Hongbin Tu

Vitamin C transporter Slc23a1 links renal reabsorption, vitamin C tissue accumulation, and perinatal survival in mice

Levels of the necessary nutrient vitamin C (ascorbate) are tightly regulated by intestinal absorption, tissue accumulation, and renal reabsorption and excretion. Ascorbate levels are controlled in part by regulation of transport through at least 2 sodium-dependent transporters: Slc23a1 and Slc23a2 (also known as Svct1 and Svct2, respectively). Previous work indicates that Slc23a2 is essential for viability in mice, but the roles of Slc23a1 for viability and in adult physiology have not been determined. To investigate the contributions of Slc23a1 to plasma and tissue ascorbate concentrations in vivo, we generated Slc23a1-/- mice. Compared with wild-type mice, Slc23a1-/- mice increased ascorbate fractional excretion up to 18-fold. Hepatic portal ascorbate accumulation was nearly abolished, whereas intestinal absorption was marginally affected. Both heterozygous and knockout pups born to Slc23a1-/- dams exhibited approximately 45% perinatal mortality, and this was associated with lower plasma ascorbate concentrations in dams and pups. Perinatal mortality of Slc23a1-/- pups born to Slc23a1-/- dams was prevented by ascorbate supplementation during pregnancy. Taken together, these data indicate that ascorbate provided by the dam influenced perinatal survival. Although Slc23a1-/- mice lost as much as 70% of their ascorbate body stores in urine daily, we observed an unanticipated compensatory increase in ascorbate synthesis. These findings indicate a key role for Slc23a1 in renal ascorbate absorption and perinatal survival and reveal regulation of vitamin C biosynthesis in mice.

Low Red Blood Cell Vitamin C Concentrations Induce Red Blood Cell Fragility: A Link to Diabetes Via Glucose, Glucose Transporters, and Dehydroascorbic Acid

Strategies to prevent diabetic microvascular angiopathy focus on the vascular endothelium. Because red blood cells (RBCs) are less deformable in diabetes, we explored an original concept linking decreased RBC deformability to RBC ascorbate and hyperglycemia. We characterized ascorbate concentrations from human and mouse RBCs and plasma, and showed an inverse relationship between RBC ascorbate concentrations and deformability, measured by osmotic fragility. RBCs from ascorbate deficient mice were osmotically sensitive, appeared as spherocytes, and had decreased β-spectrin. These aberrancies reversed with ascorbate repletion in vivo. Under physiologic conditions, only ascorbates oxidation product dehydroascorbic acid (DHA), a substrate for facilitated glucose transporters, was transported into mouse and human RBCs, with immediate intracellular reduction to ascorbate. In vitro, glucose inhibited entry of physiologic concentrations of dehydroascorbic acid into mouse and human RBCs. In vivo, plasma glucose concentrations in normal and diabetic mice and humans were inversely related to respective RBC ascorbate concentrations, as was osmotic fragility. Human RBC β-spectrin declined as diabetes worsened. Taken together, hyperglycemia in diabetes produced lower RBC ascorbate with increased RBC rigidity, a candidate to drive microvascular angiopathy. Because glucose transporter expression, DHA transport, and its inhibition by glucose differed for mouse versus human RBCs, human experimentation is indicated.

Vitamin C in mouse and human red blood cells: an HPLC assay.

Although vitamin C (ascorbate) is present in whole blood, measurements in red blood cells (RBCs) are problematic because of interference, instability, limited sensitivity, and sample volume requirements. We describe a new technique using HPLC with coulometric electrochemical detection for ascorbate measurement in RBCs of humans, wild-type mice, and mice unable to synthesize ascorbate. Exogenously added ascorbate was fully recovered even when endogenous RBC ascorbate was below the detection threshold (25 nM). Twenty microliters of whole blood or 10 μl of packed RBCs was sufficient for assay. RBC ascorbate was stable for 24h from whole-blood samples at 4°C. Processed, stored samples were stable for >1 month at -80°C. Unlike other tissues, ascorbate concentrations in human and mouse RBCs were linear in relation to plasma concentrations (R=0.8 and 0.9, respectively). In healthy humans, RBC ascorbate concentrations were 9-57 μM, corresponding to ascorbate plasma concentrations of 15-90 μM. Mouse data were similar. In human blood stored as if for transfusion, initial RBC ascorbate concentrations varied approximately sevenfold and decreased 50% after 6 weeks of storage under clinical conditions. With this assay, it becomes possible for the first time to characterize ascorbate function in relation to endogenous concentrations in RBCs.

Ascorbic acid kills Epstein-Barr virus positive Burkitt lymphoma cells and Epstein-Barr virus transformed B-cells in vitro, but not in vivo.

