Viper toxins affect membrane characteristics of human erythrocytes

Biophys Chem. 2021 Mar:270:106532. doi: 10.1016/j.bpc.2020.106532. Epub 2020 Dec 25.

Abstract

Elucidating electrokinetic stability by which surface charges regulate toxins interaction with erythrocytes is crucial for understanding the cell functionality. Electrokinetic properties of human erythrocytes upon treatment of Vipoxin, phospholipase A2 (PLA2) and Vipoxin acidic component (VAC), isolated from Vipera ammodytes meridionalis venom were studied using particle microelectrophoresis. PLA2 and Vipoxin treatments alter the osmotic fragility of erythrocyte membranes. The increased stability of cells upon viper toxins is presented by the increased zeta potential of erythrocytes before sedimentation of cells during electric field applied preventing the aggregation of cells. Lipid peroxidation of low dose toxin-treated erythrocytes shows reduced LP products compared to untreated cells. The apparent proton efflux and conductivity assays are performed and the effectiveness PLA2 > Vipoxin>VAC is discussed. The reported results open perspectives to a further investigation of the electrokinetic properties of the membrane after viper toxins treatment to shed light on the molecular mechanisms driving the mechanisms of inflammation and neurodegenerative diseases.

Keywords: Conductivity; Erythrocytes; Lipid peroxidation; Microelectrophoresis; Proton transport; Surface charge; Viper toxins.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Erythrocyte Membrane / drug effects*
  • Erythrocyte Membrane / metabolism
  • Erythrocytes / cytology
  • Erythrocytes / drug effects*
  • Erythrocytes / metabolism
  • Humans
  • Lipid Peroxidation / drug effects
  • Osmotic Fragility / drug effects
  • Viper Venoms / isolation & purification
  • Viper Venoms / pharmacology*
  • Viperidae / metabolism

Substances

  • Viper Venoms
  • vipoxin