Quantitative determination of low molecular weight antioxidants and their effects on different antioxidants in chicken blood plasma

Antioxidants in the body are in balance, and form a network that protects living organisms against oxidative stress. To prove this hypothesis, we developed suitable methods for assessing the amount of antioxidants and their antioxidant activity in the chickens’ plasma, which enable us to explain the overall anti-oxidant status of the animals during the controlled industrial raise. The effects of exogenous coenzyme Q10, and α-lipoic acid on the reduction of oxidative stress in the animal body were assessed. The physical and the health conditions of chickens during the raising period of 40 days were followed. The benefits of additives were estimated through the measured concentrations of selected low molecular weight antioxi-dants (coenzyme Q10, α-lipoic acid, α-tocopherol, lutein and zeaxathin) and antioxidant enzymes (super-oxide dismutase, glutathione reductase), cholesterol and glucose in plasma and measurements of total antioxidant capacity. Quantitative analyses of selected substances were done with different chromatographic, spectroscopic and electrometric methods. The addition of antioxidants has positive effects on the acts of antioxidant network.