Large doses Salt made from Vitamin C A new study looking at its effects on sheep suggests it could reverse the widespread brain damage caused by sepsis.
caused by the body’s overreaction to an infection Sepsis It can damage vital organs, cause cognitive and physical impairments, and in extreme cases, be fatal.
In the most severe cases of sepsis, Septic shock, vitamin Plasma C levels Significantly decreasedSo researchers at the University of Melbourne in Australia decided to experiment with administering large amounts of sodium ascorbate, a vitamin salt, to animals. The changes they observed were dramatic.
“We have never seen such a dramatic therapeutic response following the administration of large doses of intravenous sodium ascorbate in a clinically relevant large animal model of sepsis.” To tell cardiovascular physiologist Clive May.
Sepsis causes severe brain damage Frontal cortexThis is where movement, speech, and emotional expression are controlled. Dramatically reduced oxygen levels and blood flow in this area of the nervous system can cause localized body temperature to spike, leading to persistent cognitive impairment that is difficult to treat, as well as delirium and coma.
The team’s analysis confirmed their hypothesis that sodium ascorbate could reverse all these trends. Although the biological mechanisms are not yet clear, plasma vitamin C concentrations increased and the effectiveness of the treatment was significant.
When the animals with induced sepsis were observed before the large dose was administered, the sheep were “lethargic, unresponsive, lying down and not eating or drinking,” May said. explain.
That quickly changed.
“Within an hour of receiving the intravenous injection, they were more alert and four hours later were completely back to normal behavior.” To tell May.
“They stood up, responded to external stimuli, and started eating and drinking. All these changes suggest that the treatment is having a positive effect on the brain.”
Vitamin C is Anti-inflammatory properties It can help regulate the body’s immune system, which appears to be partially at work here.
The next step is to see whether the same dramatic effects occur in humans as well as sheep, and to figure out a safe dosage of sodium ascorbate — a dosage that will provide all of these benefits without causing any new problems.
Vitamin C has Already tested As a treatment for sepsis Clinical TrialsBut previous studies have had mixed results, and this new research may bring us a lot closer to finding a method that works for everyone.
The researchers conducted a small Early Phase Clinical Trials Sodium ascorbate as a treatment for sepsis; and Further steps underway.
“We previously demonstrated that sodium ascorbate has beneficial effects on the kidneys and cardiovascular system in patients with sepsis.” To tell Neuroscientist Yugish Lankadeva.
“This latest study shows that it also benefits the brain.”
This study British Journal of Anaesthesia.
