Effects of Interaction of Protein Components of erythrocyte Membrane in Healthy Individuals and Patients with Ulcerative Colitis

Abstract

Background. It is known that in ulcerative colitis there is a violation of the barrier function of the colon mucosa, which can lead to pathological changes inside cells, including in the membranes of red blood cells. The stability of the erythrocyte membrane and its ability to deform largely depends on the composition and interaction of protein structures inside it. A significant decrease in the content of the main protein components of the erythrocyte membrane in ulcerative colitis was found in comparison with healthy people. Aim of the research . Taking into account the available data, we conducted an additional study to analyze the effects of the relationship between the protein components of the cytoplasmic membrane of erythrocytes in patients with ulcerative colitis and clinically healthy people. Materials and methods . The study involved men and women with ulcerative colitis in the period of exacerbation (n = 51) and clinically healthy individuals matched by sex and age (n = 30). The analysis of the interaction effects of ten main protein components of the erythrocyte membrane was carried out. For each protein under study, its average value was determined, and within the studied groups all proteins were divided into two categories – above and below their average level. Analysis of variance was used to quantify the contribution of each identified factor. Results. It was found that the effect of the relationship is not inherent in all categories of protein components. In ulcerative colitis, the effects of interaction with such important structural proteins as spectrins and ankyrin disappear. In the effect of band 4.1 protein, in contrast to clinically healthy individuals, a new independent factor appears – glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase, and in the effect on actin – an anion-transport protein. Conclusion . In ulcerative colitis, significant changes occur in the membrane of red blood cells, leading to a violation of the relationships between proteins, a decrease in the total content of the studied proteins and the loss of some of the effects of independent factors on the level of certain protein structures. Based on the findings, adjustments can be made to the treatment of ulcerative colitis in order to strengthen the erythrocyte membrane.