Clinical and gene mutation characteristics of patients with hereditary ellipsocytosis: nine cases report and literature review / 中华血液学杂志

Objective: To report gene mutations in nine patients with hereditary elliptocytosis (HE) and analyze the characteristics of pathogenic gene mutations in HE. Methods: The clinical and gene mutations of nine patients clinically diagnosed with HE at Institute of Hematology & Blood Diseases Hospital from June 2018 to February 2022 were reported and verified by next-generation sequencing to analyze the relationship between gene mutations and clinical phenotypes. Results: Erythrocyte membrane protein gene mutations were detected among nine patients with HE, including six with SPTA1 mutation, one with SPTB mutation, one with EPB41 mutation, and one with chromosome 20 copy deletion. A total of 11 gene mutation sites were involved, including 6 known mutations and 5 novel mutations. The five novel mutations included SPTA1: c.1247A>C (p. K416T) in exon 9, c.1891delG (p. A631fs*17) in exon 15, E6-E12 Del; SPTB: c.154C>T (p. R52W) ; and EPB41: c.1636A>G (p. I546V) . Three of the six patients with the SPTA1 mutation were SPTA1 exon 9 mutation. Conclusion: SPTA1 is the most common mutant gene in patients with HE.

Optimization of formulation of paclitaxel nanosuspension encapsulated by erythrocyte membrane based on Box-Behnken method / 中国中药杂志

In view of the longevity and innate immune escape of red blood cells, this study designed the red blood cell membrane-coated paclitaxel nanosuspension [RBC-(PTX)NS] and investigated its physicochemical properties and antitumor effect in vitro. Paclitaxel nanosuspension [(PTX)NS] was prepared by ultrasonic precipitation and then RBC-(PTX)NS by ultrasonic coating. The formulation of(PTX)NS was optimized with Box-Behnken method and indexes of particle diameter, zeta potential, and stability. The morphology, particle diameter, stability, in vitro dissolution, and antitumor effect of(PTX)NS and RBC-(PTX)NS were characterized. The results showed that the particle diameter and zeta potential were(129.38±0.92) nm and(-22.41±0.48) mV, respectively, for the optimized(PTX)NS, while(142.5±0.68) nm and(-29.85±0.53) mV, respectively, for RBC-(PTX)NS. Under the transmission electron microscope,(PTX)NS was spherical and RBC-(PTX)NS had obvious core-shell structure. RBC-(PTX)NS remained stable for 5 days at 4 ℃. The in vitro dissolution test demonstrated that the cumulative release rate of RBC-(PTX)NS reached 79% within 20 min, which was significantly higher than that(25%) of(PTX)NS(P<0.05). As evidenced by MTT assay, RBC-(PTX)NS highly inhibited the proliferation of HepG2 cells in a dose-dependent manner. The cell membrane-coated nano-preparation preparation method is simple and reproducible. It improves the solubility of PTX and endows RBC-(PTX)NS with higher stability and stronger cytotoxicity. Thus, it is a new method for the delivery of PTX via nanocrystallization.

Proteínas homólogas de unión a reticulocitos de Plasmodium falciparum involucradas en el proceso de invasión al eritrocito: revisión de la literatura / Plasmodium falciparum reticulocyte-binding homologous proteins involved in the process of erythrocyte invasion: literature review / Proteínas de ligação a reticulócitos de Plasmodium falciparum homólogas envolvidas no pro-cesso de invasão de eritrócitos: revisão da literatura

Introducción: la malaria es uno de los mayores retos de la salud pública mundial. Es causada principalmente por los parásitos Plasmodium falciparum y Plasmodium vivax. Durante el proceso de invasión, se encuentran involucra-das las proteínas homólogas de unión a reticulocitos de P.falciparumPfRH1, PfRH2a, PfRH2b, PfRH4 y PfRH5, que tras su unión a receptores específicos de membrana permiten la invasión del merozoíto al eritrocito. Objetivo: compilar y resumir las características moleculares y estructurales de las interacciones entre las proteínas pertenecientes a la familia de proteínas homólogas de unión a reticulocitos de P.falciparum y los receptores expre-sados en la célula del hospedero. Método: revisión descriptiva sobre las proteínas homólogas de unión a reticulocitos de P. falciparum involucradas en el proceso de invasión al eritrocito. Esta revisiónincluye literatura publicada hasta el año 2020 en bases de datos electrónicas especializadas en investigación biomédica. Se encontraron 105 documentos, de los cuales se se-leccionaron 70 y se excluyeron 11, por no presentar los criterios de inclusión, analizando un total de 59 referencias. Conclusión: la invasión del merozoíto es mediada por interacciones específicas de los ligandos de las familias EBL y PfRH. La unión de las proteínas PfRH1 y PfRH2b a sus receptores en el eritrocito da lugar a la liberación de la proteína EBL-175 que, junto con PfRH4, median la formación de una unión estrecha entre el parásito y los glóbulos rojos. Ello permite la unión de la proteína PfRH5 a la basigina y la entrada del parásito a la célula del hospedero

