Suppression of iron catalyzed free radical generation by iron tyrosinate protein models.

Novel antioxidants, N-(2-Hydroxy-1-naphthal)amino acids which mimic iron proteins, have been intensively studied for suppressive effect on iron-catalyzed free radical generation. These compounds exhibit inhibition of the Fenton reaction in electron spin resonance assessment. In addition, it is shown that the compounds inhibit iron-induced peroxidation by thiobarbituric acid test. Since these antioxidants form stable complexes with Fe3+, this antioxidative activity is expected to be derived from sequestration of catalytic iron.