C and E inhibits in vitro oxidation of lipoproteins. The oxidative modification of lipoproteins has been implicated in atherogenesis, suggesting a protective role of circulating antioxidants. These results suggest a protective role of antioxidant vitamins and significant individual variability in response.
Neutrophils play a critical role in host defense against a variety of microbial pathogens.
Superoxide generation was measured by cytochrome C reduction. Phagocytosis of opsonized zymosan by neutrophils and chemotaxis on agarose plates were determined. Chemotaxis, phagocytosis, and superoxide generation of the patient's neutrophils were significantly lower than those of the matched control. We suggest that the patient described here had a temporary defect in neutrophil functions. Only on day 15 was there a significantly lower AUC for EE2-sulfate in the presence of Ascorbic acid intake.