Ferric reducing ability of plasma: A potential oxidative stress marker in stored plasma

Abstract

Introduction: The ferric reducing ability of plasma (FRAP) assay is used for measuring the antioxidant capacity. FRAP is proportional to the molar concentration of the antioxidant capacity. This study attempts to analyze the possibilities of FRAP as an indicator of oxidative stress. Methods: Blood was drawn from male Wistar rats and stored for 20 days at 4°C in citrate phosphate dextrose adenine 1. The rats were divided into two groups: Controls and experimentals. The experimentals were added with antioxidants - L-carnitine, curcumin, vitamin C (VC), and caffeic acid of varying concentrations - 10, 30, and 60 mM (n =5 for each group). Plasma was isolated from these samples at regular intervals (every 5 days), and FRAP and protein were assayed. Results were analyzed by two-way ANOVA, using GraphPad prism 6. FRAP was maintained in controls. Results: VC (ascorbic acid) was the most potent antioxidant in terms of FRAP during storage compared with the above antioxidants. This study emphasizes the use of FRAP as a potential marker of oxidative stress in plasma of stored blood. Conclusion: FRAP can be utilized as a reliable marker for determining the antioxidant capacity.