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Updated: Aug 7, 2026
11:56
A Rapid and Specific Microplate Assay for the Determination of Intra- and Extracellular Ascorbate in Cultured Cells
Published on: April 11, 2014
Hyperglycemia-induced ascorbic acid deficiency promotes endothelial dysfunction and the development of
K D Price1, C S Price, R D Reynolds
1Department of Pathology, Stanford University Medical Center, Stanford, CA 94305-5324, USA. kendall.price@stanford.edu
Atherosclerosis
|August 14, 2001
Summary
Hyperglycemia impairs vitamin C uptake, increasing oxidative stress and atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease risk. Vitamin C supplementation may preserve endothelial function and slow disease progression in diabetic patients.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Cardiovascular Science
- Metabolic Disorders
Background:
- Dehydroascorbic acid (the oxidized form of vitamin C) enters cells via glucose transporters.
- Hyperglycemia competitively inhibits this transport, potentially leading to oxidative stress.
- This mechanism may contribute to increased atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) in diabetes mellitus.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the role of vitamin C transport inhibition in hyperglycemia-induced ASCVD.
- To explore how vitamin C status influences cardiovascular health in metabolic disorders.
- To evaluate the potential benefits of vitamin C administration in managing hyperglycemia-related complications.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of current research on vitamin C, hyperglycemia, and cardiovascular disease.
- Analysis of studies investigating antioxidant administration and endothelial function.
- Examination of the relationship between vitamin C levels and cardiovascular risk factors.
Main Results:
- Hyperglycemia-induced impairment of vitamin C uptake may promote oxidative stress and endothelial dysfunction.
- Vitamin C may slow atherogenesis by improving endothelium-dependent vasodilation and preventing nitric oxide oxidation.
- Vitamin C status shows an inverse relationship with multiple cardiovascular disease risk factors.
Conclusions:
- Vitamin C deficiency, exacerbated by hyperglycemia, is implicated in endothelial dysfunction and ASCVD.
- Administration of vitamin C is recommended during acute and chronic hyperglycemia to maintain endothelial function.
- Vitamin C supplementation may be a valuable strategy in managing cardiovascular risks associated with diabetes.
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