Erythrocyte Membrane Lipid Composition Research Articles

Unmasking the morphological alteration of erythrocytes among women suffering from PCOS

Dyslipidemia is frequently observed in polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS). Changes in plasma lipid levels potentially alter erythrocyte membrane lipid composition due to lack of inbuilt lipid synthesis machinery. Therefore, development of morphologically altered erythrocytes in PCOS patients with dyslipidemia is expected. However, this has not been established so far. So, we took this opportunity to explore the morphological alterations among dyslipidemic PCO women. We recruited thirty-five dyslipidemic PCOS women (satisfying Rotterdam criteria, without medication) and twenty-five age-matched healthy controls. Scanning electron microscopy revealed a significant increase in the number of stomatocytes, acanthocytes, and echinocytes in the PCO group. PCO group showed a considerable decrease in plasma antioxidant levels. Elevated lipid peroxidation, protein carbonylation, and decreased free thiol group in erythrocyte membrane in PCOS suggest oxidative degradation of the erythrocyte membrane. Elevated intracellular ROS levels, increased methemoglobin formation, and a decrease in NADPH methemoglobin reductase in PCOS also indicate altered physicochemical property of hemoglobin due to oxidative overload. Additionally, these patients exhibit a rise in erythrocyte membrane cholesterol and triglyceride, which promotes the membrane to become less fluidic and less fragile. Thus, these results corroborate a potential role in altering erythrocyte morphology among dyslipidemic PCO women.

Fatty acids homeostasis during fasting predicts protection from chemotherapy toxicity

Fasting exerts beneficial effects in mice and humans, including protection from chemotherapy toxicity. To explore the involved mechanisms, we collect blood from humans and mice before and after 36 or 24 hours of fasting, respectively, and measure lipid composition of erythrocyte membranes, circulating micro RNAs (miRNAs), and RNA expression at peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs). Fasting coordinately affects the proportion of polyunsaturated versus saturated and monounsaturated fatty acids at the erythrocyte membrane; and reduces the expression of insulin signaling-related genes in PBMCs. When fasted for 24 hours before and 24 hours after administration of oxaliplatin or doxorubicin, mice show a strong protection from toxicity in several tissues. Erythrocyte membrane lipids and PBMC gene expression define two separate groups of individuals that accurately predict a differential protection from chemotherapy toxicity, with important clinical implications. Our results reveal a mechanism of fasting associated with lipid homeostasis, and provide biomarkers of fasting to predict fasting-mediated protection from chemotherapy toxicity.

Repair of Erythrocyte Membranes by the Lipid Fraction from Brown Seaweed Sargassum Pallidum after Experimental Ccl4-Induced Toxic Hepatitis

The influence of the lipid fraction from the aqueous EtOH extract of brown seaweed Sargassum pallidum thallus and the commercial reference drug Essentiale® on the physiological characteristics of rat erythrocytes and the lipid composition of erythrocyte membranes after CCl4-induced toxic injury was studied. CCl4 intoxication (50% solution in olive oil, s.c., 2 mL/kg for 4 d) was associated with changes of all studied physiological and biochemical erythrocyte parameters that did not return to normal after withdrawing the toxicant. Intragastric administration to rats through a probe of the lipid fraction from S. pallidum extract at a dose of 80 mg of total lipids per kg of mass for 7 d after CCl4 intoxication gave membrane protection that manifested as a restoration of the characteristic erythrocyte dimensions (average volume and diameter), extension of the threshold to their hemolysis stability, and retention of the lipid constituent ratio in the membrane. The lipid fraction from brown seaweed S. pallidum was comparable to Essentiale® for restoring erythrocyte physiological characteristics and the lipid composition of their membranes after CCl4-induced damage. The pronounced protective effect of the S. pallidum lipid fraction for repairing erythrocyte membranes was evidently determined by the combined action of the marine lipids in it.

