Effect of ascorbate on red blood cell lipid peroxidation.

The present study investigates the effect of ascorbate on red cell lipid peroxidation. At a concentration between 0.2 mmol - 20 mmol/1 ascorbic acid reduces hydrogen peroxide-induced red blood cell lipid peroxidation resulting in a marked decrease in ethane and pentane production as well as in haemolysis. Ascorbic acid also shows an antioxidant effect on chelated iron-catalyzed hydrogen peroxide-induced peroxidation of erythrocyte membranes. At a concentration of 10 mmol/1 ascorbic acid totally inhibits oxidative break-down of polyunsaturated fatty acids by radicals originating from hydrogen peroxide. Our results indicate that ascorbate at the chosen concentration has an antioxidant effect on red blood cell lipid peroxidation.