New potential biomarker for stratification of patients for pharmacological vitamin C in adjuvant settings of cancer therapy

Rumiana Bakalova; Zhivko Zhelev; Thomas Miller; Ichio Aoki; Tatsuya Higashi

Redox Biology (Jan 2020)

New potential biomarker for stratification of patients for pharmacological vitamin C in adjuvant settings of cancer therapy

Rumiana Bakalova,
Zhivko Zhelev,
Thomas Miller,
Ichio Aoki,
Tatsuya Higashi

Affiliations

Rumiana Bakalova: Department of Molecular Imaging and Theranostics, National Institute of Radiological Sciences (NIRS), Institute for Quantum Life Science, National Institutes for Quantum and Radiological Science and Technology (QST), Chiba, Japan; Group of Quantum-state Controlled MRI, Institute for Quantum Life Science, National Institutes for Quantum and Radiological Science and Technology (QST), Chiba, Japan; Corresponding author. Department of Molecular Imaging and Theranostics, National Institute of Radiological Sciences (NIRS), Institute for Quantum Life Science, National Institutes for Quantum and Radiological Science and Technology (QST), Chiba, Japan.
Zhivko Zhelev: Institute of Biophysics and Biomedical Engineering, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, Sofia, Bulgaria; Medical Faculty, Trakia University, Stara Zagora, Bulgaria
Thomas Miller: IC-MedTech Co., San Diego, CA, USA
Ichio Aoki: Department of Molecular Imaging and Theranostics, National Institute of Radiological Sciences (NIRS), Institute for Quantum Life Science, National Institutes for Quantum and Radiological Science and Technology (QST), Chiba, Japan; Group of Quantum-state Controlled MRI, Institute for Quantum Life Science, National Institutes for Quantum and Radiological Science and Technology (QST), Chiba, Japan
Tatsuya Higashi: Department of Molecular Imaging and Theranostics, National Institute of Radiological Sciences (NIRS), Institute for Quantum Life Science, National Institutes for Quantum and Radiological Science and Technology (QST), Chiba, Japan

Journal volume & issue: Vol. 28

Abstract

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Our graphical review expands the analysis of cancer vulnerabilities for high dose vitamin C, based on several facts, illustrating the cytotoxic potential of the ascorbate free radical (AFR) via impairment of mitochondrial respiration and the mechanisms of its elimination in mammals by the membrane-bound NADH:cytochrome b5 oxidoreductase 3 (Cyb5R3). We propose that vitamin C can function in “protective mode” or “destructive mode” affecting cellular homeostasis, depending on the intracellular “steady-state” concentration of AFR and differential expression/activity of Cyb5R3 in cancerous and normal cells. Thus, a specific anti-cancer effect can be achieved at high doses of vitamin C therapy. The review is intended for a wide audience of readers – from students to specialists in the field. Keywords: Cancer, Mitochondria, Ascorbate free radical, NADH:Cytochrome b5 oxidoreductase 3, Redox signaling

Published in Redox Biology

ISSN: 2213-2317 (Online)
Publisher: Elsevier
Country of publisher: Netherlands
LCC subjects: Medicine: Medicine (General); Science: Biology (General)
Website: http://www.journals.elsevier.com/redox-biology/

About the journal