Publication: Selection of acid salts: A critical step in creating an acidic condition for plasma iron release and measurement
Date
2020
Authors
Lim W.F.
Abdullah M.
Ho K.L.
Yap B.K.
Lai M.I.
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Universiti Putra Malaysia Press
Abstract
Introduction: Iron deficiency anaemia (IDA) is the most common cause of anaemia worldwide. Determination of body iron status is necessary to diagnose IDA. This can be measured using a biochemistry assessment of the serum/ plasma. Plasma/serum iron quantitation is also important in diagnosing iron overload disorders. However, iron studies are limited due to high cost and lack of access to biochemical analysers. Therefore, a cost- and technical-effective method is needed to measure human plasma iron concentration. Plasma iron is mainly transferrin-bound and an acidic plasmic condition is necessary to release the iron. This study investigated various candidate acid salts to achieve the acidic condition needed for plasma iron release. Method: Ten powdered or crystallised acid salts were studied for their water solubility as well as their pH reduction capability in revised simulated body fluid (r-SBF) and commercially available human plasma without any change in colour or form. Results: Six acid salts studied were discontinued from further investigation because they were insoluble in water. Another two candidates were unsuitable as they precipitated in r-SBF and human plasma. Maleic acid formed a jelly-like texture after a certain amount of time in human plasma. Only citric acid met all the criteria of a suitable acid salt to be investigated further as part of the reagent for a spontaneous plasma iron measurement. Conclusion: Citric acid, which is a colourless and odourless acid salt, was selected to lower the human plasma pH to an acidic condition for transferrin-bound iron release. � 2020 UPM Press. All rights reserved.