Thiobarbituric Acid Reactive Substances (TBARS) is a term used to describe a group of compounds that are generated during oxidative stress and lipid peroxidation. TBARS are known to be highly reactive and have the ability to react with thiobarbituric acid, forming a colored complex that can be measured spectrophotometrically.
TBARS are formed as a result of the breakdown of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) in the presence of free radicals. These free radicals can be generated by various processes such as exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation, environmental pollutants, or from metabolic reactions within the body.
The measurement of TBARS is commonly used as an indicator of lipid peroxidation and oxidative stress in biological samples. Elevated levels of TBARS have been associated with a number of pathological conditions, including cardiovascular diseases, neurodegenerative disorders, and cancer.
The quantification of TBARS is typically performed by reacting the sample with thiobarbituric acid, which reacts specifically with malondialdehyde (MDA), one of the major lipid peroxidation products. After the reaction, the absorbance of the resulting complex is measured using a spectrophotometer, and the concentration of TBARS is determined based on a standard curve.
Overall, TBARS represent a group of reactive substances that serve as indirect markers for oxidative stress and lipid peroxidation, and their measurement provides valuable insights into the oxidative status of biological systems.
