Profiles of antioxidants in human plasma

The profile of antioxidants in biological fluids and tissues may be helpful in assessing oxidative stress in humans. Plasma antioxidants can be decrea sed as compared to established normal values, in abnormal or subnormal cond itions, for instance as a consequence of disease-related free radical produ ction. Alternatively, plasma antioxidants may be below the normal range due to insufficient dietary supply. Therefore, the profile of antioxidants can be of use only in conjunction with other parameters of the oxidative stres s status. This article examines the profiles of plasma antioxidants in oxid ative stress-related conditions, e.g., diabetes and some other diseases, as well as smoking and smoking cessation. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science Inc.