The hydroxyl free radical reactions of ascorbyl palmitate as measured in various in vitro models

The OH. free radical scavenging properties of ascorbyl palmitate (AP), wate r-solubilized in the presence of a surfactant (Brij 35), were tested in var ious systems: (1) The inhibition of polymerization of bovine serum albumin by OH. free radicals generated by the Fenton reaction indicated AP exerts a considerable protective effect against polymerization by scavenging the OH . free radicals. (2) ESR spin trapping comparisons of DMPO with AP were con ducted. Using the Fenton reaction as a source of OH. free radicals, AP was 1 order of magnitude faster in scavenging these radicals than DMPO. (3) Oxi dative modification of BSA by Co-60-gamma irradiation of 80 krad, results i n a strong increase in protein carbonyl content. AP inhibits carbonyl forma tion very efficiently, indicating that AP may be utilized as a biological O H. free radical scavenger in human therapy. (C) 1999 Academic Press.