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Updated: Aug 30, 2026

A Rapid and Specific Microplate Assay for the Determination of Intra- and Extracellular Ascorbate in Cultured Cells
Published on: April 11, 2014
Gastroprotection by vitamin C--a heme oxygenase-1-dependent mechanism?
Jan C Becker1, Nina Grosser, Peter Boknik
1Department of Medicine B, University of Münster, Münster, Germany.
Abstract:
Free oxygen radicals contribute to gastric mucosal damage induced by acetylic-salicylic acid (ASA). Vitamin C has been shown to reduce gastric toxicity of ASA in humans. We intended to assess the role of heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) in this process by application of these substances to AGS and KATO III cells. HO-1 expression was monitored by real-time RT-PCR, Western blot, and HO activity measurement. HO-1 mRNA was significantly elevated by either ASA or vitamin C in gastric epithelial cells, combination of both substances further increased expression. HO-1 protein and enzyme activity rose in cells exposed to vitamin C alone or combined with ASA, but not after stimulation with ASA alone. In contrast to endothelia, in which ASA simultaneously induces HO-1 mRNA and protein expression, gastric epithelial cells require vitamin C to translate HO-1 mRNA into active protein, which then may exert gastroprotection by its antioxidant and vasodilative properties.
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