IMPACT OF HYPERBARIC STRESS ON LIPID COMPOSITION OF BLOOD PLASMA AND PHYSIOLOGICAL-BIOCHEMICAL CHARACTERISTICS OF ERYTHROCYTES IN DIVERS: PREVENTION OF VIOLATIONS BY VEGETABLE POLYPHENOLS

There was studied lipid composition of blood plasma and erythrocyte membranes, physiological characteristics of erythrocytes in divers, exposed to extreme factors of the hyperbaric environment in the process of the occupational activity. There was observed a group of 10 male divers from 25 to 30 years of age, whose work is associated with the systematic implementation of submarine dives at medium and large depths (20-60 m) using compressed air for breathing. The influence of hyperbaric stress was shown to be accompanied by the change in a ratio of fatty acids in the total lipids of blood plasma and erythrocyte membranes. In total lipids of blood plasma and erythrocyte membranes the number of all kinds of saturated fatty acids (myristic acid, palmitic acid, stearic acid), the monounsaturated fatty acids (palmitoleic acid) was increased and an amount of polyunsaturated fatty acids of n-6 family (arachidonic acid) and n-3 (eicosapentaenoic acid) was reduced, which caused a change in physicochemical properties of erythrocytes, permeability, and lability. The increase in the amount of cholesterol in the erythrocyte membranes correlates with its elevation in blood plasma. There was an increase in the volume of erythrocytes by 5% and diameter by 13%, due to the inclusion of cholesterol in the membrane. It was recorded a shift in the threshold of hemolysis start at 0.50 ± 0.02% NaCl and its completion at 0.40 ± 0.01% NaCI. Preventive administration of the Kalifen food supplement for two months before the dive would help to remove metabolic disorders caused by the hyperbaric factors.

LIPID COMPOSITION AND MEMBRANOPROTECTIVE ACTION OF EXTRACT FROM MARINE GREEN ALGAE ULVA LACTUCA (L.)

The object of the present study was a water-alcohol extract obtained from the dried thallus of the marine green alga Ulva lactuca (L.) (syn.: Ulva fenestrate P. et R.) – ulva lettuce. Glycolipids (40.6%) and neutral lipids (34%) prevailed in the lipid fraction of the extract; phospholipids contained 13.4% of the total lipids. The content of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) was 50% of the total amount of fatty acids, among which PUFA of the n-3 family predominated (37.43%). On the model of toxic hepatitis induced by the introduction of carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) (50% solution in olive oil, subcutaneously 2 ml/kg for 4 days), we study the effect of the lipid fraction of U. lactuca extract and the commercial reference preparation Essentiale® on the physiological and biochemical characteristics of erythrocytes and lipid composition of erythrocyte membranes in rats. The introduction of the lipid fraction from the ulva (dose 80 mg of total lipids per kg of body weight) to the animals intragastrically for 7 days after withdrawal of CCl4 exerted a protective effect, which was manifested in the restoration of the erythrocyte size characteristics (average volume and diameter), their osmotic resistance to hemolysis, levels of malondialdehyde and reduced glutathione, as well as maintaining of the ratio of phospholipid fractions. Under the damaging effects of CCl4, the lipid fraction from the green alga U. lactuca was not inferior to the effectiveness of reference preparation Essentiale® in restoring of the physiological characteristics of erythrocytes and the phospholipid composition of its membranes.

Correction of immune disorders and changes in the protein/lipid spectrum of circulating erythrocyte membranes in adenomiosis

Hypothesis/aims of study. Disorders of immune homeostasis, morphofunctional and ultrastructural changes of erythrocytes in endometriosis lead to hypoxia, impaired micro-rheological and hemostatic statuses, dysmetabolism, organ and system dysfunction, which may contribute to the systemic consequences of this disease. The aim of this study was to evaluate the immune status and protein/lipid spectrum of erythrocyte membranes, as well as to develop methods for the pharmacological correction of impaired parameters in patients with internal endometriosis.
 Study design, materials, and methods. Fifty-seven patients with verified grade I–II adenomyosis were examined, assessing some immune status parameters and determining protein and lipid fractions of circulating erythrocyte membranes before and after pharmacotherapy.
 Results. The changes in the immune status parameters and protein and lipid composition of erythrocyte membranes revealed in adenomiosis disrupt the functional activity of immunocompetent cells and erythrocytes.
 Conclusion. The proposed methods of pharmacotherapy are pathogenetically substantiated and contribute to the correction of both the chosen immune status parameters and structural and functional properties of red blood cells, while improving the quality of treatment of patients with adenomyosis.

