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Tissue ascorbic acid and polyol pathway metabolism in experimental diabetes
R M Lindsay1, N S Jamieson, S A Walker
1University of Edinburgh Department of Medicine, Western General Hospital, UK.
Diabetologia
|June 17, 1998
Summary
Diabetes reduces ascorbic acid (AA) levels in the kidneys and eyes, but not nerves. Supplementation with AA improved these tissue concentrations, suggesting a potential benefit for diabetic complications.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Endocrinology
- Nutritional Science
Background:
- Reduced plasma ascorbic acid (AA) in diabetes is linked to complications.
- Limited data exists on tissue AA concentrations in diabetic complications.
Purpose of the Study:
- Investigate tissue AA concentrations in diabetic animal models.
- Assess the impact of insulin and AA treatment on these concentrations.
Main Methods:
- Utilized streptozotocin (STZ)-diabetic and spontaneously diabetic BB rats.
- Measured AA concentrations in plasma, kidneys, sciatic nerves, and lenses.
- Evaluated effects of insulin and AA supplementation.
Main Results:
- Renal and lens AA concentrations were reduced in diabetic rats.
- Insulin partially corrected these deficits; AA supplementation normalized them.
- Sciatic nerve AA levels and oxidative stress markers remained unaffected.
Conclusions:
- Disturbed AA metabolism may contribute to diabetic microangiopathy.
- AA supplementation shows potential for treating renal and ocular diabetic complications.