Introduction: Malaria is one of the world's greatest public health challenges, caused mainly by Plas-modium falciparum and Plasmodium vivax. During the invasion process, the P. falciparum reticulo-cyte-binding homologous proteins PfRH1, PfRH2a, PfRH2b, PfRH4 and PfRH5 are involved, which after binding to specific membrane receptors allow the invasion of the merozoite into the erythrocyte. Objective: To compile and summarize the molecular and structural characteristics of the interactions between proteins belonging to the P. falciparum family of reticulocyte-binding homologous proteins and the receptors expressed in the host cell. Method: Descriptive review of the P. falciparum reticulocyte-binding homologous proteins involved in the process of erythrocyte invasion. This review includes literature published until 2020 in electronic databases specialized in biomedical research. We found 105 papers, of which 70 were selected and 11 were excluded for not presenting the inclusion criteria, analyzing a total of 59 references. Conclusion: The invasion of merozoite is mediated by specific interactions of the ligands of the LBS and PfRH families. The binding of the PfRH1 and PfRH2b proteins to their receptors in the erythrocyte results in the release of the EBL-175 protein, which together with PfRH4 mediates the formation of a close bond between the parasite and the red blood cells, thus allowing the binding of the PfRH5 protein to basigin and the entry of the parasite into the host cell.

Introdução: a malária é um dos maiores desafios globais de saúde pública. É causada principalmente pelos parasitas Plasmodium falciparum e Plasmodium vivax. Durante o processo de invasão, proteínas homólogas de ligação a reticulócitos de P. falciparum PfRH1, PfRH2a, PfRH2b, PfRH4 e PfRH5 estão envolvidas, que após a ligação a receptores de membrana específicos permitem a invasão do mero-zoíta ao andritro. Objetivo: compilar e resumir as características moleculares e estruturais das interações entre as pro-teínas pertencentes à família das proteínas reticulocitárias homólogas de P. falciparum e os receptores expressos na célula hospedeira. Método: revisão descritiva das proteínas ho-mólogas de ligação a reticulócitos de P. falciparum envol-vidas no processo de invasão eritrocitária. Esta revisão inclui literatura publicada até 2020 em bases de dados eletrônicas especializadas em pesquisa biomédica. Foram encontrados 105 documentos, dos quais 70 foram selecionados e 11 excluídos por não apresentarem os critérios de inclusão, anali-sando um total de 59 referências. Conclusão: a invasão de merozoítos é mediada por interações específicas dos ligantes das famílias EBL e PfRH. A ligação das proteínas PfRH1 e PfRH2b aos seus receptores no eritrócito resulta na libe-ração da prote-ína EBL-175 que, junto com PfRH4, a mediação da formação de uma junção compacta entre o parasita e as hemácias. Isso permite a ligação da proteína PfRH5 à basigina e a entrada do parasita na célula hospedeira.

Biomechanical and biochemical investigation of erythrocytes in late stage human leptospirosis

Leptospirosis is a zoonotic disease caused by bacteria of the genus Leptospira, which can cause lipid changes in the erythrocyte membrane. Optical tweezers were used to characterize rheological changes in erythrocytes from patients with leptospirosis in the late stage. Biochemical methods were also used for quantification of plasma lipid, erythrocyte membrane lipid, and evaluation of liver function. Our data showed that the mean elastic constant of erythrocytes from patients with leptospirosis was around 67% higher than the control (healthy individuals), indicating that patient's erythrocytes were less elastic. In individuals with leptospirosis, several alterations in relation to control were observed in the plasma lipids, however, in the erythrocyte membrane, only phosphatidylcholine showed a significant difference compared to control, increasing around 41%. With respect to the evaluation of liver function of individuals with leptospirosis, there was a significant increase in levels of alanine transaminase (154%) and aspartate transaminase (150%), whereas albumin was 43.8% lower than control (P<0.01). The lecithin-cholesterol acyltransferase fractional activity was 3.6 times lower in individuals with leptospirosis than in the healthy individuals (P<0.01). The decrease of the erythrocyte elasticity may be related to the changes of erythrocyte membrane phospholipids composition caused by disturbances that occur during human leptospirosis, with phosphatidylcholine being a strong candidate in the erythrocyte rheological changes.

