OXIDATION OF ERYTHROCYTE PROTEIN AND LIPID, AND HEMOLYSIS UN RABBIT RED BLOOD CELLS TREATED WITH BENZO[a]PYRENE OR ADRIAMYCIN

Abstract

A number of free-radical-generating carcinogens catalyze the oxidative modification of macromolecules. Malondialdehyde (MDA), carbonyl content, alanine formation, and hemolysis were used as biomarkers of oxidative stress, and were determined in rabbit erythrocytes treated in vitro with benzolalpyrene or adriamycin. MDA and carbonyl content were significantly increased in a concentration-dependent manner by carcinogens. Alanine formation was also increased in a concentration-dependent manner in rabbit erythrocytes treated with carcinogens. Hemolysis occurred in erythrocytes treated with benzolalpyrene (540 µM) or adriamycin (300 µM) between 4 and 8 h of incubation, respectively. The hemolysis pattern correlated with increases in MDA, carbonyl content, and alanine formation. These data indicate that lipid peroxidation as measured by MDA may be the most sensitive indicator for oxidative stress in erythrocytes. Hemolysis could thus be applicable to free-radical-induced cellular damage as an alternative biomarker of oxidative stress.

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Byung Mu Lee

Address correspondence to Dr. Byung Mu Lee, Division of Toxicology, School of Pharmacy, Sung Kyun Kwan University, 300 Chunchun-Dong, Jangan Ku, Suwon, Kyunggi-Do, 440-746, South Korea.