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Isolation, Processing and Analysis of Murine Gingival Cells
Published on: July 2, 2013
A case-control study of plasma ascorbate and acute necrotizing ulcerative gingivitis
S L Melnick1, J O Alvarez, J M Navia
1Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, University of Alabama at Birmingham 35294.
Journal of Dental Research
|May 1, 1988
Summary
Low vitamin C (ascorbic acid) levels are linked to a higher risk of acute necrotizing ulcerative gingivitis (ANUG). This study found significantly lower plasma ascorbate in ANUG patients, suggesting a crucial role for vitamin C in preventing this gum disease.
Area of Science:
- Oral Health
- Nutritional Science
- Immunology
Background:
- Ascorbate (vitamin C) plays a vital role in collagen synthesis and leukocyte function.
- Previous studies suggest a link between ascorbate deficiency and acute necrotizing ulcerative gingivitis (ANUG).
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between plasma ascorbate levels and ANUG.
- To determine the relative risk of ANUG in individuals with low ascorbate concentrations.
Main Methods:
- A case-control study involving 60 ANUG patients and 60 matched controls.
- Plasma ascorbate levels were measured using a modified 2,4-dinitrophenylhydrazine method.
- Dietary intake of ascorbic acid was assessed via servings per day.
Main Results:
- ANUG cases had significantly lower mean plasma ascorbate (0.07 mmol/L) compared to controls (0.10 mmol/L).
- The relative risk of ANUG was 7.3 times higher for individuals with plasma ascorbate at or below the control median.
- ANUG patients consumed fewer daily servings of dietary ascorbic acid than controls.
Conclusions:
- Low plasma ascorbate is significantly associated with ANUG.
- Maintaining adequate vitamin C intake may be important for preventing ANUG.
