Erythrocyte Lipid Research Articles

A High-Resolution Map of SBP1 Interactomes in Plasmodium falciparum-infected Erythrocytes.

SummaryThe pathogenesis of malaria parasites depends on host erythrocyte modifications that are facilitated by parasite proteins exported to the host cytoplasm. These exported proteins form a trafficking complex in the host cytoplasm that transports virulence determinants to the erythrocyte surface; this complex is thus essential for malaria virulence. Here, we report a comprehensive interaction network map of this complex. We developed authentic, unbiased, highly sensitive proteomic approaches to determine the proteins that interact with a core component of the complex, SBP1 (skeleton-binding protein 1). SBP1 interactomes revealed numerous exported proteins and potential interactors associated with SBP1 intracellular trafficking. We identified several host-parasite protein interactions and linked the exported protein MAL8P1.4 to Plasmodium falciparum virulence in infected erythrocytes. Our study highlights the complicated interplay between parasite and host proteins in the host cytoplasm and provides an interaction dataset connecting dozens of exported proteins required for P. falciparum virulence.

Erythrocyte Lipid and Antioxidant Changes in Plasmodium falciparum-infected Children Attending Mother and Child Hospital in Akure, Nigeria.

Understanding the molecular and cellular pathways activated in response to Plasmodium falciparum infection is crucial for the development of pharmacological intervention to malaria. The present study was designed to evaluate the lipid components and the oxidative status of erythrocyte obtained from children under 5 years infected with Plasmodium falciparum. Parasitemia was assessed prior and after treatment with antimalarial, erythrocyte lipid profile, levels of lipid peroxidation and antioxidant status (reduced glutathione, GSH; superoxide dismutase, SOD; catalase and glutathione peroxidase, GPx) were measured. Results obtained showed that in Plasmodium infected erythrocyte, the total phospholipids, cholesterol and LDL-cholesterol concentrations were significantly elevated beyond the normal level. In addition, an upsurge in erythrocyte oxidant (lipid peroxide) status with a concomitant downregulation of the antioxidant status (GSH concentration and SOD, catalase and GPx activities) was observed in P. falciparum-infected children. However, following a three-day treatment with artemisinin combination drugs, there was a significant reduction in erythrocyte phospholipids, total cholesterol and LDL-cholesterol concentration as well as lipid peroxide levels. Significant augmentation in erythrocyte antioxidant status (GSH, SOD, catalase and GPx) were also observed after treatment with antimalarials. This study demonstrated that erythrocyte lipids and oxidative status are usually altered in Plasmodium falciparum-infected children. Thus, monitoring erythrocyte lipid profile and oxidative status could offer a viable diagnostic strategy in early detection of malaria in children.

Vitamins C and E alone and in combination partly protect against chronic ethanol-induced toxicity in rat erythrocytes.

Oxidative stress is part of the mechanisms involved in ethanol toxicity. We investigated effects of vitamins C (VC), E (VE) and the combination of VC+VE on chronic ethanol-induced toxicity in rat erythrocytes. The following groups were treated for 30 days: control (C), VC (200 mg/kg), VE (200 mg/kg), VC (200 mg/kg) + VE (200 mg/kg), ethanol 4 g/kg, ethanol + VC, ethanol + VE and ethanol + VC + VE. The doses of vitamins and ethanol were selected for per kilogram of animal's body weight. Blood samples collected at the end of treatments were analyzed for erythrocyte osmotic fragility and plasma scavenging activity. The washed erythrocytes were used to determine superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and malondialdeyde (MDA). Ethanol induced erythrocyte fragility (p < 0.001) and increased lipid peroxidation (p < 0.001) in rat erythrocytes. Furthermore, there were significant decreases in plasma scavenging (p < 0.001), SOD (p < 0.001), CAT (p < 0.01) and GPx (p < 0.001) activities in erythrocytes of ethanol-treated animals. Although VC or VE alone restored all of ethanol-induced disturbances to near normal (p > 0.05) but there were still significant differences compared to control animals. Combination therapy completely corrected ethanol-induced erythrocyte fragility, lipid peroxidation and prooxidant/antioxidant imbalance. We showed the beneficial effects of VC and VE combination in decreasing erythrocyte fragility and lipid peroxidation in both ethanol and control groups. Therefore this combination treatment may provide a new potential alternative for prevention of ethanol toxicity which deserves consideration and further examination.

