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Background and Aims: Saliva is the first body fluid that is exposed to the free radicals found in cigarette smoke. Antioxidant substances in saliva, such as vitamin C, play an important role in the defense mechanism against free radicals. Therefore, the aim of this study was to examine the effect of vitamin C on the total antioxidant capacity of saliva in smokers. Materials and Methods: This randomized clinical trial was performed on 60 healthy male smokers who referred to the dental clinic in Rafsanjan in 2017. Individuals were randomly divided into three groups. The first and second groups received 500 and 1000 mg of vitamin C boiling tablets for three weeks. The third group did not receive any vitamin C supplements. The total antioxidant capacity of saliva was measured using an antioxidant kit and an ELISA reader. Data were analyzed using paired t-test, one-way ANOVA, and Duncan's multiple comparisons test. Results: The results showed that the mean total antioxidant capacity of saliva after the intervention was found statistically significant among groups (P

Background and Objective: Urban traffic, while affecting human health, causes physiological and biochemical changes in plants. The aim of this study was to investigate the bioaccumulation potential of Pb and Cd and assess air pollution tolerance index for a number of plants grown high traffic areas of Yazd. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional, descriptive-analytical study was performed in both control and high traffic areas of Yazd city by random sampling of trees, shrub and herb species. After transferring the samples to laboratory, relative water content, pH of leaf extract, total chlorophyll and ascorbic acid content (the factors for calculating APTI) in plants were measured using standard methods. Furtheremore, Pb and Cd concentrations were measured to find their relation with APTI index in plants. All statistical analysis, including Kolmogorov– Smirnov test, ANOVA, Duncan test and Pearson correlation coefficient between the studied parameters, were performed in SPSS software version 22. Results: The highest relative water content (84.73%) and ascorbic acid (5.98 mg/g) were measured in contaminated area for Canna indica and Rosa damascena, respectively. Also, the highest acidity (7.01) and total chlorophyll (1.48 mg/g) in the control area were measured for Verbena hybrida and Ligustrum vulgar, respectively. The highest air pollution tolerance values were recorded in Rosa damascena and Ligustrum vulgar. Moreover, the results obtained showed that APTI index was positively and significantly correlated to Pb, ascorbic acid and relative water content. Conclusion: According to the classification of air pollution tolerance index, two species of Rosa damascena and Ligustrum vulgar exhibited moderately tolerant to traffic pollutant. Therefore, based on ecological requirements of these two species, they can be used to develop green spaces in high-traffic areas of Yazd. This study showed that Pb increased physiological response of the studied plants, while the plants did not exhibit a significant physiological response to the Cd element. The results also showed that the relative water content and ascorbic acid were more important in the air pollution tolerance index than other factors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Aims: Saliva is the first body fluid that is exposed to the free radicals found in cigarette smoke. Antioxidant substances in saliva, such as vitamin C, play an important role in the defense mechanism against free radicals. Therefore, the aim of this study was to examine the effect of vitamin C on the total antioxidant capacity of saliva in smokers. Materials and Methods: This randomized clinical trial was performed on 60 healthy male smokers who referred to the dental clinic in Rafsanjan in 2017. Individuals were randomly divided into three groups. The first and second groups received 500 and 1000 mg of vitamin C boiling tablets for three weeks. The third group did not receive any vitamin C supplements. The total antioxidant capacity of saliva was measured using an antioxidant kit and an ELISA reader. Data were analyzed using paired t-test, one-way ANOVA, and Duncan's multiple comparisons test. Results: The results showed that the mean total antioxidant capacity of saliva after the intervention was found statistically significant among groups (P<0.001). However, the mean total antioxidant capacity of saliva did not differ in the groups receiving 500 and 1000 mg of vitamin C (P=0.420). Conclusion: The results showed that taking vitamin C increased the total antioxidant capacity of saliva in smokers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Aim: Different treatments have been tried for healing burn wounds each of which has had its own effects and