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Updated: Jun 27, 2026

A Rapid and Specific Microplate Assay for the Determination of Intra- and Extracellular Ascorbate in Cultured Cells
Published on: April 11, 2014
Ascorbate recycling by erythrocytes during aging in humans.
Syed Ibrahim Rizvi1, Kanti Bhooshan Pandey, Rashmi Jha
1Department of Biochemistry, University of Allahabad, Allahabad, India. sirizvi@gmail.com
Erythrocytes enhance ascorbate recycling in aging humans through increased erythrocyte ascorbate free radical (AFR) reductase activity. This compensatory mechanism helps maintain plasma ascorbic acid (ASC) levels, mitigating oxidative stress during aging.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Gerontology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Erythrocytes are vital for maintaining plasma ascorbate levels.
- Ascorbate free radical (AFR) reductase in erythrocytes reduces AFR to ascorbic acid (ASC).
- Oxidative stress increases with aging, impacting cellular functions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the age-dependent changes in erythrocyte AFR reductase activity.
- To explore the relationship between erythrocyte AFR reductase and the plasma membrane redox system (PMRS).
- To elucidate the role of erythrocyte ascorbate recycling in aging and oxidative stress.
Main Methods:
- Human erythrocyte AFR reductase activity assays.
- Measurement of plasma membrane redox system (PMRS) activity.
- Correlation analysis between enzyme activity and age.
Main Results:
- Erythrocyte AFR reductase activity significantly increases with age in humans.
- This age-dependent increase positively correlates with PMRS activity.
- Ascorbate recycling efficiency in erythrocytes is enhanced in older individuals.
Conclusions:
- An age-dependent compensatory mechanism involving erythrocyte AFR reductase activity exists.
- This mechanism aims to maintain plasma ascorbic acid levels during aging.
- Enhanced ascorbate recycling may protect against age-related oxidative stress.
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