Anti-inflammatory effects of different statins in rheumatoid arthritis; a randomized double-blind controlled clinical trial

Introduction: Statin family drugs are lipid-lowering agents with anti-inflammatory effects. Objectives: The aim of our study was to evaluate anti-inflammatory effects of different statins in rheumatoid arthritis patients. Patients and Methods: Around 161 eligible subjects with rheumatoid arthritis were enrolled. They randomly were divided into three groups. The first group received 40 mg/daily atorvastatin, the second group received 40 mg/daily simvastatin, and the third group received placebo as control for six months. To calculate the disease activity, DAS-28 (Disease Activity Score 28) was used while VAS (visual analog scale) was used to assess the severity of pain in rheumatoid arthritis patients. DAS-28, erythrocyte sedimentation rates (ESR) and lipid profiles were assessed once for the baseline and then after three and six months of intervention. Data was analyzed by SPSS by a P value <0.05 which was set to be significant. Results: DAS-28 score in months 0, 3 and 6 in atorvastatin, simvastatin and placebo groups was (5.36 ± 1.02, 3.23±1.24 and 2.81±1.13), (5.29±0.87, 2.75±1.16 and 2.57±1.00) and (5.52±0.96, 3.90±1.10 and 3.87±1.52), respectively. Mean of DAS-28 score differences between placebo and atorvastatin groups was 0.6±0.16 (P<0.01); the score differences between simvastatin and placebo was 0.900±0.16 that was significant (P<0.01), however, the score differences was not significant between atorvastatin and simvastatin groups (P=0.261). Conclusion: Statins decrease inflammation in rheumatoid arthritis patients

Ganoderma terpenoid extract exhibited anti-plasmodial activity by a mechanism involving reduction in erythrocyte and hepatic lipids in Plasmodium berghei infected mice

Bioactive components of Ganoderma lucidum has recently gained intense research attention due to their acclaimed nutritional and medicinal properties. Thus, the terpenoid extract from the fruit bodies of G. lucidum (GT) was evaluated for activity against Plasmodium berghei in mice in two separate experiments. In addition, the effects of the extract on erythrocyte and hepatic lipids as well as liver HMG-CoA reductase activity before and after the treatments were also assessed. Mice with established infection were administered 100 and 250 mg/kg/day GT alone and in combination with chloroquine (CQ), in either case two separate controls designated: CQ (30 mg/kg chloroquine) and INF-CTR (1 mL DMSO) were also included. Treatment was administered orally for 12 days and parasitemia determined every three days. Percentage survival was significantly increased to 87% from 66% due to combination of GT100 with CQ compared to GT100 alone and to 75% from 62% when GT250 was administered with CQ compared to GT250 alone. Erythrocyte triglycerides, total cholesterol (TC), LDL and phospholipids contents were significantly lower in GT + CQ-treated mice compared to CQ alone and INF-CTR. Similarly, hepatic TC and phospholipid levels were significantly lower in the GT + CQ-treated mice compared to CQ alone and INF-CTR and HMG-CoA reductase activity in the liver was significantly inhibited due to administration of GT + CQ. Data from this study suggest that the anti-plasmodial action of GT could involve mechanisms associated with its hypolipidemic activity. It was also demonstrated that chloroquine, when administered in combination with GT, potentiates its curative effect in P. berghei-infected mice.

Total Antioxidant Status and Other Markers to Distinguish Severely Obese Volunteers with and without Metabolic Syndrome

