The structural and functional effects of Hg(II) and Cd(II) on lipid model systems and human erythrocytes: A review

Abstract

The anthropogenic mobilization of mercury and cadmium into the biosphere has led to an increased and ineludible entry of these metals into biological systems. Here we discuss the impact of Hg(II) and Cd(II) on lipid model systems and human erythrocytes from a biophysical perspective. After a brief introduction to their implications on human health, studies that have investigated the effects of Hg(II) and Cd(II) on lipid model systems and human erythrocytes are discussed. In terms of lipids as toxicological target sites, predominantly variations in lipid head groups have been the source of investigation. However, as research in this field progresses, the effects of Hg(II) and Cd(II) on other structural features, such as acyl chain length and unsaturation, and other important lipid components and complex biomimetic lipid mixtures, will require further examinations. This review provides an analysis of what has been learned collectively from the diverse methodologies and experimental conditions used thus far. Consequently, there is a need for more comprehensive and thorough investigations into the effects of Hg(II) and Cd(II) on lipid membranes under consistent experimental conditions such as pH, ionic strength, temperature, and choice of lipid model system.

Cell organelles as targets of mammalian cadmium toxicity

“…Whereas cadmium uptake and cadmium transport mechanisms into the intracellular space have been well characterized, less is known about the impact of cadmium on lipid bilayers. Using liposomes to mimic the outer leaflet of the erythrocyte PM, cadmium interacts preferentially with phosphatidylethanolamine, but not with cholesterol (Le et al 2009), causing tighter lipid packing through dissipation of opposing negative charges and thus increasing membrane rigidity though without changes in lateral organization (reviewed in Payliss et al (2015)). Increased PM rigidity by cadmium could be confirmed in PMs isolated from human kidney proximal tubule cells (PTCs) exposed to 5 µM cadmium for 6 h (Sule, K., Prenner, E.J., Lee, W.K., unpublished data).…”

Risk assessment and evaluation of heavy metals concentrations in blood samples of plastic industry workers in Dhaka, Bangladesh

“…Whole blood was used for determining Cd and Pb, serum was used for other metals [ [24] , [25] , [26] ]. Toxic trace elements as Pb and Cd bond preferably on erythrocytes, therefore for the determination of Pb and Cd, the whole blood was preferred [ 27 ].…”

The Interaction of Temozolomide with Blood Components Suggests the Potential Use of Human Serum Albumin as a Biomimetic Carrier for the Drug

“…The interaction of TMZ with blood cells was assessed using simplified model membranes that simulate the lipid composition of the human erythrocyte plasma membrane. For this purpose, LUVs composed of phosphatidylcholine without and with cholesterol (3:1), which are among the most abundant lipid species in the outer membrane leaflet of human erythrocytes, were obtained [ 58 ]. Because membrane lipids are not fluorescent, the interaction of TMZ with the different LUVs was first explored by recording the absorption spectra of the drug (150 µM) at increasing concentrations of lipid.…”