Oxidative insult to human red blood cells induced by free radical initiator AAPH and its inhibition by a commercial antioxidant mixture

This study was carried out to investigate sequel of oxidative insult to hum an erythrocytes induced by a water-soluble radical initiator, 2,2 '- azobis - ( amidinopropane) dihydrochloride (AAPH) and the effect of a commerciall y available mixed antioxidant (Blackmores, BioAce Excel), containing cu-toc opherol, ascorbic acid, beta -carotene and some herbal extracts (containing grape seed catechins and milk thistle derived silybin), on lipid peroxidat ion, degradation of membrane proteins and haemolysis. We performed this stu dy in order firstly to clarify aspects of the mechanism of AAPH induced fre e radical damage in human erythrocytes and secondly to establish in vitro c onditions by which the efficacy of mixed antioxidant preparations may fairl y and objectively be compared, In the process of oxidation initiated by per oxyl radical, a rapid loss of reduced glutathione occurred in the first 60 min. Formation of thiobarbitric acid-reactive substances indicative of lipi d peroxidation increased subsequently and almost reached maximal levels at 180 min before significant apparent degradation of membrane proteins was de tected. At this point, a significant haemolysis occurred. This sequence of events is consistent with the idea that haemolysis is a consequence of lipi d peroxidation and the degradation of membrane proteins. The mixed commerci al antioxidant, which suppressed lipid peroxidation and protected membrane proteins against degradation induced by peroxyl radicals, also effectively delayed AAPH induced haemolysis. The system we describe provides a sound ob jective basis for the in vitro comparison of the potential efficacy of the hundreds of antioxidant nutritional supplements currently available in the market place. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science Inc. All rights reserved.