Obesity (Ob) is an accepted major risk factor for the metabolic syndrome (MetS), a combination of at least three of five risk factors, which predispose to high oxidative stress (OS), but all obese do not show symptoms of MetS. There is dearth of data comparing OS homeostasis of severely obese adults with and without MetS, and need for biomarkers to help in differential diagnosis. Erythrocytic lipid and protein damage markers, malondialdehyde (MDA) and protein carbonyl (PCO), antioxidant enzymes erythrocytic superoxide dismutase(SOD), catalase (CAT), plasma glutathione peroxidase (GPX), and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) as ferric-reducing-ability-of-plasma (FRAP) were compared to understand OS homeostasis among 102 severely Ob (body mass index > 30), 102 Ob with severe (z-score > 2) MetS as per National Cholesterol Education Program-Adult Treatment Panel III guidelines and 100 healthy non-obese Controls. MDA/PCO and all antioxidant enzymes were lowest for ObMetS, followed by Ob, indicating greater damage to protein moieties of the erythrocytic membrane. Multiple regression analysis confirmed z-scores > 2 as significant predictor of lowered enzymes and TAC. Receiver Operator Curve analysis predicted that TAC was the most potential biomarker for the diagnosis and prognosis of MetS with an Odds Ratio of 88.5 indicating the high probability that FRAP would be low for ObMetS (z-score > 2) than for Ob with BMI > 30, but z-scores < 1. TAC is qualified as the most effective biomarker to distinguish between severely obese respondents with and without metabolic syndrome, and as a useful candidate for study of homeostatic breakdown in metabolic syndrome and the importance of z-score in assessment of MetS in obese respondents.

Lipid profile, atherogenic indices, and their relationship with epicardial fat thickness and carotid intima-media thickness in celiac disease.

OBJECTIVE:In this study, we aimed to investigate the presence of subclinical atherosclerosis by measuring epicardial fat thickness (EFT) and carotid intima–media thickness (cIMT), evaluate low-level inflammation with high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP), and evaluate whether there is a relationship among lipid profile, atherogenic indices, and hsCRP with these subclinical atherosclerosis markers in patients with celiac disease (CD).METHODS:After exclusion and inclusion criteria were applied, 31 patients with CD (24 female, mean age: 39.4±12.3 years) and 32 healthy controls (21 female, mean age: 39.5±4.4 years), totally 63 cases, were recruited. Subclinical atherosclerosis was evaluated with EFT by transthoracic echocardiography and cIMT by ultrasonography. Inflammatory markers including erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), hsCRP, and lipid profile were recorded. Also, atherogenic indices were calculated: Castelli risk index I and II (TG/HDL-c and LDL-c/HDL-c, respectively), atherogenic index of plasma (AIP; logarithm TG/HDL-c), non-HDL-c (TG-HDL-c), and atherogenic coefficient (AC; non-HDL-c/HDL-c).RESULTS:EFT was significantly higher in the CD group (0.49±0.10 vs. 0.49±0.09; p-value: 0.02). Although cIMT was higher in the patient group, it did not reach statistical significance (0.51±0.08, 0.47±0.08; p-value: 0.10). HDL cholesterol level was found to be significantly lower (42.0±8.8 vs. 50.0±13.7; p-value: 0.01), and the plasma atherogenic index was found to be significantly higher in the patient group (0.98±0.50 vs. 0.62±0.64; p-value: 0.02). hsCRP (3.51±3.18 vs. 1.92±1.40; p-value: 0.02) and ESR (17.2±12.8 with 9.7±3.1; p-value: 0.01) were found to be significantly higher in the CD group. Although there was a significant positive correlation between EFT and hsCRP (r: 0.453; p-value: 0.01), there was a significant negative correlation between cIMT and HDL-cholesterol (−0.339; p-value: 0.05), and a significant positive correlation with the other components of the atherogenic index was found.CONCLUSION:The risk of atherosclerosis has been increased in patients with CD. Chronic inflammation may be responsible for this increase along with atherogenic indices.

Surgery-Induced Changes in Erythrocyte and Plasma Lipid Peroxidation, Enzymatic and Non-Enzymatic Antioxidants of Female Rats: Protective Role of Heparin and Pentoxifylline

