CUPRAC-BCS and antioxidant activity assays as reliable markers of antioxidant capacity in erythrocytes

Abstract

Objective: The CUPRAC-BCS and antioxidant activity (AOA) assays have been developed as indirect methods to determine the total antioxidant capacity (TAC). We examined these assays as markers, in erythrocytes, under oxidative stress (induced by storage) and with antioxidants - vitamin C, L-carnitine, and curcumin. Methods: Antioxidants were added to blood samples, stored and assayed for TAC and reactive oxygen species (ROS). Results: Vitamin C at lower concentrations and L-carnitine and curcumin at higher concentrations proved beneficial to the erythrocytes. Discussion: CUPRAC-BCS and AOA effectively determined TAC of stored erythrocytes. This was in accordance with the levels of ROS, and hence, CUPRAC-BCS and AOA can be used as reliable markers of TAC, in erythrocytes during oxidative stress.