The importance of sample preservation temperature for analysis of the redox state of human serum albumin.
BACKGROUND
Human serum albumin (HSA) is a mixture of human mercaptalbumin (HMA, reduced form) and nonmercaptalbumin (HNA, oxidized form).


METHODS
We have developed a convenient high-performance liquid chromatographic (HPLC) system for the separation of HSA into HMA and HNA, and studied the mercapt<==>nonmercapt conversion (i.e., dynamic change in the redox state) of HSA. Examination of long-term sample preservation temperature on the redox state of HSA is of fundamental importance for analysis of defense systems against oxidants in humans.


RESULTS
The HMA fraction of HSA (f(HMA)) was markedly decreased, i.e., the redox state of HSA samples was more oxidized, when they were kept even at -20 degrees C for 170 days. Moreover, the redox states of five commercial HSA products were analyzed and the results were compared with those for normal control subjects.


CONCLUSIONS
Surprisingly, marked decreases in f(HMA) value for all commercial HSA products were observed.
Hayashi
Tomoya
T
Department of Physiology, Gifu University School of Medicine, 40 Tsukasa-machi, Gifu 500-8705, Japan.
Imai
Hajime
H
Kuwata
Kazuo
K
Sogami
Masaru
M
Era
Seiichi
S
D000328:Adult; D001793:Blood Preservation / Q000592:standards*; D002851:Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D010084:Oxidation-Reduction; D004364:Pharmaceutical Preparations / Q000592:standards; D012709:Serum Albumin / Q000032:analysis* / Q000378:metabolism / Q000592:standards*; D013696:Temperature; D013997:Time Factors
D004364:Pharmaceutical Preparations; D012709:Serum Albumin; C001702:mercaptoalbumin