Background: Intra abdominal adhesions are a complication that occurs after many abdominal surgical procedures, especially gynecological operations. These complications occur by irritating the peritoneum due to such circumstances as infection or surgical trauma, and are considered a pathological part of the healing process of peritoneal injury. It manifests itself with symptoms such as pain, intestinal or urethral obstruction and abdominal abscesses. Oxidative stress due to adhesions plays an important role on adhesion formation. In addition to many researches done at the point of prevention of adhesion and decreasing stress parameters, in this study, it was planned to determine the effect of Heparin (H) and Pentoxifylline (PTX) on malondialdehyde (MDA) and some antioxidant values.Materials, Methods &amp; Results: This study was performed on rats and thirty-seven female Sprague-Dawley rats were randomized into four groups. The first group was sham (Sh) group (n = 7) and laparotomy was performed and 2 mL of 0.9 % NaCl was applied. For all other rats (n = 30) the small intestine was withdrawn and the uterus was uncovered and the anti mesenteric surfaces of the left uterine horn and left abdominal wall were superficially tilted until slight bleeding was seen. Lesion areas have been covered. Two mL 0.9 % NaCl to control (C) group (n = 10), 500 IU heparin to group H, and 25 mg / kg Pentoxifylline to group PTX (n = 10) have been given and then the abdominal incision was closed. The adhesion score of group Sh was found to be more important than C and PTX groups (P &lt; 0.05). The adhesion score of group C was determined to be more significant than group H (P &lt; 0.05). In group Sh, erythrocyte reduced glutathione (GSH) levels were found to be more significant (P &lt; 0.01) than C, H and PTX groups whereas it was found that group C was more significant than group H (P &lt; 0.01). In group Sh, glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) activity was found to be more significant (P &lt; 0.05) than H and PTX groups, while MDA level was found to be lower and more significant (P &lt; 0.01) than group C. In addition, group C was found to be higher and more significant (P &lt; 0.01) than group H. Plasma vitamin E levels in Sh, H and PTX groups were found to be higher and more significant (P &lt; 0.01) than group C. It is also observed that MDA levels in group C are higher and more significant (P &lt; 0.01) than all groups. Nitric oxide (NO) level in Sh group was found to be lower and more significant (P &lt; 0.05) than the other groups whereas it is determined that NO level in H group is higher and more significant (P &lt; 0.05) than group C. Activites of erythrocyte catalase (CAT) and superoxide dismutase (SOD), the levels of plasma vitamin A and β-carotene were not important in all groups.Discussion: Intra abdominal adhesions that occur due to operations performed in the abdominal region still remain as a major problem. This adhesion brings certain problems with itself. Various applications have been made to reduce these problems. In this study, it was observed that inhibition of heparin and pentoxifylline adhesions contributed to the reduction of MDA levels and the reduction of oxidative damage due to the increase in levels of Vitamin E, GSH, GSH-Px and NO levels. In conclusion, it is suggested that heparin and pentoxifylline should be used to prevent adhesions due to abdominal operations and to reduce oxidative damage.

50 Years Ago in The Journal Of Pediatrics: Reversibility of Erythrocyte Lipid Abnormalities in Hepatic Disease

50 Years Ago in The Journal Of Pediatrics: Reversibility of Erythrocyte Lipid Abnormalities in Hepatic Disease

Streptococcus pneumoniae surface adhesin PfbA and its interaction with erythrocytes and hemoglobin

Streptococcus pneumoniae is one of the major colonizers of human nasopharynx and its surface protein PfbA interacts with host molecules like plasmin(ogen), fibrinogen and fibronectin for colonization. Most of the binding partners of PfbA are glycoproteins. Recently we found that PfbA exhibited high affinity towards carbohydrates. It was reported that S. pneumoniae invades erythrocytes and utilizes them to evade human innate immunity. The results of this study suggested that LPXTG motif containing pneumococcal surface proteins, erythrocyte lipid rafts and erythrocyte actin remodeling are all involved in the invasion mechanism. The erythrocyte cell membrane contains different glycoproteins and glycolipids. Therefore, to find out if PfbA plays any role in erythrocyte binding, we carried out the binding studies of rPfbA49–684 with human red blood cells (RBCs) especially with its surface molecules employing ELISA and Bio Layer Interferometry. The results from these experiments show that rPfbA49–684 has a broad specificity for carbohydrates and remarkable affinity towards RBCs and in particular with extracted surface glycolipids. Further rPfbA49–684 also exhibited moderate affinity towards hemoglobin. Thus the results of the present study provide clear evidence that PfbA can interact with RBCs and this could be one of the important factors in erythrocyte invasion of S. pneumoniae.

Vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1), flow mediated dilatation (FMD) and carotid intima media thickness (IMT) in children with juvenile idiopathic arthritis: Relation to disease activity, functional status and fatigue

BackgroundThere is risk of premature atherosclerosis in juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) patients which predisposes to cardiovascular disease (CVD) in adulthood. This can be assessed by flow mediated dilatation (FMD) and carotid intima media thickness (IMT) of the arterial wall and by soluble vascular cell adhesion molecule (sVCAM-1). Aim of the workTo assess endothelial dysfunction in JIA children and to correlate sVCAM with FMD of brachial artery and carotid IMT. Patients and methodsThe study was conducted on 55 JIA patients. The following was assessed: body mass index (BMI), blood pressure, juvenile arthritis disease activity score (JADAS27). Childhood Health Assessment Questionnaire (C-HAQ), physical activity questionnaire (PAQ), fatigue assessment using The Pediatric Quality of Life (PedsQL) inventory, full blood count, erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), C-reactive protein (CRP), rheumatoid factor (RF), serum creatinine and lipid profile, sVCAM-1, FMD and IMT. ResultsThe patients’ age was 10.9 ± 3.9 years and were 28 (50.9%) females. JADAS-27 and CRP was higher in systemic JIA, but fatigue scores were significantly lower. CHAQ was significantly lower in patients with polyarticular disease. Patients with high disease activity had significantly younger age of onset, lower BMI, shorter disease duration, lower fatigue scale and physical activity scores and higher CHAQ. sVCAM-1 significantly correlated with CHAQ, low-density lipoprotein, CRP and ESR while FMD significantly correlated with PedsQL and PAQ. ConclusionJIA patients had impaired endothelial function and increased cIMT with increased sVCAM-1, impaired lipid profile, decreased physical activity and increased fatigue with a potentially higher cardiovascular risk in this pediatric population.

Investigation of Serum, Leukocyte and Erythrocyte Lipid Peroxidation and Antioxidative Defence Systems in Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus

AbstractBackground &amp;amp; objectives: In the present study, to evaluate oxidative stress in type 1 diabetes mellitus (IDDM), serum, leukocyte and erythrocyte lipid peroxidation and and erythrocyte and leukocyte glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activities, and serum and leukocyte vitamin C levels of patients and healthy controls were investigated in order to determine the effect of free radicals in these patients. Lipid peroxidation was measured in terms of malondialdehyde which is an end product of peroxidation.Methods: Patients consisted of 34 cases (20 female,14 male) aged 3-27 years and controls consisted of 29 subjects (13 female, 16 male) aged 3-18 years.Results: There was at least, a tentency toward an increase in lipid peroxidation and a decrease in antioxidant systems in children and adolescents with IDDM which is corrected by insülin treatment. Additionally, there was no correlation between the above parameters and HbA1c and glucose levels.Conclusions: These disturbances were concluded to be due to some other factors rather then diabetes itself.

Can we predict thrombotic tendency in rheumatoid arthritis? A thromboelastographic analysis (with ROTEM).

The higher incidence of arterial and venous events is well established in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Our aim here was to investigate whether there is a prothrombotic state in RA patients by using rotational thromboelastometry (ROTEM) method and to demonstrate whether the disease variables play a role in this process. A total of 85 patients who met the 2010 RA classification criteria were consecutively included in the study. The patients with RA who have been using antiaggregant, anticoagulant, or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and had a history of arterial or venous thromboembolism were excluded from the study. Their complete blood count (CBC), erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), C-reactive protein (CRP), fibrinogen, D-dimer, and lipid profiles were measured, DAS-28 disease activation scores were calculated, and simultaneous ROTEM analysis was performed to determine the predisposition to thrombosis. Of the ROTEM parameters, clotting time (CT, seconds (s)), clot formation time (CFT, s), and maximum clot firmness (MCF) were evaluated. Having a shorter CT and/or CFT in intrinsic (I) or extrinsic (E) pathway and/or a longer MCF compared to the healthy controls was considered as "predisposition to hypercoagulability". The mean age of the 85 RA patients were 54.12 ± 13years, and 77.6% of the patients were female (n = 66). Of the patients, 52.9% (n = 45) were using methotrexate (MTX) ± hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) ± corticosteroid (CS), while 43.5% (n = 37) were using anti-tumor necrosis factor (TNF) ± MTX. Active steroid usage was ongoing in 64.7% of the patients (n = 55). When evaluated according to DAS-28, in those with higher disease activity, a shorter I-CFT and greater I-MCF were determined (p = 0.020 and p = 0.033, respectively). In those with higher disease activity based on the correlation analysis, I-CFT and E-CFT were shorter and I-MCF and E-MCF were longer, indicating a higher predisposition to thrombosis. Using linear regression, variables with a major effect on ROTEM parameters were identified as DAS-28, CRP, and platelet count. As the first study in the literature, we identified that disease activation is the most important risk factor for prothrombotic state in RA patients irrespective of the drugs used. ROTEM can be used in clinical practice to predict thrombotic events in RA patients.

