Enzymatic basis for altered ascorbic acid and dehydroascorbic acid levels in diabetes.

Abnormal plasma ascorbic acid (AA) and dehydroascorbic acid (DHAA) levels observed in diabetes may be correlated to a deficiency in the recycling of AA. Ascorbic acid and DHAA levels are altered in diabetic liver in the present study. In addition, a coupling of the hexose monophosphate (HMP) shunt by way of NADPH to glutathione reductase and subsequent DHAA reduction is demonstrated. Ascorbic acid production was assayed directly and by way of the HMPS pathway. Results indicate that AA production from DHAA via the HMPS pathway occurs, and is significantly decreased in diabetic liver. Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PDH) activity is shown to be decreased in diabetic liver. Since G6PDH is essential in providing NADPH for the reduction of glutathione required for subsequent DHAA reduction, its decreased activity is consistent with altered levels of AA and DHAA observed in diabetic tissues.