Effect of systemic vitamin C on free fatty acid-induced lipid peroxidation.
OBJECTIVE
Plasma malondialdehyde (MDA), a reactive product of lipid peroxidation, may be influenced by anti-oxidant therapy. The aim of the present study was to investigate if elevated MDA as induced by increased free fatty acids (FFA) correlates with endothelial function and is affected by high doses of vitamin C.


METHODS
The study design was randomised, placebo-controlled, double blind, 2-way cross over. Plasma MDA concentrations and forearm blood flow (FBF) responses to intra-arterial acetylcholine (ACh) and glyceryl trinitrate were assessed during co-administration of vitamin C or placebo in the presence of increased plasma FFA by Intralipid/heparin infusion in 10 healthy male subjects.


RESULTS
The seven-fold rise in plasma FFA was associated with an increase in plasma MDA concentrations (r=0.7, p<0.001) and decreased FBF responses to ACh (r=-0.4, p<0.01). Co-administration of vitamin C restored the impaired reactivity of FBF to ACh but had no effect on elevated MDA concentrations.


CONCLUSIONS
Anti-oxidant vitamin C improves lipid-induced impairment of endothelium-dependent vasodilation, but does not alter MDA formation or breakdown.
Bayerle-Eder
M
M
Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Medical University of Vienna, Austria.
Pleiner
J
J
Mittermayer
F
F
Schaller
G
G
Roden
M
M
Waldhäusl
W
W
Bieglmayer
C
C
Wolzt
M
M
D000109:Acetylcholine / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000494:pharmacology; D000328:Adult; D001205:Ascorbic Acid / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000494:pharmacology*; D001786:Blood Glucose / Q000187:drug effects / Q000378:metabolism; D001794:Blood Pressure; D015992:Body Mass Index; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D004730:Endothelium, Vascular / Q000502:physiology; D005217:Fat Emulsions, Intravenous; D005230:Fatty Acids, Nonesterified / Q000097:blood*; D006801:Humans; D007269:Injections, Intra-Arterial; D015227:Lipid Peroxidation / Q000187:drug effects*; D008055:Lipids / Q000097:blood; D008297:Male; D008315:Malondialdehyde / Q000097:blood; D005996:Nitroglycerin / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000494:pharmacology; D014664:Vasodilation / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology*
D001786:Blood Glucose; D005217:Fat Emulsions, Intravenous; D005230:Fatty Acids, Nonesterified; D008055:Lipids; D008315:Malondialdehyde; D005996:Nitroglycerin; D000109:Acetylcholine; D001205:Ascorbic Acid