The effect of ascorbic acid supplementation on periodontal tissue ultrastructure in subjects with progressive periodontitis.
In an attempt to determine the optimal daily ascorbic acid requirement, the effect of different levels of ascorbic acid intake on collagen synthesis was studied in a double-blind experimental design. By use of electron microscopy, interproximal gingival tissue sections in subjects consuming between 20 to 35 mg of ascorbic acid daily were examined before and after the administration of tablets containing 70 mg of ascorbic acid. The results showed that practically all subjects were affected by progressive periodontitis with marked changes in the connective tissue of the gingival lamina propria. After six weeks of supplementation with ascorbic acid, differences in the shape and activity of fibroblasts in the regenerative tissue of lamina propria were observed. This has resulted in the increased number of collagen bundles in fibroblasts' periphery, increased tonofibril content and an enlarged number of desmosomes between adjacent cells. It is concluded that the obtained results, though suggesting that the optimal daily ascorbic acid intake should be set above the presently recommended 30-50 mg, have to be quantified by a more objective analytical method.
D000328:Adult; D001205:Ascorbic Acid / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D004848:Epithelium / Q000187:drug effects / Q000648:ultrastructure; D005260:Female; D005881:Gingiva / Q000187:drug effects / Q000473:pathology*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008854:Microscopy, Electron; D010518:Periodontitis / Q000473:pathology* / Q000628:therapy
D001205:Ascorbic Acid