Although vitamin C supplements were consumed for health maintenance and fatigue recovery, the effects of high doses of vitamin C supplement remains controversial. Our study performed the effects of 100 mg and 2,000 mg vitamin C supplements on plasma and urinary vitamin C concentration in Korean women. Twenty-four women completed the 4 weeks intervention. Anthropometric data, plasma and urinary vitamin C concentrations, superoxide dismutase activity, thiobarbituric acid reactive substance (TBARS) level, and fatigue severity scale (FSS) were collected, and the statistical analyses compared between- and within-group findings at pre- and post-intervention. Concentrations of vitamin C in plasma and urinary excretion were significantly increased with 100 mg and 2,000 mg of vitamin C supplementation (p < 0.050). TBARS level was decreased significantly with 2,000 mg of vitamin C supplementation (p < 0.050). In addition, FSS was declined significantly in 100 mg of vitamin C supplementation group (p < 0.050). Our result showed that vitamin C supplementation of either 100 mg or 2,000 mg led to an increase in vitamin C concentrations in plasma and vitamin urinary excretion but not statistically significant among groups. TBARS level was decreased in 2,000 mg and FSS was decreased in 100 mg of vitamin C supplementation in Korean women. We suppose that additional clinical trial is needed to examine the effects of vitamin C supplements for a wide range of doses on plasma and urinary vitamin C concentrations in Korean.
Ascorbic Acid* ; Fatigue ; Female ; Humans ; Plasma* ; Superoxide Dismutase ; Thiobarbituric Acid Reactive Substances ; Vitamins*

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Annexin V is known to bind to the phosphatidylserine (PS) of damaged cell membranes. We recently demonstrated that annexin V binds to oxidized red blood cells (oxRBC). The aim of this study was to find whether annexin V binds to oxidized lipids or to the PS of oxRBC. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Red blood cells (RBC) were oxidized by the addition of CuSO4, and the degree of oxidation evaluated using the semiquantitative measurement of thiobarbituric acid reactive substance (TBARS). The binding of annexin V to oxRBC was evaluated by flow cytometry. RESULTS: Annexin V was found to bind to oxRBC, but not to native RBC. The percentage of RBC binding to annexin V was closely correlated with the degree of oxidation, as measured using TBARS (r=0.99, p=0.000) in relation to the concentration of CuSO4. The binding of annexin V to oxRBC was attenuated in the presence of oxidized low density lipoprotein (oxLDL), with these phenomena also being dosedependent. The binding was reduced by 71.0+/-3.0% in the presence of 100 microgram/mL oxLDL. LDL had no influence on the binding of annexin V to oxRBC. CONCLUSION: These findings suggest that annexin V may bind to the oxidized lipids of cell membranes. Further studies will be required to evaluate the relative importance between oxidized lipids and PS, and to find the characteristics of oxidized lipids in the binding of annexin V to damaged cell membranes.
Annexin A5* ; Cell Membrane ; Erythrocytes* ; Flow Cytometry ; Lipid Peroxidation ; Lipoproteins ; Thiobarbituric Acid Reactive Substances

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Controversy exists about the characteristics of the lipid-oxidizing process, and the molecules in oxidized lipids that are involved in the binding and uptake to macrophages, in atherosclerosis. The aim of this study was to find answers to these questions using oxidized red blood cells (ox-RBCs). MATERIALS AND METHODS: The RBCs were oxidized in the presence of various concentrations of CuSO4, and the degree of oxidation evaluated by the semiquantitative measurement of the thiobarbituric acid reactive substance (TBARS). The ox-RBC was characterized using annexin-V and flow cytometry. The relationships between the CuSO4 concentration, the degree of oxidation, characteristics of the ox-RBC and it's binding to macrophages transformed from THP-1 cells, were evaluated. RESULTS: The RBCs were oxidized, not by their gradual changes, but by the sudden transformation of a proportion of the RBCs in relation to the CuSO4 concentration. There were few RBCs between oxidized and non-oxidized groups. The annexin-V bound only to the ox-RBC, with a similar degree of binding in all ox-RBCs. The binding of ox-RBC to macrophages was completely inhibited by oxidized low density lipoprotein, which was directly related to the CuSO4 concentration, the TBARS and the proportion of ox-RBC. CONCLUSION: These results suggest that the oxidation of lipids might be an on-off phenomenon process. Molecules that have the ability to bind annexin-V, presumptively phosphatidyl serine, may be involved in the process of binding the ox-lipids to macrophages. Further study will be needed to clarify these molecules.
Atherosclerosis ; Binding, Competitive ; Erythrocytes* ; Flow Cytometry ; Lipid Peroxidation ; Lipoproteins ; Macrophages* ; Serine ; Thiobarbituric Acid Reactive Substances

