Ascorbic supplementation attenuates juglone induced metabolic derangement

Juglone derivatives like 2-(4-hydroxyphenyl) amino-1,4-naphthoquinone (Q7) are used as antitumor agents, and act through reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation. Such may lead to abnormal lipid metabolism and ROS dysregulation. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of ascorbate on the metabolism of lipids and carbohydrates following Q7-induced oxidative stress. Male Wistar rats were administered Q7 (10 mg/Kg) and/or ascorbate (500 mg/Kg) orally for 20 days. Rats treated with Q7 showed an increase in serum triglycerides, VLDL cholesterol and lipid peroxidation levels. When Q7 treatment was followed up by ascorbate (500 mg/Kg) administration, we observed a reduction in serum triglycerides, VLDL cholesterol and lipid peroxidation. The oral administration of ascorbate reduced the Q7-induced increases in lipids, and postprandial glycemia. This could be associated with the redox activity of ascorbate that reduced the oxidative stress induced by Q7. We thus conclude that ascorbate modulates the Q7-induced increase of lipid and carbohydrate metabolism.