Biochemistry Commons^™

Ascorbic Acid, Lipid Peroxidation, And Aging, Brian Evan Leibovitz

Dissertations and Theses

The role of ascorbic acid with regard to lipid peroxidation and aging has been examined. A thorough literature analysis indicates that free radical-induced lipid peroxidation is a plausible biochemical explanation for aging. Lipid peroxidation causes cellular damage due to altered enzyme activities, error-prone nucleic acid metabolism, and membrane dysfunction, as well as the accumulation of aging pigments in the lysomes. Ascorbic acid, a water soluble free radical quencher, was examined with regard to carbon tetra-chloride-induced lipid peroxidation and in vivo aging. Carbon tetrachloride, a well-known free radical inducer, caused marked increases in the ration of oxidized/reduced vitamin C only …