[Determination of ascorbic and dehydroascorbic acid concentration using HPLC method in smokers with stable coronary...

Ascorbic acid is a vitamin soluble in water and its deficiency in human body causes scurvy. Its symptoms in adults are gingivitis, susceptibility of blood vessels to damage and bleeding, changes in bones and cartilage and retarded wound healing. Ascorbic acid is necessary in redox processes taking place in cell. It is reversibly oxidized to dehydroascorbic acid and partially metabolized to inactive sulphide and oxalic acid, which is expelled in urine. It is well absorbed from the digestive system and easily reaches the tissues. Healthy organism contains 1.5 g of ascorbic acid and daily requirement for ascorbic acid is estimated for 30-100 mg. Ascorbic acid is not synthesized by humans, but it is an essential dietary vitamin for the species. Ascorbic acid is used in treatment deficiency in daily demand for vitamin C, caused by improper diet, poor absorption or cigarette smoking. It is used in large doses in general weakness, infectious diseases and during the recovery period. Positive results have been obtained after therapy with vitamin C of Mollera-Barlowa disease, Schonlein-Henoch disease, Werlhof disease, haemophilia and also in patients with stable coronary artery disease. Vitamin C is assumed to be a basic antioxidant, although its role in pathological conditions is controversial. However, it seems that the complexity of the oxidant-antioxidant system makes the question of participation of vitamin C (and other scavengers of free radicals) in pathogenesis of diseases still open.