No Normal RBC nmol/mg prot Thalassemic RBC nmol/mg prot Treatment 1 3.9 ± 1.4 nmol 2.7 ± 1.1 nmol$ - 2 1.2 ± 0.5 nmol 0.4 ± 0.3 nmol$ t-BHP 2mM 3 2.3 ± 1.4 nmol 1.9 ± 1.0 nmol$ toc 60 ppm

Table 2: Thiol levels with tertiary butylhydroperoxide (t-BHP); significance: $ normal vs thalassemic RBC samples; toc=tocopherol (representative concentration of 60 ppm) after pre-incubation of isolated RBC membranes with 2mM tertiary butylhydroperoxide (t-BHP) and subsequent treatment with varying concentrations between 50 and 100 ppm of racemic α-tocopherol.