title: Diabetes and periodontal diseases. Possible role of vitamin c deficiency: an hypothesis.
abstract: An hypothesis is proposed relating the possible role of vitamin deficiency as an etiologic factor contributing to periodontal disease in diabetes. The hypothesis is based upon the following: (1) transport of ascorbate across cell membranes may be impaired by glucose, but facilitated by insulin; (2) glucose utilization is significantly accelerated by sublethal concentrations of endotoxin; (3) endotoxin-induced histamine sensitivity of tissue is enhanced by ascorbic deficiency; and (4) ascorbic acid deficiency alters mucosal barrier function. The interrelationship of these factors is discussed.
mesh_terms: D001205:Ascorbic Acid / Q000378:metabolism / Q000494:pharmacology; D001206:Ascorbic Acid Deficiency / Q000503:physiopathology*; D003094:Collagen / Q000378:metabolism; D048909:Diabetes Complications; D003920:Diabetes Mellitus / Q000503:physiopathology; D004731:Endotoxins / Q000009:adverse effects; D005947:Glucose / Q000378:metabolism; D006636:Histamine Release / Q000187:drug effects; D006801:Humans; D010510:Periodontal Diseases / Q000209:etiology*
chemical_list: D004731:Endotoxins; D003094:Collagen; D005947:Glucose; D001205:Ascorbic Acid