Dear Colleagues,

Vitamin-C (ascorbic acid, AA) is a weak sugar acid structurally related to glucose. Since the discovery of AA, its known biological functions are continually expanding. Ascorbate acts as an electron-donor, keeping iron in the ferrous state. AA affects the expression of a wide array of genes, for example, via the HIF system and the epigenetic landscape of cells and tissues. All known physiological and biochemical functions of AA are due to its action as an electron donor. The ability to donate one or two electrons makes AA an excellent reducing agent and antioxidant. Ascorbate readily undergoes pH-dependent autoxidation creating hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂).

In vitro evidence suggests that vitamin C functions at low concentrations as an antioxidant. It is also known that AA may have pro-oxidant activity at high concentrations. This character of AA might be translated to a clinical benefit. In vitro obtained results and murine experiments consequently prove the cancer cell's cytotoxic effect of AA, while current clinical evidence for high-dose IV vitamin C's therapeutic effect is ambiguous. The difference might be caused by missing the AA's action's knowledge.

Early evidence has suggested that the ketogenic diet may help treat several cancer types. The scientific background of this field is also incomplete.

The Accurate characterization of cells' energy system, clarifying glucose and vitamin C's role, maybe the key to explaining the above questions.

The Vitamin C and carbohydrates in human physiology Issue of IJMS aims to collect and publish studies answering the questions regarding glucose deprivation and AA's way of action. Results of original research reports, molecular and biochemical analyses of cells in culture, relevant animal models (guinea pigs, zebrafish, knock-out mice), and clinical studies are invited. Negative or provocative findings are also encouraged to provide an unbiased scientific information source.

Dr. Jànos Hunyadi
Guest Editor

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• ascorbate
• oxidative stress
• hydrogen peroxide
• cancer
• intravenous vitamin C
• nutrition therapy
• high-dose vitamin C therapy
• iron–sulfur-protein
• metal homeostasis
• biogenesis
• clinical trials