Chelating effect of human serum proteins on metal-catalyzed ascorbate radical generation

Purified human serum albumin and immunoglobulin G (IgG) were investigated for their metal-chelating activity, using ESR spectroscopy. Both copper (Cu2+) and iron ions (Fe3+) enhanced the radical intensity of both sodium ascorbate and sodium 5,6-benzylidene-L-ascorbate (SBA). Albumin significantly reduced the stimulation effect of copper, but not that of iron. On the other hand, IgG effectively reduced the radical intensity of iron, without affecting that of copper. The present study demonstrates the specific chelating action of these serum proteins, suggesting their possible preventive effects on metal-catalyzed pathogenic diseases.