Serum matrix metalloproteinase-2,9 activity, galectin-3 and systemic inflammation in patients with postinfarction heart failure with preserved ejection fraction.

The available data suggest that heart failure (HF) after myocardial infarction (MI) is a very frequent event. Recent meta-analysis showed that restrictive mitral filling pattern, the most severe form of diastolic dysfunction, was presented in approximately 10% of the patients with preserved ejection fraction. In addition, restrictive pattern was associated with poor outcome. However, the true prevalence and relevance of diastolic dysfunction after MI remains to be elucidated. Objective: study was designed to evaluate the serum level of MMP-2,9, galactin-3 and C-reactive protein (C-RP) in postinfarction heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) patients. Methods: We divided all included patients into two main groups: 1st group – 20 patients with HFpEF and history of myocardial infarction. 2nd group – 18 patients with HFpEF and stable angina. Standard laboratory blood tests for erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), C-RP, haematological parameters, lipid profile, glucose, renal and liver function tests were performed and calculated body mass index (BMI) for all patients. MMP activity assay and galectin-3 serum level was detected for all patients. Results: It was established significant differences between study groups in MMP-2, MMP-9 levels. Particularly, patients with HFpEF with MI in anamnesis had significantly higher MMP-2, MMP-9 levels on 21.8% and 20.7% respectively. The C-RP and leucocytes levels were significantly higher in 1st group pts. Significant differences in MMP-2, MMP-9 were established in 1st group patients in different age groups (p&lt;0.05) (tab. 3). The MMP 2 level was positively correlated with MMP 9 level (R=0.73, p&lt;0.05), the MMP 9 level – with age (R=0.68, p&lt;0.05). There were no significant differences between galectin-3 level in study group. But we estimated significant differences in galectin-3 level between 1st and 2nd subgroups (p&lt;0.05). Conclusion: Serum MMP-2, MMP-9, CRP and galactin-3 were significantly increased in pts with postinfarction heart failure with preserved ejection fraction compare to pts without myocardial infarction in anamnesis.

Endothelial function, systemic inflammation and cardiac hemodynamics in different age patients with post infarction chronic heart failure.

Heart failure (HF) is a major cause of morbidity and mortality. After myocardial infarction, physiological and anatomical ventricular changes occur, There is also an inflammatory reaction with release of cytokines, growth factors and reactive oxygen species production, which contributes to perpetuate ventricular dysfunction. The study was designed to evaluate the level of inflammatory markers (white blood cells and C-reactive protein), endothelial function and cardiac hemodynamic in different age patients with post infarction heart failure. We divided 45 patients with HF with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) with mean age 67,5 [65,5; 71,7] years into two main groups. 1st group: 25 patients with HFpEF and history of myocardial infarction. 2nd group: 20 patients with HFpEF and stable angina (without myocardial infarction in anamnesis). Standard laboratory blood tests for erythrocyte sedimentation rate, C-reactive protein, haematological parameters, lipid profile, glucose, renal and liver function tests, echocardiographic examination, endothelial function estimation were performed. Patients with a history of myocardial infarction had significantly higher levels of left ventricle end diastolic volume, left ventricle end systolic dimension (p&lt;0.05). There was estimated direct correlation between LVEDV, LVESD and age - R=0.68 (p&lt;0.05), R=0.52 (p&lt;0.05). Further analysis of cardiac hemodynamics depending on age revealed significant differences between LVEDV indices in patients with myocardial infarction. A significantly higher level of leukocytes was found in patients with HFpEF with a history of myocardial infarction in both groups (p&lt;0.05). A direct correlation between the leukocyte count and age in patients with HFpEF-R = 0.48 (p&lt; 0.05) was also found. Patients with HFpEF with a history of myocardial infarction had a significantly higher level of CRP, including in the age aspect (p&lt;0.05). A direct correlation between CRP level and age was established in patients with HFpEF - R=0.46 (p&lt;0.05). It was revealed that in the older age groups with myocardial infarction the signs of endothelial dysfunction were significantly more frequent (p&lt;0.05). Reverse correlations were established between the level of endothelium dependent vasodilatation (ESVD) and CRP (R=-0.48, p&lt;0.05), triglycerides (R=-0.45, p&lt;0.05), diastolic blood pressure (R=-0.54, p&lt;0.05). Conclusion: high level of inflammation markers, endothelial dysfunction and changes in cardiac hemodynamics were recorded more often in elderly patients with post infarction heart failure.