OXIDATIVE STRESS IN THE PATIENTS WITH CKD V STAGE AND ANEMIA WHO RECEIVE REPLACEMENT HEMODIALYSIS THARAPY

The article presents research data of oxidative stress role in the pathogenesis of anemia in patients with CKD V stage, who receive hemodialysis replacement therapy.
 Background. Oxidative stress is a part of the pathogenesis of many complications in patients with CKD stage V on replacement therapy with hemodialysis. Anemia syndrome is the most frequent complication of this patient`s population.
 Aim. The aim of this study was to study indicators of oxidative stress in patients with CKD stage V and anemia on replacement therapy with hemodialysis.
 Materials and methods. We studied laboratory parameters in 42 hemodialysis patients with CKD V stage. Biochemical methods are used for investigation of lipid peroxidation processes: studied diene conjugates (DC), malondialdehyde (MDA), total lipids and catalase, lipid’s structure of erythrocytes membranes and their osmotic resistance.
 Results. We found that in dialysis patients anemic syndrome was associated with high activity of oxidative stress. Also increased destruction of red blood cells depends from high activity of oxidative stress. In the blood of the patients concentration of DC was 1,12±0,26 opt.den.units/ mg of lipids (p<0,01), and MDA level 0,35±0,05 opt.den.units/ mg of lipids (p<0,01). Levels of catalase, decreased to 0,029±0,0019 mm/l*sec (p<0,001). Also osmotic resistance of erythrocytes significantly decreased. MDA has inverse correlation relationship with hemoglobin in the blood, with a correlation coefficient r=-0,36. Investigation of erythrocyte membrane lipid structure of patients by TLC showed a significant decrease of phospholipids and monoglycerides of higher fatty acids, and the increase of cholesterol fractions.
 Conclusions. In patients with chronic kidney disease on dialysis replacement therapy anemic syndrome is associated with high activity of oxidative stress, as there is an inverse relationship between the level of hemoglobin and the content of MDA in blood. As a consequence of oxidative stress changes the lipid composition of erythrocyte membranes of the patient, because some fraction of lipids are substrates for oxidative processes. Impairment of lipid membranes of red blood cells of hemodialysis patients is one of the probably causes of anemia.

Abnormalities of erythrocyte deformability and membrane lipid composition in alcoholic liver diseases

Abnormalities of erythrocyte deformability and membrane lipid composition in alcoholic liver diseases

Inflammation-associated changes in lipid composition and the organization of the erythrocyte membrane

BackgroundReduced erythrocyte survival and deformability may contribute to the so-called anemia of inflammation observed in septic patients. Erythrocyte structure and function are affected by both the membrane lipid composition and the organization. We therefore aimed to determine whether these parameters are affected during systemic inflammation. MethodsA sensitive matrix-assisted laser desorption and ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometric method was used to investigate the effect of plasma components of 10 patients with septic shock and of 10 healthy volunteers subjected to experimental endotoxemia on erythrocyte membrane lipid composition. ResultsIncubation of erythrocytes from healthy control donors with plasma from patients with septic shock resulted in membrane phosphatidylcholine hydrolysis into lysophosphatidylcholine (LPC). Plasma from volunteers undergoing experimental human endotoxemia did not induce LPC formation. The secretory phospholipase A2 IIA concentration was enhanced up to 200-fold in plasma of septic patients and plasma from endotoxin-treated subjects, but did not correlate with the ability of these plasmas to generate LPC. Erythrocyte phosphatidylserine exposure increased up to two-fold during experimental endotoxemia. ConclusionsErythrocyte membrane lipid remodeling as reflected by LPC formation and/or PS exposure occurs during systemic inflammation in a secretory phospholipase A2 IIA-independent manner. General significanceSepsis-associated inflammation induces a lipid remodeling of the erythrocyte membrane that is likely to affect erythrocyte function and survival, and that is not fully mimicked by experimental endotoxemia.

The influence of erythrocyte maturity on ion transport and membrane lipid composition in the rat.

