Plasma ascorbate protects coagulation factors against photooxidation

Area of Science:

• Biochemistry
• Hematology
• Oxidative Stress Research

Background:

• Proteins in plasma may be susceptible to oxidative damage, unlike lipids.
• Photodynamic virus inactivation generates reactive oxygen species, such as singlet oxygen.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the impact of photodynamic treatment on coagulation factor activities in human plasma.
• To determine the role of plasma antioxidants, specifically ascorbate, in protecting proteins from photooxidation.

Main Methods:

• Fresh human plasma was subjected to photodynamic virus inactivation.
• The activity of various coagulation factors was measured before and after treatment.
• The effect of adding ascorbate before treatment was assessed.
• Ascorbate consumption and subsequent oxidation of urate and coagulation factors were monitored.

Main Results:

• Photodynamic treatment inactivated fibrinogen and factor VII, with other factors less affected.
• A significant inverse correlation was observed between coagulation factor inactivation and plasma ascorbate concentration.
• Ascorbate addition prevented coagulation factor inactivation in a dose-dependent manner.
• Ascorbate was consumed during treatment, and its absence led to increased oxidation of urate and coagulation factors.

Conclusions:

• Ascorbate functions as a primary antioxidant against photooxidation in human plasma.
• Ascorbate effectively protects coagulation factors and other plasma proteins from oxidative damage induced by singlet oxygen.
• Maintaining adequate ascorbate levels is crucial for preserving protein integrity during oxidative stress in plasma.