Oxidative stress can lead to diverse pathophysiological changes in the body. Neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson and Alzheimer are linked to oxidative stress, as well as several cancers and diseases such as chronic fatigue syndrome, fragile X syndrome, heart and blood vessel disorders, heart attack, heart failure, and atherosclerosis (for an overview see Fig. 1). In this post, let’s look at some convenient kits to measure the anti-oxidative potential of your samples!

A new Hemoglobin (Hgb) High Sensitivity kit has just been released to allow for the detection of Hgb in low amount of samples. Researchers working on inflammation, kidney injury or oxidative stress may have an interest in this kit, especially when working with small animal models. Hemoglobin variations in levels are also associated with a variety of conditions ranging from anemia (low Hgb), erythrocytosis (high Hgb), thalassemias (aberrant chain synthesis), and sickling disorders (abnormal complex shape).

Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) are reactive molecules and free radicals derived from molecular oxygen involved in cellular homeostasis. An excess of ROS production (e.g. exposure to environmental stress such as UV or heat exposure) causes significant damage to cell structures. In this post, let’s review the research tools for studying this process also known as Oxidative stress.

Free radicals and reactive oxygen species (ROS) are highly reactive molecules that are generated by normal cellular processes, environmental stress, and UV irradiation. ROS react with cellular components, damaging DNA, carbohydrates, proteins, and lipids causing cellular and tissue injury. Excess production of reactive oxygen species can also lead to inflammation, premature aging disorders  and several disease states including cancer, diabetes, and atherosclerosis. Organisms have developed complex antioxidant systems to protect themselves from oxidative stress, however, excess ROS can overwhelm the systems and cause severe damage.

ZenBio offers two convenient kits to measure the total antioxidant capacity of biological fluids, cells, and tissue. Both can also be used to assay the antioxidant activity of naturally occurring or synthetic compounds for use as dietary supplements, topical protection, and therapeutics. ORAC is a fluorescence based assay, while the ABTS assay is based on a colorimetric measurement. Let’s take a look at both.