Role of Oxidative Stress and the Protective Effect of Fermented Papaya Preparation in Sickle Cell Disease

Abstract

Fermented papaya preparation (FPP) is the source of antioxidants that may help in reducing the complications associated with oxidative stress and may improve the quality of life in sickle cell disease patients. In this study, we assessed the in vitro effect of FPP on sickled red blood cells (RBCs) using oxidative stress markers and observed that FPP has the potential to reduce the oxidative stress. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and eosin 5′ malaemide (E5′M) dye test showed that FPP protects red cell morphology against the oxidative stress. Liquid chromatography mass spectrometry (LCMS) analysis of FPP suggests the presence of essential amino acids, vitamin D3, and its derivatives. Fermented papaya preparation can be of benefit either in reducing oxidative stress parameters or in preventing pathophysiological events in the sickle cell disease patients.

Keywords:

• Fermented papaya preparation (FPP)
• oxidative stress
• sickle cell disease

Acknowledgments

The authors thanks Mr. Yuki Hayashi (President, Osato Research Institute, Gifu, Japan) and Dr. Maki Osato (Osato Research Institute, Gifu, Japan) for providing the FPP for this study.

Disclosure statement

The authors report no conflicts of interest. The authors alone are responsible for the content and writing of this article.

Additional information

Funding

This study was financially supported by the Indian Council of Medical Research, New Delhi, India [grant #11013/20/2015–16].