Targets of Vitamin C With Therapeutic Potential for Cardiovascular Disease and Underlying Mechanisms: A Study of Network Pharmacology

Abstract

Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) is a nutrient used to treat cardiovascular disease (CVD). However, the pharmacological targets of vitamin C and the mechanisms underlying the therapeutic effects of vitamin C on CVD remain to be elucidated. In this study, we used network pharmacology approach to investigate the pharmacological mechanisms of vitamin C for the treatment of CVD. The core targets, major hubs, enriched biological processes, and key signaling pathways were identified. A protein-protein interaction network and an interaction diagram of core target-related pathways were constructed. Three core targets were identified, including phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate 3-kinase catalytic subunit alpha isoform, signal transducer and activator of transcription-3 (STAT3), and prothrombin. The GO and KEGG analyses identified top 20 enriched biological processes and signaling pathways involved in the therapeutic effects of vitamin C on CVD. The JAK-STAT, STAT, PD1, EGFR, FoxO, and chemokines signaling pathways may be highly involved in the protective effects of vitamin C against CVD. In conclusion, our bioinformatics analyses provided evidence on the possible therapeutic mechanisms of vitamin C in CVD treatment, which may contribute to the development of novel drugs for CVD.

Vitamin C intake potentially lowers total cholesterol to improve endothelial function in diabetic patients at increased risk of cardiovascular disease: A systematic review of randomized controlled trials

“…More evidence is required to understand the health benefits of this dietary antioxidant, and to potentially curb the rising toll of CVD-related deaths in patients with diabetes or metabolic diseases. This is in support of recent reviews highlighting the gap in clinical evidence informing on the favorable outcomes of vitamin C in individuals at increased CVD-risk ( 27 – 29 ). Importantly, although other reviews have reported on the potential therapeutic effects of vitamin C on controlling basic metabolic function and CVD-related outcomes ( 26 , 30 , 31 ), very limited information exists on the implications or link with biomarkers of inflammation and oxidative stress such as C-reactive protein (CRP) and interleukin 6 (IL-6), and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels.…”

Antioxidant Ascorbic Acid Modulates NLRP3 Inflammasome in LPS-G Treated Oral Stem Cells through NFκB/Caspase-1/IL-1β Pathway

“…Moreover, previous findings evidenced that the risk of CVD is correlated inversely with vitamin C diet supplementation [ 48 , 49 ]. The molecular mechanisms involved in the antioxidant property of AA to prevent and to treat the cardiovascular disorders remain elusive [ 50 , 51 ]. Earlier studies have investigated the signaling pathways involved in the effects of AA on CVD related to periodontal disease [ 52 ].…”

The Variable Nature of Vitamin C—Does It Help When Dealing with Coronavirus?

“…The reduction of thrombosis might be associated with the same pathway as found in cardiovascular diseases. Zhu et al [ 205 ] concluded that the protective role of VC in cardiovascular diseases is related to its anti-inflammatory properties. They suspected that the most enriched pathways of VC are JAK-STAT, PD-1, EGFR, FoxO, and the chemokine-signaling pathways.…”

“…Vitamin supplementation during care after ICU discharge might be essential [ 205 ]. After COVID-19, patients are malnourished, and most experience weight loss (about 25%, or more than 8 kg).…”