A novel formulation of metal ions and citric acid reduces reactive oxygen species in vitro.

OBJECTIVE

Reactive oxygen species, including superoxide anions, are thought to play an important role in impairing wound healing. Additionally, superoxide anions react with nitric oxide produced by macrophages to form peroxynitrite, another strong oxidant with detrimental effects on surrounding tissue. This in vitro study investigated whether samples of metal ions and citric acid are able to reduce levels of reactive oxygen species.

METHOD

Samples of materials were tested in assays for the following: inhibition of reactive oxygen species production by human polymorphonuclear neutrophils (PMNs); antioxidant activity (scavenging of superoxide anions in a cell-free system); inhibition of human complement (limiting the generation of complement factors that attract and stimulate PMNs, thereby reducing levels of reactive oxygen species).

RESULTS

Metal ions were shown to inhibit both PMN production of reactive oxygen species and the activation of complement via the classical pathway, whereas citric acid was found to be a scavenger of superoxide anions.

CONCLUSION

The beneficial effects of using formulations containing metal ions and citric acid on chronic wounds may be explained in part by a reduction of reactive oxygen species in these wounds.