Spectroscopic Signature of Red Blood Cells in a D-Galactose-Induced Accelerated Aging Model

Abstract

This work presents a semi-quantitative spectroscopic approach, including FTIR–ATR and Raman spectroscopies, for the biochemical analysis of red blood cells (RBCs) supported by the biochemical, morphological and rheological reference techniques. This multi-modal approach provided the description of the RBC alterations at the molecular level in a model of accelerated aging induced by administration of D-galactose (D-gal), in comparison to natural aging. Such an approach allowed to conclude that most age-related biochemical RBC membrane changes (a decrease in lipid unsaturation and the level of phospholipids, or an increase in acyl chain shortening) as well as alterations in the morphological parameters and RBC deformability are well reflected in the D-gal model of accelerated aging. Similarly, as in natural aging, a decrease in LDL level in blood plasma and no changes in the fraction of glucose, creatinine, total cholesterol, HDL, iron, or triglycerides were observed during the course of accelerated aging. Contrary to natural aging, the D-gal model led to an increase in cholesterol esters and the fraction of total esterified lipids in RBC membranes, and evoked significant changes in the secondary structure of the membrane proteins. Moreover, a significant decrease in the phosphorous level of blood plasma was specific for the D-gal model. On the other hand, natural aging induced stronger changes in the secondary structures of the proteins of the RBCs’ interior. This work proves that research on the aging mechanism, especially in circulation-related diseases, should employ the D-gal model with caution. Nonetheless, the D-gal model enables to imitate age-related rheological alterations in RBCs, although they are partially derived from different changes observed in the RBC membrane at the molecular level.

Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) Spectroscopy to Analyse Human Blood over the Last 20 Years: A Review towards Lab-on-a-Chip Devices

“…Another example is the RBC deformability analysis that is affected by several factors, such as ageing, high blood sugar levels, total cholesterol, or functional oxidative stress. Thus, their membrane and internal cytoplasm suffer changes which biochemical analysis (particularly ATR-FTIR) with morphological and rheological techniques can define and then provide a profile indicative of deformability alteration [67]. As ATR-FTIR technology for blood or body fluids analysis requires proper sample preparation, integration of microfluidics can play, once more, an important role in the development of strategies for sample preparation, such as cells or plasma separation devices, single-cell sorting, cell deformability devices, droplet generators, and cell traps, among others.…”

Tauroursodeoxycholic Acid (TUDCA)—Lipid Interactions and Antioxidant Properties of TUDCA Studied in Model of Photoreceptor Membranes

“…After extracting DRM and DSM fractions from our raft-forming mixtures (see p. 2,7) we performed the analysis of TUDCA distribution between these fractions using Raman spectroscopy. RS is a technique widely used in lipids studies which is applied not only to analysis of lipid standards [ 76 ] but also for analysis of lipid fractions in cells [ 77 , 78 , 79 , 80 ] and tissues [ 81 , 82 ] including the semiquantitative approach. Figure 5 presents the comparison of the Raman spectrum of TUDCA standard compound (red) and the average Raman spectra of DSM (blue) and DRM (green) with the spectra standard deviation presented as shadow.…”

The Effect of Fullerenol C60(OH)36 on the Antioxidant Defense System in Erythrocytes

“…In the present study, we also examined the microviscosity of the interior of the erythrocyte in the presence and absence of C 60 (OH) 36 . Aging of erythrocytes is accompanied by an increase in the cell microviscosity of cells [46] because of a decrease in intracellular electrolyte concentration, a lower water content, and a reduction in cell diameter, volume, and surface area [32,47]. The cytoplasmic microviscosity of the interior of erythrocytes is determined mainly by the concentration of hemoglobin, but also depends on the water content of the cell [48].…”