Ascorbate-dependent electron transfer across the human erythrocyte membrane

Reduction of extracellular ferricyanide by intact cells reflects the activity of an as yet unidentified trans-plasma membrane oxidoreductase. In human erythrocytes, this activity was found to be limited by the ability of the cells to recycle intracellular ascorbic acid, its primary trans-membrane electron donor. Ascorbate-dependent ferricyanide reduction by erythrocytes was partially inhibited by reaction of one or more cell-surface sulfhydryls with p-chloromercuribenzene sulfonic acid, an effect that persisted in resealed ghosts prepared from such treated cells. However, treatment of intact cells with the sulfhydryl reagent had no effect on NADH-dependent ferricyanide or ferricytochrome c reductase activities of open ghosts prepared from treated cells. When cytosol-free ghosts were resealed to contain trypsin or pronase, ascorbate-dependent reduction of extravesicular ferricyanide was doubled, whereas NADH-dependent ferricyanide and ferricytochrome c reduction were decreased by proteolytic digestion. The trans-membrane ascorbate-dependent activity was also found to be inhibited by reaction of sulfhydryls on its cytoplasmic face. These results show that the trans-membrane ferricyanide oxidoreductase is limited by the ability of erythrocytes to recycle intracellular ascorbate, that it does not involve the endofacial NADH-dependent cytochrome b(5) reductase system, and that it is a trans-membrane protein that contains sensitive sulfhydryl groups on both membrane faces.

Time course for early adaptive responses to ultraviolet B light in the epidermis of SKH-1 mice

Hairless SKH-1 mice were exposed once to UVB light (180 mJ/cm2), and mechanistically important early adaptive responses in the epidermis were evaluated by immunohistochemical and morphological methods. Interrelationships in the time course for these UVB-induced responses were examined. The number of epidermal cells with DNA strand breaks (terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick end labeling-positive cells) or with thymine dimers increased to maximal levels within 30 min after UVB. The number of cells with DNA strand breaks located specifically in the basal layer of the epidermis was increased substantially by 3-30 min after UVB and gradually increased further over the next 5.5 hours. DNA strand breaks specifically in the basal layer of the epidermis were increased maximally at 6 h after UVB. The number of epidermal cells with DNA strand breaks or thymine dimers decreased markedly between 12 and 36 h. Pyrimidine (6-4) pyrimidone photodimers (6-4 photoproducts) in isolated epidermal DNA were increased immediately after irradiation of the mice with UVB and decreased markedly during the next 6 h. Exposure to UVB caused a rapid 8-fold increase in the number of epidermal cells with the DNA mismatch repair protein, MSH2 (within 30-60 min), and the level of MSH2-positive cells remained elevated for at least 48 h. These observations suggest a possible role of MSH2 in the repair of UVB-induced DNA damage. The number of epidermal cells with wild-type p53 protein started to increase at 1 h after UVB exposure and reached maximal levels by 8-12 h. The number of p53-positive cells fell markedly between 24 and 48 h. The time course for UVB-induced increases in the number of p53-positive cells was paralleled very closely by the time course for UVB-induced increases in the number of cells with p21(WAF1/CIP1), increases in morphologically distinct apoptotic sunburn cells, and decreases in the number of epidermal cells with bromodeoxyuridine (BrdUrd) incorporation into DNA. Although the start of UVB-induced increases in the number of p21(WAF1/CIP1)-positive cells was similar to that for the increase in p53-positive cells and very high levels of p21(WAF1/CIP1)-positive cells were observed at 8-12 h, maximal increases in p21(WAF1/CIP1)-positive cells were not achieved until 24 h after UVB irradiation (approximately 12 h after the peak value for p53). Myeloperoxidase-positive epidermal cells started to increase by 30 min after UVB exposure, and maximal numbers of myeloperoxidase-positive epidermal cells were observed at 2 h after UVB (18-fold higher than in nonirradiated control mice). An increased level of epidermal peroxidase enzyme activity in the epidermis was also observed from 1 to 24 h after exposure of the mice to UVB. Although neutrophil infiltration into the epidermis was not seen after exposure to UVB, neutrophil infiltration into the dermis (inflammatory response) was observed from 4 to 144 h after UVB exposure. In contrast to the marked inhibitory effect of UVB on BrdUrd incorporation into the DNA of epidermal cells observed at 8-12 h after UVB irradiation (>90% inhibition), BrdUrd incorporation into the DNA of epidermal cells was markedly increased (approximately 30-fold increase in the number of BrdUrd-positive cells) at 48 h after UVB exposure, and increases in epidermal cell layers and epidermal thickness (hyperplasia) were also observed. These later effects were associated with regeneration of the damaged epidermis.

