A sensitive, standardized method of measuring a biological function of vitamin E(E) is needed to define a protective E level. We therefore evaluated the release of thiobarbituric acid reactin g substances(TBARS) from red blood cell(RBC) membranes after paired incubations in buffered H202, pH 7.4, alone and with azide to promote maximal release. TBARS was quantitated spectraphotometrically. Values were expressed as the ratio of TBARS release without azide/maximal release x 100 (%TBARS). Individual fasting plasma lipid levels were added to give total lipids(TL). Three groups were compared: A) E sufficient noncholestatic children (N=l4); B) E sufficient noncholestatic adults (N=6); C) E deficient cholestatic children (N=ll). Results show a strong negative correlation in all subjects between %TBARS and E levels, E/TL, E/cholesterol (r=-.84,-.89,-.89,p<.001). Significant differences in E and E/TL in groups A or B vs C are reflected by marked differences in %TBARS release (p<.OOl). Groups A+B had higher maximal TBARS release vs C (p<.05). Values listed below are mean ±SD. Group E(1Jg/ml) E/TL(mg/gm) %TBARS A
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