Impact of acute inflammation on Band 3 protein anion exchange capability in human erythrocytes

Abstract

Objective: The impact of acute inflammation, revealed by C-reactive protein (CRP) plasma levels, has been studied on the erythrocytes anion exchanger Band 3 protein.

Methods: Anion exchange capability through Band 3 protein, lipid peroxidation, -SH membrane groups and intracellular GSH levels have been measured on erythrocytes from patients with CRP >8 mg/L.

Results: Under acute inflammation, a significant increase in anion exchange capability, increased lipid peroxidation, decreased–SH groups and GSH content were observed. Serum CRP levels recovery (after one week) was associated to –SH groups and GSH recovery, but not to anion exchange capability restoration. After 2 months, a total recovery of all parameters was observed.

Conclusion: Band 3 protein anion exchange capability is affected by acute inflammation; the accelerated rate of anion exchange may be mainly due to lipid peroxidation, rather than to –SH groups oxidation; erythrocytes renewal could be needed to have a total recover of their function.

Keywords:

• Acute inflammation
• C-reactive protein
• Band 3 protein
• anion exchange
• SO₄⁼ uptake

Acknowledgement

The authors want to thank Prof. L Romano for encouraging investigations and Dr. Alessandra Restuccia for technical assistance.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Funding

This work was supported by Ministero dell’Istruzione, dell’Università e della Ricerca (MIUR), PRIN2015 [Prot. 20152HKF3Z].