Carica candicans Gray (Mito), an alimentary resource from Peruvian flora

In addition to some histological observations, the chemical composition of Carica candicans Gray (Caricaceae) fruit and seeds, a plant common in Peruvian nutritional habits, was determined. The fruit contains high amounts of total proteins (8.2% on dry weight basis) and carbohydrates (70.1%) and appreciable contents of vitamin C and minerals. The oil extracted from seeds is in high amount (41. 6%). The fatty acid composition, with a prevalence of oleic, palmitic, and linoleic acids, suggests a possible use of this oil in alimentation.

Sea buckthorn products: manufacture and composition

Sea buckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides) is a unique plant currently being domesticated. The fruit is the main component of value, although the leaves are occasionally made into sea buckthorn tea. The two main sources of valuable products are derived from the berries, juice from the fleshy tissue and seed as a single seed from each berry. The juice provides a nutritious beverage, high in suspended solids and very high in vitamin C and carotenes. The juice may contain an oil phase trapped within the suspended solids, or the oil may be removed as pulp oil and provided separately. The pulp remaining after juice removal provides for extraction of "sea buckthorn yellow", a pigment that has potential use as a food coloring material. The seed is a source of seed oil, which is very unsaturated and shows promise, because of its light absorption and emollient properties, as an ingredient in cosmetics, phytopharmaceuticals, or UV skin protectant preparations. It may be prepared by conventional extraction techniques or by supercritical carbon dioxide extraction. The manufacture of the main products derived from sea buckthorn is described, including several examples from the patent literature. The available compositional data for the main products are tabulated to form a comprehensive source of information on the manufacture and composition of sea buckthorn products.

[Separation and determination of the ingredients of cold medicines by capillary electrophoresis with amperometric detection]

Determination and separation of three ingredients--chlorphenamine maleate, acetaminophen and vitamin C in cold medicines by capillary electrophoresis with amperometric detection were carried out. The effects of detection potential and organic modifier were extensively investigated. Separation efficiency could be improved by adding 1, 2-propanediol into buffer. On optimizing condition, chlorphenamine maleate, acetaminophen and vitamin C were separated satisfactorily and eluted within 12 min. The detection limits were 0.02, 0.08 and 0.01 mg/L respectively. The ingredients in several cold medicines were detected successfully. The recoveries of the samples were 94.2%-102.8%. The method is simple, rapid and highly reliable for routine analysis.

[Ion chromatography of L-ascorbic acid, sulfite and thiosulfate using their postcolumn reactions with cerium (IV) and fluorescence detection of cerium (III)]

An ion chromatographic method was used to separate the species of L-ascorbic acid, sulfite and thiosulfate in their mixtures. This method is based on the separation of each anion in their mixtures by using a separation column, and then on the fluorimetric measurement of cerium (III) formed by a postcolumn reaction of cerium (IV) with the species of L-ascorbic acid, sulfite and thiosulfate in the effluent. The optimal conditions for separating and determining the above three species have been established. By using a 3 mmol/L carbonate eluent, the species of L-ascorbic acid, sulfite and thiosulfate could be eluted at the proper retention times of 1.7, 2.6 and 5.0 min, respectively, and these three anions could be separated completely. The effects of the concentrations of cerium (IV) and sulfuric acid in the postcolumn reaction solution on the chromatographic peak-height were tested in order to obtain the optimal peak-height. It was found that the peak-height at first increases rapidly with an increase in the concentration of cerium (IV) and sulfuric acid respectively up to a certain concertation, then increases slowly. These critical concentrations of cerium (IV) and sulfuric acid also depend on the amount of the analyte injected. Meanwhile the baseline signals of the sepectra increase with an increase in the concentration of cerium (IV). Some concentrations above the critical concentration of sulfuric acid could be selected as the optimal concentration of sulfuric acid, but the concentration of cerium (IV) should be optimized by establishing a compromise between the higher peak-height and the lower baseline signal. The detection limit of this method was found to be 1 mumol/L for thiosulfate when an amount of 100 microL analyte was injected.

