Electronic paramagnetic resonance (EPR) for the study of ascorbyl radical and lipid radicals in marine organisms

GONZÁLEZ, P.M.; AGUIAR, M.B.; MALANGA, G. Y PUNTARULO, S.

COMPARATIVE BIOCHEMISTRY AND PHYSIOLOGY A-MOLECULAR AND INTEGRATIVE PHYSIOLOGY

ELSEVIER SCIENCE INC

Lugar: Amsterdam; Año: 2013

1095-6433

Electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy detects the presence of radicals of biological interest, such as ascorbyl radical (A) and lipid radicals. A is easily detectable by EPR even in aqueous solution at room-temperature. Under oxidative conditions leading to changes in total ascorbate (AHˉ) content, the A/AHˉ ratio could be used to estimate early oxidative stress in the hydrophilic milieu. This methodology was applied to a wide range of aquatic systems including algae, sea urchin, limpets, bivalves and fish, under physiological and oxidative stress conditions as well. The A/AHˉ ratio reflected the state of one part of the oxidative defense system and provided an early and simple diagnosis of environmental stressing conditions. Oxidative damage to lipids was assessed by the EPR-sensitive adduct formation that correlates well with cell membrane damage with no interference from other biological compounds. Probe instability, tissue metabolism, lack of spin specificity are drawback factors for employing EPR for in vivo determination of free radicals. However, the dependability of this technique, mostly by combining it with other biochemical strategies, enhance the value of these procedures as contributors to the knowledge of oxidative condition in aquatic organisms.