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A Rapid and Specific Microplate Assay for the Determination of Intra- and Extracellular Ascorbate in Cultured Cells
Published on: April 11, 2014
Ascorbic acid supplementation attenuates exercise-induced bronchoconstriction in patients with asthma.
Sandra L Tecklenburg1, Timothy D Mickleborough, Alyce D Fly
1Human Performance and Exercise Biochemistry Laboratory, Department of Kinesiology, Indiana University, 1025 E. 7th St, HPER 112, Bloomington, IN 47401, USA.
Respiratory Medicine
|April 7, 2007
Summary
Ascorbic acid supplementation significantly improved lung function and reduced airway inflammation in asthmatic subjects with exercise-induced bronchoconstriction. This dietary intervention offers a protective effect against exercise-induced airway narrowing.
Area of Science:
- Pulmonary Medicine
- Nutritional Science
- Allergy and Immunology
Background:
- Dietary factors can influence exercise-induced bronchoconstriction in asthma.
- Previous research indicates a link between diet and asthma exacerbations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of ascorbic acid (vitamin C) supplementation on pulmonary function.
- To assess changes in urinary markers of airway inflammation in asthmatic individuals with exercise-induced bronchoconstriction (EIB).
Main Methods:
- A randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind crossover trial involving eight asthmatic subjects with documented EIB.
- Subjects received either ascorbic acid (1500 mg/day) or placebo for two weeks, followed by a washout period and then the alternative treatment.
- Evaluated pre- and post-exercise pulmonary function, asthma symptom scores, fraction of exhaled nitric oxide (FENO), and urinary leukotriene and prostaglandin levels.
Main Results:
- Ascorbic acid supplementation significantly reduced the maximum fall in post-exercise FEV1 (forced expiratory volume in 1 second) compared to usual diet and placebo.
- Asthma symptom scores showed significant improvement with ascorbic acid intake.
- Post-exercise levels of FENO, urinary leukotrienes (LTC4-E4), and prostaglandins (9alpha, 11beta-PGF2) were significantly lower following ascorbic acid supplementation.
Conclusions:
- Ascorbic acid supplementation demonstrates a protective effect against exercise-induced airway narrowing in asthmatic patients.
- Vitamin C may be a beneficial dietary intervention for managing asthma symptoms and airway inflammation related to exercise.
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