Oxidative inhibition of erythrocyte sodium pump: A functionally relevant circulating marker of oxidative stress

Abstract

O stress plays critical roles in the pathogenesis of diabetes and heart disease. The activity of Na pump has been shown to be depressed from the membrane of erythrocyte preparations of these patients coupled with alterations in membrane protein composition. We had previously discovered that the β1 subunit of the Na pump undergoes oxidative modification by oxidative stress in vitro (β1-GSS) and this mediates Na pump inhibition. This study aims to develop and validate erythrocyte β1-GSS as an oxidative stress biomarker in the premier emerging tool for prognosis of pathophysiological oxidative stress in patients with or at risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) and diabetes. The marker is quickly and easily tested from blood using ELISA; and could be packaged and marketed as a simple kit. The eβ1-GSS biomarker is modified in heart attack, heart failure and diabetes, and exhibits potential to predict disease progression. With further investment, the eβ1-GSS biomarker could be developed initially as a versatile CVD prognosis tool for universal pre-hospital diagnostics, CVD-severity risk-stratification, and as a Companion Diagnostic (Dx) for CVD medications. Subsequently it could be adapted for diabetes.