Patent ID: 7473558
Filing Date: 2009-01-06
Classification: C07K,G01N,Y10S

Abstract:
1. A method for detecting or quantifying free radical damage comprising: receiving a biological sample containing albumin, including an albumin having an unmodified N-terminus which is able to bind metal ions and, possibly, a modified albumin having a reduced ability to bind metal ions at its N-terminus; and determining the presence of modified albumin present in the biological sample by: a) contacting the biological sample with an excess quantity of a metal ion, the metal ion being capable of binding to the unmodified N-terminus of albumin, to form a mixture of bound metal ions and unbound metal ions; and b) detecting the presence and quantity of bound metal ions, the presence and quantity of bound metal ions being derminative of the existence and concentration of the modified albumin present in the biological sample, and the existence and concentration of the modified albumin in the biological sample being indicative of the presence and amount of free radical damage.