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Ascorbic acid in schistosomiasis mansoni with or without digestive haemorrhage
Summary
This study investigated ascorbic acid levels in schistosoma patients. Plasma ascorbic acid was significantly lower in patients with gastrointestinal hemorrhage compared to normal individuals and those without hemorrhage.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Clinical Medicine
- Parasitology
Background:
- Ascorbic acid (vitamin C) plays a crucial role in immune function and tissue repair.
- Schistosomiasis is a parasitic disease that can lead to significant health complications, including hepatosplenic involvement and gastrointestinal bleeding.
- Understanding nutrient status, such as ascorbic acid levels, is important for managing patients with chronic diseases like schistosomiasis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate variations in ascorbic acid levels within white blood cells and plasma.
- To compare ascorbic acid levels between normal individuals and schistosoma patients with varying degrees of hepatosplenic disease and gastrointestinal hemorrhage.
Main Methods:
- Employed the Denson-Bowers' method for quantifying ascorbic acid.
- Studied three groups: 20 normal individuals (Group I), 18 schistosoma patients with hepatosplenic disease without hemorrhage (Group II), and 18 schistosoma patients with hepatosplenic disease and gastrointestinal hemorrhage (Group III).
- Statistical analysis was performed with a 95% probability rate.
Main Results:
- No significant difference in ascorbic acid levels was observed in white blood cells across all three groups (I, II, and III).
- A statistically significant decrease in plasma ascorbic acid levels was found in Group III (schistosoma patients with hepatosplenic disease and gastrointestinal hemorrhage) compared to Group I (normal individuals) and Group II (schistosoma patients without hemorrhage).
Conclusions:
- While white blood cell ascorbic acid levels remain stable, plasma ascorbic acid levels are significantly depleted in schistosoma patients experiencing gastrointestinal hemorrhage.
- This finding highlights a potential indicator of disease severity and complication in schistosomiasis patients.
- Further research may explore the clinical implications of reduced plasma ascorbic acid in this patient population.