Evaluation of radical scavenging activity of fresh and air-dried tomatoes by three model reactions

The radical scavenging activity and the antioxidant content of fresh and air-dried tomatoes were investigated. Tomato halves were dried in a pilot-scale dryer under the following conditions: air temperature, 80 degrees C; air flow rate, 1.5 m/s; drying time, 400 min; final moisture, 25%. Carotenoid (lycopene, beta-carotene, lutein) and ascorbic acid were analyzed by HPLC with a spectrophotometric and an electrochemical detector, respectively. Total phenolics were determined by using the Folin-Ciocalteu reagent. The radical scavenging activity was studied in three model systems: (a) the xanthine oxidase and xanthine system, which generates superoxide radical and hydrogen peroxide; (b) the 3-morpholinosydnonimine system, which releases spontaneously superoxide radical and nitrogen monoxide, forming peroxynitrite; (c) the linoleic acid and CuSO(4) system, which promotes lipid peroxidation. These model systems allow the simulation of key reactions involved in the pathogenesis of certain chronic diseases and may be related to the in vivo activity of tomato antioxidants. Hence, these measurements can be used for optimizing tomato processing and storage. The drying process resulted in a decrease of ascorbic acid content, whereas phenol reagent reducing compounds increased. Carotenoid levels were substantially unchanged upon drying. Fresh and air-dried tomato extracts could act as radical scavengers both in the reactive oxygen species-mediated reactions and in lipid peroxidation. Drying affected the antioxidant effectiveness as measured in the xanthine/xanthine oxidase system, which was found to be the most sensitive method for the measurement of tomato antioxidant activity (lower I(50)) but retained the antioxidant effectiveness in the other two systems.

Direct measurement of ascorbic acid biosynthesis in Arabidopsis cell suspension culture using capillary electrophoresis

We describe procedures to directly measure the biosynthesis of vitamin C (L-ascorbic acid, L-AA) in crude extracts of an Arabidopsis thaliana cell suspension culture by capillary electrophoresis. Optimal conditions have been established for the quantitation of L-AA formed by the oxidation of three different substrates: L-galactose, L-galactono-1,4-lactone, and L-gulono-1,4-lactone. We also demonstrate that L-galactono-1,4-lactone dehydrogenase activity does not require exogenous cofactor. The minimal sample handling requirements, the high selectivity, and short analysis times represent significant advantages over existing protocols.

Indirect detection of organic acids in non-aqueous capillary electrophoresis

Non-aqueous capillary electrophoresis (NACE) with indirect detection has been applied to the determination of fatty acids (FAs) and ascorbic acid (AA), respectively. C2-C18 FAs have been separated in less than 12 min using 8-hydroxy-7-iodoquinoline sulfonic acid as chromophores in NACE with indirect absorbance. The dissociation constant (pKa) values of C8-C18 FAs obtained from the slope of the linear plot -log [(mu 0/mu)-1] vs. pH, using 20% isopropanol and 40% acetonitrile as the organic modifier in NACE, are all above about two units than those obtained in aqueous solution. NACE with indirect laser-induced fluorescence, using merocyanine 540 (MC540) as fluorophores, has been performed to the analysis of AA and its stereoisomer, isoascorbic acid (IAA), and the limits of detection of AA and IAA are 0.30 microM and 0.17 microM, respectively. This method has been applied to the determination of AA in a lemon juice spiked with IAA as the internal standard in less than 3 min and its concentration is 76.7 +/- 0.4 mM.

Simultaneous determination of water and enediols or thiols in chemical products and drugs not amenable to direct Karl Fischer titration

A method proposed for determining water and enediols or thiols is based on consecutive titration of the enediols or thiols by a novel reagent and of water by the conventional Karl Fischer reagent in the same cell. The time for both titrations is 8-20 min. The novel reagent consists of iodine, sodium acetate as a base, and potassium iodide in a nonaqueous solvent system. The method is applicable for quality control of chemical products and drugs during their production and trade.

