DOI
https://doi.org/10.25772/105E-2R73
Defense Date
2016
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Science
Department
Biology
First Advisor
Bruce D. Spiess
Second Advisor
Penny Reynolds
Third Advisor
Maryanne Collinson
Fourth Advisor
Gregory Walsh
Fifth Advisor
John Ryan
Abstract
EVALUATION OF REDOX POTENTIAL AS A NOVEL BIOMARKER OF OXIDATIVE STRESS, INFLAMMATORY RESPONSE, AND SHOCK USING NANOPOROUS GOLD ELECTRODES
Background: Redox potential is a chemical species’ affinity for electrons. Increased oxidant concentration is associated with disease1,2, yet there is not a way to measure systemic redox status.3 Redox potentiometry uses metal electrodes that do not work in blood because protein molecules adhere on the metal surface, blocking electron exchange.
Methods: Nanoporous gold electrodes have large surface areas that allowed electron exchange to continue in blood.4 Redox potential was measured in blood with ascorbic acid, in cardiac bypass patients and pigs undergoing hemorrhagic shock and resuscitation.
Results: Blood redox decreased with ascorbic acid addition, both in vitro and in vivo. It was more positive in patients undergoing cardiac surgery compared to healthy volunteers.
Conclusions: Preliminary studies were limited, but appear to show correlation to disease processes and medical therapies. More work needs to be done to further examine the relation of redox to disease and treatment.
Rights
© The Author
Is Part Of
VCU University Archives
Is Part Of
VCU Theses and Dissertations
Date of Submission
8-12-2016