Abstract
Ascorbic acid (AA), also known as vitamin C, was initially identified as the factor preventing the scurvy disease, and became very popular for its antioxidant properties. It is an important co-substrate of a large class of enzymes, and regulates gene expression by interacting with important transcription factors. AA is important in all stressful conditions that are linked to inflammatory processes and involve immunity. It has been known for decades that the persistence of an inflammatory stimulus is responsible for the onset of many diseases. AA is essential to stimulate the immune system by increasing the strength and protection of the organism. Therefore, its immunostimulant, antinflammatory, antiviral and antibacterial roles are well known, we have summarized its main functions in different types of diseases related to the immune system and chronic inflammation. We can conclude that AA, due to its effects and diversity of regulated pathways, is suitable for use in various fields of medicine including immunology, toxicology, radiobiology and others. AA is not preferable to be used as an isolated mode of treatment, but it can be co-applied as an adjuvant to regulate immunity, gene expression and other important physiological processes. However, we propose that future studies will take into consideration the research of new combinations of antioxidant natural substances and drugs.
Keywords: Antinflammatory role, antiviral role, ascorbic acid, chronic diseases, immune system, inflammation.
Mini-Reviews in Medicinal Chemistry
Title:Ascorbic Acid: Its Role in Immune System and Chronic Inflammation Diseases
Volume: 14 Issue: 5
Author(s): Angela Sorice, Eliana Guerriero, Francesca Capone, Giovanni Colonna, Giuseppe Castello and Susan Costantini
Affiliation:
Keywords: Antinflammatory role, antiviral role, ascorbic acid, chronic diseases, immune system, inflammation.
Abstract: Ascorbic acid (AA), also known as vitamin C, was initially identified as the factor preventing the scurvy disease, and became very popular for its antioxidant properties. It is an important co-substrate of a large class of enzymes, and regulates gene expression by interacting with important transcription factors. AA is important in all stressful conditions that are linked to inflammatory processes and involve immunity. It has been known for decades that the persistence of an inflammatory stimulus is responsible for the onset of many diseases. AA is essential to stimulate the immune system by increasing the strength and protection of the organism. Therefore, its immunostimulant, antinflammatory, antiviral and antibacterial roles are well known, we have summarized its main functions in different types of diseases related to the immune system and chronic inflammation. We can conclude that AA, due to its effects and diversity of regulated pathways, is suitable for use in various fields of medicine including immunology, toxicology, radiobiology and others. AA is not preferable to be used as an isolated mode of treatment, but it can be co-applied as an adjuvant to regulate immunity, gene expression and other important physiological processes. However, we propose that future studies will take into consideration the research of new combinations of antioxidant natural substances and drugs.
Export Options
About this article
Cite this article as:
Sorice Angela, Guerriero Eliana, Capone Francesca, Colonna Giovanni, Castello Giuseppe and Costantini Susan, Ascorbic Acid: Its Role in Immune System and Chronic Inflammation Diseases, Mini-Reviews in Medicinal Chemistry 2014; 14 (5) . https://dx.doi.org/10.2174/1389557514666140428112602
DOI https://dx.doi.org/10.2174/1389557514666140428112602 |
Print ISSN 1389-5575 |
Publisher Name Bentham Science Publisher |
Online ISSN 1875-5607 |
Call for Papers in Thematic Issues
Bioprospecting of Natural Products as Sources of New Multitarget Therapies
According to the Convention on Biological Diversity, bioprospecting is the exploration of biodiversity and indigenous knowledge to develop commercially valuable products for pharmaceutical and other applications. Bioprospecting involves searching for useful organic compounds in plants, fungi, marine organisms, and microorganisms. Natural products traditionally constituted the primary source of more than ...read more
Computational Frontiers in Medicinal Chemistry
