The influence of vitamin C supplementation on the oxidative status of rat interscapular brown adipose tissue

Abstract

The interscapular brown adipose tissue (IBAT) thermogenesis is accompanied with oxidative stress. In spite of the ability of rats to synthesize vitamin C, we tested the possibility that its additional intake may improve the tissue antioxidative protection. Thus, we studied the IBAT oxidative status in rats supplemented by two doses of ascorbic acid over a 4-week period of time. Our results confirmed that the additional intake of ascorbate improves the tissue antioxidative defense. Probably acting through enhanced insulin release, vitamin C also exerted some metabolic effects, which emphasize its role in the regulation of IBAT functions under normal physiological conditions.