Long-term, high intake of vitamin C decreases size and increases quantity of liver mitochondria in Guinea-pigs

J Int Med Res. 2011;39(6):2330-4. doi: 10.1177/147323001103900632.

Abstract

Microsomal cytochrome P450 is an important enzyme involved in drug metabolism and bioactivation in the liver. In guinea-pigs, the specific amount of cytochrome P450 depends on dietary vitamin C intake. Short-term vitamin C treatment can induce non-genomic effects on hepatocytes, such as activating mitochondrial respiration without changing cytochrome concentration. The aim of this investigation was to elucidate the long-term effects of a low or high vitamin C diet on the quantity and size of mitochondria in the hepatocytes of guinea-pigs. After 6 - 8 weeks of vitamin C feeding, the group receiving a low vitamin C content in their food (10 mg/100 g food) had significantly less mitochondria, but of a larger size, than the group receiving a high vitamin C content (680 mg/100 g food). This animal model investigation demonstrated that treatment with long-term vitamin C can induce morphological changes in the mitochondria of hepatocytes.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Ascorbic Acid / administration & dosage
  • Ascorbic Acid / pharmacology*
  • Dietary Supplements
  • Feeding Behavior / drug effects*
  • Guinea Pigs
  • Mitochondria, Liver / drug effects*
  • Mitochondria, Liver / metabolism
  • Mitochondria, Liver / ultrastructure
  • Mitochondrial Size / drug effects*
  • Time Factors

Substances

  • Ascorbic Acid