The thematic issue "Computational Frontiers in Medicinal Chemistry" provides a robust platform for delving into state-of-the-art computational methodologies and technologies that significantly propel advancements in medicinal chemistry. This edition seeks to amalgamate top-tier reviews spotlighting the latest trends and breakthroughs in the fusion of computational approaches, including artificial intelligence (AI) ...read more
Mitochondria as a Therapeutic Target in Metabolic Disorders
Mitochondria are the primary site of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) production in mammalian cells. Moreover, these organelles are an important source of reactive oxygen and nitrogen species in virtually any nucleated cell type. The modulation of a myriad of cellular signaling pathways depends on the mitochondrial physiology. Mitochondrial dysfunction is observed ...read more
Natural Products and Dietary Supplements in Alleviation of Metabolic, Cardiovascular, and Neurological Disorders
Metabolic disorders like diabetes, obesity, inflammation, oxidative stress, cancer etc, cardiovascular disorders like angina, myocardial infarction, congestive heart failure etc as well as neurological disorders like Alzheimer?s, Parkinson?s, Epilepsy, Depression, etc are the global burden. They covered the major segment of the diseases and disorders from which the human community ...read more
- Author Guidelines
- Graphical Abstracts
- Fabricating and Stating False Information
- Research Misconduct
- Post Publication Discussions and Corrections
- Publishing Ethics and Rectitude
- Increase Visibility of Your Article
- Archiving Policies
- Peer Review Workflow
- Order Your Article Before Print
- Promote Your Article
- Manuscript Transfer Facility
- Editorial Policies
- Allegations from Whistleblowers
Related Articles
-
VEGF Mediates ApoE4-Induced Neovascularization and Synaptic Pathology in the Choroid and Retina
Current Alzheimer Research Lycopene and Cardiovascular Diseases: An Update
Current Medicinal Chemistry Evaluation of the Pulmonary Veins and Left Atrial Volume using Multidetector Computed Tomography in Patients Undergoing Catheter Ablation for Atrial Fibrillation
Current Cardiology Reviews Disturbance of Inorganic Phosphate Metabolism in Diabetes Mellitus: Its Impact on the Development of Diabetic Late Complications
Current Diabetes Reviews Subject Index To Volume 2
Current Psychiatry Reviews Hybrid Therapy in the Management of Atrial Fibrillation
Current Cardiology Reviews Multi-Target Profile of Oleocanthal, An Extra-Virgin Olive Oil Component
Current Bioactive Compounds Long-term Etanercept Therapy Favors Weight Gain and Ameliorates Cachexia in Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients: Roles of Gut Hormones and Leptin
Current Pharmaceutical Design Subject Index To Volume 2
Current Respiratory Medicine Reviews Emerging Roles for Vasoactive Peptides in Diagnostic and Therapeutic Strategies Against Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Diseases
Current Protein & Peptide Science Role of Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids and Fatty Acid Binding Protein in the Pathogenesis of Schizophrenia
Current Pharmaceutical Design Natural and Synthetic Naphthoquinones Active Against Trypanosoma Cruzi: An Initial Step Towards New Drugs for Chagas Disease
Current Medicinal Chemistry Artery of Percheron Infarction: A Characteristic Pattern of Ischemia and Variable Clinical Presentation: A Literature Review
Current Medical Imaging The Effect of Borage (Echium amoenum) on the Mouse Heart and Hematology Parameters
Cardiovascular & Hematological Disorders-Drug Targets Gender Differences in the Treatment of Ischemic Heart Disease
Current Pharmaceutical Design The Physiological/Pathophysiological Significance of Vitamin D in Cancer, Cardiovascular Disorders and Beyond
Current Drug Metabolism Assessment of Cardiac Performance with Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Current Cardiology Reviews Cardiovascular Effects of Hypoglycemic Agents in Diabetes Mellitus
Current Drug Safety Carbon Nanotube-Based Electrochemical Biosensing Platforms: Fundamentals,Applications, and Future Possibilities
Recent Patents on Biotechnology Impact of COX-2 Inhibitors in Common Clinical Practice a Gastroenterologists Perspective
Current Topics in Medicinal Chemistry