complications. Therefore, researchers have attempted to develop methods for more rapid wound healing with fewer complications and greater patient satisfaction. This study investigated the effect of topical application of vitamin C solution on granulation tissue formation resulting from burn wounds. Methods: Thirty patients hospitalized in the Burns Ward were divided into the control and intervention groups. The intervention group received topical application of vitamin C solution together with silver sulfadiazine ointment whereas only silver sulfadiazine ointment was used for the control group. Wound healing was observed and given scores on days 1, 3, 7 and 14 using the Bates-Jensen Wound Assessment Tool. The collected data was analyzed using SPSS 16. Results: The results of repeated measures ANOVA showed that there were statistically significant between the two groups with respect to the mean scores for granulation tissue formation (P=0.004). Moreover, topical application of vitamin C significantly improved granulation tissue formation. As for intragroup effects also, the duration of the treatment had statistically significant effects on the mean score given for granulation tissue formation; i.e., there were significant differences between the mean scores given for days 1, 3, 7 and 17 (P=0.000; F=264.430). Conclusion: This study showed that vitamin C has accelerating effect on wound healing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Recently, the role of inflammation and oxidative stress in the pathophysiology of atrial fibrillation (AF) after cardiac surgery has been emphasized. Vitamin C as an antioxidant important role in reducing the incidence of postoperative atrial fibrillation. This study aimed to investigate, administration of vitamin C, as a way to reduce the incidence of atrial fibrillation after coronary bypass surgery. Methods: In this double-blind clinical study, 290 patients in Rajaee Heart Center, from March 2013 to December 2014 who underwent coronary artery bypass surgery were randomly divided into intervention and control groups to receive vitamin C and placebo. The intervention group before the surgery in the operating room received 2 grams of vitamin C intravenously then one gram per day for four days prior to surgery. After the operation, the two groups were compared in terms of the following: Atrial and ventricular arrhythmias after surgery, ICU stay and hospital stay and duration of intubation. Results: 113 cases and 177 controls (191 men and 99 women) with a mean age of 55.40±14.40 years in both groups (vitamin C and placebo) were enrolled. The incidence of postoperative atrial fibrillation was 55% in the placebo group to 35% in the vitamin C group decreased (P= 0.001). Duration of intubation in the intervention group 11.8 and the control group was 14.14 hours (P= 0.004). The amount of drainage was lower in vitamin C group (P= 0.003). Vitamin C had no effect on the rates of hospital and ICU stay (P= 0.075). There was no significant reduction in threatening arrhythmia (VT) and VF in this period (P= 0.159). Conclusion: Vitamin C supplements may reduce atrial fibrillation after coronary artery bypass surgery also can improve conditions such as reducing the duration of intubation. With regard to the safety, these supplements can be recommended for the prevention of atrial fibrillation before coronary artery bypass surgery.

Background: Atrial fibrillation is the most common arrhythmia after cardiac surgery. Vitamin C as an antioxidant has an important role in reducing the incidence of postop-erative atrial fibrillation. The present study aimed at administrating vitamin C as a way to reduce the incidence of post-CABG atrial fibrillation. Methods: In this double-blind, parallel clinical trial, 170 patients with coronary artery disease who underwent CABG surgery, by using a table of random numbers are di-vided into intervention and control groups to receive placebo or vitamin C. The clinical and surgical characteristics of the patients in the two groups were similar. The interven-tion group received 2 mg of vitamin C intravenously, the night before surgery. This drug followed by 500 mg, twice a day for five days after surgery. On the other hand patients in the control group received placebo (normal saline intravenously). After operation two groups were compared regarding Important outcomes such as postoperative arrhythmia, ICU stay and hospital stay. Results: One hundred eighteen men and fifty two women with a mean age of 59.1±9.8 years were enrolled in the study in two vitamin C and placebo groups (each consisting of 85 patients). The incidence of postoperative atrial fibrillation was 12.9% in the vita-min C group and 29.4% in the control group (P=0.009). ICU stay in the vitamin C group were 2.5±1.4 days versus 3.0±1.6 days in controls (P=0.035) and hospital stay in the vitamin C group were 6.6±1.5 days versus 8.2±2.3 days in controls (P

