deficiency are not well characterised. To elucidate the effects of VitC deficiency on the brain, increased knowledge about the distribution of VitC to the brain and within different brain regions after varying dietary concentrations is needed. In the present study, guinea pigs (like humans lacking the ability to synthesise VitC) were randomly divided into six groups (n 10) that received different concentrations of VitC ranging from 100 to 1500 mg/kg feed for 8 weeks, after which VitC concentrations in biological fluids and tissues were measured using HPLC. The distribution of VitC was found to be dynamic and dependent on dietary availability. Brain saturation was region specific, occurred at low dietary doses, and the dose-concentration relationship could be approximated with a three-parameter Hill equation. The correlation between plasma and brain concentrations of VitC was moderate compared with other organs, and during non-scorbutic VitC deficiency, the brain was able to maintain concentrations from about one-quarter to half of sufficient levels depending on the region, whereas concentrations in other tissues decreased to one-sixth or less. The adrenal glands have similar characteristics to the brain. The observed distribution kinetics with a low dietary dose needed for saturation and exceptional retention ability suggest that the brain and adrenal glands are high priority tissues with regard to the distribution of VitC.
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Peripheral antioxidant markers are associated with total hippocampal and CA3/dentate gyrus volume in MDD and healthy controls-preliminary findings. Psychiatry Res 2014; 224:168-74. [PMID: 25266915 PMCID: PMC4254356 DOI: 10.1016/j.pscychresns.2014.09.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2014] [Revised: 07/12/2014] [Accepted: 09/02/2014] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Several psychiatric disorders, including major depressive disorder (MDD), are associated with increased blood markers of oxidative stress. The relevance of this to the oxidation-sensitive hippocampus (HC) is unknown. We investigated the relationship between peripheral oxidative stress markers and HC volume in unmedicated individuals with MDD (n=16) and healthy controls (n=19). To conserve power, our primary analysis was carried out in the combined group of subjects, and secondary analyses examined each group separately. Oxidative stress markers (oxidized glutathione (GSSG)) and antioxidants (reduced glutathione (GSH), glutathione peroxidase (Gpx), and Vitamin C) were assessed, and a "total net antioxidant score" was calculated. 4-T MRI estimated total HC volume and HC subfield (CA1, CA1-CA2 transition zone, subiculum and CA3/dentate gyrus [CA3&DG]) volumes. Across groups, the antioxidant score was significantly and positively correlated with total HC volume and CA3&DG subfield volume (normalized to total intracranial volume), adjusting for age and sex. Similar relationships were observed in each individual group but missed statistical significance, likely due to type II errors, with the exception of a significant correlation between the antioxidant score and CA3&DG volume in the MDD group. These preliminary data are consistent with oxidative stress being associated with smaller total HC and CA3&DG subfield volumes.
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Čapo I, Hinić N, Lalošević D, Vučković N, Stilinović N, Marković J, Sekulić S. Vitamin C Depletion in Prenatal Guinea Pigs as a Model of Lissencephaly Type II. Vet Pathol 2014; 52:1263-71. [DOI: 10.1177/0300985814561270] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Humans and guinea pigs are unable to produce vitamin C, with deficiency resulting in a well-known disorder of collagen synthesis. Pial basement membrane structure preservation is essential in the proper migration of neurons. In our study, intrauterine deprivation of vitamin C in guinea pig fetuses led to a collagen synthesis disorder, weakness, and finally a breach of pial basement membrane. We found excessive migration of the external germinal layer cells into the subarachnoid space of the cerebellum through defects in the pial basement membrane. The changes ranged from focal rupture of pial basement membranes to their complete disintegration. The loss of proper folia formation resulted in macroscopically visible flattening of the cerebellar surface. Different grades of dysplastic changes in the folia of the cerebellar cortex were observed in 2 experimental groups assigned different limits to mark the time of commencement and duration of vitamin C deprivation. The most severe form of dysplastic changes was characterized by marked irregularity of the cerebellar cortex similar to that in lissencephaly type II. Thus, prenatal vitamin C deficiency represents a novel animal model to study the effects of collagen synthesis on development of breaches in the pial basement membrane, disordered migration of neurons, dysplasia of cerebellar cortex, and the pathogenesis of lissencephaly.