Two Korean Cases of Hereditary Spherocytosis Caused by Mutations in SLC4A1

Hereditary spherocytosis (HS) is caused by mutations in the SPTA1, SPTB, ANK1, SLC4A1, and EPB42 genes, all of which encode erythrocyte membrane proteins. Mutations in SLC4A1, which encodes band 3 protein, have rarely been reported as the causative factor among Korean patients with HS. Here, we report two Korean patients with HS carrying mutations in SLC4A1. Patient 1 was a 3-year-old girl with unremarkable past and family histories and was evaluated for anemia that was detected after a complete blood count. She was suspected of having HS considering the spherocytosis of her peripheral blood smear, increased osmotic fragility, hemolytic features in blood chemistry tests, and splenomegaly. Sequence analysis revealed that the patient harbored a single heterozygous missense mutation, c.2278C>T (p.Arg760Trp) in exon 17 of SLC4A1. Patient 2 was a 23-year-old man who had a prior history of intermittent jaundice. Although the patient did not have anemia, a genetic test for HS was performed due to evidence of hemolytic features in the blood chemistry test, splenomegaly, and a family history of HS. The test confirmed a single heterozygous missense mutation, c.2423G>T (p.Arg808Leu) in exon 18 of SLC4A1.

Erythrocyte Membrane Unsaturated (Mono and Poly) Fatty Acids Profile in Newly Diagnosed Basal Cell Carcinoma Patients

Studies have reported different changes in the fatty acid composition of red blood cell (RBC) total lipids in patients with various types of cancer. It has been indicated that n-3/n-6 ratio plays a key role in the general consequence of skin photocarcinogenesis. However, to our knowledge there was no study examining the unsaturated fatty acid profile in basal cell carcinoma (BCC) patients. So, we explore the fatty acid composition of RBCs in newly diagnosed BCC patients in a hospital-based case-control study. This study has been conducted on new case BCC patients in Razi Hospital, Tehran, Iran. Fatty acid concentration in erythrocyte membranes defined as relative values after extraction, purification and preparation, by gas chromatography.Analysis revealed that heptadecenoic acid (p = 0.010) and oleic acid (p < 0.001) was significantly higher in BCC patients in comparison with control group. Among polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), linoleic acid (LA), and arachidonic acid (AA) were significantly higher in BCC patients (p < 0.001). It has been indicated that n-3 was significantly lower (p = 0.040) and n-6 was significantly higher (p = 0.002) in BCC patients. In addition, total PUFA (p < 0.001) and n-6 PUFAs/n-3 PUFAs (p = 0.002) were significantly higher in BCC patients compared to the control group. Here we indicated that new case BCC patient had significantly higher n-6 PUFA and lower n-3 along with other differences in unsaturated fatty acid in comparison with healthy subjects. Our study provides evidence that lipids are important in BCC development.

Immunoproteomics of Plasmodium falciparum-infected red blood cell membrane fractions

