title: Effect of vitamin C on liver and kidney functions in normal and diabetic rats.
abstract: Diabetes mellitus (DM) is recognized as one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality in the world. About 5-6% of the world population suffers from this disease and the number of people diagnosed with diabetes is rapidly increasing. Diabetes has been demonstrated to be associated with oxidative stress and hyperglycemia, one of the most important indicators of oxidative stress. The endogenous mechanisms of enzymes and antioxidants are able to destroy the reactive species and create a balance between antioxidant and free radicals. In diabetes, the oxidative stress is increased because of the deficiency in the antioxidant defense. The intake of antioxidants, such as vitamin C, may reduce the oxidative stress associated with diabetes and hence help to restore the antioxidant defense system. The aim of this article was to investigate the effect of different doses of vitamin C on the biochemical parameters of normal and streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rats. Biochemical analysis was used to study the effect of this vitamin on the biochemical parameters of normal and diabetic rats. Liver and kidney enzymes were elevated after the onset of diabetes. Moderate doses of vitamin C significantly (P < 0.0008) reduced plasma gamma-glutamyl level in diabetic rats. Moreover, vitamin C significantly (P < 0.01) reduced the blood urea nitrogen level of diabetic rats. The plasma level of electrolytes, such as calcium and sodium, also changed significantly (P < 0.00001) after oral administration of vitamin C. Antioxidants, such as vitamin C, may ameliorate the biochemical parameters of diabetic rats.
authors.affiliation: Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, UAE University, PO Box 17666, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates.
authors.forename: Mariam
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Al-Shamsi
authors.forename: Amr
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Amin
authors.forename: Ernest
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Adeghate
mesh_terms: D000410:Alanine Transaminase / Q000097:blood; D000469:Alkaline Phosphatase / Q000097:blood; D000818:Animals; D001205:Ascorbic Acid / Q000494:pharmacology*; D001219:Aspartate Aminotransferases / Q000097:blood; D003921:Diabetes Mellitus, Experimental / Q000503:physiopathology*; D007668:Kidney / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology* / Q000503:physiopathology; D007677:Kidney Function Tests; D008099:Liver / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology* / Q000503:physiopathology; D008111:Liver Function Tests; D008297:Male; D051381:Rats; D017208:Rats, Wistar; D012016:Reference Values
chemical_list: D001219:Aspartate Aminotransferases; D000410:Alanine Transaminase; D000469:Alkaline Phosphatase; D001205:Ascorbic Acid