Alterations in the erythrocyte plasma membranes in patients with alcohol-induced liver cirrhosis – preliminary results

Abstract

IntroductionConformations of membrane proteins, membrane fluidity of erythrocytes in patients with AILC were studied with the use of electron paramagnetic resonance and spectrophotometric methods. The concentration of substances reacting with thiobarbituric acid was also determined. The aim of the study was to recognize the nature, level and causes of changes in the structure of erythrocytary membrane observed in erythrocytes of patients compared to erythrocytes from healthy controls.Material and methodsSpin labels: MSL and ISL binding covalently to thiol groups of membrane cytoskeleton proteins were used to analyse modifications occurring in erythrocytary membrane proteins. Doxyl derivatives of fatty acids: 5-DS, 12-DS and 16-DS binding hydrophobically to erythrocytary membrane were used as spin labels for the analysis of erythrocyte membrane lipid fluidity.ResultsModification of membrane cytoskeleton proteins and increase of membrane lipids fluidity were observed in erythrocytes of the investigated patients. An increase of the concentration of substances reacting with thiobarbituric acid was also confirmed in the erythrocytes of AILC patients.ConclusionsObserved disorders in the structure of erythrocyte cytoskeleton proteins in patients, which might developed as a consequence of oxidative stress may be conformation changes in the structure of proteins which affect membrane cytoskeleton. The differences in the structure of membrane proteins could be associated with an increase in membrane lipids fluidity. Increased fluidity of erythrocyte membrane may be a result of disorders in protein-lipid interaction or membrane lipid peroxidation activity.

Phosphatidylserine on blood cells and endothelial cells contributes to the hypercoagulable state in cirrhosis

“…Our results found that the percentage of PS exposure on BCs progressively increased with Child–Pugh category. Previous studies showed that cirrhotic patients have higher levels of activated platelets and have erythrocytes with changed morphology and shorter life span, supporting our results . PS exposure on BCs from healthy subjects cultured with cirrhotic serum was significantly higher than when cells were cultured in normal serum, indicating that BCs may be activated or injured by toxic substances in cirrhotic serum (Fig.…”

Comparative analysis of BPA and HQ toxic impacts on human erythrocytes, protective effect mechanism of tannins (Rhus typhina)

“…We also studied influence of tannins on physical state of erythrocyte membrane by EPR method. The use of fatty acids with different position paramagnetic groups as EPR probes allows to monitors changes in membrane structure at various depth (Sonmez et al 2013 ; Ajdzanovic et al 2010 , 2011 , 2015 ; Mendanha et al 2013 ; Gwozdzinski et al 2011 ). We have chosen 5-DS because tannins with big molecular mass are known to affect the membrane surface without causing significant changes in the depth of the bilayer (Olchowik et al 2012 ; Tarahovsky 2008 ).…”

The effect of small intestinal bacterial overgrowth on minimal hepatic encephalopathy in patients with cirrhosis

“…Studies have shown that patients with MHE had significant difficulties in various aspects of their lives, including social activities, emotions, sleep and work [ 4 – 6 ]. Thus, early detection and treatment of MHE, especially among cirrhotic patients, bear significant implications for the clinical and research societies [ 7 , 8 ].…”