BACKGROUND The surface of infected red blood cells (iRBCs) has been widely investigated because of the molecular complexity and pathogenesis mechanisms involved. Asymptomatic individuals are important in the field because they can perpetuate transmission as natural reservoirs and present a challenge for diagnosing malaria because of their low levels of circulating parasites. Recent studies of iRBC antibody recognition have shown that responses are quantitatively similar in symptomatic and asymptomatic infections, but no studies have characterised the plasmodial proteins targeted by this response. OBJECTIVES Our main objective was to identify Plasmodium falciparum proteins associated with iRBC ghosts recognised by antibodies in the sera of symptomatic and asymptomatic individuals in the Brazilian Amazon. METHODS We collected symptomatic and asymptomatic sera from patients residing in the Brazilian Amazon and P. falciparum iRBC ghosts to identify the proteins involved in natural antibody recognition by 2D-electrophoresis, western blotting, and high- resolution mass spectrometry. FINDINGS 2D gel-based immunoproteome analysis using symptomatic and asymptomatic sera identified 11 proteins with at least one unique peptide, such as chaperones HSP70-1 and HSP70-x, which likely are components of the secretion machinery/PTEX translocon. PfEMP1 is involved in antigenic variation in symptomatic infections and we found putative membrane proteins whose functions are unknown. MAIN FINDINGS Our results suggest a potential role of old and new proteins, such as antigenic variation proteins, iRBC remodelling, and membrane proteins, with no assigned functions related to the immune response against P. falciparum, providing insights into the pathogenesis, erythrocyte remodelling, and secretion machinery important for alternative diagnosis and/or malaria therapy.

Valor diagnóstico de la morfología eritrocitaria en las anemias / Diagnostic value of red cell morphology in anemias / Valor diagnóstico da morfologia eritrocitária nas anemias

A pesar de la disponibilidad de modernos equipos automatizados, el estudio de la morfología eritrocitaria en extendidos de sangre periférica continúa desempeñando un rol fundamental en el diagnóstico de las anemias. En 2005, el Grupo Internacional de Consenso para la Revisión en Hematología publicó un documento con los criterios homogéneos de acción recomendados para la selección de los frotis sanguíneos que deben ser analizados mediante microscopía. Recientemente, el Comité Internacional de Estandarización en Hematología (ICSH) elaboró una serie de recomendaciones para unificar la nomenclatura y graduar los hallazgos morfológicos anormales en el estudio de la sangre periférica. El objetivo de este trabajo fue presentar a los lectores una revisión del tema y las últimas recomendaciones de los grupos de expertos a nivel nacional e internacional para el estudio de las anemias mediante la evaluación de la morfología eritrocitaria en el frotis de sangre periférica.

Despite the availability of modern automated equipment, the study of red cell morphology in peripheral blood smears continues to play a key role in the diagnosis of anemias. In 2005, the International Consensus Group for Hematology Review published a document with uniform criteria recommended action for the selection of blood smears to be analyzed by microscopy. Recently, the International Committee for Standardization in Hematology (ICSH) produced a series of recommendations to unify the nomenclature and graduate abnormal morphological findings in the study of peripheral blood. The aim of our work was to present readers with a review of the topic and the latest recommendations of the expert groups at national and international levels for the study of anemias by evaluating red cell morphology in the peripheral blood smear.

Apesar da disponibilidade de equipamentos automatizados modernos, o estudo da morfologia eritrocitária em esfregaços de sangue periférico continua a desempenhar um papel fundamental no diagnóstico das anemias. Em 2005, o Grupo Internacional de Consenso em Revisões Hematológicas publicou um documento com os critérios uniformes de ação recomendados para a seleção dos esfregaços sanguíneos que devem ser analisados através do microscópio. Recentemente, a Comissão Internacional de Padronização em Hematologia (ICSH) produziu uma série de recomendações para unificar a nomenclatura e graduar os achados morfológicos anormais no estudo do sangue periférico. O objetivo deste trabalho foi apresentar aos leitores uma revisão do tema e as últimas recomendações dos grupos de especialistas em nível nacional e internacional para o estudo de anemias através da avaliação da morfologia eritrocitária no esfregaço de sangue periférico.

Effect of phosphorus deficiency on erythrocytic morphology and function in cows

The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of phosphorus (P) deficiency on the morphological and functional characteristics of erythrocytes in cows. Forty Holstein-Friesian dairy cows in mid-lactation were randomly divided into two groups of 20 each and were fed either a low-P diet (0.03% P/kg dry matter [DM]) or a control diet (0.36% P/kg DM). Red blood cell (RBC) indices results showed RBC and mean corpuscular hemoglobin decreased while mean corpuscular volume increased significantly (p < 0.05) in P-deficient cows. Erythrocyte morphology showed erythrocyte destruction in P-deficient cows. Erythrocytes' functional characteristics results showed total bilirubin and indirect bilirubin concentrations and aspartate transaminase and alanine transaminase activity levels in the serum of P-deficient cows were significantly higher than those in control diet-fed cows. Activities of superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase in erythrocytes were lower, while the malondialdehyde content was greater, in P-deficient cows than in control diet-fed cows. Na⁺/K⁺-ATPase and Mg²⁺-ATPase activities were lower in P-deficient cows than in control diet-fed cows; however, Ca²⁺-ATPase activity was not significantly different. The phospholipid composition of the erythrocyte membrane changed and membrane fluidity rigidified in P-deficient cows. The results indicate that P deficiency might impair erythrocyte integrity and functional characteristics in cows.