Concentrations of catecholamines, ascorbic acid, progesterone and oxytocin in the corpora lutea of cyclic and pregnant cattle

To determine if there are inter-relationships between progesterone, oxytocin (OT), dopamine (DA), noradrenaline (NA) and ascorbic acid, these compounds were measured in the corpus luteum (CL) from cattle at different stages of the oestrous cycle (n = 42) and from 1-5 months of pregnancy (n = 27). They were measured by radioimmunoassay (RIA), high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and colorimetric methods. Corpora lutea were collected from heifers and cows within 30 min of slaughter on days 1-5, 6-10, 11-16 and 17-21 of the oestrous cycle. The stage of pregnancy was determined on the basis of foetal size and development. Each CL was divided into four parts and stored in liquid nitrogen. For hormone estimation, the tissue was homogenised/powdered and suspended in phosphate buffer (for OT and progesterone), 0.1 M trichloracetic acid (TCA; for catecholamines) or in ice-cold metaphosphoric acid (for ascorbic acid). There were no significant differences in the measured parameters between cows and heifers, and so the data were combined. The concentration of DA was correlated with NA (r = 0.66; P < 0.001) during the oestrous cycle and was highest in newly formed CL (P < 0.01) as compared with early CL, regressed CL and CL of pregnant females. NA was negatively correlated (P < 0.01) with progesterone (r = -0.53) and OT (r = -0.41). In contrast, progesterone and OT were positively correlated with each other (r = 0.81; P < 0.01) during all stages of the oestrous cycle, but not during pregnancy. The lowest concentrations of ascorbic acid were observed in regressed CL. Ascorbic acid concentrations were correlated (P < 0.01) with those of progesterone (r = 0.68), OT (r = 0.42) and DA (r = -0.37). Luteal concentrations of ascorbic acid, progesterone and OT followed a pattern consistent with the development and regression of the CL. Luteal concentrations of catecholamines were not consistent with this pattern.

Compromised concentrations of ascorbate in fluid lining the respiratory tract in human subjects after exposure to ozone

OBJECTIVES

Ozone (O3) imposes an oxidative burden on the lung in two ways. Firstly, directly as a consequence of its oxidising character during exposure, and secondly, indirectly by engendering inflammation. In this study the second pathway was considered by ascertaining the impact of O3 on the redox state of the fluid lining the respiratory tract 6 hours after challenge.

METHODS

Nine subjects were exposed in a double blind crossover control trial to air and 200 ppb O3 for 2 hours with an intermittent exercise and rest protocol. Blood samples were obtained and lung function (forced vital capacity (FVC), forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1)) assessed before, immediately after, and 6 hours after exposure. Bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) was performed 6 hours after challenge. Inflammation was assessed in BAL fluid (total and differential cell counts, plus myeloperoxidase concentrations), and plasma and BAL fluid redox state were determined by measuring concentrations of antioxidants and markers of oxidative damage.

RESULTS

Neutrophil numbers in BAL fluid increased 2.2-fold (p = 0.07) 6 hours after exposure and this was accompanied by increased myeloperoxidase concentrations in BAL fluid (p = 0.08). On the other hand, BAL fluid macrophage and lymphocyte numbers decreased 2.5-fold (p = 0.08) and 3.1-fold (p = 0.08), respectively at this time. Of the antioxidants examined, only ascorbate in BAL fluid was affected by O3, falling in all subjects relative to air values (0.1 (0.0-0.3) v 0.3 (0.2-1.2) mumol/l (p = 0.008)). A marginal decrease in plasma ascorbate was also detected at this time (p < 0.05). Although the decrease in macrophage numbers seemed to be causally related to the increase in neutrophils (R = -0.79), myeloperoxidase concentrations (R = -0.93) and ascorbate concentrations (R = 0.6), no clear associations were apparent between ascorbate changes and neutrophils or myeloperoxidase concentration after O3.

CONCLUSIONS

Ascorbate in the fluid lining the respiratory tract is depleted as a consequence of O3 exposure at 6 hours after exposure. This was contemporaneous with, although not quantitatively related to the increase in neutrophil numbers and myeloperoxidase concentrations. Decreased macrophage numbers 6 hours after O3 related to the degree of neutrophilic inflammation with populations conserved where ascorbate concentration in the fluid lining the respiratory tract were high after exposure. These results imply that ascorbate has a critical protective role against inflammatory oxidative stress induced by O3.

