Osteoarthritis of the Hands
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Vitamin C, also known as ascorbic acid, is a water-soluble molecule that performs numerous coenzymatic hydroxylation functions. Its importance in human health is well-established, with its antioxidant properties playing a crucial role in the fight against free radicals, reducing molecular oxidation, and thereby contributing to cancer prevention and treatment.
Vitamin C's antioxidant action is one of its most significant metabolic characteristics. It combats the proliferation of free radicals, unstable atoms that can cause damage to cells and lead to illnesses such as cancer. Specifically, ascorbic acid counteracts the harmful action of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), promoting cellular preservation and reducing the likelihood of neoplastic transformation.
The antioxidant properties of Vitamin C contribute to its anti-tumor characteristics. The molecule's ability to fight free radicals and reduce molecular oxidation helps prevent the development of cancer. It also appears to have an immunostimulatory function, helping to prevent some forms of cancer.
Research has indicated that many cases of cancer are caused by viral infection by certain pathogens known as "transforming viruses". Vitamin C's role in boosting the immune system can help counteract these viruses, further contributing to its cancer-preventing properties. Additionally, because many forms of cancer can lead to ulceration, increasing the risk of bacterial contamination, the administration of Vitamin C is recommended for its broad-spectrum antibiotic function.
Vitamin C has also shown promise in the treatment of certain types of cancer. Early studies in the mid-twentieth century indicated that Vitamin C could be effective in treating bladder tumors. However, due to methodological and application inadequacies, the results were not deemed reliable.
Later, in the 1970s, high doses of Vitamin C were administered to terminally ill cancer patients, showing an increase in survival time and an improvement in the quality of life. The administration of Vitamin C appears to have a beneficial effect on tumor regression, although results vary depending on the type of cancer, the stage, and the research sample.
In conclusion, while the potential of Vitamin C in cancer prevention and treatment is promising, further research is needed to understand the mechanisms that favor its anti-tumor therapy.