Effects of Erythrocyte Membrane Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids in Overweight, Obese, and Morbidly Obese Korean Women

BACKGROUND: The levels of erythrocyte polyunsaturated fatty acids (FAs) may be associated with obesity, metabolic syndrome, and cancer. Thus, we investigated the association between erythrocyte n−3 and n−6 FA composition, body mass index (BMI), and biochemical profiles. METHODS: The body composition, dietary intake, and blood parameters, including serum lipid, glucose, insulin, adipokines, oxidative stress, and erythrocyte FA, were assessed in 66 overweight and obese women (average age, 43.4 years). We also classified the participants into the overweight, obese, and morbidly obese (MO) groups based on the BMI values of 23, 25, and 30 kg/m₂, respectively. Erythrocyte FA was measured via gas chromatography. RESULTS: The serum glucose, triglyceride, total cholesterol, and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels of the participants in the overweight, obese, and MO groups were not significantly different. However, the serum insulin, high-density lipoprotein, cholesterol and leptin levels were significantly different. The erythrocyte n−6/n−3 ratios of the overweight, obese, and MO groups were 2.4, 2.5, and 2.8, respectively. These data were consistent with the dietary n−6/n−3 ratio findings. Moreover, the erythrocyte n−6/n−3 ratio was correlated with serum insulin levels. CONCLUSIONS: As the severity of obesity increased, the levels of insulin and leptin and the ratio of dietary n−6/n−3 increased, which was consistent with erythrocyte FA. These results indicate that erythrocyte FA may be a predictive biomarker for the increased prevalence of obesity, insulin resistance, leptin resistance, and risk of developing metabolic disorders.

Effects of methomyl on acetylcholinesterase in erythrocyte membrane and various brain areas / 中华劳动卫生职业病杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To study the toxicity of methomyl to acetylcholinesterase (AChE) in different regions.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>The optimal temperature and time for measurement of AChE activity were determined in vitro. The dose- and time-response relationships of methomyl with AChE activity in human erythrocyte membrane, rat erythrocyte membrane, cortical synapses, cerebellar synapses, hippocampal synapses, and striatal synapses were evaluated. The half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) and bimolecular rate constant (K) of methomyl for AChE activity in different regions were calculated, and the type of inhibition of AChE activity by methomyl was determined.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>AChE achieved the maximum activity at 370 °C, and the optimal time to determine initial reaction velocity was 0-17 min. There were dose- and time-response relationships between methomyl and AChE activity in the erythrocyte membrane and various brain areas. The IC50 value of methomyl for AChE activity in human erythrocyte membrane was higher than that in rat erythrocyte membrane, while the Ki value of methomyl for AChE activity in rat erythrocyte membrane was higher than that in human erythrocyte membrane. Among synapses in various brain areas, the striatum had the highest IC50 value, followed by the cerebellum, cerebral cortex, and hippocampus, while the cerebral cortex had the highest Ki value, followed by the hippocampus, striatum, and cerebellum. Lineweaver-Burk diagram demonstrated that with increasing concentration of methomyl, the maximum reaction velocity (Vmax) of AChE decreased, and the Michaelis constant (Km) remained the same.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Methomyl is a reversible non-competitive inhibitor of AChE. AChE of rat erythrocyte membrane is more sensitive to methomyl than that of human erythrocyte membrane; the cerebral cortical synapses have the most sensitive AChE to methomyl among synapses in various brain areas.</p>

Enzymatic cleavage of cell surface proteins of pig and cow erythrocytes and its effect on concanavalin-mediated agglutinability.

