Human erythroid cells are affected by aluminium. Alteration of membrane band 3 protein

Abstract

There is evidence that anaemia is associated with aluminium (Al). We have already reported on the sensitivity to Al, showed by erythroid cell populations of animals chronically exposed to the metal. In order to investigate whether Al could also affect human cells, experiments were carried out both on immature and mature human erythroid cells. Erythroid progenitors (CFU-E, colony-forming units-erythroid) concentrated from human peripheral blood were cultured in an Al-rich medium under erythropoietin stimulation and their development analysed. Human peripheral erythrocytes were aged in the presence of Al. Cells were examined using scanning electron microscopy, and membrane proteins analysed by polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis with sodium dodecyl sulphate and immunoblotting. The development of the Al-treated progenitors was 8750/6600-9200 CFU-E/10(6) cells, a significantly lower median value (P<0.05) than that showed by non-treated cells (12300/11200-20700 CFU-E/10(6) cells). Erythrocyte morphological changes were induced by Al during the in vitro ageing. The cells lost their typical biconcave shape, turning into acanthocytes and stomatocytes. Simultaneously, an increased membrane protein breakdown compatible with band 3 degradation was detected. Besides, Al was found within the cells and attached to the membrane. The present in vitro results suggest that Al may disturb human erythropoiesis through combined effects on mature erythrocytes and cellular metabolism in late erythroid progenitors.

In vivo effect of aluminium upon the physical properties of the erythrocyte membrane

“…3, RBCs from aluminium-intoxicated rats showed a diminution in osmotic fragility (lower 50·), which would imply a stabilisation against hypotonic haemolysis. From our experience, both stated causes could be possible: Al (III) can produce a membrane expansion as consequence of its effect upon the organisation of the membrane components; or can also lead to an increased ion permeability (Vittori et al [35] proved that Al (III) alters Band 3, the anion channel; furthermore, Isom [36] points out that Al (III) affects the Na + channel). Another possible cause for higher lysis resistance could be a lesser haemoglobin content produced by Al (III), allowing a larger water intake before lysis.…”

Biological Water Dynamics and Entropy: A Biophysical Origin of Cancer and Other Diseases

“…Inhibition of erythroid progenitor cells by Al has been demonstrated by both in vitro and in vivo assays. Severe morphological changes of erythrocytes were induced by Al, and traces of the metal were detected inside cells with abnormal shape [274] or attached to the erythrocyte membrane [275]. Al toxicity continues to be a problem for chronic hemodialysis patients.…”

Aluminum Trichloride Induces Hypertension and Disturbs the Function of Erythrocyte Membrane in Male Rats

“…Several studies reported that Al damages the molecular structure, deformability, and fluidity of erythrocyte membrane by inducing lipid peroxidation and oxidative stress [27,[29][30][31]. Moreover, Suwalsky et al found that Al disorders the ion balance between intracellular and extracellular, which affects the transport function of membrane [32].…”