"n Normal 0 false false false EN-US X-NONE AR-SA MicrosoftInternetExplorer4 /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-priority:99; mso-style-qformat:yes; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-para-margin:0in; mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:11.0pt; font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family:Arial; mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;} Background: Defective sperm function is now recognized as one of the most important causes of male infertility. Seminal plasma possesses a rich source of different enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidants such as vitamin C (ascorbic acid) that protect spermatozoa against oxidative stress as one of the mediators of infertility causing sperm dysfunction and low sperm quality. The aim of this study was investigation of seminal total antioxidant capacity and determination of vitamin C effects on sperm motility. "n"nMethods: We designed a case-control study with a total subject of 62 males. Sperm parameters were analyzed according to World Health Organization guidelines (WHO, 1999). Total antioxidant capacity and vitamin C level of seminal plasma were measured in the 32 normozoospermic as the control group and 32 asthenospermic men as the case group using FRAP (Ferric Reducing of Antioxidants Powers) and RP-HPLC (Reverse Phase High Performance Liquid Chromatography) methods, respectively. "n"nResults: Our results indicated that total antioxidant capacity levels in the seminal plasma of asthenospermic men were significantly lower than healthy men (p=0.002). In addition, we found a positive correlation between reduced total antioxidant capacity levels and low sperm motility. Vitamin C levels of seminal plasma in asthenospermic men were statistically lower than control men (p=0.01)."n"nConclusions: It is suggested that asthenospermia could be related to an antioxidant deficiency or it's reduction.

Background: Recently, the role of inflammation and oxidative stress in the pathophysiology of atrial fibrillation (AF) after cardiac surgery has been emphasized. Vitamin C as an antioxidant important role in reducing the incidence of postoperative atrial fibrillation. This study aimed to investigate, administration of vitamin C, as a way to reduce the incidence of atrial fibrillation after coronary bypass surgery. Methods: In this double-blind clinical study, 290 patients in Rajaee Heart Center, from March 2013 to December 2014 who underwent coronary artery bypass surgery were randomly divided into intervention and control groups to receive vitamin C and placebo. The intervention group before the surgery in the operating room received 2 grams of vitamin C intravenously then one gram per day for four days prior to surgery. After the operation, the two groups were compared in terms of the following: Atrial and ventricular arrhythmias after surgery, ICU stay and hospital stay and duration of intubation. Results: 113 cases and 177 controls (191 men and 99 women) with a mean age of 55.40±14.40 years in both groups (vitamin C and placebo) were enrolled. The incidence of postoperative atrial fibrillation was 55% in the placebo group to 35% in the vitamin C group decreased (P= 0.001). Duration of intubation in the intervention group 11.8 and the control group was 14.14 hours (P= 0.004). The amount of drainage was lower in vitamin C group (P= 0.003). Vitamin C had no effect on the rates of hospital and ICU stay (P= 0.075). There was no significant reduction in threatening arrhythmia (VT) and VF in this period (P= 0.159). Conclusion: Vitamin C supplements may reduce atrial fibrillation after coronary artery bypass surgery also can improve conditions such as reducing the duration of intubation. With regard to the safety, these supplements can be recommended for the prevention of atrial fibrillation before coronary artery bypass surgery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Vitamin C is a major antioxidant in lung airways and also functions against external insulting oxidant sources such as smoke and environmental contaminants. The aim of study was to assess the vitamin C in asthmatic patients, by it’s measurement in plasma and white blood cells (WBC). Materials and Methods: In a case–control study 50 asthmatic patients and 50 healthy person were randomly selected. The data were obtained by utilizing socioeconomic questionnaire and 24 hour dietary recall. l0 c.c blood samples were drawn. Plasma and WBC vitamin C concentration were measured colorimetrically. The data were analyzed by FPI and SPSS software. Results: The results indicate that 38 percent and 92 percent of patients had deficient plasma and WBC vitamin C concentrations respectively. There was a significant difference in plasma and WBC vitamin C concentrations among patients and control group (P

