Relationship between Plasma Concentrations of Vitamin C and Serum Biochemical Parameters Related to Liver Diseases in Dogs

Abstract

A relationship between plasma concentrations of vitamin C and serum biochemical parameters related to liver diseases was examined in 48 dogs hospitalized for diagnosis and treatments of diseases including liver disturbance. Plasma concentration of vitamin C was lower in dogs exhibiting serum activity of alanine aminotransferase (ALT), a marker of leakage of liver membrane, above the reference range than in those within or below the range. Mean vitamin C concentration in plasma (5.2 mg/L), however, was not lower even in dogs with higher ALT activity, as compared with that determined in clinically normal Shiba dogs (4.99.2 mg/L). Plasma concentrations of vitamin C negatively related to activities of ALT and aspartate aminotransferase (p < 0.05). Vitamin C nutrition may worsen through decreasing synthesis of vitamin C in dogs with liver necrosis.