Biological role of vitamin C in keratinocytes.
Epidemiological studies have suggested an association between vitamin C (and other antioxidant vitamins) and cancer risk. However, the mechanisms accounting for prevention have not been extensively investigated. In skin, vitamin C (ascorbic acid) exerts different biological roles, including photoprotective effects and participation in collagen synthesis. This paper reports new findings about additional functions of the vitamin. Vitamin C counteracts oxidative stress via transcriptional and post-translational mechanisms; this modulation may interfere with the activity of redox-sensitive transcription factors, commitment to differentiation or cell cycle arrest, and apoptosis in response to DNA damage. All of these vitamin C-mediated responses might be important in different cell types, allowing for the maintenance of body homeostasis.
Catani
Maria Valeria
MV
Department of Experimental Medicine and Biochemical Sciences, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy.
Savini
Isabella
I
Rossi
Antonello
A
Melino
Gerry
G
Avigliano
Luciana
L
D016588:Anticarcinogenic Agents / Q000494:pharmacology; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage; D000975:Antioxidants / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000494:pharmacology; D001205:Ascorbic Acid / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000494:pharmacology; D002454:Cell Differentiation / Q000187:drug effects; D004249:DNA Damage; D004357:Drug Synergism; D006801:Humans; D015603:Keratinocytes / Q000187:drug effects / Q000378:metabolism*; D010084:Oxidation-Reduction; D018384:Oxidative Stress; D017382:Reactive Oxygen Species / Q000378:metabolism; D014157:Transcription Factors / Q000378:metabolism
D016588:Anticarcinogenic Agents; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents; D000975:Antioxidants; D017382:Reactive Oxygen Species; D014157:Transcription Factors; D001205:Ascorbic Acid