Background: Ascorbic acid (AA) is not synthesized in the brain but it is actively transported through blood-brain barrier by SVCT2 cotransporter and it is stored in high concentrations with heterogeneous distribution in areas such as nucleus accumbens shell (AcbSh) in the mammalian brain. Previous studies have shown that Ascorbic acid injection into AcbSh decreases feeding; therefore, in the present study we evaluated the effects of oral Ascorbic acid pretreatment on changes in feeding upon its injection in AcbSh in adult male rats. Methods: Sixty-three adult male rats (220-280 g) were divided into five treatment and five pretreatment groups. The treatment groups included the control (intact) group, sham-operated Ascorbic acid group that received normal saline as vehicle, and three other groups that received different doses of ascorbic acid (10, 50 and 250 μg/rat) by injection into AcbSh for four days. The pretreatment groups received Ascorbic acid (100 mg/kg) for 15 days via gastric gavage before receiving the aforementioned doses in treatment groups into intra nucleus AcbSh. Feeding measurement was repeated every 12 hours by automatic metabolic cage. Results: The results indicated that all injected doses of Ascorbic acid (10, 50 and 250 μg/rat) into nucleus accumbens shell decrease food intake (P<0.05) in rats and oral Ascorbic acid pretreatment had no effects in this regard. Conclusion: Our findings show that ascorbic acid is an effective factor in feeding regulation. Oral pretreatment seems to have no influence on the central effects of ascorbic acid in the nucleus accumbens shell. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Ascorbic acid improves cognitive impairments in several experimental models. Diabetes causes learning and memory deficits. In this study we hypothesized that chronic treatment with ascorbic acid (100mg/kg, p.o) would affect on the passive avoidance learning (PAL) and memory in control and streptozocin-induced diabetic rats. Methods: Diabetes was induced by a single i.p. injection of STZ (60mg/kg). The rats were considered diabetic if plasma glucose levels exceeded 250mg/dl on three days after STZ injection. Treatment was begun at the onset of hyperglycemia. PAL was assessed 30 days later. Retention test was done 24 h after training. At the end, animals were weighted and blood samples were drawn for plasma glucose measurement. Results: Diabetes caused impairment in acquisition and retrieval processes of PAL and memory in rats. Ascorbic acid treatment improved learning and memory in control rats and reversed learning and memory deficits in diabetic rats. Ascorbic acid administration also improved the body weight loss and hyperglycemia of diabetics. Hypoglycemic and antioxidant properties of the vitamin may be involved in the memory improving effects of such treatment. Conclusion: These results show that ascorbic acid administration to rats for 30 days from onset of diabetes alleviated the negative influence of diabetes on learning and memory. Comparing with other nootropic drugs, vitamins have fewer side effects. Therefore, this regimen may provide a new potential alternative for prevention of the impaired cognitive functions associated with diabetes after confirming by clinical trials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Defective sperm function is now recognized as one of the most important causes of male infertility. Seminal plasma possesses a rich source of different enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidants such as vitamin C (ascorbic acid) that protect spermatozoa against oxidative stress as one of the mediators of infertility causing sperm dysfunction and low sperm quality. The aim of this study was investigation of seminal total antioxidant capacity and determination of vitamin C effects on sperm motility. Methods: We designed a case-control study with a total subject of 62 males. Sperm parameters were analyzed according to World Health Organization guidelines (WHO, 1999). Total antioxidant capacity and vitamin C level of seminal plasma were measured in the 32 normozoospermic as the control group and 32 asthenospermic men as the case group using FRAP (Ferric Reducing of Antioxidants Powers) and RP-HPLC (Reverse Phase High Performance Liquid Chromatography) methods, respectively. Results: Our results indicated that total antioxidant capacity levels in the seminal plasma of asthenospermic men were significantly lower than healthy men (p=0.002). In addition, we found a positive correlation between reduced total antioxidant capacity levels and low sperm motility. Vitamin C levels of seminal plasma in asthenospermic men were statistically lower than control men (p=0.01). Conclusions: It is suggested that asthenospermia could be related to an antioxidant deficiency or it's reduction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]