Alterations in the Properties of Red Blood Cells in Men with Coronary Artery Diseases after Comprehensive Cardiac Rehabilitation

Abstract

Purpose. Comprehensive cardiac rehabilitation (CCR) is a complex program aimed at improving the health status of patients with coronary artery disease (CAD), especially those who have been subjected to cardiac interventions (PCI and CABG).The aim of this study was to measure the changes in the properties of red blood cells (RBCs) in men with CAD after cardiac intervention and after participation in CCR program. Methods. In this study, we have investigated the influence of the physical training-based CCR program in 12 men with CAD, after PCI or CABG. The characteristics of RBCs including the basic morphology of RBCs, the conformational state of RBC membrane protein and hemoglobin, acetylcholinesterase activity, membrane fluidity, the osmotic fragility, and thiol concentration in membrane and in hemolysate were measured. Ascorbate concentration and reduced glutathione were also determined. The analysis was performed in men, before and after participation in CCR. The properties of RBCs were observed in connection with the exercise test, and parameters were evaluated before, immediately after, and 1 hour after the exercise test. Results. After CCR, a decrease in the mobility of erythrocyte membrane proteins was observed, which was accompanied by a decrease in lipid fluidity. In addition, immediately after the exercise test and 1 hour later, we measured a decrease in thiol level in hemolysate, but not in the plasma membrane. Unexpectedly, an increase in reduced glutathione concentration one hour after the exercise test after completing comprehensive cardiac rehabilitation was observed. Conclusion. CCR in men with CAD after cardiac intervention is connected with decreased membrane fluidity and decreased membrane protein mobility, which indicates that reduction of oxidative changes in these components occurs.

General Rehabilitation Program after Knee or Hip Replacement Significantly Influences Erythrocytes Oxidative Stress Markers and Serum ST2 Levels

“…Hypoxia leads to decreased antioxidant defense in muscles and other organs. The decreased activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and lower glutathione levels have been observed under hypoxic conditions [ 42 ]. Oxygen generates reactive oxygen species (ROS) production necessary for cell signaling processes.…”

“…Oxygen generates reactive oxygen species (ROS) production necessary for cell signaling processes. Nevertheless, ROS also exerts detrimental effects on organs function including the heart's function [ 42 ]. In this study, we assessed the impact of postoperative rehabilitation on oxidative stress markers, cholesterol, and ST2 measured in erythrocytes of patients after hip or knee replacement surgery in the course of osteoarthritis.…”

“…Moderate physical activity, appropriately matched with the fitness level of post hip or knee surgery patients, leads to significantly increased exercise capacity and induces multiple physiological changes in the body including changes in blood biochemistry and metabolism [ 40 ]. Physical activity increases blood oxygenation, tissue perfusion, and oxygen metabolism leading to mild oxidative stress [ 42 ]. Mild oxidative stress induced by physical activity may evoke adaptive changes, such as increased expression of antioxidant enzymes causing a general improvement in the function of tissue antioxidative systems [ 42 ].…”

“…Physical activity increases blood oxygenation, tissue perfusion, and oxygen metabolism leading to mild oxidative stress [ 42 ]. Mild oxidative stress induced by physical activity may evoke adaptive changes, such as increased expression of antioxidant enzymes causing a general improvement in the function of tissue antioxidative systems [ 42 ].…”

“…Although the alterations in the blood induced by physical training influence changes in other tissues, the effects of physical training-induced oxidative stress on blood have not been extensively investigated. However, changes in erythrocytes' properties can lead to impaired oxygen transport and result in cell and tissue hypoxia [ 42 ]. Our previous work presented significant changes in the plasma parameters related to the 21-day postoperative general rehabilitation [ 40 ].…”