Significant relationships between ion transport and membrane lipid composition (cholesterol, total phospholipids and sphingomyelins) were found in erythrocytes of salt hypertensive Dahl rats. In these animals mean cellular hemoglobin content correlated negatively with Na(+)-K(+) pump activity and Na(+) leak but positively with Na(+)-K(+) cotransport activity. Immature erythrocytes exhibit lower mean cellular hemoglobin content (MCHC) than mature ones. The aim of the present study was to find a relationship between erythrocyte maturity, membrane lipid composition and ion transport activity in Wistar rats aged three months which were subjected to repeated hemorrhage (blood loss 2 ml/day for 6 days) to enrich circulating erythrocytes with immature forms. Immature and mature erythrocyte fractions in control and hemorrhaged rats were separated by repeated centrifugation. Hemorrhaged rats had increased number of reticulocytes but reduced hematocrit and MCHC compared to control rats. Immature erythrocytes of hemorrhaged rats differed from mature ones of control animals by elevated Na(+)-K(+) pump activity, reduced Na(+)-K(+) cotransport activity and increased Rb(+) leak. These ion transport changes in immature erythrocytes were accompanied by higher concentration of total phospholipids in their cell membranes. Membrane phospholipid content correlated positively with Na(+)-K(+) pump activity and cation leaks but negatively with Na(+)-K(+) cotransport activity. Moreover, they were also negatively related with MCHC which correlated negatively with Na(+)-K(+) pump activity and Rb(+) leak but positively with Na(+)-K(+) cotransport activity. Thus certain abnormalities of erythrocyte ion transport and membrane lipid composition detected in hypertensive animals might be caused by higher incidence of immature cells.

Обезвоживание эритроцитов млекопитающих влияет на их чувствительность к механическому стрессу

Sensitivity of human, bovine, rat and equine erythrocytes to effect of mechanical stress in the media containing 0.15, 0.4 and 0.6 mol/l NaCl was studied. Mechanical stress of mammalian erythrocytes in the medium containing 0.15 mol/l NaCl results to the loss of K+ by cells: from 30% for equine erythrocytes and 60% for bovine cells. Bovine and equine erythrocytes in the medium, containing 0.15 mol/l NaCl show a maximum resistance on hemolysis index to mechanical stress effect. It has been shown that dehydration of human, bovine, rat, and equine erythrocytes in the media with 0.4 and 0.6 mol/l NaCl increases sensitivity of cells to mechanical stress. Bovine and rat erythrocytes are the most sensitive to an increase in osmotic load under mechanical stress on hemolytic damage index, and equine cells are the most sensitive to potassium ion outflux index. Different sensitivity of mammalian erythrocytes to mechanical stress under osmotic load is supposed to be determined by specific peculiarities of water transport and lipid composition of erythrocyte membranes. Comparative analysis of dehydration effect of erythrocytes on their resistance to stress factors showed that formation of stable state of cells (in the medium with 0.4 mol/l NaCl) to hypertonic shock effect did not provide their resistance under mechanical stress. Probl Cryobiol Cryomed 2015; 25(1): 24-32.

Morbid Obesity is Associated to Altered Fatty Acid Profile of Erythrocyte Membranes

Background: Morbid obesity is a pathologic condition associated to an increased incidence of several chronic conditions associated to increased risk of mortality. Erythrocyte fatty acid composition has been candidate as a biomarker of oxidative stress and consequently on the rate of aging and ultimately lifespan. To our knowledge, no study has investigated the total spectrum of lipid composition of erythrocyte membranes from obese individuals. The aim of this study was to compare the fatty acid composition of erythrocyte membranes derived from morbidly obese patients with healthy matched controls and long-living descendants. Methods: Gas chromatography was employed to determine fatty acid percentage of erythrocyte membranes from investigated groups. Results: Erythrocyte membranes from obese subjects had significantly lower percentage of monounsaturated fatty acids (16.0 ± 0.8 vs. 23.0 ± 4.5, p<0.01) and total trans fatty acid (0.2 ± 0.1 vs. 1.3 ± 1.2, p<0.001) than controls. Obese fatty acid profiles showed increased percent of total polyunsaturated fatty acid (36.5 ± 1.4 vs. 27.3 ± 10.9, p<0.001), polyunsaturated fatty acid n-3 (5.2 ± 0.9 vs. 2.6 ± 1.8, p <0.001) and n-6 (31.3 ± 1.7 vs. 25.0 ± 10.1, p<0.001). Interestingly, when obese fatty acid profiles are compared with long-living descendants, the former show opposite trends in the percentages of the main saturated and unsaturated residues of membrane phospholipids compared with nonagenarian offspring. Conclusion: This study shows that the erythrocyte membranes fatty acid composition of obese subjects differs from general population in a way opposite to the long-living descendants. If confirmed by further investigations, the fatty acid equilibration may become an additional target in the multidisciplinary strategy aimed to treat the obesity epidemic.

