Vani Rajashekaraiah

By Vani Rajashekaraiah, Carl Hsieh and Masannagari Pallavi

Oxidative stress (OS) occurs when the generation of free radicals and reactive oxygen species (ROS) overwhelms the antioxidant capacity. OS causes storage lesions which can be defined as a series of biochemical and biomechanical changes. Erythrocytes are constantly exposed to OS due to the presence of ROS, which are countered by the endogenous antioxidant system. Various irreversible changes that occur include fragmentation and aggregation of proteins and lipids. The changes in proteins, lipids and antioxidant capacity are used as OS biomarkers to assess the efficacy of the erythrocytes, post oxidative insult. Aging of erythrocytes is also associated with the changes in its physical, biochemical and physiological properties and OS causes its rapid aging. Bacterial and viral infections also cause OS which alters the erythrocytes’ antioxidant capacity. These modulations in its microenvironment are both beneficial in terms of protection against invading microorganisms as well as harmful to the erythrocytes, causing damage to surrounding cells and tissues. Thus, OS biomarkers can be used to gain insights into the effects of bacterial and viral infections on the erythrocyte microenvironment.

Part of the book: Erythrocyte

By Vani Rajashekaraiah, Masannagari Pallavi, Aastha Choudhary, Chaitra Bhat, Prerana Banerjee, Ranjithvishal, Shruthi Laavanyaa and Sudharshan Nithindran

There is a continuous generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in erythrocytes due to their microenvironment. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) and reactive nitrogen species are well known as both harmful and beneficial species. They help in activating the antioxidant enzymes. However, overproduction of ROS can cause fatal damage to cell structures, including lipids and membranes, proteins and cause oxidative stress. Erythrocytes have effective antioxidant defenses to maintain their structure and functions. They protect these cells from damage and maintain their activities. Studies have reported that antioxidant interventions in various situations have proved beneficial to erythrocytes. Therefore, they can be employed as in vitro models for antioxidant and free radical interactions and also are ideal cell models for translational studies.

Part of the book: The Erythrocyte