Erythrocyte deformability, plasma lipid peroxidation and plasma protein oxidation in a group of OSAS subjects

Abstract

Abstract. Considering that obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) is usually associated with endothelial dysfunction, atherosclerosis and cardiovascular disorders, our aim was to examine the erythrocyte deformability and the oxidative status in a group of OSAS subjects. We consecutively enrolled 48 subjects with OSAS defined after a 1-night cardiorespiratory sleep study, subsequently subdivided according to the apnea/hypopnea index (AHI) value in two subgroups: Low (L = 21 subjects with AHI<30) and High (H = 27 subjects with AHI>30). We evaluated the erythrocyte deformability, expressed as elongation index (EI) and the parameters of the oxidative status, such as lipid peroxidation (expressed as thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances -TBARS) and protein oxidation (measured as carbonyl groups -PC). In the entire group and in the two subgroups of OSAS subjects we found a decreased erytrocyte deformability at all shear stresses, not correlated with the plasmatic oxidative stress nor with the polysomnographic parameters. Lipid peroxidation was increased in the whole group and in the H subgroup of OSAS while protein oxidation showed a different trend. As in OSAS the osmotic fragility and the metabolism of the red cells seem to be not impaired, the oxidative damage to the red cell membrane proteins might be responsible for the reduced erythrocyte deformability. This rheological alteration, in addition to the increase in whole blood and plasma viscosity and to the erythrocyte hyperaggregation, could influence the microcircolatory profile in OSAS subjects.

Metabolic Influences Modulating Erythrocyte Deformability and Eryptosis

“…Another situation associated with a decrease in RBC deformability which is probably multifactorial is obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS). This syndrome has emerged over recent decades as an important risk factor for atherosclerosis and cardiovascular disorders [231][232][233]. In OSAS, endothelial dysfunction is markedly disturbed due to recurrent hypoxemic events, and there is a decrease in erythrocyte deformability [231].…”

“…This syndrome has emerged over recent decades as an important risk factor for atherosclerosis and cardiovascular disorders [231][232][233]. In OSAS, endothelial dysfunction is markedly disturbed due to recurrent hypoxemic events, and there is a decrease in erythrocyte deformability [231]. Additionally, a decrease in NO bioavailability is also observed and may be both a consequence and a worsening factor of the defect in RBC deformability [232].…”

“…Additionally, a decrease in NO bioavailability is also observed and may be both a consequence and a worsening factor of the defect in RBC deformability [232]. In this disease, there is also an increase in plasma viscosity and an increase in RBC aggregation [231]. OSAS is also known to be associated with apoptosis in various tissues and thus, presumably, eryptosis [233].…”

An Overview on Assay Methods to Quantify ROS and Enzymatic Antioxidants in Erythrocytes and Spermatozoa of Small Domestic Ruminants

“…Oxidative damage has been demonstrated to decrease the survival and rheological properties of erythrocytes, affecting their homeostasis, which is tightly linked to B3p functions, particularly vulnerable to redox balance variations [55]. Alterations in erythrocyte deformability, caused by OS, underline the problems in the microcirculatory profile [56].…”

Comparative Effects of Blood and Crystalloid Cardioplegia on Cellular Injury and Oxidative Stress in Cardiovascular Surgery

“…Reactive reagents can break apart from the membranes of erythrocytes and hemoglobin can come out of the erythrocytes that is defective in membrane integrity. 6) In this hemolytic processes, the increment in free hemoglobin (fHb) level is correlated with morbidity. 7) Regarding intravascular events, albumin is the most commonly found protein in plasma.…”