Abstract
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a major inflammatory joint disease that causes cartilage destruction , bone erosions, and joint destruction. Oxidative stress is elevated in RA patients implying reactive oxygen species (ROS) are possible mediators of tissue damage. ROS trigger a cascade of events through nuclear factors’ activation (NF-kappa B), which up-regulates gene expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines that mediate the immune responses causing inflammation. As ascorbic acid can reduce oxidative stress, decrease production of pro-inflammatory cytokines, and suppress the activation of NF-kappa B, we suggest that millimolar concentration of ascorbic acid may be useful in RA treatment. In our study we analyzed the effect of intravenous vitamin C (IVC) treatment on eleven subjects with RA. Our data suggest that IVC therapy with dosages of 7.5 g-50 g can reduce inflammation. The level of inflammation as measured by C-reactive protein levels was decreased on average by 44%. Based on our pilot study, we hypothesize that IVC therapy can be a useful strategy in treating RA.
Mikirova, Nina & Rogers, AM & Casciari, Joseph & Taylor, Paul. (2012). Effect of high dose intravenous ascorbic acid on the level of inflammation in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. Modern Research in Inflammation. 01. 26-32. 10.4236/mri.2012.12004.