Improved method for simultaneous determination of ascorbic acid and dehydroascorbic acid, isoascorbic acid and dehydroisoascorbic acid in food and biological samples

The total vitamin C amount in different food and plasma samples was determined by a dual detection system, after HPLC separation, with direct detection of ascorbic acid and indirect fluorimetric detection of dehydroascorbic acid after a post-column O-phenyldiamine derivatisation. The two active forms of vitamin C and their D-isomers were separated within 10 min. The repeatability was determined by measurement of several fruits and vegetables and ranged from 0.3 to 1.9% (relative standard deviation) for vitamin C. The reproducibility, based on double determinations, ranged from 1.9 to 3.6% for vitamin C, depending on the matrix. The reproducibility, based on several determinations of reference materials, ranged from 2.4 to 3.7% for ascorbic acid and from 4.3 to 5.8% for dehydroascorbic acid, again depending on the matrix.

A rapid and selective solid-phase UV spectrophotometric method for determination of ascorbic acid in pharmaceutical preparations and urine

Ascorbic acid was determined by a solid-phase UV spectrophotometry technique through the sorption of this on a dextran-type anion-exchange resin, Sephadex QAE A-25 and posterior direct measurement of its absorbance on the resin at 267 and 400 nm, packed in a 1-mm cell. The calibration graph was linear over the range 0.3-5.0 microg ml(-1). The sensitivity obtained is more than 50 times higher than that of the corresponding solution method. The detection limit was 0.05 microg ml(-1) and the relative standard deviation 0.74% (n = 10). This method is very rapid and highly selective for determining ascorbic acid in the presence of other species absorbing in the ultraviolet region and which are normally encountered with it. The one-step method proposed was successfully applied in the determination of ascorbic acid in pharmaceutical preparations and urine and the results were of comparable accuracy as indicated by a statistical analysis of the data, using both t- and F-tests.

[Determination of ascorbic acid in medicine by sulfosalicylic acid spectrophotometry]

Ascorbic acid in medicine was determined by fading spectrophotometric method, based on Fe3+ reduced into Fe2+ by ascorbic acid and reacting on sulfosalicylic acid. The results obtained were in agreement with those of Chinese pharmacopoeia's method and background correction method.

Preferential uptake and accumulation of oxidized vitamin C by THP-1 monocytic cells

THP-1 cells preferentially accumulate vitamin C in its oxidized form. The uptake displays first-order kinetics and leads to a build-up of an outward concentration gradient which is stable in the absence of extracellular vitamin. The transport is faster than reduction by extracellular glutathione or by added cytosolic extract, and glutathione-depleted cells show the same uptake rates as control cells. In addition, energy depletion or oxidation of intracellular sulfhydryls does not inhibit accumulation of ascorbate. The accumulation, however, always occurs in the reduced form. The affinity for dehydroascorbate is lower (Km 450 microM vs 60 microM) than for reduced ascorbate, but the maximal rate is more than 30 times higher (581 compared to 19 pmol.min-1 per 106 cells), and it is independent of sodium, whereas the uptake of ascorbate is not. The sodium gradient also allows accumulation of reduced ascorbate. Inhibitors of glucose transport by the GLUT-1 transporter also inhibit uptake of dehydroascorbate (DHA), but there are some inconsistencies, because the Ki-values are higher than reported for the isolated transporter and one inhibitor (deoxyglucose) is noncompetitive. The preferential uptake of the dehydro-form of the vitamin may be useful for situations where this short-lived metabolite is formed by oxidation in the environment.

Protection against UV-induced systemic immunosuppression in mice by a single topical application of the antioxidant vitamins C and E

PURPOSE

Reactive oxygen species are involved in UV-induced suppression of the immune system. Topical treatment with the antioxidant vitamins C (L-ascorbic acid, ASC) and E (D-alpha-tocopherol, TOC) can support the endogenous antioxidant defence system and prevent immunosuppression.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Mice were topically treated with a single dose of ASC, TOC or a combination and irradiated with UVB. Then systemic immunosuppression was measured using a model based on the induction of a contact hypersensitivity response to dinitrofluorobenzene. To investigate the mechanism of protection, cis-urocanic acid-induced immunosuppression was investigated in a different contact hypersensitivity model measuring local immunosuppression. The levels of ASC and TOC in the epidermis were determined by HPLC.

RESULTS

Both ASC and TOC prevented UV-induced suppression of the contact hypersensitivity response. TOC was effective at doses of 2.5 to 10 nmol/cm2 and ASC at 0.5 to 5 micromol/cm2. At the highest dose, the response in the ASC-treated mice was no longer significantly different from that in the positive control group. Contrary to expectations, combinations of the two compounds did not provide additional protection. The experiments with ASC or TOC against immunosuppression by cis-urocanic acid also yielded protection, but this was less efficient than against UV. The concentrations of ASC and TOC in the epidermis were so low that UVB absorption could be excluded as the cause of the protection.

