The role of ascorbic acid in oral cancer and carcinogenesis.
L-ascorbic acid is an essential dietary vitamin in humans, primates and certain mammals and is endogenously synthesised in some species. Epidemiological and ecological studies have shown that L-ascorbic acid has a protective effect against cancer, in particular non-hormone-dependent malignancies, such as oropharyngeal neoplasms. Experimental in vivo and in vitro studies, however, have yielded more controversial results, suggesting that the effects of L-ascorbic acid are dose- and perhaps, time-dependent with different effects depending on the species or organ studied. An update of the epidemiological and experimental evidence linking L-ascorbic acid to oral cancer and carcinogenesis is discussed together with a brief review of the possible mechanisms of action of L-ascorbic acid.
School of Dental Science, University of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.
S W
SW
Chan
P C
PC
Reade
D000818:Animals; D001205:Ascorbic Acid / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D015197:Carcinogenicity Tests; D002273:Carcinogens / Q000378:metabolism*; D002294:Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology*; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009062:Mouth Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology*; D012107:Research Design; D013045:Species Specificity
D002273:Carcinogens; D001205:Ascorbic Acid