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Affiliation(s)
- I. Čapo
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Medical Faculty, Novi Sad, Vojvodina, Serbia
| | - N. Hinić
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Medical Faculty, Novi Sad, Vojvodina, Serbia
| | - D. Lalošević
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Medical Faculty, Novi Sad, Vojvodina, Serbia
| | - N. Vučković
- Department of Pathology, Medical Faculty, Novi Sad, Vojvodina, Serbia
| | - N. Stilinović
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Medical Faculty, Novi Sad, Vojvodina, Serbia
| | - J. Marković
- Department of Psychiatry, Medical Faculty, Clinical Center of Vojvodina, Novi Sad, Serbia
| | - S. Sekulić
- Department of Neurology, Medical Faculty, Clinical Center of Vojvodina, Novi Sad, Serbia
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Schjoldager JG, Paidi MD, Lindblad MM, Birck MM, Kjærgaard AB, Dantzer V, Lykkesfeldt J, Tveden-Nyborg P. Maternal vitamin C deficiency during pregnancy results in transient fetal and placental growth retardation in guinea pigs. Eur J Nutr 2014; 54:667-76. [PMID: 25472559 DOI: 10.1007/s00394-014-0809-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2014] [Accepted: 11/25/2014] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Recently, we reported that preferential maternal-fetal vitamin C (vitC) transport across the placenta is likely to be impaired by prolonged maternal vitC deficiency. Maintenance of a basal maternal vitC supply at the expense of the fetus may impair fetal development; however, the knowledge of vitC's impact on intrauterine development is sparse. The aim of this study was to explore the effect of maternal vitC status on fetal and placental development in guinea pigs. METHODS Twenty pregnant Dunkin Hartley guinea pigs were randomized into four groups to receive diets either sufficient (918 mg/kg CTRL) or deficient (100 mg/kg DEF) in vitC. Cesarean sections at gestational day (GD) 45 or 56 allowed for fetal and placental measurements. RESULTS At GD45, body, brain and placental weights were significantly reduced in DEF pups compared with CTRL (p < 0.05, p < 0.001 and p < 0.05, respectively). DEF plasma vitC levels were ~6% of those of CTRL (p < 0.0001), and the fetal/maternal plasma vitC ratio was significantly reduced at GD56 in the DEF animals compared with controls (p = 0.035). Placental vitC levels were reduced in DEF animals (p < 0.0001) and the ascorbate oxidation ratio and glutathione elevated compared with controls (p < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS Although no clinical differences between CTRL and DEF pups were observed at GD56, the present data suggest that vitC plays a role in early fetal development. Although no clinical differences between CTRL and DEF pups were observed at GD56, the present data suggest that vitC plays a role in early fetal development. Low maternal vitC intake during pregnancy may compromise maternal weight gain, placental function and intrauterine development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Janne Gram Schjoldager
- Department of Veterinary Disease Biology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, 9 Ridebanevej, 1870, Frederiksberg C, Denmark
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Hansen SN, Tveden-Nyborg P, Lykkesfeldt J. Does vitamin C deficiency affect cognitive development and function? Nutrients 2014; 6:3818-46. [PMID: 25244370 PMCID: PMC4179190 DOI: 10.3390/nu6093818] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2014] [Revised: 08/14/2014] [Accepted: 09/01/2014] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Vitamin C is a pivotal antioxidant in the brain and has been reported to have numerous functions, including reactive oxygen species scavenging, neuromodulation, and involvement in angiogenesis. Absence of vitamin C in the brain has been shown to be detrimental to survival in newborn SVCT2(−/−) mice and perinatal deficiency have shown to reduce hippocampal volume and neuron number and cause decreased spatial cognition in guinea pigs, suggesting that maternal vitamin C deficiency could have severe consequences for the offspring. Furthermore, vitamin C deficiency has been proposed to play a role in age-related cognitive decline and in stroke risk and severity. The present review discusses the available literature on effects of vitamin C deficiency on the developing and aging brain with particular focus on in vivo experimentation and clinical studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stine Normann Hansen
- Department of Veterinary Disease Biology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Ridebanevej 9, DK-1870 Frederiksberg C, Copenhagen, Denmark.
| | - Pernille Tveden-Nyborg
- Department of Veterinary Disease Biology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Ridebanevej 9, DK-1870 Frederiksberg C, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Jens Lykkesfeldt
- Department of Veterinary Disease Biology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Ridebanevej 9, DK-1870 Frederiksberg C, Copenhagen, Denmark.
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49
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Søgaard D, Lindblad MM, Paidi MD, Hasselholt S, Lykkesfeldt J, Tveden-Nyborg P. In vivo vitamin C deficiency in guinea pigs increases ascorbate transporters in liver but not kidney and brain. Nutr Res 2014; 34:639-45. [DOI: 10.1016/j.nutres.2014.07.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2014] [Revised: 06/18/2014] [Accepted: 07/02/2014] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
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50
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Paidi MD, Schjoldager JG, Lykkesfeldt J, Tveden-Nyborg P. Chronic vitamin C deficiency promotes redox imbalance in the brain but does not alter sodium-dependent vitamin C transporter 2 expression. Nutrients 2014; 6:1809-22. [PMID: 24787032 PMCID: PMC4042571 DOI: 10.3390/nu6051809] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2014] [Revised: 04/03/2014] [Accepted: 04/17/2014] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Vitamin C (VitC) has several roles in the brain acting both as a specific and non-specific antioxidant. The brain upholds a very high VitC concentration and is able to preferentially retain VitC even during deficiency. The accumulation of brain VitC levels much higher than in blood is primarily achieved by the sodium dependent VitC transporter (SVCT2). This study investigated the effects of chronic pre-and postnatal VitC deficiency as well as the effects of postnatal VitC repletion, on brain SVCT2 expression and markers of oxidative stress in young guinea pigs. Biochemical analyses demonstrated significantly decreased total VitC and an increased percentage of dehydroascorbic acid, as well as increased lipid oxidation (malondialdehyde), in the brains of VitC deficient animals (p < 0.0001) compared to controls. VitC repleted animals were not significantly different from controls. No significant changes were detected in either gene or protein expression of SVCT2 between groups or brain regions. In conclusion, chronic pre-and postnatal VitC deficiency increased brain redox imbalance but did not increase SVCT2 expression. Our findings show potential implications for VitC deficiency induced negative effects of redox imbalance in the brain and provide novel insight to the regulation of VitC in the brain during deficiency.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maya D Paidi
- Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Frederiksberg C 1870, Denmark.
| | - Janne G Schjoldager
- Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Frederiksberg C 1870, Denmark.
| | - Jens Lykkesfeldt
- Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Frederiksberg C 1870, Denmark.
| | - Pernille Tveden-Nyborg
- Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Frederiksberg C 1870, Denmark.
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