CONCLUSIONS

ASC and TOC can be used to prevent systemic UV-induced immunosuppression. They are effective at relatively low doses after a single topical application prior to the irradiation.

Simultaneous spectrophotometric determination of rutin, quercetin and ascorbic acid in drugs using a Kalman Filter approach

A UV-spectrophotometric analysis of severely overlapped spectra yielded by anti-capillary fragility pharmaceutical materials, viz. rutin, quercetin and ascorbic acid, in authentic mixtures and in tablets or soft elastic capsules was proposed. The method was based on Kalman Filter calibration of either orthogonal experimental design, i.e. standard solutions containing only one component at a time, or non-orthogonal experimental design, i.e. standard solutions containing more than one component. This calibration was followed by quantitative determinations of two- and three-component mixtures in synthetic mixtures or in oral dosages within the concentration range 2-10 microg ml(-1). A statistical analysis of the results was reported.

Antioxidant consumption and repletion kinetics in nasal lavage fluid following exposure of healthy human volunteers to ozone

To obtain information on the real-time events occurring within human respiratory tract lining fluids (RTLFs) during ozone exposure, sequential nasal lavage was performed on 13 human volunteers exposed on separate occasions to 0.2 parts per million O3 and filtered air (2-h exposures, with intermittent exercise). Nasal lavage was performed and blood samples obtained at four time points throughout each exposure: pre-exposure (Pre-E), 1 h into exposure (1h-E), immediately post-exposure (0h-PE) and 1 h post-exposure (1h-PE). Endobronchial mucosal biopsies were obtained at 1.5 h-post exposure (1.5h-PE). Nasal RTLF neutrophilia was not apparent during, or 1.5 h after, 03 exposure. Furthermore, activation of the pre-existing neutrophil population did not occur. Airway permeability was not altered by this 03 exposure regimen. Sequential lavage resulted in significant washout of RTLF ascorbic acid, reduced glutathione, extracellular superoxide dismutase and myeloperoxidase at 1h-E, 0h-PE and 1.5h-PE relative to baseline Pre-E values. In contrast, RTLF uric acid (UA), total protein and albumin concentrations did not display washout kinetics. Of the antioxidants examined, only UA was clearly depleted by 03, concentrations, falling by 6.22 micromol x L(-1) at 1h-E, compared with 1.61 micromol x L(-1) (p<0.01) during control air exposure. The establishment of a new pseudo-steady-state concentration of RTLF UA (70% of Pre-E values) during the second hour of O3 exposure was coincident with a small but significant increase in plasma UA concentration (19.27 (O3) versus 1.95 micromol x L(-1) (air), p<0.05). These data demonstrate that inhalation of 0.2 parts per million 03 results in the depletion of nasal respiratory tract lining fluid uric acid and that this regional loss of uric acid leads to a small increase in plasma uric acid concentration. Whilst the reaction of uric acid with inspired 03 may confer protection locally, the role of upper airway uric acid as a sink for inhaled O3 is not supported by these findings.

Sequential injection technique for automated titration: spectrophotometric assay of vitamin C in pharmaceutical products using cerium(IV) in sulfuric acid

For the first time sequential injection analysis (SIA) technique has been employed for titrimetry. A new SI titrimetric spectrophotometric method for the assay of vitamin C in drug formulations was explored. The method is based on the oxidation reaction of vitamin C with cerium(IV) in sulfuric acid media using a spectrophotometer as a detector with the wavelength monitored at 410 nm. A 2(3) factorial design chemometric approach was employed to study the interaction effect of the chemical and system variables, mainly cerium(IV), sulfuric acid concentrations and the flow rate. The results of the chemometric optimization revealed that the optimum operating conditions for the SI titrimetric analysis of vitamin C were 7.0 x 10(-3) M cerium(IV), 0.455 M sulfuric acid and 28.9 microL s-1 flow rate. A linear calibration plot for the determination of vitamin C was obtained in the concentration range between 30 to 200 ppm. The method was applied to the determination of vitamin C in pharmaceutical preparations and no excipient was found to pose any interference, thus rendering the method suitable for the determination of the drug in pharmaceutical preparations. The SIA method is found to be accurate when the results were statistically compared with the results obtained by the BP standard method. The SIA method is superior when compared to the conventional titration method, the BP standard method and previous methods with respect to precision and automation in solution handling.