This study was performed to investigate the effect of kimchi intake on free radical and oxidative substance production in young adults and the elderly. Daily kimchi intake by people in their twenties (n = 93, 20 to 29 years old) and over sixty-five (n = 143, over 65 years old) in M city were surveyed and blood was drawn to analyze the free radicals in their plasma. The average amount of kimchi intake by the subjects was 115.8 +/- 91.7 g. The amount of kimchi intake of those in their twenties (106.1 +/- 80.6 g) was significantly lower than that of those over sixty-five (125.5 +/- 102.9 g, p<0.05). Concentrations of total free radicals and OH radicals were 27 and 33% greater respectively, in those over sixty-five than in those in their twenties, indicating that more free radicals were produced by the older group. The concentration of GSH was not signiacantly different in the two groups, but that of GSSG in the over sixty-five age group was 53% greater than in the twenties group, which resulted in a 35% reduction in GSH/GSSG in the elderly group. TBARS concentration in the over sixty-five group was 26% greater than that of the twenties group. In order to see the effect of kimchi intake on free radical production, subjects in same age group were divided into two sub groups-the mean over and the mean under groups-according to the average amount of kimchi intake, which was 115.8 g. The total free radicals, the OH radicals, the GSH, the GSSG, and the GSH/GSSG in the twenties group were not significantly different in the two kimchi intake groups. However, those in the over sixty-five group were significantly different. The concentration of total free radicals and OH radicals of the mean over group were 21 and 26% lower respectively, than those of the mean ova. group (p<0.05). The GSH and GSH/GSSG of the mean ova. groups were higher by 8 and 12%, respectively. The correlation coefficient between the kimchi intake and the total free radicals was -0.1862 (p<0.05) and that for GSH/GSSG was 0.1861 (p<0.05). In conclusion, the production of free radicals and oxidative substances increased with age, and kimchi seemed to retard this phenomena.
Aged* ; Free Radicals ; Glutathione ; Glutathione Disulfide ; Humans ; Ovum ; Plasma ; Thiobarbituric Acid Reactive Substances ; Young Adult*

The purpose of this research was to investigate the effect of the calcium intake on lipid profile and antioxidant capacities in ovariectomized (OVX) rats. Rats were divided into 3 groups and fed diet with different levels of calcium (low 0.1%, adequate 0.5%, high 1.5%) for 4 weeks. The half of rats in each group was ovariectomized and the others were sham-operated. And rats were fed same diets for 8 weeks after operation. Feed intake and weight gain were significantly higher in OVX group than those in sham-operated. Serum HDL-cholesterol was the highest in high-calcium group of OVX. Hepatic triglyceride of low-calcium group in sham-operated was the highest, while that of highcalcium group in OVX was the highest. Hepatic activities of glutathione-S-transferase (GST), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), and catalase were significantly decreased by increasement of calcium intake. Hepatic TBARS level was the lowest in high-calcium group of OVX. And hepatic level of TBARS induced by AAPH was significantly decreased by increasement of calcium intake. These results may indicate that the high calcium intake have the potential role to improve lipid profiles and antioxidant capacities in OVX rats.
Amidines ; Animals ; Calcium ; Catalase ; Diet ; Female ; Glutathione Peroxidase ; Ovariectomy ; Rats ; Thiobarbituric Acid Reactive Substances ; Weight Gain