Erythrocytes and Skeletal Muscle Unsaturated and Omega-6 Fatty Acids Are Positively Correlated after Caloric Restriction and Exercise

Background: Nutritional intervention studies with fatty acid (FA) supplements assess the efficacy of the intervention by measuring the changes in erythrocyte membrane lipid profiles reflected in tissue composition changes. The aim was to determine the effects of caloric restriction (CR) on erythrocytes lipid composition and to compare and correlate these changes with skeletal muscle acid profiles after CR. Methods: Erythrocytes were obtained from 11 healthy men before and after 4 weeks of 33% CR in post-exercise conditions; muscle biopsies were obtained from the same athletes after 4 weeks of 33% CR in post-exercise conditions. Samples were used for FA determination by chromatography. Results: CR significantly modified erythrocyte FAs composition. Skeletal muscle FA profile was significantly different from that for the erythrocytes. The erythrocyte FA profile was more saturated (52.1 ± 1.5% and 32.8 ± 0.9%, respectively) and less monounsaturated (21.0 ± 0.8% and 39.0 ± 2.0%, respectively) than the skeletal muscle FA profile and similarly polyunsaturated. Conclusions: CR modifies erythrocyte lipid composition, mainly omega-6 FAs. Erythrocyte monounsaturated, polyunsaturated and omega-6 FAs, but not the saturated and omega-3 FAs, were significantly positively correlated with skeletal muscle FAs. There is a discordance between saturated and omega-3 FAs from erythrocyte and from muscle, but monounsaturated, polyunsaturated and omega-6 fatty acids are positively correlated.

Effect of scuba diving on the oxidant/antioxidant status, SIRT1 and SIRT3 expression in recreational divers after a winter nondive period

The aim of this study was to examine the effects of scuba diving on oxidative damage markers in erythrocytes and plasma, antioxidant system in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs), as well as sirtuin 1 (SIRT1) and sirtuin 3 (SIRT3) gene expressions in recreational divers after a winter nondive period (at least 5 months). For that purpose, 17 male recreational divers performed an immersion at a depth of 30 m for 30 min. Blood samples were collected immediately before and after diving, 3 and 6 h after diving. Erythrocyte lipid peroxidation measured by thiobarbituric-reactive substances (TBARS) method was significantly increased immediately after diving, but returned to the baseline 6 h after diving, while no significant change was found for plasma TBARS and protein carbonyl derivates in both plasma and erythrocytes. Diving-induced catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase 2 (SOD2), and consequently total superoxide dismutase (SOD) activities in the PBMC samples (significantly increased immediately after diving, reached the maximum activities 3 h after diving, while 6 h after diving only CAT activity remained significantly increased). No significant change was observed for SOD1 activity and gene expression, as well as SOD2 expression, while CAT and SIRT1 expressions were slightly decreased immediately after diving and 3 h after diving. Interestingly, SIRT3 expression was significantly increased 6 h after diving. In conclusion, after the first dive to 30 m after a nondive season, activation of antioxidant defence was not sufficient to prevent oxidative damage, while SIRT3 upregulation could be a step towards an adaptive response to the diving.

Tuning of Differential Lipid Order Between Submicrometric Domains and Surrounding Membrane Upon Erythrocyte Reshaping

