Ascorbic Acid Concentration in Plasma and White Blood Cells of Patients with Bronchial Asthma

Asthma is an inflammatory disease of the airways. Oxidants are of the important factors damaging the airways. Moreover, an inappropriate correlation exists between oxidants and antioxidants in asthma. Vitamin C is one of the major protective antioxidants of the airways. Thus, we evaluated the concentration of Vit C in plasma and white blood cells of asthmatic patients. A case-control study was performed on 50 asthmatic patients referred to Masih Daneshvari Hospital. Data were collected through the general information and 24h dietary recall questionnaires and then the effect of independent variables on plasma and WBC ascorbic acid concentrations was evaluated by statistical analyses using biochemical tests. Data showed that plasma and WBC ascorbic acid deficiency exists in 38% and 92% of asthmatic patients, respectively. There was a significant difference in plasma and WBC Vit C concentrations between case and control groups (p<0.0001). There was a positive significant correlation between the level of plasma ascorbic acid and dietary Vit C intake (p=0.0001). The present study showed a relationship between asthma and ascorbic acid levels in plasma and in WBCs. More precise studies are recommended for better determination of asthma and vitamin C correlation. (Tanaffos 2006; 5(4): 29-35)