Abstract Ascorbic acid has been shown to kill various cancer cell lines at pharmacologic concentrations. We found that Epstein–Barr virus (EBV)-positive Burkitt lymphoma (BL) cells were more susceptible to ascorbic acid-induced cell killing than EBV-negative BL cells or EBV-transformed lymphoblastoid cells (LCLs). Ascorbic acid did not induce apoptosis in any of the tested cells but did induce the production of reactive oxygen species and cell death. Previously, we showed that bortezomib, a proteasome inhibitor, induces cell death in LCLs and EBV-positive BL cells. We found that ascorbic acid is strongly antagonistic for bortezomib-induced cell death in LCLs and EBV-positive BL cells. Finally, ascorbic acid did not prolong survival of severe combined immunodefiency mice inoculated with LCLs either intraperitoneally or subcutaneously. Thus, while ascorbic acid was highly effective at killing EBV-positive BL cells and LCLs in vitro, it antagonized cell killing by bortezomib and was ineffective in an animal model.

Measurements of red cell deformability and hydration reflect HbF and HbA2 in blood from patients with sickle cell anemia

Decreased erythrocyte deformability, as measured by ektacytometry, may be associated with disease severity in sickle cell anemia (SCA). Heterogeneous populations of rigid and deformable cells in SCA blood result in distortions of diffraction pattern measurements that correlate with the concentration of hemoglobin S (HbS) and the percentage of irreversibly sickled cells. We hypothesize that red cell heterogeneity, as well as deformability, will also be influenced by the concentration of alternative hemoglobins such as fetal hemoglobin (HbF) and the adult variant, HbA2. To test this hypothesis, we investigate the relationship between diffraction pattern distortion, osmotic gradient ektacytometry parameters, and the hemoglobin composition of SCA blood. We observe a correlation between the extent of diffraction pattern distortions and percentage of HbF and HbA2. Osmotic gradient ektacytometry data indicate that minimum elongation in the hypotonic region is positively correlated with HbF, as is the osmolality at which it occurs. The osmolality at both minimum and maximum elongation is inversely correlated with HbS and HbA2. These data suggest that HbF may effectively improve surface-to-volume ratio and osmotic fragility in SCA erythrocytes. HbA2 may be relatively ineffective in improving these characteristics or cellular hydration at the levels found in this patient cohort.

Chemical Transport Knockout for Oxidized Vitamin C, Dehydroascorbic Acid, Reveals Its Functions in vivo

Despite its transport by glucose transporters (GLUTs) in vitro, it is unknown whether dehydroascorbic acid (oxidized vitamin C, DHA) has any in vivo function. To investigate, we created a chemical transport knockout model using the vitamin C analog 6-bromo-ascorbate. This analog is transported on sodium-dependent vitamin C transporters but its oxidized form, 6-bromo-dehydroascorbic acid, is not transported by GLUTs. Mice (gulo−/−) unable to synthesize ascorbate (vitamin C) were raised on 6-bromo-ascorbate. Despite normal survival, centrifugation of blood produced hemolysis secondary to near absence of red blood cell (RBC) ascorbate/6-bromo-ascorbate. Key findings with clinical implications were that RBCs in vitro transported dehydroascorbic acid but not bromo-dehydroascorbic acid; RBC ascorbate in vivo was obtained only via DHA transport; ascorbate via DHA transport in vivo was necessary for RBC structural integrity; and internal RBC ascorbate was essential to maintain ascorbate plasma concentrations in vitro/in vivo.

Measuring Deformability and Red Cell Heterogeneity in Blood by Ektacytometry

Decreased red cell deformability is characteristic of several disorders. In some cases, the extent of defective deformability can predict severity of disease or occurrence of serious complications. Ektacytometry uses laser diffraction viscometry to measure the deformability of red blood cells subject to either increasing shear stress or an osmotic gradient at a constant value of applied shear stress. However, direct deformability measurements are difficult to interpret when measuring heterogenous blood that is characterized by the presence of both rigid and deformable red cells. This is due to the inability of rigid cells to properly align in response to shear stress and results in a distorted diffraction pattern marked by an exaggerated decrease in apparent deformability. Measurement of the degree of distortion provides an indicator of the heterogeneity of the erythrocytes in blood. In sickle cell anemia, this is correlated with the percentage of rigid cells, which reflects the hemoglobin concentration and hemoglobin composition of the erythrocytes. In addition to measuring deformability, osmotic gradient ektacytometry provides information about the osmotic fragility and hydration status of erythrocytes. These parameters also reflect the hemoglobin composition of red blood cells from sickle cell patients. Ektacytometry measures deformability in populations of red cells and does not, therefore, provide information on the deformability or mechanical properties of individual erythrocytes. Regardless, the goal of the techniques described herein is to provide a convenient and reliable method for measuring the deformability and cellular heterogeneity of blood. These techniques may be useful for monitoring temporal changes, as well as disease progression and response to therapeutic intervention in several disorders. Sickle cell anemia is one well-characterized example. Other potential disorders where measurements of red cell deformability and/or heterogeneity are of interest include blood storage, diabetes, Plasmodium infection, iron deficiency, and the hemolytic anemias due to membrane defects.