Background/Aims: Transient nanometric cholesterol- and sphingolipid-enriched domains, called rafts, are characterized by higher lipid order as compared to surrounding lipids. Here, we asked whether the seminal concept of highly ordered rafts could be refined with the presence of lipid domains exhibiting different enrichment in cholesterol and sphingomyelin and association with erythrocyte curvature areas. We also investigated how differences in lipid order between domains and surrounding membrane (bulk) are regulated and whether changes in order differences could participate to erythrocyte deformation and vesiculation. Methods: We used the fluorescent hydration- and membrane packing-sensitive probe Laurdan to determine by imaging mode the Generalized Polarization (GP) values of lipid domains vs the surrounding membrane. Results: Laurdan revealed the majority of sphingomyelin-enriched domains associated to low erythrocyte curvature areas and part of the cholesterol-enriched domains associated with high curvature. Both lipid domains were less ordered than the surrounding lipids in erythrocytes at resting state. Upon erythrocyte deformation (elliptocytes and stimulation of calcium exchanges) or membrane vesiculation (storage at 4°C), lipid domains became more ordered than the bulk. Upon aging and in membrane fragility diseases (spherocytosis), an increase in the difference of lipid order between domains and the surrounding lipids contributed to the initiation of domain vesiculation. Conclusion: The critical role of domain-bulk differential lipid order modulation for erythrocyte reshaping is discussed in relation with the pressure exerted by the cytoskeleton on the membrane.

Antioxidant evaluation and inhibitory activity of Chromolaena odorata leaf extract on hydrogen peroxide-induced erythrocyte hemolysis

Aim: Chromolaena odorata has been used traditionally for the treatment of various conditions which include skin infections, wounds, ulcers and also used as an antimalarial. The present work investigates the ability of the methanolic extract of the plant to inhibit hydrogen-peroxide induced haemolysis and lipid peroxidation of human erythrocytes. Other in vitro antioxidant and free radical scavenging activities were also investigated. Materials and Methods: Dried leaves of Chromolaena odorata were pulverized and extracted using absolute methanol. Veinous blood was collected from a healthy individual and erythrocytes isolated. Erythrocyte haemolysis and lipid peroxidation were induced using hydrogen peroxide and subsequently treated with Chromolaena odorata extract. The plant extract was also assessed for its hydrogen peroxide scavenging, hydroxyl radical scavenging and reducing abilities. In all cases, vitamin C was used as the reference compound. Results: The results show that Chromolaena odorata extract reduced hydrogen peroxide-induced haemolysis and lipid peroxidation when compared to vitamin C. While the IC50 values for the extract were 4.11 mg/mL and 12.95 mg/mL for inhibition of erythrocyte haemolysis and lipid peroxidation respectively, the IC50 values for vitamin C were 1.98 mg/mL and 0.57 mg/mL for haemolysis and lipid peroxidation. The extract also possessed hydrogen peroxide scavenging, hydroxyl radical scavenging and reducing abilities. In most cases, the effects were concentration-dependent and significant among various extracts concentrations (p < 0.05). Conclusion: The observed responses indicate that the plant possessed immense antioxidant potential which is ascribed to the bioactive phytochemicals. This could be exploited pharmacologically.

Chronic consumption of quercetin reduces erythrocytes oxidative damage: Evaluation at resting and after eccentric exercise in humans

The polyphenolic flavonoid quercetin has been shown to be a powerful antioxidant, in vitro and in murine models. However, its effect on redox status has been poorly examined in humans, particularly in combination with strenuous exercise. We hypothesized that quercetin supplementation would beneficially affect redox homeostasis in healthy individuals undergoing eccentric exercise. To test this hypothesis, the effects of chronic consumption of quercetin on glutathione system (reduced, oxidized, and reduced to oxidized glutathione ratio), oxidative damage [thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARs)], antioxidant enzymatic network (catalase, glutathione peroxidase, superoxide dismutase) and resistance to lysis, were investigated in erythrocytes, a traditional model widely used to study the effects of oxidative stress as well as the protective effects of antioxidants. In a two weeks controlled, randomized, crossover, intervention trial, 14 individuals ingested 2 caps (1 g/d) of quercetin or placebo. Blood samples were collected before, after 2 weeks of supplementation and after a bout of eccentric exercise. Quercetin, reduced significantly erythrocytes lipid peroxidation levels and the susceptibility to hemolysis induced by the free radical generator AAPH, while no differences in antioxidant enzyme activities and glutathione homeostasis were found between the two groups. After a single bout of eccentric exercise, quercetin supplementation improved redox status as assessed by reduced/oxidized glutathione ratio analysis and reduced TBARs levels both in erythrocytes and plasma. In conclusion, our study provides evidences that chronic quercetin supplementation has antioxidant potential prior to and after a strenuous eccentric exercise thus making the erythrocytes capable to better cope with an oxidative insult.