ABSTRACT
The state of red blood cells (RBCs) and their functional possibilities depend on the structural organization of the membranes. Cell morphology and membrane nanostructure are compositionally and functionally related to the cytoskeleton network. In this work, the influence of agents (hemin, endogenous oxidation during storage of packed RBCs, ultraviolet (UV) radiation, temperature, and potential of hydrogen (pH) changes) on the relationships between cytoskeleton destruction, membrane nanostructure, and RBC morphology was observed by atomic force microscope. It was shown that the influence of factors of a physical and biochemical nature causes structural rearrangements in RBCs at all levels of organization, forming a unified mechanism of disturbances in relationships "cytoskeleton-membrane nanosurface-cell morphology". Filament ruptures and, consequently, large cytoskeleton pores appeared. The pores caused membrane topological defects in the form of separate grain domains. Increasing loading doses led to an increase in the number of large cytoskeleton pores and defects and their fusion at the membrane nanosurfaces. This caused the changes in RBC morphology. Our results can be used in molecular cell biology, membrane biophysics, and in fundamental and practical medicine.
Subject(s)
Cell Membrane/ultrastructure , Cytoskeleton/ultrastructure , Erythrocytes/pathology , Adult , Cells, Cultured , Erythrocytes/drug effects , Erythrocytes/radiation effects , Female , Hemin/toxicity , Humans , Hydrogen-Ion Concentration , Light/adverse effects , Male , Middle Aged , Oxidants/toxicitySubject(s)
Betacoronavirus , Computers, Handheld , Coronavirus Infections/epidemiology , Information Dissemination , Light/adverse effects , Pneumonia, Viral/epidemiology , Vision Disorders/etiology , Adolescent , COVID-19 , Child , Female , Guidelines as Topic , Humans , Male , Pandemics , SARS-CoV-2 , Screen Time , Vision Disorders/prevention & controlABSTRACT
Recent reports across the world indicate a tremendous increase in smartphone usage during the COVID-19 pandemic. This increased use is understandable given the unique international strategies put in place to reduce viral transmission, such as "lockdown" and "work from home". People are keeping themselves busy by browsing the Internet, using social media, watching tele-programs, playing games, chatting with friends and/or family, shopping online, etc With increased usage of smartphones, people are getting increased exposure of blue light. Blue light at various wavelengths and variable duration of exposure can cause oxidative damage to skin cells.