The purpose of this research was to investigate the effect of the boron supplementation on lipid profiles and antioxidant capacities in ovariectomized (OVX) rats. Rats were divided into 3 groups and fed diet with intake levels of boron (0.5 ppm, 50 ppm, 100 ppm) for 4 weeks. The half of rats in each group was ovariectomized and the others were sham-operated. And rats were fed same diets for 8 weeks after operation. Feed intake and weight gain were significantly increased by increasing boron intake and higher in OVX group than those in sham-operated. FER was significantly higher in OVX group than that of sham-operated. There were no significant differences in serum lipid profiles among the groups. The contents of hepatic total lipid were significantly higher in OVX group than those of sham-operated and the lowest in high-boron group. Hepatic GST activity was significantly decreased by ovariectomy and the lowest in very high-boron group. Hepatic catalase activity was the lowest in high-boron group of OVX. Hepatic TBARS level of high-boron group was the lowest in sham-operated groups. Hepatic TBARS level induced by AAPH was significantly decreased by increasement of boron supplementation. Taken together, this results suggest that the boron supplementation have the potential role for improving lipid profiles and antioxidant capacities in OVX rats.
Animals ; Boron* ; Catalase ; Diet ; Female ; Ovariectomy ; Rats* ; Thiobarbituric Acid Reactive Substances ; Weight Gain

PURPOSE: This study investigated the question of whether the addition of natural ingredients (pear fermented solution, celery powder, vitamin C) in curing agents may influence antioxidant activities and nutritional characteristics of smoked duck. METHODS: Smoked duck samples with general or natural curing agent containing three additive ingredients were examined to determine total polyphenol contents, antioxidant activities, pH, TBARS, and food additives residue (nitrite ion, antioxidant, sodium glutamate). RESULTS: Smoked duck with natural curing agent showed a higher level of total polyphenol content and antioxidant activities than smoked duck using general curing agent (p < 0.05). The pH and TBARS of smoked duck were significantly decreased by the addition of natural curing ingredients compared to those of smoked duck using general curing agent (p < 0.05). The residues of food additives were not detected in smoked duck using natural curing agent. CONCLUSION: Findings suggest that the addition of pear fermented solution, celery powder, and vitamin C in natural duck curing agent may improve the antioxidant activities and nutritional characteristics of smoked duck and provides health benefits.
Apium graveolens ; Ascorbic Acid ; Ducks* ; Food Additives ; Hydrogen-Ion Concentration ; Insurance Benefits ; Pyrus ; Smoke* ; Sodium ; Thiobarbituric Acid Reactive Substances ; Vitamins

The study evaluated the effectiveness of intervention for male adolescent smokers by making an assessment in terms of changes in food habits, nutrition knowledge, plasma catalase, superoxide dismutase(SOD), glutathione peroxidase peroxidase(GSH-px) activities and thiobarbituric acid reactive substance(TBARS) after Vit C supplementation and nutrition education. The subjects, male adolescent smokers, were assigned into four groups : Control group(19 students), education(Educ.) group(19 students), Vit C supplementation (suppl) group(19 students), and Educ. + Vit C suppl. group(19 students). The Educ. group and Educ. + Vit C suppl. group received nutrition education once a week for 2 weeks. The Vit C suppl. group Educ. + Vit C suppl. group received 500 mg ascorbic acid for 35 days. All data were collected before intervention and after intervention. Nutrition knowledge of those who received education increased, and the frequency of fruit and yellow-green vegetable consumption also increased. Plasma antioxidant enzyme activities were not different except for the SOD activity in the Educ. + Vit C suppl. group, which was significantly increased. The plasma ceruloplasmin level of groups that received Vit C supplementation was reduced more than any other groups, and the specific ceruloplasmin ferroxidase activity of groups that received Vit C supplementation was elevated more than other groups. These intervention programs had an impact on food habits, nutrition knowledge, plasma antioxidant enzyme activities, and plasma TBARS in male adolescent smokers. Various nutrition education programs must be implemented for adolescent smokers, and further studied are needed regarding sorts and amount of antioxidant nutrients and supplementation duration.
Adolescent* ; Ascorbic Acid ; Catalase ; Ceruloplasmin ; Education* ; Food Habits* ; Fruit ; Glutathione Peroxidase ; Humans ; Male* ; Plasma ; Superoxides ; Thiobarbituric Acid Reactive Substances ; Vegetables

