Detection of oxidants in uremic plasma by electron spin resonance spectroscopy

Depletion of antioxidants and the presence of products of free radical damage in plasma suggest that oxidative stress is increased in uremia. We have developed an application of electron spin resonance spectroscopy, and used this method to show that a stable oxidizing component or components of plasma accumulate in uremia. No oxidizing activity was detectable in plasma from subjects with normal renal function. The oxidant was detected by its capacity to oxidize the spin trap 3,5-dibromo-4-nitrosobenzene sulphonate (DBNBS). The oxidant was dialyzable from plasma, had an upper molecular weight limit of about 3,000 Daltons and was stable over many months. Physiological plasma concentrations of vitamin C, a water soluble congener of vitamin E and reduced glutathione were unable to inhibit the oxidizing capacity of uremic plasma. Thus, uremia is associated with accumulation of an endogenous oxidizing activity at much higher concentrations than in subjects with normal renal function.