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Ascorbic acid–dehydroascorbic acid redox couple
- Molecular classification
- Other (redox pair, metabolic intermediate)
01
Overview
The ascorbic acid–dehydroascorbic acid redox couple refers to the antioxidant mechanism where ascorbic acid (vitamin C) donates electrons to reduce oxidants, converting into its oxidized form, dehydroascorbic acid (DHA). DHA can be recycled back to ascorbic acid enzymatically (using glutathione-dependent dehydroascorbate reductase) or non-enzymatically to maintain antioxidant capacity and redox balance in cells. This process prevents cellular oxidative damage and can modulate multiple physiological and pathological processes, including inflammation, neurodegeneration, and cancer [1][2][3][7]. However, the entry itself is not a discrete drug target, receptor, enzyme, or transporter, but a chemical process involving redox-active small molecules.
- Other names
- Vitamin C redox coupleVitamin C cyclingAscorbate–dehydroascorbate system
02
Mechanism of action
Hydrogen atom/electron donation (antioxidant), Recycling by glutathione-dependent dehydroascorbate reductase, Protection of cells from oxidative damage
03
Biological functions
Antioxidant defenseReactive oxygen species (ROS) scavengingMaintenance of redox homeostasisRegeneration of other antioxidants
04
Disease associations
Neurodegenerative diseaseCardiovascular diseaseInflammationCancerMetabolic diseasesInfection
05
Safety considerations
High levels of ascorbic acid may become pro-oxidant under certain conditions (e.g., in the presence of transition metals like iron or copper)Potential redox imbalance
06
Interacting drugs
None directly; however, ascorbic acid (vitamin C supplement) and agents affecting glutathione or redox status may interact with this system
07
Biomarkers
Ascorbic acid plasma levelsDehydroascorbic acid levelsGlutathione status
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