Roomi and Tsao determined that the major protein in mouse and human livers that binds acetaminophen is not synthesized in guinea pigs, thereby providing the basis for additional studies to determine the mechanism involved in acute acetaminophen toxicity in guinea pigs and how this may be influenced by ascorbic acid. The cytochrome P-450 system is the main drug metabolizing system in humans. Dr. Roomi and his colleagues measured the amount of a particular cytochrome P-450, CYP4A1, which is induced in the liver by the hypolipidemic drug clofibrate, in guinea pigs. They found that the expression, or synthesis, of total cytochrome P-4S0 and of CYP4A1 decreased in ascorbic acid deficient animals, which may indicate less efficient detoxification of the drug. Ascorbic acid protects guinea pigs from acute aflatoxin toxicity.
Aflatoxins are mycotoxins produced by molds that grow on grain and nuts.
The largest dose of vitamin C also protected the animals' livers from any pathological abnormalities. These results may be applicable to humans, who might be spared the misery of aflatoxin induced liver cancer.