Plasma levels of ascorbic acid and vitamin E in patients with liver cirrhosis

Objective: To investigate the plasma levels of ascorbic acid and vitamin E in patients with liver cirrhosis and to explore their significance. Methods: The plasma levels of ascorbic acid,vitamin E and lipoperoxides in patients with liver cirrhosis were measured,and the results were compared with those of sex- and age-matched healthy subjects. Results: The plasma levels of ascorbic acid,vitamin E and lipoperoxides in the patients group were (42.94±6.99)μmol/L,(17.99±3.51)μmol/L and (14.09±1.28)μmol/L,respectively,while those in the control group were (53.30±9.45)μmol/L (t=9.50,P=0.000),(24.59±7.22)μmol/L (t=7.94,P=0.000) and (12.11±1.20)μmol/L (t=17.21,P=0.000),respectively. Conclusion: The levels of ascorbic acid and vitamin E in patients with liver cirrhosis decrease significantly,which may indicates the disturbance of balance between oxidation and antioxidation.