Effect of hydrosoluble vitamin E on erythrocyte membrane lipid composition in patients with advanced cirrhosis: An open‐label pilot trial

Deficiency in vitamin E, a natural antioxidant, participates in abnormal erythrocyte membrane lipids, structural alterations and hemolysis in advanced cirrhosis. Poor absorption of fat-soluble vitamins limits full correction of deficiency with standard formulations in cirrhosis with cholestasis. The aim of the present study was to examine safety and effects of tocofersolan, a water-soluble derivative of vitamin E, on erythrocyte membrane lipids and anemia in patients with biopsy-proven advanced cirrhosis, vitamin E deficiency and hemolysis. Twenty patients (age, 53 ± 10 years; Child class B/C, 8/12), with low plasma vitamin E, chronic anemia and hemolysis, received oral tocofersolan 700 mg/day for 4 weeks. Erythrocyte membrane lipid composition (cholesterol [Chol], phospholipids [Phosph]) was determined by enzymatic assays. Total and conjugated bilirubin, hemoglobin and vitamin E were measured. Abdominal pain occurred in one patient. Five patients received blood transfusions due to severe anemia. After 4 weeks, both Chol and Phosph decreased, but changes were not significant. Both plasma vitamin E (P < 0.05) and hemoglobin (P < 0.05) increased, together with a decrease in total (P < 0.05) and conjugated (P < 0.05) bilirubin. In patients with advanced cirrhosis, low vitamin E plasma levels and chronic anemia with hemolysis, oral tocofersolan was overall well tolerated, but did not affect erythrocyte membrane lipid composition.

Effect of Sterol Esters on Lipid Composition and Antioxidant Status of Erythrocyte Membrane of Hypercholesterolemic Rats

Hypercholesterolemia is a major cause of coronary heart disease. Erythrocyte membrane is affected during hypercholesterolemia. The effect of EPA-DHA rich sterol ester and ALA rich sterol ester on erythrocyte membrane composition, osmotic fragility in normal and hypercholesterolemic rats and changes in antioxidant status of erythrocyte membrane were studied. Erythrocyte membrane composition, osmotic fragility of the membrane and antioxidant enzyme activities was analyzed. Osmotic fragility data suggested that the erythrocyte membrane of hypercholesterolemia was relatively more fragile than that of the normal rats' membrane which could be reversed with the addition of sterol esters in the diet. The increased plasma cholesterol in hypercholesterolemic rats could also be lowered by the sterol ester administration. There was also marked changes in the antioxidant enzyme activities of the erythrocyte membrane. Antioxidant enzyme levels decreased in the membrane of the hypercholesterolemic subjects were increased with the treatment of the sterol esters. The antioxidative activity of ALA rich sterol ester was better in comparison to EPA-DHA rich sterol ester. In conclusion, rat erythrocytes appear to be deformed and became more fragile in cholesterol rich blood. This deformity and fragility was partially reversed by sterol esters by virtue of their ability to lower the extent of hypercholesterolemia.

Oxidative Stress and Erythrocyte Membrane Alterations in Children with Autism: Correlation with Clinical Features