Study was carried out to understand and compare architecture of the proteins of erythrocyte cell surface of some mammals viz., Homo sapiens (human), Sus scorfa domestica (pig) and Bos taurus domestica (cow). In this study, we investigated the action of proteinases viz., trypsin and chymotrypsin and neuraminidase on the erythrocyte surface proteins and erythrocyte agglutination tendency with a lectin (concanavalin A). The electrophoretic pattern of membrane proteins and glycophorins (analyzed by SDS-PAGE and visualized by Coomassie brilliant blue and periodic acid-schiff stains, respectively) and concanavalin A (Con A) agglutinability revealed that: (i) There were variations in the number and molecular weights of glycophorins in human, pig and cow, (ii) trypsin action on pig and cow erythrocyte membrane proteins was similar, unlike human, (iii) glycophorins degradation by trypsin and chymotrypsin was not similar in pig, as compared to that of human and cow, (iv) erythrocytes agglutination with Con A was significantly different due to differences in membrane composition and alterations in the surface proteins after enzyme treatment, (v) a direct correlation was found between degradation of glycophorins and Con A agglutinability, and (vi) removal of erythrocyte surface sialic acids by neuraminidase specifically indicated an increase in Con A agglutinability of pig and cow erythrocytes, similar to human.

Kinetics of Cu crossing human erythrocyte membrane / 中国实验血液学杂志

This study was aimed to investigate various factors influencing the proceduction of Cu(II) crossing human erythrocyte membrane, including concentration of Cu²⁺, pH value of the medium, temperature and time of incubation, and to derive kinetic equation of Cu(II) crossing human erythrocyte membrane. Suspension red blood cells were incubated by Cu²⁺, then content of Cu²⁺ crossed human erythrocyte membrane was determined by atomic absorption spectrometry under various conditions after digestion. The results showed that content of Cu²⁺ crossed human erythrocyte membrane increased with the increase of extracellular Cu²⁺ and enhancement of incubation temperature, and the content of Cu²⁺ crossed human erythrocyte membrane showed a increasing tendency when pH reached to 6.2-7.4, and to maximum at pH 7.4, then gradually decreased at range of pH 7.4-9.2. It is concluded that the Cu²⁺ crossing human erythrocyte has been confirmed to be the first order kinetics characteristics within 120 min, and the linear equation is 10³ × Y = 0.0497t +6.5992.

In vivo antipyretic, antiemetic, in vitro membrane stabilization, antimicrobial, and cytotoxic activities of different extracts from Spilanthes paniculata leaves

BACKGROUND: The study was conducted to evaluate the in vitro antimicrobial activity, cytotoxic, and membrane stabilization activities, and in vivo antiemetic and antipyretic potentials of ethanolic extract, n-hexane and ethyl acetate soluble fractions of Spilanthes paniculata leaves for the first time widely used in the traditional treatments in Bangladesh. RESULTS: In antipyretic activity assay, a significant reduction (P < 0.05) was observed in the temperature in the mice tested. At dose 400 mg/kg-body weight, the n-hexane soluble fraction showed the effect (36.7 ± 0.63°C ) as like as the standard (dose 150 mg/kg-body weight) after 5 h of administration. Extracts showed significant (P < 0.001) potential when tested for the antiemetic activity compared to the standard, metoclopramide. At dose 50 mg/kg-body weight, the standard showed 67.23% inhibition, whereas n-hexane and ethyl acetate soluble fractions showed 37.53% and 24.93% inhibition of emesis respectively at dose 400 mg/kg-body weight. In antimicrobial activity assay, the n-hexane soluble fraction (400 µg/disc) showed salient activity against the tested organisms. It exerts highest activity against Salmonella typhi (16.9 mm zone of inhibition); besides, crude, and ethyl acetate extracts showed resistance to Bacillus cereus and Bacillus subtilis, and Vibrio cholera respectively. All the extracts were tested for lysis of the erythrocytes. At the concentration of 1mg/ml, ethanol extract, and n-hexane and ethyl acetate soluble fractions significantly inhibited hypotonic solution induced lysis of the human red blood cell (HRBC) (27.406 ± 3.57, 46.034 ± 3.251, and 30.72 ± 5.679% respectively); where standard drug acetylsalicylic acid (concentration 0.1 mg/ml) showed 77.276 ± 0.321% inhibition. In case of heat induced HRBC hemolysis, the plant extracts also showed significant activity (34.21 ± 4.72, 21.81 ± 3.08, and 27.62 ± 8.79% inhibition respectively). In the brine shrimp lethality bioassay, the n-hexane fraction showed potent (LC50 value 48.978 µg/ml) activity, whereas ethyl acetate fraction showed mild (LC50 value 216.77 µg/ml) cytotoxic activity. CONCLUSIONS: Our results showed that the n-hexane extract has better effects than the other in all trials. In the context, it can be said that the leaves of S. paniculata possess remarkable pharmacological effects, and justify its folkloric use as antimicrobial, antipyretic, anti-inflammatory, and antiemetic agent. Therefore, further research may be suggested to find possible mode of action of the plant part.