Effect of postharvest storage and processing on the antioxidant constituents (flavonoids and vitamin C) of fresh-cut spinach

The effect of modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) and cooking on the flavonoids and vitamin C content (ascorbic + dehydroascorbic acid; AA + DHAA) of fresh-cut spinach was evaluated. The total flavonoid content (approximately 1000 mg kg(-)(1) f.w.) remained quite constant during storage in both air and MAP atmospheres, while vitamin C (750 mg kg(-)(1)f.w.) was better preserved in MAP-stored spinach. AA was transformed to DHAA during storage, and its concentration was higher in MAP-stored tissues. The free-radical scavenging activity of the isolated flavonoids was tested, and only those flavonoids with either a dihydroxyl grouping or acylated with ferulic acid showed significant activity. A decrease in the total antioxidant activity was observed during storage, particularly important in MAP-stored spinach. The higher content of DHAA and lower content of both AA and antioxidant flavonoids in the MAP-stored samples could explain this antioxidant activity decrease. Boiling extracted 50% of total flavonoids and 60% vitamin C in the cooking water. However, flavonoid glucuronides were extracted more in the cooking water than the other glycosides. The vitamin C content of the cooked tissue was higher in those samples stored in MAP.

Lipid oxidation in fillets of herring (Clupea harengus) during frozen storage. Influence of prefreezing storage

Fillets of herring (Clupea harengus) were kept on ice for 0, 3, 6, and 9 days prior to storage at -18 degrees C for 0, 21, 42, 63, and 84 days. At each storage point, peroxide value (PV), absorbance at 268 nm (A(268)), fluorescent products (FP), alpha-tocopherol, glutathione peroxidase (GSH-px) activity, and ascorbic acid were measured. As shown by regression analyses, samples held for 6 days on ice formed oxidation products at the highest rate during frozen storage, followed by, for PV and FP, the 9-day samples. These data indicate that severe changes that negatively affect the oxidation process took place in the herring muscle between 3 and 6 days after catch. Both the initial antioxidant levels and the rate of antioxidant loss at -18 degrees C decreased with increased prefreezing holding time, the latter being most obvious for GSH-px activity and ascorbic acid. alpha-Tocopherol showed the largest losses and had disappeared entirely from the 6- and 9-day samples at the end of the frozen storage. Partial least-squares regression analysis of the data showed that ice storage had a greater effect than frozen storage on changes in PV, A(268), FP, alpha-tocopherol, and ascorbic acid. For GSH-px activity, frozen storage had the greatest effect.

Electroporation-mediated topical delivery of vitamin C for cosmetic applications

It is now medically recognized that sagging skin and other signs of degenerative skin conditions, such as wrinkles and age spots, are caused primarily by oxy-radical damage. Vitamin C (Vit. C), in the form of L-ascorbic acid (Asc), is the one vitamin that can accelerate wound healing, protect fatty tissues from oxidation damage, and play an integral role in collagen synthesis. It is known that the lipid-rich stratum corneum (SC) is a highly resistant barrier to chemical agents penetrating into the skin. This report describes the first feasibility study of electroporation-mediated topical delivery (EMTD) of Asc for potential cosmetic applications. Both a cream formulation (20% Asc) and a crystal suspension (33% Asc) were applied respectively to human cadaver skin and fresh surgical skin. Six exponential pulses at 60 or 100 V and pulse lengths of 2.7-30 ms were selected. EMTD was more effective on fresh human skin than on human cadaver skin. For both skin models, EMTD with cream resulted in a greater enhancement of Vit. C penetration than with suspension. The distribution of electrical fields through the SC, epidermis, and dermis is demonstrated in computer simulation. Assuming that this fresh skin model and certain experimental conditions simulate projected in vivo applications, EMTD of Vit. C may represent an alternative method to ameliorate skin aging.

[Copper, zinc and vitamin C concentrations in polymorphonuclear granulocytes after administration of therapeutic doses of nifedipine in patients with primary hypertension]

In polymorphonuclear granulocytes of men which used nifedipine in daily doses 30 mg during the period of 7 days was found: after 3 days as well after 7 days the lower concentration of copper and the higher concentration of zinc. The vitamin C concentration did not change substantially.