The SLC2A14 gene, encoding the novel glucose/dehydroascorbate transporter GLUT14, is associated with inflammatory bowel disease

Background: Variations in intestinal antioxidant membrane transporters are implicated in the initiation and progression of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Facilitated glucose transporter member 14 (GLUT14), encoded by the solute carrier family 2 member 14 (SLC2A14) gene, is a putative transporter for dehydroascorbic acid and glucose. Although information on the gene is limited, shorter and longer GLUT14 isoforms have been identified. We hypothesized that GLUT14 mediates glucose and dehydroascorbic acid uptake. If this function could be validated, then genetic variations may associate with IBD.Objective: This study aimed to determine the substrate(s) for the GLUT14 protein and interrogated genetic associations of SLC2A14 with IBD.Design: The uptake of radiolabeled substrates into Xenopus laevis oocytes expressing the 2 GLUT14 isoforms was assessed. Examination of gene-targeted genetic association in the Manitoba Inflammatory Bowel Disease Cohort Study was conducted through the genotyping of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) representing linkage blocks of the SLC2A14 gene.Results: Both GLUT14 isoforms mediated the uptake of dehydroascorbic acid and glucose into X. laevis oocytes. Three alleles in the SLC2A14 gene associated independently with IBD. The odds of having ulcerative colitis (UC) or Crohn disease (CD) were elevated in carriers of the SLC2A14 SNP rs2889504-T allele (OR: 3.60; 95% CI: 1.95, 6.64 and OR: 4.68; 95% CI: 2.78, 8.50, respectively). Similarly, the SNP rs10846086-G allele was associated with an increased risk of both UC and CD (OR: 2.91; 95% CI: 1.49, 5.68 and OR: 3.00; 95% CI: 1.55, 5.78, respectively). Moreover, the SNP rs12815313-T allele associated with increased susceptibility to CD and UC (OR: 2.12; 95% CI: 1.33, 3.36 and OR: 1.61; 95% CI: 1.01, 2.57, respectively).Conclusion: These findings strengthen the hypothesis that genetically determined local dysregulation of dietary vitamin C or antioxidants transport contributes to IBD development. These transporter proteins are targetable by dietary interventions, opening the avenue to a precision intervention for patients of specific genotypes with IBD. This trial was registered at clinicaltrials.gov as NCT03262649.

Ascorbic acid kills Epstein–Barr virus positive Burkitt lymphoma cells and Epstein–Barr virus transformed B-cellsin vitro, but notin vivo

Abstract Ascorbic acid has been shown to kill various cancer cell lines at pharmacologic concentrations. We found that Epstein–Barr virus (EBV)-positive Burkitt lymphoma (BL) cells were more susceptible to ascorbic acid-induced cell killing than EBV-negative BL cells or EBV-transformed lymphoblastoid cells (LCLs). Ascorbic acid did not induce apoptosis in any of the tested cells but did induce the production of reactive oxygen species and cell death. Previously, we showed that bortezomib, a proteasome inhibitor, induces cell death in LCLs and EBV-positive BL cells. We found that ascorbic acid is strongly antagonistic for bortezomib-induced cell death in LCLs and EBV-positive BL cells. Finally, ascorbic acid did not prolong survival of severe combined immunodefiency mice inoculated with LCLs either intraperitoneally or subcutaneously. Thus, while ascorbic acid was highly effective at killing EBV-positive BL cells and LCLs in vitro, it antagonized cell killing by bortezomib and was ineffective in an animal model.

Ascorbic Acid Kills Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV) Positive Burkitt Lymphoma Cells and EBV Transformed B-Cells in Vitro, but not in Vivo

Abstract Ascorbic acid has been shown to kill various cancer cell lines at pharmacologic concentrations. We found that Epstein–Barr virus (EBV)-positive Burkitt lymphoma (BL) cells were more susceptible to ascorbic acid-induced cell killing than EBV-negative BL cells or EBV-transformed lymphoblastoid cells (LCLs). Ascorbic acid did not induce apoptosis in any of the tested cells but did induce the production of reactive oxygen species and cell death. Previously, we showed that bortezomib, a proteasome inhibitor, induces cell death in LCLs and EBV-positive BL cells. We found that ascorbic acid is strongly antagonistic for bortezomib-induced cell death in LCLs and EBV-positive BL cells. Finally, ascorbic acid did not prolong survival of severe combined immunodefiency mice inoculated with LCLs either intraperitoneally or subcutaneously. Thus, while ascorbic acid was highly effective at killing EBV-positive BL cells and LCLs in vitro, it antagonized cell killing by bortezomib and was ineffective in an animal model.