Oxidative metabolism

The cells of all aerobic organisms, including humans, are constantly exposed to an oxygen-rich environment that leads to the generation of potentially damaging pro-oxidants such as free radicals and peroxides – a process often called “oxidative stress.” Fortunately, we are equipped with a battery of antioxidant defenses designed to prevent pro-oxidant formation or to intercept them before they can damage important cellular components, such as proteins, lipids, and DNA. However, oxidative stress has been implicated in many diseases, such as atherosclerosis, Parkinson's, Alzheimer's, many cancers, and even aging – so it is a critical area of research for scientists.

One of the most sensitive and specific techniques used to study oxidative stress and the intrinsic and extrinsic factors involved in the condition is the use of electrochemical detection (ECD) coupled with an HPLC. Since ECD relies upon oxidation of the molecule being detected, it is an ideal technique for highly sensitive measurement of the various highly redox-active compounds involved in oxidative metabolism. EC detection has repeatedly shown its ability to measure either singly or a group, a wide variety of molecules that are either directly involved in oxidative metabolism or are even the results of the damage done by a pro-oxidant.

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