Interaction between plant polyphenols and the erythrocyte membrane

Abstract

The purpose of these studies was to determine the effect of polyphenols contained in extracts from apple, strawberry and blackcurrant on the properties of the erythrocyte membrane, treated as a model of the biological membrane. To this end, the effect of the substances used on hemolysis, osmotic resistance and shape of erythrocytes, and on packing order in the hydrophilic region of the erythrocyte membrane was studied. The investigation was performed with spectrophotometric and fluorimetric methods, and using the optical microscope. The hemolytic studies have shown that the extracts do not induce hemolysis at the concentrations used. The results obtained from the spectrophotometric measurements of osmotic resistance of erythrocytes showed that the polyphenols contained in the extracts cause an increase in the resistance, rendering them less prone to hemolysis in hypotonic solutions of sodium chloride. The fluorimetric studies indicate that the used substances cause a decrease of packing order in the hydrophilic area of membrane lipids. The observations of erythrocyte shapes in a biological optical microscope have shown that, as a result of the substances’ action, the erythrocytes become mostly echinocytes, which means that the polyphenols of the extracts localize in the outer lipid monolayer of the erythrocyte membrane. The results obtained indicate that, in the concentration range used, the plant extracts are incorporated into the hydrophilic area of the membrane, modifying its properties.

Effects of Glucomannan-Enriched, Aronia Juice-Based Supplement on Cellular Antioxidant Enzymes and Membrane Lipid Status in Subjects with Abdominal Obesity

“…Indirect effects of polyphenols against oxidative stress were previously suggested, based on their ability to stimulate activity of antioxidant enzymes and modulate cell signaling pathways and gene expression [ 40 ]. Additionally, protective effects of polyphenols against membrane lipid oxidation were associated with their interaction with the lipid phase of erythrocyte membrane and incorporation in outer hydrophilic part [ 12 , 13 ]. As far as authors are aware data on direct effects of glucomannan intake on oxidative status or membrane fatty acid profile in humans are lacking.…”

“…Due to high content of unsaturated bonds as the main site of free radicals attack, PUFAs are fatty acids susceptible to oxidative damage. Since biological membranes are the first line of cell contact with extracellular substances, including free radicals [ 12 ], it is of special importance to determine their fatty acid profile and status of PUFAs. Recent studies revealed that polyphenol-rich plant extracts protect biological membranes from oxidative damage by scavenging free radicals in the medium.…”

“…Recent studies revealed that polyphenol-rich plant extracts protect biological membranes from oxidative damage by scavenging free radicals in the medium. Furthermore, their protective effects were related to the incorporation of polyphenols in the outer hydrophilic part of the membrane phospholipid bilayer [ 12 , 13 ]. This way polyphenols could ensure the usual physicochemical characteristics of the membrane and provide suitable structure and functions.…”

Physical Effects of Buckwheat Extract on Biological Membrane In Vitro and Its Protective Properties

“…The results of osmotic resistance studies on erythrocytes treated with the extracts have shown that the erythrocyte membrane, possibly as a result of sealing, becomes more resistant to changes in osmotic pressure. A higher osmotic resistance of erythrocytes treated with other plant extracts is found by Cyboran et al ( 2012 , 2014 ), He et al ( 2008b ), and Wang et al ( 2001 ). The increase in osmotic resistance of BS- and BH-modified RBC can be explained by the fact that polyphenolic compounds present in the extracts become incorporated mainly in the polar region of the lipid bilayer, as evidenced by the results of the fluorimetric research, shape, or FTIR studies presented in this paper, as well as our earlier work (Włoch et al 2013 ).…”

“…The hemolytic studies have shown that the extracts, in a wide range of concentrations, not only do not act destructively on the MRBC, without causing hemolysis of RBC, but strengthen it. The absence of hemolytic toxicity of different polyphenolic extracts is shown by Bonarska-Kujawa et al ( 2014 ), Cyboran et al ( 2012 ), and Suwalsky et al ( 2007 ). These results allow believing that polyphenolic compounds present in the extracts do not penetrate deeply into the MRBC, since hemolytic action is caused by hydrophilic–hydrophobic molecules whose alkyl chains penetrate the hydrophobic region of the lipid bilayer, weakening the interaction between components of the membrane (Kleszczyńska et al 1986 ; Łuczyński et al 2013 ).…”