Effect of Ascorbate on Red Blood Cell Lipid Peroxidation

Abstract

The present study investigates the effect of ascorbate on red cell lipid peroxidation. At a concentration between 0.2 mmol–20 mmol/l ascorbic acid reduces hydrogen peroxide-induced red blood cell lipid peroxidation resulting in a marked decrease in ethane and pentane production as well as in haemolysis. Ascorbic acid also shows an antioxidant effect on chelated iron-catalyzed hydrogen peroxide-induced peroxidation of erythrocyte membranes. At a concentration of 10 mmol/l ascorbic acid totally inhibits oxidative break-down of polyunsaturated fatty acids by radicals originating from hydrogen peroxide.

Our results indicate that ascorbate at the chosen concentration has an antioxidant effect on red blood cell lipid peroxidation.

Key Words:

• ascorbic acid
• lipid peroxidation
• polyunsaturated fatty acids
• alkane release