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Ionol (BHT) produces superoxide anion
E G Smirnova1, Yu I Lyubimov, T G Malinina
1Institute of Agricultural Biotechnology, Russian Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Moscow, 127550, Russia.
Biochemistry. Biokhimiia
|December 24, 2002
Summary
Synthetic antioxidant butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT) can act as a prooxidant, generating superoxide anion (O2*-) in wheat seedlings. Natural antioxidants like superoxide dismutase (SOD) and emulsified denatured placenta (EDP) reduce O2*- production.
Area of Science:
- Plant Physiology
- Biochemistry
- Oxidative Stress
Background:
- Etiolated wheat seedlings release superoxide anion (O2*-) in aqueous environments.
- Antioxidants are crucial for managing oxidative stress in biological systems.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the prooxidant potential of butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT) in etiolated wheat seedlings.
- To compare the effects of BHT with natural antioxidants superoxide dismutase (SOD) and emulsified denatured placenta (EDP) on O2*- production.
Main Methods:
- Aqueous medium incubation of etiolated wheat seedlings.
- Measurement of superoxide anion (O2*-) release.
- Assessment of BHT, SOD, and EDP interactions with oxygen and seedling systems.
Main Results:
- Butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT) interacted with oxygen, leading to increased O2*- formation, indicating prooxidant activity.
- Superoxide dismutase (SOD) and emulsified denatured placenta (EDP) did not exhibit prooxidant properties.
- SOD and EDP significantly reduced O2*- production by the wheat seedling system, unlike BHT.
Conclusions:
- Under specific conditions, the synthetic antioxidant BHT can function as a prooxidant.
- Natural antioxidants SOD and EDP demonstrate protective effects by reducing O2*- generation in this plant model.
- Findings highlight differential effects of synthetic versus natural antioxidants on oxidative stress in plants.