Abstract
Investigations were carried out to evaluate the effect of two, structurally related, triterpenes–betulin and lupeol—on the membrane peroxidation and antioxidant systems in red blood cells, during pyridoxine-deficient condition in rats. Increased lipid peroxidation levels in the absence and presence of ferrous sulphate, an inducer of lipid peroxidation, indicated peroxidative damage to the red-cell membrane. Na+, K+-ATPase activity was decreased while that of other ion-specific ATPases were increased in the red cells of pyridoxine-deficient rats. Antioxidants, such as reduced glutathione, glutathione peroxidase, catalase, glutathione reductase and glutathione S-transferase were decreased, while superoxide dismutase alone was increased in the pyridoxine-deficient rat red blood cells. The red-cell osmotic fragility was found to be reduced. Treatment with the triterpenes proved effective in restoring the normal condition.
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