Vitamin C versus Cancer: Ascorbic Acid Radical and Impairment of Mitochondrial Respiration?
Joint Authors
Higashi, Tatsuya
Bakalova, Rumiana
Zhelev, Zhivko
Miller, Thomas
Aoki, Ichio
Source
Oxidative Medicine and Cellular Longevity
Issue
Vol. 2020, Issue 2020 (31 Dec. 2020), pp.1-12, 12 p.
Publisher
Hindawi Publishing Corporation
Publication Date
2020-01-11
Country of Publication
Egypt
No. of Pages
12
Main Subjects
Abstract EN
Vitamin C as a cancer therapy has a controversial history.
Much of the controversy arises from the lack of predictive biomarkers for stratification of patients, as well as a clear understanding of the mechanism of action and its multiple targets underlying the anticancer effect.
Our review expands the analysis of cancer vulnerabilities for high-dose vitamin C, based on several facts, illustrating the cytotoxic potential of the ascorbyl free radical (AFR) via impairment of mitochondrial respiration and the mechanisms of its elimination in mammals by the membrane-bound NADH:cytochrome b5 oxidoreductase 3 (Cyb5R3).
This enzyme catalyzes rapid conversion of AFR to ascorbate, as well as reduction of other redox-active compounds, using NADH as an electron donor.
We propose that vitamin C can function in “protective mode” or “destructive mode” affecting cellular homeostasis, depending on the intracellular “steady-state” concentration of AFR and differential expression/activity of Cyb5R3 in cancerous and normal cells.
Thus, a specific anticancer effect can be achieved at high doses of vitamin C therapy.
The review is intended for a wide audience of readers—from students to specialists in the field.
American Psychological Association (APA)
Bakalova, Rumiana& Zhelev, Zhivko& Miller, Thomas& Aoki, Ichio& Higashi, Tatsuya. 2020. Vitamin C versus Cancer: Ascorbic Acid Radical and Impairment of Mitochondrial Respiration?. Oxidative Medicine and Cellular Longevity،Vol. 2020, no. 2020, pp.1-12.
https://search.emarefa.net/detail/BIM-1203738
Modern Language Association (MLA)
Bakalova, Rumiana…[et al.]. Vitamin C versus Cancer: Ascorbic Acid Radical and Impairment of Mitochondrial Respiration?. Oxidative Medicine and Cellular Longevity No. 2020 (2020), pp.1-12.
https://search.emarefa.net/detail/BIM-1203738
American Medical Association (AMA)
Bakalova, Rumiana& Zhelev, Zhivko& Miller, Thomas& Aoki, Ichio& Higashi, Tatsuya. Vitamin C versus Cancer: Ascorbic Acid Radical and Impairment of Mitochondrial Respiration?. Oxidative Medicine and Cellular Longevity. 2020. Vol. 2020, no. 2020, pp.1-12.
https://search.emarefa.net/detail/BIM-1203738
Data Type
Journal Articles
Language
English
Notes
Includes bibliographical references
Record ID
BIM-1203738