It has been suggested that oxidative stress may play a role in the pathogenesis of Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD), but the literature reports somewhat contradictory results. To further investigate the issue, we evaluated a high number of peripheral oxidative stress parameters, and some related issues such as erythrocyte membrane functional features and lipid composition. Twenty-one autistic children (Au) aged 5 to 12 years, were gender and age-matched with 20 typically developing children (TD). Erythrocyte thiobarbituric acid reactive substances, urinary isoprostane and hexanoyl-lysine adduct levels were elevated in Au, thus confirming the occurrence of an imbalance of the redox status of Au, whilst other oxidative stress markers or associated parameters (urinary 8-oxo-dG, plasma radical absorbance capacity and carbonyl groups, erythrocyte superoxide dismutase and catalase activities) were unchanged. A very significant reduction of Na+/K+-ATPase activity (−66%, p<0.0001), a reduction of erythrocyte membrane fluidity and alteration in erythrocyte fatty acid membrane profile (increase in monounsaturated fatty acids, decrease in EPA and DHA-ω3 with a consequent increase in ω6/ω3 ratio) were found in Au compared to TD, without change in membrane sialic acid content. Some Au clinical features appear to be correlated with these findings; in particular, hyperactivity score appears to be related with some parameters of the lipidomic profile and membrane fluidity. Oxidative stress and erythrocyte membrane alterations may play a role in the pathogenesis of ASD and prompt the development of palliative therapeutic protocols. Moreover, the marked decrease in NKA could be potentially utilized as a peripheral biomarker of ASD.

Oxidant Status and Lipid Composition of Erythrocyte Membranes in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes, Chronic Liver Damage, and a Combination of Both Pathologies

There is an important set of cirrhotic and diabetic patients that present both diseases. However, information about metabolic and cellular blood markers that are altered, in conjunction or distinctively, in the 3 pathological conditions is scarce. The aim of this project was to evaluate several indicators of prooxidant reactions and the membrane composition of blood samples (serum and red blood cells (RBCs)) from patients clinically classified as diabetic (n = 60), cirrhotic (n = 70), and diabetic with liver cirrhosis (n = 25) as compared to samples from a similar population of healthy individuals (n = 60). The results showed that levels of TBARS, nitrites, cysteine, and conjugated dienes in the RBC of cirrhotic patients were significantly increased. However, the coincidence of diabetes and cirrhosis partially reduced the alterations promoted by the cirrhotic condition. The amount of total phospholipids and cholesterol was greatly enhanced in the patients with both pathologies (between 60 and 200% according to the type of phospholipid) but not in the patients with only one disease. Overall, the data indicate that the cooccurrence of diabetes and cirrhosis elicits a physiopathological equilibrium that is different from the alterations typical of each individual malady.

Treatment with n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids reverses endothelial dysfunction and oxidative stress in experimental menopause

Menopause is associated with endothelial dysfunction and oxidative stress. In this condition, reduced n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 PUFAs) contribute to cardiovascular disease. We investigated whether treatment with n-3 PUFA reverses endothelial dysfunction and oxidative stress in experimental menopause. Thirty female rats underwent either sham-surgery or bilateral ovariectomy or bilateral ovariectomy+oral n-3 PUFA (0.8 g kg-1 day-1 for 2 months).Ovariectomy caused endothelial dysfunction to acetylcholine, which was reversed by superoxide scavenger Tiron. Erythrocyte membrane lipid composition was characterized by reduced n-3 PUFA total content and omega-3 index, and by concomitant increase in n-6:n-3 PUFA ratio. Ovariectomy-related oxidative stress, demonstrated by both enhanced superoxide production and 3-nitrotyrosine expression in aorta, was associated with increased nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) oxidase subunit NOX-4 protein expression. Endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) functional inhibition by l-NG-nitroarginine methyl ester, protein expression and activity did not change.In ovariectomized rats, treatment with n-3 PUFA increased n-3 PUFA total content and omega-3 index and decreased n-6:n-3 PUFA ratio in erythrocyte membrane, reversed vascular oxidative stress, endothelial dysfunction, aortic 3-nitrotyrosine and markedly lowered NOX-4 protein expression; eNOS protein expression also increased, paralleled by reversal of inhibitory binding to Caveolin-1, while ex-vivo functional inhibition and NOS synthesis were unchanged.These findings demonstrate in vivo a therapeutic benefit of n-3 PUFA on menopause-associated endothelial dysfunction by reversal of alterations in membrane lipid composition induced by ovariectomy and by reduction of vascular oxidative stress. In this setting they also identify NOX-4 as a potential target to reduce oxidative stress-mediated vascular complications.