The protective effect of aqueous extracts of roselle (Hibiscus sabdariffa L. UKMR-2) against red blood cell membrane oxidative stress in rats with streptozotocin-induced diabetes

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to investigate the protective effects of aqueous extracts of roselle (Hibiscus sabdariffa L. UKMR-2) against red blood cell (RBC) membrane oxidative stress in rats with streptozotocin-induced diabetes. METHODS: Forty male Sprague-Dawley rats weighing 230-250 g were randomly divided into four groups (n = 10 rats each): control group (N), roselle-treated control group, diabetic group, and roselle-treated diabetic group. Roselle was administered by force-feeding with aqueous extracts of roselle (100 mg/kg body weight) for 28 days. RESULTS: The results demonstrated that the malondialdehyde levels of the red blood cell membranes in the diabetic group were significantly higher than the levels in the roselle-treated control and roselle-treated diabetic groups. The protein carbonyl level was significantly higher in the roselle-treated diabetic group than in the roselle-treated control group but lower than that in the diabetic group. A significant increase in the red blood cell membrane superoxide dismutase enzyme was found in roselle-treated diabetic rats compared with roselle-treated control rats and diabetic rats. The total protein level of the red blood cell membrane, osmotic fragility, and red blood cell morphology were maintained. CONCLUSION: The present study demonstrates that aqueous extracts of roselle possess a protective effect against red blood cell membrane oxidative stress in rats with streptozotocin-induced diabetes. These data suggest that roselle can be used as a natural antioxidative supplement in the prevention of oxidative damage in diabetic patients. .

Antioxidant effect of 4-nerolidylcatechol and -tocopherol in erythrocyte ghost membranes and phospholipid bilayers

4-Nerolidylcatechol (4-NC) is found in Pothomorphe umbellata root extracts and is reported to have a topical protective effect against UVB radiation-induced skin damage, toxicity in melanoma cell lines, and antimalarial activity. We report a comparative study of the antioxidant activity of 4-NC and α-tocopherol against lipid peroxidation initiated by two free radical-generating systems: 2,2′-azobis(2-aminopropane) hydrochloride (AAPH) and FeSO4/H2O2, in red blood cell ghost membranes and in egg phosphatidylcholine (PC) vesicles. Lipid peroxidation was monitored by membrane fluidity changes assessed by electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy of a spin-labeled lipid and by the formation of thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances. When lipoperoxidation was initiated by the hydroxyl radical in erythrocyte ghost membranes, both 4-NC and α-tocopherol acted in a very efficient manner. However, lower activities were observed when lipoperoxidation was initiated by the peroxyl radical; and, in this case, the protective effect of α-tocopherol was lower than that of 4-NC. In egg PC vesicles, malondialdehyde formation indicated that 4-NC was effective against lipoperoxidation initiated by both AAPH and FeSO4/H2O2, whereas α-tocopherol was less efficient in protecting against lipoperoxidation by AAPH, and behaved as a pro-oxidant for FeSO4/H2O2. The DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl) free-radical assay indicated that two free radicals were scavenged per 4-NC molecule, and one free radical was scavenged per α-tocopherol molecule. These data provide new insights into the antioxidant capacity of 4-NC, which may have therapeutic applications for formulations designed to protect the skin from sunlight irradiation.

Gender differences in alcohol-induced oxidative stress and altered membrane properties in erythrocytes of rats.

