Prooxidant and antioxidant effects of Trolox on ferric ion-induced oxidation of erythrocyte membrane lipids.

The prooxidant and antioxidant actions of Trolox were examined in an in vitro system measuring ferric ion-induced oxidation of erythrocyte membrane lipids. Trolox was found to produce a concentration-dependent biphasic effect on the ferric ion-stimulated lipid peroxidation, with the mode of action being similar to those produced by reducing-agent antioxidants, such as ascorbic acid and reduced glutathione, and iron chelator, such as desferrioxamine. Phytic acid, a potent iron chelator, could suppress the prooxidant actions of Trolox and desferrioxamine, but not those of ascorbic acid and reduced glutathione. The ability of Trolox to stimulate ferric ion-catalyzed ascorbate oxidation, as similar to the action produced by ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid, indicates the presence of iron-chelating activity. The ensemble of results suggests the possible involvement of iron chelation in the prooxidant action of Trolox in ferric ion-stimulated lipid peroxidation reactions.