Early Ascorbic Acid Administration Prevents Vascular Endothelial Cell Damage In Septic Mice

Ascorbic acid (AsA) therapy for sepsis is thought to have a protective effect on vascular endothelial cells, but the effect of AsA therapy on endothelial cell dysfunction over time and the appropriate timing for AsA administration to demonstrate efficacy is unclear. Septic mice, induced by cecal ligation and puncture (CLP), were examined for the effect of AsA administration (200 mg/kg) on vascular endothelial cell dysfunction at two administration timings: early group (AsA was administered immediately after CLP) and late group (AsA was administered 12 h after CLP). Survival rates were compared between the early and late administration groups, and vascular endothelial cell damage, indicated by the dihydrobiopterin/tetrahydrobiopterin ratio, serum syndecan-1, and endothelial nitric oxide synthase, as well as liver damage, were examined. The early group showed significantly improved survival compared to the non-treatment group (p < 0.05), while the late group showed no improved survival compared to the non-treatment group. Early AsA administration suppressed damage to the vascular endothelial system and liver compared to the non-treatment group. In septic mice, early AsA administration immediately after CLP may have protective effects on vascular endothelial cells, resulting in reduced organ dysfunction and improved survival.