Testosterone replacement therapy improves erythrocyte membrane lipid composition in hypogonadal men

Aim: The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) on erythrocyte membrane (EM) lipid composition and physico-chemical properties in hypogonadal men. Methods: EM isolated from three patients before and after TRT with injectable testosterone undecanoate or testosterone gel were used for analysis of the phospholipid and fatty acid composition, cholesterol/phospholipid ratio, membrane fluidity, ceramide level and enzyme acivities responsible for sphingomyelin metabolism. Results: TRT induced increase of phosphatidylethanolamine (PE) in the EMs and sphingomyelin. Reduction of the relative content of the saturated palmitic and stearic fatty acids and a slight increase of different unsaturated fatty acids was observed in phosphatidylcholine (PC). TRT also induced decrease of the cholesterol/total phospholipids ratio and fluidization of the EM. Discussion: The TRT induced increase of PE content and the reduction of saturation in the PC acyl chains induced alterations in the structure of EM could result in higher flexibility of the erythrocytes. The increase of the SM-metabolizing enzyme neutral sphingomyelinase, which regulates the content of ceramide in membranes has a possible impact on the SM signaling pathway. Conclusion: We presume that the observed effect of TRT on the composition and fluidity of the EM contributes for improvement of blood rheology and may diminish the thrombosis risk. Larger studies are needed to confirm the findings of this pilot study.

EFFECTS OF THERAPY ON THE ABILITY OF ERYTHROCYTES FLUVASTATIN AGGREGATION IN HYPERTENSIVE PATIENTS WITH DYSLIPIDEMIA

Aim: investigate the possible influence of fluvastatin on erythrocyte aggregation in hypertensive patients with dyslipidemia. Material and methods: under a supervision there were 32 patients by arterial high blood pressure 1-2 degrees, risk 3 (criteria of DAG3 (2008) with dyslipidemia II6 of type), middle age. A control group was made by 26 healthy people of analogical age. All patients received fluvastatin 40 mg at night on a background of enalapril 10 mg 2 times a day. The estimation of clinical and laboratory indexes was conducted at the beginning of treatment, through 4, 12 and 52 weeks of therapy. Statistical treatment of results was conducted t - Student criterion. Results: in hypertensive patients with dyslipidemia in the damage of blood lipid spectrum, lipid composition of erythrocyte membranes and activation of these lipid peroxidation observed increased aggregation. The use of fluvastatin in hypertensive patients with dyslipidemia over 52 weeks of optimized lipid composition, level of lipid peroxidation of plasma and red blood cells, without bringing these figures to the level of control. Appointment of fluvastatin persons suffering from hypertension with dyslipidemia, reduced the ability of red blood cells to aggregate, not allowing her to achieve a full normalization within a year of therapy.

Alteration of plasmalogens in erythrocytes of patients with diabetic retinopathy

AbstractPurpose Plasmalogens are phospholipids characterized by a vinyl ether bond and the preferential esterification of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA). We have shown that the lack of plasmalogens leads to abnormal retinal vascularisation. Because we hypothesize that plasmalogens are negative regulators of vascular development, we aimed to check their circulating levels in patients having a retinal pathology with vascular proliferation.Methods Blood samples were collected from 4 control subjects and 42 patients having proliferative or non‐proliferative diabetic retinopathy (DR). Patients were classified according to the stage of DR. The plasmalogen content and the fatty acid composition of erythrocyte phospholipids were determined using gas chromatography. Individual species of phospholipids, including plasmalogens, were quantified by liquid chromatography coupled with a triple quadrupole mass spectrometer (HPLC‐ESI+MS/MS).Results Gas chromatographic analyzes did not reveal any change in plasmalogens. The analysis of individual species of phospholipids by HPLC‐ESI+MS/MS showed reduced levels of plasmalogens in patients with DR. Five species of plasmalogens having PUFA were at reduced concentrations in erythrocytes of DR patients. In parallel, the amounts of conventional phospholipids having docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) were altered in DR patients when compared to control subjects.Conclusion Mechanisms responsible for the reduction in blood levels of plasmalogens and DHA in patients with DR are unknown. Since erythrocyte membrane lipid composition is admitted to reflect the lipid composition of nervous tissues, including the retina, one may suggest that DR patients have altered retinal concentrations of plasmalogens and DHA.