Alcohol-induced oxidative stress leads to imbalance between reactive oxygen species (ROS) and the antioxidant defense system, resulting in oxidative damage to membrane components such as lipids and proteins, ultimately altering membrane properties. In this study, we assessed oxidative stress status and alterations in erythrocyte membrane properties in alcohol-administered rats with respect to gender difference. Alcohol (20% v/v) administered rats of both genders showed significant changes in plasma lipid profile with elevated nitrite/nitrate levels. Furthermore, alcohol-administration significantly decreased erythrocyte antioxidant enzymes and enhanced erythrocyte membrane lipid peroxidation, cholesterol/phospholipid (C/P) ratio and Na+/K+-ATPase activity in both males and females. Besides, anisotropic studies revealed that alcohol-administration significantly decreased erythrocyte membrane fluidity. In conclusion, alcohol- administration significantly increased oxidative stress by decreasing antioxidant status, and subsequent generation of ROS altered membrane properties by altering fluidity and Na+/K+-ATPase activity. Female rats were more vulnerable to alcohol-induced biochemical and biophysical changes in plasma and erythrocyte including oxidative stress than male rats.

Lecithin: Cholesterol Acyltransferase and Na(+)-K(+)-ATPase Activity in Patients with Breast Cancer / 한국유방암학회지

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to determine whether plasma lecithin:cholesterol acyltransferase (pLCAT) and erythrocyte membrane Na(+)-K(+)-ATPase ase (emNaKATPs) activity have a correlation in breast cancer. This study compared these parameters at time points before and after treatment with radiotherapy. METHODS: The levels of pLCAT and emNaKATPs were assessed in 30 patients with breast carcinoma and 20 control subjects. While emNaKATPs was measured with spectrophotometric method, pLCAT levels was measured using a specific enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. RESULTS: pLCAT levels, both before and after radiotherapy, were found to be decreased in breast cancer patients than in the controls groups (p0.05). CONCLUSION: The results of the present study demonstrated that decreased pLCAT and emNaKATPs activity levels in breast cancer patients after/before RT than control group. In addition, decreased emNaKATPs activity in breast cancer patients receiving radiotherapy may be due to decreased pLCAT concentrations and RT beam. In our opinion, altered activities of pLCAT and emNaKATPs are linked to the treatment effect of radiotherapy. These data may clarify the development of cell membrane dysfunction and lipid metabolism in breast cancer patients receiving radiotherapy.

Electron paramagnetic resonance study of lipid and protein membrane components of erythrocytes oxidized with hydrogen peroxide

Electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy of spin labels was used to monitor membrane dynamic changes in erythrocytes subjected to oxidative stress with hydrogen peroxide (H2O2). The lipid spin label, 5-doxyl stearic acid, responded to dramatic reductions in membrane fluidity, which was correlated with increases in the protein content of the membrane. Membrane rigidity, associated with the binding of hemoglobin (Hb) to the erythrocyte membrane, was also indicated by a spin-labeled maleimide, 5-MSL, covalently bound to the sulfhydryl groups of membrane proteins. At 2% hematocrit, these alterations in membrane occurred at very low concentrations of H2O2 (50 µM) after only 5 min of incubation at 37°C in azide phosphate buffer, pH 7.4. Lipid peroxidation, suggested by oxidative hemolysis and malondialdehyde formation, started at 300 µM H2O2 (for incubation of 3 h), which is a concentration about six times higher than those detected with the probes. Ascorbic acid and α-tocopherol protected the membrane against lipoperoxidation, but did not prevent the binding of proteins to the erythrocyte membrane. Moreover, the antioxidant (+)-catechin, which also failed to prevent the cross-linking of cytoskeletal proteins with Hb, was very effective in protecting erythrocyte ghosts from lipid peroxidation induced by the Fenton reaction. This study also showed that EPR spectroscopy can be useful to assess the molecular dynamics of red blood cell membranes in both the lipid and protein domains and examine oxidation processes in a system that is so vulnerable to oxidation.

Hereditary Spherocytosis / 임상소아혈액종양

Hereditary spherocytosis is a hemolytic anemia caused by erythrocyte membrane deficiencies that lead to membrane destabilization and vesiculation. Abnormal spherocytes are trapped and destroyed in the spleen. Mutations in several genes, SPTA1, SPTB, ANK1, SLCA1 and EPB42 cause alpha-spectrin, beta-spectrin, ankyrin, band 3 or protein 4.2 protein deficiencies, respectively. The clinical severity ranged from asymptomatic to severe hemolytic anemia requiring erythrocyte transfusion. Common complications are cholelithiasis, hemolytic episodes and aplastic crises. Till now, splenectomy is considered as only curative method in this genetic disorder. However, in the future, molecular analysis will make elucidate the genotype-phenotype interactions and can innovate to modify treatment strategies.