Medical Researches
Possibly Effective
Based on 11 Researches
Vitamin C enhances liver cancer treatmentCase report: The efficacy of adding high doses of intravenous vitamin C to the combination therapy of atezolizumab and bevacizumab in unresectable HCC.
Combination therapy shows promise.
We observed an intriguing case involving a 68-year-old male patient diagnosed with unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). This case focused on the potential benefits of incorporating high-dose intravenous vitamin C into the treatment regimen alongside atezolizumab and bevacizumab.
Initially, the patient underwent the combination therapy, but while the imaging showed stable disease, there was only a modest decline in alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) levels. Unfortunately, the patient's condition further declined. In response, a dose of 30 grams of intravenous vitamin C was added to the treatment plan.
Remarkably, this adjustment led to a swift and noteworthy reduction in AFP levels, normalization of liver function tests, and substantial improvement in overall symptoms. Four months later, imaging indicated significant tumor shrinkage and necrosis.
As of 30 months post-diagnosis, the patient benefits from the combined regimen, showing normal liver function and a dramatically reduced AFP level, all while maintaining an active lifestyle. This case demonstrates the potential synergistic effects of high-dose vitamin C in treating unresectable HCC alongside standard therapies, warranting further investigation into such combination approaches.
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Vitamin C reduces liver injuryThe Effect of Ascorbic Acid on Hepatic Ischaemia-Reperfusion Injury in Wistar Rats: An Experimental Study.
Highly relevant protective effects
We evaluated how vitamin C, also known as ascorbic acid, can help protect the liver during procedures that temporarily cut off blood flow—a process known as ischaemia followed by reperfusion. In this study, we used thirty-six male Wistar rats, split into control groups and experimental ones. Each group received the same total dose of vitamin C, administered at different times: either before the ischaemia, before the reperfusion, or both.
Our findings showed that the animals given vitamin C before both the ischaemia and reperfusion had improved outcomes. They had lower levels of liver enzymes, indicating less liver damage, and showed reduced inflammation. Additionally, their portal blood flow was better when compared to the other groups. Overall, our results suggest that administering vitamin C at specific times can significantly reduce liver injury associated with ischaemia-reperfusion.
This study highlights the potential of vitamin C as a protective agent in situations where liver damage is a concern during surgeries or treatments involving blood flow disruption.
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L-AP mitigates liver injuryL-AP Alleviates Liver Injury in Septic Mice by Inhibiting Macrophage Activation via Suppressing NF-κB and NLRP3 Inflammasome/Caspase-1 Signal Pathways.
Highly relevant to liver injury
This study investigated how L-ascorbic acid 6-palmitate (L-AP), a derivative of vitamin C, could affect liver injury during sepsis. We focused on understanding its potential to alleviate liver damage caused by an overactive immune response. Through a series of experiments, including the cecal ligation and puncture method in mice, we observed that L-AP significantly increased the survival rates of these animals.
We found that L-AP treatment also reduced liver inflammation, which was evidenced by improved liver tissue health, less liver cell death, and lower levels of liver enzymes in the blood. Interestingly, the effects of L-AP were similar to the results seen in mice that lacked the NLRP3 inflammasome, a key player in inflammation.
Moreover, L-AP appeared to dampen the hyper-inflammatory response characteristic of sepsis. In both the liver tissues and cultured macrophages, we noted a decrease in inflammatory markers linked to the NLRP3 inflammasome pathway. This included lower expression levels of specific inflammatory proteins and less macrophage activation, promoting a more anti-inflammatory response instead.
Overall, our findings reveal that L-AP may help protect the liver during severe bacterial infections by mitigating the harmful effects of macrophage activation and the resultant inflammation. While this study points toward the possible benefits of an ascorbic acid derivative in treating septic liver damage, further investigation is necessary to fully unravel its mechanisms and potential therapeutic applications.
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Dietary antioxidants and liver healthAssociation between composite dietary antioxidant index and metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease: a cross-sectional study from NHANES.
Vitamin C's role needs further study
In our exploration of the connection between dietary antioxidants and liver health, we analyzed data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) from 2013 to 2020. A key focus was on the composite dietary antioxidant index (CDAI), which includes essential nutrients like vitamin C.
We found that higher CDAI scores were associated with a lower likelihood of developing metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD). For those in the highest quartile of CDAI, there was a noted 27% reduction in the chance of having MAFLD compared to those in the lowest quartile.
Importantly, changes in vitamin C intake were found to be linked to MAFLD, suggesting that this vitamin may play a role in liver health. Our subgroup analysis particularly highlighted those engaging in moderate-intensity physical activity, reinforcing the idea that a diet rich in antioxidants, including vitamin C, could be beneficial for liver function.
This study opens the door to exploring dietary interventions that potentially reduce the incidence of MAFLD, highlighting the importance of getting enough vitamin C in our diets.
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Vitamin C may protect liver healthTargeting Oxidative Stress: The Potential of Vitamin C in Protecting against Liver Damage after Electron Beam Therapy.
Focused study on vitamin C effects
We investigated whether vitamin C could help protect the liver from damage caused by electron beam therapy, a treatment often used for cancers in the abdomen. Our study involved male Wistar rats, which were divided into four groups: one received electron irradiation, one was pre-treated with vitamin C, another received vitamin C alone, and the last group served as a control.
Through detailed analyses, we looked at various markers of liver health, such as liver enzymes and inflammatory cytokines. We also examined the liver tissues of the rats over 90 days to assess any changes. What we found was quite revealing; the group exposed to radiation showed significant liver damage, increased liver enzymes, inflammation, and signs of oxidative stress.
Interestingly, those rats pre-treated with vitamin C experienced milder liver damage and lower levels of oxidative stress and inflammation. This suggests that vitamin C may help maintain a better balance between liver cell growth and cell death, which is crucial after radiation exposure. Overall, our results indicate that vitamin C has potential as a protective agent against radiation-induced liver injury.
Still, while our findings are promising, further research is needed to fully understand the long-term benefits of vitamin C in this context.
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User Reviews
Good Vitamin C helps regulate immune and nervous functions, stimulates adrenal glands, and enhances liver function. It protects against viral and bacterial infections. As the body does not produce or store Vitamin C, it's crucial to supplement it constantly. Deficiency leads to fatigue, bleeding gums, and decreased resistance to infections, as well as easy bruising and poor wound healing. I felt irritable and lethargic, with dry skin and hair loss due to insufficient levels of this vitamin, impacting my overall health and liver disease.
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