BETA-CAROTENE WITH VITAMIN-E AND VITAMIN-C OFFERS SYNERGISTIC CELL PROTECTION AGAINST NOX

The peroxynitrite anion and the nitrogen dioxide (radical) are importa nt toxic species which can arise in vivo from nitric oxide, Both in vi vo and in vitro cell protection is demonstrated for beta-carotene in t he presence of vitamin E and vitamin C. A synergistic protection is ob served compared to the individual anti-oxidants and this is explained in terms of an electron transfer reaction in which the p-carotene radi cal is repaired by vitamin C. (C) 1998 Federation of European Biochemi cal Societies.