Fatty acid induced hemolysis. protective action of ceruloplasmin, albumins, thiols and vitamin C

Abstract

1. 1. The hemolytic effect of saturated fatty acids increased rapidly, when the number of carbon atoms in the chain exceeded 12. 2. 2. At low fatty acid concentrations (< 60 μM) the hemolytic effect decreased with increasing number of double bonds in the carbon chain ( cis-form fatty acids). A more complex pattern was observed at higher fatty acid concentrations. Trans-unsaturated fatty acids were more hemolytic than cis-analogs. 3. 3. Ceruloplasmin, a serum protein with no fatty acid binding capacity, reduced the hemolytic effect of fatty acids; possibly by interacting with the cell membrane. 4. 4. Reducing compounds (thiols, vitamin C) also protected against fatty acid induced hemolysis.