OBJECTIVE: : To investigate the effect of chlorogenic acid (CGA) on non-enzymatic glycation and oxidation of low density lipoprotein (LDL). METHODS: : The non-enzymatic glycation incubation system of LDL-glucose was established. The contents of early glycation products (Amodori product) and intermediate products (dicarbonyl compound) were determined by ultraviolet-visible spectrophotometry, and the content of advanced glycation end products (AGEs) was determined by fluorescence spectrophotometry. The LDL oxidation incubation system was established. The contents of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances(TBARS) and conjugated diene were determined by ultraviolet-visible spectrophotometry. The tryptophan fluorescence quenching, and the content of lipofuscin, total fluorescence products, active aldehydes and malondialdehyde were determined by fluorescence spectrophotometry, and further verified by three-dimensional fluorescence spectroscopy. RESULTS: : In the LDL glycation experiment, 150 μg/mL and 300 μg/mL CGA inhibited the formation of Amadori product, dicarbonyl compounds and AGEs. In the LDL oxidation experiment, 15 μg/mL and 25 μg/mL CGA inhibited the formation of TBARS effectively; 5 μg/mL and 10 μg/mL CGA inhibited tryptophan fluorescence quenching, and the formation of active aldehydes, malondialdehyde, total fluorescence products, lipofuscin and conjugated diolefine. And the three-dimensional fluorescence spectroscopy showed the same results. CONCLUSIONS : CGA can inhibit non-enzymatic glycation and oxidation of LDL.
Chlorogenic Acid ; pharmacology ; Glycosylation ; drug effects ; Lipoproteins, LDL ; metabolism ; Oxidation-Reduction ; drug effects ; Thiobarbituric Acid Reactive Substances ; analysis

BACKGROUND: This study was conducted to verify the hypothesis that the suppression of lipid peroxidation with the antioxidant, U-74389G, could improve the survivability of paraquat intoxicated rats. METHODS: First, we obtained the 24-h mortality by using several paraquat dosages and calculated the 24-h LD50 in 24 male Wistar rats(250~350g). To examine the effect of U-74389G, we divided the rats in 4 groups: a control group and U-74389G only group, a paraquat only group, and a paraquat plus U-74389G group(n=10 each). Paraquat, 35mg/kg, was injected intraperitoneally at 0 h. U-74389G, 10mg/kg, was administered intraperitoneally at 0, 12 h or at 1, 12 h in the respective groups. The rats were observed for 24 hours. At 24 h, plasma and lung, liver, and kidney tissues were obtained after sacrificing the surviving rats to determine the degree of lipid peroxidation by using a thiobarbituric acid reactive substances(TBARS) quantitative analysis. RESULTS: The 24-h LD50 of paraquat was calculated as 40mg/kg in our rats. The 24-h mortality was as follows: control group and U-74389G group 0%, paraquat group 30%, and paraquat plus U-74389G group 10%. The TBARS analysis showed no differences between the U-74389G and the control groups. The paraquat group showed significantly increased TBARS levels in the serum and in the kidney and lung tissue compared to the control group(p<0.05). With U-74389G, the increased TBARS levels were significantly decreased in the plasma, kidney, and lung tissues compared to the paraquat group(p<0.05). However, in the liver tissue, there were no significant differences among the groups. CONCLUSION: A 21-aminosteroid antioxidant, U-74389G, improved the survivablity of paraquat-intoxicated rats through the suppression of lipid peroxidation. Our result suggests the possibility of clinical application of this drug as an antidote for paraquat poisoning.
Animals ; Humans ; Kidney ; Lethal Dose 50 ; Lipid Peroxidation ; Liver ; Lung ; Male ; Mortality ; Paraquat ; Plasma ; Poisoning ; Rats* ; Thiobarbituric Acid Reactive Substances