Effect of vitamin C deficiency and excess on the liver: a histopathological and biochemical study in guinea pigs fed normal or high cholesterol diet.
When guinea pigs were kept on a restricted vitamin C intake of only 0.5 mg daily, their serum ascorbic acid fell to 0.16 +/- 0.06 mg/d1 in 16 weeks as compared to 0.73 +/- 0.11 in control. This was associated with significant increase in liver cholesterol and triglycerides. When they were simultaneously challenged with a high cholesterol load, this fat accumulation was markedly exaggerated. The weight of the liver now increased by almost two-and-half times. Liver cholesterol rose to 12.90 +/- 2.63 mg/gm as compared to 3.23 +/- 0.56 mg/gm with low vitamin C alone. Histopathology showed marked distension and vacuolation of hepatocytes, focal necrosis and fibroplasia. Administration of excess vitamin C (100 mg daily) significantly countered these changes. The vitamin C-lipid relationship has important clinical bearings and liver could be an important site of vitamin C action.
Sharma
P
P
Upgraded Department of Physiology, SMS Medical College, Jaipur.
Pramod
J
J
Sharma
P K
PK
Sapra
M
M
Manorma
Kothari
L K
LK
D000818:Animals; D001205:Ascorbic Acid / Q000633:toxicity*; D001206:Ascorbic Acid Deficiency / Q000378:metabolism*; D002784:Cholesterol / Q000032:analysis; D002791:Cholesterol, Dietary / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D006168:Guinea Pigs; D008099:Liver / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000378:metabolism; D008297:Male; D009929:Organ Size; D014280:Triglycerides / Q000032:analysis
D002791:Cholesterol, Dietary; D014280:Triglycerides; D002784:Cholesterol; D001205:Ascorbic Acid