Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) Assays

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) such as superoxide and hydrogen peroxide are continually produced during metabolic processes. ROS generation is normally counterbalanced by the action of antioxidant enzymes and other redox molecules. However, excess ROS can lead to cellular injury in the form of damaged DNA, lipids and proteins.

Excess reactive oxygen species must be promptly eliminated from the cell by a variety of antioxidant defense mechanisms. Cellular antioxidant enzymes and other redox molecules serve to counterbalance ROS generated in the cell.

We offer two assays for the universal detection of reactive oxygen species: an intracellular ROS assay for intact cells and an in vitro ROS assay for use with cell lysates, tissue homogenates, blood or urine. Additionally we offer assays for the specific quantitation of hydrogen peroxide and nitric oxide.